98 Innocent Life

"A highly intricate Transfiguration!" Dumbledore gently explained, "To transform a magical creature into one's own appearance, it requires the ability to establish a soul-level connection with the creature, enabling it to assume your form and communicate with others... Fortunately, I am quite skilled in Transfiguration, and I have a phoenix that can communicate through the soul!"

While the Dumbledore beside him spoke, the distant Dumbledore suddenly blinked in the direction of Jon's presence.

"So... Professor, are you controlling two bodies simultaneously?" Jon asked, surprised.

He suddenly recalled that he hadn't seen Phoenix Fawkes at all while in Dumbledore's office.

"Yes, the form assumed by Fawkes is temporary," Dumbledore replied calmly, "If it were a brilliant wizard, they could easily detect the flaws in that body. Unfortunately, Connelly didn't possess that level of discernment."

In the pumpkin field ahead, Buckbeak, the hippogriff with an eagle's head and wings, let out a loud cry.

Simultaneously, Dumbledore picked up a rock from the ground.

"We must alert the three youngsters inside."

Before Jon could react, Dumbledore hurled the stone toward Hagrid's cabin, resulting in the sound of breaking porcelain.

Jon stood there in a daze, witnessing the four Ministry of Magic members and the other Dumbledore approaching the door of Hagrid's cottage, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their escape through the back door.

The three young Gryffindors sneaked past their location. Jon had to take a few steps back to avoid being detected. In the process, he accidentally stepped on a branch, causing Hermione to glance back at him several times.

Unfortunately, due to the Disillusionment Charm, she saw nothing.

"Now, Jon... it's time I need your help," Dumbledore said, "Help me save this hippogriff, Buckbeak. There is no doubt that Buckbeak is innocent. Unfortunately, Mrs. Greengrass doesn't share this belief, possibly due to the pressure exerted by Lucius. Hence, I had to resort to this method to save him."

"Huh?" Jon couldn't help but whisper.

"Connelly and his men witnessed Buckbeak in Hagrid's yard, but both Hagrid and I can provide alibis. We have ample evidence to support our case. Hence, this escape plan is quite reasonable," Dumbledore explained.

Jon was stunned. Wait, shouldn't Buckbeak be waiting for Harry and Hermione to use the Time-Turner to rescue him? Did his intervention directly alter the plot?

However, despite scanning his surroundings, Jon saw no signs of Harry and Hermione. According to the original plot, they should have appeared by now. Could it be that the plot has changed, and they did not travel to the present but a few hours later? Perhaps they only managed to save Black, while Buckbeak was rescued by Dumbledore and himself?

"...Newt informed me that hippogriffs, like Buckbeak, have a preference for young people like you rather than old strangers like me. Furthermore, most of my energy will be occupied in dealing with Connelly and his subordinates, so it falls upon you to save him," Dumbledore added.

"You must hurry, Jon!" Dumbledore urged as Connelly and his team would soon be out.

Taking a deep breath, Jon realized he had no reason to disobey Dumbledore's request.

As he walked forward, the Disillusionment Charm gradually faded away, revealing his true form.

Buckbeak, the hippogriff, raised his head and regarded Jon warily.

Jon recalled the information from "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

"Hippogriffs are proud creatures. If you wish to approach them, you must bow to them politely," Jon remembered.

He approached Buckbeak, coming within five yards, and bowed deeply. In response, Buckbeak raised his body and extended his paw towards Jon.

"After bowing, if the hippogriff returns your gesture, it means you have earned its favor," Jon recollected.

Relieved, Jon cautiously approached Buckbeak, who showed no signs of hostility.

"To show goodwill, one should lightly stroke their beaks. It is their preferred way of greeting," Jon continued.

He slowly extended his hand towards Buckbeak and gently patted its beak. The creature closed its eyes lazily, seemingly enjoying the interaction.

"In this manner, it signifies that you have earned the trust of a hippogriff. As long as you do not provoke them, they will not harm you," Jon recited.

Drawing his wand, Jon aimed it at the lock on Buckbeak's chain.

"Alohomora!" he cast the unlocking charm.

With a crisp sound, Buckbeak regained his freedom and looked around curiously.

"It's five o'clock, and the execution is about to commence!" Cornelius Fudge's voice resonated from inside the cabin.

"Just a moment, Connelly," Dumbledore's voice sounded from within. "McNeil and I need to sign the execution form as well."

Jon swiftly retrieved a piece of pickled herring from one of the shelves and enticed Buckbeak with it.

Buckbeak was clearly drawn to the pickled herring and followed Jon into the Forbidden Forest while devouring it.

Jon swore they made quite a bit of noise along the way, which should have been audible from inside the cabin. However, Fudge and his subordinates remained unaware. Evidently, Dumbledore had employed some magic to shield their actions.

Finally reaching the Forbidden Forest, the sounds from Hagrid's cabin faded away.

Jon found a sturdy oak tree and secured Buckbeak to it.

Then he hurried back to Hagrid's cabin.

...

"Professor!" When he reached Dumbledore's side, Jon noticed the Illusion Charm taking effect once again.

He once again blended into his surroundings. "Is it done?" Dumbledore asked quietly.

"Yes," Jon nodded quickly.

In Hagrid's pumpkin field, Fudge and McNeil seemed to be engaged in a heated argument, likely concerning Buckbeak's escape.

Jon closed his mouth and patiently waited for the Ministry of Magic officials and the other Dumbledore to return to the castle. Hagrid also hummed a tune and headed back to his cabin.

"Should we go back, Professor?" Jon asked softly.

"No," Dumbledore raised his head with interest, "Just moments ago, beneath the Whomping Willow in the distance, something peculiar occurred. Sirius Black was dragged away by a large dog, and Harry and Miss Granger promptly followed suit."

"It happened quite a distance away, and neither Connelly, McNeil, nor I noticed. However, Fawkes witnessed the events," Dumbledore explained.