Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban swept through every corner of the Wizarding World like a storm.
Harry had never imagined that one person's escape could cause such a huge commotion; even his journey home was enveloped by this storm.
On the Knight Bus, the conductor held that day's The Daily Prophet, which extensively reported on Black's escape.
Passengers continuously whispered, as if Black was everywhere, and might even appear before them the next second.
However, what truly surprised Harry was what happened after he returned to Dursley. As soon as he walked through the door, he saw Sirius Black's wanted poster on the Muggle television.
Unlike the Wizarding World's wanted poster, Black in this wanted poster didn't move, and his facial expression wasn't ferocious, but he looked very grim.
Harry's uncle, Vernon, stared at the television without blinking, his face full of vigilance.
On the screen, the news anchor was seriously warning the public: "...A reminder again, the escaped convict possesses deadly weapons and is extremely dangerous. If you have any leads, please contact the dedicated hotline immediately."
Looking at the wanted poster on the television screen, Harry was momentarily in disbelief.
This guy's wanted poster actually reached the Muggle world!
It turns out there is still a connection between the Wizarding World and the Muggle world; otherwise, how could a wanted poster be broadcast on Muggle television?
However, this also verified one thing: this escaped convict named Black is indeed very dangerous; otherwise, he wouldn't appear in Muggle news at all.
The scene on the television changed, and the news anchor began the weather forecast.
"In the next few days, the country will enter a high-temperature state; please pay attention to avoiding the heat..."
"Is that it?" Vernon roared indignantly, his voice making Harry's ears buzz.
"What did this madman do? Where did he escape from? What area is he probably in now? There's no specific information, so how are people supposed to take precautions!"
"These incompetent guys!"
Harry stood quietly to the side, unable to help but mutter a couple of words to himself.
Forget it, he still wouldn't tell his uncle the fact that Black was a Wizard, lest he fall into greater panic.
After all, Uncle Vernon's attitude towards Wizards had never been a secret; he always avoided that world.
Speaking of which, what kind of person is this guy named Black?
What does his escape have to do with him?
Why did Professor Snape specifically teach him a powerful magic today?
Harry's heart was full of questions.
Although Professor didn't explicitly say so, Harry could still understand that it was to prevent himself from encountering this Black.
Could it be that Black was coming for him?
Just as Harry was deep in thought, Vernon suddenly came back to his senses, the anger on his face instantly replaced by a smile.
He turned to look at Harry, his tone becoming surprisingly cordial.
"You're back, Harry. Was studying hard?"
"I've already signed the permission form for the magic village you want to visit; that form is on your desk. You'll see it when you go back to your room."
"I remember, Mr. Swan will pick you up tomorrow evening, right?"
"Come on, call Dudley and your aunt; we're going to a restaurant tonight. It's an early farewell for you."
Hearing Vernon emphasize the name "Mr. Swan" with extra stress, Harry instantly grasped the deeper meaning.
Got it, got it, isn't it just to put in a good word for you?
Easy!
...
Time flew by unnoticed, and in a blink of an eye, Harry's birthday quietly arrived.
Compared to last year's birthday, there were far fewer guests today.
Ron's family won The Daily Prophet grand prize, and with this Galleon, their whole family went to Egypt for a trip.
However, Ron always remembered his good friend and sent Harry a birthday present early via owl.
Hermione also didn't stay in Britain this summer; she went with her parents to a beach in France for vacation. According to her letter, she was completely tanned.
Although his friends didn't come, making Harry's birthday party less lively than last year, he didn't feel lonely at all.
Lupin and Hagrid arrived as promised, bringing a warm atmosphere to this birthday.
As the dinner neared its end, everyone sat on the sofa in the living room, holding drinks and chatting happily.
"Harry, after school starts, I'll be a Professor too. You must choose my class."
Hagrid said proudly with a smile on his face: "Oh, I forgot to tell you, I teach Care of Magical Creatures."
A hint of regret flashed across his face, "I originally suggested changing the textbook to 'The Monster Book of Monsters'."
"You don't know, that book is so interesting; if you don't open it the right way, it will bite people like a magical creature."
"It's just a pity Mr. Scamander didn't agree."
A book that bites?
That sounds a bit scary!
A drop of cold sweat ran down Harry's forehead.
If such a book were actually used, the students would surely be complaining bitterly.
Mr. Scamander did well to stop it!
"I also wrote in my lesson plan that in the first class, everyone would get to see a Hippogriff."
"However, this plan was also rejected by Mr. Scamander."
Hagrid looked crestfallen: "He actually told me to start teaching with Bowtruckle, fairies, and Flobberworms. It's so boring."
"Hagrid, fortunately, someone stopped you," Lupin said, teasing with a smile, "For Little Wizards, a Hippogriff is still too dangerous."
"Mr. Scamander's suggestion is correct. You should start with some adorable magical creatures; that way, you can also stimulate students' interest in learning."
"Adorable? I don't understand what's adorable about a Bowtruckle." Hagrid muttered softly, "A Hippogriff is clearly more adorable."
Hearing Hagrid's muttering, everyone laughed heartily and offered Hagrid advice.
Harry sat aside, happily listening to the adults discuss how to be a qualified Professor.
Watching Hagrid and Lupin laugh, Harry's heart suddenly stirred.
Hadn't he always been curious about what kind of person Sirius Black was?
Why not ask them now?
He hesitated for a moment, then casually asked Lupin and Hagrid.
"Hagrid, and Professor Lupin, have you heard about Sirius Black?"
As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly changed; the previously relaxed atmosphere seemed to solidify.
Lupin's face suddenly darkened, and he lowered his head in silence.
Hagrid, on the other hand, had an angry expression, his eyes red, as if he was trying his best to suppress some emotion.
His fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles making a faint creaking sound, as if he was about to lose control and smash something the next second.
Harry was stunned; this reaction was much stronger than he had expected.
Why was this happening?!
Could it be that his guess was correct, and this escaped convict named Sirius Black had a special connection to him?
No wonder when he asked Aunt Mia and Professor Swan, both of them stammered and quickly changed the subject after saying a few words.
Curiosity was like a spark, igniting in Harry's heart and instantly burning into a raging fire.
The intense desire made him impatient to know the truth behind it. He looked at Hagrid and them and asked eagerly.
"Can you tell me what Sirius Black has to do with me?"
"Please..."
...