Hogwarts starts with stealing power.

"This is impossible!" Ron shouted in disbelief.

Anyone who knew that the pet that had been with them for many years was actually a wizard in disguise would be shocked.

And this is not an ordinary wizard, but a very evil wizard. It is as terrifying as if the one who has been staying by your pillow for many years is a murderer!

Ron couldn't accept this and kept saying it was impossible.

Lin Xia came towards him and cast a spell: "Refresh your mind!"

Ron calmed down a little, his confused thoughts returned to normal, and he tried his best to find a balance.

Ron said, "What proof is there that I would never listen to a cat?"

Hermione frowned and said unconvincedly, "Ron, what's wrong with a cat? My cat is definitely the best cat! It won't lie. I know Crookshanks!"

Ron: "But I know my Scabbers! How could he be a wizard? It's impossible!"

Harry and Draco looked at each other, their minds a little confused.

Harry subconsciously said, "How can an evil wizard transform himself into a mouse? What kind of spell can do this? And he can pretend to be a mouse for more than ten years. This is impossible, right?"

Draco also found it hard to believe. If this was true, it could only mean that this wizard was really too patient.

But if it’s not true... No, since this sentence came from Lin Xia’s mouth, it must be true and cannot be false.

Draco has great trust in Lin Xia. This is the result of his many years of experience with Lin Xia.

"Yes, Harry, Professor McGonagall told us a few days ago - Animagus! This is the power of Animagus, which allows wizards to transform into animals!"

Harry said in shock, "Who was that person who turned into Scabbers?"

Lin Xia's calm voice came: "I also want to know who it is. It was difficult to know before, but the twin seniors have a live map.

Anyone who enters Hogwarts will leave a trace on the map, and we can use the Marauder's Map to find this person."

Ron said anxiously, "I'll go borrow it now!"

"No need, Ron." Lin Xia stopped him, "The Marauder's Map is with me. I borrowed it in advance."

Hermione seemed to realize something and said, "Lin Xia, did you notice that something was wrong with Scabbers? That's why you borrowed the Marauder's Map in advance and asked me to bring Crookshanks here."

Lin Xia couldn't help but sigh in her heart: Hermione's IQ is really high!
She guessed them all!

But she is used to keeping a low profile, good at hiding, and doesn't want to do anything that would attract too much attention.

So she said, "I didn't have that idea. I borrowed the Marauder's Map in advance for other purposes. I didn't expect that I would use it before I used it, but Ron used it instead."

Lin Xia took out the live point map from the Traceless Retractable Ring. The parchment that looked worn out and dull touched the hearts of everyone present.

Everyone couldn't help but swallow nervously. They were afraid that Banban was not a mouse, but they were also hoping that Banban really was not a mouse.

As the Marauder's Map was slowly unfolded, the structure of Hogwarts was no longer a secret to them, and many densely packed names appeared on the map.

These names kept flashing and moving on the map, making the entire map look very crowded, as if it was about to expand and collapse.

But it just happened that this small piece of parchment carried everyone.

Their laboratory was on the second floor. Lin Xia quickly found the second floor, searching from the conspicuous kitchen step by step.

Everyone gathered together and stared at the map.

They saw Lin Xia's name, Harry's name, Ron's name, Hermione's name, Draco's name...

Finally, very close to their names, almost right next to their names, a person’s name was found—

Peter Pettigrew!
Everyone's pupils shrank in shock.

No need to ask, this is definitely a person's name!
No one had any impression of this person, but at the same time, one thing was certain: this was definitely not the name of the little wizard.

This name sounds a little special. If there is someone in the group of young wizards with this name, they will definitely have an impression of it.

Suddenly, Lin Xia asked, "Do you think this name sounds familiar?"

Hermione also frowned: "I think so, but I can't remember."

Harry also thought it looked familiar. Peter Pettigrew, Pettigrew, Pettigrew…

An idea suddenly occurred to him, and he said, "It's very similar to Sirius Black's name. He is Pettigrew, and the other one is Sirius. Are these two people related?"

