Chapter 61 Athena and Thanatos
Erechtheion Temple.
It was used to worship deities such as Athena, Poseidon, and the early Athenian king Erechtheus.
Its southern porch is famous for supporting the roof with six marble caryatids.
Today, the caryatids on the original site of the temple are replicas, with five genuine ones housed in the Acropolis Museum and another one in the British Museum.
Hode first used the Confundus Charm to control all the visitors and security personnel, making them leave.
Then Hode walked into the temple.
Looking at the stone walls that had weathered countless storms and carried a heavy history, there was not the slightest sense of artistic intoxication on Hode's face.
There was only deep confusion.
In his vision, the temple was filled with an energy Hodehad never seen before.
It was wondrous; upon touching these energies, Hodecould feel his own Magic fusing with this new energy.
At this moment, this Magic began to condense, forming one with tied long hair, a firm yet gentle gaze, wearing the armor of an Ancient Greece female warrior.
A goddess who was as flawless as a piece of art throughout her entire being.
"Hello, Nidhogg, Hode Dumbledore Grindelwald, who exists outside of fate and should not exist at all. Or perhaps, I should call you Wang Lihao."
"What the fuck, doxxed? (◎_◎;)"
"Beauty, although you are very pretty, that is no reason for you to randomly doxx me."
She didn't mind Hode's rudeness, but instead showed an inspiring smile and said: "My name is Athena, the goddess of wisdom of Olympus."
Hode: "Goddess of wisdom? The last goddess of wisdom was a blue-haired idiot anyway. (Aqua)"
"So Ancient Greece mythology is real?"
"No, Ancient Greece mythology is fake, but some gods are real."
Athena looked at Hode and smiled like a neighbor's elder sister.
"I know why you came, Thanatos, the Death. He hates all unstable factors. And you, transcending fate and ignoring the laws of the world, are the most unstable existence. So this is one of the reasons why he wants to eliminate you."
Hode was stunned, "Thanatos, the Death? One of the reasons?"
"Yes, he is also one of the very few gods who can influence the mortal world. His duty is to announce Death to those who are about to die, and then hand them over to Hermesto guide them to the Underworld."
"Another reason is that he wants to devour your power, which can make him even stronger."
Hode looked at Athena and asked: "Are you considered influencing the mortal world right now?"
"No, I am just using the divine power stored here to chat with you. Although the time is very short, it doesn't count as an influence."
Athena continued: "And Thanatos is not satisfied with his current strength and status, so he taught the Wizards the Three Unforgivable Curses."
"the Three Unforgivable Curses?"
Hode was somewhat puzzled; why would Death teach Wizards such useful magic?
Athena explained: "The Imperius Curse and the Cruciatus Curse can wear down other people's Souls, reducing the Underworld's collection of Souls. And the Killing Curse is more direct; the Soul of everyone who dies under the Killing Curse will be devoured by Death."
Hearing this, Hode finally understood why every time he killed someone with the Killing Curse, their Souls would decompose quickly instead of disappearing slowly like a normal Death.
Those decomposed Souls were all devoured by Death.
Fuck, so I've been helping the enemy all this time by using the Killing Curse?
To think he even developed the Avada Kedavra chain!
Thinking of this, Hode felt like a fool and grew even more angry. ╰（‵□′）╯
Although the Wizards he killed with the Killing Curse were all weak, who knows how many Wizards in the entire world have died under the Killing Curse.
Hode quickly asked: "Then is he very strong now? Why don't you guys stop him?"
Athena shook her head, showing an apologetic expression.
"Sorry, he used the collected Souls to make many avatars. We can't find where his true body is, nor do we know his current specific strength. Moreover, as long as he doesn't directly influence the mortal world, he can stay here."
After listening to Athena's words, Hode curled his lips: "Are you gods this weak? You can't even handle a single Death."
Athena didn't get angry; instead, she smiled and said: "Gods are just another kind of humans, and there are many things they cannot do."
Hode: "Then is there any magic or item that can counter Death?"
"Aren't you already absorbing divine power? It is the best way to counter gods; only divine power can kill a god."
Hearing Athena's words, Hode felt the fused energy inside his body gradually grow larger.
"Is this divine power?"
"Can anyone absorb this divine power?"
"No, among today's mortals, only you can bear divine power. Please do not try to transmit divine power to others."
Hode frowned and asked again: "Why are you helping me? Because Death is the villain?"
"Because he is too greedy. He wants to become strong enough, and then control the entire world to become the true existence that masters Death."
Athena looked at Hode and slowly spoke.
"My time staying here has come. Then I leave it to you, Hode."
After Athena finished speaking, her body began to decompose into scattered divine power.
Looking at Athena who was about to disappear, the corners of Hode's mouth turned up, "Rest assured, it's just Death. He is merely a mortal born in an era without me."
Before Athena dissipated, she looked at Hode with that gentle gaze, as if telling him: "I believe in you."
Then Athena's figure completely dissipated, turning into divine power and melting into Hode's body.
"Yare yare, I didn't expect to learn so much intelligence from a trip to Greece."
Hode stretched out his right hand and clenched his fist, feeling the divine power inside his body that had completely fused with his infinite Magic.
"And there is this surprise of divine power. I must go back and properly test what uses it has."
—— Apparition ——
Returning to Diagon Alley shop, in Hode's own room.
"Hmm? The consumption has decreased a lot."
Originally, Hode's eyes could make Magic control more precise, reducing Magic consumption to a minimum.
And now, Hode's Magic had completely turned into divine power, and the consumption was reduced once again.
Hode took out a notebook and wrote: Divine power can reduce the consumption required for Magic.
Divine power function discovered + 1
Then, coming inside the suitcase, Hode began his experiments.
——
"Hahaha! Hahahahaha! As for the current me, I am lacking nothing anymore!"
Hode stood on the dilapidated training ground and laughed wildly.
Through experiments, Hode discovered multiple uses of divine power.
1. Reducing magic consumption.
2. Greatly strengthening magic effects.
3. Divine power recovery speed is faster than magicrecovery.
4. Greatly enhancing one's physical strength and lifespan.
5. Divine power can subtly rewrite rules.
Such as: Hode could use the power of rules to rewrite gravity within the suitcase space, and even temporarily stop time!
But for now, he could stop time for a maximum of five seconds, after which the divine power would be exhausted.
However, it was enough. Death didn't know, but dealing with Voldemort would definitely ensure his Death.
Feeling the infinite divine power within his body, he was now like a god without a priesthood, and now he no longer had to worry about the problem of Death.
Thinking of this, Hode couldn't help laughing out loud again.
"Above and below heaven, I alone am honored! I have shed my mortal skin and sublimated into a god! Hahahahaha!"
"Hode? What are you doing."
Hode: ∑(O_O;)
Chapter 62 Hermione: Does Athena look better, or do I?
"Her... Hermione!"
Hode's eyes widened. He had finally acted like a big shot for once, only to be caught by Hermione!
It was a bit awkward... Whatever, forget about it, act even more like a big shot! Act even more like a big shot!
"Ho ho, beautiful mortal, have you actually intruded into the domain of a god? Could it be to gaze upon a deity's countenance? Very well, I grant your wish, and I even allow you to kiss the cheek of a god."
As Hode spoke, he turned his face sideways and leaned towards Hermione.
Hermione: What problem is this guy acting up with again?
Seeing him tilt his head with an expression of refusing to move unless Hermione kissed him, Hermione wore a doting smile and gently gave him a kiss.
"Humph humph, you have done well, mortal. You are pious enough, so this deity permits you to be my primary wife! How is that, aren't you happy, celebrate!"
Hermione: →_→
"Stop acting crazy, what on earth is wrong with you?"
Hermione slapped Hode on the back, then clutched her aching palm from the recoil, putting on an angry expression.
"Uh... Haha, don't be angry, let me tell you..."
Seeing Hermione's gaze turn dangerous, Hode quickly began to explain, modifying what happened to him in Greece and the matter of the Grim Reaper as he told her.
"So you met Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom?"
"Mmm."
"And she even gave you divine power?"
"Mmm."
"Is she very pretty?"
"Mmm."
"Between her and me, who is prettier?"
"Mmm... Hmm?" ∑(O_O;)
Hode: Why did she suddenly ask this kind of question out of nowhere?
