Chapter 100 Playing a Game
Hermione, who had finally calmed down, blushed again upon hearing Ron's words.
She took her wand straight out from her Wizard robes.
Ron was startled and hurriedly hid behind Harry.
Harry's eyes also instantly became somewhat panicked; with Hermione's wand pointing at the bridge of his nose, his eyes were almost crossed.
Xiao Deng slowly came from behind Hermione and pressed down on her hand.
As if pouting, Hermione didn't even want her wand anymore and ran to her seat on her own to sit down.
Ron looked at Xiao Deng in horror, his mouth twisted into a Type-C shape.
"Xiao Deng, did she eat dynamite?"
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile.
"It's nothing, just taking the blame, that's all."
Neville had a look of sudden realization.
"That means you were the one who pissed her off, Xiao Deng!"
Xiao Deng's face darkened, and he glanced at Neville.
Usually, his brain didn't turn very fast, but his sudden flashes of insight at critical moments sometimes made people lose their composure.
Xiao Deng sat down beside Hermione unhurriedly.
Neville exchanged glances with Harry and Ron.
Hermione is really difficult to deal with!
But, Xiao Deng finally got what was coming to him!
The three of them laughed in unison.
Hehehe!
As usual, after eating, they went to the training area to train, and went to the Forbidden Forest when they needed to.
It's just that Hermione still had a cold face when she came out of the classroom.
But after everyone else had left, Hermione still turned back.
"I thought you weren't coming!"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng without speaking, and Xiao Deng, not feeling awkward, continued:
"Shall we play a game?"
"After we finish playing, you aren't allowed to be angry anymore."
Hermione couldn't help but interject:
"What game?"
Xiao Deng smiled mysteriously and said:
"A game of hide-and-seek."
"You chase me, and if you catch me."
"I'll let you hehehe!"
Hermione was directly amused by Xiao Deng's words.
"What hehehe? I don't understand, not playing!"
"And in your dreams! I won't play games with you either!"
Xiao Deng wasn't in a hurry, still elegantly adjusting his clothes.
"If you don't want to play with me, that's fine, I'll play a game with you."
"I'll chase you, and if I catch you."
"I'll hehehe you!"
As he spoke, Xiao Deng ran towards Hermione.
Hermione was so scared that she let out a loud scream.
"Ah!"
"Don't come over here!"
Suddenly, a third person's voice appeared.
"Who?"
"Who is there?"
"You little Wizards are out wandering at night again, I'll catch you!"
It was Filch!
Xiao Deng waved his sleeve, swept up Hermione, and left the scene, arriving at the second-floor bathroom, and then through a secret passage to the Bathhouse.
Myrtle screamed at Xiao Deng with a speechless expression.
"Ah!"
"Xiao Deng, can you be a bit more restrained!"
"I'm a ghost!"
"I don't have a body!"
"Always making me just watch!"
"I can't even affect the water level!"
Hermione's little face turned red in a flash.
"Myrtle, stop talking!"
Myrtle was even more excited.
"How can I not talk? You're enjoying the big Bathhouse, what can I do?"
"The wand is useless, do you know what it feels like to have a wand pass through your body and feel nothing?"
Hermione gave Myrtle a reproachful look; why does she say everything out loud?
Xiao Deng chuckled and looked up at Myrtle, who was sitting on his head.
"Then are you going to watch or not?"
"Watch, watch, watch!"
Myrtle nodded instantly like a garlic masher.
This appearance drew a coquettish scolding from Hermione: "Myrtle!"
Myrtle giggled and slipped into the faucet.
Xiao Deng looked at Hermione, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
"The game from earlier is about to start, oh~"
"Ah~ don't come over here!"
Hermione took off running.
Suddenly, Hermione slipped and fell backward.
Hermione was shocked, it's over, I'm going to fall!
Hermione closed her eyes tightly, but the expected pain did not come.
A warmth enveloped Hermione, and as she slowly opened her eyes, she saw Xiao Deng's handsome face close at hand.
"Little Hermione, I caught you, oh~"
Hermione turned her flushed face away, not looking at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng touched her, and Hermione's whole back was covered in sweat; it seems she was running hard.
"Are you thirsty?"
"Drink some pumpkin juice first."
Hermione stood up by herself, took the pumpkin juice from Xiao Deng's hand, and took small sips.
Xiao Deng waved his sleeve, and another cup of pumpkin juice appeared in his hand.
Xiao Deng took a sip and glanced at Hermione.
"Are you thirsty?"
Hermione nodded.
"Running in the bathroom is quite strenuous, I am a bit thirsty."
Xiao Deng narrowed his eyes and asked:
"You have two mouths, is the other one thirsty?"
Hermione immediately took a step back.
"Don't talk nonsense, it's not thirsty!"
Xiao Deng moved one step closer.
"That's not what you said just now!"
"Whether it's thirsty or not, we'll know after drinking the pumpkin juice."
"I'll feed it a sip."
Hermione retreated again, but she had already backed into a corner.
That familiar sense of powerlessness washed over Hermione's heart again.
Her little hand couldn't help but tilt to the side, and she was gripping the cup in her hand tightly.
The pumpkin juice in the cup had spilled all over the floor.
What does the mouth taste like today?
Probably just the taste of pumpkin juice!
Myrtle's head poked out from the faucet, and she couldn't help but lick her lips.
...
Hermione sat in the Bathhouse and bit Xiao Deng's arm.
"So annoying!"
"Do you know I'm very tired after training!"
"And you still want to come and torment me!"
Xiao Deng lowered his head and kissed Hermione's collarbone.
"I originally wanted to take you somewhere else today."
"It's all your fault for constantly saying you were thirsty."
"I could only keep feeding you water."
"Time has been wasted!"
Hermione's face turned red.
"Don't say it!"
"Besides, who is it that never listens to advice at critical moments?"
Myrtle floated out of the water and stopped in front of Hermione's face, screaming.
"It's me! It's me! It's all me!"
"That's enough!"
Hermione was startled, which made Xiao Deng giggle on the side.
"Myrtle, you aren't allowed to say it either!"
"And, I punish you to take off your clothes!"
Xiao Deng was stunned, looking at Hermione with surprised eyes.
"Can ghosts even do that?"
"I don't seem to have heard of it!"
Hermione held up her index finger, which was stained with water droplets.
"Professor Binns has performed it in front of us before, right."
"He can even take off his head, what's so strange about taking off clothes?"
Uh...
What Hermione said actually makes sense; Xiao Deng had never thought about this aspect before.
"Ah!"
Myrtle's scream resounded through the entire bathroom again.
"You two living people are actually bullying a ghost."
"Is there any justice left!"
"Who will stand up for ghosts!"
"I'm going to find Dumbledore later to issue a new regulation that you can't bully ghosts!"
Xiao Deng spread his hands, looking indifferent.
"Whether I'm a person or not doesn't matter; Hermione often calls me a dog anyway."
"In this situation, it's fine not to be a person."
"Pfft!"
Hermione laughed out loud and rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng.
Looking at the four glittering eyes, Myrtle knew she couldn't escape.
She had already watched them many times; if she didn't pay something today, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to get away with it.
Moreover, the most important thing is that Xiao Deng's magic seems a bit different; he can trap her.
Immediately, she gave up resistance as if resigned to her fate.
Chapter 101: order of merlin
It must be said, even after eating, seeing Myrtle still gave one an appetite.
Her shape was quite peachy.
"Hermione, I can only say that you were probably raised by your grandfather."
"Let's go back."
"If we don't go back now, we won't have enough time to sleep."
Myrtle had been wanting to run away for a while; as soon as Xiao Deng finished speaking, she zipped into the faucet.