Lin Xia nodded: "Yes, this name also reminds me of Sirius."

Ron felt like he was going to faint from fright. No matter how much refreshing magic he used, he couldn't keep calm.

That's Sirius Black!
It is rumored that Sirius Black killed more than 20 wizards with a spell and was a ruthless murderer.

If Peter Pettigrew is related to Sirius Black, then is he also an unforgivable person... No, that's not right!
Lin Xia has already said that Banban is an evil person. This person is probably as terrifying as Sirius Black...

Ron was about to collapse.

He actually lived with such a terrible person for more than ten years, and this kind of person even came to be his pet. What was his intention? !

Ron said in horror, "He came to be my pet, is he trying to kill me?"

Hermione looked at him speechlessly: "He is an adult wizard, and you are just a little wizard. If he wants to attack you, he can do it at any time. Why would he need to use such a roundabout method as coming to be your pet?"

"Hmm?" Harry felt that Hermione was talking about something else. "Is there any hidden meaning behind this?"

Draco also sensed something was wrong.

“Wait, even if this person has nothing to do with Sirius, he is definitely a mature wizard.

If Crookshanks's judgment is correct and he is a very evil wizard, then why did he come to the Weasley family as a pet and stay there for so many years?
He has been appearing in the form of an Animagus for these years, why doesn't he reveal his human form, could it be——"

Draco, Hermione and Lin Xia said in unison: "Wanted criminal!"

Lin Xia: "He is a wanted criminal, so he has been hiding for so long to avoid being caught."

Hermione also said excitedly: "I have the same idea. Maybe we can get the answer from the wanted poster from more than ten years ago!"

Draco: "I will write a letter now and ask my father to find the information for me."

Harry and Ron looked at each other. Ron was already a little confused. Harry had to say, "What should I do?"

Lin Xia thought for a moment and said, "Harry, since this matter involves Sirius, I think you should not get involved.

Besides, you have no other channels to get information about this person, so why don’t you go to the laboratory to do experiments? It just so happens that there are still several groups of experiments that have not been completed today.”

Harry: "...Do you think I'm suitable for experiments in my current state?"

Lin Xia smiled and said, "There's nothing inappropriate about it. You're very calm, aren't you?"

Harry felt as if his thoughts had been guessed, his face flushed, and he quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no, I, I...well, I was just thinking, there's no need to make such a fuss.

Sirius may not be a bad person. This person is related to Sirius. I may be able to learn news about Sirius from him. He may not be a bad person either."

Lin Xia's expression became serious, and she said solemnly: "Harry, I have never met Sirius, so I have no way of judging whether he is good or bad.

But I have seen the mouse Scabbers, and I trust Crookshanks' judgment more. He is a very smart cat with a strong sense of justice, and I trust his judgment. I do not recommend you to communicate with Scabbers in private, as it will put you in danger and alert the enemy. We must quickly find out his identity first."

Harry knew that Lin Xia's idea was right, so he nodded and said, "I won't look for Banban."

There was one thing Lin Xia didn't say. Peter Pettigrew had been a mouse for so long and had never transformed into a human. He might be a little unconscious.

In his animal state, he wouldn't necessarily understand Harry's question.

Therefore, going to their home to ask may not necessarily be helpful.

The more likely possibility is that these inquiries stimulated the mouse Banban to recover his human instincts, break away from his animal state, and transform into a human form.

It will only be more dangerous then.

Lin Xia only said: "For our safety, I hope you don't do anything unexpected. When you do those things, think more about Ron."

Harry's face turned pale instantly.

He thought Lin Xia knew what he was thinking.

As for Ron.

Ron was already in a trance.

He just wanted peace and quiet now.

The others ignored him and went about their own business.

Lin Xia had placed Banban in a box containing forbidden magic words in advance. He couldn't hear what they were discussing, nor could he escape, which made people feel at ease.

About two hours later, Ron finally mustered up the courage to ask, "Lin Xia, what should we do with this mouse? Should it be kept in the box forever?"