If Hermione had a cute and delicate loli style, then Athenawas an insightful big sister with an imperial elder sister style.
As for who looked better, both were possibilities. But when it came to who Hode liked, of course it was Hermione.
Therefore, Hode put on a serious face and said, "Of course you look better!"
After hearing the answer she wanted to hear, Hermionebreathed a sigh of relief internally, then raised her head and said proudly, "Consider yourself tactful, I'll reward you again."
Finished speaking, Hermione leaned forward and kissed Hode on the other side.
Looking at Hermione's blushing appearance, Hode felt his heart was about to melt.
"No way, I have to kiss back!"
"In your dreams, bleh bleh bleh."
Hermione stuck out her tongue, then started running.
Hode slowly gave chase, staging a scene of she runs and he chases, she has no wings to fly away.
When Hermione ran until she was tired, Hode finally stopped his steps.
The two of them lay on the lawn, pressing closely together.
"Hufu, Hode, you are really becoming more and more amazing."
Originally, there was a huge gap between the two of them, and now that Hode possessed divine power, the gap between them was like an abyss with no end in sight.
But Hermione felt no loss, nor did she worry about feeling inferior because she couldn't catch up to Hode.
She had understood the gap between them long ago. Facing the dazzling Hode, the only thing she could do was not let herself become his weakness and not add burdens to him.
Instead of feeling unworthy because of the gap and putting on a delicate, spoiled act—that was something only weak people would do.
Hearing Hermione's words, Hode turned his head to look at Hermione, who was right close at hand.
"I will protect you well."
"I won't let you worry because of me." ✧(≖ ◡ ≖ ✿)
Hermione's words made Hode's heart feel very warm.
This was Hermione, a smart and strong woman.
"Right, I almost forgot, my mum asked me to come and ask if you want to come to my house for dinner."
"Let's go, I have nothing else to do anyway."
————
"Oh?! Hode is here."
Mr. Granger looked at Hode with unkind eyes, as if Hodehad stolen his most beloved possession.
"Uh... Hello Mr. Granger."
"Hode is here, dinner is just ready, come eat."
Mrs. Granger walked out at this moment and led Hode to the dining table.
Although she didn't know if Hode would come, Mrs. Granger still made a lot of food.
Fortunately Hode came now, otherwise this would have been enough for them to eat for days.
Several people began to dine.
Mrs. Granger kept asking Hode and Hermione about things at Hogwarts, so the dining table wasn't too awkward.
"I heard you opened a shop in Diagon Alley?" Mr. Grangerfinally spoke up.
"Yes."
"Mmm, doing business is not simple, you'd better be careful and cautious."
"I understand."
Hode: I make transactions worth hundreds of Galleons every day, plus monopoly industry technology, would I lose money? Non-existent, okay.
This was Hode's internal thought, but he certainly wouldn't say it out of his mouth. After all, Mr. Granger might be his future father-in-law, so it's better to keep a low profile.
After finishing the meal, Mrs. Granger and Hermione went to wash the dishes.
Hode originally wanted to help, or use magic to solve it all at once, but was stopped by the two of them, saying they wanted the two big men, Hode and Mr. Granger, to have a good chat.
Aren't you guys making things difficult for me?
In his previous life, Hode was a bachelor, and he had no experience chatting with a father-in-law.
And Mr. Granger was the same, not knowing how to chat with this person who was suspected of having romantic feelings for his precious daughter.
Then the two of them sat face to face, not knowing what to say.
Time passed bit by bit, and in the end, Mr. Granger spoke first.
"I don't object to Hermione having early relationships, and I trust her judgment. But you guys better not do anything you shouldn't do!"
Looking at Mr. Granger's solemn gaze, Hode sat up straight and patted his chest to guarantee.
"Please rest assured, I will definitely treat Hermione well!"
Hermione, eavesdropping in the kitchen, couldn't hold it together anymore. I told you guys to chat, but you guys chatted like this!
Why does it look like you're about to entrust me away.
Hermione immediately ran out, grabbed Hode's hand, fearing the two of them would say something shocking again.
"Hode, it's getting late, let's hurry and leave! Dad, I'll go stay at Hode's place for tonight."
Finished speaking, before Mr. Granger could reply, Hermione brought Hode and used Apparition to arrive inside the suitcase.
Mr. Granger: I seemed to have said not to do things that shouldn't be done, they shouldn't do them, right...
Returning inside the suitcase, Hermione looked at Hodewith a breakdown expression.
"Don't take what my dad said just now seriously, I was just talking nonsense."
Hode raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curving upward: "So you mean we can do some things we shouldn't do?"
Hermione:???
"I didn't mean that at all! That kind of thing... at least wait until it's legal!"
Hearing Hermione's words, Hode instantly beamed with joy.
"Really? I have an Ageing Potion that can turn me into 20 years old!"
Hermione blushed, slapping Hode on the shoulder, "I didn't mean that."
Seeing Hermione blushing like an apple, Hode stopped teasing her.
"Rest assured, I will wait until you are willing."
Hermione: "Don't... don't say it so cheesily."
"Then are we still sleeping together tonight?"
"Beg me."
Hode: "I'm begging you." (♡＞＜)/♦
"All right then."
Chapter 63: Telling Fudge to Get Over Here
The morning sunlight streamed through the window.
Formulating the Darwin effect (It's the Tyndall effect, just a pure joke.)
"Mn～"
Hode opened his eyes and looked at Hermione, who was lying on top of him.
Hode stroked Hermione's hair with his hand like he was petting a cat.
Mn... It was very frizzy.
But he liked the way Hermione looked when her hair was all frizzy.
"Mn～ Stop petting it. My hair gets frizzy easily to begin with, and you're still petting it."
Hermione was woken up by Hode and rubbed her eyes.
"Do you have any plans for today?"
Hearing Hermione's words, Hode was slightly taken aback.
"No particular plans, just messing around with magic and watching the shop. Aren't you going back? If Mr. Grangergets angry..."
"It's fine, I already told him."
Hode said, "... Fine then, let's go check out the shop first."
The two got up, washed up, and finished the breakfast prepared by the Alchemy puppet.
Coming to the shop——
Because the holiday had already started, many students came to the shop to play yu-gi-oh.
"Hode! Hermione!"
A familiar voice came from the doorway. The two looked over to see Neville and his parents walking towards them.
"Long time no see, Mr. Hode, Miss Hermione." Neville's parents took the lead in greeting them.
"Long time no see, Mr. Longbottom, Mrs. Longbottom, what brings you here?"
"Haha, Neville wanted to come buy some cards here, and we thought we'd come take a look too."
Hearing Frank's words, Hode put his arm around Neville's shoulder.
"I'm telling you Neville, just tell me directly what deck you want, no need to buy it."
"Thank you Hode, but I don't want to trouble you."
"No, what's there to trouble about? Forget it, since you're already here, let's play a round."
Without saying another word, Hode pulled Neville to an empty table.
Frank looked at Neville, who had companions now, and smiled.
"Then we'll go look around elsewhere first, Neville!"
"Okay, Dad."
Hode took out his signature Swordsoul deck, then crooked the corner of his mouth.
"Come on Neville, let you witness what the bond between me and my deck is all about!"
Neville also took out his deck and began shuffling.
"Then I'll act as the referee." Hermione hopped over to their side.
Hode put on a lofty expression and said, "I'll let you go first, Neville."
"Okay."
Neville drew a card.
"... I think I win, Hode."
"What do you mean?" O_o
Neville spread out the five cards in his hand.
[Left Leg of the Forbidden One]
[Left Arm of the Forbidden One]
[Right Leg of the Forbidden One]
[Right Arm of the Forbidden One]
[Exodia the Forbidden One] Effect: Collect all five forbidden cards to instantly win the game.
"Are you kidding me, bro?! You use glue when playing yu-gi-oh!"
Hode pointed at Neville with a red face: "Good one, Neville, you look so honest and thick-browed, yet I didn't expect you to play so cheap."
Hearing Hode's words, Neville hurriedly waved his hands.
"No, I don't know either, it really was just good luck."
Hode: You start with all five pieces of Exodia and tell me it's good luck!
Looking at Neville's innocent expression, Hode finally just sighed.
"Fine, fine, I'll believe you this once."
