Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 506 Hogwarts Express

Evan nodded, feeling there was truly nothing to worry about.

Krum looked so gloomy that everyone wanted to approach him aggressively, and he had the same impulse.

But Crouch was evidently very unique, and it seemed like the show was about to begin!

"There are no signs of vampires, but many bad things are happening," Sirius said. "After the attacks at the World Cup, people seemed to suddenly go mad. Attacks and fights were breaking out everywhere, all needing to be handled by Aurors. When I arrived this morning, I also heard that Alastor Moody had another incident. He said someone attacked him in the middle of the night, but all people saw were the exploded trash cans. It was truly terrible."

"I know. Mr. Weasley took care of that before you arrived," Evan replied.

"I hope he doesn't face severe consequences!" Sirius continued. "Dumbledore invited Moody a few days ago to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at the school. He seems to think that given the current circumstances, having a professional professor at Hogwarts is truly necessary. This proved to be really necessary, and he was clearly aware of what was happening."

Dumbledore's idea was truly wise, but Evan did not expect Voldemort to make a move this early, even before his return.

Hiring Moody as a professor at Hogwarts was originally meant as an insurance policy. However, if things unfolded as in the books, it would become the catalyst for everything yet to come.

"Moody is sometimes a bit unhinged, but he is absolutely reliable, with extensive experience in battling dark wizards," Sirius looked at Evan. "If something happens at the school, you can go to him immediately."

"I know!" Evan nodded.

If nothing unexpected occurred, the fake Moody who was about to teach at Hogwarts would be willing to assist them in the early stages.

Evan felt he could even approach him to some extent and gather information through that.

"Don't forget to write to me about everything!" Sirius patted Evan's shoulder, and they both headed back to the platform. "By the way, Evan, look after Harry at school. Don't let him get too impulsive and into trouble, especially this year. Hogwarts will be hosting the Triwizard Tournament, and everything must be handled very cautiously."

"Stay out of trouble," such words sounded awkward coming from Sirius's mouth.

Moreover, most of the time, it was trouble seeking out Harry, not the other way round, and he couldn't escape no matter how far he ran.

Perhaps Sirius thought Evan and Harry would be spectators at the Triwizard Tournament. He never thought either of them would compete, becoming the youngest contestants in history.

As they returned, everyone was bidding farewell on the platform.

"Maybe I'll see you all sooner than you think," Charlie said, smiling, as he hugged Ginny goodbye.

Why? Fred asked with interest.

"You'll see," Charlie said. "Just don't tell Percy I mentioned it... It's classified information that can't be disclosed until the Ministry of Magic deems it appropriate."

"Yes, I almost wish I were back at Hogwarts this year," Bill said, hands in his pockets, looking almost nostalgically at the train.

"Why on earth?" George asked impatiently. "You've been holed up all summer!"

"You're in for an interesting year," Bill said, "I might even take some time off to go and see a bit..."

"See a bit of what?" Ron asked.

At that moment, Evan and Sirius walked past them, and Harry quickly asked Sirius what was going on.

"I can't tell you, Harry," Sirius said with a smile. He and Harry embraced tightly. "You'll find out when you get there, and you'll definitely be pleased. It's a truly special occasion."

"But..."

Harry wanted to say more, but the train whistle sounded, and Mrs. Weasley urged them towards the doors.

"Goodbye, Sirius. Goodbye, Mrs. Weasley, thank you for having us," Hermione said as they boarded, closed the door, and peered out the window to speak with Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh, it was a pleasure, dears," Mrs. Weasley said. "I would invite you, Evan, and Harry for Christmas, but... Well, I suppose you all would want to stay at Hogwarts, what with... one thing and another."

"Mother!" said Ron, irritated. "What do you know that we don't?"

"You'll find out tonight, I suppose," Mrs. Weasley said, smiling. "It's going to be very exciting... though I'm very glad they've changed the rules..."

"What rules?" Harry, Ron, Fred, and George said simultaneously.

"I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will tell you... Now, behave, alright? Alright, Fred? And you, George?" Mrs. Weasley shouted.

Her words were drowned out by the loud hissing of the pistons, and the train started to move.

"Tell us what's happening at Hogwarts!" Fred shouted out the window, "What rules are changing?"

Sirius, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie waved goodbye and quickly faded from view.

"That's enough. I want to know what's going on!" Fred said unhappily.

Evan, Harry, Ron, and Hermione returned to their compartment.

The thick rain beating against the windows made it difficult to see outside.

Ron opened his trunk, pulled out his red robes, and threw them over Pigwidgeon's cage to silence his chirping.

"Mom and Dad won't say anything. Surely something important is happening at the school this year," Ron said grumpily.

"Evan, do you know anything about this?" Harry suddenly turned and asked.

In their estimation, Evan knew almost everything, and there was nothing that could be hidden from him.

Since all the rules had been altered, Evan truly couldn't pretend that the matter remained a secret.

He was about to speak, but Hermione put her finger to his lips.

"Shh!" she whispered, pointing to the next compartment.

At that moment, a familiar and pompous voice was heard through the open door.

"My father actually considered sending me to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, you know? He knows the headmaster, you see. Well, they know his opinion of Dumbledore... that man is a mudblood lover... and Durmstrang doesn't admit that sort of riff-raff. But mother didn't like the idea of me going to study so far away. Dad says Durmstrang takes a much more sensible stance than Hogwarts on Dark Arts. Durmstrang students truly learn them, not just the rubbish defense we do, and the untidy people and teachers we hire..."