Chapter 201: Hot Pot Banquet Arouses Attention

Watching the dozen or so people talking and laughing along the way, Harry, who was looking at the gathering place from afar, was fascinated and wanted to have more friends! But looking at Ron in front of him, Harry was completely speechless.

Harry was in a good mood after watching a wonderful Quidditch match today. But he was pulled out by Ron just after dinner. According to Ron, Yang Tian and his friends will gather on the shore of Black Lake tonight, and there may be a major conspiracy, so he wants to go with him to scout.

Harry was confused! What was going on? He was about to say something, but Ron was stubborn and said, "If we are friends, we can talk about it after the surveillance is over!"

Just because of this sentence, Harry accompanied Ron by the lake to enjoy the breeze for several hours!

"Ron, what do you say that we should join Yang Tian's study group?" Harry asked haltingly, his eyes evasive as he watched everyone go away.

"What? Are you kidding? Harry, I've already told you, Yang Tian is not a good person!" Ron said angrily, expressing his feelings.

"Ron, haven't your parents come to school? Haven't you and Yang Tian reconciled?" Harry asked.

"Oh... this..." Ron was speechless. After coming back to his senses, he said weakly, "That's right, but I still feel that he is not a good person. Ever since I first entered school, I have felt that this person is very annoying."

"Also, although the announcement has been made, the conversation between Snape and Professor Quirrell can't be fake, right? Snape's desire to enter the restricted area on the fourth floor can't be fake, right? So...so we still have a chance! As long as we find evidence, we can turn the tables! Then, everyone will know that we are right!" Ron shouted hysterically as if he had grasped the last straw.

"But...but, even if there is something wrong with Snape, we can't conclude that it is related to Yang Tian?" Harry said weakly.

"We have to give it a try anyway!" Ron said decisively, "Even if we check and find that he has nothing to do with it, it would be a disguised proof of his innocence, right? Besides, Harry! Do you really think Snape has no problem? Don't you really want to know the truth of the matter?"

Ron's last two questions really hit Harry's heart. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well, we can continue to monitor Snape. But, Ron, there is one thing you must promise me. Don't speak ill of Yang Tian in front of others. After all, you have already apologized in public!"

"Don't worry, I won't say another word until I find the evidence!" Ron said in a heavy tone.

After the two reached a tacit understanding, they chatted casually for a few more words and then walked towards Hogwarts Castle together.

......

In fact, everything that happened outside the Hogwarts Castle seemed secret; but in fact, behind a curtain inside the castle, two pairs of eyes had already seen it all.

Snape said grimly, "Humph, it's really a trick that is not worthy of being shown on the stage. Although this huge protective shield is indeed a unique idea, it still has some shortcomings after all."

"Severus, let's be fair. Did you reach his level when you were 11?" Dumbledore asked cheerfully.

"Humph!" Snape did not respond, but continued to criticize: "So many people gathered until late at night, it's simply too lawless. They disregard the Hogwarts school rules. They must be taught a lesson."

Dumbledore smiled even more happily: "The children's studies are already very stressful. Proper rest and play are what they should have at this age."

Snape was completely upset when he heard this: "Dumbledore, what did Yang Tian tell you to make you trust him so much? Isn't there a possibility that he used some means to deceive you?"

Dumbledore said frankly, "Of course there is such a possibility, although it is really very small. What he told me allowed me to connect the information from my previous investigation completely and seamlessly. I even verified it with the Ministry of Magic and friends in pure-blood families... The final result was that there was no doubt at all."

Dumbledore's words made Snape feel relieved, but after thinking about it, he laughed sarcastically and said, "Even if there was a misunderstanding before, what about now? This child's ambition is obvious! He is only in the first grade now, but he has more than ten people around him, and they are all outstanding in various subjects. Think about it, Dumbledore, how terrible this will be. Believe me, you will regret it in a few years, he will be the next Dark Lord!"

"You haven't grasped the key point of the problem. In fact, he makes me feel more at ease now!" Looking at Snape's questioning eyes, Dumbledore continued: "Remember the Dark Lord back then? He established an organization based on Slytherin. They have similar backgrounds and close philosophies."

"But look at this study group. There are wizards from Muggle families, half-blood wizards, pure-blood wizards, and even children from extreme bloodline-oriented families. They represent different backgrounds and concepts. We need such a group of people to form an organization? Who should we protect? Who should we attack? What is the organization's charter?"

"For these children, it is precious to study and play together when they are young. But as they grow older, many practical problems will emerge. I don't believe that such a group of people with so many contradictions can be brothers and sisters in arms and live and die together."

Snape carefully considered every word Dumbledore said, and finally asked uncertainly: "But what if this boy really resolved their internal conflicts?"

Dumbledore smiled wisely upon hearing this and said, "If he can really balance the interests of all parties magically, then what conflict does he have with us?"

Snape's expression froze, but he had nothing to say. After thinking for a while, he finally asked, "So, you are sure you want to go to Albania?"

"Yes, Severus." Dumbledore said seriously, "Although I don't want to admit it, this evil organization gives me a very bad feeling. Especially since it is very likely related to the royal family, it reminds me of many things in my youth. That person is very ambitious. If this organization has really been planning for so long, then the wizarding world will be very dangerous."

"But what will happen to the school if you leave? Quirrell's actions are becoming more and more strange." Snape said uneasily.

"That's why I haven't left yet." Dumbledore's expression became serious. "As long as I don't leave, he won't be at ease. But no one knows whether I'm really leaving this time or just pretending. More importantly, he can't get what he desires anyway. It's destined to be an unattainable dream..."

......