HP: god of potions

Chapter 93

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione stepped off the train at Hogsmeade Station, their breath visible in the cool evening air, just as Gray materialized nearby. "Oh, for fuck's sake," Ron muttered as all four of them turned to him. "Gray, wow, you look…" Harry began, but Gray finished his sentence with a smirk, "Handsome." Hermione sighed in relief, "Thank God you're back; we saw the Daily Prophet," she said as Gray looked confused. "You know, you were angsty after the end of last year," she added, making him nod in understanding. Raven, perched on his shoulder, drew attention as Harry asked, "When did you get a pet?" Stroking Raven's head, which she seemed to enjoy, Gray replied, "Recently. Isn't she adorable?" His response made the group exchange glances as he continued, "Anyway, I'm back now, all fine and dandy," he said with a smile. "Well, you look like a Malfoy," Harry commented, prompting Gray to respond, "Yeah, can't help with that. Though, I suppose I could create a potion to change my hair color," he mused as Hermione approached him.

"Gray, are you okay?" Hermione asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Yeah, why?" Gray replied, looking puzzled. "You look like the shape the Boggart took in that lesson," she explained, making Gray sigh. "Yeah, well, I don't have all the muscle anymore. I think I've lost a lot of fans," he said dryly. As if on cue, a crowd of girls swarmed toward him, their concern evident. "Somehow, I don't think he's lost any at all," Ron whispered to Harry as they wove through the bustling crowd of students. Approaching the carriages to Hogwarts, Harry suddenly halted, his gaze fixed on one. For the first time, he saw a large, reptilian, horse-like creature harnessed at the front. "What is that?" Harry asked, surprised. Ron, unable to see it, looked puzzled. "What?" he asked, peering at the space Harry indicated. "That… thing!" Harry insisted. Gray interjected, "Oh, yeah. They're called Thestrals. Only someone who has seen death can see them," he explained. Listening, they nodded before Ron commented, "Well, of course, he's seen death," prompting nods of agreement.

Suddenly, a serene yet peculiar voice joined the conversation. "I see them too." Harry turned to find a dreamy-looking girl with wide eyes and unblinking curiosity. Her ethereal demeanor was enhanced by her white hair. "Er… who are you?" Harry asked cautiously. "Luna. Luna Lovegood," she replied simply, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Lovegood, nice name," Gray said, genuinely liking it. "Well, thanks, Gray. I'm a big fan," Luna admitted, slightly relieved but still mystified by the Thestrals. They climbed into the carriage together, Luna following without hesitation. As the carriage started its journey toward the castle, a group of girls ran alongside, fawning over Gray until they were left behind. Gray distracted himself by reading a book on mechanics and robotics. "Aww, he's so dreamy," one of the girls sighed. Hermione, curious, asked, "Are you reading a Muggle book?" Gray replied, "Yeah. Apparently, humans have made significant progress with golems, you know, without magic." Ron gave him a strange look. "You remind me of my dad. He's fascinated by Muggles and their technology," he said, making Gray chuckle.

"Then your dad is a man with vision," Gray replied. Meanwhile, Harry stared out into the darkened Hogwarts grounds, the silhouette of the castle looming in the distance. His gaze fell on Hagrid's hut, which appeared eerily quiet and dark. "Hagrid's cabin looks deserted," Harry noted, concern evident in his voice. Hermione leaned closer to the window, her brow furrowing. "I hope he's all right…" she murmured. Harry hesitated, wanting to say something, but Gray sighed and interrupted. "Given how much you're hesitating, I'm guessing it's about that noseless bastard," Gray said, looking at Harry, who seemed shocked. "Yeah, I think he's back," Harry admitted. Gray pondered the revelation for a moment before shrugging. "You don't seem surprised, given that you killed him at that graveyard," Hermione remarked as Ron added his thoughts.

"Is it even a graveyard anymore?" Ignoring him, Gray sighed and said, "I know he is back, and he will probably continue until all of his Horcruxes are destroyed." This shocked the trio and Luna as they looked at him. "What are Horcruxes?" Harry asked. Gray replied, "A Horcrux is an object containing a wizard's soul, and the wizard can revive as long as those Horcruxes exist." Ron was the most shocked, surprisingly, as he said, "He's immortal, then?" Gray replied, "Sort of. It's not true immortality, as long as there's a way you can die. For the noseless bastard, as long as you destroy all of his Horcruxes, he will die."

Hermione pondered for a second before asking, "Then where are his Horcruxes?" Gray sighed and looked at Hermione, disappointed. "I expected those sorts of questions from Ron, Hermione," he said before tutting and going back to reading. Ron chuckled for a second before realizing what Gray had said. "Hey!" he exclaimed, while Hermione started to sulk. They eventually arrived at Hogwarts, where Gray came face-to-face with Draco Malfoy. Draco sneered and said, "Gray, if you wanted to be adopted into my family, you should have begged my father. Then we might have let you become a servant—if you were lucky." He chuckled with his friends as Gray looked at him.

Gray would have walked away if he were in a bad mood, but instead, he smiled and chanted, "Puer rursus in ferret." He literally turned Draco into a ferret, much to the shock of everyone surrounding them, before turning around and walking away. "Seriously, what is with the Malfoys?" he muttered to himself as he continued walking. Just as he was leaving, he saw a couple trying to get all touchy and lovey-dovey, which disgusted him. As they were about to lock lips, he simply made it rain, ruining their moment but only their moment. He smiled to himself, though he forgot Raven was back and disliked his antics. She gave him her usual disapproving look, which he shrugged off as he continued with the other students.

The Great Hall of Hogwarts buzzed with anticipation as students settled into their seats under the enchanted ceiling, which mirrored the night sky. Professor Dumbledore, with his long white beard cascading down to his belt, stood at the head table. His calm yet commanding voice filled the hall. "I beg a few moments of your attention, as I have a few start-of-term announcements," he began. "Right off, our caretaker, the good Mr. Filch, has reminded me for what he says is the four-hundred and sixty-second time that he has an annually updated list of various banned items, usually introduced by our humor experts Fred and George Weasley…" At this, Fred and George Weasley stood, bowing theatrically as laughter and cheers erupted around the hall.

Dumbledore allowed the commotion to settle before continuing, a twinkle of amusement in his eye. "...which are posted in an extensive list on the door to Mr. Filch's office." Harry grinned at Fred and George, sharing in the collective amusement of the room. "Also," Dumbledore continued, his tone shifting slightly, "we have two staffing changes this year. Professor Grubbly-Plank will be taking the post of Care of Magical Creatures as Professor Hagrid is on… extended leave." Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged uneasy glances, concerned about Hagrid's absence, while Gray sat in front of them, completely unaware of their worries.