The Platypus Puffskeins swam around Azkaban Island, diving beneath the waves one moment and leaping above them the next, carefree and wild.
At last, they swam to a corner of Azkaban Island. Beside the small castle of Azkaban Academy, they soared high above the rocky shore, landed on a boulder on the beach, and tumbled together.
George and Fred were already waiting there.
The leading Platypus Puffskein twisted and instantly transformed into a tall figure. His golden-red hair whipped around as a surge of Magical Power flung every drop of seawater from his body.
"Cool." George whistled, watching Anton eagerly. "So, what's it like being a Platypus Puffskein?"
Fred carried over a bucket of Animal Feed and poured it into a hollow between the rocks, giving the little creatures who'd worked hard all day a chance to enjoy a hearty meal. He looked just as excited. "I'd love to swim that fast underwater like you. I bet it feels incredible."
Anton raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It's pretty great."
"Whoa!" George and Fred exclaimed together.
Just then, Neville came over with Fudge. "Hey, George, Fred, our Minister for Magic wants to talk to you."
George and Fred exchanged a glance, then looked at Anton.
Anton had no idea what Fudge wanted. He just shrugged.
"Kids, these pets of yours are incredible!" Fudge first nodded at Anton, as if to say, "We're on the same side, so there's no need for formalities," then turned to George and Fred with enthusiasm.
The twins hadn't thought much of the fat man before. They didn't like politicians.
But after Hannah and Neville explained things to them in Cabin, they understood that Fudge was indeed a partner of Cabin—more or less one of their own.
"Haha, yeah," George replied with an awkward but polite smile.