Xiao Deng escorted Hermione back, then returned to his Dormitory himself.
In the following time, Harry and the others gradually found some order.
They gained the ability to parry Peeves' offensives.
From time to time, they could even launch a counterattack, making Peeves jump up and down in anger.
Until one day, Peeves came to find Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, I'm not playing anymore!"
"These little brats have learned to be smart now."
"Once they cooperate, I can't hit a single one."
"At the beginning, they would show flaws after three, five, or ten minutes."
"Now they can hold it steady for an hour; it's boring."
Xiao Deng smiled, feeling a bit gratified.
This was an improvement in practical ability and an accumulation of practical experience.
This was an ability that couldn't be reflected even with an O on that exam paper.
"If you quit, I can't find a suitable, non-annoying game for you for the time being."
Peeves waved his hands irritably.
"Not playing, not playing anymore!"
"I want to take a break recently!"
"These little brats are really annoying!"
Xiao Deng smiled without saying anything; there was no one else who could make Peeves lose his composure like this.
Peeves zipped away and disappeared.
At this moment, a letter bearing Dumbledore's magic seal floated in front of Xiao Deng.
After Xiao Deng opened it, there was still only the word "Come" on it.
Can't you just say what it is? Do I really have to make a trip?
Xiao Deng grumbled as he walked toward Dumbledore's office.
When Xiao Deng arrived at Dumbledore's office, he found Professor Sprout there too.
"Hello, Professor Sprout!"
"Hello there, Xiao Deng."
Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng, who didn't follow up, and his face darkened.
"Can't you say hello to me too?"
"Hello, Principal!"
Dumbledore's expression froze; why did this feel so off?
The rest of his words were stuck in his throat, wanting to come out but couldn't.
Professor Sprout naturally saw Dumbledore's awkwardness and chuckled.
"Xiao Deng, don't be naughty!"
"I know, Professor!"
Looking at Xiao Deng's obedient appearance, Dumbledore felt even more stifled.
He let out a deep breath, calming his mood.
"I called you here this time because there is an important matter."
"Professor Sprout has conducted a systematic study of your methods and means."
"There is a solid experimental group to support it."
"After many experiments, the Mandrake seedlings have shown the characteristic of no longer crying and howling randomly."
"Even when they reach adulthood, this characteristic still exists, and there are few cases of it continuously weakening."
"And for adult Mandrakes, eighty percent of the adult plants no longer cry and howl randomly."
"For the remaining twenty percent, the fear they have for a wand means that taking out a wand can effectively restrain their howling."
"This discovery is of great significance, and Professor Sprout has already published this magic academic paper in your name."
"It has gained the attention of the Ministry of Magic and even the whole world."
"The entire Ministry of Magic has decided to award you the order of merlin, Second Class."
"This is the official invitation from the Ministry of Magic."
"In a few days, you will go with us."
Xiao Deng noticed Dumbledore's choice of words.
"Us"?!
"Who else is going?"
Dumbledore chuckled.
"Most of the influential Wizards will be there."
"This kind of large-scale award ceremony is not common."
"It is already a very important occasion."
"Most importantly, you are a young Wizard of my Hogwarts."
"You've achieved success, and Hogwarts will share in the glory."
"Oh, right, almost forgot."
"Remember to get a suitable formal robe made; this is your special event."
Only then did Xiao Deng realize why he had been called over.
It's just an award ceremony, why make it so mysterious?
Xiao Deng shrugged and asked:
"Since Hogwarts is sharing in my glory, is there any subsidy or funding or something?"
"After all, I still need to make clothes."
Professor Sprout smiled and shook her head; this child was being naughty again.
Dumbledore's face darkened; damn it, the award is for you, not me.
This brat is increasingly unable to distinguish between the big and small kings.
"Hogwarts may not have this funding, but I can personally sponsor you one Galleon."
Xiao Deng looked at Dumbledore speechlessly.
"Principal, your name is Dumbledore, not Dumbledore-the-Stingy!"
"Can you make it any less?"
Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Yes, seven sickles."
Sprout had been amused to the point of laughing by the conversation between these two.
"Principal, if you give me seven sickles, I will report you to Professor McGonagall."
Dumbledore's mouth twitched; you really know who to report to.
"Fine, three Galleons, no more."
"The premise is that you can't let Professor McGonagall know."
Xiao Deng chuckled.
"Deal."
Xiao Deng didn't lack these three Galleons, and Dumbledore wasn't short of them either; it was purely to tease the Principal for fun.
Sprout also knew this, so she didn't offer any obstruction on the side.
If it were Weasley, he would probably have to say some nice words to get Dumbledore to pay a bit more.
But that child only had chicken legs in her eyes; if a chicken leg were stuffed into a Mandrake's mouth, she would accept it.
It's a pity, the spirit was a bit worse than Xiao Deng's.
"Then, Principal, is there anything else?"
Dumbledore glanced at Sprout, and she understood instantly.
"I haven't poked the Mandrakes in the throat over at the herbology side today, so I'll leave first."
Dumbledore watched her leave, then looked at Xiao Deng.
"Have you noticed anything unusual recently?"
Xiao Deng pondered for a moment, then looked at Dumbledore seriously.
"I did find something."
Dumbledore was startled and asked hurriedly:
"What unusual thing did you find?"
Xiao Deng's mouth curled slightly, and he glanced at Dumbledore.
"I found that Principal is unusually stingy today."
"He won't even give a single lemon sherbet."
Dumbledore's originally serious expression froze on his face instantly, and then his face grew darker and darker.
What kind of brain circuit is that? Being so mean just for a lemon sherbet?
Dumbledore held his breath and took out a lemon sherbet from the drawer for Xiao Deng.
Seeing Xiao Deng stuff it into his mouth immediately, he couldn't help but laugh.
As he laughed, the arc of his mouth gradually disappeared.
"Xiao Deng!"
"I have a small wish."
"If, in the future, when you eat lemon sherbet again, you can think of me."
Xiao Deng tilted his head and looked at Dumbledore.
"Are you bankrupt?"
Dumbledore closed his eyes deeply; what a sin!
The emotion that had just risen was wiped out by this brat.
Dumbledore slowly sat back in his seat.
"You should go back and prepare!"
Chapter 102 Seeking Snape's Help
Xiao Deng was kicked out of the office, confused.
Tomorrow was the weekend, so he could go buy his formal robes.
This time, he had to have Madam Malkin design an exclusive outfit for him.
When it was time to eat, Xiao Deng didn't return to the Dormitory; he went straight to the dining hall.
From afar, he saw several people devouring their food like starving ghosts.
Xiao Deng chuckled inwardly, guessing they still didn't know Peeves had quit.
Xiao Deng sat down slowly and unhurriedly beside Hermione.
Hermione glared at him warily.
"You're here so late; it couldn't still be the Principal who called you, could it?"
Xiao Deng picked up Hermione's pumpkin juice.
"That's my—"
Before Hermione could finish, Xiao Deng had downed it all in three gulps.
The others across from them were already used to it; Xiao Deng just loved teasing this lioness.
"You actually guessed right!"
"It was indeed the Principal who called me."
"Buddy, I'm not the same as you guys anymore; I'm a person of status."
Harry looked up and asked curiously, "What status?"
Xiao Deng gave a light cough.
"Ahem!"
"After confirmation from Professor Sprout, my method for suppressing the Mandrake's cries has been successfully researched."
"It has been confirmed as the only effective and practical method currently available."
"This act benefits a vast number of Wizards, and the Ministry of Magic has unanimously decided to award me the order of merlin, Second Class."
The group stared at Xiao Deng with wide eyes; the chicken leg in Ron's mouth dropped.
