"Why are you so late tonight?" Mr. Oger was visibly displeased as he scolded the three students for returning so late. There was even a hint of panic in his tone.
In truth, he regretted his decision as soon as he let these three brats enter the Forbidden Forest.
What had gotten into him? After a few compliments, he had actually agreed to let three first-year students into such a dangerous place.
At first, he hadn't followed them because there were senior students leading the team. Those older students were more than capable of handling the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
But three first-years? They were only lucky nothing had happened!
If something had gone wrong… losing his job would have been the least of his worries. He might have ended up in Azkaban!
"Sorry, we just saw a group of Moon-Crazy Beasts dancing on the road. We got caught up watching them and lost track of time," Robert lied with ease, his voice casual and believable.
"Ah… Moon-Crazy Beasts. That explains it," Mr. Oger said, nodding in understanding. "Those little creatures love dancing in the moonlight. I suppose it's natural for young wizards to be fascinated by them."
He didn't suspect a thing.
Moon-Crazy Beasts were indeed adorable, and it was plausible for students their age to be enchanted by them.
"Next time, I'll escort you myself! It's too dangerous for you to go in alone," Mr. Oger said firmly before sending them back to the castle.
As they walked through the empty corridors late at night, Robert furrowed his brow. "This is bad. If Mr. Oger insists on coming with us next time, it'll be much harder to move freely. It looks like our search for magical power will have to be put on hold. I need to find a secret passage leading outside the castle…"
Tom, walking beside him, glanced over curiously. Wasn't it easy for Robert to manipulate Mr. Oger?
Then Tom noticed that Robert's gaze had shifted toward Anne.
That comment about needing a secret passage… was meant for her.
Tom instantly understood and closed his mouth. He swallowed the words he had been about to say.
Anne hesitated.
She actually knew a secret passage that led directly from the castle to the Forbidden Forest—her aunt had told her about it.
She had used that route multiple times before.
For a moment, she considered telling Robert and Tom.
But then she thought better of it.
If they couldn't go, wouldn't that be ideal?
That way, she could take all the magical power for herself!
She had already made sure they didn't run into the Witch Party tonight.
She had secretly informed Nurmengard about their plan.
Grindelwald had then instructed his witches to suspend their search that evening—just to avoid being discovered.
From now on, all she needed to do was tell Grindelwald in advance when Robert and Tom planned to sneak out. The witches in the Forbidden Forest would halt their actions on those nights, making it safe for her to collect the magical power alone.
Thinking about it made her heart race with excitement.
Then suddenly—
"Anne," Robert's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You look a little excited. Do you know a secret passage out of the castle?"
Anne quickly masked her emotions and shook her head. "No, I don't. Tonight was my first time in the Forbidden Forest. How could I possibly know a secret passage?"
"Oh… What a pity," Robert sighed, seemingly disappointed.
Tom, however, glanced at Anne with sympathy.
He knew Robert too well.
If Anne had lied, she was already on Robert's "little notebook" of people to be wary of.
Robert was not someone who forgave easily.
The three of them fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts, until they reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room.
"Harmony," Anne said, giving the password.
The common room door swung open.
Ever since the Mutual Aid Society had gained influence, Slytherin's entrance password had changed from "Pureblood" to "Harmony"—a significant victory for the society.
"...Don't worry, we'll find a way," Anne murmured. "Good night."
She walked toward the girls' dormitory without looking back.
Robert and Tom remained by the window, watching her disappear around the corner.
The Slytherin common room sat at the bottom of the Black Lake, and outside the window, dark green water reflected eerie shadows.
Occasionally, a fish swam by.
Sometimes, a massive tentacle slid past in the darkness.
Robert flicked his wand through the air in a graceful arc.
Tom noticed that the faint crackling of the common room fireplace had completely disappeared.
Robert had soundproofed their conversation.
"It's clear Anne isn't telling the truth," Tom said matter-of-factly.
Robert smirked. "That's normal, Tom. Put yourself in her position—would you tell us if you had a secret passage?"
Tom hesitated.
If he were Anne… he wouldn't have said a word either.
Keeping the magical power for himself would be the logical choice.
"Even so… how would she find the right locations without your help?" Tom wondered aloud.
"She already knows the locations," Robert replied. "She just didn't know how to extract the magical power from them. Now that I've shown her the method, she doesn't need us anymore."
Tom felt relieved.
Luckily, the magical power was fake.
Otherwise, Anne really might have taken all of it for herself.
Then another thought struck him.
"Wait… those fakes you made—are they actually effective?"
"Of course. You saw how many precious potion ingredients I used," Robert said nonchalantly. "It's a fake, but it can still enhance a person's strength."
Tom's eyes widened. "What?! You mean it actually works?"
Robert nodded. "Yes, but there are side effects."
Tom exhaled in relief. "Ah… side effects. That makes sense."
At least Anne wouldn't gain too much from it.
"Anyway, we'll let her take in as much as she wants. When her power grows beyond her control, she'll naturally lead us to Grindelwald."
Tom nodded, then hesitated. "But… if Grindelwald does show up, what's your plan? Are you going to tell Dumbledore?"
"Tom, if Grindelwald comes, we can't rely on Professor Dumbledore," Robert said calmly.
"Why not?" Tom asked, frowning.
"Grindelwald knows Dumbledore's strength better than anyone. If he's planning to come here, he'll make sure Dumbledore is occupied elsewhere."
Tom's expression darkened. "Then who else can stop him? Headmaster Dippet? He's too old!"
Robert smiled faintly. "My goal isn't to defeat Grindelwald."
Tom was confused. "Then why did you set all this up?"
"My target has always been his witches."
"You're planning to capture all of them before Grindelwald can react?" Tom asked skeptically.
"Exactly. And by the time Grindelwald realizes what's happening, it'll be too late."
Tom was silent for a moment.
Then something clicked.
"Wait… does that mean—"
"Yes, Tom," Robert said with a grin. "From the very beginning… you were the bait."
Tom's face fell.
"You bastard! I—"
"Are you not convinced?" Robert raised his wand playfully.
Tom sighed in defeat. "Fine… you win. But put your wand down first."
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