Bad Intentions

Although March had already arrived, the weather around Hogwarts remained bitterly cold. Perhaps because of the large number of Dementors, the snow surrounding the castle had only just begun to melt.

Albert crossed the muddy field and followed the gravel path toward the Hunting Cabin at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Something along the way seemed to catch his attention. Squinting toward the woods, Albert spotted a black dog sneaking across the lawn near the forest's edge. Beside it was a cat—Hermione's Crookshanks—trotting along at the dog's side. The cat and dog seemed to notice Albert's gaze and quickly vanished into the forest.

Albert withdrew his gaze and continued toward Hagrid's Hut.

Light shone through the windows of the Hunting Cabin. When Albert stepped forward and knocked, scratching immediately sounded from inside, followed by Hagrid's voice. "Back up, Fang. Back up."

"Sorry to call you out at this hour."

Hagrid opened the door and ushered Albert inside.

"It's fine." Albert noticed Hagrid sticking his head outside and carefully inspecting the surroundings. Frowning, he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I don't know." Hagrid spoke casually. "Lately, I've had this strange feeling, like someone's watching this place. Maybe it's people from the Ministry of Magic. They're probably worried I'll secretly let Buckbeak go."

"Someone's watching you?"

Albert walked to the window and discreetly surveyed the area outside.

"There's no one around the hut, or Fang would've warned me. But I still feel like something's off." Hagrid muttered as he headed toward the fireplace to boil some water for Albert's tea.

Albert was certain it was not the Ministry of Magic. Those people would not do something like this. Lucius Malfoy would rather Hagrid secretly release Buckbeak, so he could use it as an excuse to throw him into Azkaban.

Albert had already guessed