Chapter 70: Scholar Angulo’s Past

"Of course." Professor Melrose smiled kindly, then with a deft wave of her wand, dissolved the transparent barrier, along with the ghostly Steven who had been trapped inside, into shimmering motes of light.

Seeing this, Helena joyfully stepped forward and took Steven's arm.

Professor Melrose smiled again and continued, "First, we will ensure you enjoy all the rights belonging to ghosts at Hogwarts; additionally, we will recommend you to the Ghost Council so that you may quickly acquire the status of a council member."

"Do ghosts at Hogwarts have special rights?" Steven asked with keen interest.

"Indeed," Professor Melrose replied. "Ghosts have their own halls and classrooms as activity spaces, and dedicated house elves to help them with matters that may be inconvenient!"

"That sounds quite nice. Anything else?" Steven asked with a grin.

"As compensation, this dungeon will henceforth become your exclusive domain," Professor Melrose said. "And now, we must introduce you to this ghost. He is the true accomplice in sabotaging the magical nodes."

A ghost clad in old-fashioned academic robes, with a goatee, was brought before Steven, bound by the Ghost Restraint Curse.

At this point, Steven knew there would be no further compensation. He wasn't particularly concerned; all he required was the freedom to move about Hogwarts, and these benefits were more than sufficient.

His attention shifted to Scholar Angulo.

Although Steven had already learned from the young wizard Steven that Scholar Angulo was Professor Lore's accomplice, he still had to feign surprise as he looked at him.

"It's been a long time, Scholar Angulo. Two months have passed since we parted in the entrance courtyard. I never imagined you'd be the one responsible for my two-month confinement!" Steven said through gritted teeth; after all, he had been imprisoned because of this ghost, and few could let that pass without resentment.

"My apologies, Dr. Strange," Angulo replied calmly, showing not the slightest hint of remorse.

"Tell me, what was your reason for betraying Hogwarts?" Steven asked.

However, Angulo had no intention of cooperating, maintaining a stubborn silence.

"We've already questioned him, but Scholar Angulo refuses to cooperate, and frankly, there's nothing we can do against a ghost," Professor Melrose said helplessly to Steven.

It was true enough—if a ghost refused to cooperate, wizards had few effective measures.

Ghosts couldn't drink Veritaserum, and Legilimency spells did not work on them. Aside from the Ghost Restraint Curse, designed specifically for their kind, wizards were powerless against ghosts.

But just because the wizards of this world had no means, did not mean that Steven was similarly helpless!

Steven had long harbored resentment toward Scholar Angulo, and did not hesitate. He extended his forefinger, pressing it against Angulo's brow.

Instantly, an image appeared simultaneously in the minds of both ghosts—

It was a town with medieval features: squat houses built of mud bricks, clustered together in a humble array; the perimeter was enclosed by fortresses and stone walls, with round towers atop the walls where several soldiers stood guard.

A grand, towering Gothic cathedral stood at the center of these low buildings, a striking figure against the modest surroundings.

Before the cathedral was a broad square, where many monks in crisp church uniforms surrounded a giant cross, seemingly engaged in prayer. On the outskirts, a crowd of commoners in rough brown tunics shouted fervent slogans.

Suddenly, thick flames roared up, engulfing the entire cross in an instant. Beneath the cross came the heart-wrenching cry of a young girl!

"No!!" A man wearing old academic robes, with a goatee and a weary visage, suddenly appeared in the square, shouting in anguish.

The final image was the man's wooden wand flaring with a ghastly green light...

...

Steven abruptly broke the spell, staring in shock at the anguished expression on Scholar Angulo's face.

"That girl..." Steven opened his mouth, uncertain what to say.

"Yes, she was my daughter! She was burned to death by a crowd of Muggles!" Angulo was no longer cold and indifferent; his face was marked by grief and his eyes burned with hatred as he shouted, "That's why I absolutely support Grindelwald's declaration of war on the Muggles! I am willing to aid his plans!"

"Fine, I've confessed! Are you satisfied now?!" he gasped, glaring at Steven and the professors.

Headmaster Dippet spoke then: "Scholar Angulo, we regret your tragic past. But that does not justify endangering the young wizards of Hogwarts!"

"Scholar, it needn't have come to this. There are other things you could have done for your daughter," Professor Birley said softly, evidently moved by Angulo's history.

"I'm only a ghost. What else could I possibly do?" Angulo replied with a bitter smile.

Steven suddenly lost all desire for revenge, waving a hand to signal the professors to take Angulo away.

Perhaps, forcing him to relive his most painful memory was already the greatest act of retribution.

"Now, tell me your true purpose for coming, Headmaster Dippet, and esteemed professors," Steven sighed.

Headmaster Dippet nodded. "Actually, we are here to find Lady Grey."

Steven nodded knowingly, showing no surprise.

Headmaster Dippet turned to Helena. "Lady Grey, do you know of any means to repair the magical nodes at Hogwarts?"

Helena shook her head. "I have never known how to repair magical nodes."

Just as the professors grew disappointed and prepared to leave, she suddenly added, "But I do know someone who certainly can."

The professors: "!!!"

...

Eighth floor of the main tower.

With the moving staircases out of commission and half the corridors blocked, Dumbledore conjured several fiery red birds with Transfiguration to carry everyone up to the floor. Their speed even surpassed Steven and Helena's floating pace.

Now, six people and two ghosts stood before a comical tapestry.

"What is this supposed to depict...?" Steven stared at the tapestry, where several grotesque trolls wore delicate ballet tutus, feeling thoroughly uncomfortable.

"Ah, the tapestry of 'Trolls Bashing Barnabas the Barmy'," Dumbledore said with a mischievous smile, beginning to explain the scene to Steven.

"Barnabas was a wizard who attempted something rather unrealistic: teaching trolls to dance ballet. While most consider his efforts foolish, his courage was certainly admirable."

"Ahem!" Headmaster Dippet cleared his throat, interrupting Dumbledore's story, then solemnly turned to Helena. "Lady Grey, what do we do next?"

Helena nodded, quietly floated to young Steven's side, and whispered, "Steven, I need your help with something."

...

...