A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

But asking Aaron to hand over his family heirloom would be somewhat disrespectful to him.

Moreover, that potion was extremely valuable, and he and Dumbledore were not familiar with each other, with no basis for trust between them. This was practically the same as entrusting his life and fortune to a stranger.

“I understand your concerns,” Dumbledore said meaningfully, “but I still hope you can leave the things behind.”

Aaron frowned. "Principal, was my explanation unclear?"

No, you explained it very clearly.

But there's always a chance of something going wrong. What if that man in black comes after you...?

“That means someone leaked the secret,” Aaron interjected, giving Hagrid a meaningful look.

The giant immediately took a step back, for no other reason than feeling guilty.

Dumbledore was both amused and exasperated; he hadn't expected this little wizard to be so petty.

"I will give Hagrid a good talking-to."

If you're worried, I can set up a special spell for him later to make sure he doesn't tell anyone about you.

"Thank you, Principal. I really am very grateful."

This is the best news I've heard in the past two days. It's not that I don't trust Hagrid, but his ability to keep secrets is really exceptionally poor.

Perhaps after a few drinks, someone will be able to extract all your secrets from you.

"Aaron, I'm truly sorry for what happened these past two days," Hagrid stepped forward, smiling somewhat sheepishly. "But, I'm actually still quite reliable."

"Hehe! Anyone can say nice things."

But actually...who knows!

Hagrid silently lowered his head, his heart filled with a mix of emotions—frustration, grievance, and anger—a bittersweet feeling that he couldn't think of anything to say in response.

First, he let Harry and his friends steal Aaron's Arbele, which resulted in them being put in solitary confinement. During their confinement, they did not listen to his advice and almost put the three students in danger. In addition, they told Dumbledore about it as soon as they left the Forbidden Forest.

I reckon his morals have been completely shattered by Aaron's influence.

"Cough cough!"

Dumbledore coughed a few times like a centenarian, successfully drawing everyone's attention. He was worried that if Aaron continued to speak the truth, he would shatter Hagrid's fragile heart.

"Let's get down to business first!"

Gaius, don't think I'm making things difficult for you; in fact, your situation may not be so safe.

You may have already come into the black-robed man's sights.

"Oh?" Aaron smiled meaningfully. "Judging from the principal's words, you seem to know this man in black robes quite well!"

Dumbledore pondered for a moment, "It's just a guess, but the possibility of it being a guess is not ruled out."

Your safety is really..."

That's the school's problem.

Actually, last summer, before I even officially started school, my father suggested that I go to Durmstrang, saying that I would be better taken care of there.

However, I chose Hogwarts.

For no other reason than that I love this school, I love its history, and I love its learning atmosphere.

"Most importantly, this school has the most powerful white wizard in the wizarding world, Albus Dumbledore, whose honors and legends are countless." Aaron said in a serious tone, appearing particularly devout, as if he wanted to have "Dumbledore is my idol" written on his face, but in fact, only he knew the truth of some of what he said.

"So, Professor, Hogwarts will guarantee the safety of its students, right?"

Dumbledore was stunned when he heard this, experiencing a heart-pounding sensation he hadn't felt in a long time.

The last time he had this feeling was decades ago.

How was he supposed to respond to that? This twelve-year-old wizard was being way too sarcastic!

The answer was a definite yes, Hogwarts would guarantee the safety of its students, and Aaron was too embarrassed to ask for the potions back.

A negative answer...that's impossible; Hogwarts' reputation would plummet.

Unless it's an established fact, he, as the principal, has to maintain the school's reputation.

Moreover, this is the principal's office, where portraits of past principals are displayed. If he dares to give a negative answer, these people will definitely berate him for a long time.

That feeling must have been unpleasant, and it greatly affected the mood of this centenarian.

A year ago, he could have confidently assured Aaron, but not now, because there's a new Dark Lord in the school!

Dumbledore didn't answer immediately, but instead winked at Snape, hoping he could smooth things over.

But he was surprised to find that Snape's face was twitching and he was completely oblivious to his hints.

As for Hagrid, he didn't even consider him.

If Aaron was putting on an act, using half-truths to embarrass him, then Hagrid was genuinely showing his feelings, treating Aaron as a confidant.

