Chapter 167: Return
"Not bad at all!"
Ilona admired her own photograph.
"Alright, then I'm going to start extracting your Souls."
Hode's voice rang out, and all four of them nodded in unison.
After spending a few months together, they all understood Hode's personality. Although he often blurted out some strange phrases and wasn't a very serious person, Hodedidn't have any bad intentions.
Or rather, if Hode really wanted to do something bad, no one could stop him anyway.
Then Hode used his divine power to extract a tiny fraction of the four people's Souls and Magic, injecting them into their photographs.
Afterwards, Hode used his divine power to restore the four people's Souls, ensuring not only that they weren't missing any Soul fragments, but also that they were nourished by his divine power.
"That's it. See if you can connect with them?"
Hode clapped his hands, and the four of them began trying to connect their consciousness with their reflections in the photographs.
Finally, the four people in the photographs started to move.
Godric: "It worked! Woohoo!"
Godric said excitedly, then began running back and forth, even darting into the photographs of Salazar and the other two.
"Get lost! From now on, Godric and dogs are not allowed to enter my place!"
Salazar: Just kidding, dogs can come.
"Since everything is done, I should be leaving too."
Hode's words stunned the four of them.
"Are you leaving already? Aren't you going to stay for a few more days?"
Facing Godric's plea for him to stay, Hode shook his head.
"No. Anyway, we have the photos, it's not like we won't see each other again."
"That's right."
Salazar said in a deep voice, then walked over to Hode's side.
"But before you leave, I think it's necessary for us to take a group photo together!"
"Good idea! Salazar, I didn't think you'd actually be useful for something!"
Godric immediately perked up, then pulled Ilona and Helgaover to Hode's side.
"Alright, then let's take one!"
After saying this, Hode manipulated the camera from a distance to aim it at them.
Then the five of them shouted in unison:
"Three——Two——One——Hogwarts!"
"Click——!"
Hode printed five copies of the group photo and handed them out to the four people.
"So how are you going to leave? Do you need us to do anything?"
Facing the four people's concern, Hode shook his head.
"No need, I have this to guide me back!"
As he spoke, Hode showed the bracelet on his right wrist to the others.
Salazar glanced at it, then asked with puzzlement: "If I'm not mistaken, there is a direction-guiding magic inside your bracelet, but what good is that? You have to remember this is a thousand years ago!"
Hode gently stroked the bracelet Hermione had given him, a smile curving the corners of his mouth.
"Indeed, ordinary magic can't help me at all, but I can use divine power to strengthen this magic, allowing it to help me cross time dimensions."
With that, the divine power within Hode abruptly erupted, its mighty pressure making the four of them tremble with fear.
Then Hode injected his divine power into the bracelet, strengthening the magic Hermione had left behind.
Strengthened by Hode's nearly infinite divine power, he soon sensed the aura of Hermione from the distant future.
"Almost done! Then I must be going. I've had a very happy time these past few days. Goodbye, everyone."
Hode put away the four people's photographs, then looked at them with a smile.
The four of them also returned smiles as they looked at Hode.
Godric: "Go! You are Godric's student, after all!"
Salazar: "Kid, stop being so careless! Go back and wipe out Death as soon as possible!"
Ilona: "Go prove that you don't rely on your looks to get by!"
Helga: "You must be careful!"
Facing the four people's expectations, Hode responded with a confident:
"Alright!"
Then, Hode's incantation resounded through Hogwartsonce more:
"Dragon Scales!"
"Deflection!"
"Dual Meteors!"
"Release!"
An incomparable slash cleaved through time, cleaved through space!
Rending a spatial-temporal rift directly in front of Hode!
"Goodbye, everyone!"
As Hode's voice trailed off, he spread his legs and stepped into the spacetime rift under the tense gazes of the four people.
The moment Hode disappeared, space began to repair itself. They could no longer detect Hode's existence at all! It was as if this person had never existed in the first place.
Godric said in a daze: "He's gone..."
Salazar: "He has his life, and we have ours. Besides, it's not like we won't see each other again, seriously."
Salazar made a deadpan remark to Godric, then walked toward his own room.
Meanwhile, Hode in the spacetime tunnel was flying rapidly toward the guided direction, relying on the bracelet Hermione had given him.
Soon, Hode sensed the aura of Hermione and the others; the correct timeline had been found by him!
Then Hode slashed through the tunnel, drilling into the timeline of the exact moment he had left.
Thanatos had just watched Hode enter the chaos, and then joyfully found the original timeline, returning to the Time Room of the Department of Mysteries.
He was just preparing to devour some Souls thoroughly in order to recover his injuries.
"Let's start with that fellow's little girlfriend first! I can sense Nidhogg's massive divine power on her body! As long as I devour her..."
"I think you've got a lot of nerve!"
A familiar voice came from behind Death, interrupting his words and causing cold sweat to pour down Thanatos.
Thanatos turned around in terror—
Those eyes!
Without a doubt!
"How is that possible! How could you emerge from that chaos!"
Death screamed at the top of his lungs, his face written all over with disbelief.
Hode combed his hair back, then smiled confidently:
"I just used a little strength, and that chaos couldn't hold up, so I broke through it."
Death: "Really?!"
Hode: "Genuine! Right now, my condition is simply fantastic!"
Hode spread his arms, flew up into mid-air, and laughed loudly.
"Hahahaha! Throughout heaven and earth, I alone am supreme!"
Death didn't care about Hode acting crazy; or rather, it wished Hode would continue like this so it could take the opportunity to escape.
"You don't think I wouldn't notice your little thoughts?"
Hode laughed maniacally, then grabbed its skull the moment Death was stunned.
"This time I won't let you escape again!"
As he spoke, Hode pulled hard, directly ripping off Death's skull.
"Spare me! Nidhogg! Spare me! I can be a beast of burden for you! I beg you!"
"At a time like this? You must be joking, Thanatos!"
After saying that, Hode teleported, bringing Death into the starry sky outside the Earth.
The terrifying vacuum and low temperature froze a layer of frost onto the surface of Death's skull.
Meanwhile, because Hode protected himself with divine power, he didn't feel any discomfort at all.
"It's better to wipe you out right here!"
Hode used divine power to transmit his voice into Death's ears...
Hode: Does Death have ears? Whatever, never mind.
Hode stopped thinking about these things, instead tightly gripping Death's skull with his hand and beginning to absorb Death's divine power.
"No! Don't absorb anymore!"
Death cried out in terror. Even though it was just a skull, Hode could still perceive its panic.
Unfortunately, in the vacuum environment, Hode couldn't hear its words at all.
Soon, Death's divine power was completely absorbed by Hode! Today, Hode already possessed Death's authority, able to control life, death, and Souls.
Feeling the tiny bit of divine power added inside his body, Hode was somewhat dissatisfied. The only thing that made him feel decent was Death's authority, which he felt had some value, but to Hode, it was a bit lackluster.
Looking at Death's skull, which had completely lost its life, Hode exerted strength in his hand and crushed it to powder.
"This really is so boring, Thanatos! I think I'll forget you the very next second!"
Hode smiled as he delivered his victory declaration, then teleported back to the Granger family home.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, do you know where Hodewent?"
Mrs. Granger asked worriedly. Hode's hurried departure earlier made her think he had run into something urgent.
Dumbledore wore a reassuring smile and gently placated her: "Please rest assured, Mrs. Granger. Hode just went to take care of a small matter, he won't be in any trouble."
Although Dumbledore said that, deep down he was still quite worried about Hode, and Gellert felt the same way.
After all, what Hode was facing was a deity that had lived for who knows how many years! No one knew what kind of trump cards it had. Although Hode's strength really made it hard to imagine how he could lose, it never hurts to be prepared for the worst.
If Hode accidentally fell for Death's tricks, the consequences would be unimaginable. At the very least, the few people sitting here would be settled accounts with by Death, and that was beyond doubt.
In order not to let her mother worry, Hermione also put on a calm front and defended Hode.
"Don't worry, Mom. Hode is a very powerful Wizard, no one can hurt him."
"That's right! Auntie. I am very strong!"
Hode's voice came from behind Hermione. This voice made Hermione, who had been worried about Hode all along, unable to hold back any longer, and she immediately stood up and hugged the returning Hode.
"Great! You really didn't break your word!"
Hode likewise hugged Hermione tightly.
"Of course! I said I would be back."
