Matthew found himself more and more unable to understand what was going on. Why were more and more people coming into the Forbidden Forest?
A moment later, the space in the forest twisted, and another wizard in a black hooded robe appeared among the trees.
The Forbidden Forest was divided into inner and outer zones. The inner zone lay on the side closer to Hogwarts, and once an outsider entered it, Hogwarts's warding magic would detect them.
This was the outer zone of the Forbidden Forest. Apparition, Portkeys, and other means of transportation were not prohibited here, nor would they trigger Hogwarts's warding magic.
"Come out, all of you." The black-robed man's voice was hoarse and low, clearly altered.
Rustling sounds came from the forest. Including Lockhart, seven wizards emerged from their hiding places.
The black-robed man let out several unpleasant chuckles. "Excellent. You're all here. You are the ones chosen by the Master. One day, you'll be grateful for the choice you made today."
The black-robed man pulled out a bag from his robes and continued, "The Master orders you to place these things in the student dormitories. There must be one in every room."
Is this Voldemort's servant? The moment Matthew heard the black-robed man mention the Master, he felt a surge of unease.
Only a few days had passed. How had Lockhart gotten involved with Voldemort's servant?
It felt like lowering his head for just a moment during a math class, then looking back up to find the blackboard filled with things he could not understand.
Matthew thought of the worst possibility: the Diary Horcrux might no longer be at Hogwarts.
"It is our honor to serve the Dark Lord." Several people knelt on one knee and respectfully accepted the bag.
That black-robed man truly was Voldemort's