"So, you want to know about werewolves?"
"At least that's the case for now."
Boosted by William's compliments and encouragement from the little ones, Hagrid confidently asked William to state his problem.
"But strictly speaking, that's not within the scope of magical creatures, and it doesn't seem to be part of fifth-year classes—"
"Defense Against the Dark Arts, I know." William's tone was filled with resignation, "But I also need to study the courses from the previous four years, Hagrid—it's for the O.W.L. exams."
Hermione, looking very surprised, took a sharp intake of breath, contributing to global warming.
"Oh, alright... I mean—I almost forgot about that..." Hagrid paused, as if he just remembered that the boy in front of him was still a Muggle before the summer break, "So those questions you asked Lockhart before..."
"Yes, exactly those, like the 'Homorphus Charm'—"
William sighed, flipping through those "fairy tale books" during boredom. So upon seeing Lockhart, he planned to verify the authenticity of the spells mentioned in those books—
But as expected, after answering a few nonsensical questions, Lockhart made a quick excuse to leave, looking displeased.
"Originally, I intended to ask Lockhart... but evidently—"
William grinned, thankful that the professors he met at Hogwarts a hundred years ago weren't as unreliable as Lockhart; otherwise, dealing with the Goblin Rebellion and fighting dark forces then would have made passing the exams impossible.
Although William had an extraordinary talent in charms, he was still at an average level in many areas.
For instance, his Magic History was only barely passable.
Being able to attentively listen to a whole class in Professor Binns' classroom without nodding off... is superhuman.
"Since Professor Dumbledore chose Lockhart, he certainly... must have his reasons..." Hermione quietly defended Lockhart but gradually lost confidence as she spoke—
It seemed like she was the only one supporting Lockhart in the room.
"That's because he's the only choice—" Hagrid shook his head, "It's hard to find a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher nowadays; people think the job is cursed, and nobody stays long."
"Ahem, let's get back to werewolves—" William tapped the table, steering the topic back on track, "The Homorphus Charm from those 'fairy tale books' sounds less like fiction—"
"Sorry, William, I've never heard of that spell." Hagrid shook his head, "I haven't read Lockhart's books either..."
"It's in 'Wanderings with Werewolves,' where Professor Lockhart used this spell to defeat a Wogawoga Werewolf." Hermione raised her hand as if answering a classroom question, "He also cured it, saving the village from werewolf attacks—"
"Hermione, have you memorized all of Lockhart's books?" Harry gasped, looking utterly shocked.
"Uh, well, but if you ask me..." Hagrid rubbed his nose, mercilessly shaking his head under Hermione's expectant gaze, "That's sheer nonsense; if a simple spell could cure lycanthropy, the Ministry of Magic wouldn't always be troubled by werewolf attacks."
"Oh... alright." Hermione opened her mouth but eventually sulked into silence.
"So it's impossible..." William frowned, making a note in the small notebook in his hands, "Then, the werewolf clan in the Forbidden Forest—"
"That's just a rumor!" Hagrid barked, visibly excited, even Harry noticed something amiss.
"...Is that so?" William nodded and made another note.
...
...
4. Werewolf clans in the Forbidden Forest. √
5. Authenticity of the "Homorphus Charm." Doubtful, needs further verification from Lockhart.
...
As noon approached, William closed his notebook, politely turned down Hagrid's lunch invitation, and left the cabin with the two young ones.
Fang, having exhausted all his pink bubbles, tried to hide behind William as they headed back to the castle but was swiftly caught by Hagrid.
"Grr—"
Harry's stomach let out a growl; he hadn't had breakfast yet because Wood dragged him to the Quidditch pitch—he was so hungry he could barely speak after eating just a little toffee.
After bidding farewell to Hagrid, the trio walked back to the castle, parting at the entrance hall—Harry and Hermione headed directly to the Great Hall for lunch, but William had no such plans. He turned and headed towards the Hufflepuff Common Room downstairs.
"I wonder how Ron's doing..." Hermione said, pulling Harry to sit at the Gryffindor table, drawing the onion soup before her, "I still think he might get expelled—"
"...Then you might be disappointed?"
The peculiar voice chimed above them, prompting them to look up, seeing Ron standing behind them. He wore a red-and-black robe, his soft red hair loosely fitting on his head, evidently freshly showered.
"Ron!" Hermione blinked, disregarding his tone, "I'm so glad you're okay."
"Mmph-mmph—" With his mouth full of meat, Harry solemnly nodded.
"Just for now—" Ron squeezed between them, grabbing two drumsticks from the platter, "Tonight's another story—I have detention! With Filch! No magic, cleaning trophies! A whole week!" He lamented, starting to gnaw on the drumsticks.
"Mmph mmph?" Harry mumbled questioningly.
"By the way, Professor McGonagall said you have detention too—you'll be helping Lockhart write fan letters."
Ron patted Harry on the shoulder, with a hint of sympathy.
"Mmph!"
Harry's eyes widened as he hastily swallowed, "Why?! I'd rather clean trophies—"
"Supposedly, Professor Lockhart requested you—" Ron shrugged, then remembered something, conspiratorially lowering his voice, "But don't worry, Malfoy's joining you—Filch has too many hands and to make sure we all have work, Malfoy's been assigned to Lockhart too—"
"That only makes it worse!"
Harry wailed, diving back into his meal, turning his grief into appetite. Clearly, the night wasn't going to be easy for him.
...
"Hey, William—"
A call in the Hufflepuff Common Room halted William's steps; instinctively, he hid the greasy bag beneath his wizard robe before turning to look.
"I say, are you interested in Quidditch..." Cedric Diggory raised a hand, pulling William by the shoulder, then sniffed, "Wait, what's that smell?"