harry potter book of crimes

It was still the old moss-covered alley, or the seemingly dead old apartment building. Sirius, Flitwick and the others were waiting here for Minerva McGonagall to come back, while whispering softly on how to deal with it.

The infiltrators not far away started a series of discussions.

Of course, it's just because everyone present doesn't know much about each other, so there's not much they can discuss at the moment.

"...Because of this, I feel that the most reliable action plan is actually the action plan I just mentioned, isn't it? Don't worry, I have also made a lot of preparations at Bill's camp during this time.

It’s perfect for me to test it this time——”

Sirius has always been a man of action, not to mention that he came to Italy this time with a heavy responsibility. In order to bring Professor McGonagall...or at least Flitwick to Camp Granger.

, he obviously must first let the other party leave here with peace of mind.

In addition, after all, he was also a student of Hogwarts back then, and his affection for his alma mater was naturally no less than that of others. Now that almost all the teachers and students are in exile in Italy, there are still blind people who have sneaked into this group of physically and mentally exhausted people.

Among the professors and students, he even hurt one of the little wizards... Even if he didn't even know that little guy Colin, he certainly didn't want this seemingly minor hidden danger to continue.

"Besides, as long as we can figure out the identity and purpose of those people, it won't be that troublesome to solve this problem, right?"

According to Sirius's idea, at least take advantage of this opportunity to convince the two professors in front of him first, then his efficient action plan may be more likely to be recognized by Professor McGonagall - there is no doubt that,

Due to the tension on the front line, he actually didn't have much time to spend here.

However, Sirius soon discovered that there was destined to be someone who tried to contradict him from the very beginning.

"Hmph...what? Is this the only option in your stupid mind to confront someone head-on?"

Suddenly, a voice that was annoying to Sirius suddenly sounded from the corner of the alley behind him, interrupting his subsequent words.

"Snotlout, if you want to challenge me to a duel, just say so! Don't think that you can avoid being beaten now that you are a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!"

Although he knew that it would definitely not develop into a duel, Sirius did not mind a few verbal provocations, because he was quite confident in his own strength, and even if there was a fight, he was confident that he would not lose to Snape.

Of course, as Sirius thought, a duel was naturally impossible. Not to mention that they should be their own people now, and under the current situation, they were not allowed to mess around at all.

"You are already so old, why are you making such a fuss?"

Minerva came back with Snape. Seeing the two of them starting to rush each other again, she could only scold helplessly, and then changed the topic:

"By the way, Sirius, I agree to your plan... Wait, don't worry, listen to me! I agree to the plan, but the person who executes it needs to be changed - the person who goes in to talk to the other party is replaced by me.

And Severus."

"Huh? He-"

"Don't ask anymore, just stay safe outside with Filius and Pomona," Minerva said, blocking out Sirius who obviously didn't agree with the decision, "This matter

...There may be some misunderstandings, or it may be a little complicated...We will talk about everything after we finish talking to the other party!"

"this……"

Sirius looked at the serious face of Professor McGonagall, who looked unquestionable, and then glanced at Snape, who was standing not far in front of him. When his eyes finally returned to Professor McGonagall's face,

, he finally nodded slightly.

He could see that Minerva was serious, and in other words... the infiltrator incident in which students had been attacked did not seem to be that simple.

"Filius, Pomona, I'll leave it to you and Sirius outside... keep an eye on us. Also, don't worry too much about Severus and I who are inside, waiting for news about us."

"Okay, Professor McGonagall."

"Be careful."

Flitwick and Sprout obviously had more understanding and trust in Professor McGonagall. Seeing that she obviously knew something from Snape but didn't say it clearly, they didn't ask any more questions.

So, with three pairs of worried or depressed eyes, McGonagall and Snape walked step by step into the "uninhabited" old building diagonally opposite the entrance of the alley.

…

As Sirius observed earlier, this is a very old Italian apartment building. As you can see from the outside just now, the dark yellow brick walls are stained with water, and thick moss stretches from the corners of the walls.

Climb.

Now, as soon as Minerva walked into the door, she smelled a somewhat pungent musty smell.

"Are those American wizards hiding here?" she asked casually.

"Yes, it's over there in Room 103." Snape replied calmly.

Neither of them seemed to have any intention of hiding it, and they even started talking as soon as they came in. If anyone knows their personalities, they would be able to find out that they probably did it on purpose, because neither of them actually likes each other that way.

People who talk nonsense.

Needless to say, these words are actually meant for "other people" who are also in this old building.

After finishing her words, McGonagall nodded to Snape. The latter understood what was happening and took the lead to walk to the narrow corridor on the left.

McGonagall watched him lead the way, paused for a moment, and then fell a few steps behind Snape.

The undisguised footsteps of the two people overlapped, making the old apartment building seem a bit chaotic and quiet.

When Snape walked to the door of the "Room 103" he just mentioned, he reached out and knocked on the door politely.

There was a moment of silence. Snape did not open his mouth to explain anything, and neither did McGonagall. The two of them just waited quietly in the dark, damp corridor at the door, which was filled with a lot of debris.

"...Please come in."

After about ten seconds, a somewhat unfamiliar and far from enthusiastic response suddenly sounded in the room, breaking the dead silence.

This time, Snape did not look at McGonagall beside him, but directly reached out and turned the doorknob.

There was no enchantment attached to the door, or the enchantment had been lifted by the other party from the moment they entered the apartment building... In short, Snape easily opened the door in front of him.

Door.

"Mr. Snape, why are you back again? Have you changed your mind?"

Inside the door, the voice from before spoke again.