"Mr. Snape? After developing these photos you brought back, should we apply a layer of Developing Solution on them?"

At the French Ministry of Magic, in the Scouting Technology Division of the Auror Office, the Auror developing the photos for Severus turned and asked.

Severus did not answer immediately. Instead, he first picked up the developed photos.

Under the bright blue sky of Paris, the grayish-white apartment building stood out discordantly, as if it didn't belong to the same world as the surrounding cheerful and brightly colored structures.

"Looking at this building, does it remind you of anything?"

Severus suddenly asked the Auror from the Scouting Technology Division.

The Auror, who mainly handled technical work and had little field experience, scratched his head and answered uncertainly,

"This late 19th to early 20th-century Haussmann-style architecture, which has survived to this day, is actually quite monotonous compared to cities like London or Venice. Moreover, if the buildings are too large or tall, they tend to appear overly gloomy and enclosed… almost like a prison."

"Still, it's precisely this architectural style that defines modern Paris. Many foreigners' stereotypical image of Paris comes from these buildings. When they come here to travel and see them, they'll just praise it as 'authentic Paris.'"

His words made Severus glance at him a few more times.

"You seem quite knowledgeable about Muggle architecture?"

"My parents are both experts in architecture… and both Muggles. If Beauxbatons hadn't accepted me, I would've followed in their footsteps and become an urban planner."

The Auror shrugged and grumbled, "But after learning magic, I ended up stuck here developing photos instead."

Severus smiled at him.

"Fate can be quite unpredictable at times."

At the same time, he took the five developed photos from the Auror.

"Thank you for your help. The Developing Solution won't be necessary… these aren't portraits, nor are they meant for publication in the papers."

After bidding farewell to the helpful Auror, Severus walked out of the Scouting Technology Division, studying the photos in his hand as he went.

At that moment, Lupin, who had returned the borrowed camera, rejoined him.

"What's your next move?" Lupin asked.

"An unusual apartment building, the top floor, the centermost apartment, an incomplete and seemingly ineffective alchemical ritual inside."

Severus listed the suspicious points while handing two of the photos to Lupin.

"I have a feeling the key to this kidnapping case lies here. Although the French Aurors still haven't determined whether the culprits abducted Nicolas Flamel for his Philosopher's Stone or the knowledge to create it, the alchemical ritual already drawn in the apartment represents their first concrete action using Flamel."

"This action reveals their goal. If we decipher their intentions, we can likely deduce their identities and ultimately track down the perpetrators."

Lupin clearly caught the implication in Severus's words.

"You still don't think these people are connected to the Death Eaters?"

Severus shook his head.

"If before, I only had doubts based on the behavioral differences between them and people like Barty Jr., then after Shafiq deliberately revealed himself in Lyon to lure the Aurors, I'm certain they aren't Death Eaters."

"These people are likely using Shafiq's identity as a Death Eater to mislead the French Ministry, hiding their true motives and their next move."

Hearing this, Lupin's expression grew serious.

"The two wizards we fought today were skilled and coordinated. If what you say is true, that they also have strong execution capabilities, meticulous planning, and organizational skills, I can't think of anyone besides elite Aurors from major magical governments who possess such qualities!"

"Ordinary people wouldn't even consider kidnapping Nicolas Flamel and provoking an entire nation of wizards."

Severus gestured with the photos and said to Lupin,

"Let's go to the Auror's Archives."

"What are we looking for in the archives?" Lupin asked, puzzled.

"Research. Ideally, we'll find connections to this apartment building we photographed." Severus paused, as if suddenly remembering something, "Oh, and we should also ask them for a quiet, undisturbed potion-making room."

At that last remark, Lupin froze, not immediately grasping Severus's intention.

"The improved Wolfsbane Potion can also be tested now. Though it's a preliminary formula, it's quite refined… it neutralizes most of the deadly toxicity of the original wolfsbane while adding some beneficial side effects like physical enhancement and longevity, thanks to the dragon's blood."

Severus's words left Lupin silent, a wave of guilt washing over him.

