Chapter 118: Arranging Dabai and Xiaobai
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the figures of Dabai and Xiaobai appeared in the shop.
Wearing the black Wizard robes Xiao Deng had prepared for them, they looked even fairer and more charming.
"Let me introduce our shop to you, as well as the functions of the items on the shelves."
"That way, you'll be able to introduce them to customers later."
The two nodded in agreement, and Hermione also listened attentively from the side.
Although this was Dabai and Xiaobai's first time doing business, they were clever and caught on quickly.
Plus, they possessed the Unicorn racial talent, allowing them to see through people's hearts instantly.
Managing customers would only be easier for them.
"For the next two days, we just need to wait for news from the newspapers."
"I've also asked Neville and Malfoy to help spread the word."
"The name of this shop will soon be known throughout the Wizarding World."
Hermione suddenly turned her head and asked Xiao Deng.
"What is the name of this shop?"
Xiao Deng smiled slightly.
"Let's go out and take a look together."
The four of them walked out together and looked at the sign above.
However, there was a strange look in Hermione's eyes.
"Are you sure... this is the name of the shop?"
"Hehuan Sect Specialty Shop... right?"
Xiao Deng's expression stiffened. What the hell is "Shop Bar"?
Recalling the scene of communicating with Gringotts, he couldn't help but cover his face.
How could they make such a blunder?
Didn't they think there was something wrong when they made it?
Xiao Deng sighed deeply. Sure enough, having a small brain comes with drawbacks!
But the sign was already made, and the news had probably already been released.
Trying to change it would meet a lot of resistance.
"Forget it, let's just leave it like this for now."
"It's too late to remake it now."
The four of them returned inside the shop.
Xiao Deng flicked his right hand, and a jade pendant appeared in his palm.
"Dabai, Xiaobai, I'll leave this shop to you."
"This jade pendant can be used to contact me."
"You just need to channel your magic into it, and the sound transmission channel will open automatically."
"I can receive it no matter where I am."
Dabai took the jade pendant from Xiao Deng, eyes full of curiosity.
Xiao Deng had invented something new again.
"Leave the shop to us."
"Don't look at us like that; even though we haven't left the Forbidden Forest before, we do understand some things about humans."
"We will definitely make this shop prosper for you!"
With Dabai's assurance, Xiao Deng felt more at ease, his gaze falling on the jade pendant.
"There are three patterns on the jade pendant, each with a different function."
"The first is for communicating with me."
"If the situation is urgent, just use the second and third ones to hold them off."
"The second is something like a protective spell."
"I secretly added some things inside the shop."
"They can protect you."
"The third is a killing spell."
"They can withstand some uncontrollable factors."
"However, it's unlikely you'll need them. If such methods are needed in Diagon Alley, then the Wizarding World won't be peaceful anymore."
"The upstairs is also ours; if you're tired, you can go up and rest."
"I've brought you over today."
"If you don't like it, just tell me. I can have Gringotts act as an agent instead."
"You must not be mistreated."
Dabai and Xiaobai said nothing, watching Xiao Deng nag with eyes full of smiles.
Xiao Deng turned to look at Hermione.
"Is there anything you want to buy?"
Hermione thought for a moment and shook her head. She had already passed the stage of mass purchasing.
"If not, we're going back."
Just as he said that, Dabai bumped into Xiao Deng's arm with a "Duang."
"Hubby, let's rest a while before leaving!"
This sweet, cloying voice was truly seductive!
Hermione blushed instantly upon hearing this; she could never say such things.
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the outer door slowly closed.
The four of them slowly walked upstairs to rest.
(Ten thousand words omitted here.)
...
The sun set in the west.
Dabai and Xiaobai stood at the shop entrance with satisfied expressions, watching Xiao Deng and Hermione leave.
Xiao Deng looked furious and strongly reprimanded Dabai.
"That was inhuman! That was truly inhuman!"
"How could you do that? You didn't give me any chance to rest!"
Hermione snickered while hugging Xiao Deng's arm.
"What are you talking about?"
"Dabai and Xiaobai aren't human to begin with!"
Xiao Deng's expression froze, and he turned his neck stiffly to look at Hermione.
"How is your brain wired? How can a mouth with a temperature of over thirty degrees say such cold, hurtful things?"
"Can you be any more cold-hearted?"
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng with a smile.
"I can!"
"Mom and Dad aren't home, so give me an extra meal tonight when we get back!"
Xiao Deng felt like he had been hit by a Petrificus Totalus!