Dumbledore and Gellert looked at this scene, both wearing auntie-like smiles, as if seeing their own youthful appearances.
Gellert: "Youth is so wonderful!"
Dumbledore: "Why are you stealing my lines too?"
Although Mrs. Granger didn't know what had actually happened, she knew Hode must have encountered some dangerous things.
But seeing Hode return safely, along with the image of the two tightly embracing, she didn't say anything, only smiling and patting the head of Mr. Granger, who had passed out drunk.
"Has everything been resolved?"
Gellert asked the most crucial question, and Hermionestopped burying her head in Hode's arms, looking at Hodewith a worried expression instead.
"Of course! All of it—everything has been resolved!"
Hode said this with a smile, causing Gellert and Dumbledore to finally breathe a sigh of relief, while Hermione once again buried her head into Hode's chest with a smile.
Chapter 168: The Christmas Holidays End
Hermione: "So you are already the Grim Reaper?!"
Hode: "You could say that, but I certainly don't want to be this crappy god. Do you guys want to be it?"
Dumbledore: "No thanks, I still prefer being the Headmaster of Hogwarts; it's a position that makes me proud!"
Gellert: "Oh come off it, look at the ones you've taught. Voldemort, Bellatrix, Barty Crouch Jr., Fudge, Umbridge, and that... that one who said you were a madman... Right! Seems her name was Rita, right?"
Dumbledore: "...You really know how to crush my self-confidence."
Hode, Hermione, Dumbledore, and Gellert were sitting inside Hode's suitcase.
After finishing their meal, Hode brought the three of them here and informed them of what had happened today.
"Old Gellert, do you want this position of the Grim Reaper?"
Facing Hode's inquiry, Gellert shook his head firmly.
"I'm not interested in this thing at all, why don't you ask Little Hermione?"
Hermione immediately waved her hands, indicating that she wasn't interested in the Grim Reaper or anything like that either.
As for Hode, he pulled Hermione into his arms with one hand.
"If Hermione wants to be a god, then I must find her a better one! The title of Grim Reaper sounds ominous, my Hermione won't be taking it!"
"Then who do you plan to have take it? You must know this position is no small matter! If someone with ill intentions takes it... it might just end up being another Thanatos."
Dumbledore advised, and Hode nodded casually.
"Of course I know that. I'll ask around later to see who wants to be it, and if I can't find a suitable candidate, I'll use an Alchemy puppet to take on the role."
"An Alchemy puppet? Is that really okay?"
Hermione looked at Hode in puzzlement, unable to imagine that an Alchemy puppet without self-awareness could hold such an important position as the Grim Reaper.
Hode immediately began to explain:
"Normally speaking it shouldn't work, but as long as I infuse my own divine power and Soul into the puppet, it can be regarded as my avatar, and this way it can inherit the divine seat of the Grim Reaper."
"Then handle it however you see fit. Since everything is resolved, you two must enjoy the wonderful times at school!"
Dumbledore smiled as he looked at Hode and Hermione; he was already planning to have Hode start working immediately after graduation and getting married. He couldn't wait to enjoy his retirement life!
Dumbledore had already started fantasizing about traveling the world together with Gellert, savoring the scenery and delicacies from all over the globe.
"I certainly don't want to become Headmaster so soon! I still plan to hang out with Hermione for a few more years!"
Hode's sudden words interrupted Dumbledore's fantasy.
"You peeked into my memory?!"
Dumbledore widened his eyes, while Hode merely rolled his eyes disdainfully.
"Who would want to peek at your lousy retirement plan? I can tell what you're thinking just by looking at your expression."
Dumbledore:...
Hermione immediately changed the subject, "Hode, didn't you say you brought back photos of the Four Founders of Hogwarts? Let us see them."
Hode made a fist with his right hand and struck his left palm.
"That's right! If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten."
With that, Hode took out the photos of the four people.
"Finally able to be seen! Hode, it seems you've already returned to your timeline! Hahaha! I just knew my student was this outstanding!"
As soon as Godric was taken out, he immediately started chattering endlessly.
Salazar: "So noisy! Godric, behave yourself!"
Godric: "Pah! Salazar, don't think that just because you're in a photo I won't beat you up!"
Salazar: "That goes for you too! I think you're just asking for a beating!"
Salazar directly darted into Godric's photo, and the two started wrestling with each other again.
Ilona and Helga didn't pay attention to those two, but instead asked Hode as well.
Ilona: "So this is the room a thousand years later? It's indeed more exquisite than ours. By the way, have you resolved the matter of the Grim Reaper?"
Helga: "You didn't get hurt, did you? Oh, hello everyone, my name is Helga Hufflepuff."
Helga gracefully executed a bow from her era towards Hermione and the others.
The three of them also nodded in response.
Hode likewise began to answer their questions.
"I'm back now, and the Grim Reaper is completely dead. They are respectively my girlfriend: Hermione Granger; the current Headmaster of Hogwarts: Albus Dumbledore; and my grandpa: Gellert Grindelwald."
After exchanging greetings, Hermione secretly tugged at the corner of Hode's clothes.
"Are those two really Gryffindor and Slytherin? Why do they look like a copied version of Ron and Draco."
Hermione's words made Hode smile.
Indeed, the way the two of them and Gryffindor and Slytherin got along was indeed similar. They always started bickering at the drop of a hat, and often quarreled in everyday life.
But precisely because both sides trusted each other, it was a relationship where they could entrust their backs to one another.
Ilona looked at Dumbledore and then asked: "Is the current Hogwarts the best school in the world?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Godric and Salazarstopped bickering too, both waiting for Dumbledore's answer.
Hogwarts was their most precious treasure, the crystallization of everything they had! The four of them treated it like a child, eagerly hoping Hogwarts would become the greatest magic school.
And Dumbledore scratched his head, finally saying:
"Nowadays there are quite a few magic schools in this world, and everyone has their own judgment, so there is no ranking of good or bad schools. But in my heart, Hogwartswill always be the best school."
Dumbledore's words made Ilona nod, barely passable.
But she wasn't satisfied with just this, including the other three, they all hoped to hear the words that Hogwarts was the best magic school in the world.
"Since that's the case, never mind then. Hode, remember to bring us to Hogwarts."
Hode nodded, responding to Ilona.
"Of course, by then I think the students of Hogwarts will definitely be given a huge shock."
The Christmas holidays quickly passed, but the cold winter remained long.
After Hode and Hermione returned to Hogwarts, they hung the photos of the four people on the wall behind the staff table in the Great Hall.
This way, whether during the Sorting, or when students were enjoying their meals, or when there was a major event to announce, the Four Founders could watch everyone from within their photos, and everyone could also look at the Four Founders.
"This place really hasn't changed at all!"
Godric looked at the layout of the Great Hall and couldn't help exclaiming.
Hode nodded, "The past Headmasters of Hogwarts still really like to preserve your style and won't modify it too much."
Ilona proudly tidied her hair, then put on a matter-of-course expression.
"Of course! This is the style I designed! Even after a thousand years, it won't go out of style!"
"Then you guys familiarize yourselves with the current environment first, the students won't arrive until dinner time, and I'll be heading off first."
After Hode left, the four of them also left their own photos and began shuttling through other photos, observing today's Hogwarts.
"Hey! Little guy, do you know who I am?"
Godric came into The Fat Lady's photo and asked a Gryffindor student who stayed at Hogwarts for Christmas.
"Don't know." That student shook his head.
"Don't know?! Then you better remember this well! I am none other than Godric Gryffindor, the head of the renowned Four Founders of Hogwarts! How's that? Remembered it now, right!"
That student: "...Why are you such a braggart?"
After saying that, he walked straight into the Gryffindor Common Room without looking back.
Godric:...Are students nowadays all like this...
Godric didn't know what to say, and finally sighed helplessly, continuing to stroll around.
Meanwhile, Salazar's situation was completely different.
He originally headed towards the Slytherin Common Room, and was then noticed and recognized by a Slytherinstudent.
Salazar immediately nodded in satisfaction, and then that student took a picture of Salazar and posted it on the Hogwarts forum.
In a short while, this post immediately attracted the attention of a super large number of students.
Draco: Salazar Slytherin? Real or fake?
George: It's totally fake! If it's real, I'll let Little Ronniemarry you!
Fred: Draco, I'm telling you solemnly! You've struck gold!
