The Astronomy Tower on Saturdays was always empty, after all, the once-a-week stargazing sessions every Wednesday had already made students utterly sick of the place.
The fastest way to ruin a song is to set it as your alarm. Similarly, even though "gazing at the stars" sounds romantic, once it becomes a weekly assignment, naturally no student wants to come here anymore.
No, no, I wasn't referring to that dish. You there, the one about to taste-test it with a fork, just put it down.
Although Allen had a lot he wanted to say to his big generous sponsor, Hagrid, the giant, childlike Hagrid was already devastated over the upcoming separation from the baby dragon, drowning in sorrow. So Allen could only sigh and follow the four troublemakers to escort the young dragon.
At this moment, Allen truly understood how the professors felt every time he caused trouble. And so, he made a firm decision: starting today, Harry and Hermione's training would be doubled.
What? Shouldn't he repent for his past actions and genuinely correct himself?
Don't be ridiculous. Impossible. His motto has always been: As long as I live, I shall continue causing chaos!
Well, whatever. Right now, they needed to clean up this mess first. Even though Allen was sure Dumbledore already knew everything, they still had to avoid the other professors. After all, sneaking privileges is not something one can openly talk about.
With Allen joining, the group didn't even need to hide under the Invisibility Cloak anymore. The prestigious Deathly Hallow was currently just draped over a crate holding the baby dragon, its dignity lowered by about ten levels.
With a light tap of Allen's wand, the crate levitated. He led the way, while the others followed closely behind as they headed toward the Astronomy Tower.
He really had to say it, these kids were not subtle. Allen could clearly hear their footsteps. If a couple sneaked out here for a late-night date, Hogwarts would gain yet another ghost story rumor by tomorrow morning.
Fortunately, no one else seemed to be around, so Allen let it slide. His goal was simply to hand over this big problem quickly and then return to normal life: eating, sleeping, and beating, ahem, training Harry.
As they turned a corner, they happened to witness a very entertaining scene, Malfoy was being dragged by the ear while receiving a stern lecture from Professor McGonagall.
Poor kid. Gryffindor and Slytherin have always been at odds. He walked right into the lion's den.
After expressing their collective joy internally, even Ron, the most careless of them, began tiptoeing. McGonagall's aura was simply too terrifying.
Once atop the tower, they finally met the people they were supposed to rendezvous with, and to Allen's delight, one of them was an old companion from his Africa adventure days.
The two hugged excitedly, but then,
"Hahaha! The moment I heard someone was raising a dragon on campus, I knew it had to be you! I've always said, if something chaotic happens at Hogwarts, Allen must be involved!"
The man slung his arm around Allen boldly. "Everyone, look! This is the guy I always talk about, Allen! He's the man here at Hogwarts!" He lifted his thumb proudly.
"Nice to meet you! Allen, right? I'm Pete. I've heard all about your exploits. Seeing you today, yeah, your reputation is well-earned!"
The remaining two also praised him in turn.
Allen's expression turned gloomy. Frank… just how badly have you been slandering me?
"Just like I said, there's no way you'd fall behind! Our buddy Charlie is studying dragons in Romania under heavy restrictions, but you? You actually managed to raise one!" Frank gave him the I've got your back, bro look.
Damn it. IT WASN'T ME. I HAVEN'T EVEN CAUSED TROUBLE THIS YEAR. I'M THE ONE WHO GOT BACK-STABBED HERE!
But judging from their expressions, explaining was pointless, like a teacher who believes "no assignment means you didn't do it," no matter the excuse. That boiling-black cauldron-over-the-fire blame was falling straight onto his head.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
While Allen and the others chatted away, Harry, Ron, and Hermione could only watch in awe.
There was an unspoken rule at Hogwarts: students only hung out with others in their own year.
Besides Quidditch teammates, Harry's social circle barely extended beyond first-years. Older students simply didn't mix with younger ones, not because they were mean, but due to dorms, schedules, age gaps, and freedom levels. Third-years could go to Hogsmeade, fifth-years had already passed their basic exams, and once you turned seventeen, even the Ministry couldn't stop you from using magic off-campus.
How could first-years possibly socialize at equal footing?
So seeing Allen chatting freely, respected like an adult, even admired, they couldn't help but feel envy. It also confirmed the rumors: Allen was truly amazing.
But just when the conversation was going great,
Clatter!
A loud sound echoed. Something had fallen.
Every wizard turned their head.
Someone who absolutely should not have been here stood at the entrance.
Dressed in plaid night robes, hair net on, expression full of shock.
Her name was one known across Britain's wizarding world,
Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Head of Gryffindor.
In her shock, she had dropped her lantern on the floor.
At this moment on the tower were:
Five Gryffindors (two already graduated),
One Ravenclaw (graduated),
Two Hufflepuffs (one graduated),
And one Slytherin.
In other words,
Students from every house, united.
No rivalry. No prejudice. No conflict.
A moment of true inter-house harmony.
"Uh, Professor McGonagall… That's… actually what tonight's meeting is about. Really! I swear! We're discussing how to bring unity to Hogwarts!"
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
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