bacchusnovels Chapter 237 Hermione in a daze
Chapter 237 Hermione in a daze
Chapter 237 Hermione in a daze
This was the first time Sean had truly shown surprise all day.
He never expected that the bullet that was aimed at him half a month ago would finally hit him right between the eyebrows today.
He had no answer to Scringer's question.
If he had known where his wand was, with his abilities, it would have been back in his hands by now.
However, judging from the current situation...
Scrimgeour, the one who set the questions, knew better than he did where his magic wand was.
But then again, does it matter where that wand is? And what role did it play in this incident?
Should I... tell Scrimgeour that I've lost my wand?
Sean seemed a little hesitant.
At this point, does what he says really matter...?
Scrimgeour keenly caught the fleeting hesitation in Sean's eyes. He spoke slowly, his tone laced with amusement and deeper meaning, "Phillips, I don't think you'd forget your wand so easily, would you?"
At this point, Scrimgeour paused deliberately, seemingly waiting for Sean's reaction, but his eyes never left the other's face as he continued unhurriedly, "Let me help you recall every detail of it."
"It was a wand that was thirteen and a third inches long, and its core was particularly unique, made from the hair of a Veela. This wand was with you for two whole years, and every swing of it was intimately connected to you, almost becoming a part of your identity."
"Furthermore, just two weeks ago, when you first stepped through the doors of the Ministry of Magic, you specifically registered with it."
It recorded all its characteristics.
"Such an important partner, I think you wouldn't easily forget him, would you?"
P
Now Sean finally understood.
Although it is unknown what the person who stole his wand did with it, it is clearly related to this incident.
Based on this, Scrimgeour has completely cornered him.
Now, it doesn't matter how many bowls of noodles he ate.
Because no one would believe that the magic wand he carried with him just two weeks ago would mysteriously disappear just as a murder occurred these past few days, and that this magic wand would happen to have a significant connection to the murder.
Sean fell silent.
At this point, saying more will only lead to more mistakes, so refusing to answer is the best option.
He wanted to see what others had used this wand for, and why Scrimgeour had killed him because of it.
Seeing that Sean remained silent, Scrimgeour revealed a meaningful smile, as if he had anticipated Sean's reaction.
He paced slowly around the room.
"Phillips, I know what you're thinking," Scrimgeour's voice echoed in the empty room. "Do you think you can escape everything by staying silent? Do you think no one will know what you've done if you don't talk about it?"
Seeing Sean's complete silence, Scrimgeour's smugness was palpable.
He slowly walked up to Sean, lowered his head, and said in an almost whispered tone, "In this world,"
No secret can remain hidden forever.
Then, he stood up and arrogantly gave Sean his final call.
"I'm telling you, Phillips, I have enough clues to prove that you are involved in this series of events. Now, I'm giving you a simple choice: either you confess voluntarily, or I'll force you to tell the truth."
"Think it over, Phillips," Scrimgeour continued. "If you cooperate with me, you may still have a chance to defend yourself and even reduce your punishment. But if you choose to resist to the end, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Sean remained silent.
Scrimgeour was absolutely right—the truth will eventually come out.
The next day, news that Sean had been locked in solitary confinement and was under investigation spread like wildfire throughout the Ministry of Magic.
People were talking about it, speculating about the various possible reasons and consequences.
Furthermore, when the news reached the world outside the Ministry of Magic, its spread was even more astonishing.
In the afternoon, the editorial department of The Daily Prophet urgently summoned all available reporters and editors and hastily produced a special edition, with the headline on the front page being a report on the Sean incident.
The headline is eye-catching and intriguing: "Ministry of Magic Senior Advisor Phillips Suddenly Under Investigation – Is He Connected to This Incident?"
The newspaper detailed the scene of Sean's abduction and his current situation, while also listing some of his past achievements and possible controversies, attempting to piece together a complete background for readers.
At the end of the report, the editor cleverly left a cliffhanger, hinting that the incident might be far more complex and profound than it appears on the surface.
This special edition of The Daily Prophet sold out almost instantly, as people were eager to learn more about the inside story of this sudden event.
This Daily Prophet undoubtedly caused a stir throughout the entire wizarding world.
The wizards outside were first shocked by this sudden news, then filled with disbelief. They couldn't accept the fact that Phillips, a man they considered so upright, loyal, and exceptionally capable,
How could someone be caught up in such a storm, or even suspected of being involved in a series of murders?
