Chapter 1629 - Ch: 151-160

Ch: 151-160

Chapter 151: Things a Large Check Can't Buy

At the entrance of the Headmaster's Office, Sig held a cold stone in one hand and a check in the other.

The check was a large payment note issued by Gringotts, with a string of zeros that looked like five figures at a glance—clearly a significant amount of money.

Dumbledore had shoved it into his hand as he was leaving, saying it was the Felix Felicis dividends that the Malfoy Family had rushed to send over, and it was now being returned to its rightful owner.

Before he left, he also instructed Sig not to speak a word about tonight's events.

But Sig's mood was still terrible. He felt the "pebble," which had a wonderful texture but now lacked even a trace of magic, and cursed inwardly.

What use was money?

He wasn't exactly wealthy now, but he certainly didn't lack money. What he lacked was a magical creation on the level of the Philosopher's Stone—a rare treasure that could upgrade his system!

That old fox Dumbledore had actually prepared a trap for Lord Voldemort; the so-called Philosopher's Stone was just a lure, yet he had treated it like a treasure.

And with just one word, Dumbledore had "deactivated" the lure, which was even more infuriating than having it stolen outright.

It was late at night, but Hogwarts Castle was not quiet at all.

In the corridors of the Castle, Professors carrying lanterns and solemn-faced Aurors were patrolling everywhere, meticulously checking every corner for potential risks.

Toward the Forbidden Forest outside the Castle, figures were moving about; Scrimgeour was leading a team in a carpet search to ensure no accomplices of Quirrell were lurking.

This massive manhunt dragged on for two days before the Ministry of Magic's forces finally withdrew completely.

During those two days, rumors were flying all over Hogwarts.

Following Professor Quirrell's mysterious disappearance, the sight of Professor Snape—with a face even sourer than usual—standing at the podium of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classcompletely ignited the young Wizards' imaginations.

In the stories people made up, various bizarre versions emerged, but the list of protagonists was surprisingly consistent: Harry, Sig, Ron, and Hermione.

Since Ron and Hermione had only suffered some shock and minor scratches, they left the Hospital Wing after staying for half a day.

Harry's injuries were much more severe; he was still lying in the Hospital Wing, having clearly suffered significant trauma.

As for Signas... he hadn't entered the Hospital Wing at all.

In the most widely circulated version, Quirrell had gone completely mad from his obsession with the Dark Arts. That night, he had gone to steal the school's treasure stark naked and bald, only to be caught by several young Wizards.

Harry was naturally the protagonist who bravely fought the villainous bald, naked Dark Wizard, while Ron and Hermione were strong supports. Sig... he was basically just part of the background.

Ron had been very smug lately, enjoying the feeling of being in the spotlight.

Whenever someone was at the Gryffindor table, he would boast animatedly about how the three of them had seen through Quirrell's plot, followed him, and ultimately stopped him from stealing the school's treasure in a thrilling battle.

In his stories, there was virtually no trace of Sig.

And Sig?

Aside from his exasperated face—as if he'd lost hundreds of thousands of Galleons—and a tongue sharper than ever, he had hardly changed at all these past few days.

Since he already had few friends in Slytherin and had fallen out with Draco, only Daphne would offer a few words of concern in the Common Room.

"Feeling better?" Daphne sat on the sofa opposite Signas and pushed a cup of hot cocoa toward him, the warm steam misting her emerald eyes. "My aunt said the Ministry of Magic deployed almost all their Aurors that night; it was as chaotic as a disturbed nest of Acromantulas. I'm so glad you're okay!"

The girl's voice was soft and warm, carrying genuine concern.

Signas snapped out of his internal grumbling about Dumbledore and looked up at her. Daphne's face appeared exceptionally soft in the glow of the flickering fire.

The frustration in his heart dissipated slightly for some reason. He twitched the corner of his mouth, picked up the hot cocoa, and took a sip, the rich sweetness melting on his tongue.

Sig chatted, "I have to say, the Ministry's Aurors aren't very skilled; they actually let Quirrell get away in the end..."

Smiles danced in Daphne's emerald eyes. "You, honestly, mocking the Aurors. If it weren't for them, how could you have come out unscathed..."

Signas almost couldn't resist rolling his eyes.

Unscathed?

He had taken a "Massage Charm" full force; the skill level of those Aurors was plain to see!

But Sig was too lazy to explain and just gave a snort.

Then, a hint of worry appeared in Daphne's emerald eyes. "I'm more curious now about where Dumbledore will find someone to teach this class next year."

"Where else..." Signas took another sip of hot cocoa and then absent-mindedly made something up. "From the job section of The Daily Prophet, or... the discharge list of the psychiatric ward at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Maybe the next Professor will like hanging garlic and onions all over themselves, or firmly believe they're a cursed slug."

Daphne burst into laughter at his biting nonsense. The eerie green light of the Common Room flickered across her face, making her look like a playful woodland sprite.

Then she turned serious again. "No more joking. You-Know-Who's curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class... it seems to be real. No Professor has been able to stay in that position for a full year, and Professor Quirrell's end is the most... most bizarre of all his predecessors so far."

She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice to share some inside information. It was said that Professor Quirrell finally jumped out of a fifth-floor window stark naked and then flew away into thin air like a giant hairless bat.

The plot was so absurd that even The Quibbler wouldn't dare write it that way.

"True enough," Signas nodded in agreement, not at all surprised that Daphne knew so much inside information.

The Greengrass family's heritage was no less than that of the Malfoy Family. Members of her family held important positions in the Ministry of Magic and were close to many high-ranking officials, so knowing these things was perfectly normal.

Daphne seemed to think of something even more interesting. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping even lower with a mischievous glint of sharing a secret. "My aunt also said that the owl messengers from Minister Fudge's office have been worked to death these past two days, all delivering various manuscripts to papers like The Daily Prophet. The whole thing is boasting about how Minister Fudgetook responsibility and turned the tide."

"The headline for the next issue is supposedly already drafted: 'Minister Fudge's Thunderous Strike: Dark Wizard's Plot Fails at Hogwarts!'"

She continued in the exaggerated tone of a newspaper, "Minister Fudge strategized and secured victory from afar, while Headmaster Dumbledore became the slow-reacting logistical staff who needed protection..."

"Pfft—cough, cough!" Signas nearly spat out the hot cocoa he'd just sipped. Fudge's skin was as thick as Hagrid's rock cakes.

Signas had seen clearly how he was trembling behind the Aurors that day.

As she spoke, Daphne pulled the latest issue of The Daily Prophet from her robes like a magic trick, skillfully flipped to an inner page, and pointed to an illustrated report.

In the photo, an impossibly handsome Wizard with curly blond hair was raising his wand, flashing a standard eight-tooth smile. His purple robes glittered under the flashbulbs, so flashy it made one's eyes ache.

"Minister Fudge Specially Appoints Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart as Special Consultant for Anti-Dark Wizardry to the Ministry of Magic."

Daphne read the headline, her emerald eyes sparkling with anticipation of a good show. "Minister Fudge claims he will take several powerful measures to improve public security, and Mr. Lockhart, as the most famous Defense Against the Dark Arts master of our time, will provide the Ministry with valuable professional advice..."

"That's truly... congratulations to him," Signas squeezed out dryly. "I hope Minister Fudge doesn't forget to apply for an Order of Merlin, First Class for himself, to recognize his brilliant leadership."

"He's already applying," Daphne replied solemnly, then seeing Signas's pained expression, she finally couldn't help but double over with laughter.

Chapter 152: Final Exams Approach

As soon as news of Harry waking up spread, the area outside the infirmary was immediately swarmed by curious students.

Headmaster Dumbledore was the first to enter.

With a gentle smile on his face, he asked a few trivial questions, left a large pile of chocolate frogs on Harry's nightstand as if by magic, and then quietly departed.

Afterwards, Madam Pomfrey stood guard at the infirmary door like a furious guardian deity, mercilessly blocking all visitors who tried to crowd in, claiming the patient needed absolute peace and quiet.

Hermione pleaded and reasoned for a long time before she barely managed to secure five minutes.

"Harry! You're finally awake! You nearly scared us to death!" Hermione practically burst through the door, her voice trembling slightly with relief.

Ron followed close behind her, the freckles on his face appearing even more prominent due to his excitement.

Harry rubbed his still-aching forehead; the lightning bolt scar was burning intensely.

His memories were a bit muddled; he only remembered Quirrell's distorted face, that spine-chilling aura of evil, and having the Philosopher's Stone snatched away by him in front of the Mirror of Erised. Even now, it was hard to believe that Quirrell was a Dark Wizard.

Harry instinctively lowered his voice and asked urgently, "Where's Quirrell? Was the Philosopher's Stone... recovered?"

Hermione and Ron exchanged a look, then as if by prior agreement, sat down on either side of Harry's bed, prepared to begin a thrilling storytelling session.

