Professor Snape's words plunged everyone into silence.

None of the professors present were fools; they immediately understood Snape's concerns.

The Ministry of Magic undoubtedly had the clearest understanding of Dumbledore and the Voldemort situation.

And their series of actions clearly indicated their certainty that Dumbledore would not be able to return to Hogwarts in the short term.

Even, according to Snape's earlier inference – Rufus Scrimgeour's transfer foreshadowed an even worse possibility.

The former Head of the Auror Office, who "resigned to take responsibility," did not retire, but arrived at the school during a very sensitive period; the Ministry of Magic granted him the title of "Advisory Headmaster" while simultaneously placing annoying shackles like Umbridge around him. This was inherently illogical… All of this seemed to have only one explanation that could barely make sense:

In the eyes of certain officials, or higher-level wizards, Scrimgeour had to stay at Hogwarts to deal with some kind of threat.

"There's no Dark Lord at Hogwarts; we're safe here…"

Professor Sprout took a long breath and said softly, thoughtfully.

"Therefore, Scrimgeour isn't a dagger handed out by the Ministry of Magic – he's a shield against the Dark Lord!"

The three exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. Professor McGonagall picked up the newspaper again, stared at the photos on the cover, and suddenly stood up.

"Where are you going?" Madam Pomfrey asked McGonagall, puzzled.

"To send a letter. I have some guesses…"

Professor McGonagall said, her gaze quickly sweeping over several girls who were talking in the corner of the hall.

"Maybe… um… I'm not sure if it's… but most likely… that gentleman should know…"

As Professor McGonagall spoke, her gaze swept over the magazine at the bottom, which she hadn't noticed before.

In a certain moment, McGonagall suddenly realized that among the various magazines and news, one particularly popular magazine seemed to be missing recently.

*The Quibbler*, which was originally the most sensitive to news and most enthusiastic about satirizing current hot topics with various sharp metaphors, was surprisingly quiet this time.

Professor McGonagall suddenly realized who she could seek advice from – another "Dumbledore."

Dumbledore was not alone; top wizards formed a small group to jointly promote changes in the wizarding world.

This was the most important piece of information that Professor McGonagall had captured from Eileen last night.

However…

This also involved another disturbing inference…

Gellert Grindelwald may have already been "released" from prison and was involved in some inconspicuous plotting.

The Ministry of Magic's announcement intentionally or unintentionally ignored Grindelwald, as if the old wizard was just a temporary thug – but McGonagall didn't think so.

The International Confederation of Wizards had most likely reached some unspeakable secret deal with him, otherwise Dumbledore would not have left with peace of mind.

And the wizard in the current magical world who knew all kinds of truths, and whom she could contact…

"Nargles… album, at this time?"

"Wait, Minerva –"

Professor Sprout looked at McGonagall who suddenly got up to leave, and pointed strangely to the lower right corner of the newspaper.

"Mr. Scrimgeour and the Ministry of Magic's envoys will arrive at the school at any time, so why don't we wait first –"

"The reception of the Ministry of Magic is temporarily entrusted to you and the other two Heads of House."

"…But you're the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts!"

Professor Sprout blinked, looking helplessly as Professor McGonagall's figure disappeared through the side door of the hall.

"Well, I hope you can explain it to us slowly when you come back…"

Professor Sprout muttered. She and Snape also stood up and slowly walked towards the entrance of the hall.

"What could be more troublesome than the Ministry of Magic? I don't understand who she can write to – um, Professor Flitwick, something's up!"

Professor Flitwick was not sitting in the faculty seats. He was standing at the entrance of the hall updating magic books for a group of Ravenclaw students.

Last night, Eileen temporarily released the latest version of the magic lock, but not everyone knew how to update it.

Although it was easy to ask classmates for help, most Ravenclaw girls preferred to wait in long lines for Professor Flitwick to help update their books compared to their best friends.

"Hm? Severus, Pomona… Oh, sorry – I'll be done here soon."

Professor Flitwick waved his wand quickly, smiling wryly and helplessly.

"Never mind, let me help you share some of the load." Professor Sprout glanced at the long queue and smiled, drawing her wand.

At the same time, Snape also silently took out his wand.

The originally crowded and noisy crowd quickly split into three lines, surrounding the three professors respectively.

Of course, compared to Snape, there were obviously many more young wizards diverted to Professor Sprout's side – which made Snape's face even colder.

"Where is Miss Kaslana? Shouldn't she be responsible for these things? Where are the Hogwarts Prefects?"

Snape looked around and did not see a certain white-haired girl and her companions.

"Oh, they seem to have other things to do –"

Professor Flitwick said confusedly, pointing casually in the direction of the castle gate not far away.

"Professor Apocalis just led them to the castle bridge, saying, what, the people from the Ministry of Magic have arrived?"

Professor Flitwick blinked mischievously, "I think Professor Apocalis is very good at dealing with Ministry of Magic officials, right?"

"Uh, actually, we're here to talk about that –"

Professor Sprout frowned and handed the newspaper in her hand to Professor Flitwick.

"Filius, we just got the news that the Ministry of Magic seems to be planning to temporarily send an 'Advisory Headmaster' to Hogwarts…"

"Advisory Headmaster?! The Ministry of Magic directly appointed a new headmaster?!"

Professor Flitwick asked in surprise, raising his voice, which caused many students around to look up in surprise.

"The situation is a bit complicated; Minerva should be here soon to discuss it together…"

She said worriedly, exchanging a glance with Snape, their expressions becoming solemn.

"This time, Rufus Scrimgeour is leading the team; they will be staying at Hogwarts for a long time. The specific situation is not clear yet."

"But there's some bad news; we may have to prepare in advance. Never mind… let's hurry to the castle gate; we can talk as we go –"

The Ministry of Magic officials arrived faster than they had imagined, which meant that the situation outside might be more urgent than they had guessed.

The three Heads of House temporarily stopped their work and quickly walked out of the hall door, hurrying towards the castle gate.

You know, Professor Apocalis's last encounter with the Aurors didn't seem particularly pleasant.

They didn't want any additional conflicts to occur at this critical juncture.

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Coo!