Hogwarts: This professor is too Muggle.

Chapter 207 Private Goods Tutorial
A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and candlelight streamed down from above. The three people sitting around the round table remained silent, and the room fell into a quiet moment.

Lucius and old Nott exchanged a glance. One was unaware of the previous conversation and felt it inconvenient to ask, while the other had just read the script and was filled with indescribable complex emotions.

“Your story is very special, but there’s a problem that needs to be solved.” Melvin unfolded the script, and on the last page was a tree-like family tree, not very lush, with only a lone sapling remaining at the very end.

"What's the problem?" Lucius asked calmly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Having never worked with scripts or film and television dramas before, Lucius was quite pleased with himself for writing his first story, which was praised by the founder of Shadow Mirror. Although he didn't show it on his face, he was still quite proud.

"How do you plan to manipulate the memory erasure group? How do you make all the wizards in Britain, and even the world, lose their memories of your Malfoy family, so that you can stuff these outrageous and absurd stories into their heads?" Melvin asked seriously.

Lucius's face paled, the smile vanished from his lips, and shifted to old Nott's face beside him.

Throughout history, the Malfoy family has left its mark. Although there are no detailed written records, the long-lived wizards have passed down the story orally, which has accumulated a stereotype of the Malfoy family.

From their cunning ancestor Armand onwards, the traits of shrewdness and greed have been ingrained in their bloodline. Even before the Enactment of the Secret Service, the Malfoy family never stopped trying to curry favor with Muggle nobles, and even engaged in intermarriage.

There are unnamed wizarding tales that mention Lucius Malfoy I once pursued Elizabeth I, but the Queen did not reciprocate their feelings. There are also rumors that Malfoy harbored resentment and cast a curse on her...

In short, through magical skills and flattery, they successfully annexed the Muggle lands near the manor, filling their vaults and storerooms to the brim.

After the code of secrecy took effect, the Malfoy family's attitude immediately changed. They began to mingle among wizards who supported the bill and denied all contact between the family and Muggles, becoming fanatical pure-bloods.

Wealth and resources ensured their influence in the British wizarding world, and the ever-growing Galleons meant they didn't have to struggle for a living. The Malfoys began to pursue power, and although they never plotted for ministerial positions, they never stopped reaching for the throne.

They fund candidates who are close to their families during election campaigns, and even go so far as to hire black magicians to do dirty work.

Septimius, the most notorious head of the Malfoy family at the end of the 18th century, was the half-blood wizard Anxis Osbert, who repeatedly accepted Galleons from the Malfoys during his elections and term. This was even documented by journalists, who dug up the ledgers. During his tenure, he was consistently regarded as a puppet of the Malfoy family, even more despicable than Fudge in previous years.

Norby Ritchie, the Minister of Magic in the 60s, was also deeply entangled in the shadow of the Malfoy family. As the first Muggle-born Minister of Magic, he was frequently attacked during his term by Lucius's father, Abraxas Malfoy, and eventually resigned due to an unknown illness.

In addition, there are Nicholas Malfoy, Brutus Malfoy, Stina Malfoy... all renowned figures, whose fame is undeniable.

"People often say that you'll never find Malfoy at a crime scene, but the wand of a criminal may be covered in their fingerprints." This well-known wizarding proverb is a summary of this saying.

“Of course I know that some of the deeds of our ancestors are controversial, which is why I didn’t mention them in my story. Do you all have a prejudice against all Malfoys?” Lucius asked arrogantly. “We pushed for the improvement of the Secret Code, we made outstanding contributions in the goblin rebellion war, and we participated in the construction of many wizarding villages!”

Old Nott's expression was strange: "Building a wizard village, I remember that. Forty years ago, Theoverton was still a desolate wilderness. It was indeed the Malfoy family that funded the construction of a number of houses and several blocks, which made the wizard settlement take shape."

Lucius nodded, picked up the black tea on the table, and took a sip: "This is an achievement that will be recorded in the archives."

“The high prices of the houses nearly bankrupted the wizards who migrated here, and the shops in the neighborhood were rented out at high prices. For decades, the wizard shopkeepers have been earning rent for the Malfoy family, and there’s also the even more lucrative loan business.” Old Nott noticed Lucius’s gaze and paused slightly. “Our Nott family followed suit and made a small fortune.”

"Just a small profit?" Lucius asked lazily, a mocking smile on his face.

