Chapter 741 - 742

Shortly before this incident, the last surviving member of an ancient pure-blood wizard family had been killed by a terrifying owl-like monster in their own room. Ancestor Yaliana of the family had informed Evan and Sirius that the creature was a Demon, its archenemy.

However, subsequent evidence revealed a close connection between Yaliana and the monster, making the situation even more intriguing. Evan found himself more curious than frightened about the information provided by the other party. The strange story piqued his interest, from the tale of a fearful curse to the mysterious owl fortress and the sudden attack on his Owl-man. Understanding rare demonic magic was essential, and Evan was willing to cooperate if the other party required his blood. Could a young boy's blood summon Demons from the abyss?

"If your guess is correct, then the situation is quite clear. That woman was not just dangerous but also a monstrous lunatic!" Sirius stated earnestly, his bright eyes fixed on Evan. "In the current circumstances, the safest course of action is to return to the inn and meet up with Hagrid and the others. Ignoring the owl fortress and cursed matters, which is definitely not your style, would only lead to trouble."

"So, you confirm you're accompanying me on this risky endeavor?" Evan inquired, simultaneously recording magical runes on a mirror. "Very well, let's do this. I want to see what the other party is planning."

"This feeling reminds me of when James and I risked things together, but that was only around Hogwarts. During summer breaks, I had to obey my mother's wishes and stay out of trouble," Sirius reminisced, looking around the room. "Before we go downstairs to get blood from the house elf, let's search this house from top to bottom and see if there are any clues. Let me see what these French Aurors missed."

When the French Aurors had initially investigated the murder case in this room, they had taken away all valuable items. Now, apart from a bed, the room and closet were empty.

However, Sirius was evidently more experienced in this regard. He approached the bed and meticulously searched every inch of the room. After about five minutes, Evan had just finished recording magical symbols on the mirror when he heard Sirius shout, "These guys are quite ordinary, Evan. Take a look."

Evan joined Sirius and saw that he had lifted the wallpaper behind the bed, revealing rows of ancient writings on the wall.

"This is in French, probably left by the previous occupant of this room. It might be helpful to us," he said as he carefully examined the words. Reading aloud, he translated, "In the dark, ancient castle of my family, I hear its faint whispers from the abyss, echoing in my ears. It tells me that the long night is approaching."

"In the darkness, it watches me calmly, its sharp claws of destiny relentlessly dragging the unsuspecting into chaos," Evan continued the translation. "Listen, listen, it craves slaughter, and all will end in chaos."

"After much painful struggle, I have finally understood the ultimate fate of this fragile world. I do not wish to perish; I must become stronger. I have heeded the counsel of this voice and surrendered myself to the master, becoming a devoted follower."

"Starting today, I will forsake my mortal form. Come, darkness, nightmare, consume the souls, flesh, and blood on this path. I offer myself completely to the master, embracing death and gaining new life. Your destinies, but I will be the sole survivor."

After reading these words on the wall, there was a moment of silence. Sirius furrowed his brow as he looked at the writings.

"This is... well, it sounds like the ramblings of a lunatic," he muttered. "I can't see any real significance in it except for giving off an eerie vibe."

"Yes, it's undeniably unsettling," Evan agreed, recalling the fearsome god he had encountered in the Acromantula's lair. The writings on the wall seemed to resemble the whispers of an evil deity but were slightly different. The person who had carved them into the wall had undergone some noticeable changes.

If it wasn't an evil god, could it be a Demon? The same kind that Yaliana had mentioned, the witches from Africa?

Evan and Sirius continued their search, removing all the wallpaper in the room. Above the bed, they discovered recent clues, but this time, it wasn't writing—it was drawings.

"That's the owl monster!" Evan exclaimed softly as he recognized the creature depicted in the drawings. It appeared part of a sinister magical process, gradually transforming an ordinary person into the terrifying Owl-man.

"Let's set aside what we can't understand for now. Why would this magical design be here?" Sirius pondered aloud. "This room clearly belonged to the victim who was killed by the Owl-man, yet there's evidence of a transformation into the creature on her bed."

