https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-378-Activities-at-the-Umbrella-House/12946294/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-380-Abigail-s-Dark-Arts-Defense-Class/12946296/
Chapter 379: Secrecy Act
Chapter 379: Secrecy Act
"Goodness, Harry! Are you guys still practicing in this weather?" Hermione exclaimed in surprise.
The entire day had been a tempest of wind and rain, and students rushing through the corridors had to hug their heads to avoid the elements. Yet, the Gryffindor team was still hard at practice.
"Wood doesn't want to miss any training session before the match against Slytherin—thanks, Ryan," Harry said wearily.
Ryan waved his wand, magically drying and cleaning the mud and dirt off Harry's body.
Michael casually erased the mud prints on the floor and asked, "Didn't you run into Filch when you came back?"
"Yes... He didn't give me a hard time," Harry mumbled, pulling out a pile of snacks from the food cabinet and stuffing a chocolate into his mouth.
Noticing everyone gathered in a circle, he asked, "What are you guys up to?"
"Vold is casting the Invisibility Expansion Charm on our backpacks. Isn't it cool?" Michael said excitedly.
"Wow, that's amazing," Harry sincerely admired. "I know that spell is difficult."
Whenever he felt utterly exhausted, seeing Vold and Hermione's dedication made Harry question his own efforts.
However, when he compared himself to his roommates, Ron, Simon, and Dean, Harry felt he might be overdoing it.
Vold had cast the Invisibility Expansion Charm on everyone's backpacks, and as they happily went off to pack, he turned to Harry and asked, "Do you need it too?"
Harry shook his head. "Sirius took care of it for me."
He hesitated and asked softly, "Vold, do you remember what Remus and the others said before? About the vampires possibly being controlled by Muggles..."
Vold nodded. "Of course, it's only been two days. I naturally remember."
"Then, do you know why Remus and the others seem... seem reluctant to investigate?" Harry asked. "I can't quite explain it, but that's the feeling I get."
"It's simple. Because whether it's tracking, interrogating, or retaliating against Muggles, it violates the Secrecy Act," Vold explained.
"Just because of that?" Harry was taken aback. "But... Hagrid once turned my cousin Dudley into a pig's tail..."
"So, he actually broke the law."
Vold continued, "But due to certain reasons—like your connection, the strict supervision by the Ministry of Magic where you live, and the fact that your aunt and uncle are both aware of the wizarding world, it wasn't considered a breach of secrecy, and so he wasn't punished."
"But if it's those influential people in the Muggle world, any action against them must be handled with care, or it might become a big problem for the entire wizarding world—all the Ministries are vigilant about this."
"Even if the Muggles are the ones in the wrong? Even if they've already harmed our people?" Harry asked in disbelief.
Vold remained silent for a moment before saying, "The Secrecy Act is the most strictly enforced law in every country. Even Professor Dumbledore cannot flout it at will."
"Professor Dumbledore? Has he encountered such a situation too?" Harry asked.
"When Professor Dumbledore was young, his sister was harmed by a few Muggle boys. His father, seeking revenge, attacked those three boys and was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban, eventually dying in that prison," Vold explained.
Harry was completely stunned.
In his impression, the headmaster had always been a wise, old, and venerable figure, as if he had always been that way since birth.
Harry had never imagined that Dumbledore could be weak and helpless, let alone fathom the tragedy that had befallen his family.
"Do you understand now?"
Vold patted him on the shoulder and said, "Sirius and Lupin won't let those who acted in the shadows off easily, but this matter can only be investigated secretly. We can't make a big fuss about it, nor can we spread the word, and we certainly can't seek help from the Ministry of Magic."
"If others knew they were investigating some Muggles, the ignorant would only ridicule them, and those with a bit of ability and insight would become obstacles, preventing them from investigating or seeking revenge."
"You should keep this to yourself, too. Even with Hermione and Ron, don't tell them about this matter."
Harry nodded silently.
...
The next day, they had a Dark Arts Defense class.
Using the Time Turner, Vold arrived at the second floor of the castle earlier than his classmates and saw Professor Abigail pacing outside the classroom from a distance.
The professor's eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and she was casually twirling her wand as if it were a fan, with sparks occasionally shooting out from the tip.
Vold watched for a while before approaching her.
"Oh, Vold," Professor Abigail said, raising an eyebrow as if she wanted to smile but held it back.
"Professor," Vold said, taking out a bag and handing it to her. "I've completed the task you gave me last time."
"Completed?"
A look of astonishment appeared on Professor Abigail's face. She paused for a moment before revealing a delighted smile.
"So soon?"
- Is it too soon?
Vold looked at her with a hint of confusion.
"Oh, let me see."
Professor Abigail took the bag, carefully examining the snake-skin bag that was only slightly larger than a fist. She then untied the drawstring at the top.
Inside the bag was a pile of magical creature puppets, roughly two or three dozen, each only the size of a finger joint.
"Um..."
Professor Abigail glanced at Vold, wondering if he had misunderstood her request, but she knew Vold wouldn't make such a basic mistake.
So, she reached in and took out a Kappa.
This was a type of water monkey, known as a Kappa in Japan, with a green scaly body, webbed fingers, a turtle shell on its back, and a shallow dish filled with water on its head.
As soon as the Kappa was taken out of the bag, its body grew larger. Professor Abigail tossed it to the ground, and in the blink of an eye, it stood over three feet tall, its triangular eyes glinting with malice as it stared at the two of them.
On its chest was the symbol "Kappa 03."
Professor Abigail instinctively gripped her wand, her body tense with caution. Only after realizing it was just a puppet did she slowly relax.
"It's so lifelike... It's hard to believe this is a man-made creation." Professor Abigail asked, "Can it move?"
"Of course," Vold said. "It's waiting for your command!"
- Its appearance seemed to suggest the same.
Professor Abigail suppressed the excitement stirring within her and commanded, "Kappa 03, show me what you can do—attack the students who will enter this corridor soon."
Vold: "..."
This professor's style was as unpredictable as ever!
(End of Chapter)
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