chapter 64

FOR MORE CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Johnybairstow

At breakfast, Archer was still immersed in the thrilling encounter of the previous night. What delighted him even more was the moment Malfoy appeared before him. Archer gave Malfoy a meaningful smile and then murmured with quiet satisfaction,

"Coward."

He then contentedly admired the expression on Malfoy's face—as if the boy had swallowed a whole sour lemon—before happily cutting himself a piece of pumpkin pie and slowly lifting it to his mouth.

In the afternoon, Godric stood by the Black Lake, preparing magical creatures for next week's Care of Magical Creatures class—a large group of Bowtruckles.

These Bowtruckles had all been sent by Plant Poison. According to her, they had received professional training.

Bowtruckles are a type of magical dog bred by wizards. As their name suggests, they have forked tails resembling swallowtails. However, once they reach six to eight weeks old, wizards are legally required to use a painless Severing Charm to remove their tails to avoid attracting the attention of Muggles.

Of course, if one chooses not to sever their tails, the Bowtruckles must be kept hidden from Muggle view.

These particular Bowtruckles were being prepared for the fifth-year students, as creatures like these frequently appear in O.W.L. exam content.

"All right, line up, little guys!" Godric clapped his hands crisply.

At his command, the Bowtruckles swiftly formed a perfect row, standing straight and still like an elite army unit.

Godric nodded in satisfaction. Plant Poison had clearly not exaggerated—the Bowtruckles were extraordinarily intelligent, especially those she had personally trained.

"Roll over," he instructed.

This time, however, all the Bowtruckles turned their eyes toward him… and did absolutely nothing.

"Roll over," Godric repeated, enunciating more clearly.

Still, the Bowtruckles remained motionless, staring at him with what could only be described as a touch of disdain.

"..."

Well, perhaps they were a little too smart.

In the end, Godric had no choice but to resort to more "motivating" methods. After subtly threatening to withhold their dinner, he managed to coax the Bowtruckles into rolling over—albeit very reluctantly.

Just as Godric was finishing the training and instructing the Bowtruckles to reassemble, Hagrid hurried past him, not even sparing a glance, let alone offering a greeting.

Even the Bowtruckles were ignored.

Godric was puzzled. Ordinarily, if Hagrid saw a large group of Bowtruckles, he'd be bounding over excitedly like a child spotting a baby dragon.

"Hagrid?" Godric called out, waving. "What's going on with you?"

Hagrid paused, turned back, and finally noticed him.

"I've got an emergency!" he shouted, sounding anxious. "Fluffy is hurt—I need to take care of it!"

Fluffy? The three-headed dog?

Godric frowned. What could possibly injure a beast like Fluffy? Could it be that Quirrell had made a premature move?

Seeing Hagrid about to rush off again, Godric caught up.

"Do you need help?" he asked.

Hagrid looked back, hesitating for a moment before nodding.

"Come along then."

Godric quickly followed, half-jogging to keep up.

"What exactly happened?"

Hagrid's brows were tightly furrowed, and his voice was low.

"This morning, when I went to feed Fluffy, I saw a deep wound on his left leg. Blood everywhere…"

"That sounds serious."

The two made their way toward the castle as the Bowtruckles behind them watched the pair disappear, exchanging confused glances among themselves.

Hagrid led Godric all the way to the fourth floor of the castle—the room where the Philosopher's Stone was to be stored.

At present, the Stone itself wasn't yet inside—it was still with Dumbledore.

Hagrid unlocked the room with a key and entered with Godric.

A thick, iron-scented smell of blood instantly filled the air.

As Hagrid had said, Fluffy was curled up in the corner of the room. His three massive heads were drooping low, whimpering softly.

A deep, raw wound marred his left leg. Blood had drenched the surrounding fur and soaked into the stone floor.

"I found him like this this morning," Hagrid said heavily, gently stroking one of Fluffy's heads. "Oh, poor boy... Don't be scared, I'm here now."

Godric approached cautiously, but Fluffy bared his teeth whenever he drew near, growling softly from all three throats.

"Looks like he doesn't like me," Godric observed, stepping back so Hagrid could administer first aid.

While Hagrid got to work, Godric stood to one side, scanning the room with sharp eyes.

He slowly examined the ground until something caught his attention—a small, almost unnoticeable leaf beside a pool of blood.

It had been stained a dark red, almost blending into the floor. No wonder Hagrid hadn't noticed.

Godric squatted beside it and studied it closely.

"Eldra."

[Type: Biting Cabbage Leaf]

Well then.

Godric could pretty much guess what had happened here.

Besides Archer's Biting Cabbage, who else could have been involved?

He quietly pocketed the leaf.

"Hagrid," he asked aloud, "do you have any idea what caused Fluffy's injury?"

Still focused on applying ointment to the wound, Hagrid looked up, looking troubled.

"Not sure, honestly. Doesn't look like anyone broke in. My guess is... his heads fought."

"His heads fought?"

Hagrid nodded solemnly.

"Yeah. Sometimes Fluffy's heads argue. They're like siblings—fightin' over food or just 'cause. Most of the time, it's harmless, but this time... it looks like it turned serious. One of 'em bit his own leg. That's new…"

Godric frowned slightly.

If one head got hurt, would all three feel the pain? Or was it just the one?

"Godric, could you get the bandages from my bag?" Hagrid asked, gesturing with his chin toward a massive satchel by Godric's feet. "Should be in there."

Godric bent down and rummaged inside.

Instead of finding cloth bandages, his hand brushed against something thick and soft.

"Just hair in here," he said, lifting the large white bundle up. "No bandages."

"That's it," Hagrid confirmed. "Unicorn tail hair."

Godric blinked.

"These make for better bandages than anything else," Hagrid explained, expertly wrapping the shimmering hair around Fluffy's wound. "They don't stick to the injury and help it heal faster."

Godric said nothing, but inwardly he sighed.

A small pouch of unicorn tail hair costs ten Galleons. Hagrid had just used a whole bundle like it was gauze from a first-aid kit.

After a while, the bleeding slowed, and Fluffy's breathing calmed. Hagrid gave him a pat and said softly,

"Good boy. Rest now."

Godric looked down at the wrapped leg and then at the single Biting Cabbage leaf in his pocket.

If Archer's plant was responsible, what was it doing in the room of the Philosopher's Stone?

And more importantly—why didn't Fluffy attack?

He frowned deeply, but kept his thoughts to himself for now.

Something strange was going on.

FOR MORE CHAPTERS

patreon.com/Johnybairstow