Chapter 106: Conspiracy

Two weeks have passed since Harry received the wand test. Rita Skeeter's report on the Warriors later occupied three full pages, and a large amount of space was related to Harry. Information about the other four Warriors All were compressed into the last two rows. Rita Skeeter misspelled at least two people's names.

Mu Yu would never deliberately pay attention to the bunch of conjectures written by Rita Skeeter. She only needed to understand that Rita Skeeter's pen could become the most advantageous weapon. However, she never expected that she would be the first to taste the power of this weapon.

As soon as she arrived at the auditorium that morning, she noticed that several eyes were focused on her, each with inquiry and even a hint of jealousy.

It wasn't until Daphne pushed her a copy of the Daily Prophet at the dinner table that she understood what was going on.

Taking quotes out of context is Rita Skeeter's specialty. Mu Yu didn't know what Harry said to Rita at that time, but she concluded that it was absolutely impossible for Harry to say to a stranger that he would still cry for his parents late at night. She already knew what Rita Skeeter was capable of from previous reports about Arvides.

The report not only spent a lot of space fabricating Harry's personal life, but also focused on his emotional experiences.

"It's quite interesting." Daphne had even thought of words of comfort. After all, Rita Skeeter's writing was a bit excessive, but she didn't expect that Mu Yu actually read it out with interest, "'Fortunately, in At Hogwarts, Harry was able to find emotional comfort in order to make up for his trauma. According to an anonymous student, a girl named Mu Yu was always willing to help Harry in Potions class. According to the student, the two of them won honors for the school together in the first year. However, Harry seems to have found his first love. His close friend Colin Creevey said that Harry was born in a Muggle family. The stunningly beautiful top student Hermione Granger is inseparable..."

Her slender index finger slid over the last line of the report, and her gentle voice read out the charm of poetry from this unsavory report: "It's a good story. Her writing is very good. Two women compete for one man, and the man finally makes a choice. The lovelorn person feels sad. Should I prepare a handkerchief to wipe my tears every day and tell the pain of not being able to love?"

When she said this, she said A hand unconsciously touched her lips again. The coldness that touched her lips that day seemed to have not completely faded away. She put the newspaper aside in boredom, maybe it was time to leave school.

She originally thought this would be her second home, but she didn't expect that all she would witness was the disintegration of her home. When she walked out of Olivia's memory, the image of her parents that she had fantasized about for a long time was also turned into ashes by the Whomping Willow. When she sat on the shaky railing of the tower, the small building on Mingyuan Mountain was also It fell apart in the howling wind.

Now...her home...

"Xiaoyu, Xiaoyu," Shen Qitong waved in front of her, "Come to your senses, you have almost finished your butterbeer. Do you want another glass?"

It's only November 3rd. A broom had already lit the fire. Even though the warm room is noisy, people can't help but doze off. Mu Yu suddenly realized after Shen Qitong's reminder that she and Shen Qitong were sitting in the corner of the Three Broomsticks.

This was the last weekend before the competition, and Shen Qitong also insisted on taking her to Hogsmeade for a walk, saying it was soothing and relaxing before the competition.

Both she and Daphne could tell that Shen Qitong didn't mean this. Daphne noticed Shen Qitong's intention to talk to Mu Yu alone. As soon as she arrived in Hogsmeade, she took the opportunity to go to Zuko's Joke Shop with several other girls. Mu Yu, on the other hand, indifferently allowed Shen Qitong to drag her to the Three Broomsticks to drink butterbeer.

In this weather, it was most comfortable to sit by the fireplace with Nagini in my arms.

Barty Crouch Jr. was sitting next to them. He had already drank several times of Butterbeer. His pair of magic eyes did not forget to inspect everyone sitting here at this time.

Ever since receiving Dumbledore's instructions, "Moody" seemed to be seeking revenge because of the incident where Malfoy turned into a ferret. It was common for her to be punished with detention. But Dumbledore had no control over how the two of them got along in the office.

When Barty Crouch Jr. came into contact with Mu Yu's gaze, he turned his head in disgust as the original Moody should have done, leaving only his evil eyes lingering on her body.

"I want another drink." Mu Yu answered Shen Qitong's question at this time. She touched her chin and slightly raised the cup in the direction of Barty Crouch Jr. without anyone noticing.

He had just come out of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters. Mu Yu took a sip of the refilled warm butter beer. Barty Crouch Jr. would be wrong if he thought she was showing off by taking the initiative to hex the Goblet of Fire that night.

What she wanted was at No. 12 Grimmauld Place, which was under strict protection under the Fidelity Charm.

