Augustine's Fear

Cough, cough!

Augustine crawled out of the pit in a miserable state, his face blank with confusion.

His clothes were already in tatters, and he bore wounds all over his body. One arm hung bent at an unnatural angle, dripping with blood.

Several others were in much the same condition as Augustine.

They were even more miserable than he was.

Katelyle had not killed them. That was not a good thing for Hogwarts, but necessary punishment had to be dealt.

However, Augustine was already utterly despairing.

"Merlin's underpants, how could there be such an incredible spell?!" Professor McGonagall, having received the news and rushed over in time, happened to witness Meteor Shower engulf Augustine and the others. She could not help exclaiming in amazement.

Harry and Ron Weasley were both startled by Professor McGonagall's words, while also feeling helpless.

The two of them had skipped class to come here. Now that Professor McGonagall had seen them, they were going to lose points again.

Katelyle curled his five fingers, summoning a wind spell. Augustine was controlled and sent flying before Katelyle.

Healing Spell!

Katelyle healed more than half of Augustine's injuries, then asked, "I'm rather curious. Whose orders were you following that made you so determined to oppose me?"

Facing Katelyle's gaze, Augustine felt that terror carve itself deep into his soul. His body began to tremble as well.

It was all because of Katelyle's strength and those piercing eyes, which seemed capable of seeing straight through one's soul, making them impossible to meet directly.

"I don't know exactly who he is, but he is my superior. His order was for me to drive you out of Hogwarts."

Augustine trembled as he lowered his voice and gave his answer with difficulty. The terror in his eyes did not lessen in the slightest.

Katelyle frowned slightly at that.

"You're a Death Eater?"

As he spoke, Katelyle grabbed Augustine's hand and pulled back his sleeve.

There was no Death Eater mark.

Seeing this, Katelyle frowned again. He then extended a finger and placed it against Augustine's arm. White light flickered, and a black mark unique to the Death Eaters appeared.

Augustine's eyes widened. He had not expected his concealment to be so thorough, only to be discovered anyway.

Light flashed in Katelyle's eyes, and the corner of his mouth curled upward. Looking at Augustine, he said, "Legilimency!"

In an instant, every memory in Augustine's mind was read by Katelyle without reservation.

Augustine had no chance to resist, much less let out a scream.

That was the effect brought about by overwhelming strength.

A moment later, Katelyle withdrew from Augustine's memories and discovered that Augustine had indeed not lied.

Whenever the other party contacted him, it had always been through one-way communication. Their few meetings had all involved masks; after leaving behind a note, the person would depart.

"This time, I'll spare your life. But if I see you appear again and offend me, what awaits you will be the Arbitration Tribunal's punishment."

"I trust that you understand what methods those people in the Arbitration Tribunal enjoy using."

As Katelyle's voice rang out, Augustine's face instantly turned incomparably ugly, even terrified.

The Arbitration Tribunal was the most hidden and mysterious organization within the Ministry of Magic. Hardly anyone in the entire Ministry knew of it.

And he happened to be one of them.

The people there were all freaks—perhaps they could not even be called human.

"Go. I hope you still have some use."

Katelyle released him, and Augustine fell to the ground. At the same time, Katelyle's voice echoed in his mind.

Augustine did not know how to describe the shock in his heart, but Katelyle had actually let him go after learning his secret.

That one sentence in particular filled Augustine with doubts about Katelyle's identity.

Who exactly was he?

Was he also a member of the Arbitration Tribunal?

Or perhaps he was some high-ranking figure?

Augustine did not dare think any further. He immediately turned and led his men away.

However, his subordinates were in such terrible condition that he could not take them with him.

Dumbledore appeared in the training ground with Apparition. Looking at Augustine to one side, he said sternly, "Augustine, you will pay for your actions!"

Dumbledore was furious. He had not expected Augustine to ignore his warning, break into Hogwarts once again, and even attack within Hogwarts.

Augustine said nothing. He led his men with difficulty toward the hospital wing, where they needed treatment.

Besides, Augustine felt that he needed to do something.

"Kate, you should have notified me sooner."

Dumbledore came to Katelyle's side and complained with some dissatisfaction.

Katelyle smiled at that. "Albus, it shouldn't have been me notifying you. You should have found a way to drive them away before they entered Hogwarts."

Dumbledore pondered slightly before saying, "All right. We should make some changes."

"But before that, I need to personally visit the Ministry of Magic and ask Fudge whether he is truly capable of holding that position."

After saying that, Dumbledore turned and left.

"Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, can you two tell me why you are here?"

"If I remember correctly, you had Professor Flitwick's Charms class this morning."

Once Professor McGonagall saw that the matter had been resolved, she noticed Harry and Ron trying to slip away and spoke sternly.

Harry and Ron's faces immediately turned pale. They turned to face Professor McGonagall, lowering their heads, unsure how to explain themselves.

Should we tell her that we deliberately skipped class?

That was obviously not possible!

"Gryffindor loses ten points!"

As Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, Harry and Ron fell into utter despair.

They had lost points again!

Professor McGonagall ignored the two of them and turned away.

The appearance of Augustine and his group had also made Professor McGonagall realize that Hogwarts' defenses were still too weak.

"Harry Potter!"

After Professor McGonagall left, Malfoy walked over, stared at Harry, and called out to him.

Harry looked up at Malfoy and asked, "What is it?"

"Are you planning to join Slytherin?" Malfoy asked with a smile.

"Impossible!" Harry refused righteously.

Malfoy's expectations instantly vanished without a trace. The way he looked at Harry once again became arrogant as he said, "Harry, Gryffindor isn't suitable for you."

"But that's all right. I'll make you understand who the true genius is, and I'll make you understand that your choice was wrong."

Harry curled his lip, then left with Ron.

Malfoy was furious at being ignored by Harry and Ron. His face twisted as he shouted after them, "Harry Potter, I challenge you to a wizard's duel!"