Ron started off with animated gestures, while Hermione constantly filled in the details; eventually, Hermione took over as the lead storyteller, with Ron responsible for using exaggerated interjections to heighten the atmosphere.

Harry listened without daring to breathe, his green eyes wide and round.

The latter half of the story was more bizarre and crazed than any version circulating outside.

At every tense moment, Harry couldn't help but gasp, feeling as though his heart was about to leap out of his throat.

When Ron described how Quirrell was cornered by Aurors and then attacked Sig with the Killing Curse, Harry's mouth instantly fell open wide enough to fit a Golden Snitch.

"But he didn't succeed!" Hermione quickly added, seeing Harry's expression, her tone filled with lingering fear.

"How is that possible? Are you sure?" Ron blurted out, a look of disbelief on his face.

"Ron Weasley! Do you actually wish Signas had been hit by the Killing Curse?!" Hermione's eyebrows shot up immediately as she glared fiercely at Ron.

"No, no... no, I didn't mean that..." Ron's face instantly turned bright red as he hurriedly waved his hands to explain. "I was just... just curious! That was the Killing Curse; my dad said no one can survive that spell head-on. Sig... how did he survive?"

"I... I don't know either..." Hermione admitted honestly.

Hermione and Ron looked at Harry simultaneously.

After all, when it came to the experience of surviving the Killing Curse, Harry Potter was the only one present—and indeed, in the entire Magical World—who had done so.

"I... I think Signas must also have some kind of... some kind of powerful protective magic on him..." Harrythought of himself and the protective charm of love his mother had left him, which Dumbledore had mentioned.

But Hermione shook her head; having witnessed the scene herself, the confusion on her face deepened. "No, it wasn't just Signas! Before that, an Auror was also hit by Quirrell's Dark Arts! It was a red light, for certain... but he just took a tumble, then got back up and said it felt... felt quite comfortable, like being bumped by something warm."

"Pfft—" Ron couldn't help but burst out laughing, then quickly covered his mouth, though his shoulders continued to shake uncontrollably.

Hermione vaguely felt that something had gone wrong with Quirrell himself—perhaps he had eaten something bad, which affected his spellcasting... The three of them chatted animatedly about the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore, but they were soon interrupted by the returning Madam Pomfrey.

"Time's long past! Look how long it's been!" She waved her wand, shooing Ron and Hermione out like flies. "The patient needs rest! Not to listen to your storytelling session here. Out, everyone out!"

Under the school's strict control, key information regarding Lord Voldemort was kept under wraps, with not a single word leaking out.

As for the Ministry of Magic, Fudge refused to acknowledge any trace of Lord Voldemort, choosing instead to sensationalize it as a severe case involving a Dark Wizard.

The version finally announced by officials became a story of young Wizards using their extraordinary wit and courage to successfully thwart Quirinus Quirrell's plot to steal the Philosopher's Stone.

Harry Potter's name resounded throughout Hogwarts once again.

At the Gryffindor table, storytelling sessions of "Harry Potter and the Naked Man" were staged almost every day.

This infuriated Draco Malfoy—Potter again! Why was it always him hogging the spotlight!

However, having gone through family changes and Sig's "training," the young master of the Malfoy Family had grown quite a bit.

He no longer relied on childish provocations and "my father" as weapons like he used to; instead, he competed in a more "Slytherin" manner.

During lunch that day, Ron was boastfully regaling the surrounding Gryffindors with stories of how he had matched wits and courage with a Dark Wizard in the Forbidden Area on the Fourth Floor, and how he had saved Harry and Hermione.

Just as the group was listening with rapt attention, even forgetting to eat the sausages on their plates, a distinctive, slow drawl drifted over from the Slytherin table like a malicious cold breeze.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Weasley, your adventure story is certainly 'thrilling' enough..."

Draco Malfoy had approached at some point; he leaned against a stone pillar with his arms crossed, an undisguised sneer on his face.

His voice wasn't loud, but it pierced accurately into everyone's ears.

Ron's boasting came to a screeching halt, his face instantly turning the color of a pig's liver. "Malfoy... what do you want?"

Draco sighed hypocritically, his gaze sweeping over the audience as he spoke slowly, "I'm just a bit curious. With the pathetic level of spellcasting you and Potter possess, when faced with a real Dark Wizard, surely you didn't just use your wands like pokers and resort to a fistfight?"

"You!" Ron stood up abruptly.

In the Wizarding World, being questioned for fighting like a Muggle was a severe insult and doubt, second only to being called a Squib.

"Don't get excited, Weasley," Draco waved his hand lazily. "I'm just giving you a friendly reminder—and to everyone else present... the final exams won't let you pass just because you can tell stories. After all, they won't be asking you about these thrilling adventure stories during the exams..."

(Author: What a coincidence; the second-year Defense Against the Dark Arts Class will!)

Draco's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, instantly dampening the young Wizards' spirits.

The pressure brought by the words "final exams" suddenly became incredibly real and heavy.

Chapter 153: Slytherin's Fine Traditions Must Be Passed On

The Professors of every subject seemed to have received a unified directive; classroom discipline was stricter than ever, and the pace of lectures accelerated noticeably, as if they intended to review an entire semester's worth of knowledge in the final two weeks.

Time flew by in this tense and oppressive atmosphere, and in the blink of an eye, the dreaded exam week arrived.

When the final History of Magic exam papers were collected, the entire Castle seemed like a deflated balloon, and everyone slumped in exhaustion.

A few days later, the results were revealed on the notice boards in each Common Room.

Unsurprisingly, the names Signas Shalk, Hermione Granger, and Draco Malfoy occupied the top three spots in the year.

Malfoy tilted his chin up proudly when he saw his name far above Harry and Ron's, but his mood plummeted again when he remembered he had been bested by Hermione.

But the person who truly made everyone's jaws drop was Daphne Greengrass.

"Merlin's beard! Am I seeing this right? Daphne... fifth in the year?!"

"She reads magazines way more than magic books..."

"What did she eat? Wit-Sharpening Potion?"

In the Slytherin Common Room, Daphne was surrounded by a crowd, her small face flushed with excitement.

She pushed through the crowd and rushed to Signas like a happy little bird, grabbing his arm, her green eyes sparkling with unbelievable light.

"Sig! Fifth place, I'm fifth! Did you see?" Daphne's face was full of brilliant smiles, and she announced in an authoritative tone, "To celebrate, and to thank you! I've decided, I'm treating you to a big meal at Diagon Alley, the best restaurant in all of Britain!"

"No refusing!"

"You want to settle things with just one meal? I spent a whole half-month highlighting key points for you; my time is very valuable."

"Then two meals!" Daphne immediately upped the ante, as if afraid he would back out.

"Deal." Signas finally smiled. He happened to need to go to Gringotts to cash that check, so a trip to Diagon Alley was necessary.

The main event after the exams was the End-of-Term Feast.

To Signas, this meal was not much different from usual, aside from having a few more substantial dishes than normal.

But for the vast majority of young Wizards, this was absolutely the most exciting moment of the year—the final destination of the House Cup would be revealed now!

The result of the House Cup directly determined the main color scheme and decorative style of the entire Hogwarts Castle for the next school year, concerning the honor of every house.

The Great Hall was decorated tonight as a sea of Slytherin, because Slytherin was currently in first place in points.

Huge Silver and green silk banners hung from the enchanted ceiling like winding giant serpents, drifting slowly under the starry sky.

At the Slytherin table, the little snakes all held their heads high, smiles of certain victory on their faces, as if they had already been crowned in advance.

In contrast, the atmosphere at Gryffindor was much gloomier. Harry and Ron clenched their fists, staring at the untouched steak on their plates as if they had a grudge against it.

At the staff table, Professor Snape acted out of character, rarely straightening his back which was usually somewhat hunched; his greasy black hair even seemed a bit less oily under the candlelight.

In his bottomless eyes, there flickered a trace of imperceptible, sharp expectation.

The results were announced without any suspense. Slytherin led by a narrow margin, ranking first.

The Slytherin table erupted in reserved but loud applause, and a tiny, almost undetectable curve hooked the corner of Snape's mouth.

At that moment, Dumbledore stood up, looking down at the hall with a smile, his voice echoing loudly: "Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. However..."

His trademark pause caused the entire Great Hall to fall silent instantly.

The curve at the corner of Snape's mouth froze.

"...recent events must also be taken into account."

Everyone's hearts leaped into their throats.

The result was as expected.

Under Headmaster Dumbledore's personal 'intervention,' in the name of the incident protecting the Philosopher's Stone, he generously awarded fifty, eighty, and a hundred points to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others for reasons like 'courage,''selflessness,' and 'cleverness,' causing Gryffindor to soar from the bottom to the top of the list in an instant.

With every sentence Dumbledore spoke, Snape's face darkened a shade, until it was finally as black as the bottom of a cauldron; the candlelight shining on his face seemed to be sucked in, leaving not a single ray of light.

Just as the little lions of Gryffindor were preparing to cheer for their victory, Dumbledore cleared his throat; the 'ahem' sound wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the Great Hall.

