Chapter 37: The Council's Eye
Through the unremitting efforts of the wizard—who introduced himself as Evans—the initial confrontation gave way to a tense but civil conversation. After a protracted standoff, both sides reluctantly agreed to sit down and talk.
As Evans explained, he had pulled numerous strings and called in countless favors to finally land this particular assignment. He confirmed Solim's initial suspicion: he was an agent of the Council of Elders. His infiltration of Hogwarts served several purposes.
"First, and this is the main task for this year," Evans began, ticking points off on his fingers, "is to ensure the Philosopher's Stone does not leave Hogwarts. This directive comes straight from the Council's Executive Committee. As long as the Stone remains within the castle, my job is done. I don't care about the theatrics surrounding it."
"Second, a standard duty for any agent stationed here, is to gather intelligence on the student body. Talents, personalities, relationships, academic performance, notable actions... essentially, a comprehensive profile on every young witch and wizard. This information is analyzed to determine potential future threats and, more importantly, to identify promising individuals for future... cultivation." He glanced around the room. "After all, families like the Selwyns and the Orvises are the exception, not the rule. Scuol is formidable, but it cannot hope to educate everyone."
"Third," he said, his tone shifting slightly, "is to observe Albus Dumbledore."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
"That's right. Observe him. I don't intervene. I simply watch and report." Evans leaned back. "Dumbledore has never been a member of the Council. For a wizard of his power operating outside our structure, surveillance is standard procedure."
He went on to clarify the Council's seemingly indifferent stance on Voldemort. The Council's jurisdiction spanned all of Europe; Britain was but a single, relatively remote province in a vast continent. A madman terrorizing one province, who showed no ambition to expand his campaign internationally, was, from the Council's panoramic view, a localized issue. They had limited attention to spare. After all, their response to the global threat of Gellert Grindelwald had been... measured. Some wondered if it was deliberate inaction—a dark thought best not examined too closely, lest the implications become terrifying.
So, for the two most powerful wizards in Britain, both operating outside the Council's direct control, the official policy was one of vigilant monitoring. In layman's terms: the Council would watch the conflict between Dumbledore and Voldemort unfold. If Dumbledore won, they might even send a congratulatory note. If he fell, they would not intervene to clean up his mess. Only if Voldemort's actions threatened to spill beyond Britain's borders would the Council step in with full force.
Evans was the Council's eye at Hogwarts, fixed upon Dumbledore. His mission was one of passive observation, reporting everything back to his superiors.
"And I must say," Evans added with a wry smile, "it's a rather cushy assignment. Staying comfortably at Hogwarts, popping down to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer when I please, waking up naturally... it's more of a paid vacation than a mission." The only hardship was maintaining his Animagus form for extended periods, but that was a minor inconvenience compared to the dangerous fieldwork many of his colleagues faced. This "beautiful difference," as he called it, was highly sought after, and he had leveraged his connections to secure it.
As Solim had deduced, Neville's uncle, Algie, was the one who had facilitated the placement. Why else would a family elder gift a child such a listless, unappealing toad?
However, Evans had a complaint. He had expected a tranquil posting, but had underestimated the sheer chaos generated by the student body, particularly the Gryffindors.
"According to my files, Gryffindor students have the thickest dossiers," he grumbled. "Especially a certain Harry Potter and the Weasley twins. The number of incidents I've had to log..." He sighed. "I just followed Potter and the youngest Weasley boy back from Hagrid's hut. I'd barely gotten back to the common room to write my report when you lot grabbed me."
"I had a feeling something was wrong on the way here," Evans admitted, shooting a look at Neville. "You were holding me far too tightly, my boy. You nearly squeezed the life out of me."
The comment was so absurd that no one knew how to respond.
"So, to be clear, Headmaster Dumbledore is aware of your presence?" Solim pressed, steering the conversation back on track.
"Indeed. While we haven't been formally introduced, every Hogwarts Headmaster is made aware that the Council maintains an observer at the school. It's an understanding." Evans nodded.
"Selwyn," Evans said, his gaze settling on Solim, a knowing glint in his eye. "I know what you're worried about. Your... 'exploits' have certainly made the rounds. Toppling the Ritch heir is arguably the most exciting news in Britain's darker circles in years." He gave a casual thumbs-up, its meaning ambiguous—either genuine admiration or mocking irony. "But rest easy. My name isn't Ritch, and I'm not one of those sycophants who live and die by family favor. This is just a job."
From the side, Snape observed Solim with a new, calculating intensity. He had been unaware of his student's extracurricular activities, but Evans's words painted a picture of a boy far more dangerous than he had assumed.
Solim was inclined to believe him. A lie this flimsy would be instantly debunked the moment Snape reported to Dumbledore. The Headmaster's response would be swift and final.
"It seems this conversation has reached its conclusion," Solim stated. "There's nothing more to be said."
"I disagree," Snape countered, his face a stony mask.
Evans looked at the Potions Master, a flicker of genuine respect in his expression. "Remarkable. Your Occlumency... to have honed it to such a level. It must make you nearly impervious to even the most skilled Legilimens." It was a sharp observation. Snape's mental defenses were so formidable he could lie directly to Lord Voldemort himself, for whom Legilimency was as natural as breathing.
"So, Evans," Solim redirected, "now that you're exposed, what are your plans?"
Evans shrugged. "What is there to change? I continue my work. Every Headmaster knows the Council has a presence here. This little reveal just makes it overt. It changes nothing."
He leaned forward, his tone becoming pointed. "Let me be perfectly clear. My role here is that of a 'spectator' and a 'recorder.' Do you understand?" The subtext was unmistakable: I am here to watch, not to participate. Whatever turmoil engulfs Hogwarts, do not expect me to intervene.
A slow, cold smile spread across Solim's face. "Is that so? Then I expect your workload is going to increase considerably over the next few years."
He knew better than anyone what storms were destined to break over Hogwarts.