Afterwards, the two started another match. This time, Hode relied on a perfect Synchro deployment of Baronne de Fleur, Swordsoul Grandmaster - Chixiao, and other cards to defeat Neville.
"Hahahahaha, how boring, Neville. I think I'll forget about you in the next second."
At this moment, Draco walked in and saw Hode playing cards with Neville.
"Yo, you guys are here too!"
"Draco, what brings you here too?"
"Of course it's to pull my cute White Dragon." After saying this, Draco pulled two Red Starlight Rare Blue-Eyes White Dragons from his deck.
"I'm just one Red Starlight Rare Blue-Eyes White Dragonaway from collecting all the Red Starlight Rare decks."
Hode: Thanks for the sponsorship, Malfoy.
pure-bloods are really rich, splashing money like this just to collect Red Starlight Rare cards.
"Neville, let's play a round too."
Draco invited Neville. He wasn't stupid; playing with Hode—who knows when he'd suddenly do an on-the-spot card creation.
Then Draco was utterly mind-boggled and beaten by Neville's Millennium Exodia.
"So shady?! Damn it, again! Don't underestimate the bond between me and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!!!"
Looking at the passionate Draco, Hode had no interest in watching, so he went back into the suitcase with Hermione.
"Hode, can I really learn this move?" Hermione asked somewhat in surprise.
Hode planned to teach Hermione a low-spec version of instantaneous movement, or rather, the Flying Thunder God Technique.
As long as it was marked with a seal, she could ignore distance and arrive wherever the seal was located.
Compared to Apparition, first of all, it consumed less Magic, had smaller pre- and post-action delays, and had no Counter-Jinx.
"Of course, you have to believe in yourself, Hermione. Your talent is very good, and you work so hard, there's no doubt it'll be fine."
"Will I really learn it?"
"You will learn it!"
Then Hode began teaching, explaining every detail and technique.
Because Apparition and the Flying Thunder God Technique had many similarities, Hermione's comprehension wasn't slow, but it still took some time to master.
Time slowly moved to the afternoon. When the two came to the shop, Neville and Draco had long since left, and the counter was packed with people.
"Lupin, why are there so many people today?"
"They're all here to buy phones, Boss."
Lupin and two other employees were frantically selling phones, their hands not stopping for a moment.
Hode nodded. After all, this was a mobile phone; it was quite easy to attract these bumpkins.
At this moment, several Wizards walked in holding mobile phones.
"Why is there internet in Diagon Alley, but no internet in the Ministry of Magic?"
The person speaking was an employee of the Ministry of Magic. He heard that a new type of Alchemy prop was being sold at the magic yu-gi-oh shop in Diagon Alley.
So taking advantage of his lunch break, he ran over to Diagon Alley to buy one. Looking at the phone with its various functions, he felt that staying at the Ministry of Magic wouldn't be too boring either.
But when he returned to the Ministry of Magic, all the apps requiring internet couldn't be used at all.
He originally thought that since even Diagon Alley had internet, there was no reason the Ministry of Magicwouldn't have it.
As it turned out, things are unpredictable, and the Ministry of Magic really fucking didn't have any. Several of his colleagues who had also bought phones were complaining one after another.
Until now after getting off work, they came to the shop together, demanding that their Ministry of Magic must have internet.
Hode spoke up: "Of course you can, but you'll have to let Fudge make a trip here."
"Hm?" Several people looked at Hode, who was speaking.
"Where did this brat come from? Telling Minister Fudge to come over, looks like you don't know..."
Before he finished speaking, Hode petrified them.
"Give Fudge a message, just say that I, Hode Dumbledore Grindelwald, am telling him to get his ass over here."
Finishing this, Hode snapped his fingers and sent those people back to the Ministry of Magic.
"Hode, why did you ask Fudge to come over?"
Hermione was somewhat puzzled. Wasn't it enough just to throw a Magic connector into the Ministry of Magic? Why did Fudge need to come personally?
"Of course it's because he wants to see me himself."
Chapter 64 Fudge: Have I Become a Puppet?
"He wants to see you?"
"Mn."
Hode nodded. After turning into Nidhogg in front of the entire school, Fudge had written to him saying he wanted to meet him.
At the time, he was frantically researching magic because of Death, so he couldn't be bothered to pay attention.
Now that he had time, it was just the right moment to see this Fudge.
"Alright, it's about time to get off work, close the door."
Not long after, Cornelius Fudge brought Dolores Umbridgeto the front of the shop.
Looking at the tightly closed doors, Fudge was somewhat puzzled, and just as he was about to knock, a voice came over.
"Let that pink toad get lost."
Hode: "You f***ing came, who are you trying to disgust by bringing this pink toad over?"
Hearing this, Fudge immediately spoke up: "Alright, Mr. Grindelwald! Umbridge, did you hear that, why aren't you getting lost already."
"Minister, he is defying the Ministry of Magic! He is slapping you in the face! How can you listen to him."
"Do I f***ing need you to teach me? I told you to get lost, so get lost right now."
Faced with the angry Fudge, Umbridge had no choice, and could only slink away dejectedly.
Then the door opened automatically.
As soon as they walked in, they saw Hode sitting at a table, fiddling with a tea set.
Hermione was sitting opposite, taking small sips of tea.
And the other two employees had already gone upstairs, leaving only Lupin to tidy up the goods here.
Fudge hurriedly and fawningly came to Hode's side, then bent over, lowering his head to be level with Hode's.
Then he put on a flattering smile.
"I finally get to see you, Mr. Grindelwald."
Hode took out a magic connector and threw it to Fudge, then said: "Throw this onto the ceiling of your Ministry of Magic, and you'll be able to use the internet."
"Understood, understood. I'll install it as soon as I get back, and then vigorously promote mobile phones, striving to let all Wizards know the greatness of mobile phones!"
Hode: "You should still have something else to say, right."
Hearing Hode's words, Fudge didn't rush to state his purpose, but instead tested the waters first.
"Regarding the matter of you transforming into a giant dragon, does the Ministry of Magic need to report on it?"
"Whatever, just don't let it spread abroad."
Hode didn't care about this matter; the reason he didn't want Fudge to spread it abroad was precisely for the Goblet of Fire in the fourth year.
Turning into a giant dragon in front of those country bumpkins and directly scaring them to tears, how satisfying that must be.
"Then what about publicizing the fact that you cured The Longbottoms, who were struck by the Cruciatus Curse?"
"Whatever, I said it, say whatever you want to say."
After getting Hode's permission, Fudge immediately spoke up.
"Regarding what happened at Malfoy Manor last year..."
Fudge was no fool; he knew Hode's strength all too well. Facing such a monster, he could only ask cautiously.
Now that Hode already controlled people from the Pure-blood families, Hode would definitely know if he wanted to rely on them, and he would definitely need Hode's nod of approval.
Coupled with that terrifying strength...
As long as he ensured that Hode wouldn't threaten his position, he completely didn't want to provoke Hode.
Moreover, he couldn't beat him in a fight, and the other person had Gellert backing him up. He could only suck up to Hode comfortably to make his position more secure.
"Pure-blood families are still quite useful, aren't they? Rest assured, I have no interest in your position as Minister for Magic."
Hearing Hode's words, Fudge finally breathed a sigh of relief, but what followed plunged him into the abyss.
"I remember you seem to be pure-blood as well, why don't you join me too?"
Although it was a question, Hode didn't give Fudge a chance to refuse at all.
With a snap, Hode snapped his fingers.
Immediately afterwards, a black dragon pattern appeared on Fudge's right hand.
Fudge: "Have I become a puppet?!"
"This, this! You!"
"Hm? You have an opinion?"
Hode's eyes looked at Fudge like an abyss, cold and ruthless, showing contempt for life.
This was a look that could only be found in crazy Death Eaters.
Hode's divine power began to spread, making Fudge feel as if he were being crushed by a giant mountain, and an incomparable pain came from the pattern on his arm.
"No... I wouldn't dare. I understand, everything will be at your command!"
Faced with Hode's oppressive aura, Fudge decisively caved in.
Damn it, if he didn't cave in, he'd be dead for sure.
Seeing Fudge submit, the corners of Hode's mouth lifted slightly, "Normally I won't control you, you can do whatever you want, but whenever I speak, you better figure out your current identity."
Then he withdrew his divine power and continued: "Don't think about deceiving me, I can see your every move clearly."
