Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

The afternoon sun brought a trace of warmth to the cool breeze of late autumn. Walking through the corridor leading to the Potions classroom in the dungeons, Augustus and his companions basked in the golden sunlight streaming through the windows.

The air was thick with the cold scent of potions. Students passing by often cast glances at Augustus, dressed in his elegant black robes. For many younger students, his name was synonymous with awe and admiration since they first entered Hogwarts. To the older students, especially the sixth- and seventh-year girls, Augustus epitomized perfection. Yet, his prominent family background was enough to dissuade many from approaching him.

As the golden rays diffused through the dusty air, Augustus and his companions turned a corner, entering another section of the hallway. They pushed open the heavy iron door of the dungeon, their vision momentarily obscured by the sunlight-drenched dust motes swirling in the air.

As the dust settled, they noticed Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville gathered in a corner, seemingly discussing the recently issued Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four.

"Mr. Augustus!" Hermione's group paused mid-discussion, startled by the sound of the door opening. When they realized it was Augustus, they approached him together.

"So, you've heard about Umbridge's new decree as well?" Lillian asked coolly, her deep crimson eyes betraying a trace of doubt.

Hermione glanced at Augustus, relieved to find his expression neutral. She exhaled softly before responding, "Yes, we discussed it earlier. There's no way the information leaked from within. The magical agreement I placed on the group hasn't been broken, which means none of us have turned traitor."

Draco Malfoy scoffed lightly. "Oh, and we're just supposed to take your word for it? The agreement is in your hands, and the magic was cast by you. If someone did betray us, who else would know but you?"

Hermione chose not to reply, apparently unwilling to argue with Draco. Since the initial meeting, Harry had been in low spirits. The new decree only worsened his mood, especially with Gryffindor's Quidditch team's activities now in jeopardy. Draco's remarks struck a nerve, and Harry's simmering anger boiled over.

"Everyone signed Hermione's magical agreement—including Mr. Augustus. Apart from the recent additions to the group, who else knows about this? As for Loki Thor, we trust him. His actions make it clear he wouldn't stoop to such behavior. That leaves only one person whose motives we should question," Harry said firmly, his tone calm but sharp.

Draco's face darkened, his gray-blue eyes glinting with fury. Clenching his fists briefly, he suddenly chuckled. "Well, well, you're not wrong. Umbridge let the Slytherin Quidditch team continue its activities—I asked her about it this morning. It was as easy as snapping my fingers. We'll see if Gryffindor gets the same treatment, won't we?"

"Don't lose your temper," Hermione pleaded with Harry and Ron, who were both glaring at Draco. "We'll all need to train together soon—let's not make things worse."

"I'm just saying," Draco continued, raising his voice slightly, his gray eyes gleaming maliciously at Harry and Ron, "the Ministry has little reason to favor your lot. According to my father, they've been looking for an excuse to get rid of Arthur Weasley for years. As for Potter, my father says it's only a matter of time before they send him to St. Mungo's. They apparently have a special ward just for delusional fools."

Draco's sneering remark sent a wave of tension through the room. Suddenly, something slammed into Harry, shoving him aside. In the blink of an eye, Neville charged at Draco.

"Neville, stop!"

Draco reacted swiftly, drawing his wand and muttering an incantation. A thin, green, translucent rope shot out, effortlessly binding Neville mid-charge.

"Oh? What's this? Potter's henchman can't hold back anymore?" Draco mocked, his tone dripping with derision as he looked at Neville's struggling form.

"Apologize to Neville, Draco," Augustus said, his calm tone carrying an unmistakable authority as he waved his wand, dispelling the magic binding Neville. The Gryffindor boy fell to the ground with a thud, struggling to stand as Harry and Ron rushed to help him.

Neville trembled, pointing a shaky finger at Draco, his round face twisted in pain and anger. "Not... St. Mungo's... not funny... never!"

Draco glanced at Augustus, puzzled.

"Apologize, Draco," Augustus repeated, his voice steady but firm.

Draco hesitated, visibly unsettled by Augustus's unyielding tone. Lowering his head slightly, he stepped forward and muttered, "Sorry, Neville."

Neville didn't respond. He grabbed his bag and strode into the Potions classroom without looking back.

Augustus sighed softly. "That's enough discussion about the decree for now. Everyone, head to class."

As they took their seats, Lillian hesitated before asking, "What's wrong with Neville?" Draco, clearly curious as well, turned to listen.

"It's nothing worth mentioning," Augustus replied, shaking his head. "Just avoid bringing up St. Mungo's around him in the future."

The classroom door creaked open, and Professor Snape entered. Neville's earlier commotion had caused a stir, and the other students were whispering about his behavior. However, the room fell silent the moment Snape closed the door with a resounding click.

"You will notice," Snape began in his low, mocking tone, "that we have a guest today."

The door opened again, and Professor Umbridge stepped inside, seating herself in a corner of the room.

"Today, we'll continue brewing Strengthening Solutions," Snape announced. "You will examine the mixtures you prepared last lesson. If brewed correctly, they should have matured over the weekend. The instructions—" he flicked his wand toward the blackboard, "—are there. Begin."

While the students worked, Umbridge spent the first half hour sitting quietly in the corner, taking notes.

Augustus added the diluted fire lizard blood to his cauldron, causing the silver liquid to emit a column of golden mist that rose vertically. Snape gave an approving nod. "The initial stage of brewing a Strengthening Solution should produce a vertical column of golden mist. This indicates that you are halfway to success."

Hermione was still preparing her ingredients, pouring out pomegranate juice as the liquid in her cauldron turned silver.

"Oh my, this class seems to be tackling some advanced material," Umbridge remarked cheerfully, addressing Snape's back. "But I do wonder if teaching them something like Strengthening Solutions is truly appropriate. I suspect the Ministry might recommend removing it from the curriculum."

Snape straightened slowly, turning to face her.

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