Ron stammered, "Lockhart has a Merlin award and acts so arrogant, bragging about it everywhere."
"With a fancy award like that, you'll be unstoppable!"
"Xiao Deng, when you get back, you have to outshine him."
Xiao Deng looked at Ron with a strange expression, truly unsure if Ron was insulting him or praising him.
Hermione burst out laughing.
How could the younger brother of the Weasley twins not know how to be sarcastic?
Neville was the first to react.
"Eat quickly, we still have a task later!"
Reminded by Neville, the others remembered they had things to do.
They started eating heartily again, and Xiao Deng didn't interrupt them.
When they had all eaten their fill, set down their utensils, and were preparing to get up, Xiao Deng looked at them with a smile.
"Are you all full?"
"Full!"
"Full!"
"If you're full, sit back down first; I have something to tell you."
Hearing Xiao Deng say this, they looked at each other and sat back down.
"Today, I'm giving you a day off."
"You can rest for a day; we aren't going today."
According to Peeves, the group could now last for an hour under his chaotic throwing.
This showed that their basic physical strength had increased significantly.
Furthermore, they had understood the importance of teamwork.
Finally, their ability to switch between offense and defense, as well as their eye for seizing opportunities, had clearly improved.
Ron was the most enthusiastic; he sat down and asked, "Really?"
"Are you sure?"
Xiao Deng set down his cup of pumpkin juice.
"Of course it's true."
"We don't need to go this time. And I suspect there won't be any more times after this."
Hermione was the first to grab Xiao Deng.
"Are you angry again?"
Xiao Deng rolled his eyes; was he the type to hold grudges?
"Peeves won't play with you anymore."
"He said you lasted too long, and he didn't get any sense of fun out of it."
Neville stared straight at Xiao Deng and asked urgently, "Then what about our training?"
Xiao Deng glanced at Neville; he naturally knew what Neville was worried about.
"Give me some time; I've been a bit busy lately, so it might need to be pushed back."
"Once I'm through with this busy period, I'll find you something new."
"For now, just rest well and recharge."
"Everything can wait until I get back from the Ministry of Magic."
"Neville, I'll have to trouble you to pass a message to Malfoy later."
Neville had just stood up and thought for a moment, then looked at Ron.
"Ron, do you need me to pass a message for you?"
Xiao Deng looked at Neville in surprise; hey, this little chubby guy has learned to be naughty!
Ron had just been about to say a long-winded speech when Neville interrupted him in advance.
"Keep it simple; keep the way you speak simple."
"I can't remember too much."
With a long speech stuck in his throat, Ron's face turned bright red.
Finally, he lowered his head and sighed.
"Just 'reptile'."
"Alright."
Xiao Deng stood up and nudged Hermione.
Their eyes met, and Hermione knew that Xiao Deng wanted her to come out tonight.
Hermione's face flushed slightly, but she said nothing.
Xiao Deng made an excuse about having things to do and left early, letting them do as they pleased.
Xiao Deng silently arrived at Snape's office.
As expected, this Old Bat only ever made Potion in his own office.
"Can the winner of the order of merlin still remember his Potion Class Professor?"
"How rare!"
Xiao Deng curled his lips; the Old Bat was still being sarcastic.
"Even with the order of merlin, aren't I still coming over to help you out?"
Snape didn't speak, but Xiao Deng knew this had made the Old Bat happy.
One look, and Xiao Deng knew what Potion Snape was making.
He seamlessly integrated himself into Snape's process.
"I have a question!"
"Lockhart is so incompetent, why does Dumbledore still let him teach?"
The office remained silent for a long time, so long that Xiao Deng thought Snape wouldn't answer.
"He is a fraud!"
"He deceived the Ministry of Magic."
"Only his Obliviate is up to standard."
"His experiences are all stolen."
"And since the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class is cursed, someone like him..."
Snape didn't finish, but Xiao Deng knew what he meant.
"I have one more question."
"You talk too much nonsense!"
"The last one."
A long silence greeted Xiao Deng.
"Peeves won't play anymore; they can already last over an hour under Peeves's offensive."
Xiao Deng only said this; he trusted that Snape would understand his meaning.
Snape didn't speak; he finished the Potion in his hand, stored it away, and then turned to look at Xiao Deng.
"You want me to provide a training method."
Xiao Deng also finished the Potion he was working on and looked up at Snape.
"Yes."
"Being able to last an hour under Peeves's offensive shows their abilities have improved."
"However, I can't immediately think of a way to improve their abilities while ensuring complete safety."
"After all, the Wizarding World is still at peace; it's not like we can catch a Death Eater for them to play with."
"If that happened, Professor McGonagall would probably want to cane me to death with her wand."
After putting away all the tools, Snape sat down on his stool.
"In the past."
"Hagrid raised an Acromantula named Aragog."
"Its attacks are extremely swift."
"It understands human speech and can communicate."
"The most important thing is that Hagrid is very familiar with it."
"However..."
"Before looking for an Acromantula, Centaurs are also a good choice."
Xiao Deng shrugged speechlessly.
"Centaurs actually have quite bad tempers."
Snape squeezed the words out of his mouth with a blank expression.
"That's your business; you should go back."
Chapter 103: Preparations Before Going to Diagon Alley
Xiao Deng was kicked out of the office by Snape, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Kicking people out at the slightest disagreement, it really fits his style.
Xiao Deng began to consider how to make contact with the Centaurs.
He had actually sought out the Centaurs when he was fighting before.
The entire tribe's attitude was that they did not like to be close to humans.
It was only after helping the Centaurs a few times, and guaranteeing that it was just sparring and fighting, and that he wasn't asking them to do anything for him, that he barely managed to make contact.
The matter was actually still about fighting, just with a different person.
They shouldn't make things difficult for him, right?
Walking on the stairs, he encountered the Weasley twins jogging over.
"Xiao Deng, I heard you got the order of merlin."
"That's absolutely amazing!"
"Couldn't our shop take advantage of this reputation to promote itself?"
Xiao Deng looked at the two of them in surprise, and had to admit, their brains reacted quite quickly.
A shop opened by a newly minted order of merlin recipient, full of gimmicks.
Isn't that the type of reputation Lockhart uses to market himself and sell books?
The only difference is that Lockhart is a fraud, while his side is a legitimate business.
"You two get ready tomorrow, I'm going to Diagon Alley to buy clothes."
"Go find Professor McGonagall to discuss it, and come with me."
"By the way, go take a look at the shop prepared for you."
"However, whether you can persuade Professor McGonagall to let you go depends on your own skills."
Fred patted his chest confidently and said:
"Professor McGonagall will agree."
George also chimed in from the side:
"We guarantee it!"
Although he didn't know why they were so confident, having confidence was always a good thing.
"I still have things to do, I'll go first, you two good luck."
After speaking, the three parted ways; Xiao Deng went to find Hermione, and the twins went to find Professor McGonagall.
Unsurprisingly, Xiao Deng found Hermione reading in the Library.
"Why don't you make a sound every time you come?"
"I was afraid of delaying your studying!"
Hermione checked that there was no one around, walked around the table to sit beside Xiao Deng, and hugged Xiao Deng's arm.
"This will make you wait in vain for a long time."
Xiao Deng played with Hermione's fair fingers and laughed:
"It's okay, I can wait."
"You can just make it up to me elsewhere."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng, but didn't take up Xiao Deng's words, and leaned her little head on Xiao Deng's shoulder.
"I came to find you today because I have something to discuss."
Hermione gave a soft hum.
"Didn't I want to take you to a place last time!"
"Because of your gluttony, it was delayed in the Bathhouse."
