Chapter 97 Hagrid And Buckbeak
A few days later, Harry was discharged from the school hospital and his life seemed to return to its daily routine.
However, the Quidditch match defeat and the events in the Common Room still had an effect.
The students of Gryffindor Tower appeared less spirited and everyone was truly downcast.
Following what had happened to Ron, Hermione was crying all the time. It was a severe blow to her. Harry often gazed in astonishment at the remnants of his Nimbus 2000. Despite everyone's efforts to cheer him up, it just didn't work. Wood appeared entirely impassive, as if he had lost purpose in his life. Fred and George were no longer as keen on pranks; they worked less on new tricks and products.
However, no one had changed as much as Ron.
Ron's behavior became increasingly peculiar. Besides Harry, he barely spoke to anyone. His demeanor had turned really sour, being very unpleasant with everyone.
He was like an active volcano that had been suppressed for a long time and was ready to erupt at any moment.
In Monday's Potions class, because Malfoy was impersonating Dementors to taunt Harry, Ron immediately threw a large, slimy crocodile heart in his face. Consequently, Snape docked fifty points from Gryffindor.
Evan wasn't sure if it was just a wrong impression, but he always felt like Ron was a different person.
His eyes were often empty and sleepy, but every time Evan saw him, they were filled with vigilance and hostility, as if he was poised to clash at any moment.
Evan wasn't against the idea of a fight if it could resolve all the issues.
In summary, the unexpected failure made the atmosphere throughout Gryffindor Tower heavy.
The only thing worth rejoicing about recently was the return of Professor Lupin to class.
In Wednesday's Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Evan saw Professor Lupin.
It was evident that he had been sick. His old robe hung loosely on him. There were dark shadows under his eyes. The transformation of the Werewolf must have been a heavy burden on his body.
Everyone was concerned about Lupin's physical condition and criticized Snape's actions during his illness. As far as Evan knew, Snape's teaching in all grades' Defense Against the Dark Arts classes when he substituted for Professor Lupin was the same, revolving around how to identify and kill Werewolves.
Of course, hardly anyone took it seriously.
For young wizards at this time, Werewolves were like mythical creatures. They thought they would never come into contact with them in real life.
Apart from Hermione, Evan wasn't sure who else might have discovered Lupin's true identity.
Predictably, Snape was disappointed, as his efforts had no effect other than doubling his annoyance.
Professor Lupin's return made the Defense Against the Dark Arts class enjoyable again.
In that class, Evan saw a Hinkypunk, a new dark creature brought by Lupin. It was a single-legged creature with the appearance of light blue, grayish-white smoke. It was very fragile and seemed quite harmless.
But in reality, it often lured travelers into swamps.
It had a tendency to lead travelers off their paths at night, towards treacherous swamps or marshes under the guise of a helpful being carrying a lantern. When travelers followed it, they fell into the swamps and perished. Hinkypunk made a living from the corpses.
Seeing it through the tank, you would never guess that this creature could be so dreadful.
The pleasant atmosphere brought by Professor Lupin's return only lasted two hours. When Evan descended to the Common Room for lunch, he saw Hagrid standing in the hallway surrounded by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Hagrid had just returned from the Atrium. He stood there, with red and swollen eyes, tears streaming down the front of his leather vest.
"Hagrid, what's wrong?" Evan approached and was surprised to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione staring at an official letter.
Evan glanced over and read:
"Dear Mr. Hagrid, in response to our investigation into the hippogriff attack on a student in your class, we have accepted Professor Dumbledore's assurances that he has no responsibility in the regrettable incident.
However, we must express our concern regarding the specific hippogriff. We have decided to support Mr. Lucius Malfoy's official complaint, and therefore, this matter will be brought before the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.
The hearing will take place on January 25th, and we request your presence along with your hippogriff at the Committee's offices in London on that date. In the meantime, the hippogriff must be kept tied and isolated. Sincerely..." Followed by a list of the school governors.
"They want to execute Buckbeak!" Hagrid couldn't help but sob. His face was wet with tears continuing to fall onto his tangled beard.
"But Buckbeak isn't a bad hippogriff," Harry said with some uncertainty. "Hagrid, I bet he will be saved."
"No, they don't know those gargoyles from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures." Hagrid wiped his tears with his sleeves. "They are against interesting creatures!"
Hagrid's words left them all looking at each other, unsure of how to respond.
The hippogriffs, which Hagrid referred to as "interesting animals," were viewed by others as "terrifying monsters."
Even if Buckbeak harmed no one, he would not be appreciated.
In fact, by Hagrid's usual standards, he was quite charming.
However, Evan knew that this had nothing to do with whether Buckbeak was charming. Behind all this was Lucius Malfoy's mischief.
Having failed to oust Headmaster Dumbledore last year, he was removed from the Board of Governors. The Malfoy family's reputation was worse than ever. Discussions were ongoing in the headmaster's office regarding the Chamber of Secrets' opening and how a student could obtain Tom Riddle's diary. Rumors were now circulating in magical circles that Lucius Malfoy was giving away Voldemort's childhood possessions to students.
That was not a good reputation. Lucius Malfoy urgently needed something to divert attention and restore his family's prestige.
Hagrid provided him with that opportunity and now he was suffocating him with Buckbeak. That attack became a rivalry between him and Dumbledore. If he could prevent Hagrid from teaching or kill the hippogriff, he could regain his lost pride.
Of course, the Ministry of Magic politicians and governors must have made certain concessions between the two parties. They were unwilling to offend Dumbledore, nor did they want to relinquish the large sum of gold sent by Malfoy.
They could support Dumbledore to allow Hagrid to stay and teach at the school. The corresponding condition was agreeing that Lucius Malfoy could have Buckbeak executed.
Apart from Hagrid, no one cared about the life or death of a hippogriff.
The hearing was merely a formality. The committee was practically under Malfoy's control. No matter what Hagrid said, it would not be helpful.
In other words, the outcome of this incident was already predetermined.
Regardless of Hagrid's wishes and whether Buckbeak was truly mischievous, it was no longer relevant.
Buckbeak was destined to die. Though cruel, it was a fact!
Perhaps, this is what politics is all about!
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