Feeling the pressure on his body disappear, Fudge was finally able to breathe heavily.
"Un—Understood!"
"Snap." Hode sent Fudge away with a snap of his fingers.
Fudge, who had been lowering his head not daring to look at Hode, suddenly had his vision blur, and then he found himself back in the office of the Minister for Magic.
"Gulp." Fudge swallowed hard. With an ability that could send him back at any time, he was now even more afraid of Hode.
You must know that the office of the Minister for Magic had an Anti-Apparition Jinx, yet the other person didn't even touch him and sent him right back here.
Fudge: "666, is this even human?"
"Damn Fudge, and that Hode, how dare they treat me this way! Just you wait, sooner or later I will become the Minister for Magic."
At this moment, Umbridge's voice sounded from outside the door.
"When that time comes, I'll definitely make them regret it! But for now, taking advantage of Fudge's absence, I must first try out how comfortable this Minister's chair is."
Umbridge said as she opened the door to the Minister's office.
Fudge:...
Umbridge:...
"Min—Minister! You... why are you here?"
"That line should be mine to say! Umbridge, what are you trying to do!"
Fudge: "I can't afford to cross Hode, but can't I even afford to cross you, Umbridge?"
Want to be Minister? And you want to sit in my chair with your disgusting ass while I'm not here? This is going too far!
Looking at the angry Fudge, Umbridge said tremblingly: "Th—That, Minister. It seemed like someone controlled me with the Imperius Curse just now, rest assured, I will definitely find the mastermind!"
"Get lost!"
Fudge didn't do anything to Umbridge, mainly because she was useful.
Anyway, once he was done using her, he would just throw her into Azkaban; he just had to endure a bit longer, endure a bit longer.
Meanwhile——
"Old Dumbledore, Fudge just left and you arrive? Did you two plan this?" Hode remarked.
That's right, Dumbledore had come to Hode's shop once again.
"Oh? Cornelius has been here?"
"That's right, he knelt at my feet begging me to be his master. There was nothing I could do, you know how soft-hearted I am, so I agreed."
Fudge: "How do you even have the face to say such words?"
Dumbledore: "... Well, this time I'm mainly here to find Lupin."
Lupin, standing to the side, pointed at himself.
"Find me?"
Chapter 65 Tough! Invincible! Strongest! Crush! Shatter! Great Applause!
"Yes, Remus. I wanted to ask if you could help me serve as next year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?
Originally, Lupin still had a joyful look, thinking Dumbledore had some surprise for him, but the surprise turned into a scare.
Ask anyone in the wizarding world, who doesn't know that the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor is a disposable consumable every year.
Those willing to go are either fools, have personal motives, or are doing it to repay Dumbledore's favor.
Nowadays, Lupin staying at the shop as the acting manager is quite good; the salary is high, room and board are provided, and he can also collect the Wolfsbane Potionevery month.
He really didn't want to go be that Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor; wouldn't that purely be courting death?
Dumbledore seemed to see through Lupin's thoughts, so he spoke up.
"The students haven't had a proper Defense Against the Dark Arts class in two years, and I hope they can have an excellent Professor this year. Plus, I think Harry would also like to see his father's friend."
Hearing Dumbledore's words, Lupin fell into silence.
He had also asked Hode about Harry's current situation, learning that Harry was doing well and had made many friends.
Just like they used to be, which made Lupin breathe a sigh of relief.
Now that Harry was doing well, he didn't want to disturb him, afraid of making him recall his parents' tragedy.
But the thought of being able to teach Harry and help him at school made Lupin hesitate again.
Just as Lupin was hesitating, Hode spoke up.
"Oi, oi, oi. I say Old Dumbledore, it's not right for you to poach my person so openly."
"Sorry Hode, but I still want Remus to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor." Dumbledorewinked at Hode.
And Hode just clicked his tongue, then said to Lupin.
"However, Old Dumbledore is right, Harry will be very glad to see you, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors of the past two years haven't been acting human, so—you're fired!"
Lupin: What? ∑(O_O;)
Hode spread his hands, showing an innocent expression.
"You're fired, and then you can go be a Professor." (─‿─)
Faced with Hode's serious tone, Lupin opened his mouth and finally only said one sentence: "Thank you, Hode."
Hode waved his hand, "Alright, anyway we can see each other at school later, and by then I'll still have to call you Professor."
"Haha, that's true. Then please let me serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Headmaster Dumbledore!"
Lupin bowed to Dumbledore and said sincerely.
Dumbledore smilingly helped Lupin up, revealing a triumphant smile.
Dumbledore: Nice! Tricked another one this year, who should I look for next year?
But Dumbledore hid it very well; from his expression, only a happy smile could be seen.
"Good, good, good, then you can stay at Hogwarts first! Then I'll have Snape tell you the progress of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes for each grade, and you can figure out how to teach on your own."
Dumbledore put on a welcoming smile and said: "Right! Don't worry, I'll have Snape brew a bottle of Wolfsbane Potion for you every month."
Hearing this, Lupin regretted it a little again.
Would Snape really not poison him?
You must know that the grievances between them were not small, especially since he had once almost bitten Snape, he reckoned Snape would never forget it -_- b
Without giving Lupin a chance to speak, Dumbledoregrabbed Lupin's shoulder, and then had Fawkes send them back to Hogwarts.
Before leaving, Dumbledore also said to Hode: "Have a great summer vacation, Hode."
——
After the two left, only Hode and Hermione were left in the shop.
And Hermione asked: "When you said earlier that Lupinwould leave, did you already know that Professor Dumbledore would invite him to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"
Hode tapped his own head with his index finger, "It's not too much for a god to foresee the future, right."
Hermione rolled her eyes and drank the tea in her hand in one gulp.
"I have to go; if I don't go back soon, they probably think you ate me."
"Don't talk nonsense! I wouldn't dare! That would take a lot of shocks."
Hearing Hode's words, Hermione let out a chuckle, then waved her hand.
"I figure you wouldn't dare either. Bye-bye, see you tomorrow."
Finished speaking, Hermione Apparitioned back to her room.
Looking at the empty shop, Hode put his hands behind his head.
"Gotta recruit employees again... Hiss, why don't I use Alchemy puppets instead? Not only does it save money, but work efficiency is also high."
Other employees: Six hundred sixty-six, this is only the nineties, how are they being replaced by robots already?
No sooner said than done, Hode returned to the briefcase, collected various scattered parts, and after more than an hour of hard work...
Three Alchemy puppets successfully appeared!
Although Hode had them help with work, he still added a combat system.
Each one's strength was about the level of a senior Auror, enough to handle most emergencies.
"Mm-mm, not bad, not bad."
Hode was still very satisfied with his craftsmanship, and then placed them in the shop.
When resting, they would enter standby mode, and then wake up when working or in case of an emergency.
As for the other two nameless NPC employees, Hodedidn't plan to fire them yet.
After all, they were young girls, which could also be considered a way to attract customers.
After all, who wouldn't want to rush flustered into the shop and then meet Miss Yamada?
Afterwards, Hode lay back on the bed, smelling the lingering fragrance of Hermione as he slowly fell asleep.
————
"Hode, wake up."
This time, it was Hermione's turn to wake Hode up.
"I am the sleeping handsome man, and I need a princess's kiss to wake up."
Hearing this, Hermione took out a box of Cockroach Clusters from her bag, and then took one out and placed it on Hode's face.
But Hode opened his mouth and ate it right away.
"You wouldn't think this could scare me, right?"
"Then what if what I placed was actually a real cockroach?"
"Please, I can clearly see there's magic residue inside."
Hermione curled her lips, "No fun, get up quickly."
Then the two came to the Great Hall.
"Tough! Invincible! Strongest! Crush! Shatter! Great Applause!"
Draco's voice drowned out the noise in the shop.
Finding that he was playing yu-gi-oh with Luna, Hodewalked over.
"Why did you two get up so early? Just to come play in my shop?"
Hearing Hode's voice, Draco nodded, but Luna said.
"Brother Hode is disgusted with me? It turns out I am an eyesore to Brother. I know I'm not as pretty as Sister Hermione, nor do I have such a deep bond with Brother as she does, so I'll be leaving right now."
Hode: Why does this sentence sound so green-tea-ish?
Hermione: No wait, why does it feel like someone is trying to steal my home?