Xiao Deng felt a sharp pain in his foot; that was Hermione's loving stomp.
After stepping to her satisfaction, she slowly withdrew her little foot.
"Who is the one who delayed it, you know in your heart."
"Acting improperly all day long!"
Xiao Deng backhanded his arm around Hermione's small waist.
"I don't know?"
"Who was the one shouting 'don't stop'?"
"Who was the one shouting 'more'..."
Before he could finish, Xiao Deng's mouth was covered by Hermione's hand, and she blushed as she stopped Xiao Deng.
"Not allowed to say it!"
But the next moment, her originally fierce face suddenly turned to shock, and she retracted her hand.
Her fingers pointed tremblingly at Xiao Deng.
"You actually... tongue..."
Xiao Deng hugged Hermione and stroked Hermione's hair.
"Alright!"
"I'll take you to that place tonight to meet two people."
"I'll be going to Diagon Alley tomorrow to buy clothes."
"Preparing for the order of merlin award ceremony."
"I might not be able to take care of you, so you stay in Hogwarts obediently and wait for me to come back."
Hermione leaned into Xiao Deng's arms and nodded slightly.
Time after sunset always passes very quickly.
In no time at all, it was night.
Hermione snuck out and came to the second-floor bathroom.
"Hermione, you're here!"
"Myrtle, has Xiao Deng come yet?"
"He hasn't come yet today."
"He told me to come, why is he still late!"
"Who said I was late?"
"Besides, we don't seem to have agreed on a time."
"Your ability to shift the blame has improved again."
Xiao Deng's voice came from behind the person and the ghost.
"Scared me to death!"
"Scared the ghost to death!"
"You dead ghost!"
The person and the ghost said simultaneously, but there was no sense of incongruity.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. If his divine sense wasn't strong and he didn't know what they were doing inside, he would have really thought the two of them had planned it.
Hermione habitually hugged Xiao Deng's arm, and Myrtle sat on Xiao Deng's head as usual.
"I'm going to take her to a place, on the Eighth Floor, are you coming too?"
Myrtle hesitated for a moment, then climbed down from Xiao Deng's head.
"I won't go."
"I'll wait for you to come back on the second floor."
Xiao Deng knew that the second floor was her obsession, so he didn't ask for anything.
He took Hermione to the entrance on the Eighth Floor.
Hermione tugged at Xiao Deng's sleeve and asked with a smile:
"Is this the place where you hide your mistress?"
Xiao Deng's mouth curled up. He hadn't been embarrassed to tell her just now, but she bumped right into it.
"You guessed so right!"
Hermione was choked, and her face turned cold.
"You really are a scumbag!"
Xiao Deng pulled Hermione's soft figure into his arms.
"Your judgment of people is really accurate!"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng and didn't speak.
Since she had thought of this situation when she had a showdown with Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng's frankness actually made Hermione feel relieved.
However, acceptance is acceptance, she still gave him a cold look and asked coldly:
"How do we get in?"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, he stepped forward and paced back and forth three times.
Suddenly, a room appeared in front of the two, startling Hermione.
"Let's go, they wanted to see you a long time ago."
"You will be surprised."
Xiao Deng took Hermione and opened the door to the Eighth Floor.
...
"Mother, I seem to smell a strange scent."
Big White was touching Little White's snowy white hair, grooming it gently.
"You didn't smell wrong."
"That is the little girl we met once."
Little White climbed up from Big White's large lap.
"Met once?"
"That female who saved us with Xiao Deng in the Forbidden Forest?"
Big White was speechless, amused by Little White.
"You have now transformed into human form; not only in physique, but you also need to transition towards humans in the way you speak."
"That's not called a female, that's called a woman."
Little White felt dizzy; what was Mother mumbling about?
So troublesome!
Little White collapsed back onto Big White's fair thighs.
As that scent kept getting closer, even Big White felt some worry in her heart.
What if the other party couldn't tolerate them?
Where should the two of them go?
They couldn't go back to the tribe anymore; she suddenly felt the world was so small.
Little White seemed to feel Big White's worry, and stuck out her tongue to lick Big White's leg.
"Mother don't worry, Brother is not that kind of person."
It seemed that such comfort really worked, and Big White's mood calmed down.
Little White was right, Xiao Deng was not that kind of person.
Footsteps from far to near appeared outside the door.
Big White calmly continued to help Little White groom her hair.
"Big White, Little White!"
"I've come to see you!"
"And I've brought someone you've always wanted to see."
Chapter 104: Taking Hermione to the Eighth Floor
As soon as Xiao Deng entered the room, he was met with two pairs of eyes filled with deep meaning.
This made Xiao Deng's footsteps falter slightly.
Hermione, on the other hand, flushed red and immediately covered her eyes.
"This scoundrel, is this how one hides a beauty?"
"Or is Xiao Deng abusing them, not even buying them a single piece of clothing!"
Dabai stood up and walked over to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, good evening."
"Long time no see."
Long time no see?
Hermione was somewhat confused; she didn't seem to have met these two people before.
Just as Hermione lifted her head to ask, she saw an expanse of snowy white that made her dizzy.
Her small face instantly flushed red, and she covered her eyes again.
"Xiao Deng, are you abusing people?"
"You haven't even prepared food or clothing for them?"
Xiao Deng couldn't help but cover his face.
"They aren't human, they don't like..."
Xiao Deng's words were cut off by Hermione halfway through.
"You are truly immoral, and you're still insulting them? Xiao Deng, I really misjudged you!"
Dabai also felt like covering her face; telling the truth was really difficult.
"Miss Granger, please don't misunderstand Xiao Deng."
"This young lady, don't..."
Hermione had just turned her head, intending to righteously tell her that she should fight for her own freedom.
But her words were also cut off halfway, as she felt dizzy again.
She now believed that Xiao Deng truly loved her.
But that was still no excuse for not buying clothes!
"Miss Granger, we really are not human."
Hermione tried her best not to feel so dizzy.
"If you are being threatened, just blink."
"You have even been forced to accept the claim that you aren't human."
Dabai smiled calmly, not in a rush.
"My name is Dabai, and the one rolling on the bed is called Xiaobai."
Hermione cast her gaze over and felt dizzy once again.
Her eyes were spinning in their sockets.
But why did these names sound a bit familiar?
That's right!
Aren't these the names Xiao Deng gave the Unicorns?
No way, right?
"Are you roleplaying?"
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng; she hadn't expected him to be so good at playing games like this.
Dabai reached out her slender, snowy white hand and grabbed Hermione.
Hermione froze on the spot, letting Dabai drag her along, not daring to look at Dabai.
"You're overthinking it."
"Xiao Deng treats us very well, and we are very satisfied."
"However, we really are not human."
"The two of us are the Unicorns you saw in the Forbidden Forest before."
"As for turning into human form, that is Xiao Deng's doing."
"We both intend to follow him; if we show ourselves as Unicorns, sooner or later there will be problems."
Hermione's usually clever brain felt like it wasn't enough right now.
Unicorns?
Turning into humans?
Oh, heavens, Merlin's beard!
Could Merlin have done this if he were alive?
Hermione turned her head mechanically to look at Xiao Deng.
"I thought stopping the cry of the Mandrake was your greatest achievement."
"I didn't expect there to be such shameful achievements!"
"Why don't you let Merlin become your apprentice?"
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile and waved his hand.
"Low profile, keep a low profile!"
But Hermione's mind was still a mess, completely filled with visions of white.
"But, don't Unicorns avoid... men?"
"Someone like Xiao Deng..."
Xiaobai looked at Hermione's incredulous little face and was already laughing until her stomach hurt.