Draco: Get lost!
Ron: Get lost!
McGonagall: George! Fred! The internet is not a place where you can speak casually! Mind your words! Do not mislead the young wizards!
And! You two are graduating this year! Still not seizing the time to study and striving to get good grades!
Fred: Professor, we've already planned it out. After graduation, we'll each open a magic joke shop in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
George: We will definitely bring laughter to everyone!
Ron: Where on earth did you guys get so much money to rent a shop?
Fred: It's a secret!
Ron: I am your biological younger brother!
George: Then that's all the more reason not to tell you!
Ron:...
Ron, sitting on the Hogwarts Express, angrily turned off his phone, and then intended to go find the Weasley Twins.
But he was stopped by Harry.
Harry: "Forget it, Ron. I think they're able to open shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at the same time, it definitely couldn't be done without Hode's help."
Luna nodded in agreement, and then picked up where Harry left off.
"If they told you on the forum that Hode helped them, what would other people think? They would also try to seek help from Hode, and if Hode refused, even if they wouldn't dare say anything against Hode, they would change their view of Hode in their hearts."
Through the explanation of the two, Ron finally realized that he actually asked such a brainless question!
Suddenly enlightened, Ron scratched his head in shame, and Draco on the side naturally wouldn't let go of such an opportunity, immediately starting to belittle Ron.
...Then the two started hurling abuses at each other again.
Fortunately, being on the train, the two couldn't start a fight, otherwise Harry and the others would have been able to watch an Octagon cage match.
Harry looked at the photo on the forum once again, feeling that this definitely had to do with Hode.
Chapter 169: Ron Has Spring Fever.
"It's actually true!"
After Harry and the others returned to Hogwarts, they saw Godric in front of the Gryffindor Common Room, frantically recounting his heroic deeds.
Godric also noticed Harry and the others, mainly because the scar on Harry's forehead was too conspicuous.
"Hey! You must be the Harry Potter they were talking about! Hahaha, as expected of someone from my great Gryffindor! Unlike Slytherin, which only ever produces Dark Lords."
Godric still mocked Slytherin a few times.
However, Slytherin in the past truly was a nest of Dark Wizards; the talented ones either became the Dark Lord or served as his subordinates.
The only decent and presentable figures were the reformed Snape and the already deceased Regulus.
Harry nodded, and seeing Godric still endlessly chatting with the Gryffindor students, Harry felt that Godric was simply another Ron.
Right up until dinnertime, the Four Founders returned to their portraits in the Great Hall. Meanwhile, the students ate dinner while discussing the Four Founders.
Ron gazed infatuatedly at Ilona's portrait, then said to Harry,
"I didn't expect Ravenclaw to be so gorgeous!"
Harry retorted, "She's a thousand years older than you! Besides, she's just a portrait, so stop being so infatuated."
Hearing Harry's words, Ron took a gulp of pumpkin juice, then let out a long sigh toward the sky.
"When you were born, I had not yet been born! When I was born, you were already old! How lamentable and tragic!"
Watching the raving Ron, Hode slapped him directly across the back of the head.
"You can't even eat in peace, and you're still reciting poetry? Do you think you're Li Bai?!"
Hode's slap made Ron stop looking at Ilona, and instead prudently enjoy the food.
After everyone finished eating, Dumbledore began to explain to the students.
"I believe everyone already knows the identities of the four people behind me."
Dumbledore stepped aside, allowing everyone to clearly see the appearances of the Four Founders.
Dumbledore continued, "I still want to introduce them to everyone! They are the creators of our Hogwarts!"
The students began to applaud, and Dumbledoreintroduced them one by one.
"Godric Gryffindor!"
"Salazar Slytherin!"
"Ilona Ravenclaw!"
"Helga Hufflepuff!"
Every time Dumbledore uttered a name, the students cheered enthusiastically.
And the four of them, Godric and the others, successively greeted the students.
"I hope all students can interact more with our four Hogwarts founders..."
Dumbledore did not speak much, and the evening party quickly concluded.
Returning to the Gryffindor Common Room, the group joyfully discussed various matters with Godric.
After all, being a Legend from a thousand years ago, the students loved listening to Godric's thrilling adventure stories.
Godric was also very happy to share, telling them stories of when he encountered werewolves, Vampires, defeated Giants, and slew Dragons.
Both Harry and Ron listened intently, fearing they would miss any details.
When they heard Godric recount how he used the Sword of Gryffindor to sever the head of a Hungarian Horntail, the students immediately cheered in admiration.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Salazar looked at the pure-blood students of Slytherin, somewhat at a loss for words.
Salazar glanced at the foolish-looking Goyle and Crabbe, feeling that all the face of pure-bloods had been completely lost!
"How could Slytherin have such students nowadays?"
Salazar sighed powerlessly; he truly hadn't expected that one day two fools would enter his House.
The only one here who caught his eye and seemed pleasing was the talented Draco.
Ilona was the same—
"How can you all sleep? At your age, you still have the mood to play? Look at your grades! I'm embarrassed to say you are Ravenclaw students of mine!"
Ilona angrily scolded certain students of Ravenclaw in the Common Room; she hadn't expected that when she casually asked a few simple questions, almost no one could answer them correctly!
The only thing that brought her comfort was Luna.
Upon seeing Luna, Ilona felt as though she were looking at her own childhood. And when she learned that Luna had once been bullied by fellow Ravenclaw students, Ilonafiercely lectured all the students right then and there.
Lower-year students:...We are wronged!
Hufflepuff was just as harmonious as Gryffindor.
Helga gracefully recounted the stories of her and the other three, and the Hufflepuff students listened quietly.
The fireplace in the Hufflepuff Common Room emitted a warm yellow glow, and the cozy heat made people feel relaxed.
Hufflepuff was undoubtedly the most comfortable House.
The days that followed didn't change much due to the arrival of the four; the students still ate what they should, played what they should, and enjoyed the happy campus life at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, the Four Founders also silently watched the Hogwarts students, just like other portraits, occasionally telling stories to students, answering questions, or partying with people in other portraits.
Winter passed and spring came—
Spring had arrived, once again a season when all things revived.
It was also a time easily stirring up romantic longings in students.
And our—Ron, Best Friend of The Savior, GryffindorQuidditch Player, Gryffindor prefect—had just started getting spring fever!
Ron, Harry, and Neville were chatting in the Common Room.
"Harry, who do you think is the best-looking person in our Gryffindor?"
Hearing Ron's question, Harry answered without even thinking, "In my eyes, it's Ginny!"
Ron rolled his eyes, "Damn! Talk about beauty being in the eye of the beholder. You still like my sister even though she's so violent, don't tell me you're obsessed with her!"
As soon as Ron finished speaking, Harry kicked his future brother-in-law off the sofa with one foot.
"Ouch! I was just joking! Just joking!"
Ron got up and sat back down in his original spot, then turned his head to look at Neville.
Neville thought for a moment, and finally said in Conan's tone, "Since you asked this question, Ron, and it was targeted specifically at Gryffindor, it means you've got the hots for some girl in our House!
And since Ginny and Hermione both have partners and you wouldn't set your sights on them, after ruling them out, the best-looking girl in our House is—Ariana! There is only one truth! And that is you! You have the hots for Ariana!"
Neville pushed up his non-existent glasses, looking at Ronwith the gaze of someone who had long seen through everything.
After listening to Neville's deduction, Harry looked at Ronincredulously.
"You've taken a fancy to Ariana?!"
Harry shouted almost at the top of his lungs, though fortunately there happened to be no one else in the Common Room, so no one heard what Harry said.
Having been exposed, Ron rubbed his head a bit sheepishly, then said bashfully,
"Keep it down! You guys have to help me with this matter!"
Harry pointed at himself, then pointed at Neville.
"Help you?! Buddy, Ariana is Professor Dumbledore's own sister! I don't want to fall asleep tomorrow and never wake up again!"
Harry said exaggeratedly. Of course Dumbledore wouldn't actually do that, but Harry didn't dare imagine what the consequences would be if Ron really went after Ariana.
Godric: "What? You want to chase Albus's sister?!"
Godric suddenly appeared in a portrait in the Common Room, then applauded admiringly.
"Impressive! Little Ron. As expected of someone from my great Gryffindor, you've got enough guts! It's just a pity you lack self-awareness."
