Kael chose the black pieces, and with each move, the white pieces would automatically move to the corresponding position, making it a great way to pass time alone.
The day quickly passed, and as Kael returned to Hogwarts, the castle was abuzz with discussions about this morning's newspaper content.
Although lately the Daily Prophet has been publishing some news about Death Eaters every few days, it mostly consists of the accounts of Beaters or someone else, as if the Ministry of Magic can only follow behind the Death Eaters, never able to catch them.
However, today's newspaper included clear photographs showing Bellatrix in her frenzied state, causing another wave of panic.
Fortunately, some people noticed a fleeting glimpse of Dumbledore in the corner.
"The headmaster is here…" a relieved Gryffindor girl said, "This Death Eater is definitely doomed."
"No wonder the headmaster hasn't been at the school recently; he must have gone to deal with the Death Eaters…"
"But what if the Death Eaters choose to attack Hogwarts while the headmaster isn't here…" someone said worriedly.
"Don't worry, remember we still have Professor McGonagall…"
"That's right, with the professors around, the Death Eaters would definitely regret coming here."
...
The Auditorium was buzzing with discussions; everywhere you went, you could hear this kind of talk.
However, this situation quickly dissipated.
With less than a week until exams, the increasingly heavy coursework filled their minds with the upcoming exams, leaving no room for distractions.
The originally scheduled Quidditch final this week was unexpectedly arranged by Professor McGonagall to take place after the exams.
Perhaps she thought that revising was a better diversion than playing ball.
After a Transfiguration Class, they received the exam timetable and specific requirements.
"The N.E.W.T.s and O.W.L.s will both last a full two weeks," Cedric said during dinner, "One subject a day, with theoretical exams in the morning and practical exams in the afternoon. The other time can be used for further revision."
"I'd rather get the exams over with quickly." Mikel, seemingly recalling the previous year's experience, said with a grimace, "Honestly, during the O.W.L.s, I was so nervous that I couldn't focus on anything. How about you guys?"
"I'm okay," Cedric said, "and I think I should be able to pass the exams."
Despite saying this, Kael noticed Cedric couldn't help but rub his hands and take deep breaths, indicating Cedric was also nervous about the upcoming exams.
Hogwarts had entered exam week.
Meanwhile, on an empty country lane, a burst of flame suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and then there was an old man with a bushy white beard, followed by a sinister-looking man draped in a black cloak.
"Dumbledore, your plan was very successful. The Dark Lord seemed to believe Ogden was dead before you found him…"
"Severus, whether you believe it or not, Umbridge appearing there was really not part of my plan," Dumbledore said.
Snape snorted derisively from his nose, obviously not believing it.
Bellatrix had just found Ogden's location when Umbridge appeared in front of her. If it wasn't prearranged, how could such a coincidence happen? Do they take him for a fool?
Seeing this, Dumbledore knew he couldn't explain it no matter what, but he was telling the truth; it really was just a coincidence.
Dumbledore sighed, choosing not to explain further, as there were more important matters he needed to attend to.
"Thank you for your hard work, Severus. You should head back to Hogwarts."
"I don't think it's a good idea," Snape said, not budging, "The Dark Lord has been unhappy with me lately. I need to know what you're up to."
Dumbledore turned to look at him, "Trust me, Severus, if you tell Tom what I'm about to do, he will kill you immediately.
"This concerns his greatest secret, and he won't let anyone know."
Snape was silent for a moment.
"It's about the Soul Artifact, right?" he said, "You've found some new clues?"
"Ogden's memory should be helpful to us," Dumbledore said.
He didn't persuade Snape to leave but continued moving forward, arriving at a wooden signpost.
It had two arrows pointing to: Great Hangleton, 5 miles. Little Hangleton, 1 mile.
Dumbledore turned towards Little Hangleton, and Snape followed along.
They walked for a while, following the high hedges on both sides until they reached a valley, where a village stood between two steep slopes.
On the opposite slope of the valley was an impressive mansion.
"Is that where Riddle lived?" Snape furrowed his brow at the mansion, "So you're headed there? Why take such a roundabout way?"
However, to Snape's surprise, Dumbledore did not go to that village but instead walked along a side path, took a right turn, and disappeared through a gap in the fence.
A hidden entrance, similar to St Mungo's Hospital and the Ministry of Magic. Before the Muggle Repelling Spell was invented, this was the method used by older generations of wizards to protect themselves from being discovered, and it worked quite well.
Snape hurriedly followed after him.
They arrived at an even narrower dirt road, which was unusually desolate, the road winding and uneven, covered in stones, with vines stretching onto the path, clearly untouched by anyone for a long time.