Chapter 380 - Venomous (1/2)

Indeed, Fergus and Malgino were a great team. They solved mysteries, saved others from werewolves and other dark creatures, befriended exotic magical beasts. There was nothing they couldn't overcome together. Obviously, their popularity skyrocketed in Hogwarts. Malgino was already popular but now he and Fergus were living legends and the people who, laughed and gossiped about Fergus, wanted to be his friends.

Fergus didn't want to do anything with them. He was content with just one friend. But his father was not.

The news of his son's sudden popularity finally reached Godric Gryffindor, and he was less than thrilled about it. He called his son for chastening. Fergus dreaded the day without knowing what to do or what to say to his father. His father wanted to keep him hidden and the moment he got out he ran headfirst towards the opposite of it.

A tall and thin Fergus wiped his hands on his robes before knocking on Gryffindor's office room.

”Enter,” Gryffindor grumbled and Fergus took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

”Good afternoon fa–” Fergus began but stopped short when he saw Malgino sitting opposite to his father.

Godric Gryffindor didn't look at the door as Fergus approached, he looked very serious, on the other hand, Malgino flashed Fergus a bright smile.

”Sit down, Fergus. Malgino, you are free to go,” Gryffindor looked over at the boys and ordered.

Malgino seriously nodded and gave a secret look to Fergus before walking out. The door closed after Malgino and Fergus sat down curiously looking at his father. After a long silence, Gryffindor spoke,

”Malgino told me a lot about your involvement in the recent events.”

Fergus swallowed.

”He also said you didn't use magic outside of our supervision, not even once,” Gryffindor looked up at his son, and Fergus was surprised to see guilt in his eyes. ”Not even when you were attacked by a werewolf.”

Fergus stayed silent. He didn't know what he was supposed to say.

”Your silence always means yes,” Gryffindor sighed. ”I just want to know one thing, Fergus. Are you happy? Here? At Hogwarts?”

Fergus's eyes widened at his father's genuine voice. Gryffindor had never asked this before. It took Fergus a while to answer.

”Yes,” Fergus said finally, confidently. He was telling the truth. He was really happy because of Malgino's friendship. Only because of him, Hogwarts felt like home.

Gryffindor nodded. ”You can go.”

Fergus startled slowly got up. Before he reached for the door, Gryffindor called, ”Fergus?”

”Yes, father?” Fergus instantly turned around.

Gryffindor opened his mouth but then thought something and closed his mouth. He shook his head.

”Malgino is a good kid. I'm glad you have a friend like him.”

”I know,” Fergus smiled.

. . .

”Mal, I just found this . . . exciting place . . .” Fergus out of breath entered their usual hangout classroom and saw no one there. ”Mal?”

Fergus looked confused as he looked around. He went back running to find Malgino. He checked a few classrooms and at last, entered the big special wizard's room. After the incident with Helena, he bȧrėly came here and Malgino also stopped coming here often. So Fergus didn't expect Malgino to be here, let alone sitting in an armchair with Helena. They looked so deep in their conversation that they didn't notice Fergus.

Fergus was surprised because Malgino hadn't talked to Helena for more than a year. But right now, they looked like they were discussing something important, and Helena looked quite distressed, Fergus didn't disturb them and stepped out of the room. He wasn't upset, in fact, he was happy that Malgino was ready to forgive Helena. No matter what, Helena was Malgino's first friend in Hogwarts.

. . .

”Mal, are you going to be at the lake for the underwater swimming competition?” Fergus asked completing his homework.

Malgino was staring at his potions notes and it didn't look like he heard him.

”Mal!”

”Huh?” Malgino turned startled.

”I asked if you were going to the competition tomorrow at the lake? I'm participating,” Fergus clarified.

”Oh, yeah, of course,” Malgino nodded and smiled. ”Of course. I would be there to cheer you on. Swimming champion Fergus!”

Fergus laughed. ”Thanks.”

Malgino kept his promise and came. But the whole competition he sat near the founders and talked to Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin. When Fergus won and came out of the water, Malgino didn't even look in his direction. He kept talking to Rowena, looking very serious.