Watching the two's weird expressions, Luna laughed out loud.
"Hee hee hee, I was just teasing the two of you. Anyway, it's summer vacation now, and I thought about coming to Diagon Alley to play, and then I met Draco."
Draco nodded, then said: "Afterwards, I dragged Luna to play cards here."
Chapter 66 Harry: I will take down Sirius by myself!"
"So that's how it is."
Hode nodded and asked, "How is your duel going right now?"
"It's just starting. It's my turn first, and I'm about to summon the Blue-Eyes White Dragon! Get ready to meet your doom, Luna."
Draco finished explaining and then began his combo.
Since it was the first turn and he went first, he couldn't attack, but Draco had a Blue-Eyes Twin Burst Dragon and an Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon on the field.
Then Draco laughed heartily: "Muda muda, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon is the strongest deck in this world, just obediently lie on the ground and await your death!"
Watching Luna silently draw a card, Draco asked curiously: "What deck are you playing?"
"Toon." Finishing her words, Luna threw out a magic card: Perfect World • Toon World.
"Toon?"
Looking at Luna's magic card, Draco smiled dismissively: "Seeking death… No, wait!"
Luna began a frantic combo, throwing cards, drawing cards, and searching cards at a dizzying speed.
In just a split second, Luna summoned the Toon Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon and other powerful cards.
Afterwards, Draco was defeated in a single turn.
"This, how is this possible? My Blue-Eyes White Dragon is the strongest!"
Luna: "Where did this stray dog come from?"
"Pfft." Hearing Luna's words, Hode and Hermione could no longer hold it in and began laughing hysterically.
Hode pointed at the duel and said to Draco: "This is clearly an old man teasing a child! You don't have a single shred of a chance to win against her."
After Hode said these words, the tears in his eyes could no longer be suppressed and instantly streamed down.
Luna didn't let him off the hook, but instead continued to mock him passive-aggressively.
"How truly boring, Draco. I think I'll forget you very soon."
Hearing Luna say Hode's most frequently used phrase, Draco instantly turned as red as an Egghead.
Dammit, I also want to say this phrase to others, why!
Thinking of this, Draco ran away sadly.
Hode: "The absolute formula, the replication born from it, the one who taught you how to meme is—"
Luna: "It's you."
Hearing Luna's reply, Hode was somewhat speechless. I just dropped a meme and you immediately picked it up.
Hermione on the side couldn't watch anymore either, and spoke up: "I hope you guys can think more of the readers and use fewer bad memes."
Hode: That's also a meme. → _ →
————
In the days that followed, Hode brought Hermione to travel to various places every day using teleportation.
In the morning, they had morning tea in Jiangnan, Dragon Country, and then went to the Great Wall in Beijing.
Hode stood on the Great Wall, recalling what people said in his past life—he who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero—yet he had never been here himself.
Now, Hode came to the Great Wall full of high spirits, but he no longer felt the sense of anticipation from before.
At noon, the two came to Tahiti, eating seafood and looking at the scenery that looked like paradise.
After finishing their meal, the two dived into the lagoon of Tahiti.
It was as if they plunged headfirst into a giant aquarium; the visibility here was ridiculously high.
There were various corals, clownfish, lemon sharks, eagle rays, and other marine life.
In the afternoon, the two lay on the beach sunbathing and drinking coconut water.
Without thinking about studies, homework, or the Grim Reaper, it was as if nothing else mattered anymore.
In the evening, they came to Paris, eating the best French cuisine and drinking the most famous red wine.
Then they looked at the night view from Big Ben in London.
Finally, they returned home to sleep.
Days passed like this, day after day; the two were either traveling or eating.
Until the day Sirius Black broke out of prison and Harry ran away from home.
"Yo, Harry."
Harry, who had just arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, heard Hode's voice.
"Hode! Why are you here?"
Harry's anxiety about running away from home instantly vanished.
"Foreseeing the future, kiddo. How is it, was the Knight Bus comfortable to ride?"
Harry was no longer surprised that Hode knew everything inside out.
"Don't mention it, I feel awful right now, this is way more nauseating than Apparition."
Harry stroked his belly, trying to suppress the urge to vomit.
Hode patted Fudge, who was standing quietly to the side with a hunch, signaling that it was his turn to speak.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, I am Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge. I have an obligation to inform you that this evening, someone discovered your uncle's sister…"
Before Fudge finished speaking, Hode slapped him on the head.
"Get to the point!"
"Yes! Anyway, we've already handled the matter regarding your uncle's sister, and now a murderer has escaped, so please be sure to be careful."
After finishing, Fudge bowed to Hode and then fled the scene in a flurry.
Harry:?
"Alright, forget about him. Come stay at my shop, there are plenty of empty rooms anyway."
Then Hode brought Harry into Diagon Alley and came to his own shop.
"Hey, Harry."
"Hi, Hermione."
Hermione was sitting in the shop playing cards with Luna, while Hode and Harry went to an empty room on the second floor.
"Thank you so much, Hode." After placing his luggage in the room, Harry thanked Hode.
Hode didn't say anything, but instead took out a wanted poster and handed it to Harry to see.
"Sirius Black. Why are you showing me this? Could it be that he's very powerful? Or does he have a grudge against me?"
Hode said: "He was arrested and imprisoned for killing Peter Pettigrew and a whole street of people, leaving behind only one of Peter's fingers on the street at the time."
"And they were all good friends of your father. Voldemortwanted to kill your family, and your parents made Siriusyour family's Secret-Keeper at the time."
"Secret-Keeper?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Why would Sirius want to kill Peter? Weren't they friends?"
"As the Secret-Keeper, Sirius was the only person who knew the location of your parents' house. As long as he didn't say anything, no one would know where you were." Hode paused and continued.
"And Voldemort found your parents, so you know the rest."
After hearing this, Harry's breathing began to quicken.
"He betrayed my parents and caused their deaths! And then he wanted to kill their friend Peter, and now he's escaped to kill me…"
Watching Harry, who was so angry he couldn't speak, Hode gave Harry's head a knock.
"Calm down, I'm just stating the information everyone believes, I didn't say that's actually how things are."
Harry was somewhat dumbfounded. What did he mean by saying that's not how things are?
Harry: Could there be a hidden story? ⊙ _ ⊙
"Hode, do you know something? Hurry and tell me."
"You have to find the answer to this yourself, Harry. Don't always think about relying on others."
Harry had already calmed down, and then thought about it seriously.
Since Hode said it like that, it meant things definitely weren't the way they were just described. He believed that Hode saying this must have a profound meaning behind it.
But after thinking about it over and over, he still couldn't guess. As expected, he still needed to find Sirius first.
Harry: "I understand, I will take down Sirius by myself!"
Hode: So bold?
Chapter 67: Next Is You —— Weasley!
"Me, Chovy, buy me a good book! What on earth is this piece of junk Monster Book of Monsters?"
Harry pressed down hard on the Monster Book of Monsters in his hands, preventing it from opening its mouth.
"Just stroke its spine," Hode reminded from the side.
Harry did as told, and soon the Monster Book of Monsterscalmed down, emitting a soft, purring sound like a stroked cat.
School was about to start, so Hode, Hermione, and Harry—who tagged along—came to Diagon Alley to buy school supplies.
When the group walked up to the pet shop, Hode thought of Crookshanks, whom Hermione liked, so he pulled Hermione inside.
"Welcome, is there anything I can help you with?"
"I want a cat."
"Alright, this way please." The clerk led the two of them to the cat-selling area.
Hermione took a fancy to the peculiarly-looking Crookshanks at a glance.
"Hode, look at that cat, it's so cute."
Hode looked at Crookshanks... Well, he still thought it looked very strange.
But as long as Hermione liked it, that was fine.
"Boss, that's the one." Hode pointed at Crookshanks.
"Alright, that will be one Galleon."
Clerk's inner thoughts: Nice, this stubborn unsold cat is finally sold.
"This is for you, Hermione."
Hode handed Crookshanks over to Hermione.
"Thank you, I'm going to name it Crookshanks."
When the three returned to the shop, they found that Ronhad also come here.
"Hey, long time no see, everyone."
Ron cheerfully greeted everyone, and then began to talk about how his family won a prize and traveled to Egypt.
He also showed off his new Wand to the crowd.
