The Return to Hogwarts

"But what do I need to do for this?"

"Oh, although we have reached the most basic consensus, there are still many problems."

Dumbledore twitched his eyebrows and said with a hint of helplessness,

"Our biggest disagreement is which magic school is hosting this event—I'm sure I have the virtues of humility and courtesy, Amosta, but if I don't stand up for Hogwarts on this issue, I'm afraid the Board of Governors will try to oust me again."

Dumbledore took a sip of tea, seemingly unconcerned about the tea leaves in his mouth. After a moment's thought, he continued speaking to Amostella.

"For some time now, we—I mean, the principals of myself and two other schools—have been presenting our strengths at the federation, oh."

I haven't witnessed such a heated debate in many years; it's quite a burden for someone my age—the three schools all offered compelling reasons for their self-nominations, leaving the International Wizarding Federation with no clear choice. Ultimately, considering the inherent dangers of the competition, and to ensure the safety of every young wizard participating, the Federation required each of the three schools to submit a 'safety plan.'

Seeing Amostella's sudden realization, Dumbledore smiled and said...

“You’re the head of the student safety office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, aren’t you, Amosta? I think it’s up to you to go and persuade those stubborn guys with your carefully prepared plans.”

Chapter 389 wasn't too good.

2023-07-25

Dumbledore did indeed get him a good job.

Dumbledore left in a hurry, eager to return to his private bathroom to take a bath and cleanse himself of his fatigue, while Amostella was still leaning back on the sofa in his office, pondering the matter that Headmaster Dumbledore had just entrusted to him.

This is certainly not an easy task.

The specific competition events for the Triwizard Tournament are top secret. At this stage, the organizing committee has not even selected the competition events to be held. Only after the organizer is decided will the organizing committee draw lots from dozens of competition events tailored for the three schools.

It's a bit much to expect someone to come up with a safety plan to ensure the safety of the young wizards without knowing the competition events beforehand.

But Amosta didn't have a choice, did he?

Just as Dumbledore said, as the headmaster of the school, he had to fight for this honor for the school, and Amosta, who graduated from Hogwarts and held an important position related to security, also had to do his best. Otherwise, if the wizards in the British magical world knew that Hogwarts lost the honor of being the host school because of inadequate security, who knows how many people would criticize him behind his back!

In addition, Dumbledore told him that he must prepare a security plan as soon as possible, because it was a matter of great importance and his plan had to be approved by the Ministry of Magic, specifically by the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Sports, which were related to the event.

Barty Crouch.

Thinking of this person, Amosta, who was pacing back and forth, couldn't help but frown slightly.

The two had no prior animosity; Amosta even held a slight admiration for Barty Crouch. However, because Amosta almost unequivocally supported Amelia, the two were essentially 'political rivals'.

In truth, Barty Crouch was really lucky.

Barty Crouch was supposed to be in trouble because of the wrongful conviction of Sirius Black. Fudge had planned to use this incident to exclude Barty Crouch from Wissengamo, and then use the public outcry to cause him to lose his position as Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic.

But who could have imagined that Barty Crouch's extreme remarks at the Wissengamo Tribunal, and Peter's subsequent mysterious death, would actually increase his prestige among some extremely righteous people?

Barty has secured his position again, and if the Triwizard Tournament is successfully held and Hogwarts is ultimately the host, it will be another remarkable achievement. Perhaps he can use this opportunity to turn the tables and finally get a glimpse of the Minister of Magic position.

Barty Crouch's rise to power is not in Amosta's interest.

Should we take advantage of the situation and sabotage Hogwarts?

The thought was immediately suppressed in Amosta's mind. One thing at a time, he couldn't treat bottom lines and principles like those politicians.

The task that Dumbledore suddenly threw at Amosta disrupted many of his plans. The 'physical education class' that he valued so much had just entered a substantial stage, and if he lost it now, all the previous training would be in vain.

The sky was dark.

Amosta went to the window, inhaling the air that was gradually losing its heat and becoming fresher, rubbing his temples as he gazed at the playground.

With a little time left before dinner, many young wizards frolicked on the lawn, while inside the Quidditch pitch surrounded by stands, several Hufflepuff school wizards faithfully carried out their orders, completing their daily running exercises.

Amosta chuckled a few times, turned and walked towards the door, preparing to go downstairs for a meal.

Now, he understands a bit of Professor McGonagall's bitterness—what it's like to work under a hands-off manager.

Harry and the others dared not get too close. They hid at the corner of the third-floor staircase, watching with concern as Sirius strode into Professor Blaine's office, his figure disappearing from their sight.

Back then, Sirius was determined to cause trouble for Snape. Although he assured Harry that he only wanted to have a good talk with Snape about his teaching attitude, after knocking on the door several times and still receiving no response from Snape's office, Sirius couldn't help but use rather impolite means to break down the door that kept people out.

Looking at the specimens of magical plants and animals floating in colorful solutions against the wall, Harry and Sirius frowned at the same time, revealing the same expression of disgust.

There was no one in sight in the private storage room further inside. Just as the two were wondering if Blaise Sabini had given them false information, Professor Blaine's Patronus passed through the wall and stopped in front of them.

"Professor Snape, and Professor Dumbledore—"

He and Sirius were hurrying up to the third floor when they happened to run into Hermione and Ron on the first floor, who were rushing off to look for them. Hermione, panting, said...

"They are both—both in Professor Blaine's office."

