"Hello, I'm Charlie. These are some friends who'll help transport the dragon," Charlie said warmly, his stocky build and enthusiastic manner marking him as an approachable Weasley.
Adrian worried Ministry officials might arrive early, so after brief introductions, they hurried into Hagrid's hut.
"Who did this? This will saves us considerable time," Charlie said, surprised to find Norbert still sleeping while tightly bound.
Charlie stepped forward and confidently waved his wand to release the transfiguration bindings, but several consecutive spells had minimal effect. He looked at Adrian with embarrassment.
"Professor McGonagall cast them," Adrian explained.
"Why didn't you mention that earlier..." Charlie's mouth twitched as he called for assistance. It took considerable effort from multiple dragon handlers to release McGonagall's restraints.
The excessive movement woke Norbert, startling everyone. Adrian quickly calmed the dragon before using a Stunning Spell to put him back to sleep.
Charlie praised this, remarking that Adrian had natural talent for dragon handling and asking if he'd consider working in Romania after graduation.
Adrian declined without hesitation. He'd only raised Norbert for convenient blood collection, he had no leisure time for actual dragon care.
Charlie seemed disappointed but didn't press further. Together with his team, they secured Norbert in a specialized cage while casting multiple Levitation Charms and Stunning Spells.
The former reduced Norbert's weight for easier transport, while the latter prevented mid-journey awakening.
Once finished, Charlie wasted no time. He and his friends mounted their broomsticks and lifted the caged dragon skyward.
"Finally, it's done," Harry sighed with relief after Norbert's departure.
"We need to erase all traces of Norbert's presence," Adrian said, gesturing at the disheveled hut. "We still have work to do."
Though Adrian's Scourgify solved most problems, some tasks required manual effort.
After the four friends finished cleaning, dusk was approaching. Adrian was about to lead them away when footsteps sounded outside the door.
On the shore of Hogwarts Lake, before Hagrid's hut, Minister of Magic Fudge walked in front, accompanied by Dumbledore and McGonagall, with an elderly woman in a pink cardigan following behind, her expression smugly twisted.
"Albus, you know I want to trust you. After all, you've helped me greatly before, but the Ministry isn't solely my responsibility..." Fudge wore a mask of false regret.
"I assure you, Hogwarts has always operated within Ministry regulations and never violated any laws," Dumbledore replied blandly. If Fudge hadn't abandoned his usual bureaucratic delays to sign investigation orders immediately and come personally, Dumbledore might have believed his reluctance.
The Ministry's efficiency in handling official business had never been this swift!
Professor McGonagall, walking half a step behind, looked troubled. Having underestimated Fudge's reaction speed, she worried the children couldn't handle the situation in time. If Norbert remained in Hagrid's cabin, it would be impossible to explain.
"Umbridge..." Fudge stood before the door, speaking softly. As Minister of Magic, he certainly couldn't open doors himself.
"Of course, Minister..."
The shrill, affected tone might sound pleasant from a young girl, but from Umbridge it was nauseating.
Umbridge seemed oblivious to this, pretending to retrieve her wand from her bag and pointing it at the door.
"Alohomora!"
Umbridge threw the door open, and Professor McGonagall's heart leaped. Fudge noticed this keenly, his interest suddenly piqued.
However, to Fudge and Umbridge's disappointment, the hut contained nothing they'd imagined. It was an ordinary log cabin, somewhat shabby even.
Under normal circumstances, Fudge wouldn't visit such a place.
But it wasn't entirely empty. Umbridge's gaze swept toward Adrian and the others still inside the wooden house.
"Albus, I thought you'd instructed students to remain in the castle," Fudge said with interest, turning to Dumbledore.
"There are always exceptions, aren't there?" Dumbledore's gaze lingered on Adrian's face, keenly aware of the boy's physical changes, though now wasn't the time for inquiries.
"Minister Fudge, hello. I'm Adrian Blackwood, pleased to meet you," Adrian said with a slight, polite bow. Thanks to his affinity talent, Fudge's favor increased immediately.
"Of course, I..." Fudge reached out to shake Adrian's hand lightly, then turned to the others. He immediately showed interest upon seeing Harry's iconic scar. Ron and Hermione in the back were completely ignored.
"Potter? Are you Harry Potter?" Fudge stepped forward and patted Harry's head affectionately, as close as uncle and nephew.
Harry felt extremely uncomfortable and wanted to avoid the contact, but Fudge's large hands held him firmly.
"I must admit, you did something wonderful as a child... a hero. Otherwise, the Ministry might have lost far more personnel..." Fudge said emotionally.
'Lost more personnel? Adrian thought silently. Should the Ministry have been destroyed or surrendered?'
"By the way, what are you all doing here?" Fudge asked curiously.
Harry and Hermione looked lost, but Adrian remained calm, pointing to the large dog beside them.
"We're Hagrid's friends. Since he's hospitalized, we're caring for Fang so he doesn't starve or suffer from untreated wounds."
Fudge looked where Adrian indicated and found a large mastiff with bandages around its leg, traces of blood still visible.
Remembering the investigation report he'd read, Fudge nodded. This dog had been the one to alert others when gamekeeper Hagrid was attacked, enabling his rescue.
Who doesn't love a good, loyal dog?
Fudge bent down to pet Fang's head, but the dog didn't appreciate the gesture. He bared his teeth and growled, making Fudge quite embarrassed. Dissatisfaction flashed across the Minister's face, he disliked dogs that snarled at him.