"Xiaoyu..." Shen Qitong gathered her bright red cloak. She seemed to be particularly afraid of the cold. She looked around at the lively Three Broomsticks, her brows knitted together, "Don't worry about that newspaper. These media are like this, they especially like to catch rumors. And Master... He is very busy, he has nothing. I am concerned about the game, you know, Kunlun..."

Mu Yu gave a faint smile and took Shen Qitong's hand. No one understood the reason why Ning Yue gradually alienated her better than her: "I never care about these things. "I also understand Grandpa Ning. The burden on his shoulders is too heavy."

"There is definitely someone behind this contract." Shen Qitong also realized that something was wrong, and he could not get rid of the sadness in his eyes. During the competition, all principals are not allowed to leave Hogwarts..."

"Can't leave." Mu Yu's eyes flashed.

"Of course..." Before Shen Qitong could say anything more, a rich voice exploded in the Three Broomsticks.

"Stay away from my godson! You cow!"

The noisy bar was like a radio with the mute button pressed. The students, the villagers of Hogsmeade and the waiters in the bar all stopped at the same time. The workman looked towards the source of the sound.

Sirius Black was raising his wand towards Rita Skeeter, who was obviously ready to pester Harry again, but he didn't expect that Sirius would treat her like this in public. Rita Skeeter's face was livid. She held the delicate leather bag tightly in her hand, and the pen she carried with her was destroyed by the threat of Sirius's wand.

"Mr. Black..." Rita Skeeter cleared her throat, still determined to speak.

"I said, stay away from, my godson!" Sirius pulled Harry back, who was about to step forward. He glanced at the enchanted pen with disdain, "You just rely on this thing. If you dare to make up one more word, this pen will explode along with your hand."

Even though his innocence has been proven, Black's reputation for being unruly and fierce is still widely circulated in private.

Rita Skeeter's face turned a little pale. She was a bully and afraid of the strong. What can make her compromise is either a large amount of money or sheer power.

No one dared to even breathe at this time. Only Barty Crouch Jr. drank the last bit of butterbeer in one gulp and said to Sirius in warning: "Black!"

Sirius then put down his wand and looked at Lily. Tuskeet's eyes were no different from those of a bedbug: "Get away, don't let me see you again."

Rita Skeeter hurriedly picked up her small bag and ran out of the Three Broomsticks. After she left, Sirius also took Harry out of the bar and headed towards Zuko's Joke Shop not far away.

Shen Qitong kept watching Harry leave. Even with his godfather accompanying him, the anxiety and nervousness on Harry's face never disappeared.

"It's ridiculous. For a boy who is only fourteen years old, someone has obviously framed him. They actually stubbornly insist on abiding by the contract and letting him compete to the end." She complained to Mu Yu.

"That is an ancient and powerful contract. Even Dumbledore can't do anything about it." Mu Yu also looked as worried as she was. "There will be a competition next Tuesday. I don't know what your first event will be." What."

Shen Qitong shook the wine in his glass and turned to look out the window at the crowded village. He didn't even notice that the wine was spilled: "The first project is confidential. We can only use the wand. Of course I only have it. There is no magic wand."

"Qitong, it's just a competition. They have taken strict protective measures this time, so no one will die." Mu Yu reached out to steady the cup that she kept shaking.

Shen Qitong suddenly approached her: "Let me tell you something," he said to himself without waiting for her reaction, "I made some predictions about the first project last night, and this is not considered cheating. Gua, Fire and water are incompatible, and they are incompatible with each other. The first project must be to fight or even fight for one thing. There are only a few fierce magical creatures available in the West... you. If you have time... tell that boy."

Mu Yu didn't expect that Shen Qitong was actually good at hexagrams, and her compassion was far beyond her imagination.

Shen Qitong seemed not to notice Mu Yu's confusion. She brushed the dust on her cloak and said, "Fairness is the foundation of the game, and communication is the core of the game. Now both of these are gone. This kind of game really doesn't exist." What's the meaning?"

She has grown up, but she rarely maintains a sincere youthful spirit. Mu Yu glanced at Barty Crouch Jr. again, and she was sure that he listened to their conversation word for word. He was showing a very ironic smile.

How long can Shen Qitong maintain this sincerity and innocence?

"People in Kyushu are so loyal."

After coming out of the Three Broomsticks, Shen Qitong wanted to find Daphne, while Mu Yu wanted to go back to the castle early, and they separated at the door of the bar. Before she reached the castle, raindrops mixed with snow fell from the sky. As soon as she walked through the gate, Barty Crouch Jr. rushed up from behind like a ghost. The only sound left in the silent hall was the tapping of his cane on the ground.