"Don't just stand there, you also promised to buy me Butterbeer!"
Xiao Deng was dragged along by Hermione; he completely forgot how they had arrived at the bar.
However, it must be said that there's a reason why the bar's business is so good and there are always people here.
This Butterbeer really tastes good.
Just as Xiao Deng was slowly sipping, trying to stall for time, Hermione was already secretly watching him.
However, a glass of Butterbeer couldn't save Xiao Deng from his procrastination.
The moment the glass was empty, he knew he would probably have to start working again soon.
"Hermione!"
"Actually, the situation in the Muggle world is quite good."
"Although there is no magical magic, I have a big villa."
"If you ever get sick of the Wizarding World in the future, we can come live in the Muggle world."
Hermione followed by Xiao Deng's side, listening to his vision for the future, and couldn't help but laugh.
"That sounds wonderful."
"I also hope our lives get better and better."
"When Dabai and Xiaobai don't want to work anymore, they can live with us too."
Suddenly, Hermione became alert and glared at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng looked confused.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Hermione faced Xiao Deng directly.
"Are you stalling for time?"
"Do you think I can't see through your little tricks?"
Xiao Deng touched his nose, feeling a bit guilty.
"What tricks? Aren't we waiting for the car?"
"Waiting for a car, my foot! How did we get here? Do we have to wait for a car to go back?"
"Isn't it a violation to use magic outside of Hogwarts!"
Hermione's small fist landed directly on Xiao Deng's chest.
"Violation, violation!"
"You know it's a violation now, but why didn't you know when we came?"
"Don't dawdle, Apparate me back quickly!"
Xiao Deng reluctantly extended his right hand and gave a light wave.
The two arrived instantly at the entrance of Hermione's home.
As for why it wasn't inside the house, Hermione didn't want to fuss about it too much.
After all, it's about the same; it's only a two-step walk.
...
Early morning.
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng with teary eyes.
"Do you not love me anymore?"
"Or is there someone else?"
"The summer vacation is so long, and you've only touched me seven times!"
Xiao Deng rubbed his face, speechless.
"Have you been hit by Obliviate?"
"Did you forget? We only just came back yesterday."
"Please, spare me!"
Chapter 119: Moving to the Bathroom to Sleep
Hermione hung entirely on Xiao Deng.
"Answer me one question, and I won't make things difficult for you."
"I love you!"
"Not that!"
"Save the mother!"
"Oh, stop talking nonsense, listen to my question!"
"If you don't answer well, go sleep in the bathroom tonight!"
Xiao Deng walked over to the sofa and sat down.
"Alright, go ahead and ask."
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng, her expression turning serious, which made Xiao Deng involuntarily straighten up.
"Why do you like to spank me?"
"Although it's very gentle and doesn't hurt much, the slapping sound makes it feel like you're hitting me in revenge."
"I'm just confused, like beating the chef while eating."
"Are you dissatisfied with the taste or annoyed that the service is slow?"
Xiao Deng stiffened; Hermione's train of thought was just like Myrtle's plumbing!
It's hard not to touch those rounded curves, what's wrong with patting that smooth texture a couple of times?
Why doesn't she ask about the wand? He had used the wand to pat her too!
But Xiao Deng didn't have the courage to say that; Hermione would definitely blow up.
"Um, is it possible that this is just how I show affection?"
Hermione glared at Xiao Deng.
"You hit me because you like me?"
Xiao Deng froze on the sofa. How was he supposed to explain this to Hermione?
"How about I stay in the bathroom?"
Hermione got off Xiao Deng.
"Get moving, go yourself, while I'm not angry yet."
Xiao Deng breathed a sigh of relief and immediately stood up.
He could stay in the bathroom, oh yeah!
Xiao Deng moved his bedding and put it into the small bathtub in the bathroom.
Xiao Deng curled up inside to test it out.
"It's okay, not bad, not as unbearable as I imagined."
Hermione, who had just walked in, heard this and stomped her feet in anger.
"You can just sleep in the bathroom from now on!"
"Alright, thank you, my dear."
Hermione blushed, rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng, and stormed out of the bathroom.
Xiao Deng shook his head as he watched Hermione leave.
It's not without reason that Cao the Hero in the stories liked young married women.
Look at Da Bai; one look and it knows to crouch down, a pat on the head and it knows to stick its butt up.
Hermione's house fell silent after she left the bathroom.
It wasn't until noon that Hermione brought a tray to the bathroom and looked at Xiao Deng.
