Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 271 Everyone Has Secrets

Harry and Horace were both stunned. Harry was more surprised. She had only seen the tail end of Hermione and Ike's battle in the Department of Mysteries. Now, experiencing the strange magic surrounding Hermione firsthand was a completely different feeling.

Horace was different from Harry. As a Potions Master renowned throughout the wizarding world and having taught countless outstanding students, he naturally saw the mystery behind the golden threads and the magic circle beneath his feet. From any angle or perspective, this was something a wizard who hadn't even graduated should not have been able to do.

Besides, she's still a minor!

Of course, he was unaware of this; Hermione, having used the Time-Changer for several years, was technically already an adult wizard. Even so, it was still quite outrageous.

It's not magical at all!

Hermione didn't maintain the magic for long; after making her stance clear, she waved it off. Just then, a door opened in the living room, and Dumbledore walked in, wiping his hands.

This startled Horace and Harry, especially Horace, who seemed startled and coughed awkwardly, saying, "Oh, Albus, you're back. That's quite a while. Had diarrhea?"

"No, I was just flipping through some Muggle magazines, and some of the content was quite interesting," Dumbledore replied with a smile. He then said to Harry and Hermione, "Alright, Harry, Hermione, we've bothered Horace for quite a while now, it's time to go."

Upon hearing this, Harry and Hermione walked towards Dumbledore together, while Horace was bewildered, unsure of what Dumbledore was up to.

"Are you leaving?" he asked in surprise.

"Yes," Dumbledore said with a smile, adjusting his cloak. "It's a shame you wouldn't accept the job. I really miss the time I spent working with you."

"Ah... I see. Okay, I..."

"Goodbye, Horace. If you wish to change your mind, Hogwarts will always welcome you." Dumbledore waved and turned to walk outside.

Harry and Hermione followed closely behind, but before they could even step out of the room, they heard a loud shout behind them: "Fine! Fine! You win!"

"Albus, I agree!"

Dumbledore stopped and winked at Harry and Hermione as he turned around. Meanwhile, Horace had already chased after them, leaning against the doorframe, panting.

"Are you willing to return to Hogwarts and go back to work?"

"Yes, yes," Horace said, sounding somewhat impatient. "Exactly, I must be going crazy..."

"Great!" Dumbledore said happily. "Then we'll see you on September 1st when school starts."

"Okay, no problem... damn it..."

They watched as Horace walked back to the living room, muttering to himself in frustration. A moment later, a scream and a few curses followed, along with the sound of something falling to the ground.

Harry was thinking of going back to see what was wrong with Horace, but Dumbledore pulled him out of the house with a smile.

As Dumbledore walked out along the garden path, it was clear that he was in a very good mood; he even hummed a song.

"Well done, Harry, and Hermione too," he said.

"We didn't do anything," Harry said, still a little confused, when Dumbledore continued, "You did a lot. You showed Horace what he could get back to Hogwarts."

"Safety, Galon, and the honor he values ​​most."

"Glory?" Harry asked.

"Yes, honor," Dumbledore said. "Horace is a very lovable man. He likes material things and a luxurious life, but what he likes most is the flattery and respect he receives from outstanding, successful, and powerful people."

"When he was at Hogwarts, he would always choose his favorite students, and without exception, they were all outstanding in some aspect. Perhaps it was because of their intelligence, or perhaps because of their talent or charm, plus he had a special talent that he favored those who would later excel in various fields."

"What you don't know is that Horace started a club centered around himself, with all the members being his favorite students. He introduced them to each other, helped them build connections, and he always got something in return."

"It could be a bottle of excellent mead, a game ticket, or the right to nominate someone for a certain department."

Upon hearing this, Harry's face involuntarily darkened. Dumbledore's words gave him a somewhat unpleasant impression of the fat old man who was about to become his professor, and also reminded him of the creature Ron hated most. Horace was like a spider weaving a large web to satisfy his various needs.

He recalled what Horace had said in the living room earlier. Although he claimed to be unbiased, his words still carried a hint of skepticism, as if it were impossible for a Muggle-born wizard like Hermione to obtain twelve certificates and twelve Os in the OWLs exam.

This prejudice reminded him of someone.

"Professor, this Mr. Huo..."

"You should call him Professor Slughorn now, Harry," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I know what you want to ask. I'm not saying this to make you wary of him, but to keep you alert."

"He'll definitely try to win you over; you'll become treasures in his 'collection.' The boy who survived a great calamity, the savior, and a talent that will leave everyone speechless."

"I must say, Hermione, what you just showed was absolutely fantastic!" Dumbledore said, giving her a thumbs up.

Upon hearing this, Hermione didn't react as strongly as Harry. She simply looked up at Dumbledore seriously and asked softly, "Professor Dumbledore, is there anything we need to do?"

"Nothing is needed, Hermione," Dumbledore replied earnestly. "Just let things take their course."

He looked at Hermione, who remained serious and focused, and remained silent for a long while before shaking his head helplessly. He said, "Alright, I can tell you some things, but you have to promise not to let anyone else know... Of course, your good friends can know too."

Dumbledore paused, as if organizing his thoughts, before continuing, "You all know the current situation. It must be admitted that the two sides are not evenly matched."

"Therefore, I need to eliminate this gap as much as possible, and Horace is a key person in this regard."

"I need to confirm something with him, to get an answer; that's important."

"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked.

"I'm sorry, it's not the right time yet." Dumbledore shook his head. "But I swear, you will know when the time is right."

As he spoke, he extended his left hand.

"Alright, now grab my arm. It's time to take you to the Burrow."

"It's late, I don't want to hear Molly's complaints..."

(End of this chapter)