The Forest Guardians

32. HP Chapter 4

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Mike's POV

A week of teaching went by.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a progress from Professor Dumbledore's end about recreating the moving memory. It seemed as though something was preventing me from leaving this World as fast as I hoped to be able to. Even if he had found how to recreate it, I still won't be able to leave without finding the third Alice letter.

The unluckiest thing was that even if I knew it was in this World, the riddle had not provided me anymore clues to pinpoint its location.

As for the matter with Malfoy, he was surprisingly a boy with a lot hidden good in him. Instead of 2 parchments, he had handed in 3 fully filled parchments about Hippogriffs. I was surprised at the fact that he was trying hard to get into my good books. Either that or the Malfoys raised him well in terms of education.

Fortunately, it was also a clear indication that there are a lot of hidden good in him. Contrary to the stereotypes around Slytherins, they aren't shady or evil. It was merely because of their cunningness that raised the wariness of those around them.

Perhaps if I nudge him in the right direction, I could change his story. However, would the rules of the Guardians allow me to do so?

"Professor Evans!"

My footsteps stopped at the mention of my name and turned around. It was the golden trio again.

"Yes?"

The trio looked at one another, trying to give silent messages to one another. I sighed and signalled to my pocket watch.

"Time is ticking. I'm sure you guys have a class to go to."

Hermione immediately took a step forward and cleared her throat.

"Professor Evans, we are just wondering if you are related to Harry's mother, Lily Evans?"

Looking between the expectant faces of the trio, I could only sigh in dismay.

"Unfortunately, I just coincidentally have the same last name as your mother. Were you expecting that we were perhaps... related?"

"That was what Harry was hoping for." Ron admitted.

Seeing my puzzled expression, Harry explained, "I was wondering if... you could sign my permission slip to go to Hogsmeade."

My eyebrows rose to my hairline.

I was not even one of his main teachers and have barely known the boy. Yet, he had asked for my signature. Unfortunately, as a teacher, I knew that my signature on his paper would not be considered because I was not his legal guardian. Mcgonagall might not even approve it.

...

Truth to be told, I was tempted to sign his paper because of those three pairs of puppy dog eyes that I was seeing. Nevertheless, I had to hold my ground.

"I cannot do that, Harry. You must get your guardian to sign it. I don't think Professor Mcgonagall will accept the slip even if I signed it."

"But..."

Seeing my look of disapproval, Harry reluctantly relented.

"Is your guardian unwilling to sign?"

I asked while I gestured the trio to walk beside me so that we wouldn't miss much of their lesson time.

I, of course, knew what exactly had happened between him and his relatives. Since revealing what I know would raise questions, I had to play the part of a teacher who knew nothing. Harry rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while the other two gave a tight-lipped smile.