The cheering stopped abruptly once again.

"I still have some points to distribute, let me see, ah yes..." The old Principal seemed to be trying to recall something, his finger tapping the air.

"Finally, there is Mr. Shalk..."

As soon as this name came out, the whole room was in an uproar.

Sig?

The Gryffindors looked bewildered, while the Slytherins were completely confused.

"First," Dumbledore smiled like a bear that had stolen honey, "Mr. Shalk, for the sake of the school's collective safety, was not afraid of power and had the courage to expose... well, to frequently report important situations to the school. This sense of ownership is worth encouraging! I award Slytherin fifty points!"

At the Slytherin table, the little snakes looked at each other.

Snitching? That can earn points too?

But the points were real, and Slytherin's total score instantly caught up again.

At the staff table, Snape's face, which had been as black as a pot bottom, miraculously softened a bit, and he even directed an expression that could be called 'approval' toward Signas.

Clearly, this behavior aligned perfectly with his teaching philosophy.

"Secondly," Dumbledore completely ignored the students' reactions and continued, "facing sudden and immense danger, he remained calm and composed, did not act recklessly, and reported to the school at the first opportunity, gaining valuable time for subsequent actions... such quality of staying calm under pressure is truly rare! For this, I award Slytherin one hundred points!"

"Whoa—"

Now the Slytherins finally reacted!

They were ecstatic, jumping up from the table in excitement. One hundred points! That was a huge amount, and they had overtaken them again!

"Third," Dumbledore paused deliberately here, and the entire Great Hall fell into a deathly silence once more.

His eyes, behind his half-moon spectacles, twinkled with a mischievous light as he said word by word: "He also dared to take great risks to protect the school's property... well, by proactively extorting dangerous elements..."

Before he finished, the entire Great Hall went completely silent; even the sound of cutlery clashing disappeared.

Extortion?

Extorting for the school?!

All the young Wizards looked at one another, their faces filled with expressions as if they had seen a ghost, unsure for a moment whether to cheer or condemn.

The little snakes of Slytherin were even more completely stunned.

Their house had some fine traditions like survival of the fittest, bullying the weak, and blood discrimination, but they had really never heard of a tradition of 'blackmail and extortion'!?

"He demonstrated Slytherin-style resourcefulness and a fearless courage far beyond ordinary people!"

Dumbledore, as if not seeing the stunned faces below, concluded in a forceful tone, "For this, I award Slytherin House—two hundred points!"

Chapter 154: Astoria Accuses Sig of Being a Gold-Digger

The Hogwarts Express billowed thick white steam as it slowly came to a halt at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

As the doors opened, groups of young Wizards poured out cheerfully like bubbles from a shaken soda bottle, and the entire platform was instantly submerged in the clamor and joy of reunion.

"Mom! I'm here!"

"Oh, honey, you look thinner!"

Signas dragged his trunk, walking beside Daphne, watching the lively scene before him with a bit of boredom.

He was an orphan, so naturally, no one would be there to pick him up.

Daphne was different; according to her, there would be a private car coming for them.

But as Signas walked out of the station and looked into the distance, the road outside the station was bustling with traffic, and no car that looked like a "private car" appeared by the roadside.

He raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself: could Daphne be bragging?

Even the Malfoy Family wasn't this high-profile. After all, these days, Pure-blood families tended to keep a low profile.

At that moment, a carriage came to a steady stop by the roadside outside the station. The door opened, and a noble lady dressed in dark green silk robes stepped down elegantly.

She stood tall with a noble temperament, her robes embroidered with intricate patterns in silver thread that shimmered with a cold and magnificent light under the sun.

Immediately after, a little girl who looked about eight or nine years old hopped down from the carriage.

She had brilliant golden curls, large curious eyes under long eyelashes, and a pair of cute dimples on her fair little face, looking like an exquisite doll.

Only at this moment, this "doll" was puffing out her cheeks, her pale blue eyes scanning the crowd back and forth like radar.

"Mom, are we really going to see that Signas she mentioned in her letters today?" the little girl's voice was crisp and pleasant, yet carried a hint of... hostility.

The noble lady's lips curled slightly into a helpless and doting smile. "Why, our little Astoria, do you have business with him?"

"Of course I do!" Astoria Greengrass pursed her lips and said crossly, "Sister spent a lot of money on him! I want to see exactly what kind of person can dig Galleons out of the Greengrass Family's pockets!"

As she spoke, she couldn't wait to start her short legs and squeeze into the crowd, letting out a disdainful snort.

Selene Greengrass shook her head helplessly and followed her daughter, teasing in a gentle voice, "Exactly how much pocket money did your sister borrow from you to make you hold such a grudge?"

"It wasn't a loan, she tricked me out of it! More than half a year's worth of pocket money..." Astoriaprotested without looking back.

The crowd automatically made way for this extraordinary mother and daughter. Selene's gaze swept through the crowd, and soon, her eyes lit up. "I see your sister, Astoria."

Following her mother's gaze, Astoria immediately became like a little cheetah that had spotted its prey. Her eyes shined, and she rushed over with quick, skipping steps.

Like a small cannonball, Astoria lunged directly into Daphne's arms, rubbing against her affectionately before looking up. With those pure, innocent large blue eyes, she curiously and even somewhat critically scrutinized Signas standing nearby.

From the striking resemblance between this mother-daughter pair and Daphne, Signas had already guessed their identities.

Before he could even open his mouth to greet them, the little blonde girl spoke in a milky voice, but the content of her words was not cute at all.

"Sister, is this the boy who scammed you out of so much money?"

The smile Signas was about to put on his face instantly froze.

Kid, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't just say whatever you want!

What do you mean... scammed?

When did I ever scam your sister out of money?

Signas subconsciously patted the pocket of his robes, where a large check issued by Gringotts lay quietly.

He was considered a little rich man himself now; did he really need to scam your sister's bit of pocket money?

This innocent-sounding accusation from a child instantly made the entire platform explode!

"Did you hear that? Scamming money?"

"Tsk tsk, he looks decent enough, but at such a young age, he's already learned to live off a woman?"

A well-dressed lady covered her mouth and whispered to her companion, "He is quite handsome though, no wonder he can enchant a little girl..."

"The world is going downhill! Young people these days will do anything for money."

"Look at that girl's family, so prestigious. They must be from some wealthy household. It's no surprise a poor boy like him would target them..."

Being discussed by so many people, no matter how thick-skinned Signas was, he felt his face burning at this moment.

He was just about to explain and clear up this huge misunderstanding when Daphne beside him grew anxious before he could. Her cheeks flushed bright red as she pulled her sister behind her and retorted loudly with a stern face, "Astoria! Don't talk nonsense! It wasn't a scam, I... I was willing!"

This "I was willing" was said with total confidence, but it was like pouring a bucket of oil onto the fire.

Wow!

This kid's methods are impressive; not only can he get money, but he can also make a wealthy young lady protect him willingly. He's taken being a boy-toy to a whole new level!

Signas almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

Before he could recover, Astoria relentlessly questioned her sister, "Then don't use my money to support him!"

The crowd's mindset completely collapsed!

There's even more juicy gossip?

Stealing her sister's money to support her little lover?

Drama plots coming to life?!

Signas finally couldn't take it anymore and raised his voice, "Hey, hey, hey, little sister, you can't just say whatever you want. When did I ever scam your sister's money..."

The little girl wanted to say more, but the noble lady who had been standing nearby with a gentle smile finally walked over and lightly pressed down on her small head.

"Astoria, be polite to Mr. Shalk." Selene Greengrass's voice was very soft, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Mr. Shalk has been tutoring Daphne in her studies, which is why Daphne was able to achieve the great result of fifth in the year for her final exams."

She turned to Signas and gave a slight nod. "Mr. Shalk, please don't mind her. My daughter has been spoiled... she speaks without thinking..."

Astoria pouted and muttered in a low voice, "What tutoring? He just coaxed sister into being happy..."

Selene's eyes were full of helplessness. Astoria had a hereditary disease since childhood and was physically weak, so the whole family doted on her, which naturally fostered a somewhat willful personality where she said whatever came to mind regardless of the occasion.

Signas was also speechless at this point and could only nod stiffly at Mrs. Greengrass as a greeting.

As the current mistress of the Greengrass Family, Selene naturally knew something about the boy her eldest daughter was closely involved with.

A quite talented orphan—rare, but that was all.

In the eyes of Pure-blood families, individual brilliance could not ultimately shake the deep-rooted status of bloodlines.

However, considering he had indeed helped her daughter a great deal, it was only right to show some hospitality.

Once they boarded the spacious carriage drawn by Thestrals, sealing out the noise from outside, Astoria immediately turned her spearhead back toward Signas. Like a kitten guarding its food, her eyes were wary: "Are you really that amazing? Just for some tutoring, you need that much money?"

Signas raised an eyebrow and looked at the huffing little girl, finding it a bit amusing.

