The mastermind behind Hogwarts

"Sigh, you'll have to understand her situation yourself."

Professor Polly emphasized the word "herself" and glanced at Jericho and Ishcher.

That clearly meant they didn't want Jericho, Ishcher, and Moriarty to go see Lilith together.

Jericho, Moriarty, and Lilith have all come this far, so how could they not know the story between the two of them? At this moment, without Professor Polly saying anything, they already know what to do.

"Coming to Rio and not visiting the rainforest would be a waste," Jericho said, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he'd pulled out a magic camera from somewhere. "There are so many amazing creatures here. I'll take some pictures of Marcus to take back. How do you think he'll thank me?"

Jericho grinned mischievously, reassuring Moriarty to search for Lilith.

On the contrary, Ischl remained indifferent, looking at Moriarty with a detached expression.

Moriarty could guess what she was thinking even with his toes. She didn't know Lilith, and she wouldn't change her plans because of a witch.

Ishcher was not one of Jericho's own people, and she had only followed him because of Moriarty's invitation.

Leaving Ishcher alone at this point, aside from the possibility of affecting future cooperation, is not in line with Moriarty's own character, even from a purely etiquette standpoint.

After thinking for a moment, Moriarty said to Ishcher and Professor Polly, "You two come with me to Kastrubshe, and then... I'll go find another companion, and Professor Polly will show Ishcher around the campus. What do you think? Do you agree to my arrangement? Let's go then."

Moriarty was clearly a little impatient. On the way, Professor Polly asked Moriarty why he knew Lilith was in Castrobusch.

“She once told me,” Moriarty recalled that summer more than a year ago, “that she had a pen pal in Castrobusch, a fourth-year student in Castrobusch—she should be about our age this year—and that she had joined Lilith’s little team of justice and law enforcement.”

"When we left Hogwarts, Lilith had no home to return to, and the stronghold of justice and law was being monitored by the Ministry of Magic. I guessed that Lilith could only hide in Rio. After all, her subordinates were there."

"I see," Professor Polly blinked her bright, black gem-like eyes, then continued talking about Lilith's movements: "Just as you guessed, Lilith came to Rio and was hidden in Castrobusche by her pen pal Traps du Tronemi."

Are you familiar with Kastrubesch?

Suddenly, Professor Polly asked Moriarty a question.

"I've heard a little about it," Moriarty recalled for a moment and said, "I read in 'Hogwarts: A History' that Mr. Armando Dippet, the then headmaster of Hogwarts, received Mr. Benedetta Dorado, the former headmaster of Castorbatch, on an exchange visit to Hogwarts."

"That was the last contact between the two schools. The book records that Castorbuscher was willing to accept exchange students from foreign countries and other magic schools in every subject."

"No wonder he's been the top student at Hogwarts for five consecutive years," Professor Polly laughed. "You're right, Castorbash is located deep in the rainforest, but it loves to launch exchange programs, allowing students from all over the world to learn about the flora and fauna of South America."

"This time, Lilith came to Castelbücher under the pretext of exchanging knowledge about herbalism."

Professor Polly, as the chieftain of the largest centaur tribe in South America, has some connections with the magic school in Castorbusch, South America, and is able to find out information about Lilith.

Moriarty was convinced of this. He recalled Lilith, who always followed him around in Potions and Herbalism classes, observing his every move. It was precisely because of five years of observation and learning that Lilith was able to gain a foothold in Castorbusch with herbalism.

However, Moriarty had thought that Lilith would bring the Transfiguration technique to Castorbcher, but now it seems that she may want to preserve her power.

Perhaps there's something wrong with her?

This is exactly what Moriarty is most worried about.

Seeing Professor Polly's hesitant expression, with worry in her eyes, Moriarty remained outwardly calm, but inwardly grew increasingly anxious.

"arrive."

The three landed in a mythical castle, a square building constructed of golden stones that resembled a temple.

Ishcher looked around. "Guardians?"

Moriarty didn't see anything, but Professor Polly looked at Ishcher: "You must be referring to the Keborahs. The school buildings and grounds are guarded by the Keborahs. They're scared of you and are keeping their distance."

Upon hearing "Keppola," Moriarty remembered it—a magical creature, according to Principal Castrobuscher, even more mischievous than Peeves.

Normally, Moriarty wouldn't mind experiencing Kepola's pranks, but right now, he wasn't in the mood.

Professor Polly led the way, and the three of them entered the campus. Along the way, many students cast long glances at Professor Polly.

A clear, respectful gaze, tinged with a hint of adoration, is rarely seen in schools like Hogwarts, Durmstrang, or the Institute of Magic, which place great emphasis on lineage. Moriarty thought to himself, "Marcus must like it here."

"In such an environment, Lilith shouldn't be bullied."

Thinking of this, Moriarty shook his head. That young lady, she's already grateful to Merlin for not bullying others.

The paths on campus are interconnected and lined with tall, colorful plants. Even though there are no flowers in sight, it feels like being in a flower garden.

The characteristics of a tropical rainforest are fully embodied in Castelbushe, which can be summed up in one word: hot.

Aside from Professor Polly adapting, Moriarty and Isichell, even with their magical protection against temperature, couldn't help but feel a bit hot.

"Professor Polly."

As they approached a large, triangular wooden house covered in green vines, a girl with wheat-colored skin walked towards Professor Polly.

"The professor is here to see the Supreme Court Justice too?" The girl sighed deeply. "She's locked herself inside for five days and five nights."

Upon hearing "Grand Justice," Moriarty knew she was referring to Lilith, because in the realm of justice and law, this title belonged only to Lilith.

The girl in front of him, needless to say, must be Lilith's pen pal, Traps Dutronemi.

Yes, that's the name.

Moriarty looked at Professor Polly, who understood and said, "Lilith is in Lab 777."

777?

The number startled Moriarty.

A strange sense of familiarity welled up in Moriarty's heart, but he couldn't remember where 777 had ever appeared.

He has an exceptional memory, but countless bizarre events have occurred over the past five years, and a single, small number is not enough to remember them all.

But there was definitely a strange feeling...

Moriarty walked toward the triangular wooden house, 777, the 77th research room on the 7th floor. Was he researching herbalism?

It's likely that Lilith is only superficially studying herbalism; in reality, she's researching human shapeshifting.

That's why she locked herself up for five days and five nights; it's really in line with her style.

Moriarty climbed the steps one by one. The girl outside asked Professor Polly, "Who is he? And what about the Chief Justice and him...?"

"If anyone can help Lilith through this difficult time, it's him," Professor Polly said with an unquestionable tone. "He is Moriarty Ledrin."