Veins began to bulge on Ron's forehead, and he angrily looked at Godric in the portrait.
"Enough already! Who gilds their own face like that? And what do you mean I lack self-awareness? Do you guys distrust me this much?"
Harry and Neville exchanged glances, then nodded repeatedly.
Ron's veins bulged even more.
Harry explained helplessly, "It's not like I'm trying to lecture you, Ron. What were you thinking? How could you even think of pursuing Ariana?"
Harry spread his palms, looking at Ron with an exaggerated expression.
"You have to know that ever since Ariana enrolled, quite a few bold ones have confessed to her, but in the end, they were all cleanly and neatly rejected. Moreover, those rejected boys went to Hogsmeade and without exception were invited by Grandfather Aberforth to drink Butterbeer. When they came back, they didn't even dare glance at Ariana."
Hearing Harry's words, Ron swallowed hard.
"It... it couldn't be that serious... Grandpa Aberforth and I are somewhat on friendly terms, right...?"
Ron said, trembling with fear, and Neville's next words undoubtedly shattered Ron's illusions.
"We've probably only met a few times at most. If we're talking about someone with a good relationship with Grandpa Aberforth, that would only be Hode. If you really go chase Ariana, I think Grandpa Aberforth definitely won't let you off!"
Harry added, "I think Hode probably won't plead for you either."
Ron gave up struggling and collapsed straight onto the sofa.
"Then what am I supposed to do?! Hode has Hermione, you hooked up with my sister, Neville is with Hannah, and even Draco got with Astoria! Now I'm the only single dog left!"
Ron complained, and Godric in the portrait lectured him in frustration, "How can you put all your thoughts into dating? There is clearly plenty of time that can be used for adventures, why force romance? I think those two brothers of yours are fantastic."
Ever since Godric learned of the past deeds of the Weasley Twins, he immediately declared the two to be his most perfect successors.
He hadn't heard the story of Dungbomb VS Karkaroff for a whole minute.
To Godric's words, Ron didn't listen at all.
"Harry, Neville. Just help me out! We're good brothers after all!"
Facing Ron's plea, the two of them shook their heads in unison.
Harry: "Sorry, Ron. I really don't want to be invited by Grandpa Aberforth to drink Butterbeer."
Neville: "Sorry, Ron. Even if we help you, I don't think Ariana would take a fancy to you."
"Crack!"
Ron felt as though he heard the sound of his own heart shattering.
"Fine! Since you guys won't help me, then I'll go find someone else!"
Chapter 170: The End of the Fifth Year
"So you came looking for me?"
Inside the suitcase, Hode speechlessly looked at Ron, who was hugging his trouser leg, and sighed.
Ron was crying profusely, wearing an expression that said if Hode didn't help him, he would shamelessly cling on.
Hode and Hermione were originally enjoying their leisurely vacation when Ron contacted Hode using a mobile phone, saying he wanted to meet him.
Hode teleported Ron right in front of him, but unexpectedly, Ron was looking for Hode because he wanted Hode to help him figure out a way to pursue Ariana!
Hermione looked at Ron with equal helplessness. "Not to be mean, but what do you think Ariana could possibly see in you?"
Ron thought for a moment, then patted his chest.
"I promise I only love her! I'll always treat her well! I'll always support her!"
Hode: "That's what a boyfriend is supposed to do in the first place; it can't count as a reason for her to choose you."
Ron thought again, then said, "Well... I'm strong! I can protect her! And I'm also in Gryffindor..."
Hermione facepalmed, almost unable to bear watching any longer.
"You haven't even beaten Ariana in a fight, yet you talk about protecting her. Besides, Ariana isn't going to fall in love with you just because you're in Gryffindor! Arianacertainly doesn't discriminate against students from other houses!"
Hermione's words left Ron speechless, and he could only look at Hode with a pleading gaze once more.
"Sigh—are you dead set on Ariana? Aren't Parvati and Lavender pretty too? They've known you for so many years as well."
Ron immediately retorted, "Precisely because of that, I'm too embarrassed to pursue them! Just think about how embarrassing I was in my previous years! In our second year, the Howler my mother sent me is still vivid in my mind!"
"Pfft!"
Hermione covered her mouth and laughed, unable to forget Ron's appearance back then. This was indeed one of Ron's biggest dark histories.
Ron continued, "And last year, that whole business with Draco and me... Fred and George even turned it into photos and handed them out everywhere!"
Hode:...Fine, he couldn't forget about this either. After all, he and Hermione still kept that photo to this day.
"There's nothing I can do. Given Ariana's straightforward personality, I think you should just confess directly. If it works, it works; if not, then it doesn't."
Ron: "...Must it be like this? I feel like I'm reaching the end of my rope."
Hode patted Ron's head like teasing a puppy and said, "As the saying goes: Everyone dies sooner or later, so you'll die whether it's early or late! Don't chicken out, just go for it!"
Encouraged by Hode, Ron mustered his courage again and said with a determined look, "That's right! Die early or die late, death comes either way! Just go for it!"
————
"I'm sorry, Ron. I just treat you like my younger brother."
Ariana bowed apologetically to Ron, then returned to her dormitory.
Hode, Hermione, Harry, Neville, Ginny, and Godric were all in the corner of the Common Room, watching the entire process of Ron confessing to Ariana from start to finish.
"Tsk tsk tsk, I knew it. What was Ron thinking? How dare he go and confess?"
Hode shook his head and muttered mockingly. Hermionebeside him rolled her eyes.
"Weren't you the one who egged him on? Now look at this, I guess we won't be seeing Ron anymore in the future."
Neville scratched his head and asked in confusion, "Why?"
Hermione: "Because I think he's going to participate in a sport called going downstairs. Though not by taking the stairs, nor by using magic."
Neville thought for a moment, then said with sudden realization, "Isn't that just jumping off a building? Surely it wouldn't come to that! Ron wouldn't crumble under pressure like that..."
Ginny smiled and explained, "Sister Hermione is just teasing you. Ron's skin is as thick as they come! How could he jump just because he got rejected?"
And just as Ginny said, after being rejected, Ron didn't do anything drastic; he just returned to his dormitory looking dejected.
"Is that it? I thought there would be some kind of match,"
Godric curled his lips in a bored manner.
Harry asked in surprise, "Why would you think there'd be a match?!"
Godric immediately explained, "That's because Wizards back in our day all confessed through duels! If you gained each other's recognition during the fight, you'd get together."
Harry's mouth twitched, not knowing how to make fun of it.
"Alright, now that it's over, Harry and Neville, you two go comfort Ron properly. Hermione and I are heading out first."
As soon as his voice fell, Hode and Hermione instantly vanished.
"Sigh, let's go, Neville. The two of us have to work again."
Harry sighed, then walked back to the dormitory with Neville to counsel Ron.
As for Ariana, she actually forgot about this matter very quickly.
However, after Aberforth learned about this news through a portrait in Hogwarts, on a certain day when students could visit Hogsmeade...
Aberforth stood at the entrance of the village early on, waiting for Ron's arrival.
But because of fear, Ron didn't show up at all that day, leaving Aberforth waiting foolishly all morning and all afternoon.
Afterwards, Ron heard from Harry that Aberforth cursed and scolded Ron as they were leaving, saying that if Ronever dared to appear in Hogsmeade, he would make him pay.
This made Ron even more terrified of going to Hogsmeade!
Soon, spring passed and summer came.
With exams approaching, Harry and the others also put aside their playful mindsets and began studying seriously.
This greatly gratified Godric and Helga, but Ilona and Salazar were extremely dissatisfied, thinking that they hadn't prepared early and were cramming at the last minute, which was truly a disgrace to them.
It was even more so for the Seventh Year; the dark circles under the Weasley Twins' eyes grew heavier day by day. Even though they brewed Pepperup Potion, it was of no use. When they needed to sleep, they slept; when they were tired, they were tired!
Fortunately, hard work pays off!
When the day of the exams arrived, everyone performed exceptionally well! Of course, this also included their hard work and talent.
In short, they would undoubtedly dominate the top rankings of the grade once again.
Including Hode.
During Hode's exams, those examiners who were over a hundred or nearly two hundred years old all looked at Hode with looks of admiration.
They had all watched the video of Hode fighting Dumbledore and Death.
Even they had no choice but to revere a Legend like Hode!
It could be said that across all of Britain, no one didn't worship Hode!
