[98] Threads of Fate

This was just speculation. But Hall clearly remembered that there was a connection between the fragments. For example, the Dark Lord could see what Harry saw through the fragment on Harry's forehead, and could even let Harry see what was happening on his side. And, unfortunately, he could create dreams to deceive Harry.

If this speculation was true, it meant Voldemort had begun to accelerate the process of regaining a body.

Hall frowned. He had to inform Dumbledore of this as soon as possible so they could prepare a response. Especially for Harry — even if the speculation was inaccurate, taking precautions in advance was necessary.

Hall searched Snape's desk, took a blank piece of parchment, and quickly wrote a few words. Then he carefully put the paper in his pocket — it was to be sent to the Saints. He needed them to investigate this matter as well.

Hall rolled up the three reports, stuffed them into his pocket, and pushed open the door to leave the office. He couldn't see the sky from the cellar, so he estimated the time by feel — it should be about dinnertime.

He ran to the Owlery and asked Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon, to mail the letter for him, paying him with two owl treats.

He watched Pigwidgeon fly away, then turned toward the Great Hall. He was going to give the reports to Dumbledore. Whenever Dumbledore was at school, no matter how busy he was, he would usually dine with the students. And Hall knew Dumbledore had been at school recently.

On his way to the Great Hall, Hall ran into a group of upperclassmen who had just returned from Hogsmeade. Suddenly, two familiar figures caught his eye.

"George and Fred? You —" Hall looked over curiously. George and Fred looked like they had been rolling around in a mud puddle, covered from head to toe.

George and Fred's eyes lit up when they saw Hall. A flicker of joy crossed their faces. They quickly pulled him aside and led him around a corner. Fred cautiously peeked out, glancing left and right to make sure no one was around, then let out a sigh of relief.

George lowered his voice. "Hall, I'll tell you a secret. Something big is going to happen at Hogwarts!"

Hall looked at them in surprise. "What is it?"

George and Fred exchanged an excited glance. "Yes —"

But just as they were about to speak, a voice rang out: "Hall, what are you doing over there?"

It was Ron walking over.

Hearing Ron's voice, George and Fred immediately shut their mouths, their faces showing embarrassment. Seeing this, Hall realised this matter couldn't be easily revealed. "Oh, we just bumped into each other on the way here. We were about to go to the Great Hall for dinner together."

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Ron nodded and took Hall's arm. "Let's go together then."

He led Hall toward the Great Hall, leaving George and Fred standing there, looking at each other in bewilderment. Hall turned to look at them, wanting to ask what big event was going to happen. The two exchanged a glance, then shrugged at Hall, put their arms around each other, and ran off.

They had more important things to do than dinner.

The curiosity they had piqued now nagged at Hall incessantly.

George and Fred appeared with something that piqued Hall's interest.

It must be a good thing, otherwise George and Fred wouldn't look so expectant.

"Hall, have you seen Harry? I haven't seen him all day," Ron asked.

Hall shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe he's with Sirius."

Ron was a little annoyed. Since school started, Harry had been constantly going to Sirius, and Ron had fewer and fewer opportunities to see him. Hall noticed Ron's thoughts and comforted him. "It's understandable that Harry wants to be around an elder. He rarely has one around."

Ron nodded, but still muttered, "Why does Harry go to Sirius whenever he has free time? I've seen him less than during the holidays."

Hall smiled slightly, his bright eyes curving into crescents. Recently he had been growing, eating much more than before, and had grown quite a bit taller. His once thin cheeks had filled out, making him look even more cheerful. When he smiled, two deep dimples appeared at the corners of his mouth.

Unfortunately, the devil's tongue uttered, "If you think you have free time, why don't you preview the upcoming lessons?"

Ron's face turned ashen. "No, no, no, I'm busy. I have other things to do." He turned his head, pretending to admire the scenery. Previewing was out of the question. Absolutely not.

The Great Hall had gradually filled with students. The professors and Headmaster were already seated. Hall parted ways with Ron and walked forward to the head table.

"Headmaster," Hall said, giving Dumbledore a slight bow.

Dumbledore, engrossed in a fierce struggle with a piece of Black Forest cake, looked up at Hall's voice. A friendly smile spread across his face. "Oh, Hall. What can I do for you?"

Hall handed Dumbledore a rolled-up document without explanation, confident Dumbledore would understand.

Dumbledore took it. "Should I open it now?" he asked softly, a hint of doubt in his voice. Hall's eagerness to hand over the document in the nearly full Great Hall suggested it must be very important. But Hall's calm expression didn't seem to suggest so. Dumbledore was confused.

Hall shook his head. "Giving it to you now, Headmaster, is simply for convenience." The werewolf matter was important, but not in such a rush. Hall's choice to hand it over in the Great Hall was simply because he didn't want to climb the stairs to the Headmaster's office. He was still a growing child. Besides, no one knew what was inside — except him and Snape.

Dumbledore nodded, accepted it, and stuffed it directly into his pocket. "Don't worry, I'll see it later." He winked playfully at Hall, then his hands continued their struggle with the Black Forest cake.

He didn't forget to recommend it. "Hall, the Black Forest cake is just the right sweetness today. I urge you to try it."

Hall's eyes lit up. "Really!" It seemed the house-elf had finally accepted his suggestion.

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