"Everyone's pursuit is different."

Mu Yu responded quickly and prepared to walk to the Slytherin common room.

"Tonight..." Barty Crouch Jr. suddenly stopped. The corridor was still empty. There was not even a ghost, but he could infer from the turning of his magic eyes that someone was approaching.

"Severus." He raised his voice, which was consistent with Mad-Eye Moody's usual speaking style.

After a long time, Severus Snape walked out of the corner of the corridor. He seemed extremely reluctant to greet "Moody" and said expressionlessly: "What a coincidence, Professor Moody."

"Yes, what a coincidence. ," Barty Crouch Jr. circled Snape with his cane, his magic eye spinning at this time, "What a coincidence... It's a rare weekend that you are willing to stay in the castle... .."

Snape pretended not to hear Barty Crouch Jr.'s meaningful words. He turned to Mu Yu, no longer as stiff as he was when facing "Moody": "I'm looking for you, Miss Mu." There were several errors in the paper submitted last week, and I think we need to talk about it alone. I hope Professor Moody has nothing to do at this time..."

"Miss Mu and I just met by chance," Barty Crouch Jr. imitated. Moody's voice was hoarse, and without waiting for Snape to respond, he walked away with his cane, as if he didn't want to look at Snape again.

Now only Mu Yu and Snape were left. Snape walked towards the cellar without waiting for her to speak. Mu Yu followed him silently, her right hand always on the jade pendant around her waist. She knew very well that the paper was just a cover.

She had been wondering since the beginning of the term how long Snape could endure it.

I didn’t expect that he could endure it until the first project started.

Snape pushed open the potions room door. She is extremely familiar with this place. This dark, underground office was filled with the weird smell of various potions all year round, and it was as lifeless as Snape.

"Please take a seat, Miss Mu." When the door closed, Snape's attitude could be described as gentle. Like everyone else, he always remained gentle and cautious towards Mu Yu.

Mu Yu Shiran sat down on the only chair. The moment she sat down, her eyes met Snape's black eyes.

Legilimency makes no sense. No matter when, those black eyes were always like a pool of stagnant water. There was no panic, no fear, no humility, only calmness and a bit of deliberately pretended respect.

Snape calmly allowed Mu Yu to look at him. He put his hands on the huge oak table. Mu Yu was observing him, and he was also observing Mu Yu. Without any detours or temptations, he went straight to the point: "Miss Mu, I don't I know what your mission is, but Dumbledore has become wary, and you need a helper."

He saw Mu Yu just tapping the oak table rhythmically, as if waiting for his next step, so he took his time. He continued: "It is very clever to put Potter's name into the Goblet of Fire and get rid of him in the competition. But this year there are five schools participating. To get rid of Potter under the protection of several principals, you need a teacher. Support."

He seemed to be sincerely willing to help, but from another perspective... it was not a temptation.

"You are very concerned about this, Professor Snape."

Snape did not move his eyes at this time. He said extremely calmly: "I am willing to do everything for the master."

He was waiting for the expected response. Legilimency. He survived that night...

The Cruciatus Curse seemed to be engraved in his soul. Even when he thought about it now, he still couldn't forget the pain of the sharp blade rubbing against his bones. The Dark Lord wanted to destroy his will, and only by destroying his will would his brain open up unreservedly.

It's a pity that the physical pain can no longer tap into his deepest memories.

Mu Yu looked up at the various rare materials neatly arranged on the shelves. In terms of medicinal materials, Snape's personal collection was no less than the Mu family's private treasury. She knows what he is waiting for, and she never wastes time on things that have no results: "Your loyalty is extremely touching, but you know him, and what he tells a person can only be completed by that person."

Snee Pu frowned: "You are only fourteen years old. Solving Potter is of great importance..."

"I found him. I helped him resurrect." Mu Yu moved a few inches closer to him. At this time, Si Nap's eyes tried to see through her, trying to dig out information from her brain, "Instead of testing me here, all you can do is keep the secret, and play the role of a lost teacher under Dumbledore."

At this time, she was not only a bit coercive, but also a bit arrogant unique to people of this age. But Snape understood that these were all appearances, and her brain was as unfathomable as the ocean. There must be layers of elusive secrets hidden beneath the calm water.

When the deep lake and the sea are in a stalemate, it is difficult to tell the winner in a short while.

The office door banged open at this moment. After hearing the sound, Mu Yu took a few steps away from Snape. She stepped aside, leaving enough space for the two of them.