“Well, in the last few decades, the family fortune has almost doubled, not just in Theoverton, but also in Upper Flagley, Sewarde…” Old Nott said in a low voice, “The Malfoy family will only make more.”

Lucius let out a smug, wicked laugh.

"..."

What about power-money transactions, land grabbing, and compound interest exploitation...?

Melvin understood. The Wizarding Wars thirteen years ago had shattered the previously solid pyramid structure, forcing the Death Eaters to behave cautiously and giving ordinary wizards an opportunity to develop.

“Stop. I’m not interested in the sinful history of your pure-blood family. We’re talking about stories.” Melvin tapped the parchment on the table. “According to your story, unless you brainwash all the wizards with a forgetting spell, or you, Zagaron, hire them, no one will want to look at this pile of stuff.”

Lucius couldn't refute it; old Nott had already proven it, and even the like-minded pure-blood Death Eaters found it disgusting: "Then how should it be changed?"

Melvin pondered for a moment before crafting his words: "Forget about the Malfoy family history. Just focus on the history of magic, whether it's the establishment of the Ministry of Magic, the goblin rebellion, or the enactment of the Secrets Act. Capture a century before and after a major event to show the changes in the British wizarding world."

"What about Malfoy?"

Melvin pointed to the infamous names on the family tree: "Malfoy can only play a marginal role, or even a laughable clown, and then make the right choices in line with history at crucial moments, which is what you just mentioned, such as participating in the war and improving the secrecy law."

By mixing in personal agendas and using grand themes to cover up minor details, Muggle media practitioners have developed a complete theoretical and practical system.

Lucius paused for a moment, pondering the professor's suggestion, and quickly realized: "Make yourself ugly to dispel hatred, and then build a positive image?"

Melvin looked at him with a hint of surprise. As expected of the cunning Malfoy, a seasoned Death Eater, he was equally adept at these manipulative and manipulative tricks. He had just been too focused on clearing the Malfoy family's name before, having never seen a script before. He had gotten stuck on this one point. He realized what was going on in a short time after hearing the suggestion.

"So that's how it is... So that's how it is..."

Lucius spoke slowly, answering his own questions.

Old Nott was a little slower to react. After pondering for a moment, he slowly realized the brilliance of the plan.

"It's not just about these key turning points!"

Lucius's pale gray eyes rolled, reflecting the candlelight—a fiery glow. "We can create a complete history of magic, like historians compiling books, describing these important historical events truthfully and meticulously, subtly incorporating our intentions in inconspicuous places... Professor Levent, your brilliance impresses me greatly!"

"Take it slow, this is a big project."

……

Looking out the glass window, night had fallen, and the streetlights were gradually coming on.

The solidified wax held the colorful candles in place on the crystal chandelier. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows throughout the room. The young professor, seated in the main seat, finished the last half cup of black tea, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh.

The lame tavern owner pushed open the door and came in with a tray of ice-cold beer: "Malfoy and Nott just left."

Melvin nodded in agreement, not dwelling on the topic, and instead asked, "How's business lately?"

Old Will paused for a moment, then said, "Not bad. I got a batch of mead from Ms. Rosmerta, and it's selling very well..."

“Summer is here, and ice-cold beer is very popular. Let’s talk to Wright and ask Bagmando to buy some football game videos…” The two chatted about some things related to running a tavern. Old Will was silent for a moment, but couldn’t help but say, “Professor, I have to say that there are not many good people in the pure-blood families, not to mention these two Death Eaters who escaped trial. Their words are not to be trusted, and betrayal is their instinct.”

“Don’t worry, old Will.” Melvin smiled. “Cooperation based on shared interests is still reliable for now, until more substantial benefits or more serious threats emerge.”

There is no more substantial benefit than the Shadow Mirror in the short term; Voldemort has not yet been resurrected, and there is no more serious threat.

Old Will downed half a glass of ice-cold beer, spat, and said, "What's the point of cooperating with them?"

“Mr. Malfoy has realized that reputation is another kind of wealth, and a wealth more valuable than Galleons and jewels. The Malfoy family abandoned reputation for gold in the past, and now they want to buy back their reputation with gold,” Melvin said with a smile, his tone somewhat mocking.

"The development of Shadow Mirror needs this much gold?" Old Will still didn't quite understand. "Can't the people in the club raise enough gold?"

“You don’t need to buy a good reputation,” Melvin shook his head.

