Crookshanks first took a leisurely stroll around the school, moving with elegant agility as he lightly weaved through every corner of the grounds.
His ginger figure would flash beneath a corridor one moment, then pause in the garden the next, as though he were carefully searching for an important target.
This time, instead of returning to Hermione as usual, he headed straight out through the gates of Hogwarts.
Just as I thought, Wes mused. He knew that following Crookshanks this time would definitely yield something.
Once he had left the school grounds, Crookshanks noticeably picked up speed. He stopped from time to time, carefully sniffing the air around him for the faintest traces of scent. At the same time, he vigilantly scanned his surroundings, remaining on high alert.
Before long, Crookshanks arrived in front of a dilapidated house. He stood there quietly, his tail swaying gently, and meowed twice toward the inside of the house.
"Woof~ Woof~" Two loud barks soon answered from within.
Then, a huge black dog emerged from the crumbling house. Though he looked large, he was painfully thin, every rib clearly visible. At a glance, it was obvious that he had suffered greatly.
His fur was tangled and unkempt, stripped of its former shine.
"Meow~ Meow~"
"Woof~ Woof~"
The cat and dog seemed to be communicating in some way.
A nearly human sense of despondency showed in the black dog's eyes. He lowered his head, looking utterly dejected. Crookshanks, meanwhile, gently rubbed against the dog's large head, as if comforting him.
At that moment, Wes dispelled his Disillusionment Charm and appeared before the cat and dog.
They froze at first. Then their fur instantly stood on end like sharp spikes. They snarled loudly at Wes, filled with hostility toward this uninvited guest.
"Nice to meet you,