Chapter 43 "Crisis"

"Have you heard? Ronald Weasley from Gryffindor was also attacked," a worried voice whispered among the students.

"It seems he's been in the school hospital for several days."

"This is the second attack in just one month since the beginning of this semester!"

"Rumors are spreading that Hogwarts is no longer safe."

"What should we do? I'm so scared..."

Rumors and news are spreading through the air of Hogwarts after the two consecutive incidents; they can't help but feel worried after knowing what happened...

The news of Ron Weasley's attack had taken hold of Hogwarts, spreading panic throughout the castle.

Professor Rosier had managed to suppress the details, leaving most students unaware of the gruesome bite on Ron's neck.

As a result, many students speculated that Weasley, like Malfoy before him, had fallen victim to powerful Dark Arts.

Matthew Wickfield walked through the bustling crowd, catching snippets of their conversations.

He remained composed as he made his way to the auditorium. A gray owl gracefully descended as he sat down and dropped a copy of the "Daily Prophet" by his side.

Newspapers were not cheap, they cost five knuts, and Matthew, lacking funds, borrowed half of a galleon from Neville.

The price of the loan was assisting Neville with his Transfiguration essay.

Matthew read the newspaper, hoping to find any mention of the attacks at Hogwarts. However, there was not a single page devoted to the incidents.

Disappointed, he set the newspaper aside and began to eat his breakfast, lost in his thoughts.

The situation at Hogwarts had surpassed Matthew's expectations. Two first-year students had been attacked, their lives hanging by a thread, yet the news had been forcefully suppressed.

It was baffling, considering the families of the victims held significant influence.

Matthew couldn't help but attribute the silence to the mysterious book that had caused so much trouble, which seemed to have vanished since that fateful event.

He couldn't deny the importance of Ron Weasley's attack. As the second victim, it became evident that a blood-sucking monster lurked within Hogwarts.

At the same time, he couldn't help but be thankful for Malfoy's "assistance" in getting rid of the mysterious book.

This creature possessed incredible power, capable of easily slaying even a magical being as majestic as a unicorn.

It was ruthless, showing no mercy even to first-year students. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Matthew's mind.

Weasley is barely alive thanks to Mr. Donald; if Mr. Donald wasn't there to bark at the suspect... Matthew wasn't sure of Weasley's fate...

Moreover, the teachers at Hogwarts appeared indifferent to the matter, taking no visible steps to protect the students.

It was as if the previous attacks had never occurred. Matthew wondered if the monster was still lurking within the castle and if there would be a third attack.

The thought of becoming the next victim sent chills down his spine...

Will there be another attack?

Is that monster still roaming around Hogwarts?

Will it be Matthew's turn next?

Lost in his thoughts, Matthew finished his breakfast and decided to visit the library.

Over the past few days, he had been researching monsters associated with blood-sucking, particularly humanoid creatures.

He felt the need to arm himself with knowledge because Hogwarts wasn't seen to be taking any visible precautions.

His mind was racing with thoughts, his suspicion of Professor Trocar's bloody smell and acts. Professor Rosier's red blood-like "tea" and the faint familiar smell in her office...

He regretted not thoroughly reading the book Hermione had borrowed from him, especially the sections on vampires and dream monsters.

Probably Hermione already returned the book as well...

As he aimlessly pulled books from the shelves, Matthew found himself in front of the forbidden books section. Mrs. Pince, the librarian, caught him in the act.

"What are you looking for, young man?" she scolded.

"Nothing..." Matthew replied honestly.

Mrs. Pince waved her feather duster in annoyance. "Then you better leave!"

Frightened, Matthew hurriedly left the library.

He knew acquiring a forbidden book would require a teacher's signed note, and he contemplated approaching Professor Horace Slughorn.

However, he was aware that it would likely be denied if he made the request.

Although Professor Slughorn seemed to take Matthew seriously, he had never offered an invitation to join the exclusive Slug Club.

Lost in his thoughts, Matthew glanced at his watch. He had almost an hour before his next class.

He debated whether to head to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom early or return to the auditorium, where more people would be present, and safety could be somewhat assured.

In the midst of his internal struggle, a thought suddenly struck Matthew.

There was a place within the castle that might hold the key to obtaining the books found only in the restricted section.

If he's fortunate, then by Merlin's beard, that room won't be sealed off by Headmaster Grindelwald.