“Interesting—” Sirius simply chuckled coldly at Hermione’s reminder. “Could it be that Snotnette is the one who accused me first?”

"Doesn't look like it, Sirius Black—"

Despite Sirius's repeated requests, Ron was still not used to calling a professor by his first name in front of him, and he stammered,

"Professor Dumbledore, at least, he seems to be in a good mood, no, he doesn't seem angry."

"I'm fine, Sirius, really!"

Even in a den of dragons and tigers, Sirius felt no fear. He was prepared to go in and confront Snape himself, but Harry held onto his arm tightly, looking at him with unwavering determination.

"You can't lay a hand on Snape in front of Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine, please, Sirius, don't give him any leverage!"

What Harry really meant was that he would rather be tormented by Snape a hundred more times than have Sirius fight Snape repeatedly and end up being kicked out of Hogwarts by Dumbledore.

Perhaps it was the sincerity in Harry's eyes that touched Sirius. He seemed to calm down a bit, and after giving Harry a reassuring smile, he broke free of Harry's hand and strode toward Professor Blaine's office.

The waiting time is always the most agonizing.

Harry, Dumbledore, and Brian stayed at the corner of the stairs, not daring to get too close, because the two most powerful wizards in the world were in that office. They couldn't hope that Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine wouldn't notice them eavesdropping, but they still couldn't help but strain their ears.

The young wizards passing by all looked at them with strange eyes, but Harry was in no mood to pay attention, as he was constantly worried about Sirius's fate.

"Don't worry, Harry—"

Hermione noticed that Harry's fists were clenched tightly, so she patted his shoulder gently.

“Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine are not blind to right and wrong. They certainly know that Sirius just wants to help you get rid of Professor Snape’s prejudice. He has no intention of causing trouble.”

To be honest, Hermione's statement is not entirely objective.

Sirius did want to help him get rid of Snape, but it was also true that he himself disliked Snape.

Time passed by, and it felt like an entire day had gone by, before finally a sound came from several dozen feet away.

Harry rushed out the moment the door hinges creaked, but after taking only two steps, his body froze and his expression hardened.

The first person to step out was Snape. His face was more pale than Harry had ever seen him before. Moreover, Snape seemed to have suffered some heavy blow, and his steps, which were usually as swift as the wind, were somewhat unsteady.

Could it be that Snape was the one who got expelled?!

If Sirius Black, who followed him out of the door, hadn't also looked utterly devastated, Harry might have actually believed it.

Harry ignored Snape's fleeting glance as he passed by; he rushed over and once again helped the seemingly weak Sirius Black.

"What's going on, Sirius?"

Harry glanced at Snape, who had already gone downstairs, and asked worriedly,

"You two—I mean, you didn't lay a hand on me, did you?"

Chapter 390 The Results of Training

2023-07-26

Harry never imagined things would turn out this badly.

Last Saturday, Sirius told Harry at the Three Broomsticks that he would be taking him away from the Dursleys during the summer holidays. Harry was thrilled. For many years, Harry had longed to leave the Dursleys, and now that dream was finally about to come true. But just a few days later, Sirius changed his mind.

Ever since Sirius left Professor Blaine's office that day, he had told Harry about his new decision.

He thought it would be better for Harry to stay in his Muggle home, since they were his only blood relatives. Of course, to improve Harry's situation, he could talk to the Dursleys.

Harry couldn't help but connect Sirius's change of mind to Professor Blaine and Professor Dumbledore.

After all, when Sirius Black brought it up at the Three Broomsticks bar last week, Professor Blaine had subtly expressed his disapproval.

But this is absurd. What right do they have to make decisions for us?

For several days in a row, Harry didn't give Professor Blaine a good look in his physical education class, and he even seriously considered skipping class altogether.

"I advise you to calm down, Harry—"

After Hermione stopped using the Time-Turner, her schedule became much more normal. However, she still had several more classes than the others. To save time, she now learned to read and do some simple assignments while walking.

On a night when a physical education class was scheduled, a group of Gryffindors went to the classroom filled with armor. As Harry angrily expressed his thoughts, Hermione briefly looked away from "A Thousand Magical Herbs and Mushrooms" and rationally said...

"Think of Pansy Parkinson from Slytherin."

Pansy Parkinson is a very annoying girl in Slytherin; of course, few people who can get along with Malfoy don't dislike him.

Generally speaking, the young Slytherin wizards are quite supportive of Professor Blaine because they consider him one of their own. Professor Blaine's rising fame over the past year or two has undoubtedly made the young Slytherin wizards extremely proud. Harry had heard Justin Finley of Hufflepuff say that the people of Slytherin were eagerly anticipating Dumbledore's resignation because they believed that Professor Blaine would definitely be the next headmaster of Hogwarts.

Professor Blaine's character often makes people forget that he comes from Slytherin, and Harry himself doesn't object to it—if in the future, Dumbledore really becomes too old for him, Professor Blaine could become the headmaster. However, the fact that those annoying snakes of Slytherin are already planning to do so is undoubtedly disgusting to him.

Perhaps unable to bear the torment of the dung ball any longer, Pansy Parkinson dared to skip class even after Professor Blaine had clearly stated that the time to drop the course had passed.

Professor Blaine was clearly a man who couldn't tolerate any wrongdoing. After their training session ended, he stormed into the Slytherin common room, ordered the Slytherin prefect to drag Pansy Parkinson out of her dormitory, and then trained her alone for two hours.

It is said that Pansy Pankinson spent that night in the school hospital.