"Time waits for no one. Black, who's been skulking in the shadows like some wretched, ugly rat, has finally exposed his whereabouts. If we don't hurry over and trap him now, who knows whether he'll vanish into hiding again."
Snape's smile grew increasingly grotesque. Visible excitement and joy—utterly incongruous with his usual demeanor—spread across his pallid, colorless features. Within that expression lay Snape's fervent desire to personally drag Sirius Black to justice with his own hands...
...Like bloody hell that's what it was!
Professor Snape already appeared somewhat terrifying to young wizards when expressionless. Now, grinning like this—if students witnessed it, by tomorrow outrageous rumors like "Professor Snape wants to devour people" would undoubtedly spread throughout Hogwarts. This looked thoroughly malevolent from every conceivable angle.
"Glenn, take me to the location you mentioned."
Snape seemed genuinely urgent. He lowered his head, suppressed his smile, and glanced at Glenn whilst speaking.
Glenn harbored no reservations about this. Now that they'd discovered Sirius Black's hiding place, swift action to apprehend him was the correct course. Though this affair seemed unrelated to him and Hermione—Sirius Black's target was most likely Harry Potter—since they'd unfortunately encountered him that afternoon, invisible threads had already bound their fates together.
Glenn still intended to personally witness Sirius Black's successful capture by Snape.
"In that case, I shall also—"
Hearing Snape speak thus, Dumbledore began to respond, planning to accompany them.
But Snape immediately interrupted Dumbledore's words with a sinister smile.
"No, no, my dear Headmaster. I believe you should remain at Hogwarts to organize others in maintaining order and soothing the students' fears and anxieties. Since the source of danger has been neutralized, I'm confident everyone can return to their warm, comfortable beds for a peaceful night's sleep."
"Oh, I nearly forgot—there's still someone within Hogwarts suspected of being Black's accomplice. Since that Black chose to act today, perhaps that individual will also make his move. Best to keep him under close surveillance. After all, today is rather a special day, or perhaps... heh, confining him to a sealed dungeon might prove the optimal solution."
Hermione started. What? There was still an expert... no, wait—Sirius Black had an accomplice?!
"Professor Snape, who is this accomplice you're referring to?"
Hermione was someone who immediately sought answers when questions arose. Since Professor Snape possessed the answer and stood right beside her, she spoke up at once.
Snape snorted coldly, then continued with obvious irritation:
"Who else could it be but your beloved new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin? Back in their Hogwarts days, those two were birds of a feather. Heh, not merely that, but I never expected..."
"Severus, enough."
Dumbledore spoke calmly, halting Snape's continuation.
"I'll remain at Hogwarts to maintain order. Sirius is in your hands, but there's one thing I hope you'll understand: don't let hatred cloud your vision. See clearly what your true objective is."
Upon hearing this, Snape slowly shifted his icy gaze to Dumbledore's face. Both parties regarded each other silently before simultaneously averting their eyes.
"We're leaving."
Snape stepped forward, delivering this declaration as he strode toward Hogwarts' main gates.
Glenn nodded, then turned to face Hermione and spoke.
"Hermione, you should remain in the castle. There's no need to accompany us."
Hermione, who'd been preparing to depart, froze, then regarded Glenn with confusion and fierce determination.
"Why? I require a reasonable explanation."
"The reason's quite simple. First, your current condition is poor—you're unsuitable to accompany us in confronting Sirius Black. Today's fatigue, drowsiness from a substantial dinner, and mental exhaustion from concentrated analysis have accumulated. It's nearly eleven o'clock, and you're already thoroughly tired. You've been yawning incessantly, rubbing your eyes, and your eyelids are drooping. Even if you force yourself alert now and secretly pinch your thigh beneath your sleeve to feign alertness, it won't suffice. You need rest."
"Second, I require someone to remain within Hogwarts castle who can relay information to me. You, possessing the earpiece, are undoubtedly the optimal choice. As Snape mentioned, there might be a Sirius Black accomplice within Hogwarts. Whilst Professor Snape and I proceed to the Shrieking Shack, should anything occur at Hogwarts, you can immediately inform us via earpiece. Conversely, if we discover something, I can relay it to you, and Hogwarts affairs will depend upon your judgment."
Glenn enumerated two points he'd considered beforehand, informing Hermione, then continued:
"Naturally, the second point isn't particularly crucial. Simply wear the earpiece whilst resting. Even should something transpire at Hogwarts, you needn't worry excessively. Professor Dumbledore should manage affairs adequately—leave troublesome matters to him."
Speaking thus, Glenn turned toward Dumbledore, whose stern expression softened. He smiled ruefully and nodded at Hermione.
Seeing Glenn lay everything bare, Hermione fell silent. She understood perfectly that her current state was absolutely unsuitable for stubbornly venturing forth. Having withdrawn from her concentrated surveillance state, forcibly suppressed waves of exhaustion began surging anew through her consciousness, battering her already clouded awareness.
"...Very well then. I shan't go."
Hermione was rational. Stubbornly following Glenn and the others now wouldn't help whatsoever—it might prove counterproductive. Obediently remaining at Hogwarts to rest properly was the sensible choice.
"But it's agreed—if there's genuinely something important, you absolutely cannot withhold information merely to ensure my rest. Also, protect yourself, or you'll answer to me later. Do you hear?"
Gently grasping Glenn's ear and leaning close, the threatening words Hermione spoke carried no edge whatsoever.
"Off with you then. Do take care."
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