Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures

Chapter 971: Love and Despair

“What, a curse?!” Several people looked at Evan in astonishment, making sure that he wasn’t joking.

“There’s no need to do that!”

“It’s just participating in an interest activity group, but it feels like we’re plotting a rebellion.”

“This is a measure to prevent informants; it’s necessary!” said Evan. “If anyone disagrees, you can still back out now, but once you put your name down, the magic will take effect.”

Under Evan’s gaze, several people obviously lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

“I actually find it quite interesting,” said George.

“It sounds cool, like a secret society,” said Fred with interest. “I definitely won’t snitch.”

With the others watching, he reached for the parchment and cheerfully put down his signature, followed by George.

But several people looked less than happy at the prospect of putting their names on the list.

That sounded very evil, and many people didn’t have the courage…

“Er …” said Zacharias slowly, not taking the parchment that George was trying to pass him. “Well… is it really necessary? I won’t snitch either; and I’m sure Ernie will tell me when the meeting is…”

But Ernie was looking rather hesitant about signing too, gazing anxiously at the parchment.

“I — well, we are prefects,” Ernie burst out. “And if this list was found … well, I mean to say … you said yourself, if Umbridge finds out…”

“Come on, Evan is still the Head Boy. If anything happens, he’ll handle it.”

“You just said this group was the most important thing you’d do this year.”

“I — yes,” said Ernie, “yes, I do believe that, it’s just…”

“Ernie, do you really think I’d leave that list lying around?” said Hermione testily.

“No, no, of course not!” said Ernie hastily, “but I still, I…”

“I think you all should be cautious. You need to think carefully before putting your names down,” Evan reminded. “I don’t want you to sign out of embarrassment or being coerced, only to regret it later. And we’ll be more selective in recruiting members in the future, with more magical protections, not just this list. If anyone feels uncomfortable, it’s better to withdraw now.”

Evan’s reminder actually made them more apprehensive. In silence, the list was passed through the crowd.

Some added their names, others hesitated. The scene resembled a mysterious ritual.

All the Gryffindors didn’t hesitate and signed their names.

Besides that, there was Luna, who wrote a big name with flying colors.

Finally, the list was passed back to Ernie.

“Well, I still believe in Evan, you know, and this matter is really important, and it’s not a bad thing to learn more magic,” he said, seemingly determined, as he signed his name on the list.

Nobody raised objections after Ernie, and everyone silently signed their names, though Harry saw Cho’s friend give her a rather reproachful look before adding her name.

When the last person — Zacharias — had reluctantly signed, Evan took the list.

He tapped on it with his wand, and a blood-red light flashed across the list, as if it was going to swallow all the light around it, and then it returned to normal, but it seemed that something was different, and everyone gasped.

At this time, their eyes were obviously full of awe and a little worry when they looked at the parchment.

Finally, Hermione took the parchment back and slipped it carefully into her bag.

There was an odd feeling in the group now. It was as though they had just signed some kind of contract.

“Well, time’s ticking on,” said Fred briskly, getting to his feet. “George, Lee, and I have got items of a sensitive nature to purchase; we’ll be seeing you all later!”

In twos and threes the rest of the group took their leave too. Cho made rather a business of fastening the catch on her bag before leaving, her long dark curtain of hair swinging forward to hide her face. She seemed to want to say something to Evan and Harry, but her friend stood beside her, arms folded, clicking her tongue, so that Cho had little choice but to leave with her.

“Well, I think that went quite well,” said Hermione happily, as she, Evan, Harry, Ron, and Colin walked out of the Hog’s Head into the bright sunlight a few moments later. “The next step is to start organizing the activities.”

“That Zacharias bloke’s a wart,” said Ron, who was glowering after the figure of Smith just discernible in the distance. “And, what the hell is his relationship with Ginny?”

“They’re probably dating, or about to start dating. Today was their first date. Ginny just told me; she’s planning to change her partner,” said Hermione. “His behavior really rubbed her the wrong way. If not for both Evan and me thinking that the more people, the better, I’d rather he didn’t join…”

“Wait, what did you just say?” Ron, who had been draining the last few drops from his butterbeer bottle, gagged and sprayed butterbeer down his front. “She’s dating? My sister’s dating?!”

“What’s so strange about it? There are a lot of people chasing Ginny. Otherwise, why do you think those Ravenclaw boys, Michael Corner’s friends, came? They’re clearly more interested in Ginny than just studying Defense Against the Dark Arts,” said Hermione. “I think she’s considering Michael; he’s much better than that Zacharias and has a good reputation at school. Ginny told me that Michael has been pursuing her since the last Yule Ball. Of course, many guys in school are pursuing Ginny. She was hesitant before and didn’t agree, but she’s finally figured it out lately. There’s no need to keep waiting…”

“Goodness, Hermione, do you even know what you’re talking about!” said Ron incredulously.

“I think you guys still don’t understand the current situation, just like the Yule Ball, good girls won’t just wait for you in vain,” said Hermione bluntly. “If you don’t make your move soon, someone else will snatch her away.”

“But… but,” Ron hesitated for a long time before making up his mind to say it, “I thought Ginny fancied Harry!”

“Ginny used to fancy Harry, but she gave up on him months ago. Like I said, you can’t expect someone to wait around without any hope, can you?! Not that she doesn’t like you, of course,” she added kindly to Harry, and turned to look at Evan, “Well, I think I’ll go buy something. Can you accompany me?”

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