The castle was peaceful for the next three days, and nothing unexpected happened. Most of the little wizards and staff in the castle were looking forward to the Christmas vacation.
There are also people who are not living well, for example, a retired professor who has to live in the same room with a cat that is very energetic and likes to quarrel with people. In addition, Harry has been a little distracted these days. That day The name he glanced at in the afternoon on the Marauder's Map pierced Harry's heart like a thorn, making him sleepless and sleepless.
Harry didn't tell Ron and Hermione about this, because he could predict their reactions. They would definitely think that he was under too much pressure, so they were hallucinating. But to be honest, even Harry himself was worried about himself. I couldn't believe what I saw.
The fact that Sirius Black's name appeared in Professor Blaine's office was so magical that people couldn't figure out what happened.
There was no moon outside the window, and the dormitory was pitch black after the lights were turned off.
After a while, Harry, who was lying on the bed and pretending to sleep, heard the familiar loud snoring one after another. He raised his head slightly and looked around. Then, he pulled out the Marauder's Map from under the soft mattress and covered himself with the quilt. Covered tightly.
After being reminded by Fred and George that day, Harry stopped carrying the map with him and hid it in his dormitory in order to prevent being raided.
Fluorescent flash!
Harry muttered something in a low voice and looked at the map again with the light of his wand.
Professor Brain's office is still empty, not only that short-lived name, but even Professor Brain's own name is not there.
Harry didn't feel too surprised about this situation.
After turning off the lights every night these days, Harry would take out the Marauder's Map and look at it. He never saw Professor Blaine's name appear.
What the hell is going on?
Stuffing the folded map under the quilt again, Harry opened his eyes wide and stared at the ceiling hidden in the darkness, thinking quietly.
In addition, why Professor Brain knew about the Marauder's Map was also something that puzzled them.
Harry discussed this matter with Ron and Hermione. The most likely possibility is that Professor Lupine revealed the existence of this map to Professor Blaine. There is only one possibility as to why Professor Lupine knew this - Professor Lupin He has seen it before, or he is simply the maker of the Marauder's Map.
But these are just speculations. It is impossible for Harry to go to Professor Lupin to ask clearly. If he does, he will just fall into a trap.
Hermione still held her original view. She hoped that he could hand over the map, but this suggestion was strongly opposed by Ron, and even Harry himself was unwilling to do so.
"Think about it, Hermione -"
Facing Hermione who was getting angry for not getting support, Harry had an idea and said, "At least I can use the map to monitor Black. If he has sneaked into Hogwarts, then I can get early warning."
Everyone knew that this was just an excuse, but Harry just didn't want to lose this interesting map.
"mean--"
Harry turned over and muttered, not knowing who he was talking about. Then, sleepiness swept over him like a tide, and his conscious consciousness gradually disappeared amidst the continuous snoring.
Dumbledore is back!
Early the next morning, Harry and Ron came to the Great Hall with Hatch in their arms, and learned the news from Hermione who had almost eaten.
"Really, Hermione?" Harry excitedly raised his head and searched for the staff table, but did not see the reassuring old figure with silver beard and hair. He asked earnestly,
"Where did he go? I didn't see him!"
"Dumbledore probably just came back this morning. He looked a little tired. Later, Professor Blaine also came down. After he talked to Professor Dumbledore for a few words, the two of them went out in the direction of the playground lawn together - "
Hermione frowned and said worriedly,
"Professor Brain looks tired too. I really hope it's not from taking care of Crookshanks."
............
Because of the cold weather for days, there is still a thick layer of snow on the lawn with no sign of melting. The top layer exposed to the air has even frozen into solid ice. Every time you step on it, it will make a crunching sound. sound.
For Amostar and Dumbledore, they both had ways to float easily on the snow, but they did not do so. They just walked steadily towards the completely frozen lake one step at a time. ŴŴŴ.
"You look tired,"
Under the wildly dancing willow branches, Dumbledore looked sideways at Amosta, who had two obvious dark circles under his eyes, with an apologetic look on his face.
"I'm sorry that I put you in a position of responsibility that was mine, Amosta."
"Just for the sake of that generous salary--"
The cold wind was biting, Amosta said with a shrug. He straightened his nose and sniffed the vaguely familiar smell emanating from Dumbledore, and raised his eyebrows slightly.
"I thought it was an illusion... Principal Dumbledore, did you go to the underground world under Knockturn Alley?"
"Haha, Mr. Jin Viper, you are very familiar with that place."
Dumbledore did not hide his whereabouts, he said with a smile,
"That's right, before I left, I told you that I was going to look for some clues about Tom's Horcrux.
Well, the journey couldn't be said to have been smooth. I was held back by Connelly, who asked me to accompany him in some difficult negotiations....
Later, I followed some clues and found the place where Tom had worked when he was young, and unearthed some unknown past events from there. One of the key figures was a house elf who was imprisoned by Tom. Azkaban, so I had to turn around and go to the Ministry of Magic to apply to visit Azkaban. After the Ministry of Magic checked the relevant information, I discovered that the house elf had been released from prison a year ago.
You know, it is difficult for a house elf who has committed a crime to find a home. I guessed that in order to make a living, it would probably go to the underground world, so I went to have a look. "
"oh--"
Amosta's expression suddenly turned regretful.
"You're a few steps late, Dumbledore."
"yes--"
Dumbledore smiled bitterly and said,
"I quietly checked the memories of some people, and I did find that the elf stayed in the underground world for a while, but the troll... Fortunately, I was lucky, and it escaped in the end."
The process is tortuous enough.
Amosta curled his lips, "Then did you find it in the end?"
"Not yet, but I believe it is only a matter of time before I find it. Yes, I have to hurry up. Considering the age of the elf, I am worried that it may not be able to survive this winter... Of course, I have not forgotten It is another responsibility that I bear on myself, so before starting a more difficult tracking, I took the time to come back and take a look."
"Then when you see that Hogwarts is the same without you, will you be a little disappointed, Principal Dumbledore?"
Amosta quipped.
"I'm really pleased, Amosta -" Dumbledore chuckled.
Dumbledore probably only stayed at Hogwarts for two days. After handling the backlog of materials, he left without a trace. Professor McGonagall was extremely angry because Dumbledore Tell her that she will probably not be able to come back until the next semester. During this period, she, several deans, and Amosta will be responsible for everything in the school.
"Maybe that's a good thing--"
Because he needed to help Remus cover a Hufflepuff Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, Amosta ate directly in the Great Hall at noon. Faced with Professor McGonagall's angry complaints, he said sympathetically,
"I mean Lucius Malfoy threatened the board of directors to remove Dumbledore in the first half of the year. At that time, it should have been smooth sailing-"
Reading Pavilion