He gave a couple of dry laughs and intentionally drawled, "I'm alright, I barely managed to get first in the year. Why, do you need to learn magic too? For your sister's sake, I'll give you a twenty percent discount."

Astoria's eyes instantly widened, and her little mouth pouted even higher, like a provoked pufferfish.

In your dreams!

After scamming my sister, you want to scam me too?

No way!

The atmosphere inside the carriage became a bit awkward for a moment. Signas felt somewhat restless under her accusatory gaze, as if he really were some heinous fraudster.

"Astoria, stop it!" Daphne finally intervened, pressing her sister down beside her to stop her from "harassing" Signas further.

Saying that, she turned her head with a hint of apology and expectation in her expression. "Don't mind her. Let's have dinner together later; I've already booked a dinner at Moonstone House in Diagon Alley..."

Chapter 155: Headmaster Dumbledore, Who Only Sits in His Office and Doesn't Teach

"Fine, I'll pay for today's meal. Consider it a celebration of our good grades..."

Seeing little Astoria's \"you're a liar\" expression, Signas decided to show some of his strength.

He decided that when it came time to pay the bill, he would definitely take out that six-figure check to give this pouting little girl a small shock and let her know what true strength was.

However, the little girl's focus was clearly not on who was paying.

Her light blue eyes narrowed suspiciously, scrutinizing Signas like a little adult: \"Wait, you said you also got good grades? What kind of good grades?\"

Even Selene, who had been wearing a dignified smile, was slightly taken aback, a hint of inquiry appearing in her gaze.

There was only one formal magic school in the entire British Wizarding World.

At its peak in history, Hogwarts had nearly a thousand students in a single year; that was the normal capacity for this grand Castle.

Therefore, throughout its thousand-year history, Hogwarts had produced countless legendary figures, and most of them were the absolute best among their peers during their student days.

Including, but not limited to, You-Know-Who, Dumbledore, Bathilda Bagshot (author of History of Magic), Miriam Strout (famous healer)... these famous names were all top students at Hogwarts.

Signas shrugged lazily and spread his hands: \"Of course, first in the year... Is that good enough? Otherwise, why do you think your sister was able to rank fifth?\"

\"Are you sure you're not Pure-blood or half-blood?\" This counter-question left Astoria speechless, her face flushing as her voice rose three octaves.

In the education she had received since childhood, this was simply a fairy tale.

A muggle-born young Wizard raised in an Orphanage had actually trampled all Pure-blood and half-blood peers under his feet at Hogwarts, the cradle of Pure-blood elites?

Seeing her world-view being shattered, Signas felt a surge of mischief. He lowered his voice intentionally and said in a mysterious tone: \"I grew up in an Orphanage and don't know who my parents are. But maybe my missing father is You-Know-Who...\"

Astoria: \"...\"

Daphne: \"...\"

Selene: \"...\"

Seeing their expressions, Signas finally couldn't hold it in and laughed: \"Oh, I'm just teasing you. I'm just exceptionally gifted. magic is something I learn as soon as I try, as if... I have some kind of built-in magic system...\"

Astoria was a child after all, so she quickly stopped dwelling on the issue and instead began calculating how to mess with this boy who had \"scammed\" her of money.

Meanwhile, Daphne's eyes were full of stars: \"Sig is more amazing than any Pure-blood...\"

These words made Signas a bit embarrassed; he rubbed his nose and gave a dry cough.

Seeing her sister's \"fangirl\" behavior, Astoria pouted unhappily and let out a heavy snort.

The Greengrass Family carriage was clearly a top-tier magical creation. It sped along like the wind, yet the interior was so stable that not even a cup of water would ripple.

Signas curiously observed the luxurious decorations inside: soft dragon-hide seats, magical crystal lamps emitting a soft glow, and even the windows were enchanted with faint charms that caused curious Muggles outside to ignore the carriage that shouldn't be on the road.

He marveled inwardly; the heritage of Pure-blood families was indeed profound. This carriage alone was a powerful magical item, and who knew how many precious magical materials it had consumed.

Soon, the carriage stopped at an inconspicuous alleyway and then charged toward a brick wall ahead without slowing down.

Signas didn't even have time to blink before the scene before him changed in a flash; the bustling and prosperous Diagon Alley was revealed.

The carriage finally stopped in front of the \"Moonstone House\" restaurant.

The site of this restaurant was originally the private laboratory of a famous nineteenth-century PotionMaster. He was best at using Moonstone powder to brew top-tier Soothing Potions for high-ranking Ministry of Magic officials and St. Mungo's critically ill patients.

Later, his descendants converted the place into a restaurant. With its unique magical dishes and extremely luxurious experience, it became a Wizard restaurant famous throughout Britain and even all of Europe.

As soon as they entered, a strange fragrance, a mixture of rare herbs and high-grade spices, wafted toward them.

Astoria, like a bird escaping its cage, broke free from her sister's hand and rushed to the waiter. Standing on her tiptoes, she began reciting the menu in a childish but energetic voice:

\"Lively-misu, Starry Night Cheese, Stargazy Pie, Seafood Soup of the Fountain of Memory, Star Fragment Crisp Salad, Ice Sea Caviar, Chilled Moonlight Nectar, and a bottle of the best vintage Dragon Blood Wine...\"

Everything she ordered was a top-tier luxury dish with a long string of zeros after the price.

However, Signas had no concept of these dishes and just assumed they were things the little girl liked to eat.

Following behind, he very thoughtfully added a loud supplement to the waiter, whose expression was subtle:

\"Yes, one of everything, and make sure the portions are generous!\"

But his shout caused several tables of elegantly dressed diners nearby to look over.

Several witches even covered their mouths with fans and let out uncontrollable light laughter, their eyes filled with the mockery of looking at a country bumpkin.

The waiter's professional smile stiffened for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal. He bowed slightly, glanced at Signas with the look one gives a nouveau riche, and then elegantly withdrew.

After sitting down, Astoria immediately acted like a little hostess, swinging her legs happily: \"Sister, how is Hogwarts?\"

\"Of course it's good, all the best teachers in Britain are there!\" When mentioning the school, Daphne's face lit up.

Astoria curled her lip dismissively, her little face showing a bit of thought: \"Is that so? But I heard that more famous Wizards have gone to teach at Durmstrang Institute in recent years...\"

Durmstrang Institute is one of the four major magic schools in Europe. It is also fully equipped with strong faculty and is famous for teaching the Dark Arts without hesitation.

For many Pure-blood families, this school was clearly more to their taste; at least they could openly study and use the Dark Arts in school.

\"Go to Durmstrang?\" Signas was somewhat confused.

In his perception, the best magic school in the world was Hogwarts.

The Wizard acknowledged as the strongest currently alive was the Headmaster here. Shouldn't those Wizards with real ability be scrambling for a teaching position at Hogwarts? Why would anyone voluntarily run off to Durmstrang?

Seeing Signas's confusion, Daphne patiently put down her cutlery to explain to him.

\"Durmstrang's teaching philosophy is completely different from Hogwarts. They don't reject the Dark Arts; they even teach it as a formal course.\"

\"Because of this, many Wizards who are powerful but have a bad reputation in the mainstream Wizarding World choose Durmstrang as their first choice if they want to find a place to be a Professor.\"

At this point, Daphne lowered her voice again and leaned in closer.

\"These kinds of Wizards... many are true Dark Wizards, very famous—the kind whose names appear on the wanted lists of various Ministries of magic.\"

After explaining, she turned back to her sister Astoria, trying to convince the stubborn little girl.

\"The Hogwarts Professors' strength isn't weak at all; in fact, they're very powerful. It's just that they're all very low-key, unlike that Gilderoy Lockhart, who gets famous by writing books.\"

\"I'll be going to school in two years too.\"

Astoria counted on her chubby fingers, arguing with her sister with a serious face.

\"I've already checked the information on all the Hogwarts Professors. Except for Headmaster Dumbledore, the resumes of the others really aren't that impressive.\"

\"Moreover, there was even a scandal this year where the Defense Against the Dark Arts ClassProfessor tried to steal school treasures; it's a huge joke. I heard that Professor named Quirrell was just a lecturer for the Muggle Studies Class before, without any achievements worth boasting about, and Dumbledore actually promoted him to Professor.\"

\"Astoria, stop it!\"

Daphne's brow furrowed, and her tone became heavy.

Astoria's little mouth was still curled in dissatisfaction, completely ignoring her sister's warning.

\"Hogwarts doesn't even let you learn the Dark Arts... I really don't understand who made that rule. The Dark Arts are also magic, why can't we learn them?\"

\"So I still think Durmstrang Institute is better. Maybe that's where I truly belong!\"

\"No magic school can compare to Hogwarts!\" Daphne was still trying to argue.

\"Why? Just because of one Dumbledore? But I heard he doesn't even teach the students.\"

Astoria spoke plausibly, her logic as clear as if she weren't a child.