"You've got to be kidding!"
"It's not just living in the bathroom, you don't expect me to eat in the bathroom too, right?"
Hermione suppressed the smile at the corner of her mouth and spoke coldly:
"Suit yourself!"
Then she took the tray and left.
Xiao Deng immediately stood up to follow; he couldn't eat in the bathroom, what would that look like!
When Xiao Deng came out, Hermione was already eating at the dining table.
Xiao Deng walked over with a grin.
"Hermione, baby!"
Although they had long confirmed their relationship and were in the honeymoon phase, Hermione still felt her face burn at Xiao Deng's pet name.
She kept her head down and ignored Xiao Deng, but Xiao Deng wasn't embarrassed and sat directly opposite Hermione.
"I couldn't tell you knew how to cook?"
Hermione glanced at Xiao Deng.
"As a top student, what can't I do?"
Xiao Deng's smile irritated Hermione.
"What are you smiling at?"
Xiao Deng tried Hermione's cooking with a serious expression.
It wasn't terrible, but it couldn't be called a delicacy either; it was just home-cooked level.
"I'm smiling because there is something you can't do."
"You can't do a handstand; I want to try a handstand, and you won't cooperate."
Hermione grabbed a banana from the table and threw it at him, but Xiao Deng caught it easily.
"Eat your food!"
"Can't this shut your mouth!"
After Xiao Deng finished eating, Hermione clattered about cleaning up the tableware.
Xiao Deng didn't want to provoke this lioness, so he silently returned to his bathtub.
Night fell.
Just as Xiao Deng was about to fall asleep, two people appeared in his spiritual sense.
Xiao Deng recognized the aura of these two people.
Aren't these little Hermione's parents!
Hehe, the good days of the holiday are coming!
Xiao Deng slowly closed his eyes, crossing his arms and hugging his shoulders tightly.
"How do you think Hermione is doing?"
"Oh, my dear, you know she has always been very independent."
"She will definitely take good care of herself!"
"Instead of worrying about whether she is doing well, you should worry about her little boyfriend."
"Her overbearing personality is completely different from yours."
"I think you need to stand in the little boyfriend's shoes."
"Otherwise, he's too pitiful."
"Oh, Mr. Granger, don't say that."
"Our Hermione is still quite good."
"Click~"
The front door opened, and the sound of two pairs of footsteps became clear.
"Hermione, we're home!"
Hearing the voice, Hermione ran out of the bedroom.
Seeing her parents, her mouth curled up uncontrollably, and she ran directly to hug them.
"Looks like you've been doing well."
"You've grown!"
Mr. Granger looked behind Hermione and saw no one, so he couldn't help but frown.
As Hermione's parents, they had returned, and he didn't even come out to take a look?
That was a bit rude!
But Mr. Granger did not express what he was thinking.
"Remember we invited your little boyfriend?"
Hermione blushed at her father's teasing, then her expression soured.
She only just remembered that Xiao Deng was still curled up in the bathroom.
Mrs. Granger gently stroked Hermione's hair.
"That's right!"
"Introduce us, what kind of boy has our Hermione so infatuated."
"Mom!"
Hermione gave her mother a reproachful look, her tone stuttering slightly.
"Um, that is, he's sleeping."
Mr. Granger noticed Hermione's stutter and felt a bad premonition.
"Let me see him."
"Dad, he's sleeping, that's not good!"
"I'll just take a look at what he looks like, I won't disturb him."
Mrs. Granger hadn't felt much initially, but after Mr. Granger said that, her curiosity was piqued.
How could Hermione stop the two of them? They crowded into the room.
But the room was empty!
"You didn't let him sleep in the master bedroom, did you?"
Hermione didn't want to stop them at this point, because he wasn't in the master bedroom at all.
Mr. Granger was a bit confused.
"Not in the guest room, not in the master bedroom, don't tell me this kid is in your bedroom!"
Thinking of this, the couple rushed into Hermione's room angrily.
But it was still empty.
"Child, he didn't come, did he?"
"I heard you say he agreed to it."
Hermione had no choice but to stall her parents for the moment.
If her parents knew she made little Xiao Deng sleep in the bathroom, she couldn't imagine the consequences.
"He came, he, just, went to buy drinks."
Mr. Granger was extremely confused by Hermione's abnormal behavior.
Could it be that he really couldn't stand Hermione's stubborn temper and left?
If that were the case, it would be too rude as the hosts.
"Hermione, you..."
"Ah!"
