Chapter 65: 2

I pulled myself up from where I had been huddling in the corner and opened the Marauder’s Map once more. As I shifted my focus, Hermione seemed to follow suit; her intelligent eyes traced the names on the map.

I realized that Professor Snape finding the Invisibility Cloak had been my doing. Without it, he would have likely been spotted by Professor Lupin or Sirius immediately. It was essential that he picked up the Cloak in front of the secret passage at that exact moment.

In that case, the next event would be Crookshanks cornering Scabbers. The safest plan seemed to be staying hidden under the Invisibility Cloak until the three of them and the two animals were drawn into the Shrieking Shack, leaving the Cloak behind afterward.

"Where did Crookshanks come from?"

I asked while tracing the path from Hogwarts Castle to Hagrid’s Cabin on the map.

"I don't know. Especially since it’s exam week, I was sure I’d left him in the Common Room. He appeared so suddenly—"

Suddenly, we stopped. Hermione and I looked at each other, both wearing expressions of dawning realization for what felt like the hundredth time.

"...No way."

"...Way."

—Was this my doing, too?

Running while holding Crookshanks, I left the task of managing the Invisibility Cloak to Hermione. She urged me on. According to the map, the three of them had already left Hagrid’s Hut and were heading toward the castle.

This was bad. If we didn't make it in time—no, that simply wasn't an option.

"—I see them! It’s us... and Scabbers!"

Hermione pointed ahead, whispering. Though they were mere tiny shadows, I could see them clearly.

"Go on—get him, Crookshanks!"

As soon as I released him from my arms, Crookshanks dashed forward gallantly. I see. To them, it would look like he had appeared out of thin air. Quite literally, since he had been invisible until a moment ago.

Ron chased after him, shouting Scabbers' name. Crookshanks fought hard to reach the rat before Ron could catch him. Steadily, the chaotic group approached the Whomping Willow. Then—a grim-like black dog leaped from the base of the tree toward Ron. The Hermione of this timeline let out a scream. Harry was bewildered; faced with a form he recognized, he seemed at a loss for what to do.

Despite his struggle, Ron was grabbed by the collar and dragged into the hole beneath the roots.

"That... that looked awful."

"I truly thought he was going to be eaten."

Taking advantage of our invisibility, we watched the chaotic scene from an objective distance, my face twitching at the sight.

Finally, the three animals and the three students disappeared into the hole. —Right, here we go.

First, we discarded the Invisibility Cloak in front of the hole and hid in a blind spot. —If we didn't wait for Professor Snape to arrive, things would get complicated.

Snape came running and picked up the Cloak. Since he became completely invisible, I could only speculate from there, but he likely entered the hole. The "me" of this timeline followed shortly after.

"So, you arrived at this exact timing."

"I was essentially stalking Professor Snape, you know."

I shrugged. Once everyone involved had vanished from sight, I led Hermione back toward the castle.

"What are you planning to do?"

Hermione looked anxious, feeling vulnerable without the Invisibility Cloak, but I gave her a mischievous grin.

"—I think I’ll rely on some insurance."

We arrived at the Potions Classroom and its adjacent store cupboard. Comparing the two doors, I drew my wand. ...If there was a possibility, it would be the store cupboard.

"Alohomora!"

The door didn't budge.

"Let me try."

Hermione flicked her wand with perfect pronunciation, but it still had no effect. As I suspected, an Anti-Alohomora Charm had been placed on it.

It made sense. This room held not just potions, but highly toxic ingredients as well. ...Thinking back, the fact that the Third-Floor Corridor in our first year opened with a simple first-year Alohomora makes me think that "Old Dodger" Dumbledore intended for it to be opened. That sly old man.

Now, what to do? As we both stared at the lock, a peculiar chirping sound came from my chest.

"...Oh."

It was the Bowtruckle that had taken up residence between my vest and my shirt.

"...Are you saying you want to help with this, too?"

The Bowtruckle chirped energetically.

"...If I ever have the chance to keep a magical creature, I'm choosing a Bowtruckle."

"What a coincidence. I was thinking the exact same thing."

While we exchanged lighthearted jokes, there was a click, and the lock was opened with effortless ease. The Bowtruckle poked its head out of the keyhole looking quite proud of itself.

You are definitely the MVP this time—Bowtruckle.

After finishing our main business in the Potions store cupboard, I set off the "souvenirs" I’d received from the Marauders earlier at dinner by the castle entrance as a final touch. Yes—those nuisance Dungbombs and Filibuster’s Fireworks.

This would undoubtedly draw one of the teachers. I was hoping for McGonagall, but at this point, any teacher would do. Even Trelawney wouldn't matter—as long as we could summon Dumbledore and Fudge.

Time was running out. Hermione and I ran with everything we had—back to the spot where the Time-Turner had been activated.

"I can see us."

"The Dementors aren't here yet."

"Right..."

From a short distance away from where we had used the Time-Turner, Hermione stared straight ahead. She was looking at the man who had spent his life running from everything—Pettigrew.

"...We could make it in time, right now."

"But if we do, the 'us' of this timeline will definitely see us."

"Are you just going to let Pettigrew escape like this?"

My eyes widened, and then I gave a faint, knowing smile. Hermione’s eyes went wide at my expression.

"—No way."

I wasn't letting him go. —Because I believe. You were the one who told me to have faith.

"Hermione, do you remember which direction he ran after he transformed?"

"...Yes, it was to the left from our perspective back then."

"What’s to the left?"

"The Quidditch Pitch?"

"And before that?"

"...The Dormitories."

