Chapter 157: Return to School

The conclusion of the incident was almost laughable. In the depths of the forest, Barty Crouch's house-elf, Winky, was found by Ministry officials. A Prior Incantato spell revealed that the wand she held had cast the Dark Mark. Without hesitation, and with his usual disregard for loyalty, Crouch threw Winky out by giving her clothes. Augustus couldn't help but disdain such selfishness. How could a leader who couldn't protect his own subordinates offer any real security to those he governed? True leaders—like Dumbledore, or even Voldemort—were fiercely protective of their followers. If a leader failed to safeguard their supporters, trust would inevitably erode.

Time flowed on relentlessly, and soon it was time for the new school term. Augustus's floating tower soared from his manor to London's train station. Ever since he had built his mage tower, the idea of using a carriage for travel held no appeal for him.

The deep purple Cloud Tower hovered in the sky. Standing by the colorful crystal windows in the control room, Augustus looked out at the gray-tinted skies. A sudden downpour lashed against the glass, the rain connecting heaven and earth in a silvery haze. The world seemed submerged in the storm.

Below, the Hogwarts Express stood waiting, a deep-red steam engine exhaling thick clouds of smoke. Augustus opened a black umbrella and walked through the rain-soaked crowds. The downpour transformed the scene into an old monochromatic photograph.

Standing quietly by the train, Augustus observed the bustling students and their families. A peculiar feeling washed over him—just moments ago, he had been an imperial archmage commanding respect and power. Now, he stood amidst the rain, blending in as an ordinary student among thousands.

The whistle blew, and Augustus smiled faintly. No matter the world or one's identity, the path of magic, the road to truth, always required solitary pioneers. He stepped onto the train, leaving the storm behind.

Inside, familiar voices caught his attention.

"…Did you know? My father seriously considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts. He knows the headmaster there. You know his opinion of Dumbledore—too fond of Mudbloods. Durmstrang wouldn't even let that sort in. But my mother didn't want me going so far away. My father says Durmstrang's approach to the Dark Arts is much more reasonable. They actually teach it, unlike us, with all this ridiculous Defense Against the Dark Arts nonsense…"

Recognizing the voice, Augustus sighed softly and entered the compartment. Draco Malfoy was boasting to Loki, Thor, and Lilian.

"Mr. Augustus!" The four quickly stood in respect.

"Sit," Augustus gestured, his tone calm. "It's been a while, you two."

Loki's amber eyes gleamed with a smile. "Thor and I spent the summer hunting vampires in California. We believe such challenges are excellent for honing our magical abilities. Luckily, most vampires act alone. Using my magical senses, we tracked and defeated several solitary, adult vampires. The experience was invaluable for improving our combat skills."

"Not bad," Augustus nodded in approval. "Practical experience is critical for any mage. Only through constant battle can you develop your own rhythm in magic. Hunting vampires is indeed a wise choice. Their speed and agility pose natural challenges to mages, making them formidable opponents for sharpening your skills."

"Thor's lightning spells are highly effective," Loki added. "My ice magic focuses on control, so our teamwork neutralized the vampires' advantages. This mission greatly improved our spell coordination and tactical decision-making."

Thor, however, gave a sheepish laugh. His deep blue eyes showed a hint of embarrassment. "My magic is still at a lower level. While it's effective, my combat style is too reckless. Loki's precise control saved me more than once. If I'd been hunting alone, I doubt I'd have survived."

Augustus smiled faintly, saying nothing. A mage's combat style often reflected their personality. Loki's calculating precision and Thor's headstrong bravery each had their strengths and weaknesses. Both were perfectly aligned with their magical specializations—lightning's raw power and ice's finesse. There was no need to correct what came naturally to them. A mage's innate battle rhythm was a rare and invaluable asset.

"Draco," Lilian suddenly interjected, "why don't you keep talking about Durmstrang? Look at your two juniors. Do you think Durmstrang students their age are out hunting adult vampires?"

"Ah… lovely weather we're having," Draco stammered, clearly embarrassed. If he had to choose between hunting vampires or dueling Potter, he'd pick the latter any day—it was far less dangerous.

"Indeed, quite lovely," Loki replied, glancing at the rain-streaked window with a faint smile.

Thunder rumbled overhead, and the rain grew heavier. The sky outside the compartment was a pitch-black void, the glass fogged with condensation.

When the train arrived at its destination, Augustus led the group off. They followed the crowd through the dark platform. Outside, a hundred horseless carriages waited for them. Climbing into one, the door slammed shut, and moments later, the procession began its bumpy journey up the path to Hogwarts.

The carriages passed through gates flanked by winged boar statues. Buffeted by fierce winds, they rocked violently as they rolled along the road. Dimly lit windows glimmered like faint beacons through the thick curtain of rain.

When the carriages stopped before the stone steps of the castle's oak doors, a bolt of lightning split the sky. Students from other carriages rushed up the steps, hurrying into the safety of Hogwarts.

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