\"He is clearly such a powerful Wizard, yet he stays in the Headmasters Office all day. I don't even know what he's actually doing as Headmaster...\"

Chapter 156: Sorry, Your Balance Is Insufficient

"Astoria!" Daphne held her forehead, feeling completely helpless toward her younger sister. She simply lowered her head and poked at the food on her plate with her fork.

Signas didn't bother arguing with a child. Instead, he cheerfully raised his goblet filled with Iced Moonflower Dew. "Going to school—it's definitely the further from home, the better. Come, let's toast to freedom!"

These words seemed to strike a chord with Astoria. Her pale blue eyes instantly lit up, and a smile appeared on her small face. She raised her glass unceremoniously, clinked it against Signas's, and took a bold, hearty gulp.

Her little eyes seemed to say: At least you're sensible, kid.

"Come, Mrs. Greengrass, have a drink too..." Signas turned enthusiastically to Selene.

After a round of toasting, Selene set down her Dragon Blood Wine. She looked at Signas with emerald eyes very similar to Daphne's and asked softly, "Mr. Shalk, how do you find Hogwarts?"

"Me?" Signas scratched his head and thought for a moment. "It feels pretty good. The food there is much better than at the Orphanage. The Orphanage's food was quite poor; Mrs. Jenny said government funding was decreasing year by year... By the time I left for Hogwarts, we mostly just ate mashed potatoes..."

His tone was casual, as if he were speaking of a perfectly ordinary, trivial matter.

However, as soon as he said this, the atmosphere at the dinner table changed instantly.

Daphne and Astoria both stopped their cutlery, and even Selene, who had been maintaining an elegant smile, saw the curve of her lips falter slightly.

Having lived in luxury since childhood, they couldn't imagine a life of eating only mashed potatoes every day. How difficult must that have been?

Yet at this moment, the bright smile on Signas's face held no shadow, as if that arduous past had never left a single mark on his heart.

Astoria looked at him and suddenly felt that the boy in front of her wasn't so detestable after all.

Cozying up to a rich woman for some money was just for survival!

So pitiful!

To have to find ways to make a living at such a young age!

At this thought, the way Astoria looked at Signas shifted from her previous hostility and scrutiny into a complex mix of sympathy, pity, and even a hint of "I understand you."

Mm!

Considering how pitiful he is, I'll secretly forgive him!

The little loli made a grand decision in her heart.

Sig didn't actually think he had it that hard; after all, he had only eaten the Orphanage food for a month before heading to Hogwarts.

But the two girls in front of him were already filling in the blanks themselves.

Signas must have grown up without enough to eat or wear; he must be very, very poor, which is why he works so hard and tries everything to make money.

Seen this way, Signas's efforts to make a living didn't seem mercenary at all. Instead... he seemed even cooler.

With a face full of pity, Astoria carefully pushed the Moonstone House's signature dish—Stargazy Pie—toward Signas. She placed the pie, with several fish heads staring out with unclosed eyes, in front of him. "Eat more, you're too thin!"

Daphne's eyes were red. This was also the first time she had heard Signas speak of his time in the Orphanage. Her voice carried a trace of an undetectable tremor. "I didn't realize things were so hard for you before..."

She took a deep breath, as if she had made a decision, and looked at him with burning eyes. "Don't worry, I'll still come to you for tutoring in second year... Mother, give all of Astoria's allowance to me from now on! Little sister! We have to support Sig... right?"

Astoria: "????"

Hey, hey, hey!

Sister, my allowance—that's my allowance!

The little loli's heart suddenly ached so much she couldn't breathe.

Signas was completely speechless.

What on earth are you two imagining?

Aside from this beautiful misunderstanding, the meal was quite pleasant. The food tasted excellent, not at all like traditional British cuisine, but more like a French feast infused with magic.

The moment he drank the "Spring of Memories Seafood Soup," images of various fish and shrimp swimming freely in the sea even appeared before his eyes. It was so delicious it made one want to cry.

As the meal neared its end, Signas cleared his throat, preparing to demonstrate his financial power!

He reached out to stop Selene, who was about to summon a House-elf to pay the bill, a smile on his face that brooked no refusal.

"Mrs. Greengrass, I already said this meal is on me. You came to pick me up personally and will be taking me home later; I must show my respect..."

Daphne wanted to argue, but Signas silenced her with a firm glare.

"Don't argue with me, just listen."

Seeing his insistence, Daphne's cheeks flushed slightly, and she felt even more moved. Signas... he had clearly suffered so much, and though he had indeed made quite a bit of money this year, he was... spending it all on this meal. He's really... I'm going to cry.

Signas had no idea Daphne had started another round of wild imagining. He snapped his fingers at a nearby waiter with a suave posture.

"Check, please. How much?"

The waiter approached with elegant steps and handed over a bill written in magical ink, his voice steady and neutral. "That will be three thousand seven hundred and eighty Galleons."

Hiss—

Several nearby diners who were eavesdropping couldn't help but gasp. This price was enough for an ordinary Wizard family to live on for several years. Even wealthy Wizards wouldn't eat like this often.

However, Signas only flicked his eyelids and nodded, maintaining a calm "Is that all?" expression.

Just nearly a thousand per person... "Alright."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, he dominantly pulled a golden, high-value Gringotts check from his inner robe pocket and placed it gently on the tray.

Astoria's eyes widened instantly, her mouth hanging slightly open as she stared intently at the check.

She couldn't see the specific numbers, but the magnificent document, handcrafted by Gringotts Goblins with an anti-counterfeit magical glow, clearly looked extremely valuable.

Ah, wait, is he actually rich?

Did sister spend that much on him?

The professional smile on the waiter's face also faltered. He picked up the check with a newfound sense of solemnity.

Checks of this caliber were rare, usually used for business payments. Although Gringotts allowed such checks for smaller deductions—similar to an independent account transfer—they were extremely rare in daily life.

It was like using a million-dollar bill to buy a loaf of bread!

The noblewomen who had been watching the scene also put away their dismissive looks, their eyes filled with newfound curiosity.

Signas enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he even shot a smug "Open your eyes, little girl" look at Astoria.

The waiter took the check and hurried toward the counter.

Time seemed to slow down at this moment.

Signas picked up his Moonflower Dew, swirling it gently as he began to build up his aura.

He thought that when the waiter returned, he would casually explain, "I don't care about money; I don't usually touch it, so I use checks," to maximize his cool factor.

Finally, the waiter returned.

The expression on his face was very strange, as if he wanted to laugh but didn't dare, struggling quite hard to hold it in.

He walked to the table, bowed deeply, and then respectfully placed the check back on the table in front of Signas.

"Sir."

Signas set down his glass, preparing to act cool.

But then he heard the waiter whisper, "I'm sorry, your balance is insufficient!"

Chapter 157: Getting a Sugar Mommy is Actually Not Bad... The Kind Where You Raid Her Home!

The air seemed to freeze at this moment.

Signas's body stiffened. The dashing "everything is under control" smile on his face seemed to have been hit by a Petrificus Totalus, cracking and peeling away, leaving only pure blankness.

What's the situation?

How is that possible?

Signas's brain stalled for a full three seconds before it started working again. He almost subconsciously thought the waiter was joking with him.

That was a check issued by the Malfoy Family, personally handed over by Dumbledore, a full two hundred and ten thousand Galleons! Not to mention a meal, it would be more than enough to open any shop in Diagon Alley!

Impossible!

"You... say that again?" Signas pulled the waiter aside.

The muscles on the waiter's face twitched; he clearly hadn't encountered this situation before either.

He maintained his bowing posture, but his tone cooled significantly: "Sir, the Goblins at Gringotts have confirmed that the balance on the account of this check is insufficient to pay for this bill."

Sig quickly followed the waiter to the front desk.

Behind the counter, a magnificent two-way mirror was shimmering with magical light. Inside the mirror was a Goblin with a serious face and long, pointed ears.

"Check it again!" Signas slapped the check onto the counter.

The Goblin in the mirror glanced at him impatiently, slid its long fingers across the ledger a few times, and coldly announced a number: "Balance, four hundred and twenty-eight Galleons."

Four hundred and twenty-eight?

Signas's vision went dark, and he nearly lost his footing.

Two hundred and ten thousand four hundred and twenty-eight, how is it that only the change is left?

Where's the two hundred and ten thousand from before?

Where's my money?

Eaten by the Goblin?

The number was written clearly on the check, so how could there only be four hundred and twenty-eight left in the account now?

The first thought that flashed through his mind was—Dumbledore!

You Old Bee!

Talking about returning things to their original owner, yet secretly taking a cut like this?

No, this isn't just taking a cut; this is taking the whole oil pot away!?

Sig confirmed with the Goblin in the two-way mirror again and again; there really were only four hundred and twenty-eight left in the account.

"You... you're not unable to pay the bill, are you?" The waiter looked at him suspiciously, his eyes already filled with wariness. "Bringing several elegant ladies to Moonstone House to eat a free meal?"

