Let's Keep This Secret Together, Professor

Andrew had never felt time pass so slowly.

I'm done for. I'm dead. I'm dead.

His first instinct was to take it back, but the lingering willpower told him that the faster he reacted, the more suspicious he would look.

Ordinarily, he might have thought of using his diary or some other private document as an excuse to bluff his way through it. Unfortunately, the sealed memories from the Department of Mysteries had affected his Legilimency too severely. His mind was no longer working as quickly as usual.

So Andrew naturally froze in place, the manuscript in his hand turning scorching hot, as though some bizarre Transfiguration had turned it into a ticking bomb.

That was hardly surprising—no matter how skilled a Legilimency master was, if their spell failed, even an underage wizard could invade their memories. Andrew had recovered quite quickly already.

"What is that?"

Professor McGonagall's voice rang out, carrying a trace of curiosity.

"Some manuscripts to pass the time."

Unable to think of an excuse, Andrew could only answer helplessly. Yet after responding a little too slowly, he immediately regretted it. Why didn't I just say it was a diary?!

A professor would never pry into his diary, but manuscripts? That was simply asking for trouble!

"Manuscripts?"

Professor McGonagall was even more puzzled—she had never heard of Andrew having such a hobby.

"May I take a look, Taylor?"

She naturally continued.

I'm done for.

The thought instantly surfaced in Andrew's mind, followed by the towering Astronomy Tower, the bottomless Black Lake, and ghosts drifting through the school.

The wild imaginings that were usually firmly suppressed erupted all at once.

No, I need to find something that'll save my life!

He began searching for a lifeline, but his hands habitually passed the papers over. After more than four