Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 524 Melancholic

While Evan and Caresius were negotiating the details of their cooperation, a dispute was taking place in the entrance hall on the ground floor.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exited the castle to the entrance hall, which was filled with people queuing for dinner.

"Have you heard what the Hufflepuff students said? Evan defeated Moody in Defense Against the Dark Arts class!" exclaimed Harry excitedly. "It's truly incredible. How did he do it?"

"I don't know, but I hope Evan doesn't get into trouble," Hermione said, concerned.

"Moody is the best Auror; Evan could have..."

Ron couldn't finish his words when he heard a shout from behind.

"Weasley! Hey, Weasley!"

Upon hearing the sound, they turned to see. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were standing there, each looking very pleased about something.

"What?" Ron said sharply.

"Your father is in the newspaper, Weasley!" Malfoy said, waving a copy of the Daily Prophet and speaking loudly so that everyone in the crowded entrance hall could hear. "Listen to this!

MORE ERRORS AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC

It seems that the problems at the Ministry of Magic are far from over, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Recently criticized for their poor crowd control at the Quidditch World Cup and still unable to account for the disappearance of one of their witches, the Ministry was plunged into fresh embarrassment yesterday by the antics of Arnold Weasley from the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office."

Malfoy looked at Ron with malicious eyes.

"Just imagine, they can't even spell his name correctly, Weasley. He might as well be a complete stranger, don't you think?" he taunted.

Everyone in the hall was now listening. Malfoy straightened the newspaper with a flourish and continued to read:

Arnold Weasley, who was accused of owning a flying car two years ago, was involved in an altercation yesterday with several Muggle guards ("police") over a group of highly aggressive dustbins. It appears that Mr. Weasley came to the aid of "Mad-Eye" Moody, the elderly ex-Auror who retired from the Ministry for being unable to distinguish between a handshake and attempted murder. As expected, Mr. Weasley found upon arriving at Mr. Moody's heavily protected home that the latter had once again raised a false alarm. Mr. Weasley was forced to modify several memories before managing to escape the guards but refused to respond to Daily Prophet questions about why he had involved the Ministry in such an undignified and potentially embarrassing scene.

"And there's a picture, Weasley!" Malfoy said, turning the newspaper and showing it. "A picture of your parents outside their house... if you can even call it a house! Your mother could stand to lose some weight, don't you think?"

Ron was trembling with fury. All eyes were on him.

"How dare you say that about my mother! I'll kill you!" He shouted.

"Go to hell, Malfoy," said Harry. "Come on, Ron..."

"Oh yes, you stayed with them this summer, didn't you, Potter?" Malfoy spat. "So tell me, is his mother really that chubby, or is it just the photo?"

"Shut up, Malfoy!" Harry and Hermione grabbed the back of Ron's robe to prevent him from lunging at Malfoy.

"Weasley, you can't try to kill someone just because they're telling the truth." Malfoy chuckled triumphantly.

"Did you see your mother, Malfoy?" Harry said angrily. "That look on her face, as if she had crap under her nose, has she always been like that, or was it just because you were with her?"

Upon hearing Harry's words, Malfoy's pale face turned slightly pink.

"How dare you insult my mother!"

"Then keep your fat mouth shut," said Harry, turning to stop Ron.

Boom!

Several people screamed, and Harry felt something warm brush against his face.

He quickly reached into his robe for his wand, but it was too late!

Malfoy's next spell hit Harry and sent him flying backward.

Hermione screamed loudly, and with Harry out of the way, Ron lunged at Malfoy.

Goyle and Crabbe held him back, and they grappled and exchanged blows.

Ron was no match for them at all, he yelled in pain and had bruised eyes.

He roared in anger, trying to bring down Malfoy, but he couldn't reach him at all.

Seeing Ron's miserable appearance, Malfoy was mocking in front of him, very proud.

Everything happened very quickly, and the entrance hall was a mess.

The next second, a powerful magical force flew from the stairs, separating the students who were grappling.

Evan hurried down holding his wand. He had just arrived at the entrance hall with Caresius when he saw this scene.

He waved his wand to separate them and was ready to teach Malfoy a lesson.

But behind him, Caresius was quicker, and all Evan heard was a loud BANG, and a roar that echoed through the hall.

"NOT LIKE THAT, BOY!" roared Caresius as he passed Evan. He now looked and sounded exactly like Mad-Eye Moody. It would be more fitting to call him Moody.

Evan had just struck a deal with him. At school, he would keep Caresius' identity a secret, not disclosing to anyone his impersonation of Moody, and he would help him fulfill Voldemort's mission. In return, Caresius would provide him with information and necessary assistance.

As a show of sincerity, Caresius also mentioned the pact between him and Voldemort.

They made a magical pact. Caresius would use magic to help Voldemort regain his strength, and Voldemort would help him and his people accomplish something. After that, they would have no further ties.

Evan was very skeptical, however. He doubted that Voldemort would uphold his end of the deal or even let the vampires go.

Nevertheless, from the current situation, he and Caresius had the same goal, there was no conflict or need to argue about it.

In the future, they could have deeper communications, but for the sake of cooperation between both parties, that was the wisest choice.

"You despicable cowards, three against one, and attacking from behind!"

Moody limped down the marble staircase. He had his wand in hand and pointed it directly at a pure white ferret trembling on the stone floor, right where Malfoy had been standing.