"I have money, how could I not have money!" Signas shouted, desperate to save face, then scrambled to the nearby fireplace, grabbed a handful of Floo powder, stuck his head in, and yelled: "HogwartsHeadmasters Office!"

A flash of green flames passed, and Dumbledore's face, wearing half-moon spectacles, appeared in the fireplace.

After a chaotic confirmation, Old Dumbledore looked innocent, stating his character was as firm as the Elder Wand and he would never do such a thing.

He even used his connections to contact high-level officials at Gringotts immediately to track the destination of the money.

Soon, the results came in.

"Signas, Gringotts says that shortly after you received the check, the money automatically fulfilled a magical contract on you and was transferred to an anonymous account protected by the highest level of magic..."

magical contract?

Signas's head went "buzz," and something he had tossed to the back of his mind suddenly surfaced.

With a thought, that long-lost system panel appeared before his eyes. The progress bar that hadn't changed for ages finally showed some movement.

[System Upgrade Progress: 21%]

Holy crap!

After all that, what drove this broken system to upgrade wasn't some magical material or legendary magical item, but something so simple and crude—money!

And looking at the progress, one percentage point was exactly ten thousand Galleons, no more, no less!

No wonder they say money makes the world go round; money can even make the system upgrade!

He had finally become a first-generation rich man, and before he could enjoy it, he was sent back to square one overnight by this damn system.

Signas backed out of the fireplace dejectedly, his confidence gone, looking like a deflated balloon.

He froze in place, looking pitifully toward Daphne at the dining table.

"Sir, it's just a meal; there's no need for this, is there?" The waiter crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, the mockery in his tone no longer hidden. "Using such a high-end check, yet your entire fortune is only this much? Why are you pretending to be a big shot?"

This look, this tone, was like a poisoned arrow hitting the bullseye.

That really stings!

Just as Signas wished he could find a hole to crawl into, a figure approached with a fragrant breeze.

Daphne covered her mouth, her green eyes full of laughter, but she said nothing. She simply took a card from her small purse with elegance, handed it to the waiter, then walked over and gently patted Signas's shoulder, as if comforting a wronged large dog.

Today, Signas finally learned what embarrassment tasted like.

Don't ask!

If you ask, it's a trade secret!

If you ask, it's a cash flow issue!

If you ask, Gringotts' transfer system has a delay!

Astoria watched her sister walk over and back with curiosity, whispering: "Sis, what did you go over there for?"

Daphne suppressed her laughter and explained solemnly: "Nothing, it's Sig's first time at Moonstone House, and he didn't know he needed to get a membership card first. I acted as his recommender and got one for him."

Wow!

A warm current flowed through Signas's heart.

The way Daphne saved his face was textbook perfect!

Astoria didn't think much of it; to her, eating here was as common as going to the corner shop to buy candy.

Signas was dazed as he was ushered into the Greengrass Family carriage; he didn't even know how he said goodbye to Lady Selene.

The carriage started and slowly drove away from Walf Street.

The neon lights and shadows of the street flickered across Signas's face, reflecting his expression of despair.

"Sig! Let's go buy textbooks together during the summer break!" Daphne leaned out of the carriage window and waved at him vigorously, her golden hair flying in the night wind like a spill of honey.

Signas stiffly raised his hand and waved mechanically, the smile on his face looking worse than crying.

Don't leave!

Rich woman! Benefactor! My mobile vault!

He was screaming internally with tears streaming down his face.

Didn't you just say you wanted me to continue tutoring you next semester?

I have a newly launched premium tutoring package here!

One-on-one teaching, guaranteed results, only eight hundred thousand Galleons, guaranteed to help you pass the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (N.E.W.T.s)!

If you don't pass, you get half back!

You can prepay... paying half first is fine too!

Don't leave!

Think about it!

Absolutely honest with all customers... at this moment, Signas felt that getting a sugar mommy was actually not bad... the kind where you raid her home!

Chapter 158: A High-magic Harmless Healthcare Potion, Annual Sales of One Million

London, Walf Street.

A year later, when Signas stood before the three-story building of Wus Childrens Home again, the sky had completely darkened, and the gas lamps along the street cast a dim yellow glow, stretching his shadow long.

At this hour, it was dinner time in the Orphanage.

He was just about to push the door open and enter when a burst of noisy clamor and rude shouting squeezed through the crack of the door, causing the curve of his mouth to flatten instantly and his brow to furrow.

He pushed open the creaking door and stepped into the familiar foyer, greeted by the smell of mashed potatoes and fried fish.

However, this smell, which should have felt warm and welcoming, was now torn to shreds by a wave of hostility. He looked up, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

In the Orphanage's dining hall, a group of uninvited guests was currently gathered.

The leader was a pale, hollow-eyed young man wearing only a dirty undershirt, revealing a tattoo of a twisted dagger on his shoulder.

Behind him followed three or four thuggish young men, all dressed in hoodies and baseball caps with their heads shaved clean, wearing arrogant expressions and clamoring for the Orphanage to hand over money.

"Old woman, I'm giving you one last chance! This month's 'management fee'—are you paying or not?" Dagger Bro stepped one foot onto a bench, his spit nearly spraying onto Mrs. Jenny's face.

Mrs. Jenny was forcing a smile, her hands nervously wringing her apron; the smile looked worse than crying, clearly showing her suppressed anger. In the corner of the dining hall, several young children were huddled together, too scared to even cry out loud.

When Signas set his large suitcase down in the foyer with a "clatter," the attention of Dagger Bro and his lackeys was immediately drawn to him.

They sized up Signas's robes, which were clearly of good quality, and glanced at the heavy-looking trunk beside him, their eyes instantly flashing with greed.

Their expressions looked as if they were already calculating how many months of pleasure this outfit and the contents of the trunk would provide them.

"Sig, you're back?" Mrs. Jenny's face first lit up with joy upon seeing him, but then it was clouded with worry. She seemed to want to say something, but was glared back into silence by the thugs' gazes, her lips trembling as she ultimately said nothing.

"Yo, a newcomer?" Dagger Bro tilted his head and pointed his chin at Signas, his tone flippant. "Looking at your getup, did you strike it rich? Perfect, you can pay the money this children's home owes..."

Perfect? Signas sneered inwardly. It really is perfect; it saves me the trouble of tracking them down one by one.

Before he could finish, Signas had already impatiently pulled the Appearance Wand from his sleeve.

The wand traced an elegant arc in the light, its tip pointing at the still-rambling Dagger Bro.

"Who the hell are you pointing that little stick at..."

Dagger Bro's threats came to a screeching halt.

With a muffled "bang," an invisible force, like a giant hand, grabbed Dagger Bro by the back of his collar.

The foot on the bench instantly left the ground, and he let out a scream like a rooster being strangled, tracing an extremely pathetic parabola through the air.

Before the three lackeys behind him could react, they felt themselves being violently yanked backward by a massive force. Like grasshoppers tied on a string, the four of them flew out of the Orphanage door one after another, landing "thud thud" on Walf Street outside in a tangled heap, drawing gasps from passersby.

"Bang!"

The Orphanage door slammed shut behind them, cutting off all the noise and screams.

The dining hall instantly fell into a dead silence.

Signas withdrew his wand, wiped it on his sleeve, and muttered to himself.

Honestly, these guys really weren't much to look at; using the Appearance Wand on them was remarkably effective... "Sig..." Mrs. Jenny gasped, unable to help herself after witnessing this magical scene. In the corner of the dining hall, the children's eyes widened, their mouths hanging open wide enough to fit an egg.

But there was no fear in her eyes; instead, it was as if she finally understood something. She stepped forward, carefully navigating around the bench on the floor, her gaze shifting from the closed door back to Signas's somewhat impatient face.

She probably knew now what kind of place that school called Hogwarts really was.

"It's so good to have you back!" She hurried forward, taking Signas by the arm and looking him up and down. Her concerned expression was just like a mother hen protecting her chick. "I've been worrying about whether you'd get used to that school, whether you'd have enough to eat... now it seems you're doing very well!"

She looked at Signas with relief.

After not seeing him for a year, he had not only grown much taller, but his complexion was also ruddier, and his cheeks even had a bit of meat on them. It was clear he was well-fed and hadn't suffered at all.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Jenny." Signas gave a well-behaved smile, the hostile aura from before vanishing without a trace. "The school is legitimate, and we have everything we need. I even learned magic..."

"magic?" Mrs. Jenny pointed outside, her eyes sparkling. "Like what you just did? That really is... quite interesting."

As she spoke, she called over two of the older new orphans to help Signas carry his luggage upstairs.

The two teenage boys looked at Signas with eyes full of awe and admiration, working extra hard while carrying the trunk.

Over the following summer break, Signas lived quite freely.

Once Mrs. Jenny knew of his "abilities," she felt completely at ease and no longer worried about him going out alone as she used to.

The children's home was in London, making it convenient to go to Diagon Alley. So during these days, Signas would head to Diagon Alley from time to time.