This is simply an absurd joke, it's unbelievable.
Therefore, public opinion was almost unanimously in support of Phillips.
That evening and the following day, wizards held marches and protests, demanding that the Ministry of Magic reinvestigate the case and clear Phillips's name.
They firmly believed that Phillips was innocent and that someone was behind it all, trying to frame him.
Meanwhile, within the Ministry of Magic, the atmosphere became increasingly tense and delicate as the situation escalated.
Because Sean was placed in solitary confinement, all of his direct subordinates, including Tonks, were suspended pending investigation. This sudden turn of events shocked and upset Tonks. She knew her innocence and understood her boyfriend Sean's character, so she desperately wanted to defend him.
Tonks decided to go directly to Minister Fudge, hoping to get a fair explanation and an opportunity to clarify the facts.
However, every time she rushed to the minister's office, she was always stopped at the door by Harvey with various excuses such as Minister Fudge not being there, being busy with other important matters, or needing to make an appointment.
No matter how anxiously Tonks explained and pleaded, Harvey always refused her requests with a blank expression and in a businesslike manner.
This made Tonks feel both angry and helpless, because she had clearly seen Minister Fudge walk into her office not long ago, and he didn't seem to have anything urgent or important to deal with.
On the contrary, he looked relaxed and even a little smug.
This obvious contradiction made Tonks even more convinced that there must be some unknown conspiracy or misunderstanding behind it all.
By the fourth day, public opinion was becoming increasingly unfavorable for Sean.
This is not only because the fact that he was put in solitary confinement has sparked much speculation and discussion, but more importantly,
From the day Sean was imprisoned, the frequent murders that had been occurring outside miraculously stopped.
This sudden change has drawn a lot of attention to Sean.
Since Sean was put into solitary confinement at noon on the first day, the first day cannot be considered a "murder-free" day.
But in the following two days, no wizards suffered any further misfortune. This coincidence led many to suspect that Sean was indeed connected to the previous murders, and some even began to speculate that he might be the killer who had been hiding in the shadows all along.
Public opinion shifted rapidly, and those who had initially sympathized with and supported Sean began to waver.
They began to question why the murders stopped after Sean was put in solitary confinement.
Does this mean that as long as Sean is outside, more wizards will meet with misfortune?
In an instant, the entire magical world was in turmoil.
Hermione awoke peacefully in the stillness of the first light of dawn.
She first shifted her body, feeling the lingering coolness of the night in the bedding, then slowly opened her eyes. Before her was a hazy brightness, tinged with the confusion of just waking up.
She blinked, gradually adjusting to the indoor light, and her consciousness returned.
Hermione stretched, yawned, then threw off the covers and sat up.
She trembled slightly as her feet touched the cold ground, but the energy of the morning quickly dispelled it.
Hermione walked to the window, drew back the curtains, and opened the window to let more sunlight into the room. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the fresh air, and savored the peaceful and beautiful morning.
What day is it today...?
Hermione had forgotten some of it.
But today marks the sixteenth consecutive day that she has not seen Professor Sean.
Hermione thus concluded that today was the sixteenth day of summer vacation.
Just as Hermione was starting to plan how many books she would read and how much summer homework Professor McGonagall had assigned, Mrs. Granger's gentle voice came from downstairs.
"Hermione, come downstairs for breakfast."
Hermione's stomach responded at just the right moment.
"Okay, Mom, I'll be right there." After saying that, she quickly changed her clothes, left the room, and went down the stairs.
The table was already laden with all sorts of food: steaming hot oatmeal, golden fried eggs, fresh fruit slices, and Hermione's favorite honey lemon tea.
"This looks delicious, Mom. Thank you," Hermione exclaimed sincerely as she sat down in the chair.
"You're welcome, dear. Remember to maintain a balanced diet during summer vacation," Mrs. Granger said with a smile, handing her the cutlery. "By the way, what are your plans for today? Besides finishing your homework?"
Hermione thought for a moment, swallowed a piece of fried egg, and replied, "I plan to finish the two papers Professor McGonagall assigned first, then read Chapter 3 of 'Advances in Magical Theory,' and this afternoon I might need Dad to take me to Diagon Alley to buy two books."
"Is Diagon Alley still open?" Mrs. Granger asked, her brows furrowed slightly. Her face, like a newly blooming lily, still exuded an indescribable elegance and beauty even amidst this subtle sorrow.
"Probably..." Hermione seemed a little uncertain.