He had never imagined that one day, he would feel such remorse toward Severus Snape… a man he had once wronged, now repaying him with kindness.

At that moment, he felt he ought to express his gratitude, but the words seemed too shallow. Compared to what Severus had done, any easy thanks would feel cheap.

Severus, of course, noticed Lupin's conflicted emotions. He waved a hand dismissively and said casually, "No need to overthink it. What can I say? You're my dear nephew."

The almost-forgotten nickname made Lupin stop dwelling on it. If words couldn't convey his gratitude, he would simply remember this debt in his heart.

"If the Wizengamot really approves the Order of Merlin, will you and Lyall attend the Ministry's award ceremony?"

"Of course. That's the surprise I mentioned to Lyall when we parted ways."

"Will there be many people there?"

"Almost all past recipients attend, along with some famous wizards. It'll be quite lively."

"Sounds like something to look forward to."

As they chatted, they made their way to the archives.

Only Ghost Snape, the true architect of the Wolfsbane Potion's improvement, still couldn't fully let go of past grudges.

But compared to before, his resistance had noticeably weakened.

Inside Severus's mind, he scowled, listening to them converse like old friends since their school days, as if none of the past grievances mattered.

"Don't sulk in there. Come with me to see Patrick again. Let's tell him what Marie said so he doesn't have to worry so much."

While Snape and Lupin were heading to the monastery, Harry wasn't idle either.

He was doing his best to persuade Draco to accompany him to the detention room again to report to Rosier.

But Draco had absolutely no desire to see the Squib who had shattered some of his long-held beliefs about pure-blood families.

"You go by yourself!"

He clutched two books borrowed from the Auror Office's reading corner, [Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them] and [Quidditch Through the Ages].

"Didn't you say you've already memorized these books at home? What's the point of reading them again?"

"Still better than talking to a Squib!" Draco snapped, turning his back to Harry as if he couldn't stand the sight of his annoying face any longer.

Harry, however, had already thought of another way to tempt him.

"Hey, after we visit Patrick, I can take you somewhere cool!"

"You're not fooling me this time!" Draco said angrily. "No matter what you say, I'm not going!"

"Isabelle told me where the Auror Office's broomstick storage room is." Harry said with a sly grin. "She said anyone can go in, and there's even an expanded Quidditch practice area inside. Except for the newest, top-of-the-line Ministry's broomsticks that are locked up, all the older models are free to ride!"

Draco, who had been so adamant just a moment ago, stiffened visibly.

Though Harry couldn't see his face, he could imagine the conflicted expression on it.

"You really don't want to go~" Harry drawled the last word deliberately, theatrically opening the bedroom door, "What a shame. Some people claim to love Quidditch so much but have only ever ridden toy broomsticks. Meanwhile, someone like me, who doesn't even know the rules, gets to experience real speed today!"

Draco slammed his book onto the table and stood up, fuming.

"If you're lying to me again, you're dead!"

Harry didn't say anything. He just walked ahead without looking back. On his face, which Draco couldn't see, there was a triumphant smirk.

This time, the two of them navigated the route with ease.

They returned to the corridor outside the detention room, where the same rookie Auror from that morning, Isabelle, was on duty.

Bored, she greeted Harry.

"What did you have for lunch?"

Harry counted on his fingers as he recalled.

"Foie gras, cream of mushroom soup, flammkuchen, and mille-feuille for dessert."

The witch groaned in envy.

"They gave you the director-level menu?! You guys get way too good of a deal!"

"You don't get to eat like that normally?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"We can, but our meal allowances don't cover that much. We'd have to pay extra out of pocket."

Hearing this, Harry shrugged.

"That's the same. My teacher is working for your Ministry for free. It's like the Ministry has turned all the wages that should have been paid to him into delicious food."

The witch stared at Harry and clicked her tongue.

"I could never have said something like that at your age."

But Draco had already lost patience with their chitchat.

"Hurry up! Don't waste time!"

Under his urging, Harry finally led the way back into Rosier's detention room.