The black storm, formed by the darting little black serpent, finally began to dissipate after completely obliterating all the Dementors. It opened its tiny mouth and let out a small burp before wobbling as it flew back to Glenn's side.
Glenn extended his right hand, and the little black snake coiled around his arm, eventually climbing up to wrap itself snugly around his neck. It rested there, its head drooping lazily on his shoulder. Its adorable little tongue flicked in and out, while its large, glossy black eyes darted around, as if searching for any remaining fragments of Dementors.
Expanding his Heightened Perception, Glenn began to sweep the area, searching for any traces of leftover Dementor fragments.
But it seemed that his Patronus had been exceptionally diligent, devouring every last trace of the Dementors without leaving a single scrap behind. No picky eating, no leftovers.
Yes, a good child indeed.
After confirming multiple times that no evidence remained, Glenn decided it was safe to deactivate the Patronus Charm.
The little black snake on his shoulder nuzzled affectionately against Glenn's face before dissolving into a cloud of black mist, vanishing into the air.
The endless curtain of rain continued to shroud the world, but one discordant anomaly stood out within it. Glenn turned his gaze toward the distance, where the Ministry of Magic was located.
"So, this is the final task," Glenn murmured.
He drew out his wand, recalling memories from his mind while channeling his magical energy to form circuits corresponding to the images in his recollection.
Then, Glenn raised his wand straight into the air.
"Brilliant Fireworks."
Emerald green light streaked skyward, illuminating the night sky with its trailing glow before exploding with a loud bang. Immediately afterward, patterns formed from countless green sparks appeared around the detonation point.
It was a fireworks spell imitating the Dark Mark he had seen years ago, cast by a Death Eater.
The fake Dark Mark rose higher and higher, its green smoke spreading outward.
Satisfied that his goal had been achieved, Glenn swiftly turned around, determined the direction of Hogwarts, stowed his wand, and extended his left hand.
"Shrinking the Ground into Inches."
In the next instant, the discordant anomaly in the rain vanished, leaving only the natural downpour.
Shortly thereafter, several figures suddenly appeared at the spot where Glenn had been standing. Hidden by the cover of night and rain, their expressions were indiscernible, but all of them raised their heads to gaze at the emerald green pattern in the sky.
"The Dark Mark..."
The leader's voice trembled, but he quickly composed himself, waving a hand and feigning calmness as he commanded:
"Search this area thoroughly! Leave no corner unchecked!"
"This news must not get out. If you ask me, it's merely a crude imitation by some copycat. There's no need to panic!"
"The Dark Lord has been dead for years!"
…
Silently, Glenn appeared outside the range of Hogwarts' spatial restriction magic.
He deactivated his magical transformation, descended slowly to the ground, and casually downed several potions to replenish his energy before heading toward Hogwarts.
He arrived at the grand entrance to Hogwarts' grounds—the very gate he should have passed through aboard a carriage drawn by the magical Thestrals.
The majestic wrought-iron gate stood firmly on the ground, flanked by stone pillars on either side, each topped with a winged boar sculpture.
But unlike previous years, two Dementors now stood stationed at either side of the gate, seemingly acting as guards for Hogwarts.
"The Ministry of Magic is this desperate, huh..." Glenn muttered to himself, contemplating the situation. He decided against confronting the two Dementors, as that would be unwise.
Maintaining his Disillusionment Charm and various concealment spells, Glenn sped through the gates between the two Dementors without any obstruction.
What exactly are you guarding, anyway?
The two Dementors, oblivious to the hidden intruder, remained motionless as ever, standing like statues on either side of the gate.
…
The Sorting Ceremony had already concluded. Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table, watching Professor Flitwick carry the Sorting Hat and stool out of the Great Hall. Yet her attention lingered on the alchemical golem beside her.
Suddenly, Hermione sensed a familiar and comforting aura. Her face lit up with joy as she quickly turned to look at the alchemical golem beside her.
The "alchemical golem" turned its head and nodded at Hermione.
Sure enough, Glenn had returned.
"Did you remember to take the Invigorating Potion?" Hermione asked immediately, her tone both concerned and inquisitive. Glenn froze for a moment before retrieving a bottle of blue potion from his black ring and drinking it.
He had indeed forgotten. Before entering the Great Hall, Glenn had only dried himself with magic, neglecting Hermione's prior advice to take an Invigorating Potion after being drenched in the rain for too long.
While he hadn't taken the potion in time, magic was a miraculous thing, and Hermione decided not to dwell on it.
"Admitting your mistake and correcting it—such a good boy, Glenn~" Hermione teased as she reached out to pat Glenn's head, her expression a mix of relief and curiosity.
"I noticed the mental and spiritual protective spells I cast on you haven't been depleted," Hermione remarked softly, withdrawing her hand.
Glenn nodded. "My Patronus Charm worked exactly as I anticipated. Dealing with them was easier than I expected—they couldn't even get close to me."
Just as Glenn understood Hermione's thoughts, Hermione had already guessed Glenn's plan when he promised her on the train. When she had hugged him and planted a kiss on his handsome, adorable little cheek, Hermione had cast protective spells from the Sacred Book to shield his mind and soul from evil corruption.
Although the spells hadn't been needed during Glenn's confrontation with the Dementors, their lack of activation was a good sign—it meant Glenn hadn't been harmed at all.
Hermione was thrilled by this outcome. She withdrew her hand, lowered her head slightly, and twisted her fingers together in a shy gesture.
Glenn understood immediately. He reached out and patted Hermione's head.
She was fishing for compliments.
And Glenn, of course, obliged.
"You were a huge help. Without your spells, I wouldn't have dared to approach them. It would've taken me much longer to deal with them."
"Hehe~ It was nothing~" Hermione beamed with delight.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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