Tracking and Investigation

The news about Professor Snape smiling in class spread like wildfire throughout the school after the bell rang, spreading even faster than the "rumors" Cedric and his friends had intentionally spread.

After all, this was huge news for students of any year, as shocking as Peeves pranking Dumbledore.

After discussion, the students discovered that although not every class had witnessed Snape's smile firsthand, his temper had indeed been much better during his four classes that day.

The most indisputable example was that the Chosen One, Potter, who was always targeted by him, only lost one point during class that day.

And Neville, who was always disliked by Snape, actually received Snape's 'patient correction' treatment that day.

This couldn't be called extremely rare, but it was certainly unprecedented.

"Let's not talk about that for now—I have a piece of bad news and a piece of good news to tell you!"

A third-year Gryffindor student, fresh from class, arrived at the Great Hall. Because of the Chamber of Secrets incident, the relationships between the three houses were closer than ever, and their meeting place had shifted from their respective common rooms to the Great Hall.

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

"Monthly exams? Just hearing the words makes me want to throw up."

"Don't rush to throw up yet, there's something more important! The results of future monthly exams will be linked to the House Cup scores. The house with the most first-place finishes each month will win 50 House points, second place gets 20 points, third place gets 10 points, and fourth place gets nothing!"

"Merlin's beard! Aren't the endless assignments and homework enough? We have to prepare for exams too?"

"You've finished the good news, what about the bad news?"

?

Everyone at the long table turned their gazes to the speaking girl in unison.

Oh, it's a Ravenclaw, never mind then.

The Gryffindors clenched their fists and turned their heads back.

Just moments ago, the three-house alliance, formed for less than a day, had quietly faced the risk of dissolution.

Ahem, the student cleared their throat, pretending that nothing had happened, and said with renewed vigor:

"The good news is, the Chamber of Secrets is indeed just a legend!

Do you know Percy Weasley, the sixth-year? Our Gryffindor Head Boy, the man who got 12 'Outstanding's in his O.W.L.s!

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

"Really? What did Professor Binns say?"

"He said it's a myth and doesn't exist at all! Our hero Percy even angered him with that question."

"So, we can relax then?"

"Of course!"

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were crouched motionlessly near Li Wei's office door, cloaked in their invisibility cloaks.

Hermione, who firmly believed Li Wei was innocent, and seeing no need for the three of them to stake out together, had not joined them.

If it were just one person here, whether Harry or Ron, they surely wouldn't have been able to last.

But when the two of them were together, nothing was a problem.

What made Harry even luckier was that they didn't have to wait long this time.

Just as it was nearing dinner time, Li Wei walked out, followed by Qiao Weili and Jiamer.

Harry guessed they were heading for dinner, but he quickly followed them.

"What now, mate?" Ron mumbled indistinctly in the Great Hall, shoving a sausage into his mouth. "We'd better pray we don't run into Hermione right now."

"Think about it, we boasted we'd find something out from the professors, and now we're eating in the Great Hall!"

"Don't worry, Hermione will understand. Besides, she's probably busy right now."

Harry's expression was a little awkward.

But the more such situations arose, the more he had to persist in his investigation!

After Li Wei finished eating, Harry patted Ron, who was still stuffing his mouth, and the two of them quickly followed again.

"If he goes back to the office right away, then I think we should call it a day. I still have a ton of homework to do," Ron grumbled before putting on his invisibility cloak.

Harry didn't say anything, but he was actually more anxious than Ron.

He had a Quidditch match the next afternoon and had to wake up early for training that morning. His task was far more demanding than Ron's!

But Hogwarts was clearly in big trouble now. Whether it was a Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets or Professor Li Wei being a lurking Death Eater, it would be a catastrophe for the students of the school.

Could he really just ignore all this and go back to writing his homework?

Harry pursed his lips, and he and Ron began to move cautiously.

To their relief, Li Wei separated from his two assistants this time and headed in another direction—which meant they might actually gain something this time.

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

Harry didn't answer Ron's question.

But they soon found the answer—Li Wei stopped just as he reached the entrance hall area from the Great Hall.

There was a dim, windowless little room.

"Is that Filch's room?"

"Ron!"

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

Although Harry hadn't left any traces when he followed Professor Snape before, that didn't mean Professor Li Wei wouldn't notice—regardless, Ron's behavior was too rash.

"Sorry."

Ron said softly.

With that brief interruption, they saw Professor Li Wei had already knocked on the door and reached into his chest.

What was he doing? Pulling out his wand? In front of everyone like this?!

Harry's heart began to pound.

Immediately after, he saw a cautious Filch—the Hogwarts caretaker looked clearly frightened at this moment, his movements very timid, completely lacking his usual ferocity.

Why was he so scared? Was he afraid of Professor Li Wei? Did he know some inside story?

Harry's brow furrowed even tighter—he had never seen Filch like this before; even when facing Dumbledore, the man's expression was always tense, looking unhappy.

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

Li Wei handed the specially made alchemical weapon to Filch.

"Thank you, Professor Li Wei!"

Filch eagerly took the thing he had longed for from Li Wei's hand, gripping it tightly.

"I suggest you start keeping a diary from today, recording the time you use this item each day, the thoughts that arise during use, and any physical changes. If you discover any problems during the process, or if you truly succeed in gaining the ability to cast spells, I hope you will inform me."

"Since it's your instruction, I will certainly do it!"

Seeing that Li Wei quickly fulfilled his promise, Filch's attitude became even more respectful.

"Mm."

Li Wei nodded and turned to leave.

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

"Damn it, why was Filch so scared of him? He even gave Filch a gun—I remember that's an alchemical toy he uses to reward good students? What's he doing giving it to Filch?"

"I don't know, Ron—all I know is that Professor Li Wei must have secrets."

Immediately after, the two said in unison:

"Let's go find Hermione!"