Let's get back to business," Sagres said, his gaze sweeping over every member present. "I am here to announce a task: to obtain live specimens or biological materials of certain magical creatures for a magic research project."
He stated clearly, "The priority targets are Occamies and Swooping Evils."
The shapeshifting and spatial displacement properties inherent in these two creatures were highly valuable for his 'Bloodline Grafting' research.
"If you have any leads, you can contact me directly."
He paused briefly. "But always remember: safety first. I don't want anyone ending up on the front page of the newspaper because of a few magical animals—or worse."
He then changed the subject, lightly tapping his wand. Several parchments quietly appeared, floating steadily in front of each person.
"Furthermore," Sagres's tone deepened, "in the near future, the wizarding world will likely fall into turmoil. To cope with potential threats, I suggest that you all master some powerful offensive and defensive magic as soon as possible."
Everyone took the parchment, on which detailed spell explanations and casting essentials had already appeared.
Someone looked up, frowning deeply. "Turmoil… what exactly does that mean?"
"Voldemort," Sagres's voice grew cold, "has regained his body."
"He should currently be roaming the European continent, but no one can predict where he will appear next."
Upon hearing this news, everyone's expression immediately became serious.
"He's coming back again?" Robin frowned, disbelief in her voice. "What exactly is he after?"
"Terrorists never need grand reasons," Sagres replied coldly. "Although his vision is short-sighted and his scope is very narrow, the damage he can cause should not be underestimated."
After a period of oppressive silence, someone quietly asked the most crucial question. "If we… unfortunately encounter Death Eaters in the future, or even him personally…"
"Kill them."
Sagres said without hesitation. "They are pests parasitic on the body of magical society, spreading fear, stifling the future, and only hindering the progress of the wizarding world."
A brief, tense silence fell around the table. Sagres's direct and ruthless answer made everyone clearly realize that the situation was becoming grim.
Kestrel subconsciously tightened her grip on the parchment in her hand, her voice lacking its usual lightheartedness. "So… the turmoil has already begun, right? The prophecy has begun to come true…"
"Yes."
Sagres's answer was decisive. "It has already begun. Therefore, improving your ability to protect yourself and defeat enemies is not just a suggestion, but a necessity for survival."
Nightingale nodded slightly, her fingertips tracing the parchment, and spoke calmly. "We will master some useful magic as soon as possible. Additionally, if needed, I can prepare some potent healing potions and various auxiliary potions for unforeseen circumstances."
"Very good." Sagres nodded in approval. "Better safe than sorry."
"Then I will strengthen the monitoring of the international Floo Network," Robin suggested. "If You-Know-Who and his followers try to use the official network for large-scale movement, I should be able to detect some anomalies in advance."
Thunderbird immediately added, "I will advise the North American Magical Congress to raise its alert level. At the same time, I will use my channels to watch for any news of Dark Arts activities or powerful unknown wizards crossing borders."
Sagres nodded slightly. "Remain vigilant, but do not actively alert them."
He then added, "If you discover the whereabouts of Voldemort himself, you must notify me immediately."
These words were spoken plainly, yet they carried absolute confidence.
Everyone felt that in his eyes, Voldemort was not a fearsome Dark Lord, but merely an item already marked as his.
"Then, if there are no other questions, this meeting is adjourned."
Sagres waved his hand, signaling the end of the gathering. "Arm yourselves with magic, stay in touch, and remain vigilant."
The members rose one after another and left the secret safe house through their badges.
Everyone's expression was a little more solemn than when they had arrived. The spells on the parchment and the news Sagres had announced weighed on them like a heavy stone, yet they also ignited a long-lost sense of urgency.
The wizarding world was about to face turmoil.
Sagres returned to his office. Noctis had been avoiding him for the past two days, so he pretended not to notice.
However, once the Occamies and Swooping Evils were all in hand, her vacation would be over.
The Occamy's magical abilities were crucial for optimizing the raven bloodline. Once completed, Noctis would be able to freely change her size, and her combat power would increase by a full level.
Additionally, there was the Swooping Evil's remarkable spatial jumping ability. If it could be analyzed and integrated, Noctis would be able to Apparate, greatly improving the efficiency of her message delivery.
Just as he was considering whether to retrieve the Occamy currently held in the dueling arena, a gentle knock sounded on his office door.
Sagres frowned slightly; it was rare for anyone to disturb him at this hour.
He waved his wand, and the door opened silently.
Standing in the doorway was Snape. He was dressed in a black robe, his face as pale and gloomy as ever.
"Sagres," Snape's voice was low and smooth, like a whisper. "I hope I haven't disturbed your… contemplation."
"Professor Snape," Sagres responded indifferently. "Is there something you need?"
Snape slowly walked in, his gaze sweeping across the office with apparent casualness, though it lingered for a moment on the bloody alchemical array in the corner.
"Headmaster Dumbledore wishes me to convey to you," Snape said, his tone devoid of emotion, "that he has noticed your apparent interest in certain… specialized areas of research. He reminds you that once certain boundaries are crossed, the consequences may far exceed expectations."
This was likely Dumbledore's subtle warning, delivered through Snape, regarding his refusal to hand over the Horcrux and his potentially dangerous research.
A hint of a mocking smile appeared on Sagres's face. "Please thank the Headmaster for his concern. And please tell him that I always know what I am doing—and what its cost will be. I am not interested in destroying the world; I am only interested in understanding it and shaping it according to my will."
Snape's black eyes fixed on him sharply. "I hope so. After all, too many people in history have been confident that they could control dangerous powers, only to be consumed by them in the end."
"I am not them, and they are not me."
Sagres's reply was brief and arrogant.
Snape nodded slightly, said nothing more, and turned to leave.
As he reached the door, he seemed to remember something. He stopped without turning back, his voice still low.
"Additionally, Potter and his friends… might become excessively curious about certain things they shouldn't know. If you have any… 'special' items here that need safeguarding, it's best to ensure they are absolutely secure. Curiosity, especially Gryffindor curiosity, can sometimes cause unimaginable trouble."
With that, he glided silently out of the office like a large bat, and the door closed gently behind him.
Sagres's gaze deepened.
Snape's last words clearly carried an underlying meaning.
Did he also know about the Horcrux? Or was it merely a general warning based on his understanding of young wizards' tendency to cause trouble?
It didn't matter anyway; he would not hand over the Horcrux to Dumbledore.
"But Professor Snape today was quite human."
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