Hogwarts doesn't need a savior

A week passed quickly, and the Christmas vacation that the students had been looking forward to finally began.

Most of the students below the fourth grade who were unable to attend the dance went home. Only a few lucky ones who were invited stayed in school, including Luna and her good friend Ginny.

The castle, which usually became deserted during the holidays, remained bustling as usual. After all, most of the students above the fourth grade had applied to stay in school, and various rumors about the Christmas ball began to spread rapidly - for example, Dumbledore ordered eight hundred barrels of flavored mead from the Three Broomsticks.

Students’ lives are always simple and happy. What they can see is limited to the castle, so they don’t have many worries and can always make themselves happy easily.

In fact, Lynn couldn't rule out this possibility, but he didn't have the energy to confirm the news with an old man who locked himself in his office and pondered over things, and would occasionally call Rowena and Helga to discuss things.

The Muggle visa that Regulusto had obtained had been delivered to him, and on the morning of the 19th he and Euphemia would board a Muggle airliner to cross the Atlantic Ocean to North America.

-----------------

The night before leaving, he did not go home to spend the night as usual, but instead took a rare tour around the castle - in order to impress the guests from the four schools who were staying here for Christmas, the teachers and students of Hogwarts were determined to show the best of the castle. As a result, the professors had a special task: to take turns patrolling the castle to ensure that the expensive decorations were not damaged.

Today it happened to be Lynn's turn, and he certainly wouldn't be going out alone.

He was in a good mood as he walked in the castle decorated with lights and listened to the hymns sung by the enchanted armor.

"If we wanted to take walks like this, we had to hide from Filch, didn't we?" he said cheerfully, breaking off a decorative icicle from the banister, playing with it for a while, and then putting it back in his pocket.

Euphemia raised her lips. "You rarely took walks with me at night. You stayed in the Room of Requirement all day, dragging Barty and Brian to be your sparring partners and punching bags. Victor and Regulus also came later."

“Why don’t I remember?” Lin En pretended to be thinking hard, “We are together every day, except when we are not in class together.” He slowed down his pace, raised his index finger to his mouth, and pointed lightly at the shadow in the distance.

There was a rustling sound coming from there, and it seemed that there were also the voices of young people talking.

Euphemia immediately understood what he meant and slowed down as well, tiptoeing with him to turn a corner and go to the other side.

Young boys and girls who are just beginning to fall in love always use various occasions to express their true feelings to each other, and the evening is no exception - fortunately, they did not meet the serious Professor McGonagall or the annoying Snape.

Lynn and the others didn't want to ruin the fun like Filch did, especially during the holidays.

After walking a long way and making sure no one could hear her, Euphemia clenched her fist and gently hit Lynn's shoulder.

"You are just a smooth talker. How bad would it be if students heard it?"

"What's wrong with that? It's just a pity that we don't know if we can make it back in time to attend their Christmas dance." Lynn said with a smile, "I'm looking forward to seeing Seth and the others, and Furong - I heard she hasn't found a dance partner yet?"

"She always has her own ideas, and doesn't require us to work hard, unlike Cedric." Euphemia stretched out her hand lazily, moving her slender fingers, revealing the ring that hadn't turned into a little fox for a long time. "Let's go. It's snowing outside. Wouldn't it be a waste if we don't take a walk in the Forbidden Forest?"

Lin En had no reason to refuse the invitation from the beautiful woman, so he naturally took his girlfriend's hand, completely forgot about the patrol mission tonight, and walked towards the snow-covered outside the castle.

Shortly after they left, two figures in thick robes emerged from the corner of the corridor where the sound was heard earlier, and left in opposite directions.

-----------------

Harry is enjoying his long-lost leisure time. Although the secret of the golden egg has not been solved, he has not found a female companion, and even the pile of holiday homework has not made any progress, he is still very happy.

"In fact, I was almost there today. If she didn't have so many friends around her, I would have invited her." He said excitedly, with half-chewed pumpkin pie in his mouth. He slammed the table hard, and the card castle that Ron had built with great difficulty exploded into pieces.

"Oh! I was almost there!" Ron held his forehead in annoyance. "Wait, what did you just say? Are you going to ask that Ravenclaw Seeker to be your dance partner?"

"That's right. Unfortunately there were too many people at noon today and I didn't find a suitable opportunity. She is always surrounded by many friends. I think I can ask Luna to help me with some advice."

"Maybe..." Ron said listlessly, casually picking up the few remaining Thunderbolt Explosion cards, "Come on, I should go to bed. The meal tonight was too greasy. I am a little sleepy."

"You're so cold." Ginny, who was sitting on the side doing her homework, suddenly raised her head, with no smile on her face. "But it seems that you haven't found a dance partner yet? That would be a waste of the dress Uncle Eric picked for you."

