Chapter 27: Siwen Under Suspicion

Beneath the dazzling starlight, Steven walked hand in hand with Helena across the stone bridge of the castle.

It must be said that Steven’s lack of interest in young Elsiona was largely due to Helena. His mental age far exceeded eleven; compared to the somewhat naive Elsiona, the beautiful and enchanting Helena was undeniably more suited to his tastes.

Helena, for her part, had never experienced anyone quite like Steven in her centuries since passing—his peculiar talents, considerate nature, and exotic, handsome features were all novel sensations to her numb existence. Though neither had spoken their feelings aloud, in only a few days, their two lonely souls had drawn ever closer.

Moonlight draped the castle in a silvery veil, blending with the glow that radiated from the pair on the bridge, as if a painting illuminated by the moon. Stars adorned the deep night sky, while lanterns decorated the distant castle walls. Steven and Helena’s reflections shone in each other’s eyes.

“I…” Helena parted her lips, as if wishing to say something.

But fate rarely aligns with desire; several uninvited guests suddenly strode out from the iron door of the corner tower.

“Professors, the suspicious ghost I mentioned is him,” Baron the Bloody pointed a finger at Steven’s silhouette, his tone grim.

Steven turned and saw Baron the Bloody, followed by Headmaster Armando Dippet, Deputy Headmistress Galatea Merrith, and Gryffindor Head Albus Dumbledore.

Headmaster Dippet’s expression was stern as he regarded Steven, while Professor Merrith looked somewhat puzzled. As for Dumbledore, he glanced curiously between Steven and Helena, as though intrigued by their interaction.

“Baron, what are you up to now?” Helena, her thoughts interrupted, glared angrily at the gaunt ghost ahead, demanding an explanation.

“Trust me, Helena, I’m only ensuring the safety of all Hogwarts,” Baron replied.

“But—” Helena tried to retort, but Steven gently tugged her hand.

“Professors, is there something you need from me?” Steven had already guessed their purpose must be related to the destruction of the magical node, and that Baron was merely the catalyst.

After all, a ghost with an unclear background, an Eastern visage, and the ability to cast spells would naturally arouse suspicion.

“Are you Mr. Stephen Strange?” Though his words were polite, Headmaster Dippet’s aged face remained grave.

Steven nodded.

“Then please come with us; there are some matters we wish to consult you about,” Headmaster Dippet said.

“Alright,” Steven replied calmly; after all, he had committed no wrongdoing.

Helena cast him a worried glance; Steven met her gaze with reassurance, then followed the three professors ahead.

Just then, Dumbledore seemed to recall something and turned to Helena. “Ms. Grey, please come as well; we may need your assistance.”

Helena breathed a sigh of relief and walked beside Steven.

The group passed through the corner tower’s corridor and entered the main tower, whose side featured an enormous, hideous stone beast. After Headmaster Dippet spoke the password, the beast sprang to life and leapt aside, splitting the wall in two. Behind it was a spiral staircase; once the three professors stood upon it, the staircase began to move, spiraling upward with them.

As for the three ghosts, unable to touch physical objects, they simply floated silently after the staircase as it ascended.

When the spiral staircase carried the professors to the eighth floor of the main tower, it stopped before a gleaming oak door with a brass knocker shaped as a griffin.

Beyond the knocker lay the headmaster’s office—a spacious, beautiful circular room filled with mysterious, softly whispering sounds. Upon a slender-legged desk rested many strange and curious instruments, from which powerful magic seemed to seep.

The walls of the office were hung with portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses, all gently snoring within their frames. A massive desk with claw-shaped legs dominated the room, and on a shelf behind it sat a battered, wrinkled wizard’s hat—the Sorting Hat.

Steven examined the portraits with interest. It was said that these images were crafted by the finest artists, imbued with powerful magic, even borrowing from the existence of ghosts. These portraits retained considerable wisdom—indeed, were granted high intelligence—unlike the countless other paintings around the castle.

“Please, sit,” Headmaster Dippet took his seat behind the slender-legged desk, briskly gesturing for the professors and ghosts to make themselves comfortable.

Professors Dumbledore and Merrith seemed well acquainted with the room, each finding their seat with practiced ease.

For Steven and the other ghosts, sitting or not mattered little, but out of courtesy for the headmaster, they each found an empty spot and pretended to sit.

“Mr. Strange, may I ask where you were and what you did on Tuesday afternoon and evening?” Headmaster Dippet went straight to the point.

Steven replied honestly, “I was in the library with Helena reading in the afternoon, and in the evening, I was with Scholar Angulo, socializing with members of the Ghost Council.”

“Albus, would you please summon Scholar Angulo?” Headmaster Dippet nodded at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore nodded, waved his wand, and a shimmering silver light flew from his hand, passing through the wall and leaving the office.

Steven watched the spell in surprise, silently wondering, ‘It feels like the Patronus Charm, but can it really be used to deliver messages? Or am I mistaken?’

Soon after, Scholar Angulo floated through the wall into the room.

“Sorry to trouble you, Scholar,” the headmaster greeted him.

Scholar Angulo smiled kindly. “It’s no bother at all. Ghosts have nothing but time.”

Headmaster Dippet continued, “We’ve called you here to verify some information.”

“Some facilities in the castle were deliberately sabotaged last night, and the culprit has not yet been found. Sir Baron has reported the suspicious Mr. Strange; I need to verify whether his statements are accurate.” He turned to Angulo. “Last night, was Mr. Strange with you, socializing with members of the Ghost Council?”

Scholar Angulo gave Steven a friendly smile. “Indeed. Last night in the entrance courtyard, I happened to meet Dr. Strange. I have always admired scholars, so I introduced myself and suggested we visit other ghosts together.”

However, upon hearing Angulo’s words, the three professors’ expressions grew grave.

For the destroyed magical node was located precisely near the entrance courtyard!

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