Chapter 27: Prelude to Darkness

Time flew by, and the exams, which everyone thought were still far off, arrived quietly and unexpectedly. The weather was stiflingly hot, and the exam hall felt even more unbearable. Each student was provided with a new quill enchanted with anti-cheating spells. For Augustus, the written portion of the exams posed no challenge. He breezed through them effortlessly. Every subject's theoretical content was imprinted in his mind like a vast memory palace, encompassing nearly all the knowledge taught at Hogwarts. For someone dedicated to understanding the entirety of the magical system in this world, such diverse and intricate knowledge was indispensable.

Then came the practical exams. Professor Flitwick had students enter the classroom one by one to see if they could make a pineapple perform a tap dance across a desk. Professor McGonagall evaluated their ability to transfigure a rat into a snuffbox, the more ornate the box, the higher the grade; points were deducted if the box retained traces of whiskers. Whether orchestrating a pineapple's dance or transforming a rat into a dainty snuffbox, Augustus found the tasks laughably simple. Any first-year student who had studied seriously for just two months could accomplish these tasks perfectly. The Potions exam, which involved brewing a Forgetfulness Potion, was even simpler just a matter of methodically following the steps to complete the process.

This world was still too peaceful and idyllic. Most wizards carried an innate sense of tranquility, unbothered by the outside world. In Augustus's original world, even first-year magic students would venture into perilous wilderness to hunt low-level magical creatures, either solo or in teams, for their end-of-term assessments. The stark difference in the fundamental structures and values between the two worlds created a striking contrast. Ultimately, neither could claim superiority; whether a world governed by the law of the jungle or one rooted in structured rules and technological advancement, both had their unique strengths.

The final exam was History of Magic. One more hour of recalling which eccentric old wizard invented the self-stirring cauldron, and they would be free to enjoy a week of relaxation until the results were released. When Professor Binns's ghost instructed them to set down their quills and roll up their parchment, Malfoy couldn't help but cheer along with the others.

"That was easier than I thought," Malfoy said smugly as they joined the crowd spilling into the sunlit grounds. "Just watching that fool Longbottom scratch his head in confusion during the exam made my own speed skyrocket. What a delightful test! Longbottom's existence is like an oasis in the desert, he has no idea how much he helps us."

"Malfoy, you really have a soft spot for Neville, don't you?" Lillian said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "His poor, pitiful demeanor must awaken some protective instincts in you. Let me guess - did it start with that encounter over the Remembrall? Was it all a plan, rushing to protect it in front of Harry?"

"Lillian, don't mock Draco," Augustus lazily interjected. "When it comes to the mysteries of feelings, no one has the right to question the people involved."

Malfoy's world seemed to collapse for a moment, his face burning red.

"That exam really was simple," Hermione's voice drifted from a distance as Harry, Ron, and she walked by. She wore a slightly proud expression. "I didn't even need to memorize 'The Werewolf Code of Conduct of 1637' or the details of the Goblin Rebellions."

Malfoy's gray-blue eyes lit up as he spotted them, sensing an opportunity. Letting such a moment slip by wasn't his style.

"Weasley," he drawled casually, "the exams are over. Are you heading back to that pigsty of a house now? Honestly, you'd be better off dropping out and working as Hagrid's assistant caretaker at Hogwarts. At least then you'd earn a bit more than a house-elf and could make life slightly better for your family, don't you think?"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione stopped in their tracks. Ron's face flushed crimson, and he clenched his fists tightly, glaring at Malfoy.

"What's wrong? Want to fight?" Malfoy smirked disdainfully. "Didn't you learn your lesson the last time? Do you want another demonstration of my exquisite magic skills?"

Harry smiled faintly and adjusted his glasses. "Malfoy, haven't you realized yet? After everything we've been through - after witnessing Augustus and Voldemort's duel, you still don't see how childish and ridiculous your behavior is? If he returns, leading his Death Eaters once more, do you really think you'll be able to mock your classmates and their families so freely? Honestly, you're nothing more than a caged canary that will never grow up."

For a moment, Malfoy was stunned, caught off guard by Harry's words. Then anger flashed across his face, cold and fierce. "How laughable, the 'Boy Who Lived,' the savior. Do you think you have the power to stop his return? What makes you think I'm just a sheltered flower? You've never seen the effort I've put in. You couldn't even best me in a simple duel, so what gives you the right to face him? In the presence of absolute power, all your petty tricks are a joke."

Harry remained calm. "No matter what happens, we'll do everything we can. As long as we've tried and fought, we won't regret it. That's something Slytherins like you will never understand. Goodbye."

The sunlight filtered through the trees as Harry and his friends walked away. The soft blue light of the sky reflected off the serene green lawn. Malfoy, still wearing a proud expression, turned silently and walked in the opposite direction.

Augustus narrowed his eyes slightly, a warm smile playing on his lips. The growth of young souls was indeed a cause for joy. Whatever awaited them ahead, these fearless youths would always bring unexpected surprises.

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