Tracking Investigation

News of Professor Snape smiling in class spread like wildfire through the entire school the moment class ended, traveling even faster than the "rumors" Cedric and the others had deliberately spread.

After all, it was earth-shattering news to students of every year, no less shocking than Peeves flirting with Dumbledore.

After discussing it, the students discovered that while not every class had witnessed Snape's smile firsthand, his temper really had been much better throughout all four of his classes that day.

The most indisputable example was The Chosen One, Potter, whom he had always targeted—he had only lost one point in class that day.

And Neville, whom Snape had always despised, had actually received Snape's "patient corrections" that day.

That was not merely rare—it was practically unprecedented.

"Forget that for now—I have bad news and good news to tell you!"

A third-year Gryffindor student who had just gotten out of class came to the Great Hall. Because of the Chamber of Secrets, the three Houses had become closer than ever, and their gathering place had shifted from their respective common rooms to the Great Hall.

"That homework-crazed professor announced something terrifying to us and the second-years today—he's going to start monthly exams for the lower years too. Do you know what monthly exams are?"

"Exams every month? I feel sick just hearing those words."

"Don't throw up yet, there's something more important! From now on, monthly exam results will be tied to House Cup points. The House with the most first-place finishes will earn fifty House points every month, second place gets twenty, third gets ten, and fourth gets nothing!"

"Merlin's beard! All those practice problems and assignments weren't enough? Now we have to prepare for exams too?"

"You've finished the good news. What's the bad news?"

?

Everyone at the long table turned in unison to look at the girl who had spoken.

Oh, she was from Ravenclaw. Never mind, then.

The Gryffindors clenched their fists and turned their heads back around.

Just moments ago, the three-House alliance that had existed for less than a day had quietly faced the risk of falling apart.

Ahem. The student cleared her throat, pretending nothing had happened, and said excitedly:

"The good news is that the Chamber of Secrets really is just a legend!

"You know sixth-year Percy Weasley, right? Gryffindor's prefect—the guy who got twelve Os in his O.W.L.s!

"I heard he asked Professor Binns about the Chamber of Secrets in History of Magic, and Professor Binns actually answered him—he's a genius, isn't he?"

"Really? What did Professor Binns say?"

"He said it was a myth and didn't exist at all! Our hero Percy even made him angry by asking about it."

"Then we can relax?"

"Of course!"

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were crouching motionlessly near Li Wei's office door beneath the Invisibility Cloak.

Hermione still believed Li Wei was innocent, and since there was no need for all three of them to keep watch, she had not joined them.

If only one person had been there, whether Harry or Ron, neither of them could have kept it up.

But with the two of them together, it was no longer a problem.

What made Harry feel even luckier was that they did not have to wait long this time.

Just as dinner time approached, Li Wei came out, followed by Qiao Weili and Jiamer.

Harry guessed they were going to eat, but he hurried after them anyway.

"What do we do now, mate?" In the Great Hall, Ron said through a mouthful of sausage, "We'd better pray we don't run into Hermione right now."

"Think about it—we bragged that we'd definitely uncover something about the professor, yet here we are, eating in the Great Hall!"

"Don't worry, Hermione will understand. Besides, she should be busy right now."

Harry looked a little awkward as well.

But the more he found himself in a situation like this, the more determined he became to keep investigating!

Once Li Wei finished eating, Harry patted Ron, who was still stuffing food into his mouth, and the two hurried after him again.

"If he goes straight back to his office, I think we should call it a day. I haven't done any of my homework yet."

Ron muttered that before pulling on the Invisibility Cloak.

Harry said nothing. In truth, he was even more anxious than Ron.

He had a Quidditch match the next afternoon and had to get up early for training. His workload was far heavier than Ron's!

But Hogwarts was clearly facing a major crisis. Whether there was a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets or Professor Li Wei was an undercover Death Eater, either possibility would be a devastating disaster for the students.

Could he really ignore all that and go back to do his homework?

Harry pressed his lips together and began moving carefully with Ron.

To their relief, Li Wei split off from his two assistants this time and headed in another direction—which meant they might finally find something.

"Harry, where do you think he's going?"

Harry did not answer Ron's question.

But they found the answer soon enough—Li Wei stopped after walking only as far as the area near the entrance hall.

There was a dim, windowless little room there.

"That's Filch's office?"

"Ron!"

Harry frowned and shot Ron a look. According to Hermione, Professor Li Wei's magical attainments were exceptionally high.

Harry had not been discovered when he followed Professor Snape before, but that did not mean Professor Li Wei would fail to notice them. No matter what, Ron's behavior was far too reckless.

"Sorry."

Ron said quietly.

During that brief interruption, they saw Professor Li Wei knock on the door and reach into his robes.

What was he going to do? Draw his wand? Right here, in plain sight?!

Harry's heart slowly rose into his throat.

Then he saw Filch emerge cautiously. Hogwarts' caretaker looked visibly terrified at the moment, his movements timid and shrinking, utterly lacking his usual fierceness.

Why was he so afraid? Was he frightened of Professor Li Wei? Had he learned some inside information?

Harry frowned even more deeply. He had never seen Filch like this. Even when facing Dumbledore, the man's expression was always tense and displeased.

"Filch, this is what I promised you earlier."

Li Wei handed Filch the specially made alchemical weapon.

"Thank you, Professor Li Wei!"

Filch eagerly took the thing he had longed for day and night from Li Wei's hand and gripped it tightly.

"I suggest you start keeping a diary from today onward. Record how long you use this item each day, the thoughts you have while using it, and any changes in your body.

"If you discover any problems during the process, or if you truly gain the ability to cast spells, I hope you'll notify me."

"Since it is your instruction, I will certainly do it!"

Seeing Li Wei fulfill his promise so quickly, Filch became even more respectful.

"Mm."

Li Wei nodded and turned to leave.

Only after confirming that he had returned to his office did the air in the corner suddenly ripple, revealing Harry and Ron.

"Bloody hell, why was Filch so scared of him? And he gave Filch a gun—I remember that being the alchemical toy he used to reward good students. What was he giving it to Filch for?"

"I don't know, Ron—I only know Professor Li Wei definitely has secrets."

Then the two spoke in unison:

"We're going to find Hermione!"