Before Mr. Granger could finish, his wife's scream came from the bathroom.
Mr. Granger immediately ran to the bathroom, and upon entering, he saw his wife frozen in place.
"What's wrong, what's wrong, my dear? What happened..."
Halfway through his sentence, Mr. Granger froze in place.
Chapter 120: Acting in Front of Granger's Parents
Both of them looked at the extremely pitiful child in the bathtub.
He was huddled in the bathtub, his arms wrapped around his chest, shivering from time to time.
Yet, even in such a plight, he could not hide the air of nobility and his heaven-defying good looks.
The couple couldn't help but exchange a glance, feeling a bit shocked; it was truly no wonder Hermione was infatuated with him.
He certainly had the credentials for it!
But what followed was embarrassment.
This wasn't just treating him poorly; it was practically not treating him like a human being at all.
Granger had made mistakes before, but she had never once made Mr. Granger sleep in the bathroom.
Hermione had actually banished a guest to the bathroom; this was simply incomprehensible.
"My dear, I must apologize to you."
"You were absolutely right before; it was I who spoiled Hermione."
Mr. Granger put his arm around his wife.
"Don't blame yourself. Hermione is still young and can change. I will find time to talk to her."
"What a handsome boy he is!"
"He is also the apple of his own parents' eye; we can't let him be ruined like this by us."
Just at this moment, Xiao Deng "woke up" at the perfect time.
He opened his eyes, pretended to be startled, and immediately covered his head.
"Hermione, I'll listen to you, just don't find anyone to beat me!"
The smiles that Mr. and Mrs. Granger had originally worn to greet him froze on their faces.
Mr. Granger felt a surge of anger rising up.
This is outrageous! Simply outrageous!
Mr. Granger suppressed his anger and tried to keep his voice gentle.
"Child, we are Hermione's mom and dad."
"Whatever grievances you have, you can tell us, and we will stand up for you!"
Then he turned and shouted outside:
"Hermione Granger!"
"You get over here!"
When Hermione saw her parents go into the bathroom, she knew she wouldn't be able to escape this lecture.
She slowly walked in from outside the bathroom.
When Hermione came in, Xiao Deng immediately shrank back.
This action made Mrs. Granger feel very heartbroken.
She stepped forward and pulled Xiao Deng into her arms to comfort him.
Mr. Granger looked at Hermione and asked:
"You just let a guest sleep in the bathroom?"
"Is this your way of treating guests?"
"You must know that he is not only our guest, but also your boyfriend."
"What you are doing is a very immoral act!"
Hermione looked reluctant.
"I know, Dad!"
"But he was the one who wanted to sleep in the bathroom."
"Nonsense!"
Mr. Granger interrupted Hermione.
"He wanted to?"
"You go out to the street and find me someone who only wants to sleep in a bathroom and not in a bed."
"And why did you threaten him?"
Hermione was full of question marks; when did she ever threaten him?
Seeing that Hermione didn't want to admit it, he spoke directly.
"Do you know what his reaction was when we just came in?"
"He actually said he would listen to you, and just hoped you wouldn't beat him!"
"What on earth have you done to him behind our backs?"
"Hermione, I know you've been strong-willed since you were young. You are the apple of our eye, and we spoil you."
"But other people's children are also the apple of their parents' eye; you cannot treat others like this!"
"Mr. Granger..."
A voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz sounded from behind. Mr. Granger, who was lecturing Hermione, immediately turned around.
"Whatever grievances you have, you can say them out."
"Mr. Granger, I am not anyone's apple of their eye; I am just an orphan."
"Please don't give Hermione a hard time; she treats me quite well."
Xiao Deng spoke softly, but Mr. and Mrs. Granger felt like they had been struck by lightning.
You treat him like this, and yet he still covers for you. How much suffering has this child endured!
Mr. Granger stood up and walked out of the bathroom.
"Hermione, come out!"
Mrs. Granger pulled Xiao Deng and let him out of the bathtub.
"Child, from now on, you will live in Hermione's room; we will stand up for you!"
"This child is becoming more and more unruly."
"Come, I will take you to her room."
From the living room came Hermione's stubborn voice.
"Dad, can't you see he's talking nonsense?"
"Nonsense? Do you think Dad is blind?"
"Is sleeping in the bathroom nonsense? Or is him being an orphan nonsense?"
Hermione was speechless for a moment; this really wasn't nonsense, these were all true.
But why did the turn of events become so strange?
At this moment, Mrs. Granger walked out of the room.
"Hermione, Mom has eyes and can see."