"I - who said I couldn't find a dance partner?" Ron glared at his sister with forced calmness, "What about you?"

"Me? Of course I have a partner, I promised -" Ginny didn't even look at her brother, but stared at Harry, "I promised Michael Corner, this afternoon."

To her regret, Harry didn't seem to show any special emotions about this. Instead, he smiled and said, just like in the past few years: "This is a good result. You can also attend the ball this year."

It was obvious that Ron and Ginny were both unhappy with this sentence. In a short moment, Harry was left alone, confused by the reactions of his good friends and siblings.

"What's going on?" He scratched his head, feeling uncomfortable as he had a lot to say to his good friend.

Fortunately, Hermione crawled in from the hole behind the Fat Lady at this time - it was almost curfew time, and judging from the backpack she was carrying, she should have just left the library.

"What do you mean you're the only one left? Where's Ron?"

Hermione dropped her heavy bag onto the sofa with a thud.

There were at least ten books in there.

"He and Ginny have gone to bed," said Harry. "I was going to tell them about my invitation to Cho Chang. By the way, do you have a date now, Hermione?"

"Not yet. Viktor Krum of Durmstrang invited me today, and I said I need to think about it." Hermione looked a little tired and rubbed her eyes. "From your appearance, you haven't figured out the secret of the golden egg yet, right?"

The smile on Harry's face disappeared immediately.

"…We've just started the holiday, and the next game is on February 24th," he said with difficulty.

"But Cedric has been studying it for a long time." Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him seriously. "I just separated from Pavla. She has an idea and maybe there will be results soon. Do you want to fall behind other warriors?"

"Pavla... the head girl of Ravenclaw?" Harry shook his head. "Well, let me think about it. Maybe we can discuss this matter tomorrow. I really don't understand what this scream means."

He no longer had the mood to rest or play, and after helping Hermione pack up her books, he went upstairs dejectedly - the puzzle that he had intended to leave until after Christmas was once again before him.

Young people's worries are always different.

It was late at night, and the majestic castle was covered with white snow, waiting for the arrival of a new day.

Chapter 515 Initiative

October 12, Sunday.

London, Heathrow International Airport.

The sporadic snowflakes gradually stopped, tourists from all over the world came in and out, and the festive atmosphere became stronger.

Lynn and Euphemia walked into the terminal hand in hand, talking and laughing, and it was completely impossible to tell that they had just walked in the snow in the Forbidden Forest until midnight the previous night.

They looked like an ordinary Muggle couple, blending perfectly into the crowd around them and boarding a flight to Washington, DC.

A few hours later, two more customers appeared in a restaurant on the streets of Washington, and ordered some special dishes.

Soon, a tall and strong black man sat down opposite them.

"Long time no see, Eric and Fox, I'm so glad to see you again."

"We too, Thurmond, congratulate you on your promotion to the head of the Auror Office." Lynn raised his glass and clinked it with the Auror Captain whom he had not seen for a long time. "I hope that this time we can have the same pleasant cooperation as we did when we dealt with that deer-headed monster."

"It's all thanks to you and Mr. Dumbledore," Thurmond said politely. "After what happened last time, the entire Magic Congress is now aware of the harm of this monster. My subordinates and I will continue to monitor all possible hidden dangers."

“That’s great.” Lynn praised. “Our investigation this time is indeed related to these hidden dangers. I hope you can help me find out the whereabouts of some No-Maj officials. I want to verify some key information in person, but all of this must be kept to you.”

"A high-ranking No-Maj official..." Thurmond frowned. In the United States, where there was a serious conflict between No-Maj and wizards, it was not very difficult to do this, but it was not very easy either.

The most troublesome thing is that it may cause disputes, making the already tense relationship even worse.

This was not a responsibility that he, as the Head of the Auror Office, was qualified to take on alone.

"I can help you, but..."

"I understand what you mean. It won't bring unnecessary risks to you and the Magical Congress," Lynn said.

"That's not what I meant." Thurmond looked around cautiously and lowered his voice. "It's a very complicated matter. Many No-Maj officials have No-Maj wizards around them who protect them spontaneously, just like your Aurors protect the Minister."

"With Dumbledore away, who can stop me?"

Lynn looked disdainful, which frightened Thurmond.

He wanted to retort, but the words changed when they reached his lips.

"…Okay, so what do you need me to do?"

"Contact me via the badge on the table, and don't let anyone know anything."

Lynn swirled her glass gently, "Including the current Chairman of the Magic Congress, this will be good for you all."

Sweat began to form on Thurmond's forehead, and a vague sense of crisis made his body tense.

"……it is good."

After a long while, he finally realized what was happening and picked up his glass, clinking it lightly with Lin En's.

The clear wine slowly fell into the throat, drawing a thin line that was first cool and then slightly warm.

-----------------

Albania, in the barren mountains and forests.

