#222 - Chapter 222 Harry, remember to choose my class
Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban swept through every corner of the wizarding world like a hurricane.
Harry had never imagined that a single person's escape could cause such a massive upheaval, even overshadowing his journey home.
On the Knight Bus, the conductor held the day's "Daily Prophet," with extensive coverage of Black's escape.
Passengers whispered incessantly, as if Black were omnipresent, possibly appearing before them any second.
However, what truly surprised Harry was returning to the Dursleys' house.
No sooner had he stepped inside than he saw Sirius Black's wanted poster on the Muggle television.
Unlike the wizarding world's wanted posters, this one showed a static image of Black, his facial expression not distorted but looking very grim.
Harry's uncle, Vernon, stared intently at the television, his face filled with apprehension.
On the screen, the news anchor sternly warned the public: "...We repeat, the fugitive is armed and extremely dangerous. If you have any information, please contact the dedicated hotline immediately."
Watching the wanted poster on TV, Harry was momentarily incredulous.
That guy's wanted poster has reached the Muggle world!
So, the wizarding and Muggle worlds are connected after all, or how else could the wanted poster be broadcast on Muggle television?
But this also confirms one thing: this fugitive named Black is indeed very dangerous; otherwise, he wouldn't appear on Muggle news.
The television screen changed, and the news anchor began the weather forecast.
"In the coming days, the country will enter a period of high temperatures. Please take precautions to avoid heatstroke..."
"Is that it?" Vernon roared indignantly, his voice making Harry's ears ring.
"What did this lunatic do? Where did he escape from? What area is he likely in now? How can people take precautions without any specific information!"
"These incompetent fools!"
Harry stood quietly aside, silently muttering to himself.
Forget it, I better not tell Uncle Vernon that Black is a wizard, lest he fall into even greater panic.
After all, Uncle Vernon's attitude toward wizards has never been a secret; he always avoids that world like the plague.
Speaking of which, what kind of person is this guy named Black?
What does his escape have to do with me?
Why did Professor Snape specifically teach me a powerful spell today?
Although the professor didn't say it explicitly, Harry could still understand that it was to prepare him in case he encountered this Black.
Could it be that Black is coming after me?
Just as Harry was pondering, Vernon suddenly snapped out of it, his anger instantly replaced by a smile.
He turned to Harry, his tone becoming surprisingly amiable.
"Welcome back, Harry. Was studying hard?"
"I've already signed the permission slip for you to visit that magical village. It's on your desk; you'll see it when you go to your room."
"I believe Mr. Swan is picking you up tomorrow night, right?"
"Come on, let's get Dudley and your aunt. We'll go out to dinner tonight as a send-off for you."
Hearing Vernon emphasize the name "Mr. Swan," Harry instantly understood the underlying meaning.
Get it, get it, just help you say a few good words.
Easy!
........................
Time flew by unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, Harry's birthday arrived.
Compared to last year's birthday, there were far fewer guests today.
The Weasley family had won the Daily Prophet's grand prize, and with that pile of Galleons, the whole family had gone on a trip to Egypt.
However, Ron always remembered his good friend and sent Harry a birthday gift by owl early in the morning.
Hermione also didn't stay in England this summer; she went on vacation to a beach in France with her parents, and according to her letter, she had tanned a wheatish complexion.
Although the absence of friends made Harry's birthday party less lively than last year, he didn't feel lonely at all.
Lupin and Hagrid arrived as promised, bringing some warmth to the birthday atmosphere.
As the dinner drew to a close, everyone sat on the living room sofa, happily chatting with drinks in hand.
"Harry, I'm a professor now after school starts, you have to choose my class."
Hagrid said proudly with a beaming smile, "Oh, right, I forgot to tell you, I'm teaching Care of Magical Creatures."
A hint of regret flashed across his face, "I originally suggested changing the textbook to 'The Monster Book of Monsters'."
"You don't know, that book is so interesting. If you don't open it the right way, it'll bite you like a magical creature."
"Too bad Mr. Scamander didn't agree."
A book that bites people?
Sounds a little scary!
A drop of cold sweat trickled down Harry's forehead.
If they really used that kind of book, the students would definitely complain endlessly.
Mr. Scamander did well to stop it!
"I also wrote in the lesson plan that I would let everyone see a Hippogriff in the first class."
"However, this plan was also rejected by Mr. Scamander."
Hagrid said dejectedly, "He actually wanted me to start teaching with Bowtruckles, fairies, and Fwoopers. There's no fun at all."
"Hagrid, it's a good thing someone stopped you," Lupin joked with a smile, "Hippogriffs are still too dangerous for young wizards."
"Mr. Scamander's suggestion is right. You should start with some cute magical creatures; this will also stimulate the students' interest in learning."
"Cute? I don't understand what's cute about Bowtruckles," Hagrid muttered softly, "Hippogriffs are clearly cuter."
Hearing Hagrid's mutter, everyone laughed and offered Hagrid advice.
Harry sat aside, happily listening to the adults discuss how to be a qualified professor.
Watching Hagrid and Lupin laughing, Harry's heart suddenly stirred.
Wasn't he always curious about what kind of person Sirius Black was?
Why not take this opportunity to ask them both now?
He hesitated for a moment, pretending to be casual as he asked Lupin and Hagrid.
"Hagrid, and Professor Lupin, have you heard about Sirius Black's matter?"
As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly changed, and the somewhat relaxed mood seemed to freeze.
Lupin's face suddenly darkened, and he silently lowered his head.
Hagrid, on the other hand, had a face full of anger, his eyes red, as if he was trying his best to suppress some emotion.
His fists were clenched tightly, his joints making a slight cracking sound, as if he was about to lose control and smash something in the next second.
Harry was stunned; this reaction was much stronger than he had anticipated.
Why is this happening?!
Could it be that his guess was correct, and this fugitive named Sirius Black had a special relationship with him?
No wonder Aunt Mia and Professor Swan were so evasive when he asked, just saying a few words before changing the subject.
Curiosity was like a spark, igniting in Harry's heart and instantly burning into a raging fire.
The burning desire made him eager to know the truth behind it, he looked at Hagrid and Lupin, and asked eagerly.
"Can you tell me, what is the relationship between Sirius Black and me?"
"Please..."
......
...
