The start of third year at Hogwarts brought a new energy to the castle. The corridors buzzed with talk of Hogsmeade weekends, elective classes, and the arrival of the infamous Professor Lupin as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. For Sagar and Hermione, however, the year began with a quiet tension—a dance of questions and half-answers, curiosity and caution.
A Careful Distance
Hermione, ever persistent, tried several times to broach the subject of the Demodar incident. She found Sagar in the library, in the courtyard, even in the greenhouses, always with a polite smile and a gentle deflection.
"It was just magic, Hermione," he would say, his tone light but final. "Some spells are older than the castle itself."
"But you didn't use your wand," she pressed one afternoon, her eyes sharp with determination.
Sagar only shrugged, closing his book with a soft thud. "Not all magic needs a wand. Sometimes, it's about knowing when to speak and when to listen."
Hermione huffed in frustration, but she couldn't help but be intrigued. Sagar's refusal to explain only deepened the mystery, and she found herself watching him more closely in class, noting the subtle ways he bent spells to his will, the ease with which he navigated the shifting alliances of Hogwarts life.
Small Moments, Growing Trust
Despite the secrets between them, a tentative friendship began to form. Hermione admired Sagar's intellect and his willingness to help the younger students, especially the Patel twins. Sagar, for his part, respected Hermione's relentless curiosity and her sense of justice, even if it sometimes bordered on stubbornness.
They partnered in Arithmancy, where Sagar's unconventional logic complemented Hermione's methodical approach. In Care of Magical Creatures, they debated the ethics of magical beast classification, each challenging the other to see the world from a new perspective.
Sometimes, they simply walked the castle grounds together, discussing books, magical theory, or the latest Quidditch drama. Sagar never revealed more than he meant to, but Hermione found herself content with the small glimpses he offered—a shared laugh, a clever insight, a moment of genuine warmth.
The Third Year Unfolds
As autumn deepened, Hogwarts itself seemed to slow, the days filled with the steady rhythm of classes and the promise of new adventures. Hogsmeade weekends brought butterbeer and laughter, while the looming presence of Sirius Black's escape added a subtle edge to the school's usual excitement.
Hermione and Sagar watched as the Dementors patrolled the grounds, their chilling presence a constant reminder of the darkness beyond Hogwarts' walls. Sagar, ever enigmatic, seemed unbothered, but Hermione noticed the way he would glance at the horizon, as if watching for something only he could see.
Secrets Remain
Despite Hermione's best efforts, Sagar's true identity remained a mystery. He offered only riddles and smiles, never quite lying, but never telling the whole truth. Hermione, for once, found herself enjoying the puzzle—relishing the challenge of a friend she could never quite figure out.
As winter approached, their friendship deepened, built on mutual respect, shared secrets, and the understanding that some mysteries were best left unsolved—at least for now.
And so, the third year at Hogwarts unfolded, slow and magical, with secrets and shadows weaving quietly through the lives of two of its most curious students.