"So, she might not have been the simple victim we thought. Mary, the woman she called, might have willingly undergone this transformation," Evan suggested, a chilling feeling settling in his heart. "These things may have been left behind by her, and she might have been that Owl-man."

"Alright, gentlemen, the meeting is over!" Suddenly, a woman's voice echoed in the room. "I'm an Auror from the Ministry of Magic, and because you've trespassed into this residence, the two of you are under arrest! Lower your wands, and it's in your best interest not to entertain any demon-exterminating thoughts, or you'll face the consequences."

Evan and Sirius turned to see a young witch standing in the doorway, holding her wand towards them. She appeared around twenty-five or twenty-six, with short, peach-shaped, pale features and piercing black eyes. She adjusted her robe and exuded an air of capability.

Honestly, despite her peculiar appearance, this female wizard was rather attractive...

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Naturally, it would be better to not point her wand at Evan and Sirius.

"In the middle of the night, did you two sneak into this empty house with nefarious intentions, perhaps thievery?" the witch asked, raising her sharp chin as she scrutinized Evan and Sirius. "There are truly priceless antiques here that could fetch a good price."

"We're not here to steal," Evan replied.

"Don't lie to me," she retorted. "I saw the broken seal downstairs. This house is under Ministry of Magic surveillance."

"We've been here for half an hour. If this is your idea of surveillance, it's quite humorous," Sirius scoffed. "I know the quality of French Aurors is subpar, but I didn't expect them to miss something like this."

"That's because we're short-staffed in Dijon, and I'm the one in charge of this case," the witch replied, her complexion turning slightly red as she grew somewhat embarrassed. However, she quickly regained her composure. "Mister, please remember your position before you criticize the French Ministry of Magic and Aurors. You haven't cleared your suspicions."

"We have no suspicions!" Evan insisted.

"Is that so?" the witch narrowed her eyes, examining Sirius closely. "You may not be aware, but not long ago, there was a shocking murder case in this room. Look at the bloodstains on the wall. I noticed you were removing the wallpaper. What were you doing, destroying evidence?"

"We're investigating for clues!" Sirius replied impatiently. "We're looking for something you may have missed."

"By tearing apart this house? I fail to see how that helps the case," she retorted.

"If you could see, look at this," Sirius said, pointing at the wall with the drawings.

"Anything here, just child's scribbles?" the witch mumbled, peering at the designs on the wall with a puzzled expression. Then, her voice grew louder, "Thank you for the reminder. I'll examine it later. But I'm one step redundant because you've trespassed into this house. Both of you drop your wands on the ground, kneel down, and I'll take you into custody. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to use force."

"Listen, we mean no harm. The situation isn't what you think," Sirius implored.

The female Auror hesitated for a moment, seemingly torn. Then, she shook her head. "Consider it done. After I disarm you, we can discuss it. But remember, I am still suspicious of you."

"Evan, Sirius, let's cooperate," Evan suggested. "We can share our information only if you put down your wands."

After a brief moment of silence, the female Auror appeared to be still unsure. However, she eventually gave in. "Fine, after I disarm you, we can talk."

"You see, we come in peace," Evan remarked. "Now, please step aside. We need to continue our pursuit of that owl monster."

"Wait a minute! What do you intend to do? Stop right there!" the witch suddenly exclaimed, her eyes fixed on Sirius as she shouted, "Stupefy!"

A red beam of magical energy shot toward Sirius, who swiftly moved to his right to dodge the spell.

"Expelliarmus!" Sirius shouted, waving his wand to cast the Disarming Charm.

The next second, Sirius' spell struck her, and her wand flew high, landing in his hand.

"Very well, you've won. Attacking a Ministry of Magic Auror so brazenly, what do you plan to do next?" Despite being disarmed, the witch showed no signs of weakness. Instead, she stared at Sirius with wide, intrigued eyes and said, "Are you going to detain me here?"

"I don't have a penchant for that," Sirius replied, tossing her wand back to her. "I just want to clarify that you can't stop us. Please step aside and don't hinder our pursuit of that owl monster."

The witch retrieved her wand and stood still for a moment, contemplating. Then, she extended her hand.

"Alright, since our goals align, I've decided to join you. By the way, my name is Elena Lorraine."