Since Cyrus left Malfoy Manor, there had been countless reports of Death Eaters attacking the Muggle world with absolute impunity. Hogwarts alone remained an untainted sanctuary amid the war. The school held its usual Quidditch tryouts, and Harry, acting on Headmaster Dumbledore’s instructions, frequently dropped by to strike up conversations with Slughorn.
Every time, Cyrus would casually let slip what potion they were preparing to brew in the next Potions class. Harry no longer had the time to sneak into the Room of Requirement for training; instead, he was stuck having Hermione tutor him in Potions. Draco had also been largely absent lately, sometimes even missing classes altogether. He looked deathly pale and was constantly on edge.
One Hogsmeade weekend, a female student named Kate was injured by a cursed golden necklace. When she finally regained consciousness, she remembered nothing about the necklace. Still under the influence of Transfiguration, Cyrus sighed. *She put in some effort, but not much. The next target will probably be coming after me.*
Chapter 111