Chapter 82: Hogwarts Is Shutting Down

The words spoken by Dumbledore had a captivating authority which immediately seized the attention of everyone present inside the cabin. Even Harry and Ron, cleverly concealed in a corner, understood the domino effect it would have in the magicking world should the esteemed school known be shut down. In the past decades, when a student tragically lost their life, the thought of closing Hogwarts had just been a precautionary measure to be considered. But in stark contrast to those former days, now it was Dumbledore himself instigating such a momentous step, and predicting its execution within an awfully short span of three days.

Fudge, holding the coveted title of Minister of Magic, comprehended more thoroughly than anyone else present the vast repercussions such a closure would inevitably herald. Rendered speechless by Dumbledore's proclamations, he stammered out, "Du...Dumbledore! Aren't you able to grasp the enormity of what an abrupt school closure would entail?"

The wide range of ramifications Fudge envisioned were likely far more detailed and complex than what could be comprehended by Harry and Ron. The brunt of blame and backlash from such an action would naturally fall upon Dumbledore. He would become the "scapegoat", a symbol of utter loss of control over Hogwarts' safety. The ever-persistent reporters at the Prophet would no doubt spare no effort in spinning this tale into an array of scandalous headlines as a feast for zealous readers.

The reaction of the magical community in Britain would be a storm of ire and dissent, and inevitably this wave of anger would be directed at the Ministry too, the embodiment of their grievances stemming from perceived inaction. The image of the Ministry as a whole was at stake here, however, the potentially scarred reputation that was most concerning him was his own. The label of "incompetence" would be a hard pill to swallow.

In stark contrast to this political ponderings, Hagrid was consumed by gratitude. In his mind, Dumbledore was merely using this threat as a tool to prevent him from being inextricably swept away. "Professor, yeh don't have to make such a sacrifice fer me. I'm more than willin' to go with 'em, I reckon yeh'll sort out this mysterious cloud before ya know it."

With a gentle shake of the head, Dumbledore countered, "It's not a gesture just for you, Hagrid, nor as straightforward as threatening Fudge with a foreboding web of consequences. If you firmly believe in Hagrid's guilt, then by all means, carry him off. But regardless of Hagrid's fate, Hogwarts is set to close within the fixed span of three days. I shall unveil this dramatic turn of events to all students and staff tomorrow morning. Sending them home is the most prudent and secure decision."

Fudge was at a loss of words, aghast, and blurted out in a pleading tone, "Surely it can't be that dire, Dumbledore? Even if your decision was to close the school, the governing board wouldn't simply let Hogwarts – the symbol of magic and wisdom – vanish."

"Lucius Malfoy's son is unfortunately one of the victims. I'm sure he understands better than any of us that to ensure safety, the best recourse is for his son to return home. Wait for the mandrake plant to mature and utilize it to brew the antidote."

Dumbledore's resolute stance left them at a dead-end, leaving no room for further discussions or negotiations. Even though Fudge wasn't successful in dissuading Dumbledore from his firm resolution to close the school, he remained equally unmoved in his decision to take Hagrid into custody.

Although the potential damage of school closure on his reputation brought unease, what mattered to Fudge was the perceived diligence of the Ministry. By arresting Hagrid, he could shield himself under the notion that the Ministry was actively tackling the issue at hand. As Hagrid, the man in question, was led away, he uttered a cryptic message by the door, indicating directions to an important clue: "If anyone wanted ter find out some stuff, all they'd have ter do would be ter follow the spiders. That'd lead 'em right. That's all I'm sayin'."

Baffled, Fudge stared blankly at Hagrid and stuttered, "What on earth are you talking about?"

Shrugging a massive overcoat onto his sturdy shoulders, Hagrid continued cryptically, "Fang, bless his heart, ain't exactly the most courageous dog. Likes a bit of company, he does."

"Rather than worrying over your dog, perhaps you should be attending to your own precarious predicament," retorted Fudge, failing to decipher the hidden message in Hagrid's words. Muttering under his breath, he led a stubborn and sullen Hagrid away.

Dumbledore was the last man standing. Before he left the cabin room to its silence, his gaze, suspiciously directed towards seemingly vacant air, masked a cryptic remark, "Sometimes, adults might not be as terrible as you imagine them to be."

Once all the commotion had subsided, Harry and Ron peeled off the invisibility cloak. Ron, with a tinge of uncertainty, asked, "Do you reckon Dumbledore was addressing us right at the end?"

It was Dumbledores wayward glance that piqued Harry's curiosity. "Did you notice his eyes darted our way, just for a second. He must've sensed our presence."

"But why would he want to shut down the school? What about Hermione, will she be whisked away back home just like that? Her parents will surely have a fit!" Ron's anger made his red hair stand on end.

Harry, seemingly calm on the surface, was inwardly questioning Dumbledore's urge to close the school within such a specific time-frame. Yet the crux of Hagrid's final message was clear to him.

If they could put together the missing pieces of the puzzle before the imminent closure, they would still be in the running.

"Hagrid was obviously telling us to take Fang into the Forbidden Forest, following the spiders to find some kind of important clue!"

Understanding flashed between Harry and Ron as they acknowledged what had to be done. Leaving the invisibility cloak draped on a wooden table – as it would serve no purpose amidst the dense foliage of the forest – they took leave of the rustic cabin that Hagrid called home. Hagrid's faithful canine companion, Fang, was sprawled on the floor whining pitifully. He had witnessed his master being escorted away.

Patting Fang's hind leg soothingly, Harry grasped onto the dog's lead and threw a reassurance, "Time for a walk into the forest, Fang."

Fang seemed to nod in agreement, his eyes glossy with sadness. Taking the lead, he trotted ahead, unwittingly guiding them deeper into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.

"Lumos," Harry commanded his wand, spreading a soft illumination within the radius of two meters. Ron refrained from casting any spell, as the fear of his broken wand exploding before even managing a simple illumination charm overwhelmed him.

With the help of Harry's lumos charm, they were able to trace the tiny trail of spiders on the coarse floor of the forest and followed their trail, plunging deeper into the Forbidden Forest. Everywhere they turned, Fang was frolicking, sticking his snout into various crevices, nooks, and roots at the ground level. Guided by the faint glow from Harry's wand, they traced the advancing spiders, and this continued for about twenty nerve-wracking minutes.

The eerie silence was only broken by the occasional rustling of leaves or a twig snapping underfoot. As the ancient trees grew denser, a night sky peeking with scattered stars was no longer visible. Amidst the oppressive darkness, Harry's lumos charm seemed like a lone guiding star. It was then that they realized that the spiders were leading the off of the narrowing path.

Hagrid had sternly warned them never to stray from the main path leading through the forest. But now that Hagrid was most likely chained up in a cold cell in Azkaban, they had no choice but to follow the spiders, against his explicit instructions.

Approximately half an hour later, both Harry and Ron's robes were significantly ripped by aggressive branches and abrasive vines. Just as a panting Ron was about to signal Harry for a break, a cold and notorious voice echoed behind them.

"Why are you here?"