—Yes, the dormitories.

The Slytherin House.

For example, if he had been in the Hospital Wing, I wouldn't have made it. If he had been with me, I couldn't have chased him. Because I am certain he is in the dorms right now—this plan will work.

"If it’s something we can’t do—we just have to let the people of this timeline do it for us."

I’m counting on you————Draco.

The shadows of the Dementors swarmed toward the "us" of this time, surrounding them in a ghastly chill. The wolf and the rat began to run. My own frantic voice and Ron’s groans added to the tragic atmosphere. And then————four silver lights shone brilliantly.

"Expecto Patronum!"

Silver erupted from my cypress wand like mist, taking the form of a stag as it galloped. As expected, it was a dreamlike, ethereal sight.

"It was you, Maria. Even back at the match."

"Will you keep it a secret?"

Hermione gave me a look as if she were seeing something strange, then giggled. She watched the path of the stag and the doe as if she were gazing at stars in the night sky.

"I suppose I have no choice. ...Even in this, you two really are twins. —A stag and a doe."

My two stags, Snape’s doe, and Harry’s "doe" all huddled together. It was a sight so beautiful it would make anyone sigh in awe.

The Hermione and Maria of this timeline reached their blind spot, and Hermione’s Time-Turner began to spin. After watching them vanish, we ran back to the others, now that the Dementors had been driven away.

"Wait? Maria? Hermione? Where did you just come from—"

"We're back, Harry!" "Ron!"

"Eh? W-Welcome back...?"

"How are you so energetic? There were Dementors right there!"

Following Hermione’s lead, I threw myself at Harry, hugging him tightly. He didn't even stumble this time. It had been an incredibly draining day. But even though I was exhausted, I couldn't stop laughing. Because—

"What—what is the meaning of this!"

At the perfect moment, and with the perfect lineup, the teachers arrived. Professor McGonagall, Filch—no doubt responding to the Dungbomb complaints—Dumbledore, and Fudge... every essential person was there.

"You children, in such a state————Sirius Black—!? Oh, Severus, did you—did you...?"

Professor McGonagall gasped as she caught sight of Sirius. Fudge stammered, trying to recall the Dementors—but he stepped forward and blocked him.

"Yes, that’s right, Professor McGonagall. —We have caught the 'real culprit'."

With his brilliant blonde hair fluttering against the dark sky, the boy holding the motionless rat smiled beautifully.

"Draco!"

"Malfoy!"

Harry and Ron shouted in shock. I was speechless. I had believed in him. I thought I had faith. But to see it actually happen————

"Hmph, it seems the circumstances are quite intertwined, aren't they? Why don't we all head to my office for a spot of tea with an old friend?"

"A-Albus? What are you saying?"

"Y-Yes, Dumbledore! We must carry out the sentence immediately—"

"I have no desire to disregard the courage these children have shown tonight."

Fudge continued to argue with a look of total confusion, but those who knew Dumbledore’s eccentricities immediately gave up and followed. To deal with that old man, one had to be flexible. Dumbledore was, after all, a calculatingly kind soul.

Draco handed the rat over to Professor Snape—who looked truly terrifying with his pupils dilated—and then came to stand beside me. He took my hand, and sensing his intent, I quietly stepped away from Harry and the others.

"...Where’s Astoria?"

"Sleeping. Or so I’d like to say—but she’s likely awake and waiting."

"That sounds like her."

"She was worried. —About you."

I almost stopped walking, but Draco’s hand guided me forward, and I moved my leaden feet again.

"I’m used to being dragged into your pace, but—this time, you nearly gave me a heart attack. What kind of ridiculous request was that?"

Draco pulled a piece of Communication Parchment from his pocket. It read: 'Rat escaping' 'In front of Slytherin House' 'Catch him' 'Do not reply'.

Even though I was in a hurry, it was pretty terrible, even by my standards. Even now, teachers often nag me about the way I summarize my essays. I suppose I’m just fundamentally bad at getting to the point.

Once again, I recounted the series of events after I had parted with Draco. As he listened, the frown on his face deepened.

"So, the parchment is still inside Professor Snape's desk—"

"It would be troublesome if it just disappeared on its own."

"And in the end, you used a Time-Turner—"

"It was the only way. Once I realized my future self had already done something, I had to follow the script, didn't I?"

"You... sigh..."

He let out a heavy, exaggerated sigh. I know. Even I didn't think I’d end up relying on the Time-Turner, something I had strictly warned myself against.

"I suppose our family is just destined to be involved with Time-Turners."

"It’s certainly not a 'good' destiny."

We regained our rhythm through light banter. Ahead of us, Hermione seemed to be doing the same, moving away from the teachers to recount her own adventure.

"...To be honest, I thought there was only a fifty-fifty chance you’d come."

I confessed. I believed in him. But—even if he hadn't come, I would have accepted it.

"...To tell the truth, I hesitated."

Draco murmured, narrowing his eyes as if looking at something far away.

"I was wavering. But—Astoria knocked it out of me."

"............"

"She said she plays favorites because Maria is her friend."

My face softened. That overly kind girl had led us to this conclusion.

"I'll have to thank her."

"She’ll probably just say, 'There’s no reason for you to thank me.'"

"Yeah, I can easily imagine that."

In front of the Headmaster’s office, Harry motioned for me to come over. Draco let go of my hand and gave me a supportive nudge on the back. Sirius was looking at me. He had such kind eyes.

I felt my head swim. If it weren't for the hand at my back, I felt like I wouldn't be able to stay standing.

————Oh.

What should I do?