Chapter 330 Thoughts And Intentions
Hermione seemed to notice Evan's abnormality and gazed at him again for a while.
When Harry and Ron were talking about the Bulgarian Seeker Krum, she clearly sensed Evan's distraction. Even though he said nothing, as she knew him well, Hermione keenly perceived Evan's mood shifts and general thoughts. He did not seem to want her to know about Krum.
This was truly suspicious, was that Seeker a girl?! And if so, why did Evan not want her to know of their existence?
As soon as the idea crossed her mind, Hermione shook her head and almost laughed at her ridiculous thoughts.
Viktor Krum was unmistakably a male name, she reassured herself promptly. No matter how Evan knew Krum, and regardless of the secrets between them that he couldn't disclose, since Evan didn't want to reveal it, there was no need to keep questioning...
After all, she believed in Evan wholeheartedly, unconditionally!
Hermione did not dwell on it much. In fact, if she knew Evan's concerns and plans, she would mock him for overthinking.
She didn't even know who he was dating, she didn't even know who Krum was now.
Hermione was unaware that the matter was related to her, nor did she know that an indescribable resentment would brew between her and Krum in the upcoming semester.
In Evan's scheme, the Christmas ball should reach an unprecedented level and have an unparalleled impact on Hogwarts' history.
"This carved map behind the stone is too peculiar. Since Salazar Slytherin left it intentionally in the underground ruins, it must be very significant." Sensing Hermione's gaze, Evan said stiffly, "What message could he be trying to convey?"
"There might be something in this temple that meant a lot to Slytherin," Hermione also redirected her attention to the map, following Evan's line of thought, "He didn't take it because he was too hurried or for other reasons."
"Good idea, Hermione, it's a great possibility. There is something in the temple that Slytherin was supposed to acquire," Evan admired, "I don't know what it is, but it must be exceedingly valuable."
If Slytherin was interested in it, then the object must be of great importance.
Considering the status of Herpo the Foul, Evan could imagine his most treasured collection. He had in mind many legendary magical items he had seen in the history of magic books.
"Moreover, I think there is another possibility." Evan lowered his voice and continued, "You know, what I told you before..."
"Do you mean?!" Hermione raised her brows.
She thought of Evan telling her that he had brought back dark magic books from the Black family collection, even books on Horcruxes.
Though she believed in Evan, this topic was too sensitive.
Hermione, in particular, had just discussed this with Ron a few months back. Ron thought they should inform the teachers to stop Evan from studying Dark magic, but he had no evidence.
Upon Harry and Hermione's persuasion, Ron eventually had to back down.
The incident had concluded, but then the truth came out, and Hermione knew that Ron's speculation was not mere foolishness. On the contrary, everything he said was true.
As he said, Evan was studying evil dark magic.
Hermione focused and told herself not to entertain foolish thoughts.
Evan had promised her that he wouldn't use dark magic for nefarious deeds and would change his way of thinking.
He used those dark magic books as references for studying and creating corresponding white magic.
And indeed, Hermione had complete faith in Evan, but to avoid unnecessary disruptions, she hadn't told Harry and Ron yet.
It wouldn't be too late to inform them when the timing was right.
"Yes, that's right. In those books, I learned the steps and methods to make the Horcrux." Under Hermione's reluctant gaze, Evan looked at Harry and Ron sitting at the foot of the bed, still focused on the Quidditch match, then whispered, "At the same time, I have seen the monster and dark magic carved into the rock walls to create it. That magic is very similar to how the Horcrux is made. Many spells are exactly the same."
"Oh my goodness, how can this be possible? What are you saying?" exclaimed Hermione.
"It is still speculation that the monster is most likely immortal," Evan said. "Perhaps Slytherin left this map to tell us that only in this ancient temple could it be completely eliminated."
"What exactly should we do?" Hermione asked subconsciously.
Due to being too agitated, her breathing was slightly erratic.
"I don't know, all of this is speculation. But I believe it must have something to do with the dark red nameplate that I finally picked up. It did not appear until the monster disappeared." Evan pondered and said, "I gave it to Dumbledore, and perhaps he will uncover some clues."
"In that case, we must find the location of the temple as soon as possible and inform Dumbledore!" Hermione nodded, looked at the stone carefully again, and asked softly, "Do you know where it is?"
"I was just looking at it. I have no impression of the marked place on it." Evan shook his head.
For a moment, neither of them spoke again. They resumed placing the broken stones, and the map on top was becoming more and more complete.
"I have an idea!" Hermione said, squinting. "Though a bit silly, we can try comparing this map with the map of ancient Greece. There are oceans, forests, and deep canyons. The terrain is also very peculiar. There aren't many places that meet these conditions…"
"That is indeed a good idea. You can give it a try." Evan nodded. "Additionally, we must continue gathering information about Herpo the Foul."
If possible, he would also like to find out the specific location of the monster's body and brain carried by Slytherin, and be prepared for it. This matter could have something to do with vampires.
But now that Dumbledore knew, he would surely be prepared.
Considering the gap in their intelligence resources, if Dumbledore wanted to investigate, he would definitely find the remaining hidden parts of the monster in front of him.
What Evan needed to do now was to memorize this map as quickly as possible.
"The direction of this dotted line should lead to the right path. It seems to pass through an underground passage in the middle." His fingers explored forward on the back of the stone and he said softly, "Only this direction is feasible, and there is no other possible direction. Although it is not clear what is depicted ahead, there must be risks."