[117] The Weight of Promises

Hall normally enjoyed Potions class, regardless of year. Being a teaching assistant meant a substantial fee. But this was not a normal day. The atmosphere was terrible. Especially after he entered the classroom — the oppressive atmosphere hung like a heavy dark cloud overhead.

The Gryffindors didn't get along with Slytherins to begin with, but with Hall's help, tension had gradually decreased. Now, their coldness was obvious. When Hall entered, their gazes turned to him, filled with displeasure. The Gryffindors believed Hall had used trickery to help Harry register, causing them to lose face. How could Harry possibly win? Just thinking about the mocking laughter made them want to disappear. It was all that evil Hall Weasley's fault.

Faced with this, Hall had no choice but to leave it to Snape. He shrugged helplessly. Along with Snape's blissful hands-off approach, the Gryffindors were rewarded with ten inches of homework.

"Since you have so much energy to complain, do some more homework to calm down."

Hall gave a thumbs up.

In Herbology, Hall felt he was being unfairly treated. Professor Sprout was Head of Hufflepuff. The Hufflepuffs thought their poor, innocent, under-seventeen Cedric had been framed by Hall Weasley from Slytherin. Even Professor Sprout seemed to think so.

Hall was speechless. Professor Sprout deducted two points from Slytherin because Hall touched a mandrake with his right hand instead of his left. His lips twitched as he endured the rest of the class.

Hall was planning to visit Grindelwald in Nurmengard, but as he stepped out of the Great Hall, he encountered Sirius pacing back and forth in the courtyard. Sirius had clearly been there for some time. His hair was wet, clinging to his forehead, and his damp robes clung to his body.

Though Hall was wearing a cloak with a large hood, Sirius recognised him immediately. His eyes lit up. "Hall, I think we need to talk."

Sirius led him toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Beyond lay the Black Lake, its surface pounded by rain. A mermaid poked her head out, glanced at them, then splashed and submerged again.

Sirius stopped, kicking at a stone. He didn't speak.

Hall waited.

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Sirius looked dishevelled — hair plastered to his face, robes soaked through. "Harry's going to compete. I think we should make him more combat-ready." He stared at Hall, hesitant.

"You want to know what the first task is?" Hall asked.

Sirius's thoughts were easy to guess.

"There's a rule that we're not allowed to ask professors for help," Hall said.

Sirius laughed. "Really? Why would you ask a professor? I'm asking, aren't I?"

Hall nodded seriously. "You're right, Sirius."

"The first challenge tests a champion's courage. Mastering the basic spells is definitely a good idea. After all, the age limit is seventeen — sixth year."

That didn't satisfy Sirius. "Then what does it require?"

"That'll cost extra." Hall's businesslike grin returned.

Sirius stared at him miserably. "You don't know the details? I think you know better than anyone. Did that damn nose — Snape — give you special treatment? I knew it!"

Hall didn't mind Snape taking the blame. In Sirius's eyes, Snape was already as black as could be.

Hall's silence seemed like agreement. Sirius kicked the stone at his feet toward the Black Lake with all his might. The stone arced through the air before splashing into the water.

When there was nothing left to kick, Sirius resignedly took out his wallet. "Twenty Galleons. That's the most I can do."

Hall held up two fingers. "Two hundred Galleons. No haggling."

Sirius gritted his teeth. "Deal."

"Trust me. You won't regret it." Hall extended his hand.

Sirius had chatted with Narcissa before. Hall had tutored Draco over the summer, and Lucius was very satisfied with the results. Sirius figured if Hall could satisfy his picky cousin-in-law, his teaching must be good.

He was willing to pay more than two hundred Galleons. He could tell Harry had been worried lately.

"To be honest, you need rest," Hall said. "You don't look well."

Sirius wiped the rain from his cheek, glancing into the depths of the Forbidden Forest. "I think you're right. I'll change in the common room later. Oh — I almost forgot, I have a fourth-year Defence class later." His eyes were unfocused, his speech somewhat scattered.

"Remember your promise, Hall." Sirius patted his shoulder. "Harry trusts you. I hope you'll talk to him."

Sirius's voice echoed in the rain. "Understood, Sirius." Hall waved back.

As Sirius disappeared from sight, Hall turned and looked into the depths of the Forbidden Forest. Sirius had glanced in that direction several times. What was drawing his attention there?

The Forbidden Forest was pitch black, like a bottomless abyss. Hall couldn't see through it at all. He heard strange sounds. A strange emptiness welled up inside him. He had planned his life, yet at this moment he felt lost. Was this really the goal he wanted? Having been given a second chance in a magical world, was he simply after money? What was it he truly wanted?

A chill ran down his spine. He snapped back to reality. Something was wrong. That feeling of bewilderment, the sudden negative emotions — an invisible force was influencing his mind. Deep within the dark forest, unseen eyes watched him intently.

Hall shook his head. He attributed it to the bad weather. But the fear lingered.

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