"Could Xiao Deng be that powerful?"
"That even Unicorns can be dyed?"
A flush of red appeared on Dabai's face.
"We owe him too much; it was all voluntary to follow him."
Hermione stuttered for a moment.
"Then... you..."
Dabai smiled slightly and pulled Hermione into her embrace; Hermione's brain crashed.
This delicate touch, is it real?
"No need to doubt it, it's just as you think."
"Just like you."
Hermione scratched her hair, jumped up, and pointed at Xiao Deng, trembling for a long time without being able to say a word.
Finally, she summed it up in one sentence.
"You are really not human!"
Xiao Deng leaned against the wall, watching Hermione.
"Thanks for the compliment!"
Hermione was so angry she slapped her thigh.
"I am not complimenting you!"
Dabai rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng in mock reproach, then pulled Hermione back to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Miss Granger, let me tell you..."
Afterward, Dabai began to recount everything starting from the night of the incident in the Forbidden Forest.
She also told Hermione about her and Xiaobai's emotional journey.
"I didn't expect you to have experienced so much."
"There is so much I don't know."
"Then, has the person who hurt you been caught?"
Dabai looked towards Xiao Deng, who had been standing in the corner without speaking, and Hermione followed her gaze to look over.
Xiao Deng lowered his head; his silence said everything.
Dabai revealed a gentle smile.
"You don't need to blame yourself; the most important thing is your safety."
"Now, you are the most important person to us."
Hermione also hadn't expected that Xiao Deng had done so much in secret.
She had thought Xiao Deng was going out for night walks to play every day.
"Therefore, you are by his side at all times, you need to be more understanding of him."
Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt in her heart.
Her eyes glanced at Xiaobai, who was standing to the side without saying a word.
"Then what about Xiaobai?"
Dabai smiled slightly, looked at Xiaobai, and stroked her hair.
"This is her own choice, a choice from the heart as a Unicorn."
"I will not interfere with her."
Hermione's expression froze, and she turned her head sharply to look at Xiao Deng.
"Two?"
"You're hiding this many?"
"Are you even human?"
Xiao Deng was still leaning against the wall, spreading his hands.
"You can be proud of me."
Hermione slapped the bed and rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Where does this inexplicable pride of yours come from!"
This time, even Dabai rolled her eyes at him.
"Honestly, can't you just speak properly?"
Afterward, she comforted Hermione for a long time before letting her emotions calm down.
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng standing by the wall.
"Do you know who the person who hurt them was at the time?"
Xiao Deng nodded to indicate he knew.
Hermione pressed: "Who is it?"
Xiao Deng was silent, a silence so long that Hermione thought he wouldn't answer this question.
"He has already left Hogwarts."
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng in horror.
"Are you saying that person is Quirrell?"
Xiao Deng looked up and glanced at Hermione, who was full of shock.
"He has other identities."
Dabai knew Xiao Deng didn't want to talk about it, so she interjected to change the subject.
"Miss Granger, the two of us have wanted to see you for a long time."
"It's just that Xiao Deng was always protecting you, and only today was he willing to let you come over."
Hermione didn't look at Xiao Deng, but she knew he was looking at her.
"Since we've met, we can just live well together in the future."
"You might not know, but he is also keeping a ghost on the second floor as a concubine."
Hermione saw that Dabai wasn't excited at all and asked curiously:
"Aren't you angry at all?"
Dabai shook her head.
"I know the color of his heart; I knew it when I decided to follow him."
"I don't feel surprised at all."
Dabai glanced at Xiao Deng without leaving a trace.
She knew exactly what he was thinking right now.
"Miss Granger, since this is our first meeting, you should stay here tonight."
Chapter 105: Handling Business in Diagon Alley
Xiao Deng's voice sounded from behind Hermione.
"Little Hermione, you said in the Library that you would return that time to me."
Hermione didn't dare to look back at Xiao Deng, but her face was already flushing bright red.
Dabai kissed Hermione's cheek and glanced at Xiaobai.
Xiaobai immediately understood, clumsily coming over to tug at Hermione's clothes.
Hermione looked at Dabai and Xiaobai in disbelief.
"Even a Unicorn can be corrupted by that bastard Xiao Deng?"
Dabai's index finger pressed against Hermione's lips.
"Don't say one thing and mean another, oh~"
"I can see your heart!"
The battle was on the verge of breaking out!
Then Xiao Deng, with a straight face, grasped the ultimate technique and emerged victorious.
Four hooves kicked up a storm, causing a collapse in complete submission, leaving one dazed and confused.
Seven captures and seven releases displayed imposing authority, understanding all transformations.
The battle was stirring and soul-shaking!
...
Early morning.
Xiao Deng slowly opened his eyes; the room was already a complete mess.
He got up cautiously, and with a wave of his hand, his clothes and luggage all flew over automatically.
Xiao Deng touched his butt; it felt like Hermione had bitten him there.
This girl was getting more and more willful now; he didn't know where she learned to bite people.
Without making a sound, Xiao Deng left the Eighth Floor.
When he arrived at the entrance of Hogwarts, he saw the Weasley Brothers.
They had actually persuaded Professor McGonagall; they were truly talented.
"Professor McGonagall has been persuaded, but how are we going to get there?"
"Under normal circumstances, the train for the young Wizards doesn't move."
Xiao Deng smiled slightly.
"Since I want to go to Diagon Alley, I naturally have a way to handle it."
Xiao Deng waved his sleeve, swept up the Weasley Brothers, and disappeared from the spot.
The Weasley Brothers felt a sense of vertigo before their feet finally touched solid ground.
Fred asked in shock:
"Xiao Deng, was that just Apparition?"
Xiao Deng smiled without answering, which made the two brothers feel even more certain that it was.
"I'm quite curious about how you persuaded Professor McGonagall."
Fred chuckled: "Coercion!"
George added: "And temptation!"
"We said that if we achieved fame, it would bring glory to Hogwarts."
"We also said that if we couldn't go, who knows when someone might become a jinxed person."
As the two finished speaking in turns, Xiao Deng understood.
It was just a threat!
Professor McGonagall was truly fed up with their pranks.
Plus, since they were coming with Xiao Deng, Professor McGonagall felt reassured by Xiao Deng's strength.
As long as they didn't encounter any veteran Death Eaters, there would likely be no problems.
The two followed Xiao Deng to Madam Malkin's shop.
When Madam Malkin saw Xiao Deng, her eyes lit up.
Young, handsome, and wealthy boys were always popular.
Most importantly, the Ministry of Magic had already issued a notice, and many people knew Xiao Deng's name.
Madam Malkin also read the news, so she naturally knew Xiao Deng's worth.
"Mr. Hehuan, welcome, welcome."
"Are you here to have clothes made again?"
Xiao Deng smiled and nodded.
"Yes, Madam Malkin."
"Help me make a formal suit, using the best fabric."
Madam Malkin took out a parchment catalog, waved her wand lightly, and the catalog flew in front of Xiao Deng.
"You can choose some styles you like from here."
Xiao Deng flipped through it, and suddenly a style caught his eye.
It was covered in rose patterns, incredibly flamboyant.
Seeing Xiao Deng's reaction, Madam Malkin walked over to take a look.
"Oh~ Merlin's beard!"
"Do you like this one?"
"The black background with magical black rose patterns is indeed unique."
"But you are going to the Ministry of Magic to receive an award; wouldn't this be a bit too wild?"
Xiao Deng smiled and handed the catalog in his hand to Madam Malkin.
"If a young man isn't wild, can he still be called a young man?"
Madam Malkin giggled.
"Oh, sir, I like this dashing spirit of yours."
"Then I will measure your size now."
