bioinnovel Chapter 197 Things Have Come to This
Chapter 197 Things Have Come to This
Chapter 197 Things Have Come to This
The silence in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom lasted for a long time.
The oppressive silence was finally broken by a series of rumbling stomach noises.
As the headmaster, Dumbledore spoke slowly, immediately reassuring the other three professors.
He said, "Peter Pettigrew should still be hiding in the castle. After that night, I strengthened the castle's defenses, and Animagus form can no longer enter or leave the castle."
On Halloween Eve, Dumbledore immediately made targeted adjustments to the castle's defensive magic in order to guard against Sirius and Peter's Animagus forms.
Dumbledore continued, "Hogwarts is the safest place for Peter Pettigrew; he has no reason to run away from the school."
In an effort to capture the fugitive Sirius Black, the Ministry of Magic has laid a massive trap around the school, using not only terrifying Dementors, but also Aurors, Strikers, and law enforcement.
Even if Peter Pettigrew chooses to run away from school because of any disturbances at school, the Aurors will still notice strangers who suddenly appear around the school.
Moreover, with Sirius Black lurking outside, Hogwarts is actually Peter Pettigrew's sanctuary.
Peter Pettigrew only needs to patiently hide in the school and wait for the Ministry of Magic to arrest Sirius Black. Then, he can escape the school when the guards are less vigilant, and from then on, he can live a carefree life.
"If I were him, I wouldn't step out of the school unless I was completely desperate," Belvina agreed with Dumbledore. "I would choose to wait patiently and do everything I can to buy time."
Dumbledore stroked his silver beard that reached his waist and continued, "That's right, so we absolutely cannot act rashly again. If we push him too far, he might risk escaping."
Finding a mouse that's deliberately hiding in such a huge castle is already difficult enough, let alone letting it escape outside...
It's like finding a needle in a haystack.
"Furthermore, we must be even more careful," Dumbledore said. "The Animagus form of a wizard can communicate with other animals of his own kind."
After Halloween, Peter Pettigrew will likely use the other mice in the castle to monitor Dumbledore, Belvina, and Lupin's every move to ensure his own safety.
Belvina muttered a curse under her breath, "Damn stinking rat!"
In the past six months, Belvina has been swearing in a low voice much more frequently, making her a prime example of impotent rage.
Bassheda nodded in deep agreement. Faced with Peter the Pettigrew, who could turn into a mouse, the ancient Runewin Sweetheart felt extremely frustrated, with a feeling of having energy but nowhere to use it constantly lingering around her.
"Should I increase surveillance of the secret passages, especially those leading off campus?" Lupin asked. "I mean, as long as I'm in good health."
"Of course, being careful and cautious is never a mistake," Dumbledore said. "Bassheda, help Remus out when you have time."
Professor Lupin experiences minor, hairy problems every month, and he needs to be punctual for his holidays. He cannot independently complete the task of monitoring the various secret passages.
Dumbledore then looked at Belvina and said, "Belvina, I think you need to talk to Harry and try to find out from him whether the pet has returned to its owner."
"I'll try," Belvina said. "I'm not sure if our Mr. Potter still trusts me."
"Not as much as possible, Belvina," Dumbledore said seriously. "Our opportunity will come if the pet returns to its owner."
As I said before, finding a mouse in the castle is difficult. Peter Pettigrew, who is back with Ron, is the best opportunity to catch him, and we cannot afford to miss it.
Hearing the headmaster's order, which brooked no refusal, Belvina felt a chill run down her spine. She was truly uncertain and had no idea what Harry's attitude would be.
Harry must have overheard the "truth" at the Three Broomsticks pub today; who knows if that honest guy will change his mind now.
According to Fudge, Hagrid, and Professor McGonagall, Sirius Black betrayed James and Lily to Voldemort, and was the culprit behind the Potters' tragic deaths. Such a deep-seated hatred could very well influence Scarface's judgment.
Belvina Black is Sirius Black's younger sister. Will Harry still choose to trust her?
"Remus, and Basilda, the secret passage in and out of the castle and school is in your hands," Dumbledore said. "You must not let him leave the school."
Both Bassheda and Lupin nodded in agreement, neither of them having any objections.
Then, Dumbledore looked again at the silent Belvina and said, "Hermione Granger, and the Weasley twins, they've both taken your classes, haven't they?"
"I understand," Belvina said. "And Neville Longbottom, I think Mr. Longbottom would be willing to help."
Dumbledore nodded, then walked toward the classroom door, seemingly preparing to leave.
Dumbledore, who had reached the classroom door, suddenly stopped. His hand was already on the brass spherical doorknob. He turned around and said, "I have an appointment with Cornelius for lunch. This is a good opportunity to test his attitude."
If everything goes smoothly, and Sirius Black is found and Peter Pettigrew is captured, then the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, will be indispensable in the subsequent overturning of the case.
After explaining his whereabouts, Dumbledore turned the brass ball handle, pushed open the door, and walked out of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
The three professors who remained in the classroom exchanged glances; catching Peter Pettigrew was the most important thing right now.
"Remus, I don't know much about the school's secret passages," Bassheda said embarrassedly. She had spent most of her student years in the library and wasn't interested in the school's secret passages.
"No problem, leave this to me," Lupin said. "I have some knowledge of the intricate network of secret passages in the school; I'll explain it to you step by step."
Lupin suddenly stopped talking and said, "I suddenly remembered something, something very important."
"You'd better really have something to say," Belvina said irritably, her temper flaring up at the sight of the two illegal Animagus.
"I'm not joking. Something that suddenly occurred to me will help us find that old friend," Lupin said seriously. "Please allow me to keep you in suspense for now. I'm going to see Filch now to retrieve some old things from my student days."
As he spoke, Lu Ping walked towards the classroom door. His weak body made his steps look somewhat unsteady, but very firm.
Lupin, who was standing at the classroom door, pushed the door open again, but instead of leaving immediately, he waited there with great poise.
"See you later, Remus," Bassheda said as she walked out of the classroom.
Belvina said nothing; her conscience still intact, she simply patted Lupin's arm lightly as a gesture of comfort.
Whoever betrayed James and Lily, whether it was Sirius or Peter Pettigrew, it was bad news for Lupin.
The only saving grace is that Lupin and Sirius were probably closer, and if Sirius hadn't been the whistleblower, Lupin might have felt a little better.
After leaving the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Belvina and Bassheda headed straight for the Great Hall downstairs. Although lunchtime was already halfway through, it wasn't too late yet.
The Great Hall was deserted and quiet during lunchtime. The middle and upper-grade students were still in Hogsmeade Village and had not returned. Only the younger students sat around the house table.
There were many people in the faculty seats. Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Hagrid had all returned to the school, unaware that they had already told Harry the whole "truth."
Dumbledore and Fudge, who had arranged to have lunch together, did not appear in the Great Hall. They were probably having lunch in the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore, who had something to say, would certainly choose a private space.
Belvina, sitting in the faculty section, kept glancing up at the Gryffindor table, but Harry never appeared.
Having overheard the truth from the Three Broomsticks, it seems Harry has no desire to stay in Hogsmeade Village or come to the Great Hall for dinner.
Belvina took a deep breath. Whatever, it's come to this, might as well eat first!