[155] The Fires of Discontent

Establishing a link with Hogwarts Castle was a very interesting process. And also an indescribable one.

"I find it hard to believe Dumbledore did not know about the Marauder's Map."

Having reached this point, Hall began to perceive the deeper aspect of the map. Anyone who appeared at Hogwarts — whether transformed into an Animagus or under Polyjuice Potion — would still display their real name. Wormtail and Barty Crouch Jr. had been exposed this way.

"Is this something that can be done with ordinary spells and alchemy? No. This process must have been approved by Hogwarts. The four Marauders must have obtained Dumbledore's permission to establish a link between their map and the castle."

But Sirius had not mentioned it. Perhaps not because he forgot, but because he genuinely did not know.

Fortunately, with Helena's help, the process could be done without Dumbledore's involvement. Hogwarts Castle responded to Helena.

You have your master's scent on you. It is easy to do.

Hall understood. He had long accepted that this generation of the Weasley family — through Mum — very likely all carried Slytherin blood. Whether that was a good thing was unclear, but for now, it did not seem bad.

Finally, as Hogwarts Castle and the parchment were connected, illusions of the castle began to shimmer on the parchment. Only the final step remained.

"Think of an activation password and a deactivation password."

Hall waved his wand, tapped the parchment, and moved his lips slightly.

His enhanced Marauder's Map was officially complete.

Four days later.

"Hall! Look! I got a B+! B+ in all subjects!" Ron waved his report card, tears welling in his eyes. He had spent a full seven days in the library. Seven days! He felt that one more day would have killed him.

"Ron! If you had not been so inattentive in class, your grades would have been even higher!" Hermione's angry voice mingled in the background.

Ron pretended not to hear.

Hall gave him a meaningful look. "Good job, little Ronnie." He nodded. The slow-warming approach was working. At this rate, maybe Ron would be able to get a few As on his own before graduation.

Ron suddenly shivered, like a wary red squirrel. Seeing no danger, he relaxed. "Whatever! It is vacation time! I am going home!"

Even though he could only stay home for two weeks, it was still a very happy prospect.

Hall turned to Draco. "See you in two weeks."

"Hmph!" Draco crossed his arms. "I thought you had forgotten me!"

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Hall laughed. "Draco, I will not forget you. Believe me." He looked directly into Draco's eyes.

Draco could not withstand Hall's affectionate gaze and turned away, face flushed. Then he turned back abruptly. "Although I missed the Christmas dance, my mum and dad are having a Halloween party this year. You will come, right?"

"Oh —" Hall drawled.

"I already sent you the invitation! Do not tell me you did not see it!"

Hall smiled gently. "I saw it. I will prepare a gift for you."

Draco finally showed the most satisfied smile he had all day. "I knew you would not refuse. An invitation from Malfoy —"

"No," Hall interrupted. He looked at the approaching carriage and winked. "I agreed because you are my friend, Draco."

"Hall! Hurry!" Ron called.

Hall waved at Draco and ran towards Ron.

Zabini finally finished packing and emerged from the Slytherin common room. He saw Draco standing there blankly, face flushed.

"Draco, what is wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Pansy, who followed behind Zabini, immediately ran towards Draco. "Draco, I heard there is a Halloween party at Malfoy Manor this year, and your date..." She looked at him with a shy, hesitant gaze.

Draco seemed completely oblivious. "Hmph. Mum said I do not need a date for now."

That way he could go play with Hall.

Pansy turned pale.

Zabini, watching from the side, was almost bursting with laughter. Young Master Malfoy was too funny. He was going to sneak into Malfoy Manor on Halloween to get a close look at the young master's daily life — the kind of secret the young master would never find out about.

"Hall!"

"Mom!"

George and Fred, arms around each other, watched Hall and Molly embrace, then exchanged knowing glances with Ron.

"Our adorable little brother Hall, Mum's darling!"

"Our not-so-adorable little brother Ron, Mum forgot about him!"

Ron's face flushed red. He wanted to jump up and hit them, but he was no match for George and Fred combined.

"Hall! Mum!" Ron called out.

Molly was still hugging Hall tightly, checking him over from head to toe. "Mum never expected you to be chosen as a champion, Hall! It was so dangerous! Thank goodness you are alright!"

Hall stood obediently, letting her examine him, gently patting her back. "Mum, I am fine. I am perfectly safe. I even got the Goblet of Fire!"

Molly rolled her eyes and pinched his cheek hard. Seeing his face turn red, she let go. "You little rascal, all you do is lie to us all day long. Did you think Mum and Dad did not know about the accident in the maze finals?"

Her heart pounded just thinking about it. The Triwizard Tournament had a real mortality rate. Her eyes welled up.

"Mum, look, I am alright." Hall smiled at her. "Should not you and Dad be proud of me?"

Molly smiled through her tears. "Okay, okay, we are indeed proud of you, Hall."

Just then, George and Fred appeared on either side of them. "Oh no, Mum does not even see us anymore! Hall is going to be the only child in this family!"

Molly loosened her grip on Hall, hands on her hips. "What are you two saying?!"

Arthur stepped forward, putting his arm around Molly's shoulder. "Alright, alright, Molly, do not be angry. Should we take the kids home?"

Ron squeezed next to Hall, and the family got into the car.

Ron gesticulated wildly as he described how Hall had rescued him from the mermaid — how brave Hall was, how calm. George and Fred laughed hysterically. Hall covered his face.

Ron had not noticed that Molly and Arthur's expressions were contorted in pain.

"Mum!" Hall glared at Ron. He had just calmed her down.

"Mum, believe me." Hall raised his hands. "Ron exaggerated! Really! The situation was not nearly as dangerous as it seemed!"

Ron tried to speak, but Hall covered his mouth. Ron gestured with his eyes that he would not say anything more. Hall released him.

"Hall, you..." Ron gasped, then trailed off under Hall's glare.

Molly watched the two of them exchanging glances right under her nose. She remained silent. Just as Hall had said, it was over. No dangerous consequences occurred. What else could she do?

"I made pudding tarts to celebrate Hall winning the Goblet of Fire and becoming champion!" she exclaimed.

"Yay! Long live Mum!"

"I want the biggest piece!"

"No! Hall is the champion! The biggest piece should be for Hall!"

The Weasleys rushed towards the Burrow with great enthusiasm.