A Dead Letter

"Of course."

Professor Foxx drew his wand and handed it to Kingsley.

Kingsley held the rather old-looking wand and said with emotion, "I still remember its material, willow, phoenix feather, 11 inches long. I was so scared when I cast the Backfiring Charm with it."

"That's not a glorious history," Professor Foxx said calmly.

Kingsley nodded. He could tell Professor Foxx didn't want to talk about the past, so he took out his own wand and touched it to Professor Foxx's. He then cast the Backfiring Charm.

"Tooth-Growing Hex, Bat-Bogey Hex, Stinging Hex, Clumping Charm, Tongue-Tying Hex, Obscuring Charm... have you used many different hexes recently?"

The results of the check left Kingsley very confused. These spells should rarely be used by adult wizards.

"It was for an experiment," Professor Foxx replied simply.

Kingsley had heard about his research, but even though it was borderline, it was still within legal limits, so he couldn't say much.

Professor Foxx shrugged. "If there are no problems, can I have it back?"

Kingsley returned the wand to him, showing no regret or disappointment on his face. Instead, he looked relieved.

Then he turned to Professor McGonagall and said, "Professor McGonagall, could you please arrange to meet the students who arrived at the scene first? I have some questions for them."

Afterward, they left Professor Foxx's office and went to Professor McGonagall's Deputy Headmistress office.

Linley and Cedric were quickly summoned there, along with the Slytherin girl who had first seen Hubert.

On the way, Cedric secretly told Linley what had happened in the Great Hall.

"Someone reported Professor Foxx to the two Aurors from the Ministry on the spot. Professor McGonagall was reportedly furious."

Linley nodded. "I know. When I was coming here, I saw a group of people surrounding him in the common room, listening to him recount his glorious achievements."

"So, do you think Professor Foxx is the murderer?" Cedric couldn't help but ask.

Linley had never expressed his opinion on the matter when they practiced spells together.

"I never jump to conclusions about anything," Linley said softly, "especially when most people are prejudiced."

Cedric scratched his forehead, as if pondering his words.

Upon arriving at the Deputy Headmistress's office, Kingsley's main focus was not on the two boys, but on the Slytherin girl.

"When you saw the boy, did you notice any unusual phenomena around him?"

The girl was clearly nervous. She looked at Kingsley and stammered, "Sir, I... I don't quite understand what you mean by unusual phenomena?"

Kingsley was silent for a few seconds, then spoke. "It's just... did you have a feeling that an invisible person was staring at you from beside Hubert?"

Hearing his words, the girl shivered. She became even more nervous. "I... I don't know, sir. I was so scared at the time, I didn't notice anything."

Kingsley looked somewhat disappointed. The girl was too timid; he couldn't get anything out of her.

"What about you two?" He turned his gaze to Linley and the others. "Did you notice anything suspicious or anyone at the time?"

Linley and Cedric both shook their heads.

Just as Kingsley was feeling very disappointed, Cedric suddenly remembered something. "When Linley and I were practicing spells by the Black Lake, we saw a young wizard returning to the castle looking very disheveled."

Instantly, Kingsley's spirits lifted. He asked urgently, "At what time? Which direction did he come from? What was his name?"

"Around 6 in the morning. He was walking along the Black Lake, from the direction of that Whomping Willow that the professors always tell us to stay away from. His name... I don't know him, I don't know what his name is."

At the same time, prompted by Cedric, Linley also recalled the incident. "His name is Ian Campbell. He's a first-year Ravenclaw student."

Kingsley looked extremely excited now! He suddenly stood up from his chair, looking as if he was about to go find the young wizard named Ian himself.

However, Professor McGonagall, standing beside him, had a changing expression upon hearing the name.

"We'll go find him now. I have a feeling that even if this young wizard isn't the culprit, the culprit must have something to do with him..."

"Sit down! Kingsley!"

Just as Kingsley was rubbing his hands together in anticipation, Professor McGonagall's shout startled everyone present. Both the Aurors and the young wizards stared in amazement at the very agitated Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall tried to calm herself down and ordered Linley and the others, "You can leave now, but pay attention! Don't tell anyone about seeing Campbell that day. Remember, anyone!"

Linley and Cedric, though somewhat confused, knew that the current situation was beyond their involvement. The two quickly nodded and then left the Deputy Headmistress's office.

Kingsley also realized that things were not simple. He sat back down in his chair, his brow furrowed.

"Is there something wrong with that student, Professor?"

Professor McGonagall didn't speak. Her emotions seemed to have gradually calmed. She said to Savage, who was standing by:

"Would you mind leaving? I need to discuss something rather private with Kingsley."

Savage nodded hurriedly and then also left.

Only Kingsley and Professor McGonagall remained in the office.

Professor McGonagall stared intently at Kingsley.

"Kingsley, I can assure you that the child has nothing to do with this attack. You cannot continue to investigate him!"

Kingsley looked somewhat confused. "Can you tell me why?"

Professor McGonagall took a deep breath and spoke after a long silence.

"You are one of us, Kingsley. But without Albus's permission, I can't explain this to you too clearly. Do you remember Remus from the past?"

The Aurors were ultimately unsuccessful.

After they left, Professor McGonagall announced in the Great Hall that the Aurors had cleared Professor Foxx's name and that he was not responsible for the dark magic attack.

Although some young wizards had already decided that Professor Foxx was a dark wizard, most students were quite convinced by Professor McGonagall's words.

The attack seemed to be winding down, and Hogwarts gradually relaxed its guard as time passed.

For the next two months, up until after Halloween, Hogwarts remained tranquil.

This was not only because the culprit had not attacked again, but more importantly, Professor Dumbledore had returned to Hogwarts before Halloween.