Chapter 186: Wrath Ignited
Lilian, her face impassive, took the Daily Prophet from Pansy's hand, glanced over it briefly, and then held it up in front of Malfoy, pointing to a specific line in the report.
"I was attacked by a Hippogriff, and my friend Vincent Crabbe was viciously bitten by a Flobberworm," said Draco Malfoy, a fourth-year student. "We all hate Hagrid, but we dare not speak out."
"This is what you call 'nothing to do with you?'" Lilian's voice was cold as she stared at Draco. "Why do I feel like you and Rita are two peas in a pod? And what's this about being bitten by a Flobberworm? When did Flobberworms even have teeth?"
Malfoy mumbled awkwardly, "Ah, well, the weather's really nice today, isn't it?"
Augustus sighed lightly, his expression showing both helplessness and amusement. Draco's personality was, as always, unique.
Professor Grubbly-Plank led the students past the stables, where the massive Beauxbatons winged horses huddled together against the cold. They walked toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest, where a stunning unicorn stood tethered beneath a large tree.
The unicorn was so brilliantly white that the surrounding snow appeared dull in comparison. It pawed the ground nervously with its golden hooves, tossing its horned head.
"Boys, step back!" Professor Grubbly-Plank ordered sharply, flinging out an arm and hitting Harry square in the chest. "Unicorns prefer the touch of females. Girls, come forward—approach carefully, and relax…"
The male students retreated reluctantly, forming a circle. Standing near Augustus, Malfoy wore an expression of disdain. "It's just a unicorn. It's not like we haven't seen one before. Remember when the Dark Lord drank unicorn blood? Augustus fought furiously to avenge the unicorns. That battle… you lot will probably never see such a spectacle in your entire lives."
The Slytherin boys gathered eagerly around Draco, hoping for details about the legendary battle. Draco, chest puffed out, stared skyward as if the topic was beneath him.
Meanwhile, Harry and Ron scrutinized the Daily Prophet article word by word.
After reading, Harry looked up at Ron, who stared slack-jawed.
"How did she find out?" Ron whispered.
"That night, there was no one around," Harry said, shaking his head in confusion. "How could Rita Skeeter know his lineage?"
Clenching the newspaper tightly, Harry stormed over to Malfoy. "What do you mean by this? 'We all hate Hagrid?'" he demanded, his voice filled with anger. "What kind of nonsense is this?" He jabbed a finger at Crabbe. "And what's this about being 'viciously bitten by a Flobberworm?' They don't even have teeth!"
Crabbe chuckled foolishly, clearly enjoying the attention.
Malfoy's expression cooled. "And? My father's a member of the Daily Prophet's board. Even if they twisted the truth beyond recognition, what can you do about it? The rules of this world are set by the strong. Distorting facts? That's just the privilege of power. It's not for the likes of you to question."
"Enough, Draco," Augustus interjected calmly. "That's enough."
Draco nodded but sneered disdainfully at Harry as he turned away.
Harry, however, seethed with rage. Cho Chang's face suddenly appeared in his mind, igniting a flood of anger and resentment. Purebloods, aristocrats, nobles—they were all hypocrites, dripping with false politeness while concealing filth beneath their dignified exteriors. How foolish he had been to believe that Augustus was any different.
"You're just going to stand there and let them slander Hagrid? Spread lies?" Harry erupted, pointing accusingly at Augustus, his eyes blazing with fury. "You're worse than Draco! At least he's openly despicable, but you—hiding behind a mask of civility—are a hypocrite. A fraud!"
"You've gone mad!" Ron exclaimed, stunned as he tried to restrain Harry. "What are you doing? Augustus has nothing to do with this! Have you lost your mind?"
"Out of my way!" Harry shoved Ron aside, his voice trembling with rage. "I see things clearly now. It's precisely this clarity that lets me see the truth about certain people. They're all the same—deceptive, conniving. How else could Cho have fallen for him? From students to teachers, how many has he fooled? Remember Tom Riddle's diary? Even Voldemort wasn't as perfect at hiding his true nature as Augustus is!"
Ron sighed deeply. "Harry, calm down. Augustus isn't who you think he is."
Harry waved him off furiously and pointed at Augustus. "Still not defending yourself? Did I hit a nerve? Come on, show your true colors!"
Augustus regarded Harry with calm detachment. "Have you finished?"
Harry faltered, confused by the lack of reaction. He had expected Augustus to lash out, to argue, to reveal his supposed sinister side. Instead, Augustus's composed demeanor left him at a loss for words.
Draco, however, stepped forward, his wand drawn. "Potter, do you know who you're talking to? The heir of one of the most ancient wizarding families in Britain. A man who's defeated Voldemort multiple times. Do you think he needs to stoop to your level? Don't overestimate yourself, you mad dog. Perhaps it's time you were taught some respect."
Clenching his fists, Harry glared back, his eyes blazing. "Don't think your pureblood status and power make you untouchable. There's still justice in this world. Justice lives in the hearts of the people. As long as that remains, you so-called pureblood scum won't dominate everything!"
A slow clap interrupted the standoff. "Well said, justice lives in the hearts of the people," a voice drawled. "I can't stand those who abuse their power. Today, I'll show you arrogant nobles what justice truly means!"
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