The world's strongest at only fifteen years old!
The man who once defeated gods!
The undisputed strongest!
Absolute strength, the loneliness born from it, what teaches you to love is...
Ahem, drifted off-topic again.
Returning to the main topic, after the exams finished, the Weasley Twins could be said to be completely liberated.
They joyfully lit the fireworks they had prepared. Even in broad daylight, students could see colorful fireworks appearing in the sky around the castle. The deafening explosions kept them endlessly excited.
It seemed these fireworks could not fully express the joyful times they had spent at Hogwarts. Although Hogwartsnever retained anyone for long, every single scratch and every inch of land within it represented countless wonderful stories that had happened here.
Professor McGonagall stood in front of her office window, watching the Weasley Twins flying in the air on broomsticks, without stepping forward to stop them.
Because she knew that from this moment on, this pair of rowdy twins would bid farewell to their Hogwarts story and welcome a brand-new adventure.
"How truly delightful! We really didn't make a mistake! Creating Hogwarts is the greatest achievement of my life!"
Godric said with a smile, and Salazar beside him unusually didn't refute him.
Soon, Hode and the others received their report cards.
First place was still unquestionably Hermione.
Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, History of Magic, and Astronomy—the seven core subjects—as well as Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy—the two elective subjects—were all full marks!
A total of 9 O's.
Next was Hode with 8 O's.
Because Hode only chose one elective, Care of Magical Creatures—and that was only chosen out of consideration for Hagrid—Hode only took 8 subjects in total.
Next came Harry. Except for Divination and History of Magic, where he didn't get O's, everything else was an O, making a total of seven O's.
And there was also Ariana with seven O's!
This left everyone greatly surprised.
Aside from Hode, they hadn't expected Ariana to be able to score such high marks.
Ariana's electives were Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. She got O's in both of those subjects, and only Astronomy and History of Magic failed to get O's.
Next, Draco, Ron, and Neville tied for the spot!
Except for Astronomy, History of Magic, and the elective Divination class where they didn't get O's, everything else was an O.
All three of them got 6 O's.
The seven of them perfectly monopolized the top seven spots of the Fifth Year, leaving the other students far behind.
And the Weasley Twins also received their report cards.
Because they inherently had good talent, but spent most of their time pulling pranks, their grades hadn't been good enough before. But they genuinely worked hard in their final year and successfully earned five O's!
However, they didn't care too much about that.
The reason they worked so hard was because they promised Hode that as long as their grades were passable, Hode would sponsor the two of them to open a wizarding joke shop each in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade!
And now, Hode naturally kept his promise, handing the two land deeds over to them.
"Well, from now on these two plots of land are yours, but I want a ten percent share."
"Of course! After all, you're the boss investing in us!"
The Weasley Twins didn't hesitate or show any reluctance at all; they even felt that the shares Hode was taking were a bit too little.
"So, are you planning to manage one shop each afterwards, or how is it going to work?"
Faced with Hode's question, the two had already discussed it.
Fred: "We plan to focus our energy together on the shop in Diagon Alley first!"
George: "And the shop in Hogsmeade will be handed over to Angelina to manage!"
Hode nodded understandingly. Just like in the original work, Angelina ended up together with Fred.
Because of Hode's intervention, Voldemort died early, so Fred wouldn't be sacrificed and cause Angelina to marry George.
Thinking of this, Hode looked at George again.
"When are you going to find a girlfriend too?"
George smiled bashfully and then said, "Once I've earned enough money, I will!"
(This book will probably end at the end of the month. It took three months, and I persevered through it.
The author has a few ideas for the next book, but I don't know which one would be better to write. Everyone give me some suggestions.
Do you guys want to read fanfiction or original work?
As for fanfiction, after much thought, the author thinks writing Pokémon would be quite good. After all, the author really likes Pokémon, and after going to college, I even specially bought a Switch and Pokémon Violet, so writing Pokémon shouldn't be much of a problem. However, if I write Pokémon, the author probably won't start from 0 like others, letting the protagonist grow step by step slowly; the author really doesn't know how to write that kind of slow-burn story. The author will probably write about the protagonist being born in Paldea, with their strength already reaching a certain level, followed by some daily life interwoven with the main plot.
Next is Naruto. The author is an absolute Naruto fan, having watched it since childhood. Now I also play Naruto every day. Although my skills barely reach Super, I still love playing it. If I write Naruto, it would probably be something like the protagonist getting a system like Jiahao's or similar.
Then there's original work——
For original works, the main thing is that the unit price is high; writing fanfiction has too low a unit price. Moreover, original stories allow for free expression without being constrained by an existing plot.
I also have two ideas for original work. One is to write a Western fantasy world, probably about swords and magic.
The author quite likes Overlord, KonoSuba, and Mushoku Tensei and the like.
Adventure, combat, various magical beasts and spirits, saikou!!!
If I write Western fantasy, the author will still make it similar to this book, having the protagonist born as a dragon, and then setting off on an adventure with a legal elf loli... hehe ❍ ⩊ ❍ (And it will probably be multi-heroine.)
Then there's modern urban. The author has always kept coming across various "this-or-that" choices recently.
Then I saw a video about choosing between 520,000 power level and a first love/white moonlight. The author just wants to write about the protagonist directly obtaining all abilities of Lord Frieza, and then completely cutting out the nonsense!
If I could travel to other worlds, like going to Shinjuku to beat Sukuna, or going to the Infinity castle in Demon Slayer to beat Muzan, it feels like it would be quite fun... But it seems it would become fanfiction again, but it doesn't matter, as long as it's fun.
The author probably wants to choose one of these four to write. Give me some suggestions, everyone. I will read all of your comments!)
Chapter 171: Trip to Japan
"What?! Dad, you're quitting?!"
Inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor's office, Harry looked in surprise at James, who had packed his luggage.
"Why?"
James laughed heartily, then ruffled Harry's hair.
"I originally promised Headmaster Dumbledore to serve as a Professor for a year, and I certainly don't want to do it for a lifetime, it's too tiring! I still prefer to stay and enjoy life with your mom."
The Potter family's shampoo business was doing very well; even if the James family didn't work, it would be enough to live comfortably for a lifetime.
However, James and Lily certainly wouldn't just do nothing. Lily was exceptional at Potions, and she had also joined the Potions Makers' magic Association, occasionally brewing and selling various Potions.
It could be said that as long as one had a marketable skill, they basically wouldn't have to worry about lacking money in the wizarding world. (Unless, like the Weasleys, they gave birth to seven children and still couldn't save any money.)
And after going back this time, James would take over his family business.
"Alright, then do you know who next year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor will be?"
Hearing Harry's inquiry, James wore a mysterious smile.
"Cannot be said, cannot be said ~"
Harry:... Riddlers, get out of Hogwarts!
Returning to the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry told Ron and the others about his old man stepping down as a Professor.
Ron: "Then we'll have to change Professors again next year. I wonder who it will be?"
Neville: "It shouldn't be a fool; after all, now that Voldemort is dead, his curse has also disappeared. The welfare for Hogwarts faculty and staff is quite good, so there should be many people coming to apply for the job."
Neville gave his thoughts, and the others strongly agreed.
The Fifth Year ended just like that. Although Hode had approached Snape and others to ask if they were willing to take on the position of Death, they all declined one by one.
With no other choice, Hode could only use an Alchemypuppet as a substitute for the time being, letting it temporarily accept the divine seat of Death to fulfill the duties, and named it Nasus.
Although without Death, most Souls would still return to the underworld on their own. However, there might still be some Souls lingering in the mortal world, which required Death to work.
Furthermore, the Souls killed by Death's Killing Cursewould all enter Death's weapon.
Therefore, Nasus had to clear out the Souls inside from time to time and release them.
---
During the upcoming summer vacation, everyone was enjoying their holidays.
Not long after the summer vacation began, Hode came alone to the Erechtheion temple in Greece.
Three years had passed, and nothing here had changed in the slightest. It was just as old and dilapidated, completely lacking any sign that it was a place gods had visited.
Hode sensed his surroundings; divine power had long since vanished. The last time he saw Athena, her divine power had already been exhausted by her.
Hode simply controlled all the sightseeing tourists, making them leave this place, and then began to emanate his own divine power.
"Long time no see, Hode."
Athena's figure was quickly summoned out by Hode's divine power.
"Death is dead."
Hode's words were very direct and concise.