Igor Karkarov rushed in directly, not paying attention to whether there were outsiders present, and grabbed Snape's hand directly: "I can't stand it anymore, Severus, please help me, I can't stand it anymore." No more. You, please help me, please, no, no, tell him directly, I know a secret, Greengrass and the French Minister of Magic, I know their business, I can provide him with everything, as long as he can Forgive me."

His series of words gave Snape no chance to react.

Mu Yu glanced at Karkaroff, Greengrass and the French Minister of Magic. She happened to have been curious about what was going on between them for a long time.

"Shut up." Only then did Snape find the opportunity to scold Karkaroff. He looked at Mu Yu hesitantly.

"No, go on," she said slowly, pointing her wand at the surprised Karkaroff. "Now that we've said it, there's no point in talking about it anymore. What do you think?"

Karkaroff turned to him. He turned his head to look at Snape, whose face was obscured in shadow, making it difficult to discern his true emotions. But Snape's uncharacteristic silence said a lot.

Snape mentally cursed Karkaroff for his stupidity.

The three parties in the room fell into a silent stalemate. Karkaroff was seeking answers from Snape, Snape was struggling to weigh up, and Mu Yu had a panoramic view of all the reactions of the two.

"Professor Snape, I want to talk to Mr. Karkaroff alone." She continued to point her wand at Karkaroff, but her eyes were always fixed on Snape.

The already scarce light in the basement seemed to be even fainter at this time. Snape had no doubt that if he refused for any reason at this time or made any suspicious move, he would probably not even see the sun the next day.

He nodded with difficulty: "Of course."

After that, he ignored Karkaroff's shock and directly closed the door and left.

Only the two of them were left in the quiet basement. The room full of potions made this dark basement look more like a slaughterhouse. Although it felt absurd, Karkaroff did not regard Mu Yu as an ordinary fourteen-year-old student at this time. He had already seen many problems in Snape's complicated attitude.

Assessing the situation and adapting to the prevailing situation has always been his specialty.

He swallowed before speaking: "You, you can promise..." Before he could finish speaking, a sharp pain swept through his body. He fell to the ground and kept rolling. He had not experienced such pain and despair for more than ten years.

The girl in front of him still held the wand steadily, as if the Cruciatus Curse cast just now was just an insignificant little spell: "I don't like nonsense."

The long pain continued, and he finally understood what Severus Snape had just said. Attitude. This is a total lunatic. He knew it was best to get straight to the point in front of this madman: "Albert Greengrass, and the French Minister of Magic, they, they were secretly searching for Squibs and Obscurials. I, I know, they secretly sent the people they searched for. An experiment in a secret place."

He didn't stop until he finished talking about all the pain he knew.

Mu Yu put away her wand, she had always suspected this. Squib and Obscurus, what are these restless partners doing?

If Daphne and Astoria knew that their good father was doing such a business in private, they would still be full of envy for such a father. ?

She was suddenly looking forward to Astoria's reaction.

"Such a small thing cannot reflect your value."

No matter how much he said, Karkaroff would never keep it.

But Karkaroff seemed to have been sentenced to death, and he tried to grab Mu Yu's robe in a panic: "I can go and inquire again, really, I can go again. Maurice Bernard even hinted at whether I want to join the gang, I, I can promise him, please, please, tell him that I'm still loyal, that I'm still valuable. Also, there's Durmstrang, as long as I'm here for a day, Durmstrang's. The door is always open."

"You are threatening us."

Karkaroff lost his voice completely.

Mu Yu dodged away from him, she still remained gentle and kind, but such gentleness was tantamount to torture for Karkaroff: "The fact that you can survive intact until now proves that you are still valuable. "

Surviving until the end of the competition is his only value. Now, no matter how much he swears, he will still reveal all the information without hesitation in order to survive when needed.

A trace of confusion flashed in Karkaroff's eyes. Mu Yu got what he wanted and no longer wanted to tangle with him: "I still want to thank you for the information you generously provided." Her wand pointed at his temple, silver-white Light poured into it, "I didn't know that Albert was still someone who did big things."

Mu Yu waited until Karkaroff's eyes completely turned dull before stepping over her and walking out of the basement. Snape was still waiting outside the door, and she stared at him closely: "Some of Karkaroff's memories no longer need to exist. You know what to do and what to say."

Snape lowered his head, this The girl didn't give him a chance: "I know."

Mu Yu didn't observe his reaction too much. She walked towards the courtyard on the first floor.

The drizzle that had fallen on the way back to the castle has now become a torrential downpour, and many students are returning from Hogsmeade with a full load of things, talking and laughing.

She stood in the empty courtyard, feeling for the first time that she was so far away from this lively and vibrant castle.