Chapter ─ 6 | Fluffy?
The next day, Noelle and I were walking through the courtyard, the morning sun casting long shadows as we made our way through the grounds. I was still mulling over the prophecy, and Noelle seemed distracted too, though she was trying to hide it behind her usual composure.
─ Wouldn't it make more sense if we had more help? This isn’t exactly something we can just sweep under the rug, ─ I said, casting Noelle a questioning glance.
She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at me. ─ Help? From who, exactly? You got any brilliant ideas? ─
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. ─ No, but- ─
Her eyes suddenly lit up as if struck by inspiration. ─ Wait! I know someone who can help. My childhood friend, Lucien. He’s in our year, just not in Slytherin. He’s clever, and trust me, we’ve dealt with some strange things before. ─
I tilted my head, unconvinced. ─ Lucien, huh? And how exactly do we explain this? 'Hey, Lucien, there’s a gigantic three-headed dog on the third floor, and we could use a hand.' He’ll think we’re completely mental. ─
─ Maybe, ─ She said with a shrug, her lips curving into a faint smile. ─ But does it really matter? We’re in over our heads, and if we don’t do something soon, someone’s bound to stumble into that beast. We can’t do this on our own, Regulus. We need help with the big fluffy thing. ─
Her unwavering determination was almost enough to make me believe we might stand a chance. Almost.
Before I could answer, a low chuckle rumbled from behind us. ─ You talkin’ ‘bout something big an’ fluffy? ─
We both spun around, startled, and found ourselves face-to-face with Hagrid, his massive form looming over us. He had his usual friendly smile on his face, but his eyes twinkled with curiosity.
─ Hagrid! ─ Noelle greeted, quickly composing herself. ─ Good morning. ─
I nodded, giving him a slight smile. ─ Morning, Hagrid. ─
─ Mornin’, the both of ya, ─ Hagrid replied, adjusting the crossbow slung over his shoulder. ─ What’s this about somethin’ big an’ fluffy? You weren’t talkin’ about me now, were ya? ─
Noelle’s eyes widened slightly, and she chuckled nervously. ─ Uh, no, Hagrid. We weren’t talking about you. We were, uh… actually talking about… ─
─ The dog, ─ I finished for her, deciding to just go for it. ─ The one on the third floor. ─
Hagrid’s smile faltered for a split second, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he quickly covered it with a chuckle. ─ Don’t know what yer talkin’ about, Regulus. Ain’t no dogs on the third floor. ─
Noelle glanced at me, a silent question passing between us. We both knew what we’d seen. There was no mistaking it.
─ Come on, Hagrid, ─ I said, lowering my voice a little. ─ We know about the dog. The three-headed one. ─
Hagrid stopped walking and turned to fully face us, his large hands resting on his hips. ─ Well, I s’pose you’ve found out ‘bout Fluffy then. ─
─ Fluffy? ─ Noelle echoed, raising an eyebrow. ─ That’s its name? ─
Hagrid looked almost offended. ─ Course it is! He’s mine, ain’t he? Got him from a Greek chappie I met in the pub. Sweet little thing, really. ─
Noelle’s eyes widened again, though this time in disbelief. ─ Sweet? Hagrid, that thing could tear someone apart! ─
Hagrid waved a massive hand dismissively. ─ Not if you know how to handle him. Fluffy’s jus’ like any other critter, yeh gotta know his weak spot. ─
I exchanged a glance with Noelle. ─ And what’s his weak spot? ─
─ Wouldn’t you like to know, ─ Hagrid said with a mischievous grin, but there was a hint of warning in his voice now. ─ But you two oughta forget about Fluffy. He’s there for a reason, an’ it’s best you don’t go meddlin’ in things that don’t concern ya. ─
─ We’re not trying to meddle, Hagrid, ─ I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible. ─ It’s just… we were curious, that’s all. ─
Hagrid gave a short laugh. ─ Curious, eh? Well, curiosity’s what gets people into trouble. If I were you two, I’d leave well enough alone. Dumbledore’s got everything under control, no need fer yeh to be worryin’. ─
Noelle bit her lip, clearly debating whether to push the conversation further, but I could see the stubborn glint in her eyes. ─ Hagrid, is this about the Philosopher’s Stone? ─
Hagrid froze for a moment, his expression shifting into one of shock. ─ How’d you know about that? ─
I winced inwardly. We’d overstepped, clearly.
