Secret Keeper

After lunch, Sylvia accompanied Will to the High Tower to read. They each held a book, but Sylvia's eyes were mostly glued to Will.

In Sylvia's eyes, Will had somehow become more and more charming lately.

Actually, she wasn't the only one who felt this way; all the members inside the High Tower shared the same feeling.

"Good afternoon, Will. There's a letter for you." Hermione held two thick, old books in her hands and tossed two envelopes to Will, one of which had a pink heart drawn on it.

Sylvia's face turned cold—another love letter!

Will has been receiving a lot of love letters lately.

Inside Hogwarts, many girls from the four houses seemed to have rekindled their interest in Will —previously they had all backed away because of Sylvia's presence, but now, even with Sylvia around, many girls couldn't resist.

However, almost no girl could track Will down.

Will spends his time with Sylvia during class, but disappears after class. Girls who haven't joined the High Tower rarely see him except during class.

This led to girls starting to write love letters to Will, which they then passed on to Will through people they knew.

Will snapped his Finger Snap, and the two letters vanished into thin air.

Hermione looked utterly defeated. "Seriously, did you really have to use the Vanishing Spell like that?"

Wandless Magic Nonverbal Spellcasting, and using Vanishing Spell at that—it's really discouraging.

Will smiled. "Sorry, but you know Via doesn't like seeing these things, Hermione. Don't bring them next time."

"Don't worry, I've already repaid the favor," Hermione said, sitting on the sofa. "That guy is really Charisma; he's been writing love letters to me from third to seventh grade."

Sylvia scoffed, "If they could put that effort into their homework and Magic studies, their grades would probably improve dramatically."

"That's how it is." Will smiled and pinched Sylvia's cheek, making her blush.

"Oh--"

At this moment, Ginny, Susan, Harry, Neville, Ron, and the others also entered the lounge. Seeing this scene, they all started to cheer.

Sylvia's face flushed even more, and she lightly punched Will: "It's all your fault."

Will straightened up after taking the punch. "Okay, that's enough."

Harry, go back to the Castle now and go to the Headmaster's Office. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you. The Password is 'Chocolate Opera'.

As for Neville, come with me to the top floor. I have something to discuss with you.

Harry and Neville were taken aback for a moment, then nodded in unison.

A few minutes later, Will and Neville were sitting in the Study on the top floor of the High Tower.

With a clang, the two cups collided, their contents shimmering with a deep crimson.

Will took a sip of Grape Juice and looked at Neville: "How have you been lately?"

How are things going academically? Do you need any help?

"No need, Will, everything is fine," Neville said gratefully, shaking his head. "Professor Sprout has taken care of the paper, and she's also got several academic authorities in Herbology to support me."

According to Professor Sprout, if I write one or two more papers, I can stay at the university as a teaching assistant after graduation.

"Once she retires, she can make me the Herbology Professor at Hogwarts."

Will nodded in satisfaction—it seemed Neville had a clear career plan, and, besides himself, Neville was now the most successful person in academia within the High Tower.

How many people could have imagined that the clumsy, chubby boy who first entered school would become one of the best students in the school?

"Neville, well done. Your parents will be proud of you."

Neville gave a wry smile, "My parents... I think they would have preferred me to be Auror, just like my grandmother."

The entire Longbottom family hopes that I can uphold the honor of the Longbottom family.

"Becoming the Herbology Professor at Hogwarts is also about upholding the honor of the Longbottom family," Will patted Neville on the shoulder. "Don't worry, if they really do object in the end, I'll talk to your parents."

Surely they wouldn't ignore my opinion?

So you don't need to worry at all. Just go ahead and do what you want to do. If you need any help later, feel free to contact me anytime.

After all, we're brothers, and I'll do everything I can to help you.

Neville felt a lump in his throat and took a sip of Grape Juice to soothe it— Will was truly devoted to him, even more so than a brother.

Neville felt that the luckiest thing in his life was meeting Will, who was like a guiding light in his life, a sun that illuminated and warmed him.

"Um, thank you, Will. I really feel guilty. You've been helping me all this time, but I haven't been able to do anything to help you back..." Neville felt his face getting hot.

"Actually..." Will's voice lowered, "I came here today to ask you for a favor."

Neville's eyes lit up—finally, he could do something for Will!?

This is wonderful!

His mouth trembled slightly with excitement. "You, you said it, Will!"

Will straightened his expression and said, "I need to cast a Fidelius Charm Secret Keeper, and after much consideration, I've decided to ask you for Secret Keeper role."

You should know what the Fidelius Charm is, shouldn't you, Neville?

Neville paused for a moment, then said, "I know, the Fidelius Charm can permanently hide certain secrets within the soul of the Secret Keeper."

Ensure that the secret cannot be discovered by others unless the Secret Keeper does so intentionally.

"Neville, your understanding of Magical Theory has indeed improved considerably, but simply knowing this is not enough," Will continued. "Now that you've become Secret Keeper, you're likely to face some pressure and danger."

This will put you in a dangerous situation. I'm sorry, Neville, I was too selfish to put you in this situation. I'm truly sorry.

If you are unwilling or worried, you are perfectly free to refuse.

After speaking, Will, with a solemn expression, bowed slightly to Neville, his tone sincere.

This startled Neville, who stammered, unable to speak, "No, this, Will, I, you..."

After a long pause, Neville finally caught up and managed to say, "No, that's not it, Will. I'm glad I could help you."

You've been helping me since I enrolled in school, helping me selflessly all along. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today.

You've helped me so much, I'd love to do something for you. I... I want to do so much for you, Will; I dream of helping you.

If I can't help you, I'll feel so guilty!

Let me be the Secret Keeper, Will! Let me be the Secret Keeper!

I promise I will keep this a secret! Even if it means death, I will not reveal a single word to anyone!