Hogwarts: My name is the Unforgivable Curse...

Chapter 296 Hogwarts: I'm used to it

"Due to the tragic death of Mr. Ludo Bagman, we need to readjust our schedule for this semester."

In the Great Hall of Durmstrang Castle, Headmaster Igor Karkaroff still sat in the central Headmaster's chair, flanked by Dumbledore and Madam Maxim. Barty Crouch Sr. was also seated next to Dumbledore, while the seat next to Madam Maxim, which should have belonged to Ludo Bagman, was empty.

The round tables that symbolized the festival and banquet were gone from the hall, replaced by rows of neatly arranged chairs. Durmstrang students sat in the center, flanked by Hogwarts and Beauxbatons, and the three champions still under suspicion were also seated there…

"First, there's the change in the originally scheduled date for the three-way championship."

Karkaroff tapped the parchment on the table lightly with his wand, projecting its contents onto the screen again: "The project originally scheduled for November 24th will be postponed, and the specific date will depend on the progress of the case. However, there's no need to worry; everything needed for this project is readily available, and there won't be any further delays due to preparation issues."

"Furthermore, I must remind everyone not to harbor suspicion or malice towards your warriors based on unfounded accusations—their strength and character have already been recognized by the Goblet of Fire, and their usual performance is evident to all. Moreover, the latest evidence suggests that they may have absolutely no connection to this murder case; they have simply been framed and falsely accused..."

He paused, then flicked his wand to project a new image: "The second point I'd like to make is about the latest developments in the murder case, and the living and working arrangements of the members of the investigation team from the UK at our school."

"Some of you may have noticed that there are some tents next to the Hogwarts Express—those are the accommodations for the British investigation team. They just arrived last night and are now working with Mr. Barty Crouch to solve Mr. Bagman's murder case. They won't interfere with your studies; their work is limited to the area around the crime scene on the second floor. However, just this afternoon, those gentlemen brought me some... well, sensational news."

"This is the last and most important point I want to make today, as it concerns the personal safety of all students, so please listen carefully."

Karkaroff suddenly raised his voice, startling some of the students who were daydreaming: "According to the results provided by the investigation team, Mr. Ludo Bagman's death is very likely directly related to the fairies. This also means that there is a possibility that Durmstrang Castle, which has been secure and safe for a thousand years, has been secretly infiltrated and invaded..."

His words had a ripple effect – Durmstrang students were silent for a moment, then gasps and tense discussions rose up in the calm air, while Beauxbatons students whispered nervously. Hogwarts, on the other hand, remained the most composed – well, they were used to it.

Over the years, being invaded has almost become a regular occurrence at Hogwarts: first Voldemort himself, then the dark magic items left behind by Voldemort, and last year Sirius Black... This year, they're away and unaware of the situation at their alma mater, so who knows, someone might be taking advantage of Dumbledore's absence to launch a secret invasion of Hogwarts right now...

But Durmstrang's students viewed the incident as being on a completely different level of seriousness.

Unlike Hogwarts, a backyard school that can be entered and exited at will, Durmstrang has always been known for its strict security measures. Even most of the school's professors are not authorized to know the school's true location. Historically, Durmstrang has never been invaded; even Grindelwald, the Dark Lord who emerged from Durmstrang, was unable to control it, demonstrating the extreme stringency of its security and secrecy.

"Quiet, everyone, quiet!"

Karkaroff pointed his wand at his throat, his magically amplified voice instantly drowning out all the noise: "It seems you all realize the gravity of the situation, and are therefore willing to sacrifice some of your conveniences for your safety—although there is no direct evidence that Durmstrang has been infiltrated, I think it's still necessary to take some measures just in case..."

"First of all, the curfew will continue for some time. Starting today, the castle will be closed after 8 p.m. every night, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave. Guests of Hogwarts and Beauxbatons should also take note of this and should return directly to their lodgings after their last class or dinner."

"Secondly, the investigation team is constantly uncovering new clues, which may involve any of you present here. So if you are notified to come for questioning, please cooperate as much as possible—of course, these notifications will be delivered to you personally by professors from our university, and the investigation team will try to avoid disturbing you outside of work."

"Furthermore, during this critical period, please be mindful of your personal safety at all times, try to travel in groups, and if you notice anything unusual, be sure to inform your prefect or professor immediately... There are also more specific precautions, which should have been posted in your lounges by now, and you can check them out later... Okay, that's all for now. Everyone can go back now."

"...Do you need our help?"

Before leaving, Cedric touched Avada with some concern and asked, and the others all looked over as well—Avada was now isolated in Durmstrang Castle and could not return to her room on the train with them.

"Thank you, but I don't need it for now."

Avada smiled at them: "My room was personally arranged by Dumbledore, so there's definitely no need to worry about security. Besides, Karkaroff said that I'm hardly a suspect now, and I'm getting used to life without a wand..."

He did his best to calm his classmates down and assure them that he was alright before watching them get up and disappear at the entrance of Durmstrang Castle. Then he turned around and walked towards the underground classroom where he was now living. Then... he stood in front of his room and waited for something.

Soon, footsteps echoed from all around the building. It was Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum; they seemed to have just finished talking with their classmates and were only now returning. Upon seeing the two warriors approaching, Avada immediately stepped forward and stopped them.

"You two, I need your help."

(End of this chapter)