Erwin nodded. "Yeah, you've turned into a rat-eater again."
Nagini looked a little embarrassed. "Sorry for causing you trouble."
Erwin waved it off. "It's nothing, but this state won't work. Your snake form might not harm me, but it's brimming with killing intent toward everyone else—bound to stir up trouble. Unless your growing magic can suppress it."
Nagini shook her head. "I can't."
Erwin nodded. "I figured. So, two options: I get someone to brew a potion to dampen your magic. It'll stall your power in both forms, keeping your strength static. Or you come with me to Hogwarts. You'll mostly be in python mode since term starts soon, but I can keep an eye on you and ensure no one gets hurt."
Nagini's eyes lit up. "I don't crave power. I want to see the wizarding world as it is now—to live a normal life."
Erwin agreed. "Fine, but in return, I need your python venom and blood."
"Deal," she said. "Though I don't know when it'll show up again."
Erwin smirked. "Don't worry, I do."
He tapped her forehead, channeling a surge of magic. Nagini went limp, her human form giving way to the enormous python once more.
Simple as that. He'd just sealed off her human-like magic fluctuations. No resistance possible.
The python blinked in confusion, its triangular eyes hazy.
"Some venom?" Erwin asked gently.
She understood, nodding faintly. Erwin summoned a small vial with a flick of his wrist—no need for theatrics like an oversized bucket after all.
Ten minutes later, Nagini was human again. Erwin pocketed two crystal vials: one of blood, one of venom.
"There," he said. "I'll have a suppression potion made for you. Once it's ready, head to the Cavendish Tower for quarters. Or use these Galleons to find your own place if you prefer."
Nagini beamed with gratitude. "Thank you so much!"
Erwin raised an eyebrow. "Don't get the wrong idea—this is your salary. You'll be working at the tower. What, did you think it was charity?"
She scratched her head, unfazed. A job for pay sounded fair enough.
Time flew, as it always did in the wizarding world. Another half month vanished, signaling Hogwarts' return. Diagon Alley buzzed with activity—parents towing wide-eyed first-years, even a few awestruck Muggles on their inaugural visits. The sight of enchanted mobiles in every hand only added to the wonder.
Up in the Cavendish Tower's top-floor office, Lucius chatted with Draco and Erwin. Draco fidgeted by the window, peering at the throng below.
His eyes sparked. "Father, Headmaster—there's Harry and his lot! I'm off to shop with them for term."
Lucius nodded permission. Draco bolted for the lift, tension easing from his shoulders.
Alone now, Erwin turned to Lucius. "So, any luck smuggling that diary into Hogwarts?"
Lucius sighed. "Nothing solid. It's proving tricky."
Erwin joined him at the window, scanning the crowd. "Looks like opportunity's knocking."
Lucius followed his gaze, spotting a flash of red hair amid the Weasleys. A sly smile tugged at his lips. "You're onto something. But we need a plan."
"You'll think of one, Uncle," Erwin said confidently.
Lucius straightened. "Right, then. I'll handle it."
As he left, Old Tom slipped in. "Master, all purchases are complete."
"Good. Hold the fort—I'm off to catch the show."
Old Tom nodded without prying. Erwin wasted no time, slipping out to trail Lucius from afar.
Sure enough, he watched Lucius and the Weasleys file into Flourish and Blotts, one after another. Erwin's grin widened. The real fun was about to start.
The bookstore teemed with witches and wizards, all drawn by Gilderoy Lockhart's signing event. The man knew how to sell himself—flashy robes, dazzling smile, and that effortless charisma. Erwin had to admit, the git's showmanship was his one redeeming quality. And truthfully, Lockhart had been a boon: so transparently vain, he was the perfect tool.
Erwin found a shadowed corner, settling in to watch. Lockhart pranced on stage like a performing peacock, and Erwin suppressed a chuckle. What a patsy. What a waste—he'd be gone by year's end.
Pity. One last hurrah, then.
The crowd parted moments later, a scuffle breaking out at the center. Lucius and Arthur Weasley, nose-to-nose, trading barbs that escalated to blows. Wizards cleared space, murmurs rippling through the room.
Erwin savored his purchased ice cream, nibbling as the chaos unfolded. "Sloppy footwork there," he muttered at one wild swing. "Lucius, mate, your guard's down—groin shot's wide open!"
When Arthur landed a fierce heart punch that blackened Lucius's eye, Erwin whistled low. "Blimey, Weasley's got bite. Who keeps a ponytail in a scrap? Asking for it."
The brawl was pure entertainment—fists flying, spells half-drawn but held back by the Ministry's watchful eyes. Lockhart blustered from the dais, inserting himself dramatically, while the crowd buzzed with scandalized delight. By the time shop hands and Aurors broke it up, Lucius stormed out with a bruised ego and a stolen diary tucked away, courtesy of the "accidental" swap amid the melee.
Erwin finished his treat, slipping out unnoticed. Perfect timing. The school's eve just got a whole lot more interesting.
...
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