First, he went to Gringotts to withdraw the pitiful balance in his check—four hundred and twenty-eight Galleons—then he went to buy some Potions, cooking supplies, and a copy of "Wizard Money Weekly".

Early one morning, a dusty grey owl fluttered into the second-floor window of Wus Childrens Home, dropped off the latest issue of "Wizard Money Weekly," and flew away without looking back.

The children downstairs were already used to this and would even discuss with interest what color the owl that came today was.

Signas took the newspaper down to the dining hall and began to read it casually while scooping mashed potatoes from his bowl.

Besides the Ministry-customized news on the front page about "The Ministry of Magic announcing that Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart will provide professional skills training for the Auror Task Force," another bolded headline instantly caught his full attention.

"'Felix Felicis' Sweeps the Market, Malfoy Family May Be the Biggest Winner!"

The newspaper stated that the previously controversial "Felix Felicis" had received official certification from the Ministry of Magic, being classified as a high-magic harmless healthcare Potion, on the same level as Felix Felicis, yet without the restrictions.

With the full support of the Ministry of Magic, sales of "Felix Felicis" were booming, with black market prices steadily climbing. According to reliable sources, its annual sales were expected to easily break the one million Galleon mark.

The report also mentioned that several large Potion companies hoped to cooperate with the Malfoy Family to jointly develop the international market... Seeing this, Signas's eyes suddenly lit up, and he lost his appetite for the mashed potatoes...

Chapter 159: Lockhart is a Master of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Really!

Ministry of Magic, Minister's Office.

"Have me train Aurors?"

Gilderoy Lockhart stared at Fudge with an expression of disbelief on his face.

He was dressed as flashily as ever today, wearing a camel-colored bespoke suit that made him look like quite the gentleman.

He had thought the Ministry of Magic invited him to attend another event, but upon hearing that he was to train Aurors in Defense Against the Dark Arts in public, he panicked immediately; they hadn't given him any time to prepare at all.

"But you didn't even ask for my opinion beforehand?"

"Mr. Lockhart, you are the Ministry of Magic's specially appointed Defense Against the Dark Artsconsultant. This is your duty, so naturally, we don't need to ask for your opinion again. Besides, today is just to have you guide a few newly joined Aurors in front of reporters..."

In the office, Fudge spoke nonchalantly.

Clearly, he didn't think this was an issue at all.

Especially for an expert like Lockhart, there was no need for preparation; wasn't it something he could do with a flick of his wrist?

Fudge was very dissatisfied with the failure to capture Quirrell alive, feeling that his Aurors were not well-trained enough. He had also lost an excellent opportunity to consolidate his authority.

It was like an exam where he could have scored a hundred and twenty points, but only got sixty. Opportunities to earn such a large amount of political capital didn't come around often.

Failing to seize this opportunity was, in Fudge's eyes, a problem with the Auror team. And to improve the Aurors' level, aside from Dumbledore, the only person Fudge could count on was Lockhart.

After all, in the eyes of the world, Lockhart had a wealth of experience in fighting Dark Wizards and magical creatures that rivaled Dumbledore's.

However, feeling the high expectations in Fudge's tone, Lockhart's face, usually wearing a standard smile, was now struggling to maintain its composure.

Training Aurors?

You've got to be kidding!

Those were the top combat Wizards of the Ministry of Magic. Even if they were just newcomers, they had all passed their N.E.W.T.s, making them a hundred times stronger than a fraud like him who only knew the Memory Charm.

Wouldn't showing off in front of them just be asking for humiliation?

"Mr. Minister, you've misunderstood," Lockhart said, trying to make his voice sound charming with just the right touch of regret. "What I mean is, how can such an important training session be so rushed? This is not only irresponsible toward the new Aurors but also a desecration of the great art of Defense Against the Dark Arts!"

As he spoke, he adjusted his flawless tie.

"We need a more formal setting and more thorough preparation. I need to write a textbook specifically for this. I've already thought of the name: 'Walking with Aurors.' But all of this takes time..."

Fudge was very pleased with Lockhart's professionalism.

"Mr. Lockhart, we can talk about the textbook later. Right now, the reporters are already waiting in the large storeroom of the Auror Office on the second floor. You just need to perform well... When everyone sees you training Aurors, it will surely boost public confidence in the Ministry of Magic."

Reporters are coming too?

Lockhart felt his knees begin to weaken.

There was absolutely no way out now.

"B-but my hair... You know, during a live combat demonstration, my hairstyle can easily get messed up, and that would affect my public image..." he said, making a final struggle.

Fudge stood up from behind his desk, walked over to Lockhart, and patted his shoulder with a force that made Lockhart stumble.

"Don't worry, Mr. Lockhart, we all believe in your strength. It's just a few simple defensive spell demonstrations; it won't mess up your precious hairstyle..."

Fudge's tone was full of trust, yet it made Lockhart feel an irresistible pressure.

He was half-pushed and half-led out of the office and toward the elevator to the second floor.

The large storeroom of the Auror Office served as both a place for equipment storage and a warehouse for various Dark Arts items seized during work.

Consequently, this space was actually much more spacious than the dedicated Auror training grounds.

At this moment, the enormous space, usually cluttered with miscellaneous items, had been temporarily cleared. All sorts of equipment, uniform carts, and weapon racks near the door had been moved to the corners and stacked neatly.

A large area in the center was left empty, specifically reserved for the arriving Ministry of Magicofficials, reporters, and today's absolute star—Gilderoy Lockhart.

Here, the reporters would witness firsthand how this master of Defense Against the Dark Arts and honorary member of the Dark Force Defense League would "preach, teach, and dispel doubts" for the newly recruited Aurors.

This was undoubtedly another powerful move by Minister Fudge to demonstrate his strong crackdown on Dark Wizard crimes.

In the elevator, Lockhart was breaking out in a cold sweat, his mind racing as he tried to think of a strategy.

After thinking for a long time, he still couldn't figure out what he could possibly teach Aurors in public!

Could he possibly teach them the Memory Charm?

Beside him, Fudge suddenly said, "Mr. Lockhart, you are a master of Defense Against the Dark Arts. In a moment, just teach what you're best at, like how you banished the Bandon Banshee or defeated the Wagga Wagga Werewolf... It would be best to teach a few more combat spells or techniques!"

All Lockhart could do along the way was agree.

By the time Fudge and Lockhart arrived at the second-floor venue, Scrimgeour, Percival, and a group of other high-ranking Ministry of Magic officials had already been waiting for a long time.

Percival was no longer the minor secretary trailing behind Fudge; he wore a brand-new dark green robe with an exquisite silver badge pinned to his chest, engraved with the words "Director of the Minister's Office."

He was directing several staff members to arrange the last row of chairs neatly, his face bearing a look of meticulous seriousness.

As for the former director, Dodds, he had been quite shaken during the recent Hogwarts incident. Combined with the effects of the Imperio curse, his mental state was extremely unstable, and he had recently been sent to St. Mungo's Hospital for long-term recuperation.

Under Percival's arrangement, the scene was in perfect order. A podium draped in purple velvet was placed in the center of the venue, with a giant Ministry of Magic crest hanging behind it.

Reporters from over a dozen newspapers, carrying various magical cameras like a pack of sharks scenting blood, crowded into the designated interview area, whispering excitedly to one another.

Fudge looked at everything with satisfaction. With his round belly protruding, he walked up to the podium with his head held high. Flashbulbs instantly erupted like raindrops all over him, making him feel as though he were the center of the entire wizarding world.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the press!" Fudge cleared his throat, his loud voice echoing through the storeroom. "Today, we are gathered here for a noble goal—to enhance the combat effectiveness of our Auror team and better safeguard our hard-won peace!"

He paused, his gaze scanning the attentive faces below, and continued, "Just recently, a heinous Dark Wizard intrusion occurred at Hogwarts. But under the wise leadership and rapid response of the Ministry of Magic, we successfully thwarted the enemy's plot!"

"In this battle, many moving stories emerged. Among them, a very strong, brave, and clever young Wizard—Cygnus Sharke—left a deep impression on me!"

As soon as the name was mentioned, a small stir immediately rippled through the crowd of reporters.

"It was Signas who, with wisdom and courage far beyond his years, immediately reported the suspicious behavior of the Dark Wizard Quirrell to the Ministry of Magic... well, to me personally, winning precious time for our subsequent lightning operation!"

Fudge spoke with great passion, as if he had been on the scene commanding the battle himself. "This young hero also expressed a strong desire to me; he hopes to one day become an honorable Auror!"

"This touched me deeply... Since our young people have such awareness, we, as their predecessors, should lead by example! To forge iron, one must be strong oneself."

"Therefore, I have decided that we must comprehensively improve the practical combat level of the Auror team!"

Chapter 160: Minister Fudge on Education—The Courage and Future of the Young Wizard

Just as Fudge was speaking animatedly, Percival, who was standing at the edge of the venue, quietly approached Scrimgeour and gently nudged him with his elbow.

