"We've lost contact with Newt and Thena," Dumbledore said, his tone growing serious. "They found Credence's trail three days ago, but then stopped communicating with me."
"The last place they were seen was also in France."
"I suspect they've run into trouble. It could be the Ministry of Magic, or it could be Gellert's people."
Dumbledore looked at Hermione, his gaze earnest.
"When you go to find Nicolas Flamel, I hope you'll look for them along the way. If they're in danger, please keep them safe."
"For certain reasons, I can't personally act against Gellert..."
Hermione raised a hand to interrupt him.
"The blood pact, right? I know."
Fine. For Gandalf and Nicolas Flamel's sake, I'll help. It's not exactly difficult anyway.
As the two spoke, hurried footsteps approached.
A young woman rushed over, holding up her skirts.
She wore a beige dress and had a pretty face. Upon seeing Dumbledore, she immediately said:
"Albus, somehow the Ministry of Magic learned that you'd returned to Hogwarts. They've brought a group of hostile-looking Aurors and asked for you by name. They're in the Great Hall now."
Dumbledore nodded, unsurprised.
"All right, I'll be there in a moment. Sorry for the trouble, Professor McGonagall, but please keep the students away from the Great Hall."
The young woman nodded before looking at Hermione beside him.
Seeing Hermione dressed in Gryffindor robes, a flicker of puzzlement crossed her eyes.
"What year are you in? Why have I never seen you before?"
Although she hadn't been teaching at Hogwarts for long, she knew the students well. There was no way she could have overlooked such a strikingly pretty girl.
The Cat Professor, when she was young... Hermione blinked.
Before she could speak, Dumbledore straightened his coat and said:
"She's a transfer student who just arrived.