Augustine's Fear

"Cough, cough!"

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

His clothes had been reduced to rags, and he bore wounds all over his body. One of his arms was bent at an unnatural angle, dripping with blood.

Several others were in much the same condition as Augustine.

They were even worse off than he was.

Katelyle had not killed them. That was not good news for Hogwarts, but necessary punishment had to be delivered.

However, Augustine was already consumed by utter despair.

"Merlin's underpants, how could there be such miraculous magic?" Professor McGonagall, who had received the news and rushed over in time, happened to witness Meteor Shower swallowing Augustine and the others, and could not help exclaiming.

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 caught them, more points would be deducted.

Katelyle curled his five fingers, conjuring a gust of wind that lifted Augustine into the air and dragged him before Katelyle.

"Healing Spell!"

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

Under Katelyle's gaze, terror etched itself deep into Augustine's soul, and his body began to tremble.

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

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

Augustine trembled as he lowered his voice and answered with difficulty. The fear in his eyes did not lessen in the slightest.

Katelyle frowned slightly at this.

"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 extended a finger and placed it against Augustine's arm. White light flickered, and a black mark unique to the Death Eaters emerged.

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

Light flickered in Katelyle's eyes, and his lips curved upward as he looked at Augustine. "Legilimency!"

In an instant, the memories in Augustine's mind were read by Katelyle without reservation.

Augustine had no chance to resist, much less scream.

That was the effect of overwhelming strength.

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

Whenever the other party contacted him, it had always been through one-way communication. During their few meetings, the person had worn a mask, left behind a note, and departed.

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

"I trust you understand what methods those people in the Arbitration Tribunal like to use."

As Katelyle's voice sounded, Augustine's face immediately turned extremely ugly, even fearful.

The Arbitration Tribunal was the most secretive and mysterious organization within the magical authorities. Few in the entire Ministry of Magic even knew of its existence.

And he happened to be one of them.

The people there were all lunatics—indeed, they could hardly 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 spared him 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 left with his men.

However, his subordinates were in terrible condition, and he could not take them away.

Dumbledore appeared in the training grounds through Apparition. Looking at Augustine nearby, he said with a stern expression, "Augustine, you will pay for your actions!"

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

Augustine said nothing. He led his men toward the infirmary with difficulty. They needed treatment there.

Besides, Augustine felt that he needed to do something.

"Kate, you should have informed me earlier."

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

Katelyle smiled at his words. "Albus, it shouldn't have been me informing you. You should have found a way to drive them off before they entered Hogwarts."

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

"But before that, I need to make a trip to the Ministry of Magic myself and question Fudge about whether he is fit for this 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 have 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 immediately turned pale. They turned back to face Professor McGonagall, lowered their heads, and did not know how to explain themselves.

Were they supposed to tell her that they had deliberately skipped class?

That was obviously impossible!

"Ten points from Gryffindor!"

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

They had lost points again!

Professor McGonagall ignored the two of them and turned to leave.

The appearance of Augustine and the others had also made Professor McGonagall realize that Hogwarts's defenses were still far 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 vanished without a trace. The way he looked at Harry became haughty again as he said, "Harry, Gryffindor does not suit you."

"But it doesn't matter. 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 at this, then turned and left with Ron.

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