─ Hagrid, we overheard some things, ─ I explained carefully. ─ We didn’t mean to find out, but now that we know, we can’t just ignore it. ─
Hagrid’s face softened a bit, though he still looked uneasy. ─ Listen, that’s somethin’ you shouldn’t be messin’ with. It’s well-protected, I can promise yeh that. An’ not just by Fluffy. There’s enchantments and spells, things way beyond yer years. ─
─ But why is it here at Hogwarts? ─ Noelle pressed, stepping a little closer to Hagrid. ─ Why not somewhere more secure? ─
─ Dumbledore thought it was the safest place for it, ─ Hagrid said, sounding a little defensive. ─ An’ if Dumbledore thinks so, then it is. Now, I ain’t sayin’ anymore about it. ─
He gave us both a stern look, then his expression softened again. ─ Look, you’re good kids, but there’s dangerous things out there. Fluffy’s jus’ the tip of it. So promise me yeh won’t go snoopin’ around. ─
I sighed, knowing we’d pushed Hagrid enough for one conversation. ─ We won’t, Hagrid. We were just... curious, like you said. ─
Noelle nodded in agreement. ─ We promise. ─
Hagrid’s face brightened again, clearly pleased with our answer. ─ Good! Now, why don’t you two head on inside before breakfast is all gone? I’ll see yeh around. ─
With that, Hagrid lumbered off, disappearing into the distance as he hummed a low tune. Noelle and I stood there for a moment, processing everything we’d just learned.
─ Well, ─ Noelle said finally, crossing her arms. ─ That was... enlightening. ─
─ Fluffy, ─ I muttered, shaking my head. ─ Who names a three-headed dog ‘Fluffy’? ─
She let out a soft laugh. ─ Only Hagrid. ─
─ Still, it sounds like there’s more than just the dog protecting the Stone, ─ I said, thinking out loud. ─ Hagrid mentioned enchantments. Spells. ─
─ And Dumbledore’s involved, ─ Noelle added. ─ Which means this is even more serious than we thought. ─
I nodded, my mind racing. ─ We need to be careful about how we proceed. ─
─ Agreed, ─ Noelle said, her expression serious. ─ But we can’t ignore this. We’re in too deep now. ─
─ Too deep, ─ I repeated, a wry smile tugging at my lips. ─ Isn’t that how all good adventures start? ─
She smiled back, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. ─ Let’s just make sure this one doesn’t get us killed. ─
With that, we turned and made our way back toward the castle, both of us silent as we tried to make sense of everything we’d just uncovered. Fluffy, the Philosopher’s Stone, enchantments, it was all too much to ignore, and something told me we were only just scratching the surface.
As Noelle and I made our way into the Great Hall for breakfast, the weight of what we had learned from Hagrid the day before still pressed heavily on our minds. The three-headed dog, Fluffy, though Hagrid clearly didn’t mean to reveal its name, was guarding something important for Dumbledore on the third-floor corridor. It wasn’t exactly the type of information we could blurt out in front of just anyone.
We sat down quickly at the Slytherin table, our usual spot a bit away from the louder, more boisterous students, hoping for a moment of privacy. The smell of breakfast filled the air, freshly baked bread, eggs, sausages, but neither of us immediately reached for food.
─ So, how are we going to tell him? ─ I muttered under my breath, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention.
Noelle leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. ─ We’ll have to be careful. We can’t just... say we know about the dog. It’s supposed to be a secret. If anyone catches wind that we’ve been sneaking around… ─
I nodded, trying to suppress a sigh. ─ We’ll need to get him and the others on board, but no one else. The fewer people who know, the better. ─
As we continued to talk in hushed voices, we kept glancing up now and then, checking our surroundings to ensure no one was eavesdropping. Once we felt confident no one was within earshot, we decided to drop the topic for now and began to pile some food onto our plates. I was halfway through buttering a piece of toast when something caught my eye.
Ezra Flint, sitting a few seats down, was waving his wand over a cup of water, his face scrunched in concentration. I frowned, leaning slightly toward him.
─ What’s he up to now? ─ I asked, amused.
Noelle gave a small, amused smirk. ─ Trying to turn water into rum, I think. Yesterday, he managed to make a weak cup of tea. ─ She rolled her eyes but smiled at the memory of Ezra’s small, almost victorious triumph.
