Snape wasn’t in a very good mood.
He had been completely absorbed in Charlie’s theories.
So much so that when Professor Sprout had come to see him earlier…
He hadn’t responded at all.
But as time passed…
He gradually calmed down.
When he went back to reread the manuscript…
He discovered that several pages were missing.
Only then did he remember that Sprout had visited him not long ago.
He had been too busy digesting all that knowledge to even acknowledge her.
From what he recalled…
She had seemed just as excited.
And apparently…
She had taken some of his papers.
That was why Snape had come all the way to her office.
The moment he stepped through the door…
He spotted the missing manuscript at a glance.
A trace of anger surfaced on his face.
“Professor Sprout.” “Taking my belongings without my permission…” “Don’t you think that’s rather impolite?” “Oh, Professor Snape.” “I’m terribly sorry.” Sprout offered him an embarrassed smile.
“But I hope you’ll understand.” “This wasn’t something I could control.” “Your research…
your breakthrough…” “It’s simply too astonishing.” “You know what researchers like us are like.” “When faced with discoveries like these…” “We simply can’t resist.” “So please forgive my rudeness.” “Your work is truly magnificent.” Snape frowned slightly.
At that moment…
Weiss stood up and extended his hand.
“Professor Snape.” “I’ve long admired your reputation.” “I’m Frank Weiss, editor-in-chief of Magical Research.” Snape’s expression changed slightly.
So this man had actually come all the way to Hogwarts.
“Please forgive my boldness.” “I hope to publish part of your research in Magical Research.” “This would be a tremendous contribution to the entire magical world.” “Every wizard would remember your achievement.” “What a remarkable advancement in the field of Dark Arts Defense!” After hearing those words…
Snape’s expression grew conflicted.
If this research had truly been his own…
Then out of respect for magic and his pursuit of knowledge…
He would have published it in Magical Research without hesitation.
To benefit every wizard.
And yes…
His own name would have gone down in history as well.
But the current situation was different.
This wasn’t his work.
It belonged to Charlie.
And Charlie…
Was still just a child.
If his identity were exposed…
Who knew what kind of dangers he would face?
Dark Wizards with ulterior motives might target him.
Kidnap him.
Force him to conduct research.
Or something even worse.
Those were outcomes Snape absolutely refused to allow.
Deep down…
He already regarded Charlie with the concern of an elder.
“I’m sorry.” “This research isn’t mine.” “So I can’t make that decision on the author’s behalf.” After struggling internally for quite some time…
Snape finally spoke.
His expression was filled with regret.
After all…
From an academic standpoint…
This theory and its practical methodology represented an extraordinary breakthrough.
“What?” “This…
isn’t your research?” Weiss looked stunned.
Sprout could no longer hold back.
Her mind raced.
If it wasn’t Snape…
Then who was it?
Dumbledore?
No…
impossible.
I know Dumbledore’s handwriting.
Besides…
if it were his research, he’d gladly publish it himself.
“…Not yours…” Weiss paced back and forth, deep in thought.
Then suddenly…
His eyes lit up.
“The person you’re talking about…” “He must be a legendary figure.” “A true grandmaster.” “A hidden master!” “Yes!” “That has to be it.” “He doesn’t want fame to become a burden.” “Of course…” “True legends are always like this.” “I was too presumptuous.” “I shouldn’t have asked.” Muttering to himself…
Weiss suddenly turned back toward Snape.
“Professor Snape…” “How about this?” “I’ll publish only part of the research in Magical Research.” “The author’s name will simply be listed as Anonymous.” “It won’t affect the master in any way.” “Naturally, the remuneration will still be paid.” “I’ll entrust it to you to deliver.” “And please…” “Convey my deepest respect to that great master.” “What do you think?” His eyes were filled with sincerity.
Snape fell silent once more.
After all…
When it came to magical truth…
He had never believed in keeping knowledge hidden.
This breakthrough had the potential to benefit the entire wizarding world.
He thought about it for a long time.
After confirming repeatedly that Charlie’s identity would never be revealed…
He finally agreed to Weiss’s proposal.
The moment Weiss saw him nod…
He let out an excited shout.
“My goodness!” “I never imagined I’d witness something like this in my lifetime!” “Magical Research will be remembered forever!” “That great master is truly magnificent!” “On behalf of the entire magical world…” “I thank him!” Before either of them could react…
Weiss grabbed Snape and dragged him toward Snape’s office.
He needed to copy the manuscript.
And, with Snape’s approval…
Carefully select portions suitable for publication.
There was no time to waste.
Delay only invited unforeseen complications.
That had always been Weiss’s philosophy.
Several hours later…
Everything was finally prepared.
Weiss thanked Snape over and over again.
“Great Professor Snape…” “The magical world will never forget your contribution.” “Please…” “Be sure to pass along my regards to that great master.” “And if one day…” “You’d be willing to introduce me to him…” “I would be forever grateful.” Snape immediately shook his head.
The last thing he wanted…
Was for Charlie’s existence to be exposed.
Not until…
The day Charlie possessed enough strength to stand above the entire magical world.
“I understand.” “What a shame.” “Then…” “On behalf of the wizarding world…” “I thank that great master.” “May Heaven bless him.” “Oh, and once the article is published…” “I’ll send the payment to you.” “I’ll have to trouble you to deliver it to that great master.” “Thank you…” “Great Professor Snape.”