Xiao Deng spread his arms to make it easier for Madam Malkin to take measurements.
"However, I have a small request."
"Please go ahead."
"Can the fabric color be changed to pink, and the magical roses to gold?"
Madam Malkin simulated Xiao Deng's suggestion in her mind, and her expression was a bit troubled.
"Sir, you are going to the Ministry of Magic, that is a formal occasion; wouldn't that be a bit too flamboyant?"
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile.
"A man doesn't have to be handsome, but he must have flair."
The Weasley Brothers behind him looked enlightened and kept this sentence firmly in their hearts.
Madam Malkin was directly amused by Xiao Deng's words.
"Okay, since you want to shine, I can't hold you back."
"I will make it for you."
Xiao Deng bowed slightly and said:
"Then I will trouble you."
"I still have some things to do; I'll come back later to pick it up."
"Alright, take care."
Xiao Deng left, and the Weasley Brothers followed.
As the three walked on the road, Fred couldn't help but ask:
"This direction seems to be getting more and more prosperous, and there are more and more people."
Finally, the three stopped in front of a huge storefront.
George was full of shock.
"This is the biggest shop I've seen along the way."
"Xiao Deng, could this be our shop?"
Xiao Deng smiled slightly without answering; he used actual actions to prove it to them.
Xiao Deng took out his wand, and his unique magical mark spread out.
The door of the storefront slowly opened.
Fred and George looked at each other, their mouths wide open as they stared at the shop.
When they walked in, they both felt their feet floating.
Xiao Deng looked at the interior decoration of the shop with satisfaction; this was something he had previously negotiated with the Goblin.
"Are your things ready?"
Fred nodded immediately.
"They are ready."
Then he helped George take the backpack off his back.
As the inventors, expanding a backpack was easy for them.
They didn't know until they looked; one look gave them a start.
Three types of items, one thousand of each; after taking them out, they were piled high on the floor.
Xiao Deng waved his sleeve, and the items on the ground automatically arranged themselves on the shelves.
"You don't have time on a daily basis; I will select someone to come over and look after the situation in the shop."
"As for you, just focus on research and mass production."
"After the award ceremony is over, that will be the time for our shop to open."
"After you graduate in the future, you can also work in this shop."
"I will pay you extra wages."
Fred pulled Xiao Deng and said excitedly:
"Xiao Deng, really, no need to say thanks between us; you are our benefactor."
"If there's anything in the future, just say the word; if you need us, we will never refuse."
Xiao Deng smiled and waved his hand, not taking these words to heart.
His strength would only get higher and higher, and he wasn't short of money; there would likely not be a time when he needed help.
If one day he really needed help, it would probably require Merlin to be alive.
Perhaps even Merlin would have to say sorry if he came.
"Next, you still have things to do."
"After you go back, use your connections and your family's influence to do some publicity and promotion for this shop."
Chapter 106: Returning to Hogwarts
Xiao Deng had them both leave their own magical imprints so it would be easier to open the door in the future.
On the way back, George raised a question.
"Xiao Deng, we didn't see a shop name earlier. Have you thought of one?"
Xiao Deng was stunned. Come to think of it—actually, really come to think of it—he hadn't thought about that at all.
He would have to have the Goblins arrange it later.
"Let's just call it Weasley's Shop."
"No way!"
The brothers shouted in unison.
"Absolutely not!"
"You worked so hard to open this shop; we just put in a little effort."
"Besides, if we did that, Mom would beat us to death."
"You put up the money, the shop, and the reputation—it's all yours."
"We already have a share of the profits; taking advantage of this would be inappropriate."
Seeing that both of them refused, Xiao Deng dropped the idea.
What should he call it, then?
But naming things really wasn't his strong suit!
The order of merlin Recipient's Shop?
Who would come? Anyone who came would think you were showing off.
Xiao Deng's Shop?
How is that any different from insulting himself?
Xiao Deng scratched his hair.
"Let's just call it the Hehuan Sect Specialty Store."
Fred and George exchanged glances; they didn't understand, but they respected his decision.
Xiao Deng looked at the two of them. Even if he wasn't good at naming things, their expressions shouldn't be this weird.
Not dwelling on it, he took the two of them to Gringotts.
He didn't need to worry about the sign; while the Goblins' customer service might be lacking, they were usually very reliable when it came to paid work.
After settling the matter of the sign, they returned to Madam Malkin's shop.
"Oh, my dear Mr. Hehuan, you've finally returned."
"Come quickly and see your new clothes."
Fred's eyes widened as he shook George.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to wear a formal robe like this in my life."
"It's flashy and flamboyant while still being luxurious!"
George said while trying to stop him:
"Stop shaking me, stop it!"
"I can't wear it either; I've never even imagined it."
"How much must this cost! Molly would beat me until my own mother wouldn't recognize me."
Xiao Deng tried on the upper garment, and it left Madam Malkin stunned on the spot.
It fit; it fit perfectly.
He had seen Lockhart himself holding a book signing at Flourish and Blotts.
By comparison, Lockhart was just an ordinary mortal.
Xiao Deng, however, looked like a celestial being—indescribably wonderful.
"Good heavens, he looks better than Merlin's wife!"
George asked Fred:
"Does Merlin have a wife?"
"You're asking me? How would I know?"
Xiao Deng changed out of it and smiled at Madam Malkin:
"Please pack it up for me; here is the payment."
After leaving Madam Malkin's shop, Xiao Deng let out a deep breath.
It seemed like there wasn't much to do today, but after getting everything done one by one, the sky had darkened, and the sun was about to set.
"We should head back too."
There was nothing left to browse in Diagon Alley for the time being, and the two brothers had no objections.
With a wave of his sleeve, the three of them returned to the gates of Hogwarts.
"There's nothing left to do today; you two go do whatever you need to."
Xiao Deng was in such a rush, naturally, because he wanted to go to the Library.
After all, Xiao Deng was a studious person.
Hermione frowned and turned to the next page.
She pressed her temples and looked up.
"Xiao Deng!"
Hermione's eyes lit up.
Madam Pince's warning came from afar.
"Keep it down!"
Hermione covered her mouth, carefully sat down next to Xiao Deng, and hugged his arm.
"How did things go?"
Xiao Deng said softly:
"Everything went smoothly."
"And I've thought of who will look after the shop."
Hermione looked up at Xiao Deng and asked:
"Who?"
Xiao Deng gently put his arm around Hermione.
"Before this, I was looking for someone who could take care of the shop all day."
"I even considered my butler in the Muggle world."
"But I overlooked someone important."
"Da Bai and Xiao Bai."
"They happen to have nothing to do."
"At the same time, it can help them better integrate into human life and reduce the probability of being discovered."
Hermione frowned.
"Are they willing?"
Xiao Deng wasn't too worried.
"If they're willing, I'll arrange for them to go. If not, at worst, I'll just hire a few people, it's the same."
"Everything depends on their wishes."
"It's time to eat; let's go have dinner first."
"We can ask for their opinions in detail tonight."
Hermione nodded, put away her book, and followed Xiao Deng out of the Library.
In the dining hall, they saw Harry and his group, whom they hadn't seen for a while.
Harry poked at the food in his bowl while asking Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, how did your business go?"
Xiao Deng tried to sneak a sip of Hermione's pumpkin juice but got his hand slapped away.
"No problems at all."
"I've already asked Madam Malkin to make the formal robes."
"The matter of opening the shop with the Weasley brothers is also about ready."
"It can open as soon as my investiture ceremony is over."
Neville asked Xiao Deng, looking completely puzzled:
"Aren't you afraid that by using this title, people will mistake you for a fraud like Lockhart?"