Athena nodded, "I have long known."
"Then you're just going to let my Alchemy puppet take on the position of Death?"
Athena: "Yes, we have witnessed your strength. To be honest, we don't think we are your match, so we won't restrict you in any way; we only hope you can protect this world well."
Hode nods with a matter-of-fact look.
"Of course, after all, this is my world!"
Athena smiled and then asked: "Did you look for me just for this matter?"
Hode looked at Athena, then scratched his head and said in a deep voice:
"Do you know how to make a mortal become a god?"
Athena was somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected Hode to ask her this question.
"There are two methods. One is like how you killed Death, seizing its divine seat. The other is relying on one's own strength, gathering faith to achieve godhood. Currently, only Merlin has accomplished this."
Hode knowingly nodded, then smiled and said: "I get it. I don't have any other questions. When I have time, I'll go visit your place."
"As you wish, but I suppose if most gods knew you were going, they'd probably be scared to death."
"Hahaha! Then I'm even more looking forward to it!"
Time passed once again ---
Arriving in August.
Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, Luna, Ginny, and Ariana—all seven of them arrived at Nurmengard, and they all brought large bags and small packages.
"Is this... Nurmengard?!"
Ron said somewhat nervously. On the contrary, Ginny was quite fascinated by this place, looking here and there along the way, touching this and that.
"Everyone is here."
Hode and Hermione suddenly appeared in front of the crowd, and finding everyone present, immediately teleported them into Nurmengard.
"Have you all brought your luggage?"
Harry patted his package and said confidently: "Packed and ready! When are we setting off?"
As early as a week ago, Hode had Jinx deliver a letter to the seven of them.
Inside, it stated an invitation for the several of them to head to Japan together.
Because last year's battle between Hode, Dumbledore, and Death caused tsunamis and volcanic eruptions that made life miserable for Japan.
But due to Hode's strength, they didn't dare say anything either, and could only frequently write letters saying they wanted to invite Hode to visit, when in reality they hoped to serve Hode well so he would calm those volcanoes.
Hode certainly knew their thoughts. The reason he agreed wasn't to help them, but because Hode genuinely wanted to go play in places like Shinjuku and Shibuya.
After all, who wouldn't want to passionately have a tense and thrilling showdown in Shinjuku, then say a few transcendent remarks, and finally be turned into a meme image by netizens to achieve cyber immortality!
"Since everyone is ready, let's set off right now!"
Having said that, Hode took Hermione's hand, divine power began to wrap around everyone, and they teleported together to the Ministry of Magic in Tokyo.
"Gibberish gibberish..."
As soon as Hode and the others arrived, a Japanese official chattered away in some gibberish.
But soon, Japan's Minister for Magic, Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan, immediately came to Hode's side.
"Welcome to you and your friends! We've finally longed for your arrival!"
Afterwards, Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan chattered on a whole bunch more, but Hode didn't listen to a single word of it at all, instead interrupting:
"We are here to play!"
Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan immediately understood Hode's meaning, then patted his chest and said: "Of course, it was my loose tongue! All expenses for you and your friends here will be paid by the Ministry of Magic! You can play to your heart's content. Do you need me to arrange interpreters for you?"
As Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan's voice fell, the official nearby immediately took out nine prepared black cards, with the passwords written on the back, all uniformly being eight 8s.
"No need, this is fine."
Hode took the black cards and brought the several of them to a deserted corner in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Then Hode cast a bit of magic on everyone.
"I'rather transmitted Japanese memories to you, which will allow you to communicate without barriers, along with some protective magic. You can move freely; just contact me on your phones if anything comes up."
With that said, he distributed the black cards to everyone.
Ron excitedly took the black card and then started dancing around with joy.
"This is the first time I've ever heard someone say all expenses are paid by them! How much money is in here?"
Hode explained: "About a hundred million or so, anyway, it's enough for you to spend."
Ron became even more excited, his hand holding the card starting to tremble.
"Then I must go and have a huge feast! Harry, Neville, Draco, let's go! Let's live it up right away!"
Harry scratched his head, then looked at Ron with an apologetic expression.
"Sorry, Ron. I want to spend some quality time shopping with Ginny."
These words caused the three of them—Ron and the others—to look at him with expressions of disgust.
Draco: "Tch, don't come if you don't want to, who cares! Let's go!"
Then the three of them left without looking back, abandoning Harry, who had betrayed his brothers.
Afterward, Ginny and Harry also started sightseeing.
That just left Luna, Hode, and Hermione—the three of them.
"Then where are we going first?" Luna followed Hode very naturally.
Hermione didn't mind either; after all, she and Hode had traveled together several times, and having an extra Lunaaround now was no big deal.
"Hmm... how about going to a maid café in Shibuya first? —— Ah!"
Hermione punched Hode heavily on the head, leaving Lunadumbfounded at the sight.
"Hermione, you actually managed to hurt Hode! That's way too awesome!"
"Humph ╯^╰, of course!"
Actually, Hermione had wrapped her fist with the divine power inside her ring so she could effectively cause Hodepain.
However, this bit of damage could only make Hode feel a bit of pain at most.
"Just kidding, let's go stroll around too! Whatever we see, we buy."
Hode immediately pacified Hermione's emotions; after all, heaven and earth were vast, but the wife was the greatest.
Although Shibuya in the 90s wasn't as full of anime/2D culture vibes as the future, it could still make people feel a special sense of the future and past intertwining.
Hode looked at the various shops along the street, and from time to time could still see the unique street Kogals of the 90s.
"Not allowed to look!"
Hermione immediately pulled the somewhat curious Hodeaway from those Kogals.
"Is there anything you girls want to buy? I'rather paying!"
Hode said with a cheeky grin, causing Hermione and Lunato both roll their eyes.
"Taking someone else's card and claiming you're treating, you really are thick-skinned."
At this moment, Hode seemed to sense something, looking toward five young men and women walking toward them head-on.
Hermione and Luna similarly noticed Hode's gaze focusing on the three men and two women ahead.
"What is it?"
Hermione asked softly, and Luna also tilted her ear to listen.
"Nothing, just five Wizards."
"They're Wizards?!"
Hermione said in surprise; she hadn't expected that they could just randomly stroll down the street and run into Wizards.
Similarly, those five Wizards also noticed the three of them—Hode and the others.
And when those three male Wizards saw Hermione and Luna by Hode's side, their eyes immediately widened.
"Whoa! Big bro! Those two foreigners are really gorgeous!"
One of the men with a sharp-mouthed and monkey-cheeked appearance said to the one walking right in the middle who looked unmistakably like the boss.
And that boss also nodded in agreement, a gleeful smile appearing on his lecherous face.
Chapter 172 Shinjuku Decisive Battle
The two voices were not concealed at all, and Hode and the other two heard them clearly.
Hermione and Luna frowned tightly; they did not expect that a Wizard from Japan would actually have such poor character.
As for Hode, he was wondering why he was only encountering this kind of face-slapping plot now.
Shouldn't this be something he should have encountered a few years ago? The female lead encounters a creepy perverted man, and then he descends like a king from the sky to save Hermione from dire straits—a standard story of a hero saving the damsel.
But now he was invincible under heaven! Besides, last year's battle with Dumbledore was not only broadcast live throughout, but also made into countless videos. How could any Wizard dare to lay a hand on his people right in front of him!
Just as Hode thought, after seeing Hode's face, one of the women was stunned for a moment, and then panicked and tugged hard on the big guy's clothes.
"Hm? What are you doing?"
That big guy turned his head impatiently to look at the woman who pulled his clothes.
"B-Big... Big brother... He..."
The woman pointed at Hode tremblingly, too nervous to speak.
"What about him? What are you stuttering for! Are you asking for a beating!"
That big guy shook off the woman's hand, and then looked closely at Hode...
"You... You are!"
The other four also realized that standing in front of them was the strongest man they worshipped—Hode Dumbledore Grindelwald!
Without communication, the five of them knelt down in perfect synchronization.
"Ho... Great Mr. Grindelwald! Please forgive us! We were blinded by lust just now! I am sorry! I am sorry!"
The three men kowtowed crazily while shouting words of apology.
The other two women lowered their bodies, adopting a standard kneeling posture, but looked up at Hode.
The actions of the five quickly drew the attention of the surrounding Muggles, who were surrounding Hode and the others.