Lin Xia glanced at him and shook her head: "No, although he is a wizard, he is just a mouse now. Animals can't live in a box for so long. He still needs to be released."

Ron had finally regained consciousness, but he was beginning to feel confused again.

He looked defeated and his speech was halting.

"Then what should I do... I mean, I can't stay with a murderer. No, I can't stay with such an evil wizard. I can't do it. I just feel scared."

mutual affection?

nonexistent.

If it’s a real mouse, we can still show some mercy, but if it’s a person pretending to be one, forget it!

Lin Xia felt that this was also a problem, and asked: "How about I cast a forgetfulness spell on you and do a brief memory-erasing operation to make you forget what happened today."

Ron stepped back in fear, "No!"

He would never let himself forget what happened today, and he would never stay with a murderer, no, with a wanted criminal.

Lin Xia: "You don't need to be so nervous. Since he has been by your side for so long, he must be hiding from someone or something. He won't be exposed so easily. Just treat him as a mouse."

Ron said miserably, "What if he wants to attack me?"

Lin Xia couldn't help but smile: "Ron, once a wizard transforms into an animal form through Animagus, unless it is a magical creature, he is just an ordinary animal.

"What harm can a little mouse bring to you? You have been with Banban for so long, and it has never hurt you, right?"

Ron knew this, but he said fearfully, "Who knows? Maybe he was watching me in the middle of the night, thinking about how to kill me?"

Hermione couldn't help but complain: "Persecution complex!"

Draco also said: "Ron, if he wanted to kill you, he would have killed you a long time ago."

Ron: "I'm scared anyway."

Lin Xia: "No matter how scared you are, you have to bear it. If Banban notices your abnormality, it might really turn into a human form and kill you.

Just pretend that you didn't hear today's analysis, didn't see anything, and live your life as usual. If it doesn't work, just take the mouse out and let it go.

I never saw you manage Banban before, and he would come back on his own accord, and run out like he always did."

Ron said shakily, "Okay, okay."

In fact, he wanted to send Banban away, but this would definitely make Banban notice it.

Of course, the best way is to kill Banban.

Ron didn't dare to take action and could only hope that someone else would take action.

But since the others didn't want to do it, Ron could only follow their ideas.

Time passed by and it was night.

Another late night patrol.

There was nothing unusual during tonight's patrol, and everyone returned to their respective dormitories to rest after the patrol.

Ever since the last strange creature, the Gnawing Snake, appeared, the professors at Hogwarts have conducted a thorough investigation, all done in secret without disturbing any students.

"Lin Xia."

When Lin Xia was about to return to the dormitory, the professor on duty, Snape, suddenly called her.

Lin Xia turned around and asked, "Professor, what's the matter?"

Snape said coldly: "If you have nothing to do recently, you should not leave Hogwarts, not even to Hogsmeade village."

Lin Xia: "Can I know why I can't go out?"

Snape said in a cold voice: "We have investigated the unusual movement in the place you discovered before and found a strange object.

The school suspects that the strange creature is coming for you. You are most likely being targeted by something from the evil world. It is safest to stay in Hogwarts."

Lin Xia said politely: "Professor, I don't quite understand. According to what you said, it would be dangerous for me to stay in Hogwarts."

Snape said calmly: "We can still protect you in school, but outside of school, you can only rely on luck."

Lin Xia nodded and said, "Okay, Professor. I just happen to be in the critical period of an experiment and don't want to go out."

Snape said, "Don't run around and don't do patrol missions recently."

Lin Xia raised her eyebrows but did not agree immediately: "Let me think about it."

Back in her dorm, she thought carefully about the news Snape had told her.

She felt that what Snape wanted to tell her was that the school was also dangerous!
At the same time, late at night.

A group of Death Eaters gathered in Black Manor at some point.

They appeared in the moonlight, accompanied by the caw of a few crows flying by.

Among a group of Death Eaters whose faces were covered in shadows, only Bellatrix was as upright as ever, and showed her face without any hesitation. (End of this chapter)