Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 446 The Cat In The Bed

Evan's ideas extended beyond a store that sold prank products, to a supplier of magical items that could encompass all areas of the magical world.

It would be akin to the large companies in the Muggle world that control the pulse of the economy and lead the development and progress of society as a whole.

Evan aimed to develop his store in Diagon Alley to reach that size and become a giant in the magical world.

They were going to usher in a new era and set the future trend for magical world development.

With his solid magical knowledge and magical power, and Fred and George's creativity and business acumen, with this combination, Evan was confident they would surely succeed.

Hearing Evan talk about his plan there, Hermione nodded hesitantly.

She viewed it with skepticism, but if things could truly go that way, she had no reason to oppose.

It would be quite remarkable to efficiently manage a store and develop it to the scale Evan was describing.

"If it really is as you say, not just prank products, I can support you!" Hermione hesitated, "but there's Mrs. Weasley..."

"Don't worry, she opposes it now, but when we achieve some successes, she'll accept it," Evan continued. "I know her thoughts, but neither Fred nor George are suited for working at the Ministry of Magic."

With their characters, if they were forced to go to the Ministry of Magic, they would also inevitably cause trouble sooner or later.

It was better to let them unleash their advantages and thrive in business.

Later, Hermione inquired about some details related to alchemy and was very curious about it.

Evan pulled out the Book of Abraham, the most authoritative book on alchemy in the world of magic.

Nicolas Flamel relied on its first part to become the most powerful alchemist, although most of his secrets were hidden beyond that.

The second part had not yet been deciphered, but the third part was definitely related to evil spirits.

Things were becoming increasingly complex, and finding the treasure left by the Four Founders of Hogwarts was no longer as straightforward as expected.

Faced with the combination of Voldemort and an evil deity, only a few would be capable of doing anything.

Not to mention other forces like Herpo the Foul and the mysterious vampires.

Evan brought out the book. He was going to study with Hermione and analyze the information he had so far to perhaps uncover some clues.

Hermione was the only person he could fully trust at that moment, and Evan had no reservations with her.

As anticipated, Hermione was very excited and even felt a little nervous upon seeing the book.

"I scored the highest in Ancient Magical Writing last quarter, but I don't understand most of the words here!" said Hermione, quickly flipping through the pages, "It's amazing to know that this was left by Abraham, who was highly famous in history as a great prophet and messenger of God in the world. Whether it's magical history or Muggle history, the book is definitely very, very precious."

"The first part of this book is related to alchemy. The first page has a painting of the Philosopher's Stone!" Evan showed Hermione. "The staff on the second page, being devoured by green serpents, should be one of the items left by Salazar Slytherin. As for the third part, I told you before that in the strange space created by the evil spirit, the book suddenly flew out to defeat it, and then the portrait of the evil spirit appeared on the first page of the third part."

"Evan, I don't know," Hermione whispered; anything or enemy involved was completely beyond her realm of knowledge.

Hermione asked Evan to put away the Book of Abraham, and hesitated for a moment.

The next second, without warning, Hermione suddenly threw herself at Evan, her frail body trembling.

"Evan, I'm scared, I suddenly feel very frightened," she said softly, "I'm afraid of losing you."

Herpo the Foul, the evil Voldemort, the indescribable evil deities, and the unknown secrets hidden in the depths of history; all these things overlapped everywhere, enough to drive most people insane.

"No need to worry too much, Hermione," Evan said reassuringly. As Hermione approached hastily, her body tensed for a moment, then relaxed as Evan gently stroked her shoulder.

In this regard, Evan also had preliminary plans.

Firstly, according to Flamel, he aimed to study ancient magic and alchemy to strengthen himself.

Moreover, Voldemort's Horcruxes needed to be destroyed one by one as planned.

Meanwhile, there were still keys to secret treasures left by the Four Founders that needed to be quickly located.

Not to mention the treasure itself, the Philosopher's Stones alone, serving as keys, could provide magic beyond imagination.

Evan had a deep understanding of this, knowing that the Philosopher's Stone was essential for summoning and defeating evil gods.

"Well, Hermione, fear not, as long as we work together, we will overcome all obstacles," Evan said, embracing Hermione tightly.

Rarely did he see the girl in his arms displaying such vulnerability.

Hermione's current appearance held an inexplicable allure for Evan, feeling that the girl in his arms was more beautiful than any he had seen before.

Feeling her heartbeat, Evan's own heart raced faster.

There was a blank space in Evan's mind. Now, he simply wished time would stop; he just wanted to hold Hermione like that forever.

Both individuals' thoughts were in disarray, and at that moment, footsteps were heard coming from the staircase.

Ginny had returned, about to enter.

Hastily, Hermione pulled away from Evan's arms, like a startled rabbit, with only a flushed and bashful expression.

"Evan," Hermione whispered, standing up.

It was too late. If Ginny saw this scene, it would truly be...

Without further thought, Evan's body quickly transformed, shrinking visibly.

In the blink of an eye, he turned into a black cat and curled up on Hermione's bed.

"Meow!" Evan meowed at Hermione, then swiftly ran to hide under the bedcovers.

Hermione covered her mouth, looking surprised at Evan concealed in her quilt.

She seemed to want to stop, to bring out Evan, but ultimately did nothing.

Just as Evan had transformed, Ginny opened the door and stepped into the room.

"Hermione, what are you doing?!" Ginny looked oddly at Hermione standing by the bed.

"Nothing... nothing," Hermione nervously replied, glancing at her quilt. "I was just waiting for you to return."

Ginny knew that Evan's Animagus form was that of a black cat. If she saw him, it would be disastrous.

"Oh!" Ginny said suspiciously, approaching her bed. "Then go to sleep, we need to get up early tomorrow."

Under her watchful gaze, Hermione mechanically nodded and slowly climbed into bed.