Although Neville sometimes looked a bit dazed, his sensitivity was actually quite high.
"I'm not afraid; there's no problem."
"Lockhart had no real ability; he just boasted about skills he didn't have."
"He stole other people's lives to act cool."
"My achievements are solid and real."
"The things I'm selling are things people can see with their own eyes, touch with their hands, and use in their daily lives."
"You can't fake that."
"Unlike Lockhart, who specifically fabricated his experiences, which no one could verify."
After he finished speaking, everyone at the table understood completely.
Moreover, with Dumbledore and Hogwarts backing Xiao Deng, the probability of things going wrong was very low.
"Let me tell you something important."
The eyes of his friends turned towards him.
"Before the summer break, your extracurricular activities are coming to an end."
"I plan to contact the Centaurs to coordinate and help with your training."
Ron asked, his big eyes wide with terror:
"Don't Centaurs dislike humans? How could they possibly help us?"
Xiao Deng glanced at Harry.
"If Hagrid and I go, plus Harry, they will definitely agree."
Miss Know-It-All jumped in at this moment.
"I know."
"Xiao Deng mentioned before that he fought many species in the Forbidden Forest, and I think the Centaurs must be one of them."
"As for Hagrid, he has always maintained friendly relations with the creatures in the Forbidden Forest."
"And the Centaurs love watching the weather and observing the stars. Plus, Harry is the famous The Chosen One, so they might make an exception."
"Whether by logic, sentiment, or force, they will help with this."
"Am I right?"
Xiao Deng, Harry, Ron, and Neville all gave Hermione a thumbs up.
Hermione proudly lifted her chin, incredibly happy.
"You are absolutely right!"
"By working together, the probability of successfully convincing them is very high."
Chapter 107: Seeking Help from the Centaurs for the First Time
Without much hesitation, after eating, Xiao Deng took the others to find Hagrid.
Hagrid was initially a bit hesitant, as the temper of the Centaurs was notoriously famous.
But he could not withstand the pestering of the group and finally agreed to accompany them on a trip.
Hagrid first found Firenze and explained what this group of young Wizards wanted to do.
"Xiao Deng, I am an exception within the entire herd."
"The others are very resistant to having contact with humans."
"Now, not only do they have to interact with you, but also with your companions; this will be quite difficult."
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile.
"It's fine, they will agree."
Firenze didn't say much else; since they had come to him, he guessed it would be hard to change their minds.
The group hurried towards the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
Bane didn't pay much attention when he first saw Firenze.
"Yo, so you still know how to return..."
Halfway through his sentence, the words got stuck in his throat, and his face immediately turned flushed.
"Firenze, what are you doing?"
"Planning a rebellion?"
"Bringing so many humans here!"
"Even if there were a rebellion, it wouldn't be your turn to call the shots in the herd."
Xiao Deng took a step forward, and Bane subconsciously took two steps back.
There are few beasts in the Forbidden Forest now who don't know the name of this person.
A madman who only knows how to fight all day long when he comes to the Forbidden Forest.
Although he doesn't take lives and even provides healing, it's suffering!
Who likes to get into a fight with someone for no reason, with no motive, just purely for the love of fighting?
Therefore, the fear of Xiao Deng was ingrained in their bones.
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile.
"Don't be nervous, I just came over to discuss something with you."
Hearing Bane's voice, quite a few Centaurs rushed over.
The originally aggressive stance completely collapsed after seeing Xiao Deng.
On one hand, after such a long time of getting along, they knew Xiao Deng's character; he had no malicious intent and, on the contrary, had saved quite a few creatures.
But he has a problem—he likes to fight! And the kind that hammers you relentlessly.
On the other hand, they really couldn't beat him; even if they all banded together, they couldn't beat him.
What a disaster!
The Centaurs who came over upon hearing the noise all showed a hint of regret on their faces.
Bane is really causing trouble!
"I came here today to ask you to be sparring partners."
One of the Centaurs spoke up.
"Xiao Deng, can't you find someone else to fight? We really can't beat you."
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and that Centaur immediately shut his mouth.
"It's not to spar with me."
"I have a few companions who want to increase their practical combat experience, so I'm asking for your help."
Hearing it wasn't to spar with Xiao Deng, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
But hearing they had to spar with others, they all frowned again.
They didn't want to get involved with any other humans.
Xiao Deng didn't say anything, just pulled Harry forward.
"His name is Harry Potter."
As soon as this name appeared, a commotion immediately broke out among the Centaurs.
Xiao Deng believed that Harry possessed great destiny; it was impossible for this group of Centaurs, who loved divination, not to see even a little bit of it.
At this moment, Hagrid stepped forward.
"Listen, everyone!"
"You can perform a divination; we might be able to fool you, but can your own divination fool you?"
Bane's expression shifted, and he exchanged glances with a few of his clansmen.
"We need some time."
Xiao Deng generously spread his hands.
"That's fine, we can wait."
The Centaurs returned to their territory in groups and began a complex divination.
Xiao Deng didn't understand Centaur divination, but he could roughly understand it.
He just waited patiently on the spot.
A strange light flashed, and the Centaurs all revealed expressions of shock.
Bane muttered to himself:
"The Sage!"
"It's actually the Sage!"
The entire Centaur herd's gaze towards Harry changed.
"Do we only need to provide sparring?"
Xiao Deng nodded slightly.
"Of course!"
The Centaurs breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fine!"
"We'll take this job."
"You can come every night from now on."
"While they are training with us, we can guarantee their safety."
"But we are not responsible for them at other times."
Xiao Deng couldn't help but laugh:
"You are quite cautious, afraid that I might cause you trouble?"
Bane coughed lightly, covering up his embarrassment.
"We are just clearly defining responsibilities; we just don't want to get into trouble."
Xiao Deng smiled and didn't speak; when asking for a favor, one must accept what others say.
Without dwelling on this matter, Xiao Deng instead brought up the reward.
"After the training is done, consider it me owing you a favor."
"If you need any help, I will do my best."
Bane snorted coldly:
"We don't need human help; we only hope to stay away from trouble like you."
Xiao Deng turned around and looked at his companions.
"The rest of the time is yours."
The Centaurs' behavioral patterns were completely different from Peeves'.
Their thoughts were clearer, more methodical, and their attacks had more variations.
In no time, the group was beaten so badly they were crying for their parents.
Xiao Deng, as if he didn't hear it, chatted with Hagrid.
"Xiao Deng, the investiture ceremony starts in three more days, right?"
Xiao Deng took a bottle of wine from his space ring and handed it to Hagrid.
Hagrid's eyes immediately lit up.
When Xiao Deng looked at Firenze, he clearly indicated he didn't need any.
He found a place and stayed there silently by himself.
"Yes, three more days."
"My things are all prepared."
"Just waiting for the day to arrive to go over with Dumbledore."
Hagrid took a swig of the wine and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
The first time he met Xiao Deng was because of Professor McGonagall's guidance.
Now, his reputation was widespread, and his strength was no less than an ordinary Professor.
"You should graduate very smoothly; do you have any plans for what comes next?"
Xiao Deng shook his head slightly; he was like duckweed, taking things one step at a time now.
Strictly speaking, he had been avoiding these kinds of matters himself, so there was really nothing to think about.
"Take it one step at a time."
"Things will naturally resolve themselves when the time comes; I can't think that far ahead yet."
"Living well in the present is what matters."
Hagrid twitched his mouth and shook the hand holding the wine.
"Hmm!"
"You're right, that's a bit too far."
"Just looking at the present is also quite good; no need to have too many worries."
While the two were chatting, the wailing from the Centaurs' side gradually subsided.
