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Chapter 262: Responses
Chapter 262: Responses
Chapter 262: Responses
Emerging from the infirmary, Felix stood by the window in the castle corridor. In the distance, he could see the young wizards and witches returning from the holidays, appearing from below the long slope. Even though he couldn't hear their voices, he could imagine their excited conversations from their gestures.
"School starts tomorrow. I should probably ask Percy Weasley during the feast, the seventh and sixth years. This time period tends to evoke certain thoughts..." Felix murmured to himself. "And there's Dumbledore's conversation with Lupin. Though I'm not privy to the specifics, one can infer from the Headmaster's demeanor afterward."
"It's as if I'm standing at a crucial juncture of a play. What lies ahead – an ordinary resolution or a mind-bending twist?"
"Felix—"
Professor McGonagall's voice echoed from the other end of the corridor. She was hurrying, her robes trailing behind her.
"My Patronus couldn't find you..." She reached Felix, her chest heaving, and rapidly spoke, "Dumbledore has arranged a series of tasks. Hagrid and Snape went to the station to pick up students, Filch is adjusting the school's protective enchantments, and a few secret passages need to be temporarily sealed... Dumbledore himself is meeting with the centaur chieftain—"
A flicker of realization crossed Felix's mind, and he cautiously asked, "Did Headmaster Dumbledore mention anything about the rat in his orders?"
"Oh," Professor McGonagall gave him a strange look. "Dumbledore said you might know and instructed me not to keep it from you. But it's best not to spread this information—"
"I need to go to the infirmary and the common room, check if Weasley's rat is still there. Merlin's beard, when Dumbledore told me, I could hardly believe it – it turns out Scabbers might actually be an Animagus, possibly a black wizard."
"Is there anything I can do, Miller?"
"There are two secret passages directly connecting to Hogsmeade within the castle. We need your help to seal them..."
Later, in the staff room next to the Great Hall, Felix once again encountered Dumbledore. He was engaged in an intense conversation with Professor McGonagall, both wearing grave expressions.
"Percy Weasley told me, it was twelve years ago..."
Apart from McGonagall, Felix also noticed Lupin, whom he hadn't seen in a while. He appeared tired, even more so than before.
McGonagall was reporting the tasks assigned by Dumbledore, "...Hagrid and Snape carried out their duties perfectly, without any mishaps. Filch will need some more time. As for the seven secret passages, four were sealed a long time ago. The other three, the one under the Whomping Willow – I was advised to leave it be – and then the remaining two..." She looked at Felix.
Felix responded, "The one leading to the one-eyed witch statue on the fourth floor has been sealed with a spell. The collapsed passage behind the mirror on the fifth floor."
After a brief pause, he couldn't help but inquire, "Dumbledore, I'm having a hard time understanding. Are you concerned that Black might use these passages to enter the castle? Why not set traps in them?"
Dumbledore shook his head gently, "The risks are too great. They directly lead into the heart of the castle. I've only left the one near the Forbidden Forest, hoping it might reveal some trace of Black."
He looked at the three present, his voice low, "Until matters become clear, I'd rather not have too many people know. The three of you – one entangled with the past, one my trusted deputy, and another who might have caught a glimpse..."
"I must tell you: Sirius Black's betrayal of the Potters is in doubt. The presumed-dead Peter Pettigrew might still be alive, and he might have been living as Ron Weasley's pet rat, Scabbers, for twelve whole years."
McGonagall exclaimed, "Merlin's beard! Is that true, Albus? You mentioned a dark wizard before..."
Lupin gazed at Felix, his expression calm and composed, devoid of any surprise. Just as Dumbledore had mentioned – Felix Harp was an exceedingly perceptive individual, perhaps the most exceptional Slytherin student in decades.
Half a term had passed, and he had developed a certain understanding of this astonishingly young professor. When he first learned of Felix's achievements during his school years, he was utterly taken aback.
These accomplishments far surpassed anything they themselves had done, including the dueling event that had caused a sensation in the wizarding world. Lupin had heard a more complete version of that story, and since then, he had maintained a respectful distance from Felix. He believed that getting too close could lead to his own identity being uncovered...
Dumbledore responded in a hushed voice, "I'm uncertain, Miller. The two most crucial figures – Black is still at large, and Scabbers is nowhere to be found. He might even have vanished for good..."
Lupin interjected, "That possibility is quite low. I know him. If Scabbers truly is Peter, he'd be observing from a distance he deems safe, waiting until events align with his expectations before revealing himself."
Dumbledore nodded, "That's another reason why I've refrained from disclosing this secret. Aside from the lack of evidence, I'm secretly hoping Ron Weasley's pet might emerge on its own. It would save us a great deal of time."
Uneasily, Professor McGonagall inquired, "Albus, should we inform the Potters?"
"It's better not to." Dumbledore rejected her suggestion. "Miller, for every additional person who knows the secret, the risk of leaks multiplies tenfold. Besides, should the Potters show even a hint of involvement, that rat might vanish forever."
He paused, "And the worst possibility is that the rat might harm them."
Felix suggested, "Perhaps we could disclose some of this to Miss Granger. We can't keep a constant watch on them, and based on my understanding of these three students, they're likely to take matters into their own hands."
Dumbledore looked troubled, "That is indeed a concern, Felix. You are well acquainted with Miss Granger. Do you believe she's up to the task?"
"I believe so," Felix glanced at Lupin, "She's adept at uncovering truths and keeping secrets."
At the conclusion of this brief conversation, Lupin couldn't resist asking Dumbledore, "Could we inform the Ministry, so they'll exercise some leniency when facing Sirius?"
"And on what grounds?" Dumbledore countered, his bright blue eyes shining in the dim room.
"All of this is based on assumptions, speculations about our existing questions. But Black has always been the secret-keeper for the Potters. You agree on that point as well, Remus? I provided crucial testimony to the Ministry back then. From the information I've received, he offered no defense during private questioning. Hence, I'm thoroughly disappointed in him..."
"We lack evidence. Relying solely on a photograph of a common rat, the Ministry would find it difficult to accept your testimony. Moreover, once they learn of your identity—" Dumbledore continued, "Your words would be severely discounted."
Lupin's expression dimmed. To testify, he would inevitably have to reveal what happened in the past, and his status as a werewolf wouldn't be spared. The wizarding world knew all too well the Ministry's stance on werewolves.
"Remus, we've done our best under the circumstances."
The short meeting ended, and both Professor McGonagall and Lupin left. "Felix—" Dumbledore called him from behind, and Felix looked at the headmaster with confusion.
"If you apprehend Black – and I have no doubt you will – I hope you can keep him under control, without letting anyone else know, especially Severus and the Ministry."
"The Ministry I understand, but Professor Snape—"
"The misunderstandings between them run deep. I fear Severus might act recklessly. For now, I must weigh my options more carefully, Felix."
"...I promise you, Headmaster."
Felix left the staff room and entered the bustling Great Hall. Waves of excited voices filled the air as everyone chatted loudly. He spotted Fred and George tapping their goblets and empty plates with their utensils, creating a crisp sound.
...
The banquet concluded amidst laughter and cheers. Felix returned to his office and replayed the day's events in his mind. He realized that the crux of the matter lay in Sirius Black and Scabbers. Capturing either one of them could unveil the long-buried truth.
Shaking his head, he decided to focus on his teaching for the new term. The Room of Requirement had undergone significant changes, giving him a great idea.
"As I attempt this in the Ancient Runes class for seventh years, the world of thought is becoming increasingly marvelous. What it will transform into by the end – even I cannot predict."
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