Meanwhile, Crookshanks in Hermione's arms began to hiss at Scabbers in Ron's hands.
"Hermione, keep that cat away from Scabbers, I'm afraid it'll eat my Scabbers."
"My Crookshanks would never eat filthy things!"
Peter Pettigrew: Your cat is the filthy one ( ▼ beneficial ▼ )
Hode looked at Scabbers in Ron's hands, rubbed his chin, and then said, "Ron, how about selling Scabbers to me?"
Ron: "Sell? This is my dearest friend and brother —— you gotta pay extra."
Hode pulled out ten Galleons, "Ten Galleons."
"Deal!"
Ron immediately tossed Scabbers to Hode and pocketed the Galleons.
Peter Pettigrew: How can you be so selfish, bah.
Ron was undoubtedly happy. Trading Scabbers, who might die of old age who knows when, for ten Galleons was enough to buy himself a new pet with some left over.
"Hode, what do you want Scabbers for?"
Harry was somewhat puzzled. Hode wasn't someone who would do meaningless things, yet he genuinely couldn't think of any use for Scabbers.
"You'll find out, Harry." Hode's lips curved up slightly, continuing to act like a riddle-maker.
"..." Harry had no choice but to change the subject.
"Ron, how come it's just you? Doesn't your family usually stick together?"
"They're buying books at Flourish and Blotts, so I came over to find you guys first."
Just then, speak of the devil.
the Weasleys had also all arrived at Hode's shop.
"Oh, long time no see, children." Molly Weasley cheerfully greeted them and then started making small talk.
Meanwhile, Arthur Weasley pulled Harry aside into a corner and said, "Harry, although people at the Ministry have been advising me not to talk to you about it, I..."
"I already know, Mr. Weasley." Harry interrupted Arthur.
"You know? Well then, you must be careful outside. I also understand Hode's strength; with him by your side, no one can touch you."
Arthur said earnestly, his words full of care for Harry.
This deeply moved Harry. Remembering that he had never felt such warmth at his uncle's house, he quickly expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Weasley."
Arthur didn't say much more, simply patting Harry on the shoulder.
Afterwards, the group didn't stay long before leaving, while Hode and Hermione went inside the suitcase.
Hode placed Scabbers into an alchemical cage equipped with various magic spells to ensure nothing unexpected would happen.
"Hode, is it necessary to lock it up so securely?"
Hermione asked, then put down the Crookshanks she was holding in her arms, letting it go play on the grassland by itself.
"This is no ordinary rat, Hermione," Hode explained.
"He's one of the important figures this year; we mustn't lose him."
With that, Hode pointed a finger at Scabbers, and immediately a black dragon mark appeared on its back.
And because Peter Pettigrew couldn't see it, he didn't think much of it and simply fell fast asleep.
"Now, next is waiting for Sirius to make his entrance." Hode smiled with a crooked mouth.
— — — —
The day of school opening arrived.
Everyone arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Hode had originally planned to take Hermione directly to the school, but thinking of what Fudge had said earlier about wanting to station some Dementors outside Hogwarts to search for Sirius's whereabouts—
And he had agreed, after all, it would allow Hermione and the others to fight some Dementors and gain some experience.
So Hode obediently boarded the Hogwarts Express.
Hode and Hermione looked at the carriages crowded everywhere and finally found an empty compartment.
"Right here."
Hode said, then opened the compartment door.
Hermione, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Luna were all following behind, and with Lupin added, there definitely wouldn't be enough space.
Therefore, Hode cast an Undetectable Extension Charm, enlarging the space inside the compartment.
Hode, Hermione, and Luna sat on one side, while Harryand the others sat on the other side.
"Do you think this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor will be a fool again?"
Ron initiated the question, saying honestly that looking at the Professors from the past two years, it really made people lose trust in this year's Professor.
Harry and the others truly dared not trust the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor anymore.
However, remembering how Snape had taught for half of last year, Harry still said, "Anyway, at least don't let Snapekeep doing it; don't forget he'd dock us a dozen points in a single class."
Hermione looked at Hode, and the two exchanged glances.
Hermione: Should we tell them about Lupin?
Hode: Let's not say it for now; give them a surprise when the time comes.
Luna: Lupin? Who is he?
"Luna? How did you understand our communication?"
Hermione looked at Luna, dumbfounded and with an incredulous expression.
Luna tilted her head, "Isn't this very normal?"
Hermione:...
While Hode burst into loud laughter.
"As expected of you, Luna."
"I finally found you guys!"
At this moment, Draco opened the compartment door and squeezed in.
"Draco? What are you here for?" Harry looked at Draco and asked.
Draco didn't even glance at Harry, and instead said to Luna, "Luna, play another match with me. This time my Blue-Eyes White Dragon won't lose again!"
"You actually can't beat Luna? Hahaha, how pathetic, Malfoy."
Ron mocked from the side. He didn't know Luna could play, thinking inwardly how strong a girl could possibly be.
"Stop barking over there. Once I finish playing with Luna, next is you —— Weasley."
Chapter 68: Sorry for not making Lady Luna have enough fun.
"Ugh—Ah!"
First Break • Wolong Enters the Stage
Draco's Blue-Eyes White Dragon was once again kicked to death like a stray dog on the roadside by Luna's cartoon deck.
"What a joke! How could my mighty and handsome Blue-Eyes White Dragon lose to cartoons that a little girl likes?"
Draco pounded the table in anger, completely unable to believe this scene.
"How boring, Draco. I think I'll forget you in the next second."
It's this phrase again!
Draco was once again fitted into Luna's formula, nailed to the pillar of shame.
"Step aside, Malfoy. Take a good look at the power of my Red-Eyes Black Dragon. Let's play a round, Luna."
Ron shoved Draco aside, sat opposite Luna, and then pulled out his own deck.
There was no time to mourn Draco's failure; next to enter the stage was—Ron's Red-Eyes Black Dragon deck.
...
"Ugh—Ah!"
Ron was also kicked by Luna like a stray dog on the roadside.
Second Break • Achieving Fame in a Single Battle!
Luna: "I think I'll forget you in the next second, Ron."
"Tch, I thought you were so awesome, and this is it? Weasley, you still have the nerve to lecture me."
Seeing Ron lose, Draco immediately mocked back.
Seeing that Ron also lost, Harry immediately became interested.
"Have a match with me too, Luna."
...
"Ugh—Ah!"
Third Break • Shocking the Entire World
"I think I'll forget you in the next second, Harry."
Neville: "My turn!"
...
"Ugh—Ah!"
Fourth Break • Peerless Under Heaven!
Luna: "I think I..."
Watching Luna slaughter four people in a row, Hodetouched his chin.
"I wonder if I can hold up."
Hearing Hode's words, Harry and the others instantly became excited.
"Oh! Are you finally stepping up, Hode!"
"Let her witness the power of us men!"
"Let her know the power of the founder!"
"Being able to see this battle, even dying would make the ticket price worth it."
Then the few of them looked at Hermione, who cooperatively asked: "Will you win?"
Hode's lips curled up, his gaze firm.
"I will win!"
After saying that, he teleported to the opposite side of Luna, where the others had cleared a space.
Hode pulled out his own deck, "Just as a reminder, you are the challenger."
Luna: Am I some kind of big boss?
"Humph, the deck I'm using is a super deck I painstakingly created myself! Prepare to meet your doom!"
————
Fifth Break • Slashing Heaven and Destroying Earth
"Sorry for not making Lady Luna have enough fun."
This time Hode didn't print cards on the spot, and in the end, Luna completed a counter-kill with sliver HP.
"Even Hode lost, are we going to stay under Luna's clutches forever?"
Ron grabbed his hair and said brokenly.
And Neville was also wondering whether he should glue his deck together like Hode said.
Right at this moment, the train suddenly stopped.
Ron: "We haven't reached Hogwarts yet, why did it suddenly stop?"
The few of them looked out the window; fog was thick, and nothing could be seen clearly.
Immediately afterwards, cold air spread throughout the entire train.
Harry asked: "Did someone use magic? Why is it so cold?"
"Nasty things have come in. Do you remember the Patronus Charm I taught you?"
"Of course I remember, I'm super good at it."
Harry replied with a proud look on his face, and then as if thinking of something.
"Could it be that Dementors have come in?"