However, Hode immediately used a large-scale Confundus Charm and Memory Charm, erasing the ordinary people's memories from just now and making them ignore Hodeand the others.
Hermione asked Hode: "What should be done with them?"
Hermione knew Hode's temper; as long as his taboos weren't triggered, Hode would not care about anyone's fate.
And coincidentally, Hermione was Hode's greatest taboo!
Therefore, although Hode looked expressionless right now, he had actually developed the intent to kill.
Hode rubbed Hermione's head, then conjured a blindfold out of thin air and slipped it over Luna's eyes.
Luna only found her vision turning dark, and then tried to lift the blindfold, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get rid of it.
Hode looked back at the three men whose foreheads were bleeding from kowtowing, and said in a cold voice:
"Head! You are raising it too high!"
The three men were somewhat puzzled, but they no longer had the chance to think.
Because the moment Hode's words fell, his slash directly severed the heads of the three men! Making them cosplay Louis XVI.
As for the other two women who dared not raise their heads the entire time, they could feel that the three people next to them were already dead. Because their bodies had long lost support and collapsed heavily to the ground. Fresh blood flowed in front of them, yet they dared not make any screams, only trembling all over with fear.
They even felt as if they had been scared to pee!
Looking at the corpses of the three men, Hermione didn't feel much; she didn't think the three were pitiful or deserved to escape their fate.
Hermione knew this wasn't right; perhaps it was because she had spent too much time with Hode and had long been tainted by some of Hode's personality.
Facing irrelevant and even repulsive people, Hermione had also become like Hode, treating those people like NPCs. Regarding the Death of NPCs, Hermione didn't care at all.
"What about those two?"
Hermione said coldly, but in the hearts of the two women, it sounded like a sentence on their lives.
Hode said to the two women:
"Scram, I don't kill women."
Hearing this, the hearts of the two instantly settled a bit. They only felt that Hode's words were as pleasant as an angel's song.
The two immediately stood up, then thanked him sincerely, and sprinted away without looking back, as if a man-eating dragon was behind them.
Hermione raised the Wand in her hand and said coldly:
"Hode doesn't kill women! But I do!"
Then, two similarly invisible slashes split the two in half, instantly taking away their lives.
Throughout the whole process, Hode didn't stop Hermione, nor did he hint at her. All of this was a decision Hermione made herself!
Hode asked curiously: "Why? I thought you would stop me from killing!"
Hode really didn't expect it; he thought Hermione would complain about him killing those three men, but as a result, Hermione not only said nothing, but also killed the other two women.
Hermione blushed, turned her head away, and said shyly: "This is all your fault!"
"How is it my fault again?"
Hode pointed at himself with an exaggerated expression, looking wrongfully accused.
"As the saying goes, one who stays near ink turns black! You must take full responsibility for me becoming like this!"
Hermione looked at Hode proudly with an expression that said she was right.
Hode scratched his face helplessly and then sighed.
"Sigh, understood! Everything is my fault! It was me who turned our Hermione into black sesame paste."
"What black sesame paste! It doesn't sound good at all!"
Hermione feigned anger, her right palm imbued with divine power striking hard on Hode's shoulder.
"Awooo! Wrong, wrong! It's not black sesame paste... It's... a female demon king!"
Hode said with a grin. The title of female demon king made Hermione even more unhappy, and she slapped Hode hard again.
"Ah—! Wrong, wrong! I was really wrong this time! Spare my life, Your Majesty!"
Luna: "... I say—can you help me take off the blindfold first?"
————
Hode cleaned up the surrounding bloodstains, and then threw the corpses of the five people into the Pacific Oceanto feed the sharks.
Afterwards, the three strolled around for a while until the afternoon.
The three came to the place Hode had been looking forward to with all his heart—Shinjuku!
Even though it was still 23 years away from 2018, many buildings already existed here.
Looking at the familiar buildings around him, Hode couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
"That's right! This is the place! Since we've arrived in Shinjuku, how can there not be a tense and exciting battle?"
Hermione and Luna tilted their heads and looked at Hodein puzzlement.
"Why do we have to fight when we get here? And with your current strength, who can exchange a few moves with you?"
Hearing Hermione's words, Hode also sighed helplessly.
"Yeah! Right now no one can make me feel an exciting battle. If I had known, I should have come here earlier, back when I wasn't strong enough, to fight a match with Old Dumbledore or Old Gellert. That way I could say a few edgy lines and then get made into a Laoda meme!"
Hermione and Luna:... What on earth?
"Ahem! But I think this dream is still possible to achieve."
After saying that, Hode turned around and looked at Hermione.
"Hermione, you possess a super abundance of divine power given by me. As long as you use it properly, you can still exchange a couple of moves with me! How about it? Do you want to have a match with me?"
Hermione was somewhat surprised; she didn't expect Hode to actually want to have a match with her.
Although Hermione had fought Hode a few times before, those were all Hode testing her learning results, and Hodehadn't been serious the whole time.
Now facing Hode's invitation, Hermione was willing to satisfy this small request of his.
"Alright! But you must be careful not to hurt the ordinary people around."
Hode waved his hand casually and said with an indifferent look: "Doesn't matter, forget it! Leave them alone!"
After saying that, Hode directly cast a Confundus Charmover the entire Shinjuku, and then teleported everyone inside Shinjuku away.
Luna immediately ran between the two and started acting as the referee.
"Match—Start!"
As soon as Luna's voice fell, Hode wrapped Luna in divine power and teleported her into the sky.
After doing this, Hode took a stride and instantly arrived in front of Hermione.
"Morata! (Got you!)"
Just as Hode reached out to grab Hermione, Hermioneinstantly disappeared from her spot, and then suddenly appeared one hundred meters behind Hode.
Hermione raised her Wand and chanted:
"Extreme Lightning Chidori!"
"Screech—!"
Blue lightning turned into the shape of a bird and flew out from Hermione's Wand, accompanied by lightning and a sharp eagle cry, rushing toward Hode at a very fast speed.
"Earth Flow Wall!"
A ten-meter-high, five-meter-thick earth wall carved with a dragon head instantly rose from the ground, directly blocking Hermione's attack.
"This move is useless against me! Hermione."
After dismissing the earth wall, Hode began to fly into the air, extended a finger, and said:
"To avoid some misunderstandings, let me remind you just in case. You—are the challenger!"
Hode finally said this line in Shinjuku, and at this moment he was undoubtedly refreshed.
However, Hermione didn't give Hode time to enjoy it, immediately pointing her Wand at Hode.
"Release!"
An invisible slash rapidly slashed toward Hode, but Hodejust gently twisted his body and dodged this attack.
"Hermione, right at this moment! There's no need to use words to express it, right!"
Hode pounded his chest hard, and then grinned as he looked at Hermione.
"Expelliarmus!" × 2
The two used Expelliarmus simultaneously, and the red lightning, comparable to the size of a train, collided in mid-air!
The powerful impact completely destroyed the buildings symbolizing human civilization.
Relying on the abyss-like divine power inside the ringgiven by Hode, Hermione was able to continuously standoff against Hode's magic.
But soon, Hode actively canceled his magic and flashed behind Hermione in a blur.
Because she was dealing with Hode with all her might, when Hode canceled his magic, Hermione lost her footing and immediately fell forward.
However, Hode had already appeared behind her, steadily holding Hermione in his arms.
"I win, this is called taking it by strategy~ darling~"
Hermione felt somewhat helpless; even though he was already invincible under heaven, he was still so childish. But she didn't say anything, instead quietly leaning into Hode's embrace, smelling the unique fragrance on Hode's body.
And Hode naturally started to deliver his victory speech!
"This is truly delightful! Hermione! I think I will never forget you in this lifetime!"
Narration: The strongest record, engraved in Shinjuku!
Chapter 173 Horace Slughorn
Afterwards, Hode and his group had a good time playing in Japan for a week.
It was not until the few of them were getting ready to leave that Japan's Minister for Magic Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan realized something was wrong and immediately brought some officials to find Hode, who was out shopping with Hermione.
"Mr. Grindelwald! I wonder how you and your companions have been enjoying yourselves these past few days?"
"It's alright," Hode said, picking his ear and speaking with utter indifference.
Hearing this, the veins on Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan's forehead bulged slightly as he frantically cursed Hode and the others in his heart.
"It's alright?! You guys spent billions of yen in just one week! You call this alright?!"
