The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 417 The Magic World Seven Years Later

Seven is always a special number.

Its uniqueness is not limited to magic and mysticism; it also encompasses philosophy and mathematics.

Pythagoras, the most famous mathematician and philosopher of ancient Greece, once believed that seven represented "an unmarried virgin".

Because it is neither an even number (such as 2 or 4) nor an odd number (such as 3 or 5), but comes directly from the vertex of "one" or "single".

Similarly, in the magical world, the number seven is even more magical, and it even runs throughout the entire story.

Voldemort's seven Horcruxes, Harry's birth in July, the Weasleys having seven children, Hogwarts' seven-year system, and even the fact that seven professors set up the Philosopher's Stone challenge at the beginning of the story...

These are just some major events, but in the details, the number seven is still reinforced and metaphorically implied everywhere.

For example, Moody's trunk has seven keyholes in a row, leading to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, and the sum of the numerator and denominator is also seven...

Perhaps some people think that this was done intentionally by the storyteller.

But Ino held a different view, especially after meeting the Brothers Grimm and Hans.

It is actually very difficult for the writer of the story to control the direction of the story.

Hans is the most obvious example of this. The booklet with the story written in alternating red and blue ink already explained a lot of things.

For this reason, he is more inclined to believe that the number seven in the story does not originate from the person who wrote the story, but rather is a manifestation of the story's own evolution.

……

In early October, temperatures in the Scottish Highlands were generally around 15 degrees Celsius.

An ordinary autumn evening.

As the sun set, Hogwarts was bathed in a golden glow, appearing exceptionally peaceful and serene.

The Astronomical Tower, a tower normally used for observing celestial phenomena, has now become a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of autumn.

A rustic wooden table sits quietly atop the tower, upon which rests a pot of freshly brewed black tea. The rising steam blends with the cool air around it, creating a heartwarming scene.

A dish of exquisite cream toffee sits on the corner of the table, its white sugar shimmering with an alluring golden luster in the setting sun.

The twilight sky is like a lamp, and behind that lamp lies endless waiting.

The setting sun, like a kind old painter, used its last rays to paint the sky a brilliant orange-red, as if only in this way could this elderly man wait for his family.

The castle's silhouette appeared even more majestic and magnificent in the setting sun, while outside the castle, wisps of smoke rose from two small houses—Hagrid and Moody's house.

Not far from the cabin is the famous "Hit-and-Beat Willow".

Although its leaves have all fallen, leaving only bare branches swaying gently in the breeze, it still proudly takes root in the soil, like an ancient and eternal guardian.

Further away lies the mirror-like Black Lake.

The calm lake reflected the fiery red clouds in the sky.

Occasionally, one or two owls would streak across the sky, breaking the tranquility while adding a touch of life to the area outside the castle.

……

At the top of the astronomical tower, Ino picked up a warm teacup and took a sip.

Before we knew it, seven years had passed.

Hogwarts may seem like the same Hogwarts as in 1991, but the students inside are no longer the same as before.

A lot has happened in these seven years, but overall they have all been minor, controllable events.

The largest one was probably the werewolf extermination operation carried out by the Muggle government in conjunction with the Ministry of Magic six years ago.

Despite their strong physique and Muggle firearms, werewolves are as vulnerable as infants in the face of well-trained Aurors and strikers.

A simple Ironclad Curse can resolve all potential dangers. The reason why we were hesitant to fight werewolves before was simply because we were worried about the spread of wolf venom.

However, with the new wolfsbane potion and no longer having to worry about anything, the attackers found dealing with werewolves a piece of cake.

As the developer of the potion, Hermione not only became the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin's First Class Medal, but also the youngest Inquisitor in Wizengamor.

These are just the so-called major events.

Over the past seven years, many seemingly insignificant yet far-reaching events have still occurred.

For example, Hogwarts launched a new course on mechanical magic, and Professor McGonagall officially took over as headmaster.

When Professor McGonagall is mentioned, Ino always thinks of Dumbledore.

Three years ago, when the other party was leaving his post and preparing to travel around the world, they had a long talk.

During their conversation, he sensed Dumbledore's magnanimity and carefree nature. In his dream, he reunited with his parents, received his sister's forgiveness, and even improved his relationship with his brother Aberforth.

Perhaps, for this elderly man who loves sweets, this is a very good ending.

He devoted his life to the magical world, and after resolving his inner conflicts in his later years, he was able to travel carefree like a child.

……

The sunset was beautiful.

But beautiful things are always fleeting.

About fifteen minutes later, after Ino finished drinking the black tea in his cup, the last rays of the setting sun on the western horizon began to fade away.

Just as he was about to leave, a familiar voice rang out from the Astronomical Tower.

"Merlin! You're hiding again! Don't you know Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are coming tomorrow?"

Professor McGonagall looked at the young man with some annoyance. All the professors were busy, but he was slacking off by drinking tea and eating candy.

His relaxed posture and nonchalant expression always reminded her of Dumbledore.

But the difference is that before, she was just the vice-principal and powerless against Dumbledore, but now...

"If you don't want a salary, then you can continue to comfortably eat candy here!"

Upon hearing that her wages had been docked, Ino immediately sat up straight.

"You have to be reasonable! I've already replaced the castle's lamps with brand new ones overnight, and even installed many new lights at Black Lake Wharf. I've also reduced the amount of homework for many students..."

Listening to the aggrieved accusation, Professor McGonagall was at a loss for words, because this time she didn't seem to be in the right.

But for some reason, whenever she sees someone leisurely drinking tea and eating candy, it always evokes memories of the past.

She was powerless back then because she had no right to do anything, and now that the other party has done their duty, she seems powerless again.

This makes people feel quite resentful.

"Then I'll assign you a new task: all professors, including myself, will take turns patrolling at night starting tonight. You're the first one!"

Professor McGonagall said this defiantly, then turned and left, wanting to avoid seeing it and getting annoyed.

Watching Professor McGonagall's retreating figure, Ino smiled silently.

Professor McGonagall remained the same; even when she wanted to increase the workload, she never deliberately targeted anyone, not even herself.

After observing two seconds of silence for the other professors, Ino turned her gaze to the outside of the castle.

After a brief conversation, it had become completely dark.

As darkness fell, magic lamps lit up outside the castle, their twinkling lights bright and warm in the night.

I suddenly realized it.

It seems we still owe Hogwarts the honor of the Goblet of Fire.

It's been a long time, and now it's time to make up for it.

(End of this chapter)