The Return to Hogwarts

“I must remind you, Ron—”

But before Ron could question Hermione about her expression, Neville, amused by his words, chuckled and said with a wry smile, "..."

"Both the Longbottom and Weasley families are ancient wizarding families. If Hogwarts makes the same decision as in history, we will be expelled from the school just like the Malfoys."

Chapter 1024 Generous Harry

2024-07-10

The sky outside the castle was no longer clear; it had turned into a hazy, deep blue.

On the campus lawn, there was a commotion around Beauxbatons' carriage. The Pegasus pulling the carriage suddenly got angry and started wrestling with Hagrid, who was feeding them.

"What's going on, Hagrid?"

Sensing the commotion, Mrs. Mark hurriedly got off the carriage to check what was happening.

"Oh, just a few minor issues, Ollie, I'll take care of them quickly!"

Hagrid, carrying a barrel of wine in one hand and struggling to pull on the reins with the other, tried to puff out his chest as a sign of assurance, but under Mrs. Maxim's suspicious gaze, he quickly gave in.

He released the reins and said, panting,

"Your rickshaw pullers are really clever, Ollie. I just added a little water to the malt whisky, don't be angry, Ollie, I swear it was just a tiny bit."

Hagrid's voice weakened, and the four young wizards standing in the fourth-floor corridor could no longer hear him, so they gradually pulled their heads back in.

The group exchanged bewildered glances. This would have been quite amusing under normal circumstances, but considering the current predicament Hogwarts was facing, they could no longer laugh.

Let's go--

A somber mood hung over the children who were worried about the future of Hogwarts. Hermione muttered something under her breath and then walked ahead first.

In order to figure out the 'love-hate relationship' between the Board of Governors and Hogwarts, they went straight to the library after class for several afternoons, after which they also had to eat and do morning exercises.

The murky night sky was reflected on the ceiling of the auditorium, and the young wizards at the four long tables were whispering among themselves. The atmosphere here was not as cheerful as it used to be.

Harry glanced at the food on the table; it was far more meager than usual, both in terms of quantity and variety.

"What's going on? What are you all talking about?"

Ron, who was near the dining table, saw Ginny and Colin huddled together, discussing something. He frowned, a little annoyed, and leaned over to ask.

"Oh, you guys don't know?"

Before Ginny and Colin could answer, Ernie, eager to spread the news, started chattering at the Hufflepuff table.

"Hogwarts is facing a serious financial crisis!"

How did you know?

Harry asked in surprise.

"Is that even a question?" Ernie pointed to the dining table and said dismissively.

“This afternoon, Cedric asked Professor Sprout about it during his herbalism class—”

Hannah, who was next to Ernie, turned around, her face pale.

“You all noticed that breakfast and lunch today were not as lavish as usual, and many professors had students practice in teams during class. Cedric found this strange, so he went to Professor Sprout and was told that the school was experiencing some minor operational problems.”

Hannah's account is closer to the truth Cedric obtained from Professor Sprout, but Ernie's account is closer to the truth of the matter.

"Did Professor Sprout tell Cedric what the school planned to do?"

Neville asked, frowning.

"Professor Sprout said that Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine are trying to find a solution—"

Hannah gestured with her chin toward the empty seats at the faculty dining table. Not only were Professors Dumbledore and Blaine absent, but even Professors McGonagall and Sprout were not there.

Find a solution?

A sense of humiliation welled up in Harry's heart. What were the two professors going to do? Give in to the Board of Governors?!

"I'd rather starve to death than let that toad teach at Hogwarts!"

Neville clenched his fists, his face pale, and said through gritted teeth.

"This is outrageous!"

Hermione's face was also turning pale, while Ron looked completely bewildered, clearly having no idea what to do about the predicament they were facing.

But it's not just Ron; how many things can a group of kids really do when it comes to money?

The group slowly squeezed into the long table, eating listlessly while listening to the almost identical discussions about the Hogwarts crisis.