……

Meanwhile, two pure-blood wizards, former Death Eater colleagues, are strolling along a country road outside Wiltshire.

He wore long robes embroidered with the family crest, made of silk fabric that fluttered in the evening breeze. He still carried the horrifying invitation in his arms, which, when opened, contained evidence of the Nott family's crimes. Many of the transactions were decades old, far beyond the professor's age. How he knew all this, he still couldn't understand.

Old Nott glanced at his old friend beside him, his former accomplice and co-conspirator.

"Are you doubting me?" Lucius asked in a low voice.

Old Nott's face was particularly pale in the night. The question dispelled his doubts, but his eyes still shone with confusion: "I just... can't figure it out."

"When did you ever figure it out?" Lucius retorted, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "When you graduated and joined the Death Eaters? When you overturned your case and betrayed Bella and the others in court? Or just now in the bar?"

"What if... I mean, what if that person comes back?"

Old Nott's face grew even paler.

"I do not know either."

Lucius paused for a moment, then said, "Now that you've made your choice, don't hesitate any longer."

……

It was mid-May when I returned to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

As the weather grew hotter, the air in the classroom became stuffy and filled with an indescribable smell. Every time we had class, we had to open all the windows to let the air circulate. The wind from the Forbidden Forest and Black Lake blew in, and the students sitting by the window could see the bright scenery outside as soon as they looked up, making it difficult for them to concentrate.

Professor Gaunt was teaching today as usual.

Melvin sat on the podium, flipping through a history of magic book published by Mold & Dust Publishing. The author was a pure-blood wizard, and the book contained a lot of personal commentary, making it a very interesting read.

He wore a faint smile, pausing occasionally to savor the text, and sometimes looking up to gaze into the distance, relaxing his eyes, looking relaxed and content.

In the front row was a little witch, furiously scribbling with a quill pen, who had just finished writing her notes for the previous question when Professor Gaunt cleared his throat and raised his voice slightly:
"Can anyone tell me why I can't use the Fire Charm against the Groundbat?"

The second-year curriculum officially entered the final review stage, with a slight increase in the amount of homework and more review and questioning sessions. Professor Gaunt's classes remained lively and interesting.

The murmurs from the audience immediately ceased. Not only Hermione, but half of the class turned their attention to the boy in the third row in the middle.

Harry pretended not to notice the stares, turned a page of parchment, and used a quill to draw a broom with ink.

"Mr. Malfoy, you answer."

“Excellent answer, Slytherin therefore awards 10 points.”

"Let's look at the next question..."

“These bonus points usually go to Gryffindor,” many young wizards murmured, but stopped discussing it because they were in class.

Hermione sensed the changes in Professor Gaunt more clearly: his questioning no longer favored Harry and Gryffindor, and after-class discussions no longer frequently veered towards them... He was no longer a die-hard Harry fan.

Hermione glanced furtively at Professor Levent on the podium, wondering why this change had occurred.

As soon as the bell rang, Professor Gaunt's figure vanished. Melvin put away his extracurricular reading, picked up his golden cup, and walked out. His movements were swift and agile, and he was sure to arrive at the Great Hall before the young wizards.

The young wizards were already used to this scene; Professor Levent was always different from other professors.

Hermione quickly grabbed her bag and ran to catch up with Professor Levent, her voice quickening as she spoke: "Professor, Professor, I have a question for you."

Melvin slowed his pace, gesturing for her to continue.

Hermione hadn't received an answer when she asked about the phantom and the golden cup last time, so this time she tried a different approach: "Does Professor Gaunt have some complaints about us? In the last few Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, he hasn't questioned Harry at all, and he's been ignoring the other Gryffindor students as well."

Melvin climbed the spiral staircase, stopped where he was, and waited for Hermione to stand still. The staircase carried the two of them side by side to the left platform. He lowered his head and replied, "Because Professor Gaunt hates Harry."

Hermione froze on the spot: "Huh?"

"Surprised? What answer do you want to hear?"

"But...he used to..."

"He had only wanted to know why Harry was able to survive the Great Calamity, so he deliberately acted friendly to try and extract information from Harry."

“The fact that he’s changed his attitude now means…” Hermione muttered to herself, “that he’s gotten information out of him.”

Hermione, lost in thought, stood frozen in place, not even noticing Melvin stepping off the platform. Missing her chance to turn around, she could only watch the professor's figure gradually recede into the distance and disappear around the corner of the corridor.

(End of this chapter)