Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

A few quiet days passed after the run-in with Malfoy, but the tension lingered. That afternoon, Cael sat alone in the Hogwarts library, surrounded by towering shelves of ancient tomes and parchment scrolls. The faint scent of old books and dust filled the air as he flipped through a thick volume on ancient runes, his eyes scanning the faded script with quiet determination.

He traced his fingers along the intricate symbols, repeating their meanings in his head, determined to master them. Runes, he knew, were more than mere letters—they were power etched into language.

Just as he was starting to memorize another sequence, a faint movement caught his attention. Looking up, he found Hermione Granger standing nearby, staring at him intently across the table.

He arched an eyebrow. "You're awfully quiet for someone sitting there not reading," he remarked under his breath, aware of Madam Pince hovering like a hawk behind the shelves, her sharp eyes a clear warning not to disturb the peace.

Hermione, however, wasn't deterred. She leaned in slightly and whispered, "I need to talk to you. It's important."

Without another word, she turned and slipped out of the library. Cael sighed, closed his book, and followed her.

They walked in silence down the stone corridors and out onto the castle grounds, the afternoon sun hanging low over the hills. The two of them made their way near the edge of the courtyard where students rarely lingered, away from prying ears.

"What's this about?" Cael asked, folding his arms. "You didn't drag me away from my studies just to harass me, did you?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. Come on, this is serious." She took a breath, then said in a low voice, "Do you know Hagrid has a dragon? He's raising it—right now."

Cael raised a brow, unfazed. "Of course I know. I saw it the other night before patrol. At first, he tried to hide it, but dragons aren't exactly subtle." He smirked faintly. "It was roaring, breathing smoke… hard to miss."

"Then why haven't you convinced him to send it away?" Hermione pressed, her voice sharp with worry. "It's illegal, Cael. If the Ministry finds out, Hagrid will be sent to Azkaban. Dragons grow fast—dangerously fast. We don't have time."

Cael exhaled. "You think I haven't tried? You know how Hagrid gets when it comes to magical creatures. Once he's attached, nothing short of a Ministry raid will change his mind." He paused, eyes narrowing. "But you're right. The dragon's getting bigger every day. It won't be a secret much longer."

"Malfoy already knows," Hermione muttered, her expression darkening. "He's been tormenting Harry and Ron about it for days. He keeps threatening to tell the professors—or his father."

Cael considered this. "I doubt he'll tell the professors. He's getting too much enjoyment out of stringing Potter along." His gaze hardened. "But Lucius Malfoy? That's different. If Draco tells him, you can be certain the Ministry will come down on this place like a storm."

He grew quiet for a moment, thoughtful. "Especially with everything happening at the Ministry—the political tensions, the Pureblood families stirring up trouble. If they find out there's a dragon at Hogwarts? They'll use it to disgrace Dumbledore… and Hagrid won't just lose his job."

"I know," Hermione whispered, her face pale. "What are you going to do?"

"I'll speak to Hagrid one more time," Cael promised. "Try to talk sense into him before this gets worse."

Before they could say more, a sudden crack of Apparition echoed across the grounds. Both Cael and Hermione instinctively ducked behind a stone pillar, peering toward the distant gates.

From the shimmering air, several figures materialized—robes swirling, wands ready. At the center stood a man with thinning hair and a stern, familiar face.

"The Minister of Magic…" Hermione breathed. "That's Cornelius Fudge."

Behind Fudge, a dozen Aurors filed in, their faces grim, moving swiftly toward the castle.

Hermione's heart sank. "They're here for Hagrid—the dragon. Malfoy must've told his father!"

They barely had time to react when another crack of Apparition split the air. From the same spot, a tall man with sleek silver-blond hair and an ornate serpent-headed cane appeared, striding toward the castle with unmistakable arrogance.

Cael's jaw clenched. "Lucius Malfoy."

Hermione's eyes widened with alarm. "We have to warn Hagrid—now!"

They ran, feet pounding across the grass, hearts racing.

⸻

Inside the castle, tension brewed like a storm. In Dumbledore's office, the air was thick with unease as Professor McGonagall entered briskly, followed by Minister Fudge and a small contingent of Aurors.

"Albus," McGonagall announced, her expression tight, "the Minister of Magic is here. He insists on seeing you."

Dumbledore rose calmly from his seat, his eyes twinkling faintly with quiet understanding. "Cornelius," he greeted, gesturing to the chairs before his desk. "Come, sit. What brings you to Hogwarts so unexpectedly?"

Fudge did not sit. "I've received several reports, Albus," he began stiffly, "that someone at Hogwarts is hiding a dangerous magical creature—a dragon. I came to investigate personally."

Dumbledore's expression remained serene. "I assure you, there are no dragons roaming these halls, Cornelius. Hogwarts is a school, not a sanctuary for Class Five-X creatures."

Before Fudge could respond, a cold, cutting voice interrupted from the doorway.

"Lies," Lucius Malfoy sneered as he entered, cane tapping against the stone floor. "You can't even keep track of your own staff, Dumbledore. Your gamekeeper—Hagrid—is hiding a dragon near the castle."

Dumbledore's gaze didn't waver. "Lucius," he replied smoothly, "I suggest you speak to me with the respect due to the Headmaster of this institution."

Lucius's lip curled in contempt, but before he could retort, Fudge interjected, "Regardless of personal grievances, this is a serious matter. If there's a dragon, we'll find it."

Fudge turned to his Aurors. "Search the grounds. The castle. The Forbidden Forest, if necessary."

Lucius added, "The forest is likely where that half-giant's hidden it. Among all the other dangerous beasts he collects."

Dumbledore folded his hands behind his back, voice calm but edged with quiet warning. "You may search, Cornelius. But I trust your Aurors will not disrupt the education of my students."

Fudge gave a curt nod. "Our priority is the safety of the castle—and ensuring the law is upheld."

With that, the search began, and outside, Cael and Hermione sprinted toward Hagrid's hut, knowing time was running out.