Peeves causing a lunchtime commotion naturally resulted in Dumbledore personally stepping in to deal with him.

  No one knew what spell or authority the headmaster used, but he successfully expelled Peeves from Hogwarts altogether.

  However, for several nights in a row, Peeves smmed himself against the towers of Gryffindor and Ravencw, shouting, "Let me in!" Eventually, both houses' students agreed unanimously to let him back.

  But the main point wasn't Peeves' banishment or his nightly disturbance of students' sleep. The real highlight was that, on the day of the flying cakes, a rge dollop of cream nded squarely on top of Quirrell's head. Already wearing a turban, Quirrell now looked like he had a cake sitting on his head.

  Yet even in such a ridiculous and disheveled state, Quirrell refused anyone's help. He wouldn't even accept a simple Scourgify and instead clutched his turban tightly and fled in embarrassment. Before he could make it out of the Great Hall, Peeves struck again—grabbing his turban and causing it to unravel into a long trail. Still, Quirrell desperately held down the part covering his head and ran off.

  As a result, Quirrell became the newest ughingstock at Hogwarts, following right after Hagrid. The entire school was in stitches over the scene.

  This sparked the curiosity of several students, who began various attempts to investigate Professor Quirrell's turban. It caused Quirrell great distress, and he now left the cssroom immediately after lessons to avoid further interaction.

  Regulus Bck believed this incident would significantly dey Quirrell's attempts to explore the third-floor corridor.

  In the school library, Regulus had seen Hagrid multiple times reading books about dragons and dragon care. It might have been the first time since leaving student life that Hagrid had studied so earnestly.

  After Peeves was allowed back in just a few days ter, Regulus still ordered him to keep an eye on Hagrid—especially when Harry Potter was around. He needed to know everything they discussed.

  Regulus also took advantage of Hagrid's absence to check his hut. Sure enough, he found a dragon egg hidden away—specifically, a Hungarian Horntail egg. Soon after, the egg was pced in a cauldron and kept warm by the firepce for long-term incubation.

  Time was about right. Regulus Bck headed to the Ministry of Magic to request a visit with his retives imprisoned in Azkaban—mainly to see his wrongly accused brother, Sirius Bck. And while he was at it, he figured he might as well also see his cousin, Beltrix Lestrange—the madwoman who had fallen in love with Voldemort.

  Regulus had submitted visitation requests many times before, ever since Dumbledore had vouched for him and helped him recim his family assets from the Ministry. However, he had never pushed the matter too aggressively—until now.

  This was the right way to do things: keep the process in motion so that when the time came, the goal could be achieved. So Regulus went straight to Minister Fudge and made a strong appeal.

  "Minister Fudge! I've already submitted numerous requests, but I must say, the Ministry's efficiency is utterly disheartening. They just keep passing the matter up the chain. That's why I've come to you personally now. Please, understand how deeply I care about my family."

  What he really meant was: everyone else keeps pushing the responsibility upward, and since Fudge is the Minister himself, there's no one above him. So hurry up and approve it.

  "Don't you have family, Minister? If people found out you were this cold and heartless, it would only chill the hearts of your own kin."

  Seeing Fudge still hesitating, Regulus pressed harder and even threatened to make the matter public.

  "Fine, fine! I'll approve your request. But an Auror must accompany you."

  As far as Minister Fudge was concerned, he'd rather lock Regulus Bck in Azkaban than allow him to visit.

  Still, considering Dumbledore's endorsement and Regulus's recent actions, he clearly fit the image of a pure-blood heir trying to restore his family's honor.

  Following the rules might be a stretch, but from defending his brother immediately after getting out of trouble, to fighting for the return of his family's property—his efforts had gained recognition among many pure-blood wizarding families.

  So, if Regulus Bck just wanted to visit his retives, then let him go.

  Fudge signed the approval and, like trying to get rid of a pgue, quickly ushered Regulus out the door.

  With the signed pass from the Minister, Regulus Bck made his way to the Auror Command Center. Judy Fox, the Auror team leader, was assigned to accompany him to Azkaban. With her involved, Fudge probably wouldn't come back to question the decision.

  As Judy Fox ran a golden fingernail across Regulus Bck's cheek, she looked absolutely delighted that this cold, aloof man had come to find her again.

  "Judy! I'm here on official business. This is the Minister of Magic's signed approval."

  Regulus Bck tried to compose himself and appear serious as he handed over the document.

  "Maybe we can find a bit of fun in Azkaban!"

  Flipping through the papers without even reading them, Fox's only thought was to turn the trip into a pleasure outing in a different location.

  "If our actions wouldn't attract Dementors, I'd be happy to indulge you."

  Regulus Bck picked up a strand of her champagne-blonde hair and slowly twirled it around his finger.

  Dementors fed on human happiness. If they were to engage in such a heated act in front of those creatures, the passion between man and woman would likely draw every Dementor in Azkaban straight to them. For the people involved, that would be nothing short of a disaster.

  "All right, you're right... I just... I missed you too much."

  Judy Fox tightened her arms around Regulus Bck's waist before stepping back and switching to a more professional demeanor. She signed the form and processed the necessary paperwork. By now, she was quite experienced in handling matters for Regulus Bck—experienced in more ways than one.

  The Department of Magical Law Enforcement had established a prison on a small, cold isnd in the North Sea. It was called Azkaban.

  Azkaban was a wizarding prison located on a remote isnd far from any popution. It was guarded by terrifying creatures called Dementors, who survived by feeding on the souls of others.

  In Azkaban, it only took a few weeks for inmates to go mad. They would scream in their sleep, shout incoherently, go on hunger strikes, and descend into madness. Many lost the will to live.

  Countless unfortunate souls had met their tragic end within this terrifying prison.

  Even those who managed to escape had their spirit, health, and youth utterly drained by the pce.

  The Dementors were fearsome wardens. They drained prisoners of every ounce of hope and happiness. The torment was relentless, and no one had ever escaped—because even beyond the prison walls, there was nothing but sea.

  Many Death Eaters were imprisoned there under strict watch by Dementors.

  Most in the wizarding world feared the pce—including Harry's friend, Hagrid. But Sirius Bck, Harry's godfather, had actually escaped.

  During the ter stages of the war against the Dark forces, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Bartemius Crouch Sr., sent many people to Azkaban without trial. Sirius was one of them, even though he was innocent.

  "Azkaban really is a fine fortress. If it weren't Ministry property, I'd love to cim it for myself."

  Those were the first words out of Regulus Bck's mouth after Judy Fox used a special Portkey to bring them there—nearly causing her to stumble from surprise.

  Seeing her weak-kneed reaction, Regulus remained unfazed and continued speaking.

  "Don't you think the atmosphere here suits me perfectly? Cold, lifeless, hopeless, and grim—it gives me a sense of home."

  He nearly spread his arms wide as if to embrace it all, just short of bursting into song.

  Azkaban! This pce definitely needed to be added to his List of Hideouts.

  After a long walk through the castle's corridors, Regulus Bck finally arrived at a small cell—where he saw his brother.

  "My foolish brother! I've come to see you. Bet you never expected that, did you?"

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