Harry Potter : Bloodraven-Chapter 191: Beyond Earth’s Grip (I) (CH - 211)

The start of every academic year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was usually full of life and excitement. This year, however, the presence of Dementors patrolling the outer grounds changed everything, casting a heavy gloom over the castle.

It was late afternoon, and if this had been any other year, the castle grounds would have been scattered with students gathered in cheerful little groups. Today, however, Maverick saw only a few here and there, and most had returned to their common rooms after filling their stomachs in the Great Hall.

He remained seated on the wide stone steps that stretched out toward the edge of the lawn, allowing his thoughts to drift as the breeze stirred faintly around him.

In the original story, Voldemort had no direct involvement in this school year at all. Everything from beginning to end revolved around Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew.

But now that Maverick had taken both of them off the board, he couldn't help but wonder if something unexpected might unfold at Hogwarts this year.

Perhaps something might happen on Halloween, or would it be Lupin who lost control? Dumbledore had assured him and the others during that first meeting it would not be a problem. Lupin's condition would be managed by Snape, or so they had all been told.

He sat there for a while, lost in thought, until a quiet sigh slipped out. Maybe he really had grown attached to this place. Two years wasn't a long time in the grand scheme of things, but somewhere along the way, this castle, and the kids running around inside it, had started to mean something to him.

That probably explained why he kept going in circles over nothing. After all, this wasn't just some ordinary school. Whatever came their way, Hogwarts could take it. And with the people walking its halls, even a lunatic like Tom Riddle at his peak would have to think twice before even making a move.

"Professor Caesar! What are yeh doin' out 'ere?" came a familiar booming voice, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Maverick stood up from the stone steps and lazily cast a cleansing charm over his robes. He turned around just in time to see the half-giant making his way over, bundled up in that old moleskin coat of his, looking cheerful—more than usual, actually—and practically beaming with excitement.

"Nothing in particular," Maverick replied, smiling at the man. "What about you?"

"Got me first class at four, so I'm out collectin' a few things!" Hagrid said with a grin that reached his eyes. "Gotta make sure everythin's ready."

Maverick raised a brow. "You're planning to introduce a magical creature in your very first lesson?"

"That's right!" Hagrid's face lit up. "It's Buckbeak—yeh know him, don't yeh? He's real gentle, that one. The students'll love 'im, I'm sure!"

Maverick tried his best to come up with a polite way to steer him off the idea. He liked Hagrid, he really did—but when it came to being cautious, the man wasn't exactly known for it.

"Hagrid, listen," he said finally. "You're brilliant with magical creatures, no doubt. But the students aren't. You'll need to be extra careful... not every kid's going to know how to handle a hippogriff."

"Don't you worry, Professor Caesar!" Hagrid thumped his chest with one meaty hand. "I'll keep an eye on 'em. It'll be fine!"

It was like not a single word had reached the man—or maybe they had just gone in one ear and flown straight out the other. Maverick sighed.

"Just... be careful," he said. "And take the kids' personalities into account when you're planning... whatever it is you're planning."

Hagrid only grinned wider.

Before Maverick could press further, he felt a soft vibration from his pocket. He pulled the device out, gave it a quick glance, and straightened up.

"I've got something to take care of. See you around, Professor Hagrid..."

That last part made the half-giant blush right down to his beard. With a flustered nod, Hagrid turned and lumbered off, humming happily to himself.

Maverick smiled, then glanced down at the device once more to double-check the message. A knowing smile tugged at his lips as he slipped the phone back into his pocket and looked around the grounds.

With a quick wave of his hand, his Patronus sprang to life, wings beating softly as it hovered in front of him. After a brief moment of eye contact, the shimmering raven turned and soared toward the Headmaster's Tower.

He might not make it back tonight, so it was only fair to give the old man a heads-up. With that thought, Maverick vanished from sight and rose smoothly into the sky, slipping past the wards before disappearing from the area entirely.

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