Due to the tragic plight of house-elves, Hermione was determined to improve their dire situation.
On Friday, she established the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare in Gryffindor Tower, appointing Harry as Secretary and Ron as Treasurer.
Then Hermione crafted fifty colorful badges to sell and raise much-needed funds.
Unfortunately, the sales results were disappointing, so Hermione dragged the two reluctant boys to Ravenclaw to find the only wealthy patron she could realistically reach.
"So, you want me to invest in what kind of social welfare organization?"
Outside the Ravenclaw corridor, Aiden looked at the trio with genuine surprise while balancing his stack of books.
"Hermione, you know my family also employs house-elves. This would cause us wizarding families some financial losses," Aiden said, rarely adopting a serious tone.
"Of course, but such exploitation is fundamentally wrong. You should understand they..." Hermione tried to argue but was smoothly interrupted by Aiden.
"You need to understand that you're helping a foreign species fight for rights. Since this involves investment, you need to show me potential returns, Miss Granger." Aiden used her formal name to separate public and private matters.
"Alright, Mr. Prewett, we can use the slogan of protecting house-elves and our achievements as credentials for our future entry into the Ministry of Magic," Hermione said, looking at Aiden with newfound seriousness.
"Yes, exactly. A qualified politician can hold justice dear but must learn the complex game of interests."
Aiden used the Levitation Charm to make his books float, freeing his hands to applaud Hermione's political awakening.
"So, my investment isn't funding a dangerous factor but supporting three promising young wizards on their political path. Is that acceptable?"
As Aiden's words concluded, a flash of contractual red light passed over him. Obviously his statement had been magically acknowledged.
"What was that?" Ron asked with obvious curiosity after witnessing the red light.
"Guardian agreement. You know, ancient wizards were sometimes a bit overly cautious," Aiden said with a knowing wink.
The negotiation was successfully concluded, and Aiden, representing the Prewett family, signed a magical agreement with the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.
Having received funding from a wealthy patron, the president was momentarily in the spotlight, attracting a large group of eager followers.
At the same time, she extensively published her passionate articles in the Daily Prophet, rallying public support for house-elf rights.
This also strategically paved the way for three names to enter the Ministry of Magic, but that's another story entirely.
In the afternoon, in the quiet library, Aiden was writing a lengthy essay on goblin rebellions.
With O.W.L.s rapidly approaching, History of Magic essays had become much more substantial and demanding.
"Sigh, these damned goblins. If only we could have eliminated them back then, we wouldn't have to write tedious essays about them now," Edmund complained wearily.
"You really have the natural talent to be an art student."
Aiden cast a silent spell to avoid attracting Madam Pince's sharp attention.
"Speaking of which, this is already the second goblin rebellion, isn't it, our beautiful Mr. Prewett?"
Edmund glanced meaningfully at Aiden, and Ethan also leaned over with a gossipy expression.
"Don't mention events that weren't officially recorded, and besides, future goblins will never again have the ability to start rebellions," Aiden said, looking at them with significant meaning.
"Ah, what do you mean by that?"
Ethan still looked genuinely confused. Seeing his bewilderment, Edmund kindly explained.
"The Prewett family has always been the spearhead against goblin uprisings. The last Gringotts incident started mysteriously and ended mysteriously, and we couldn't even contact him during it. What do you think he went to do?"
After Edmund's detailed explanation, Ethan had a sudden realization.
"You killed them all off?" Ethan asked, turning back with wide eyes.
"How is that possible? If we cleared them all out, who would be responsible for running Gringotts? My idea is to preserve a few specimens for future generations of wizards so they can understand how correct our methods were." The dragon in his seat showed a particularly malicious smile.
Then he finished the essay in his hands, turned, and left the library with casual confidence.
That evening, Aiden sneaked to Hagrid's cozy hut to ask him for some rare materials. Research into conceptual Transfiguration required Aiden to supplement it with complex alchemical matrices.
"Aiden?" came three surprised voices in unison.
Upon entering, Aiden saw the trio, each with a steaming serving of stew in front of them.
Aiden noticed their eyes showed obvious gratitude, so he asked, "What's going on?"
"Hagrid prepared some dinner for us..." Hermione began, but was interrupted when Hagrid walked in from the back room.
"Oh, Aiden, you came too. I have extra beef stew with rice. Would you like some?" Hagrid asked hospitably.
The giant before him wore a fuzzy, ill-fitting suit, and Aiden could distinctly smell cologne on him, though his excessive hair volume combined with the formal suit looked somewhat ridiculous.
"Hagrid, I suggest you trim your beard and hair significantly. That would look much better," Aiden commented diplomatically.
But since Aiden didn't refuse immediately, Hagrid had already enthusiastically served him a generous portion.
"Really? Thank you for the suggestion. I'll definitely try it. Now let's eat first," Hagrid said with obvious pleasure.
Aiden shrugged, picked up his spoon, and prepared to try Hagrid's questionable cooking.
Then he discovered unknown creature claws in his plate, exactly the same as what was in Hermione's bowl.
"Hagrid, what breed of cow grows claws?" Aiden asked, black lines appearing on his forehead.
"Uh, it's stew, after all," Hagrid said, scratching his head with obvious embarrassment.
After eating and drinking their fill, Hermione tirelessly tried to persuade Hagrid to join her association.
"Nonsense! House-elves' nature is to care for wizards. How can you give them wages to humiliate them?" Hagrid found the concept incredible.
Hermione wanted to argue back but was interrupted. Horse neighing came from outside, and Hagrid immediately jumped up and ran out with obvious excitement.
"Oh, Mr. Hagrid," Madame Maxime greeted him with regal bearing.
"Good evening, Madam," Hagrid said, nervously stroking his unruly beard.
"Mr. Hagrid, I'm entrusting these horses to your capable care. Remember, they only drink single malt whisky."
Madame Maxime finished speaking and turned gracefully toward the castle.
"Oh, of course, I've already prepared everything," Hagrid replied with a foolish smile.
"Oh, the champion selection is about to begin. Let me escort you back safely," Hagrid offered gallantly.
After packing Aiden's requested materials, Hagrid followed the four toward the castle.
Along the way, Hagrid gazed at Madame Maxime with obvious infatuation.
"Hagrid, have you taken a fancy to her?" Aiden quietly teased.
"I…uhhh…no, how could that be? That's not the case at all," Hagrid said, shaking his head vigorously in denial.
"But there's something important I need to remind you. Half-blood wizards mixed with other species face serious discrimination in wizarding society. This should be a painful point for both of you. If you have a chance to spend time together, remember to keep your secrets locked safely in your heart."
Aiden tried to warn this big guy, who had grown up essentially drinking Veritaserum.
"Alright, I'll seriously consider your wise suggestion," Hagrid nodded thoughtfully.
Harry looked with puzzlement at Hagrid whispering conspiratorially with Aiden from behind.
The last time he had seen such an infatuated expression on Hagrid's face was when the dragon Norbert was born.
He shook his head and sighed, thinking that some magical creature had probably captured Hagrid's heart once again.