The Master raised his head. He seemed to be muttering to himself, yet also asking Neville a question. There was a subtle shift in his tone, carrying a trace of genuine puzzlement.
"Why? You are like this, and so are they. Why, exactly? Could it be because..."
He stared into Neville's eyes again, as though searching for the answer he wanted. "The 'connection' he established with you?"
A distinct fear appeared in Neville's defiant eyes.
He remembered that during last year's Christmas holiday, the Longbottom family had entered into a Magic Contract with Vizet. If the "connection" The Master spoke of referred to that...
What exactly was The Master going to do?
Even without receiving a precise answer from The Master, Neville already felt deeply uneasy.
More than worrying about what would happen to him next, he feared that Vizet might never be able to return.
From what The Master was saying, if even that Magic Contract could be erased, would Vizet still be able to find a way back?
"How fascinating. He has 'connections' with all of you. So many, so very many..." The Master shifted his gaze away from Neville, sweeping it over everyone present as he slowly returned to his original position.
He seemed able to see something different within these people. The confusion in his voice gradually faded, replaced by an almost decisive indifference.
"You still used something I forbade you from using, defying my command... It seems to be very important to you as well. It can give you courage and confidence."
Hearing The Master mutter to himself, everyone present, like Neville, felt intense unease and fear rise within them.
They wanted to struggle and cry out, to resist the magic binding their bodies, but they could do nothing.
"Then disappear together!" The Master finally