Time always passes quickly and silently. In a blink of an eye, the first month of the second semester had come to an end. Any thrilling topic, however, paled in comparison to the mundane routine.
Armostad, who had entered Hogwarts under the guise of a special investigator appointed by the Board of Governors, had indeed caused a stir at first. However, due to his extremely low profile and the fact that two months had passed since the last attack, discussions about him quickly faded. Some people had even forgotten that there was a new investigator from Slytherin in the school.
Of course, some also believed that the reason the attacks hadn't continued was that the secretly hidden investigator had played a crucial deterrent role. For Harry, this was the best possible situation. People gradually stopped looking at him suspiciously.
In fact, since the second week of term, Malfoy, who had constantly arranged for Crabbe, Goyle, Daphne, Pansy, and others to take turns reporting Harry to Armostad's office, also seemed to realize that his behavior was boring and began to cease his activities.
There was another piece of good news: Hermione had finally shed her embarrassing black fur. Madam Pomfrey told them that she planned to officially discharge Hermione at the weekend. Fred and George had been quite unhappy lately.
Since learning about Mr. Blaine's methods of monitoring the academy, they hadn't dared to roam freely in the castle at night, because although Mr. Blaine seemed like a very easy-going person, it didn't mean he would tolerate repeated provocations.
Thursday evening, 8 PM. Armostad was in his office, watching Harry and Ron return to the Gryffindor common room, disappearing into the painting on the wall. Now, almost three weeks had passed since he posted that notice. Even Armostad himself had to admit that this first-hand probing had almost officially failed.
What should he do next? Should he release false information that the attacked young wizards had regained consciousness, or should he continue to wait? Armostad gazed at the photo of him and Grandma Filena on his desk, feeling undecided for a moment.
The glass surface reflected a blurred but still discernible young face, looking much more haggard than before. Armostad had to admit that he had underestimated the difficulty of this task, and also underestimated his opponent's patience.
Armostad's gaze shifted to the open letter lying on his desk, above the complex spell model derivations in his notebook. This letter had arrived this afternoon; the sender was Kakuz Phly.
Respected Mr. Blaine,
I sincerely apologize for disturbing you during your commission, Mr. Blaine, but there is something I believe you need to know. Recently, an unknown force has suddenly appeared in the underworld. They are inquiring everywhere about the whereabouts and true identity of
'Golden Viper.' Out of curiosity and caution, I investigated a little and found that their leader is precisely the client who previously issued that magical ruin exploration mission. Currently, I have not yet ascertained their purpose for seeking 'Golden Viper.'
Furthermore, I understand that Lucius Malfoy has been active recently, seemingly plotting to expel Albus Dumbledore from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Your loyal, Kakuz Phly.
Armostad rubbed his fingers, his expression cold and focused. His deep gaze continuously lingered on the brief text of the letter. "A group of people are investigating 'Golden Viper'?" This was truly interesting! Who could it be? Armostad pondered silently.
In the more than three years he had been active in the underworld under the name 'Golden Viper,' to be honest, he had offended quite a few people for various reasons. But if it was someone with a life-and-death grudge against him, it would undoubtedly be that group of brazen, thick-skinned werewolves.
However, since even Kakuz couldn't ascertain their identity, it was unlikely that the people investigating Golden Viper were those troublesome werewolves, because those guys never bothered to hide their identities. Kakuz provided too little information, and Armostad couldn't determine who was interested in him. Besides reminding himself to be more vigilant, there was no effective countermeasure for now.
As for the second point Kakuz mentioned, about Lucius Malfoy plotting to expel Dumbledore, Armostad wasn't too concerned. No sensible person would likely believe Malfoy could succeed in such a thing. Kakuz's reason for mentioning this in the letter was nothing more than a subtle reminder.
This was because the Malfoy and Greengrass families had strongly opposed the appointment of an investigator earlier. So, if Lucius Malfoy truly succeeded in briefly expelling Dumbledore from Hogwarts, then it would also mean that he would be immediately expelled, and in that case, the mission to find the 'Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets' would completely fail.
After a soft sigh, Armostad rose and went to the bookshelf. He pulled out a copy of the Daily Prophet from the bottom shelf, which had arrived by owl on Monday morning. The main pages of the newspaper mostly carried news of peace and prosperity.
Only a scathing review from Rita Skeeter about the Muggle Protection Act, enacted last summer and now in effect for over half a year, was somewhat interesting. However, Armostad didn't take out this newspaper to savor the amusing remarks of this journalist, famous for her acidic, harsh, and nonsensical words. He turned to the seventh page, staring at a small announcement in the bottom right corner, lost in thought.
"...Currently, upon recommendation by the St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries Director, and approved by the hospital board, it is confirmed that Ms. Adelina Phly will assume the position of Head of the Department of Peculiar Magical Infections. It is understood that Ms. Phly joined St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries as a Healer in September 1975, and has worked in that department for nearly eighteen years as of the reporting date."
Is this why Kakuz Phly desperately tried to take on the mission to find Slytherin's secret treasure? Armostad's gaze deepened. At first, he thought the person who issued this mission was merely a dark wizard or a wizard from a sect within the underworld coveting Slytherin's secret treasure.
But now, it seemed things were not that simple. Who exactly issued this commission? Armostad's mind reeled through a string of names of high-ranking Ministry of Magic officials, but he could never confirm the answer.
Knock, knock, knock— A sudden knock at the door interrupted Armostad's contemplation. He looked at the monitor and saw that it was Professor Snape. Living a life of nocturnal activity was too exhausting.
So, in these past few days, Snape would occasionally come to help out when he had time, allowing Armostad to rest properly. However, he usually sent Armostad a message beforehand, never visiting directly like this.
After returning to the school, Professor Snape had shown a very obvious aloofness towards him, which had once made Armostad feel very strange. However, after careful thought, he could somewhat understand it.
Professor Snape might have been afraid that if his old master were to return one day, he would likely become deeply entangled in the mud again, unable to extricate himself. At that time, if too many people knew about his close relationship with Snape, he would also be dragged into it. Therefore, Professor Snape's intentional coldness was probably meant to protect himself.
"Still no new discoveries?" Snape, always hurrying, strode into Armostad's office. He gazed at the young man with a haggard complexion behind the desk, wondering if it was due to brewing too many poisonous potions, causing a subtle change in his perpetually sallow and stiff face.
"Evidently." Armostad stood up and stretched widely, his tone languid. "Did you come to substitute?" "Headmaster Dumbledore wants to see you," Snape's lips moved mockingly. "Perhaps, you should prepare to be fired, Armostad—"
🚨 Note : Consider to Support this Story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access +300 advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update