Harry hasn't heard anyone say who started this crisis.

Currently, the only way to solve this problem is for Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine to persuade the Board of Governors to continue investing. Besides the Board of Governors, which comprises the wealthiest families in the wizarding world, who can afford such a huge expenditure?

But aside from accepting the board's assignments, Harry couldn't think of any other way to get the board to continue giving them money willingly.

Harry's gaze wandered aimlessly around the Great Hall. Suddenly, he spotted Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout, who were no longer at the faculty and staff table, but had descended the steps into the foyer.

Both professors were dressed in formal robes, and Sprout's professor was also wearing his hat, which was always covered in dust and patched up.

They looked serious as they prepared to leave the castle.

As if by some strange twist of fate, Harry jumped up from the stool and, under the astonished gazes of Ron and the others, quickly ran towards the foyer.

"Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout!"

Harry shouted, stopping the two professors who were walking out of the castle gates and preparing to descend the marble steps.

"Mr. Potter?"

Hearing Harry's call, the two professors stopped and turned to look at her. Professor McGonagall looked Harry up and down for a few moments, then asked,

"Is there something you need, Mr. Potter?"

Are you also going to negotiate with the school board?

Without thinking, Harry blurted it out.

“Oh, Mr. Potter!”

Professor McGonagall exclaimed in surprise.

"You already know about the school board suspending funding?"

"I think it was Miss Granger who told you, wasn't it?"

Professor Sprout smiled kindly at the group of people who had followed Harry over.

Looking at the eager, innocent faces, Professor McGonagall's expression softened. She pursed her lips.

“The negotiations with the Board of Trustees are handled by Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Blaine. Mr. Potter, Professor Sprout and I have other matters to attend to.”

"What is it?"

Harry asked bluntly, but Professor McGonagall didn't think Harry was being rude.

“I’m going to Hogsmeade with Professor Sprout. We’ve made an appointment with the villagers there and asked them to provide Hogwarts with supplies as usual. Their payment will be settled by Hogwarts after this crisis is over.”

In other words, it's about buying on credit.

Harry immediately understood, and he blurted out,

“I have some gold in Gringotts’ vault, Professor. Hogwarts can use it all if they need it.”

Fearing Professor McGonagall wouldn't accept it, Harry quickly added...

Sirius won't let me go hungry.

Hermione, Ron, and Neville stared at Harry in shock, completely unprepared for his words.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout were also quite surprised. McGonagall, regaining her composure, blew her nose, moved. Uncharacteristically, she patted Harry on the shoulder and said gently,

"Thank you for your sentiments, Mr. Potter, but Hogwarts is not that destitute."

The school still has a considerable amount of gold in its treasury, enough to support the school's operations for some time. Of course, it must be used prudently. I believe that Professor Dumbledore and Professor Blaine will resolve the issue before this gold runs out—Professor Blaine promised me this.

After saying this, Professor McGonagall gave a relieved smile to the worried young wizards and hurriedly left with Professor Sprout.

The blazing flames shone on Harry's face, mirroring the rage burning within him.

There was a commotion coming from the Great Hall behind her. Hermione turned around and saw Professor Snape leading Malfoy, Parkinson, Nott, and Blaise out. The boil on Parkinson's hand had been healed by Madam Pomfrey.

Professor Snape gave them a cold glance, then walked away with his head held high. The Slytherin students behind him, perhaps due to their mood, were not as arrogant as usual. They also only glanced at them before following Snape away.

The Gryffindor students watched grimly as Snape led his students into the arena, their figures quickly blurring into the darkness of the first night.

"Hi!"

Neville suddenly called out, drawing everyone's attention to his face. Then, Neville gave Harry a meaningful look.

"Want to find a chance to vent your anger, Harry? I mean, teach those bastards who got Hogwarts into trouble a lesson?"

Chapter 1025 Malfoy's Fear

2024-07-11

Collecting materials in the Forbidden Forest was not unusual for the professors.