"And those buildings in Shinjuku that were suddenly destroyed, do you dare say you weren't the one who did it? You made us spend a huge amount of time modifying their memories!"
Hode glanced at Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan, who was smiling without any warmth, and let out a chuckle.
"What? Is something the matter, Minister Memu?"
Hearing this, Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan also stopped his inner cursing and immediately put on a flattering smile.
"Umm... Mr. Grindelwald. Could you please help us pacify those volcanoes? The battle between you and Mr. Dumbledore has caused multiple volcanoes here to erupt frequently over the past year or so. Therefore, we would like to..."
"None of my fucking business."
Hode directly interrupted Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan's words, smiling disdainfully.
"What?"
Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan was completely stunned; he hadn't expected Hode to speak so bluntly. It was the kind of remark only a street punk would make, completely disregarding someone else's face.
Even Dumbledore, if he were unwilling to help, would very tactfully change the subject, rather than bluntly saying something like it was none of his fucking business the way Hode did.
"You didn't think I didn't know you were cursing me in your heart just now, did you? I heard every single word of it without missing a thing!"
Hode's tone began to turn icy, and then he grabbed Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan by the neck with one hand, lifting him up.
"You've got a lot of nerve! Daring to curse us in your heart! It seems you don't want to keep playing Earth Online anymore."
Although Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan didn't know what Earth Online was, he knew that Hode truly wanted to kill him!
Therefore, Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuanimmediately began to apologize.
"I'm sorry! Please forgive my foolishness! Please spare my dog's life... Plea... Plea..."
Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan spoke excitedly, but Hode's hand gripped his neck tightly, making his breathing increasingly difficult and rendering his voice hard to utter.
Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan immediately began to struggle, kicking his feet wildly and trying to pry open Hode's fingers with both hands.
But obviously, everything Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan did was in vain. He could only feel his breathing becoming increasingly difficult and his consciousness beginning to blur.
In the end—Japan's Minister for Magic was thus choked to Death by Hode in his hands!
Hode released his palm, and Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan's corpse fell heavily to the ground without making any movement.
The officials brought by Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan all didn't dare to breathe a word, as they certainly didn't consider themselves a match for Hode.
Hermione pulled at Hode, "Will this really be okay?"
Hode held Hermione's hand, giving her a sufficient sense of security.
"Of course, there's no problem at all."
After saying this, Hode took Hermione and headed to the place where the others had agreed to meet.
After Hode left, those officials dared to step forward to check whether Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuan was truly dead.
Upon confirming that Minister for Magic Memu Xiaochuanwas dead, the few of them felt no sadness at all; instead, their hearts became even more excited.
The Death of a Minister would cause a massive reshuffle of positions among the Ministry of Magic officials! Everyone wanted to advance further, let alone the fact that the few people here were high-ranking executives of the Ministry of Magic! Any of them could potentially take on the position of Minister.
No one would bother paying attention to Japan's subsequent movements. Hode and his group brought the goods they bought and returned to England early.
After returning to Nurmengard, Hode sent everyone back to their respective homes.
When Hode returned once more, he saw Gellert holding an oversized maid outfit, looking at it with a strange expression in his eyes.
"Kid, I really didn't expect you to have this kind of fetish!"
Gellert looked at Hode, and that strange gaze caused Hode to immediately retort.
"This is something Hermione and I bought for you and Old Dumbledore! Whichever of you likes it can wear it, how's that? Am I not very filial?"
Gellert: "...You are going to kill me with your filial piety!"
——
Time was accelerated once again by Made in Heaven, and the summer vacation ended amidst the wails of students and teachers.
Returning to school, perhaps due to the absence of the Weasley Twins, Hogwarts seemed not as lively as before.
But Hogwarts was always Hogwarts!
Laughter and joy would never be lacking here.
The few of them came to the Great Hall, and Harry looked at the Professors at the staff table.
Then he spotted a chubby elderly person who looked even older than Professor McGonagall.
"Is he our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor this year? He looks almost as old as Professor Dumbledore."
The others also looked at the old man, and then Hermioneimmediately shook her head to refute Harry.
"I know him! He was the former Potions Class Professor—Horace Slughorn! His age is close to Professor Dumbledore's, and he served as the Potions ClassProfessor for a very long time! Before Snape took office, he was the one teaching it."
Because Hode greatly disliked and was not good at dealing with people, whenever Hode attended some banquets, he would always bring Hermione along and let her help him converse. Hode would simply follow quietly behind Hermione, and anyone who didn't know better would think Hode was the one tagging along after Hermione.
Since Hermione attended many such events, she naturally got to know many celebrities in the wizarding world, one of whom was Horace.
After hearing Hermione's explanation, the few of them became somewhat puzzled again.
"Why is the former Potions Class Professor coming to Hogwarts? Does he want to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor just like Snape?"
Facing Ron's question, Hode shook his head.
"Not everyone is like Snape, having such an obsession with the Defense Against the Dark Arts. Perhaps Horace is here to be the Potions Class Professor?"
Ron: "Then what about Snape?"
After hearing Hode's words, Harry seemed to think of something, then widened his eyes and said in disbelief:
"Could it be that Snape! He... is he going to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?!"
Just as Harry had guessed, after the first-year students finished their Sorting, Dumbledore announced that Horacewould serve as the Potions Class Professor, while Snapewas switched to being the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor.
As soon as these words were spoken, they instantly soared to the trending searches of the Hogwarts forum.
Even the already-graduated Weasley Twins asked in surprise on the forum.
Fred: Snape became the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor? Really or fake?
George: Is he only serving for one year, or will he be teaching it from now on?
Ginny: Professor Snape will teach it from now on, unless he quits.
Fred: Then we're doomed. I reckon that by the time our child goes to school, Snape will definitely still be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.
After getting the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Snape's whole person became somewhat radiant.
During class, even if a student failed to answer his question, Snape would no longer spew venom, but instead patiently explained it.
This made Harry and the others somewhat unaccustomed to it.
As for Potions Class, Horace was not as stern as Snape. In his class, as long as you didn't cause trouble, Horacealways turned a blind eye.
However, this resulted in Horace not telling poor students where their problems lay, nor even looking at them.
But for students with outstanding grades, he would patiently teach them.
This educational method had a huge difference from Snape's.
With Snape, no matter how poor your grades were, he would still guide you—provided you could endure his sharp tongue.
Whereas Horace would directly give up on students who lacked talent and didn't work hard. He would only care about outstanding Wizards, and would very generously give them some rewards.
Just like in the original work, Horace gave Harry a bottle of Felix Felicis as a reward for completing the potion.
And this time, Horace similarly brought out Felix Felicis as a reward, preparing to give it to the student who completed the task first.
Hode didn't participate; after all, Felix Felicis was completely useless to him. Enhancing luck was something Hode didn't need at all.
And without the cheat-like Hode, Hermione naturally became the first and most perfectly accomplished person to finish the task, so Hermione successfully obtained Horace's Felix Felicis.
After class, Horace called out to Hode and the others, and asked: "Hode, and everyone else, would you be willing to join my Slug Club?"
"Slug Club?"
Harry tilted his head, not understanding what the Slug Club was actually meant to do. After all, this name made it really difficult for people to know what kind of club it was.
"Oh! I was confused. The Slug Club is a club I specially created to invite outstanding students, famous figures, children of successful people, and so on, gathering them together to meet and exchange ideas. How about it? Are you willing to join?"
Horace introduced, explaining that this club was essentially one of Horace's means of building his network of connections.
Horace's biggest hobby was making friends with famous and capable Wizards.
And his reason for being a Professor was to cultivate such talents to use as capital for showing off.
While the others were still hesitating, Hode took the lead in waving his hand and said: "Sorry, I'm not interested."
Hode's refusal was extremely direct and straightforward, not giving Horace an ounce of face.
However, Horace didn't mind at all, and instead said cheerfully: "I understand. After all, you're a very busy person; how could I possibly make you carve out time to come to my place? Besides, with your strength, it's only a matter of others trying to befriend you."
After Hode refused, Hermione also refused as well, perfectly embodying the mindset of whatever Hode does, I do.
However, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Ariana were quite interested and all accepted Horace's invitation.
"That's wonderful!"
Horace clapped happily, the corners of his mouth turning up uncontrollably.
"Then this Saturday night, the Slug Club happens to have a gathering, and the location will be in my office. Everyone is welcome to come then."