In fact, to make it easier for Hermione to stay informed about the magical world and for Mr. Granger to better understand it, the Granger family subscribed to the Daily Prophet for three years.
They were naturally well aware of the recent high-profile murder case.
Just then, an owl carrying a newspaper wobbled in from Hermione's bedroom on the second floor, then flew down the stairs and finally landed above the dining table.
"Thank you." Mrs. Granger gently stroked the owl's feathers, then carefully took the newspaper from its beak and handed it to Hermione.
Hermione eagerly took the newspaper, her heart filled with anticipation. She picked up her teacup, mimicking her father, ready to enjoy the aroma of tea while reading the news.
However, when she inadvertently caught sight of the newspaper's headline, her face instantly turned serious and pale.
At that moment, her heart seemed to stop, and the teacup in her hand slipped from her grasp due to this momentary lapse in concentration. Tea splashed out with a crisp cracking sound, shards scattered all over the floor, making a soft, jarring noise.
"What's wrong, Hermione? Are you hurt?" Mrs. Granger asked anxiously. Seeing that Hermione didn't respond and was just staring intently at the newspaper, her expression grew even more worried. "Wait for me, I'll go get you the first-aid kit."
With that, she turned and left the room in a hurry, leaving Hermione sitting there alone, her gaze still fixed on the headline of the newspaper.
The room was quiet, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window.
When Mrs. Granger returned with her medicine box, her gaze fell on Hermione, who was staring intently at the newspaper, and on the broken teacup on the floor, and she felt a vague sense of unease.
She quietly walked to Hermione's side, put down the medicine box, and then gently took Hermione's hand, carefully checking for any burns from tea or cuts from glass shards.
"Darling, don't move, I'll disinfect it for you." Mrs. Granger said, taking out disinfectant and cotton swabs from the medicine box and carefully treating the minor wound on Hermione's hand.
After a while, Hermione slowly raised her head, her voice trembling slightly: "Mom, look at this news..."
Mrs. Granger took the newspaper and followed Hermione's gaze. The headline read: "Ministry of Magic Senior Advisor Phillips Under Investigation; Is He Involved in This Incident?"
"What...what's going on?" Mrs. Granger murmured to herself, looking up at Hermione. Her daughter's face remained grave, her eyes filled with worry and unease.
"Mom, I'm worried... I'm worried..." Hermione's voice choked slightly.
Granger frowned as he listened to his daughter's words.
She understood that Hermione's concerns were not unfounded; Phillips, as a senior advisor to the Ministry of Magic and a professor at Hogwarts,
Its influence should not be underestimated.
If he is indeed involved in some improper matters, the consequences will be unimaginable.
However... she had met Phillips, and he didn't seem like the kind of person who would do something like this.
"Hermione, let's not scare ourselves," Mrs. Granger tried to calm her daughter. "This news only raises questions; there's no concrete evidence that Mr. Phillips is really guilty. We should trust the Ministry of Magic's impartiality; they will definitely find out the truth."
Hermione nodded, but still looked somewhat worried.
She knew her mother was right, but her inner worries were hard to calm down.
After Mrs. Granger finished treating her wounds, Hermione didn't linger for a moment. She rushed upstairs in one breath, picked up the phone, and dialed Ron.
"Ron, did you see today's news? The one about Professor Sean." Hermione's voice was urgent; she couldn't wait to share this unsettling news with her friends.
On the other end of the phone, Ron sounded somewhat confused: "Yes, I saw it, Hermione. But do you really think it could be true? Professor Sean, he's always been such an upright person."
"I don't know either, Ron." Hermione sighed softly. "Mama is right, we can't scare ourselves."
only."
"I'll ask my father about it when he gets home from get off work. You know, he works at the Ministry of Magic, on the same floor as Professor Sean," Ron said.
“Yes, Ron, then you must ask your father if he knows anything.” Hermione’s voice was urgent. “We need to find out the truth as soon as possible. If Professor Sean is really wronged, we must do something for him.”
"Don't worry, Hermione, I will." Ron's voice was firm. "We've always been good friends, and we'll face anything together. As soon as my father gets back, I'll go ask him."
"Thank you, Ron," Hermes said gratefully.
Hermione didn't feel much better after hanging up the phone.
She stared blankly at the ceiling, recalling all the moments she had shared with Professor Sean over such a long period of time.
As she pondered, fatigue gradually crept in, and Hermione's eyelids began to grow heavy.
When she regained consciousness, it was already evening.
