018 Request

018 Request

Bryan understood the concerns of Professor McGonagall. He didn't reply immediately but meditated quietly. After a while, he raised his head and calmly met Professor McGonagall's stern gaze.

"The crux of the matter, Professor, lies in trade-offs," Bryan began.

Professor McGonagall twitched her lips, surprised by Bryan's unexpected response.

"Choice," Bryan continued, "We all acknowledge the crisis that Hogwarts is currently facing. We don't want to witness such a disastrous outcome. But if the current dire situation cannot always be mitigated... even—"

Bryan noticed a flicker of uncertainty in Professor McGonagall's piercing eyes and spoke calmly, "Under the circumstances where the heir to the Slytherin Chamber of Secrets remains unidentified, the petrification of the two young wizards will not mark the end of this series of events. Someone else will undoubtedly be targeted next. Professor McGonagall, can you guarantee that it will only result in petrification?"

Professor McGonagall's eyes flickered several times, and her breathing grew heavier.

"Though reality may be bloody and cruel, we must confront it, for escaping cannot solve any problems," Bryan reasoned.

"I understand, Bryan—"

As the word "kill" was uttered, Professor McGonagall's frail figure trembled. She wiped her nose and her tough exterior began to crumble.

"Dumbledore hasn't explicitly said anything, but I could sense his concerns regarding the scenario you described. However, Bryan, we are not the Ministry of Magic, and we do not possess the authority to—"

"The rights and privileges of freedom pale in comparison to preserving noble lives," Bryan interjected, his voice growing assertive.

"I comprehend the school's concerns, Professor. Yes, I can envision the criticism that Hogwarts would face if the young wizards, their families, or public opinion were to discover that Hogwarts is monitoring their every move. However, I don't believe it matters. If our actions can save... even if it's just one child's life, then the doubts borne by the school, no matter how numerous, will be worthwhile."

Professor McGonagall fell silent, wrestling with her conflicting thoughts. The principles she had always upheld and her sound reasoning waged a fierce battle within her mind.

"Oh!" Bryan exclaimed, realizing that Professor McGonagall didn't hold the star writer in high regard. His eyes widened with curiosity.

"I bet he must be quite popular among young wizards... So?"

"Well..." Professor McGonagall hesitated, revealing an unusually cautious demeanor. "He may possess... I mean, he has some experience in writing books, but he... well, he doesn't seem particularly skilled at teaching, you know, Bryan. The second half of the fifth year is crucial for OWL exams, and the seventh year entails the NEWTs, which are highly significant and influence the future of young wizards. Several students have approached me, expressing their inability to receive any guidance or improvement from Professor Lockhart... So, I thought..."

Professor McGonagall looked at Bryan with anticipation, hoping he could assist.

Bryan furrowed his brow. His primary objective at Hogwarts was to locate the Chamber of Secrets and obtain the Slytherin legacy within it. His approach involved monitoring the young wizards and observing those who displayed questionable behavior.

As a result, he had to remain confined to the monitoring room all day, unable to venture outside.

"—If you're willing, I can discuss it with Headmaster Dumbledore and arrange for payment equivalent to an official professor's salary."

Bribing me with money is not your style, Professor McGonagall! Bryan thought indignantly.

"There's no need for me to grade assignments... By the way, which subject does Professor Lockhart teach? Apologies, I'm not particularly adept at Divination... Oh, has Professor Kettleburn retired?"

"It's not Divination or Care of Magical Creatures, Bryan..." Professor McGonagall adopted an unusual caution, her voice trailing off. "Well, it's... Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Boom!

Bryan swiftly turned around, hurriedly opening the door.

"Sorry, goodbye!" he exclaimed, leaving abruptly.