In Hagrid's mind, Hogwarts was the best school, and Dumbledore was the most trustworthy person.

“Hogwarts can certainly guarantee the safety of its students,” Dumbledore said seriously, as he had to protect the school’s reputation first and foremost.

"But now I have to say it," Aaron thought to himself.

“But…” Dumbledore paused slightly, then chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Aaron, don’t laugh at me, but even I can only defeat the enemies on the surface.”

In such a vast place as Hogwarts, it's impossible for me to attend to everyone's needs or be considerate of every detail; that's inevitable.

As for that black-robed man hiding in the shadows, unless he reveals himself, there's nothing I can do.

However, I can assure you that of all magic schools, Hogwarts is absolutely the best, and protecting its students is its top priority.

Aaron: ......

Good guy, really good guy.

He gave this answer a perfect score.

He saved face for the school while also giving himself a way out. This humble and composed attitude is enough to prove that he has not lived in vain for more than a hundred years.

"Aaron Gaius, I still hope you can entrust the resurrection potion to me for safekeeping. I will return it to you intact when I go on vacation."

If this bothers you, I apologize in advance.

But I do have reasons why I have to do this, and I hope you can forgive me.

If that man in black were to obtain that potion, it would bring immense crisis to Hogwarts and even the entire wizarding world.

Aaron remained silent for a long while, then let out a long sigh and took out the emerald green potion.

"Professor, thank you for not lying to me."

If your answer just now didn't satisfy me, I absolutely will not take this out.

Dumbledore smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to the bottle of resurrection potion, first with surprise, then with relief.

With his extensive experience and the explanations from Hagrid and Snape, he naturally recognized the potion's incredible healing effects.

That was close! Luckily Hagrid arrived in time last night, otherwise, if the Dark Lord had gotten his hands on that thing, things would have been hopeless.

This is much better than the magic stone, as it eliminates the complicated steps of concocting the elixir of immortality.

One step at a time, and you're fully recharged!

"Thank you for your trust, Aaron."

“But I have a small condition,” Aaron said. “You can see the value of this potion; it’s meant to save your life in a critical moment.”

But if I entrust it to you, my safety will undoubtedly be compromised.

"What are you trying to say?" Dumbledore asked with a playful tone. "I won't refuse to do anything I can."

"Hey! You're exaggerating, you're exaggerating." Aaron put the resurrection potion on his desk. "My condition is simple: before the holidays, the school needs to pay more attention to my safety."

"If necessary, I can give the professor a command once; otherwise, I don't feel safe!"

“This…” Dumbledore glanced at the resurrection potion on the table, which was worth no less than a Philosopher’s Stone, and without much hesitation, said, “Alright, I agree.”

Chapter 72 Potions for Professors

"Of course, Principal."

I understand that Hogwarts teachers are quite busy, so there's no need to notify everyone.

Dumbledore narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "What do you mean?"

Aaron scratched his head, smiled, and held up four fingers. "Four professors will suffice."

Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and Professor Snape.

Before the holiday, I had the right to invoke their authority once, to be available at any time.

“You know that’s impossible,” Dumbledore said, half-laughing and half-crying. “I can get Professor Snape to protect you, and maybe Hagrid too.”

But it's not feasible to give you everything. In addition to teaching, these deans also have to manage their respective colleges, so they all have heavy responsibilities.

"If you were to transfer them all away with a single word, Hogwarts would be largely paralyzed."

Can't it?

Aaron didn't expect Dumbledore to agree to his demanding condition.

When it comes to bargaining, the most important thing is to reach the expected price, and it would be even better if you could raise it a little higher.

“Those three professors.” Aaron bent one of his four outstretched fingers. “Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Professor Snape.”

Dumbledore shook his head and smiled without saying a word.

“Two, no less,” Aaron said, somewhat annoyed. “Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.”

If you don't agree, please give the medicine back to me!

If safety cannot be guaranteed, I really can't hand over those life-saving items.

“Two is barely acceptable.” Dumbledore looked at Snape helplessly. “You heard that, Severus.”

“I heard you, Headmaster.” Snape rolled his eyes at Aaron. “I’m at your beck and call.”

But you only have one chance.

Aaron chuckled awkwardly. "I promise I will not bother you, Professor, unless it is absolutely necessary."