Before she could finish, a pop echoed through the hall, and we both jumped slightly as a small explosion sent a shower of sparks into the air. Ezra, covered in soot and water, stood blinking in confusion, the now-charred cup lying in front of him.
─ Merlin’s beard, Ezra! ─ I laughed, along with a few other students nearby. He looked like he’d been caught in a miniature firework show.
Ezra groaned, wiping some of the soot from his face. ─ Alright, alright, laugh it up, ─ he muttered, though there was a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
─ Guess you’ll be cleaning up before class, ─ Noelle added, still chuckling.
He shot us a mock glare before heading off, presumably to freshen up. The rest of us resumed breakfast, but the laughter from the small explosion seemed to have lightened the mood at the table. The conversation shifted to more casual topics, but there was still the lingering tension between Noelle and me, the unsolved question of what to do with our new knowledge.
Soon enough, the clock signaled it was time for our first class of the day, Charms. We left the Great Hall and made our way to Professor Flitwick’s classroom. As we entered, I spotted Barty and Pandora already seated together toward the middle of the room. Noelle and I slid into the seats beside them, exchanging quick greetings.
─ Anything interesting happened this morning? ─ Pandora asked, leaning over with a curious smile.
─ Noelle nearly died laughing at Ezra’s attempt to turn water into rum, ─ I said, smirking as I recalled the earlier scene. ─ It didn’t go well. ─
─ That boy, ─ Barty chuckled, shaking his head. ─ At least he tries. ─
As if on cue, Ezra rushed in, slightly out of breath, just as Professor Flitwick stepped up to the front of the room. He shot me a sheepish grin and took the empty seat beside me.
Flitwick, always enthusiastic, began the lesson on the Reparo charm, the spell used to repair broken objects. He explained the basics, demonstrating by fixing a shattered teacup with a flourish of his tiny wand. Soon after, he handed out small pieces of broken wood for us to practice on.
I focused on my piece, recalling the wand movement and incantation Flitwick had shown. A quick flick of my wand, and with a firm voice, I muttered, ─ Reparo. ─ Instantly, the broken wood fused back together, whole and solid. I smiled, satisfied with my success.
Beside me, Noelle managed to repair hers just as quickly, earning an approving nod from Flitwick. Barty and Pandora were close behind, their broken pieces of wood snapping back into place with clean precision.
─ Well done! Excellent work, all of you! ─ Flitwick’s squeaky voice praised us as he fluttered over to inspect the results.
Just as the rest of the class struggled to keep up, a loud bang shattered the concentration in the room. Everyone flinched as a cloud of smoke billowed from Ezra’s desk. The remnants of his piece of wood lay charred and blackened in front of him.
I glanced down at my own desk, noticing the fine layer of soot that now coated the corner of my parchment and even a bit of my sleeve. ─ Well... I guess we’ll need another piece of wood for him, ─ I said, still half frozen from the surprise.
Ezra groaned loudly, wiping soot off his face, again. It was becoming a regular occurrence.
Laughter erupted from all sides as Ezra shook his head in defeat. ─ I’m never getting the hang of this, ─ he muttered.
Class continued after that with a bit more focus, though Ezra’s failed charm was the highlight of the morning. Once Flitwick dismissed us, Noelle and I headed toward the Quidditch pitch for our next class, Flying Lessons, where we’d be meeting Emily and Eleanor.
The sky was a perfect blue, crisp autumn air filling our lungs as we made our way to the pitch. Madame Hooch, as punctual as ever, arrived at the same time we did.
─ Good timing, ─ She said briskly, her hawk-like eyes studying us. ─ I need to speak with you three after class, ─ She added, nodding toward me, Noelle, and Emily.
We exchanged glances but didn’t question it. Quickly, we took our positions by our brooms, and Madame Hooch gave us the usual instructions.
─ On my whistle, give a strong push, hover for a few seconds, then come back down. ─
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the Marauders, James Potter and his friends, watching the lesson from a distance, probably planning some prank or another.
Just as everyone mounted their brooms, before Madame Hooch could even blow her whistle, a Slytherin boy named Jacob Rowle began to rise uncontrollably into the air. His broom lifted higher and higher, swaying wildly as it flew into the walls of the castle, bouncing around like a rogue Bludger.
A collective gasp swept through the class as we watched Jacob helplessly flail, his broom spinning out of control. Finally, he was thrown from the broom, his fall softened only by his robes catching on a statue and then a ledge, before he slid to the ground with a thud.