The last rays of the setting sun shone through the window onto her face. She sat up abruptly and realized that she had fallen asleep without even noticing.
Hermione rubbed her eyes, and the worry for Professor Sean welled up in her heart again.
Mrs. Granger came to Hermione's bedroom during this time, intending to call her downstairs for dinner, but seeing her daughter fast asleep,
She silently closed the door again.
Miss Granger neither ate nor read a book today.
The next morning.
After a long night, Hermione sat at the dining table, mechanically eating her breakfast.
Having barely slept a wink last night, her eyes were dry, and her already messy hair looked even more disheveled.
The flavors of bread and jam became blurred in her mouth, and she could barely taste them.
Hermione's thoughts had already drifted far away, her mind filled with thoughts of Professor Sean.
Last night Ron told her that his father, Arthur, didn't know much about the matter, but he said he would look into it.
This offered Hermione some comfort.
Just then, an owl flew in.
This time, it was more direct, without going around to the second floor, because Mrs. Granger had opened the restaurant windows completely this morning.
Before the owl had even fully landed, Hermione eagerly snatched the newspaper from its beak.
Her fingers gripped the edge of the newspaper tightly, her heart pounding with tension.
She hoped there would be new information about Professor Sean in the newspapers, but she was also afraid of seeing a bad outcome.
The owl was startled by Hermione's sudden movement; its eyes widened, and it looked somewhat innocent.
It shook its feathers, seemingly puzzled by Hermione's eagerness.
But Hermione couldn't care less about that at the moment; her entire attention was drawn to the contents of the newspaper.
It was written in large characters above:
The Ministry of Magic has officially initiated legal proceedings, and Sean Phillips is scheduled to appear in Wizengamor on August 20 for a hearing.
Wissengamo?
This word sounds somewhat unfamiliar.
Hermione tried hard to recall the information she had read in the book about Wizengamor.
Wizengamo is the High Court and Parliament of the British magical community, and its history predates the British Ministry of Magic itself, dating back to the medieval Wizarding Council.
Wizengamor serves as both a court and a parliament, acting as both the Ministry of Magic's principal legislative body and its highest judicial body.
It consists of fifty members of parliament.
If she remembered correctly, the chief wizard of Wizengamo was Headmaster Dumbledore.
Doesn't that mean...?
Thinking of this, Hermione's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
She has to attend Professor Sean's hearing, she absolutely has to go!
Meanwhile, on the other side of London, at the Burns family estate, Amelia was having breakfast.
However, unlike her usual leisurely mornings, she ate in a great hurry today because she needed to go to the Ministry of Magic later to handle some urgent matters, especially concerning Phillips, which forced her to speed up her pace.
She chewed her food quickly, occasionally glancing up at the clock on the wall, calculating the remaining time in her mind.
But amidst this urgency, she suddenly felt a strange sensation creeping into her heart—it was as if a gaze was upon her.
He was staring intently at himself.
She suddenly looked up and glanced around the dining table, trying to find the source of the gaze.
Just then, her gaze unexpectedly met that of her niece, Susan.
Susan was sitting at the other end of the table, holding a piece of bread, but her eyes weren't on the bread; she was staring blankly at Amelia.
When Amelia noticed her niece watching her, Susan's face flushed red instantly, as if a secret had been suddenly exposed.
She quickly lowered her head, burying her face in the bread in her hands, seemingly trying to avoid Amelia's gaze.
"Susan, is there something you want to tell me?" Amelia asked gently, putting down her cutlery as she observed Susan's reaction.
Upon hearing this, Susan's body trembled slightly, and she almost dropped the bread in her hand.
She hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and looked up at Amelia.
"Yes, Aunt..." Susan's voice trembled slightly, "I...can I ask about Professor Sean?"
He couldn't be... the murderer... He... must have been framed...
Amelia frowned slightly upon hearing Susan's words, clearly surprised by the question.
But she quickly regained her composure, looking at Susan with gentle eyes, signaling her to continue.
“Aunt, I know Professor Sean has always been highly respected. He's incredibly skilled in magic and always so kind and approachable,” Susan’s voice grew firmer. “But recently, I heard he's implicated in that matter, accused of being the murderer. I don’t believe he would do such a thing, Aunt. Can you tell me the truth?”
(PS: I only remembered an idea after finishing this volume: Hermione should be added to the Ministry of Magic storyline. I will finish polishing, revising, and adding or deleting plot points for the entire book by the end of this month.)