His voice was very low, barely a whisper: "Director Scrimgeour, did Cygnus Sharke... really say he wanted to be an Auror?"

"Director Scrimgeour, that Cygnus Sharke, did he really say he wanted to be an Auror?"

The muscles on Scrimgeour's weathered face twitched.

How could he know if Signas wanted to be an Auror? He hadn't even spoken more than a few words to that kid.

But Fudge was on the stage, and he didn't dare expose the Minister's claims, so he could only squeeze out one word through gritted teeth: "Mhm."

Percival nodded understandingly, immediately pulled a small notebook from his robes, and quickly scribbled something with a quill: "Exclusive interview with Minister Fudge and the Heroic Young Wizard... The title will be 'The Minister's Expectations, the Future Auror'..."

No, not catchy enough.

He crossed out the line and rewrote it: *Minister Fudge on Education—The Courage and Future of the Young Wizard*.

This is better. Percival was very satisfied with his keen political acumen.

Fudge's long and tedious speech finally drew to a close. He waved his hand, pointing to the man beside him who exuded an aura of "I am amazing" from head to toe.

"Therefore, I have specially invited the greatest Defense Against the Dark Arts Master of our time, Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart! He will personally guide the Ministry of Magic's finest new Aurors!"

Fudge gave Lockhart a forceful push on the back.

Lockhart stumbled, moving from behind Fudge to the front of the stage, exposed to everyone's view.

His smile was impeccable, a perfect eight-toothed grin, as he continuously waved at the reporters, eliciting excited screams. Internally, however, he was cursing Fudge's entire family with the most vicious language.

The reporters were completely stirred up.

The flash frequency of the Magical Cameras increased severalfold, illuminating the entire storeroom as if it were daylight.

Many of them were Lockhart's book fans, having long witnessed Lockhart's miraculous fighting techniques through bestsellers like *Break with a Banshee* and *Wanderings with Werewolves*.

To witness the Master's live instruction today was definitely front-page, headline-level news!

The newly appointed Aurors selected by Scrimgeour to receive "guidance" were flushed with excitement.

The look in their eyes as they gazed at Lockhart was full of admiration and anticipation.

One young man even whispered to his companion that he had decided to become an Auror precisely because he had read Lockhart's books.

Countless burning gazes focused on Lockhart.

He felt like he wasn't standing on a podium, but tied to a pyre.

He could only force himself to calm down, wave at the reporters, and even crack a joke that he thought was very witty.

"It seems Mr. Shalk should also come here for my training. I believe that under my personal guidance, he will certainly become a qualified Auror ahead of schedule, perhaps not even needing to wait until graduation..."

He wanted to use the adventure stories from his books to stall for time and turn this damned demonstration into a personal lecture.

But the reporters and Aurors clearly didn't want to hear stories; they wanted to see something real.

"Mr. Lockhart! Could you demonstrate the Repelling Charm you used in *Voyages with Trolls* for us today?"

A female reporter asked loudly, breaking Lockhart's rhythm.

"Yes, yes! And the Binding Spell you used against the Waga Waga Werewolves! It was so brilliant in the book!"

Lockhart felt sweat starting to bead on his forehead.

He had no retreat.

He could only grit his teeth and walk to the center of the arena, deciding to rely on a sudden attack to get by.

"Very well, young man! I will now demonstrate for you that the first priority of Defense Against the Dark Arts is surprise..."

The young Auror opposite him hadn't even had time to fully prepare.

Lockhart suddenly brandished his wand.

"Stupefy!"

A faint red light shot out from his wand tip; the light was dim, slow, and drifted weakly toward the opponent.

But the young Auror's reaction speed exceeded Lockhart's expectations.

As one of the best newcomers this year, he drew his wand almost purely by combat instinct and adopted a standard defensive posture.

A basic "Protego"; the spell's light formed a transparent barrier in front of him.

The red light struck the barrier and was instantly deflected back.

"Bang!"

The red light, traveling three times faster than before, hit Lockhart, who hadn't had time to react, with perfect precision.

Lockhart felt as if his chest had been slammed hard by an out-of-control Norwegian Ridgeback.

He completely lost control, flying backward and tracing an ugly arc through the air.

Finally, he crashed headfirst into a pile of junk boxes containing confiscated items in the corner.

"Crash—"

The sound of wooden boxes shattering, metal tins colliding, and all sorts of strange Dark Arts items were sent flying everywhere.

The "Defense Against the Dark Arts Master" was instantly buried.

The smile on Fudge's face froze.

Scrimgeour reached out and covered his face, unable to bear watching further.

The reporters exchanged glances, forgetting to press the shutters on their cameras.

"Quick! Go check on him..."

Percival was still the quickest to react; he let out a yelp, and several staff members and Aurors immediately rushed over.

"Master Lockhart, are you alright..."

Just as everyone was scrambling, trying to dig Lockhart out of the pile of junk.

Yet, propping up his ridiculous pride, he pushed aside a damaged birdcage and half a training dummy that were lying on him, and shakily climbed out of the heap of rubbish.

The moment he stood up, a very inconspicuous Black Notebook with a worn cover slipped out of a broken wooden box.

It silently dropped into the open pocket of his robes.

Lockhart was completely unaware of this.

He had messy blonde hair and a black feather stuck to his face, God knows where it came from.

He looked at the confused and perplexed crowd below the stage, his face flushed red, and began to force an explanation.

"Did you see that... That is a cautionary example!"

"When facing the Dark Arts, even the simplest spell must never be taken lightly... I just personally demonstrated that point for you!"

"Now, let's try again..."

Ignoring whether others believed him or not, he aimed at another new Auror and repeated the trick. As long as he could deflect the spell back, even if the effect was mediocre, he could get away with it.

However, this time, the spell's power was astonishing.

"Stupefy!"

A beam of light, several times thicker and so dark it was almost crimson, burst forth from his wand tip.

The beam was like lightning, too fast for the naked eye to catch.

The young Auror selected was one of the best students in this year's Training Camp; his nervous reaction speed far exceeded that of ordinary people.

But just as his brain registered the dark crimson flash, before he even had time to blink, the spell solidly slammed into his chest.

There was no block, no dodge, and the expression of terror hadn't even fully formed on his face.

"Boom—!"

A muffled, heart-stopping crash.

The Auror's body flew straight backward for over ten meters like a marionette with cut strings, crashing heavily onto the ground and instantly losing consciousness.

The entire storeroom fell into a deathly silence.

The crowd of reporters, noisy and bustling just a second ago, now looked as if they had collectively been hit by a "Finite Incantatem."

Fudge and Scrimgeour exchanged glances.

They were both professionals and naturally knew that Lockhart exaggerated somewhat, but they believed Lockhart's skill was decent. They never expected him to be this powerful.

This powerful spell truly demonstrated the skill level Lockhart claimed in his books' adventures. Their eyes lit up; this effect far surpassed their imagination.

Lockhart himself was stunned.

He looked down blankly at the beautiful cherry wood wand in his hand.

Just now... what happened?

But Lockhart was Lockhart. Besides his accurate self-awareness, his ability to size up the situation was top-notch; he knew when to retreat and when to strike without hesitation.

Just like the first time, he merely uttered the incantation and mobilized the pitiful amount of magic within him.

But the moment his magic surged, a cold, dark, yet terrifyingly powerful force suddenly gushed out, flowing along his arm and violently pouring into his wand.

The feeling was like trying to turn on a faucet for a cup of water, only to open the main valve of a fire hydrant instead!

But Lockhart was Lockhart.

Besides his accurate self-awareness, his ability to size up the situation and turn crisis into opportunity was also top-notch.

This was the fundamental reason he could maneuver among powerful Dark Wizards, steal their achievements, and escape unscathed.

After only a second of shock, he fully recovered.

The momentary blankness on his face was instantly replaced by an incredibly brilliant, almost arrogant smile of confidence.

That's right! This was the power Gilderoy Lockhart should possess! The previous mistake was just an accident!

He slowly retracted his wand, tracing an elegant arc in the air, then raised it high and began to boast grandly to the stunned crowd.

"Did you see that, everyone!" His voice was loud and magnetic, echoing through the silent storeroom. "This is true Defense Against the Dark Arts! It requires not just a spell, but powerful will and an unwavering determination to win!"

The flashlights finally started firing crazily again; the reporters snapped out of their daze, frantically pressing the shutters, afraid of missing any moment.

"The first demonstration just now," Lockhart paced gracefully, like a lecturing Master, "I just wanted to convey a principle to this young friend and everyone present: never underestimate your opponent, even if they seem completely harmless!"

He pointed to himself, flashing a charming smile: "Like me—if I had used my full power from the start, this poor young man wouldn't just be lying there. My magic, as you know, is sometimes difficult even for me to fully control."

"Next, I will unreservedly teach my unique training methods to our Aurors to comprehensively improve their casting speed and combat effectiveness!"

After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted in the venue.

Fudge, even more excited, led the applause, his gaze upon Lockhart burning intensely.