Several companions had all been knocked to the ground.
Especially Ron, who was groaning and cursing.
"Xiao Deng, you are really not human!"
"To actually bring us here to train."
"It hurts so much!"
Malfoy and Hermione finally couldn't take it anymore and yelled at Ron:
"Shut up!"
Ron didn't really dare to provoke Hermione; if he did, she wouldn't just scold him, she would beat him up too.
He turned his head to look at Malfoy and mouthed:
"Reptile!"
"Poor ghost!"
The two started arguing silently again.
Xiao Deng stood up, adjusted his clothes, and walked in front of them.
"That's all you've got?"
"If you're weak, practice more!"
"Do you know, even if those Centaurs gang up together, they are not my match."
"How long did you guys last together?"
Chapter 108: The Award Ceremony
The few people sitting on the ground said nothing.
Instead, Bane, who was nearby, let out a muffled snort through his nose to show his dissatisfaction.
"If you want to lecture people, just do it. Why do you have to slip in your own personal agenda?"
But he didn't dare to bare his teeth at Xiao Deng, so he could only hold it in.
"Get up. We need to go back."
"Ouch~"
"Hiss~"
"..."
The wailing sounds rang out again, and the few people finally stood up.
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the mud, dust, and pain on their bodies all vanished completely.
Hagrid stared at Xiao Deng with wide eyes. He knew Xiao Deng was powerful, but he hadn't expected it to reach this level.
He didn't even need a wand to cast magic directly.
Hagrid was speechless!
Xiao Deng was likely the most monstrously talented young Wizard in the history of Hogwarts.
Xiao Deng thanked Firenze and Hagrid for their trouble in making the trip.
In the days to come, once he had settled things with the Centaur tribe, Xiao Deng would send them over.
Three days passed in a flash.
Xiao Deng appeared before everyone wearing a pink formal suit.
That aura, which seemed to come with its own pink heart-shaped bubbles, once again besieged the girls of Hogwarts.
Hermione's eyes went wide; she really hadn't expected such a luxurious getup to be this impressive.
Some of the senior girls in the school were already drooling.
"You all should rest today. Without my escort, your safety is a concern."
"Wait for me to return."
Xiao Deng met Albus Dumbledore at the main gate.
Albus Dumbledore was wearing purple Wizard robes, with all the medals he had received pinned to his chest.
Albus Dumbledore had a momentary lapse in concentration when he saw Xiao Deng.
This child was truly bold to wear such a striking color.
But his radiant appearance was truly likable.
A young man should be this high-spirited when in his prime.
"Grab my arm."
"I'll take you there!"
With a whirlwind of dizziness, the next second they were standing on the ground.
Inside the telephone booth, after Albus Dumbledore used the phone, they moved downwards.
The Ministry of Magic was hidden so deep!
Only when truly entering the interior of the Ministry of Magic did one realize how incredibly large it was.
The number of people attending the award ceremony today was also remarkably high.
"Follow me to the Eighth Floor; that is our destination this time."
When the two entered the main hall, all eyes in the room focused on them.
Albus Dumbledore's name was thunderous in the Wizarding World; few people didn't know him.
The young man beside him must be Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect.
But the color of that formal suit was so flamboyant!
Didn't Albus Dumbledore give him any advice on the style and color of the formal suit?
Or was it intentional on Albus Dumbledore's part, just to test the attitude of the Ministry of Magic?
The eyes looking at Xiao Deng were filled with curiosity, amazement, and the anticipation of a good show...
Yet, when facing Xiao Deng, everyone put on a warm smile.
Xiao Deng curled his lips; these old farts in the vanity fair all looked like real old farts.
By comparison, Albus Dumbledore was actually quite cute.
"Achoo~"
Albus Dumbledore paused his steps and glanced at Xiao Deng beside him.
He felt like this kid was up to no good!
Other young Wizards at Hogwarts probably couldn't attend this award ceremony.
Famous families would certainly come.
Although Weasley Family didn't have much of a reputation in the Wizarding World, they were still qualified to come to the Ministry of Magic.
From afar, one could see Weasley Family, dressed neatly but in old clothes.
Ron didn't even lift his head as he stuffed food into his mouth.
Suddenly, a head of platinum blonde hair caught Xiao Deng's eye.
A man holding a cane, carrying the elegance and arrogance of nobility, walked toward Xiao Deng.
Following behind him was a smaller version of that platinum blonde.
After Lucius saw Xiao Deng, he was clearly stunned for a moment, then glanced at Draco.
Before, when he told himself about Xiao Deng's nobility and elegance, he had never taken it to heart.
Now it seemed that it was likely not inferior to his own.
This demeanor, this composed posture, was simply elegance personified.
There seemed to be an underlying, somewhat oppressive aura hidden within it.
Lucius immediately put away any thoughts of looking down on him.
He had managed the House of Malfoy for half his life; what hadn't he encountered, what kind of people hadn't he seen, and what kinds of situations hadn't he witnessed?
His eye had long since been honed to be sharp; he could be certain that Xiao Deng was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.
Or at least, he would not be simple in the future.
Regardless of which it was, it was not suitable to make an enemy of him.
Lucius immediately labeled Xiao Deng as someone to befriend.
"Mr. Hehuan, I have long admired your great name."
"Today, I have finally met you."
"Please allow me to introduce myself."
"Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father."
"Draco often mentions to me the help you have given him."
"I sincerely thank you here."
"I hope to maintain a friendly relationship with Mr. Hehuan."
Xiao Deng's etiquette was completely on par with Lucius, this veteran aristocrat.
After returning the courtesy, he smiled slightly and picked up where Lucius left off.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy."
"You don't need to worry about that at all."
"Draco and I have been friends since we entered Hogwarts."
Lucius nodded with satisfaction; he was naturally pleased with Xiao Deng's response.
It was far better than that poor Weasley family.
At the same time, he was pleased that Draco seemed to have grown up, knowing how to maintain friendships and make friends with valuable connections.
At this moment, Weasley Family also walked over slowly.
A flash of disdainful mockery crossed Lucius's face.
But he didn't say much; after all, the protagonist of the day was Xiao Deng.
Lucius naturally wouldn't do anything annoying.
Mr. Weasley came over to offer his congratulations.
"From the moment I saw you, I knew you were definitely extraordinary, but I didn't expect you to be so successful."
Molly Weasley also looked at Xiao Deng with maternal affection; although she didn't speak, her attitude of being proud of you was already expressed through her eyes.
"Dong~" Just at this moment, the bell signaling that the time had arrived rang out from the front of the hall.
Albus Dumbledore beckoned Xiao Deng to walk toward the front row.
Albus Dumbledore stood on the stage.
"Everyone!"
"Today is a special day!"
"It has probably been a long time since we have all sat together in this hall in such a concentrated manner."
"The reason we can gather here this time is all thanks to a young Wizard."
"While studying at Hogwarts, this young Wizard made a major discovery."
"That is, how to effectively control the cries of Mandrakes, thereby reducing the probability of risk."
"Such a feat has only been achieved by him in all these years."
"It was he who ensured the safety of a series of staff members working with Mandrakes."
"It was also he who minimized the casualties among teaching personnel caused by Mandrakes."
"Countless people have been saved, directly or indirectly, because of him."
"Simple, direct, efficient, low-cost, and long-term—these have all become synonymous with him."
"After strict review and research by the entire Wizarding World, this method is genuinely effective and contains no exaggeration."
"The person who passed on this method is none other than Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect!"
One has to say that Albus Dumbledore really knows how to build up the atmosphere on the spot.
The applause from the audience was more intense wave after wave.
"Now, I invite Mr. Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect to come on stage to receive the medal."