The huge, bat-like wings of the Thestral beat against the air. With the howling wind carrying the carriage, Ares was taken towards Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Considering that appearing weak could reduce some potential trouble, Ares leaned against the wall of the modified carriage in the gloom, feigning a state much more listless than his actual condition.
However, this benefited the accompanying Healer.
The young nurse, who looked a few years older than Ares, couldn't hide the admiration and fervor in her eyes every time her gaze "accidentally" brushed his face.
She kept touching Ares here and there, all under the pretext of examination.
But Ares was certain she was just taking advantage of the situation.
Considering he wasn't exactly losing out, he let her be "presumptuous."
The site of the Hogwarts Express accident wasn't far from the school. With the carriage traveling "light," they arrived on the grounds in less than twenty minutes.
Standing atop the cliffs, the starry sky above the campus seemed even more brilliant than over the wilderness.
At the Healer's insistence, Ares lay on a stretcher as he was carried off the carriage.
A gentle breeze lingered over the rolling grounds, playing a joyful tune, while the ancient castle greeted this noisy night with silence.
Ares gazed at Hogwarts in the night—the towers, the lawns, the Black Lake, the Quidditch pitch, Professor Sprout's greenhouses, Hagrid's hut in the distance, the boundless Forbidden Forest, the mountains behind Hogsmeade... every brick and tile, every blade of grass and tree.
He couldn't help but miss this place, could he?
Even though his departure had been unpleasant.
"—The professors know very well this isn't fair, Mr. Warrington, and we know the Great Hall isn't as comfortable as the Hospital Wing!"
A stern voice came from the brightly lit Entrance Hall, large enough to host a half-court basketball game, attracting Ares's attention.
"But the Hospital Wing has limited space and cannot accommodate so many people. We must prioritize students with severe injuries and this year's first-years. Furthermore, I don't think a nosebleed requires a hospital stay... Now, if you still have objections, go find Professor Snape and see if he's willing to empty his office and make a bed for you!"
Inside the immense Great Hall, eight rows of beds were neatly laid out from the entrance all the way to the High Table at the front. Half were for boys, half for girls, and now, both sides were half-full.
In the aisles between the beds, Healers and staff maintaining order moved constantly. The noise, mixed with sobbing, was irritating.
There were too many things to coordinate. The owner of the stern voice was overwhelmed herself, but she decided to come out and welcome Ares, not just because of his status, but because of his outstanding contribution tonight.
Supported by the Healer, Ares "struggled" to sit up halfway.
"Oh, lie still, Ares!"
For the last few steps, Professor McGonagall quickened her pace and pressed Ares back onto the stretcher.
"Long time no see, Professor McGonagall... I think we can agree neither of us expected to meet again under these circumstances?"
A smile played on Ares's lips.
The Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Head of Gryffindor House, known for her rigor and sternness—half of Professor McGonagall's bun had come loose, hanging against her sweaty cheek, but she was too busy to fix it.
Looking at the young man on the stretcher whose appearance deviated significantly from her memory, Professor McGonagall sniffled heavily. Her unmistakably moist brown eyes reflected Ares's smiling face. Her voice wasn't as sharp as usual, but the words she spoke—
"For God's sake, Ares, you still haven't gotten rid of that laziness!"
Uh—
The smile on Ares's face froze for a second. In a way, Professor McGonagall was very much like Aunt Lowitz—both had sharp tongues.
Injured students continued to arrive one after another. Because of Ares, they had formed a long line behind him.
Percy Weasley led his three younger brothers, along with Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione, off a carriage.
As soon as he saw Professor McGonagall at the entrance and Ares on the stretcher, Percy's eyes lit up.
"Professor McGonagall, and—er, Professor! I'm in good condition. Is there anything I can do?"
Contrary to Percy Weasley's excitement, the only girl in the group—Hermione Granger—trembled slightly upon seeing Ares and buried her pale face in her chest.
"There is indeed one thing, Mr. Weasley—"
Professor McGonagall, clearly displeased at being interrupted, knew that in this situation, another reliable helper was invaluable. She took off her square spectacles, wiped them, put them back on, and seriously assessed Percy's condition.
"Take the first-years behind you to the Hospital Wing. After that... stay there and help."
Percy nodded happily.
"After hearing you accepted Albus's invitation, I've been wanting to talk to you, Ares, but tonight is obviously not suitable—"
Professor McGonagall lowered her head and said hurriedly, full of relief, to Ares:
"The priority is for you to get some rest—also... you know I don't praise people lightly, Ares, but tonight... beautifully done!"
For Professor McGonagall, that was truly high praise.
Ares smiled faintly, watching Professor McGonagall's back until she disappeared into the Great Hall, before turning his gaze to Percy and the others waiting.
Whenever his gaze swept across someone's face, their skin tightened instantly, and they lowered their head involuntarily... This was inevitable. Although Ares hadn't started teaching yet, he had already permanently established an unbreakable authority among these young wizards in another way!
"Hmm... who can help me with my suitcase?"
After a brief silence, Ares asked in a light tone.
"I will, Professor!"
Percy raised his hand immediately, staring at Ares with burning eyes, as if afraid someone would steal his chance to shine!
Seeing his sycophantic behavior, Harry noticed the twin brothers behind Percy making faces, and even Ron curled his lip secretly with a look of disdain.
"Oh, thank you then, Mr. Weasley."
Ares smiled, giving Percy a look of full affirmation, then let the Healer accompany him ahead.
"The Hospital Wing is on the fourth floor of the castle. Let's go—"
Percy turned to his youngest brother, Harry, and the others (Fred and George were already third-years and had to wait in the Great Hall for examination). He pointed at Ron, Harry, and Neville.
"You three, help the Professor carry the suitcase!"