Seeing Hode nod, everyone immediately took out their Wands, protecting Luna—the only one who didn't know the Patronus Charm—behind them.
"I can finally try out Dementors; my Wand has been thirsty and eager for a long time."
Ron licked his Wand, putting on the appearance of a villain.
Soon, a Dementor arrived in front of Hode and the others' compartment.
And then it found five Wands emitting white light.
"Expecto Patronum!" × 5
Dementor: Why are you guys so selfish, ptu!
A white Stag, squirrel, sheepdog, lion, and ferret crawled out from their Wands.
And then drove all the Dementors out of the train.
"Hahaha! I am Gryffindor's Ron! Which Dementor dares to fight me to the death!"
"Alright, stop showing off."
As the saying goes, super-effective moves override everything; facing the Patronus Charm is like Yu Liang meeting Chu Ying.
An old man teasing a child, with not a shred of winning chance.
Watching Ron's arrogant look, even Hode couldn't bear to watch.
At this moment, other students curiously walked out.
"Let's see whose general this is, being so valiant!"
The Weasley Twins came to the side of the few, and then lifted Ron high up.
"Turns out it's Little Ronnie! As expected of our Weasley family!"
Ron was made even prouder by the Weasley Twins' actions; after all, this was also the first time he saw them bragging about him to others.
"Oh!" Ron shouted loudly.
Everyone began to cheer.
"Ron! Ron! Ron!"
"Do we really not need to stop them?" Hermione said, looking at Ron's clueless-about-the-world expression.
Hode waved his hand, signaling it wasn't necessary.
"As the saying goes: a victorious army is bound to be arrogant, an arrogant army is bound to defeat, a defeated army is bound to grieve, and a grieving army is bound to win. Therefore, a victorious army will definitely win, don't mind them."
Hearing Hode's heaven-defying speech, Hermione's mouth twitched, but she didn't say anything more.
And the Hogwarts Express started again; this time, without any twists and turns, it smoothly arrived at the school.
————
Hogwarts Great Hall.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts for a new school year!"
Dumbledore opened his arms, welcoming all the students, and then continued to speak.
"Before everyone gets dizzy from stuffing yourselves, I have a few words to say."
"First of all, I am glad to tell you that Professor Lupin has agreed to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Good luck, Professor."
Dumbledore pointed his finger at Lupin, and everyone applauded one after another.
"Lupin? I remember he wasn't an employee in your shop, right, Hode?"
"That's right, Lupin still has real substance."
Hearing Hode's guarantee, everyone also felt relieved.
Finally able to attend a proper Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Dumbledore continued: "Our Magical Creatures teacher has decided to retire, because of a slight limb defect. But fortunately, I am glad to announce—Rubeus Hagridofficially takes over as our Magical Creature Professor!"
Applause rang out, and Hagrid stood up in a panic, almost knocking over the Professors' table.
Harry and the others applauded frantically, happy for Hagrid being able to become a Professor.
"Finally, at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwartswill host a batch of special guests... Dementors from Azkaban. Until Sirius is captured."
Students began to whisper among themselves; toward Dementors, the vast majority of students were undoubtedly afraid.
Although Hode was countless times stronger than these Dementors, at least he was a Wizard, not these Dementors. What if they suddenly attacked?
Just like people always worry about dogs suddenly biting, even if others say they never bite, they still worry.
"Dementors will guard every entrance, although the Ministry of Magic guarantees that they will not affect our daily routine."
"But Dementors are the most evil creatures; they cannot distinguish between prey and people blocking the way. Therefore, I warn everyone, do not give them a reason to harm you..."
Chapter 69 Care of Magical Creatures
Back in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Hode, which classes did you and Hermione pick?"
Harry asked Hode, because by the third year, students had to start choosing elective classes.
The two electives Harry and Ron chose were Divinationand Care of Magical Creatures.
"Hermione and I both picked Care of Magical Creatures, and then she also picked Arithmancy."
This time Hode didn't let Hermione take so many classes, mainly because it was unnecessary, and also because he didn't want Hermione to touch the Time-Turner.
What if Death played tricks? That was time itself, and even Hode didn't have much mastery over the magic of time right now.
Even though Hermione really wanted to get O's in all subjects, she still obediently listened to Hode.
She believed that her man couldn't be wrong. ( ─ ‿ ─ )
Harry: "Aren't you supposed to pick at least two classes? How come you only picked one?"
Hode asked with a look reserved for fools: "What's my full name?"
"Hode Dumbledore... Fine, I get it."
Harry couldn't help sighing secretly that having background connections was great, much more useful than his title as The Savior.
"You don't need to mind it either, Harry. After all, you guys study to find jobs, whereas I'm purely here to enjoy life."
Harry: Thanks for the comfort, you'd better stop talking.
"What about you, Neville?" Harry turned to look at Neville.
"I also picked Care of Magical Creatures and Divination."
"Hahaha, we really do share a telepathic connection." Ronthrew an arm over Neville's shoulder.
Watching the three of them chatting and laughing, full of anticipation for Divination, Hode couldn't help wanting to laugh.
He remembered that in the original work, Harry and the others hadn't passed the O.W.L. Exams for Divination, and he hoped they could still laugh after taking the class.
Just as Hode thought.
Harry and the others' Divination class went just like in the original work, with Trelawney saying Harry was going to die this year.
It gave Harry a start, and he hurriedly found Hode in the trunk to recount the matter.
"Alright, Harry. Every year she says a student is going to die, she's just talking nonsense, don't take it to heart."
Hode patted Harry's shoulder, "Rest assured, I guarantee you won't die this year, and if you do die this year, I'll marry Hermione right away."
Harry:...Now I'm scared, you aren't going to deliberately kill me off, are you?
—— Coming to the afternoon's Care of Magical Creaturesclass.
"Alright, everyone come over, today I'll open your eyes to something, follow me!"
Hagrid said happily, then led the crowd to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
As he walked, Hagrid said: "Everyone turn your books to page 49."
"How are you supposed to flip through this book?"
"Oh, right, everyone just stroke the spine."
Watching Hagrid's rash demeanor, Harry whispered to Ron.
"I have a feeling Hagrid is going to pull off something big."
"Ta-da! Isn't he handsome? Come say hello to Buckbeak."
Hagrid threw out a fish, which was eaten by Buckbeak.
"Hagrid, is this a Hippogriff?" Harry asked uncertainly.
Hearing Harry's words, Hagrid burst out laughing.
"Yes, Harry. You really are clever, I'm going to award you five points!"
Hagrid patted his big belly, then began introducing the Hippogriff.
"Alright, who wants to come say hello?"
The crowd all stepped back together, with only Hode, Hermione, and Harry's group not retreating.
Hode simply didn't care, whereas Hermione, Harry, and the others had confidence in their own strength.
A Hippogriff was no longer something they batted an eye at.
Looking at them, Hagrid asked: "So which of you wants to give it a try?"
The group looked toward Hode.
"I'm not interested."
Then everyone decided to use rock-paper-scissors, whoever won would go.
In the end Harry won, and then just like in the original work—
Harry bowed to Buckbeak, gained its approval, and then rode it for a flight around Hogwarts.
Seeing this, the others also grew bolder, wanting to ride Buckbeak for a few flights.
However, Hagrid refused to treat Buckbeak as a plaything for people's amusement, and instead continued lecturing on the Hippogriff until class ended.
"Harry, what did you guys think of my lecture?"
"Splendid, very interesting."
"Yeah, Hagrid. Your class was fantastic." Ron agreed with Harry's words and chimed in.
Only Hode spoke up to remind him: "Hagrid, wanting lower-year students to experience these Class 5 and Class 4 Magical Creatures is not a good choice."
The originally happy Hagrid froze in expression instantly.
"B-But Buckbeak wouldn't randomly hurt people."
"What if? Hagrid, it's not that I'm forbidding you from doing it, but you need to take it step by step. Until they have the ability to handle them, it's best to talk about some harmless animals."
The crowd looked at Hagrid, feeling that what Hode said made sense. They could handle Buckbeak, but the others didn't have that kind of strength.
Hagrid also felt it made sense, so he nodded, indicating he understood.
"Then what should I let them experience?"
"Nifflers, Bowtruckles, Demiguises, things like that."
Hearing this, Hagrid immediately ran into the Forbidden Forest to look for these Magical Creatures.