The harsh natural environment made it difficult for the well-educated Knox to conceal his disgust and aversion. With every step he took, the profound magic corroded the surrounding dead branches and leaves.

Such a scene naturally could not be hidden from the vigilant Voldemort and Barty. Before they had gone far, they were staying in a nearby ranger's hut and took the initiative to greet them.

"What are you doing here?" Voldemort asked calmly.

Knox immediately responded with a smile: "Of course I'm here to discuss cooperation. I have a win-win plan."

"Are you talking about a win-win situation like the soul magic you gave me that was full of back-up plans and calculations?" Voldemort said sarcastically.

His plan was exposed in front of him, and even though Knox was thick-skinned enough, he found it difficult to deal with it calmly, and the atmosphere suddenly became awkward.

But it is the false god that is best at dealing with humans, and it came up with a solution after a little thought.

"I'm afraid there's some misunderstanding here. Truly powerful magic has a price to pay, not to mention something that's related to the most mysterious and important soul."

It never mentioned the back-up plan hidden in the magic, and said earnestly, "If you don't believe in its effect, you don't have to use it. We have other means."

"Then I'm afraid I should do your dirty work for you." Voldemort sneered, "This is your real reason for coming here."

"This is a win-win situation, Mr. Riddle. You get what you want, and we can achieve our goal. No one suffers any loss. Isn't this the best outcome?"

"I got what was supposed to belong to me. What's the point of talking about whether I wanted it or not? You've got a business that's profitable with no investment in it, and you really think I can't kill you?"

The cold murderous aura enveloped Knox, and for the first time he had a premonition that his life was in danger.

"Of course I don't think so, and Leviathan will not look down on a powerful wizard like you. We respect the strong."

"I don't see any respect, only concealment, exploitation, and your scheming. If this is all you have to say, get out of here before I really want to kill you."

Voldemort glared impatiently. A gust of wind blew, and the already bone-chilled forest suddenly became even colder.

Knox didn't move. His brain was working rapidly to think of a solution. He found the crux of the problem in just a few words.

"You must have heard some bad rumors to have such a big misunderstanding about us - I also know that you don't trust me, but I still hope you will listen to me."

Although it was turbulent inside, it remained calm on the surface, and even its tone did not change at all, it was soft and quiet.

Voldemort snorted lightly and said nothing. Barty walked forward knowingly and said, "If you have something to say, say it. But if you can't satisfy the master, you know the consequences. This is not your lair in Venice!"

"Of course I know, but I believe this news will satisfy you." Knox secretly breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Because I believe this person is a threat that we all hope to eliminate as soon as possible."

“Who?” asked Voldemort.

"Lynn Eric." Knox spoke word by word. "He has strong connections in Eastern Europe, Gringotts, and the UK. Now he may even be under Dumbledore. You should know how dangerous this is. We can't just sit there and watch."

"That's easy to say. Even though that mudblood brat is still a little short of his strength, he is not something that you losers can kill."

Voldemort's eyes were filled with murderous intent. "Dumbledore and him have been in cahoots for a long time. You want to die, but I am not interested in being stupid with you."

"If he was still in England, with Dumbledore around, we naturally wouldn't have such an idea, but what if he secretly left England?" Knox's voice was full of temptation.

"Go on, where is he?"

"According to our intelligence, his good friend and also your enemy, Regulus Black, obtained an entry permit through the Magical Congress of the United States of America. He and Ms. Fox are now in the United States."

“Why would they go there?”

"This involves the organization's top secret intelligence. I'm sorry I can't tell you, but we have enough evidence to prove this fact."

Knox kept his mouth shut and took out a stack of photos, some clear and some blurry, and handed them to the vigilant Batty.

Batty just glanced at them for a few seconds before frowning: "How can you be sure that these are the two of them?"

"Because of this, Mr. Crouch." Knox pulled out the photo at the bottom and smiled. "We also have people in the Magical Congress of the United States. Although they don't know who is using it, it won't be difficult for them to find the photo of the entry permit."

Batty didn't dare to make a decision on his own and handed the photo to Voldemort, who remained noncommittal.

Voldemort just glanced at it, and the photo burst into green flames and turned into ashes.

"Compared to where he went, I'm more curious about what secrets you guys have hidden there." He said with a half-smile, "Go back and tell your accomplices to let me do it. The price we have now is not enough - maybe you can study where the replaced bones are."

Knox was startled at first, but then calmed down.

"It seems that you have already met Mr. Lester." It said softly, "I will give you an explanation soon, but please don't forget that he is also your enemy. Goodbye."

Knowing that this trip would be fruitless, it did not hesitate at all. Before it finished its words, its figure had turned into a shadow, leaving only the faint echo of its voice lingering in the forest.

"It will come again tomorrow morning at the latest, bringing new conditions," Voldemort said softly.