分卷阅读20（2 / 2）

“I can’t help you bring in the others!” she said. “I’m—I’m—-well, I came in as a courtesy.”

“A courtesy?”

Granger nodded. “Marwan Zivantus has been killed, and his Timepiece is missing.”

“We’re aware.” Icarus found it increasingly unsettling the amount of Unspeakables outside of the Time Chamber who knew about the Iniquitous Eleven and their Timepieces.

“Are you aware,” Granger raised her brows, “that there is some sort of soul-swapping cult scouring Edinburgh for the missing Timepiece?”

Icarus grabbed his jaw and closed his eyes. “What—?”

“I don’t have time to explain, Sableton, I just need a pocket watch resembling a Timepiece and a portkey permit for the Ministry Barracks.”

Icarus was still hung up on the soul-swapping cult in Edinburgh part. “Why—?”

“Why should you let me, Hermione Granger—a bright and loyal servant of this Ministry and a decorated war hero—have a few trivial requests in the face of a potentially horrendous Ministry blunder becoming truly calamitous?”

“Let’s go with that.” Icarus had a sinking feeling that no matter what happened after this moment, he would be doing paperwork for the rest of his life.

“If you allow me this, and you let me leave tonight,” Granger offered, “I will come back tomorrow. I will spend every waking minute helping bring in the others and finding a solution to the curse.”

“Deal,” Icarus breathed. “But you get a tail tonight.”

“Fine,” Granger agreed. “Anyone but McLaggen,” she said, just as Icarus added, “It’s gonna be McLaggen.”

Longbottom didn’t ask any other questions, but offered them a few books and suggested reading on the subject of inquollis anicorpus. He flipped through the pages of one of the books and pointed to an etching of a large, leafy plant. “Doesn’t look like anything special,” Pansy muttered.

Potter thanked his friends and followed Draco and Pansy out of the greenhouse, and the sudden shadow of the situation cast itself back over them. They stayed silent as they made their way back through the castle. Draco tried to imagine something they could do. But even if they could get Bertrice/Guinevere back safely, how would they switch them back?

Marwan Zivantus’ Timepiece. He felt around in the pocket of his waistcoat for the cool metal of a pocket watch.

A figure in the entrance hall stepped out and startled them. “There’s no way I can convince you to stay for supper, Potter?” McGonagall asked, steely gaze fixed upon the Gryffindor. She walked into the light and Draco barely recognised her. Without the strain and stress of the War, she appeared years younger, almost youthful in appearance and demeanor. Her promotion to Headmistress certainly suited her.

Potter gave her a genuine smile and shook his head. “Sorry, Headmistress. It’s this case. We have to go.”

McGonagall glanced over Harry’s shoulder and smiled at Draco and Pansy. “It’s a joy to finally see some of the best minds of your year working together at last.” They parted ways with Potter’s promise to not be a stranger. “The open invitation goes for all of you,” she called after them. Draco was perplexed by the lingering warmth from the encounter but accepted the feeling.