—— Evening.
In the Hogwarts Great Hall.
"Someone saw him!"
"Saw who?"
"Sirius Black!" Colin brought the newspaper over to the Gryffindor long table.
Hearing this, Harry immediately came to Colin's side.
"Dufftown? That's very close to Hogwarts," Ron said.
Looking at the picture of Sirius Black being captured, seeing his frantic appearance, Harry was left speechless.
"Do you guys think Sirius Black will come to Hogwarts?"
"There are Dementors at every intersection, and besides, he's already been caught!"
Harry retorted: "He escaped once before..."
He said nothing more, but inwardly still felt that Sirius Black would definitely escape again.
And just as Harry thought, Sirius Black escaped again shortly after.
Returning to the dormitory, Harry was somewhat absent-minded, constantly thinking about Sirius Black.
Recalling his frantic appearance in the newspaper, he truly couldn't believe Hode when he said the truth wasn't like that.
With a lunatic like that, blowing up an entire street was entirely possible.
"Harry, what's wrong with you?"
Ron and Neville noticed Harry's state was off and asked about it.
"Nothing, I'm just thinking about what kind of person Sirius Black really is."
Hearing this, Ron immediately put on a matter-of-course expression and said:
"Why, a lunatic of course! Just think, in order to kill his former friend, he actually blew up a whole street!"
Gesticulating wildly, Ron told Harry: "The Sorting Hatactually sorted him into Gryffindor, I think that broken hat really needs a wash."
"Alright Ron, let me be in peace."
Harry stopped Ron's endless chatter, lying down on the bed and closing his eyes to rest.
Seeing this scene, Ron didn't say anything more, but instead took out his card deck and began thinking about how to beat Luna.
Chapter 70 Lupin's Defense Against the Dark Arts class
During Hode and the others' first Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
"Everyone, welcome to my class, my name is Remus Lupin."
The crowd: "Hello, Professor Lupin."
Then Lupin showed everyone a rattling wardrobe.
When Lupin learned that none of Harry and the others' Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors over the past two years were human, he decided to prepare well and give them an unforgettable, joyful memory.
After much thought, he decided to teach Boggarts, which could help them understand fear while also making them laugh.
"Would anyone like to guess what is inside?"
"It's a Boggart."
"Very good, Mr. Thomas. Now, can anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like?"
Hermione replied: "No one knows. A Boggart turns into whatever the person in front of it fears most, so it's very..."
"Terrifying, yes." Lupin picked up where Hermione left off, introducing the characteristics of a Boggart to everyone.
"Fortunately, there is a very simple spell to deal with it. Everyone repeat after me: Riddikulus."
"Riddikulus." × n
"Very good, but just saying the spell isn't enough. The ultimate way to defeat a Boggart is to laugh, turning it into something funny... Neville, why don't you come up and demonstrate."
Neville stepped forward.
Through training, Neville's strength had already surpassed the vast majority of students, and his parents had also recovered to normal. Today's Neville was long no longer that timid version of himself.
Lupin opened the wardrobe, and a middle-aged couple slowly walked out from inside, their expressions dull and vacant.
This was Neville's biggest fear: his parents turning back into how they used to be.
"Neville, the Spell."
Lupin reminded him in a low voice, and Neville quickly reacted, shouting at the Boggart: "Riddikulus."
The Boggart instantly turned into Lockhart dancing in his grandmother's clothes.
"Hahahahaha." Everyone burst into loud laughter, highly approving of Neville's sense of humor.
"Very good, Neville. Now everyone line up and take turns one by one."
As he spoke, Lupin walked to the side, turned on the phonograph, and put in a cheerful record.
"Next, Ron."
Ron came in front of the dancing Lockhart, and the Boggart instantly turned into a huge spider.
"Riddikulus."
All eight of the spider's legs turned into roller skates, struggling to support it on the ground.
"Impressive, very funny."
Lupin applauded, "Next, Parvati."
Then the Boggart turned into a cobra.
"Riddikulus."
The cobra was turned into a jack-in-the-box toy instead.
"Very good, next." Lupin encouraged everyone.
It was Harry's turn. This time the Boggart didn't turn into a Dementor, because Harry was no longer afraid of them.
The Boggart changed from a toy into the corpses of his parents.
Harry froze when he saw this, and the others stopped talking as well. They knew Harry's parents were heroes, and being afraid of losing one's parents was the most normal thing in the world.
Seeing this scene, Lupin immediately reminded Harry.
"Harry, Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus."
The Boggart turned into a pig with Dudley's face.
"Very good, Harry. Next."
Afterwards, all the students tried it once.
Draco's fear was his father's disappointed look, which then turned into Harry wearing a bikini.
This caused everyone to burst into loud laughter.
This made Harry, who had just been saddened by seeing his parents' corpses, forget about what happened earlier, and he was single-mindedly thinking about giving Draco a piece of his mind.
Meanwhile, Hode had already taken out his phone and filmed it.
Then Hermione's fear was Hode suddenly saying he hated her, and it turned into Hode wearing a grandmother-style dress.
This time no one dared to laugh out loud, fearing they would be sent to meet Merlin by a Spell from Hode, so they all tried hard to keep straight faces.
Only Hermione was laughing out loud there, and she even patted Hode's back, saying she'd find a chance to make him wear it and see.
Hode felt a bit helpless; his own woman could only be doted on. Still, seeing himself turned into that appearance and wearing an old lady's dress was indeed a bit funny.
Until everyone except Hode had tried it.
Everyone looked at Hode, very curious about what he would be afraid of.
And Hode himself was also a bit curious about what he feared most in his heart, so he walked toward the Boggart.
Shortly after, the Boggart began to transform.
Everyone watched as the Boggart kept changing for a long time without turning into anything, and in the end, it only conjured up a scene.
That was the Hogwarts castle, though it could hardly be called a castle anymore.
Because Hode had turned into Nidhogg and collapsed onto the castle, with a huge scythe stuck in his body.
Looking at this scene, Hode admitted that he feared Death, and feared implicating Hermione and the others.
But he would never let such a thing happen; he would never lose to Death.
"Riddikulus."
The scene changed, and the Boggart turned into Gellert in women's clothing.
"Pfft."
Seeing Gellert in women's clothing, Hode instantly broke his composure, while the others were somewhat confused about who this person was.
Looking at those heterochromatic eyes, Hermioneimmediately thought of Gellert Grindelwald.
Then she pulled Hode, "All right, stop laughing. Hurry up and make it go back. If Professor Dumbledore tells on you, you're done for."
Hode took a few pictures with his phone, and then with a Knockback Jinx, knocked the Boggart back into the wardrobe.
"All right, that's all for today's class. I believe everyone now understands Boggarts."
Lupin clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention to him.
"If you encounter a Boggart in the future, remember this spell: Riddikulus! All right, everyone dismissed."
—— Weekend.
"Everyone remember, being able to go to Hogsmeade is a privilege. Whoever misbehaves will have no right to go."
McGonagall stood at the entrance of Hogwarts, speaking sternly to the third-year students.
This time McGonagall was not alarmist, because the Weasley Twins had indeed been strictly forbidden from going to Hogsmeade.
But they would still rely on the Marauder's Map to go via Hogwarts' secret passages.
At this moment, Harry ran over holding a piece of paper.
"You can't go without the permission form signed. Those are the rules, Potter."
"If you sign it, I can..."
Before Harry could finish speaking, McGonagallinterrupted him.
"I cannot sign it; it has to be a parent or guardian. Sorry, Potter, there is nothing I can do."
McGonagall placed her hand on Harry's shoulder, patted him consolingly, and then left.
Ron and Neville looked at Harry, not knowing what to say.
"Forget it, see you guys later." Harry walked away without looking back.
With all his friends heading to Hogsmeade, Harry was left alone once again, so he decided to just walk around aimlessly.
"Yo, Harry, why are you... Oh right, I forgot you can't go."
"Hode? Hermione? Why are you two here?" Harry looked at the two of them in surprise.
"Hermione and I have already been there over a dozen times thanks to Jinx, so we don't want to go. Do you want me to send you there?"
Hearing Hode's words, Harry's initially lost mood improved once again.
"Really?"
Hode: "Fake."
Harry:...
(The data is getting worse and worse, it feels so terrible.)
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