Madame Hooch hurried over, kneeling beside him. ─ Broken arm, by the looks of it, ─ she declared, her tone firm but concerned. ─ I’ll take you to the hospital wing. ─
As she led Jacob away, the Marauders stepped forward, snickering. James Potter bent down and picked up a small glass ball, Jacob’s Remembrall, a gift from his father just the day before.
─ Look what we’ve got here, ─ James drawled, his voice oozing mockery, echoing.
I stepped forward, my expression hardening. ─ Give it back, Potter. ─
James raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. ─ What, this? ─ He twirled the Remembrall in his hand before hopping onto a broom. ─ If you want it, come and get it, Jackson. ─
Before I could even think, he shot into the air, hovering a good twenty feet above the ground. He turned to me, calling down, ─ Too high for you, Jackson? ─
I grabbed my broom, mounting it swiftly. ─Give it back, Potter, ─ I said darkly, lifting off after him. ─ Before I knock you off that broom. ─
James laughed, clearly enjoying the chase. ─ Oh yeah? Try me! ─
With that, he hurled the Remembrall high into the air. Without hesitating, I sped after it, my heart racing as I closed in on the small glass ball. Just as I neared the wall, I reached out, snatching it from the air and pulling up hard to avoid crashing. I twisted my broom in a tight maneuver, bringing myself safely back down to the ground.
James landed a moment later, his and his friends' expressions sour as they stalked off in defeat.
Madame Hooch returned shortly after, her eyes stern but not without a hint of approval. ─ Well, that was something, ─ she said. ─ I’ve spoken with Dumbledore and the Quidditch captains. Given the circumstances, and after hearing what happened during your first flying lesson... all three of you are being considered for the Quidditch teams. Even as first-years. ─
My heart leapt, and I glanced at Noelle and Emily, who were both grinning widely. The three of us exchanged quick, excited hugs, unable to contain our excitement.
Madame Hooch smiled faintly. ─ Now, off you go before you’re late for your next class. ─
The rest of the day passed quickly, the excitement of the morning still lingering in the air. After a long and exhausting Herbology class, we finally had some free time. Noelle had insisted on introducing me to her friend, a boy with striking blue hair and ruby-red eyes.
We found him sitting beneath a tree near the lake, a large textbook propped open on his lap. He didn’t seem to notice us at first, too absorbed in whatever he was reading.
─ Lucien! ─ Noelle called, waving to him as we approached.
The boy looked up, a grin breaking across his face when he saw her. ─ Noelle! ─ He stood up, closing the book and dusting himself off. ─ It’s been ages. How’ve you been? ─
─ Better now, ─ she said with a chuckle before gesturing toward me. ─ This is Regulus. Regulus, meet Lucien Gamp. He’s one of the best people I know. ─
─ No pressure, right? ─ Lucien jokes, offering me a firm handshake. ─ Nice to meet you. ─
─ You too, ─ I said, taking his hand.
Noelle wasted no time. She glanced around to make sure we were alone, then launched into an explanation. She told him everything, the prophecy Trelawney had made, the giant three-headed dog, and the fact that something dangerous was being guarded in the castle.
Lucien listened in silence, his expression growing more serious with every word. When she finally finished, he let out a low whistle.
─ Wow. You don’t do anything halfway, do you? ─ he said, leaning back against the tree.
─ So, you believe us? ─ I asked, watching him closely.
He looked at me, his ruby eyes sharp but kind. ─ I believe her, ─ he said simply, nodding toward Noelle. ─ And if she trusts you, then so do I. But this... this is big. You’re sure about all of it? ─
─ Positive, ─ Noelle said firmly.
─ Then you’re going to need help. No offense, but the two of you can’t take this on alone. ─
─ That’s why we came to you, ─ Noelle said with a small smile.
Lucien smirked, his confidence evident. ─ Alright, I’m in. But if we’re going to do this, we’ll need a proper plan. And maybe a bit of luck. ─
─ Luck’s never been my strong suit, ─ I admitted.
─ That’s fine, ─ Lucien said with a laugh. ─ I’ve got enough for all three of us. ─
Noelle chuckled, the tension easing just slightly. ─ Thanks, Lucien. I knew we could count on you. ─
─ Always, ─ he said. ─ Now, let’s figure out what to do next. ─
The three of us sat down beneath the tree, the weight of the task ahead hanging heavily in the air. But for the first time, it felt like we weren’t facing it alone.