"This hairstyle you have must have cost quite a bit of money, right? Whose money was it?"
Hermione answered honestly: "Xiao Deng bought me the magic hair-smoothing potion."
"And your clothes?"
"We don't understand magic, but Mom isn't a fool. Can't I tell that the material of this dress is very good?"
Hermione answered honestly again: "Xiao Deng gave them to me."
Mrs. Granger sighed deeply.
"You've spent his money on your use and wear, so there's no need to even mention food and drink."
Just as Hermione wanted to explain, she was interrupted by her mother.
"Don't explain, just tell me, have you eaten his food or not?"
Hermione felt a bit guilty and nodded.
This was the truth; she couldn't deny it. She had eaten his food the very first day they met on the train.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger didn't know what to say for a moment.
Mom held Hermione's hand.
"Hermione, you have grown up and have your own opinions; we won't interfere."
"But you cannot hurt him!"
"He is a good boy; treat him seriously."
Mr. Granger interjected:
"At first, you said he was someone who attracted girls, and I thought he was a playboy."
"I didn't expect it to be like this!"
"Now I feel that even if he dates ten more, it would just be compensation for his family!"
"Dad!"
Hermione was a bit angry; why was her dad always siding with Xiao Deng?
Mrs. Granger came over to smooth things over.
"Alright, alright, it's the first day of the holiday, why are you being so hostile?"
"I'll go make something delicious; you go inside and keep Xiao Deng company first."
Hermione couldn't explain it clearly to her parents and didn't want to explain anymore, so she just followed the suggestion and went back to her room.
"That child must have a hard time being with Hermione. I'll go make something good to compensate him."
As soon as Hermione entered the room, she saw Xiao Deng lying on her bed with his legs crossed, looking incredibly arrogant.
Hermione immediately locked the door, grabbed a doll, and threw it at Xiao Deng's face.
"You're very relaxed, aren't you? Are you feeling very proud of yourself?"
"Is it fun to deceive my parents?"
Xiao Deng chuckled.
"I didn't really deceive them, did I? Give me an example."
Hermione's mouth twitched; she really couldn't come up with one. Everything was what her parents had assumed on their own.
"Mom and Dad told you to keep me company, didn't they!"
"Little Hermione, come here, give my legs a massage?"
"I'll massage your damn wand!"
"A wand needs to be rubbed; you have the right to speak on that."
"You despicable, shameless, filthy scoundrel!"
Xiao Deng replied while dodging the dolls Hermione threw at him:
"Thanks for the compliment, wifey!"
"I'm not complimenting you, damn it!"
...
"Children, dinner is ready."
"Come out and eat!"
Chapter 121: Hermione Suffers a Defeat
Mrs. Granger called out from outside, but to her surprise, no one answered. She frowned.
Xiao Deng didn't seem like an impolite child; the one who dared to ignore her must be Hermione.
Was this child still angry because she had criticized her?
Since calling out from outside didn't work, Mrs. Granger had no choice but to go into the room to call them.
She might not eat, but she couldn't let that child, Xiao Deng, go hungry.
However, as she placed her hand on the doorknob, Mrs. Granger's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
The door was locked from the inside!
Mrs. Granger went to Mr. Granger, feeling somewhat angry.
"Look at your good daughter; she has now locked the door from the inside."
"Just because she isn't eating doesn't mean the guest shouldn't either."
Mr. Granger's heart skipped a beat.
"Wife, she isn't hitting Xiao Deng in there, is she?"
Mrs. Granger hadn't even thought about that until her husband reminded her, and now she felt uneasy.
After all, Xiao Deng had said in a panic earlier, "Don't hit me."
"Quick, quick, go find the spare key and open that door."
"I'll go call out again."
But inside, Hermione and Xiao Deng were already in the middle of a scuffle, caught up in the heat of the moment, and she couldn't hear her mother calling from outside.
"The key is here, the key is here!"
Inside the room, the corners of Xiao Deng's mouth curled up slightly, and he stopped resisting and dodging.
"Click!"
The door opened, and Mr. and Mrs. Granger stared, dumbfounded, at the scene inside the room.
The room was in complete disarray, with various dolls, toys, and pillows thrown everywhere.
Xiao Deng had been cornered against the wall, his hands covering his head.
And Hermione was still holding a pillow, continuously hitting Xiao Deng with it.
Mr. Granger was the first to react.
He stepped forward and grabbed Hermione, who was frantically venting her anger.
Hermione looked up and met her father's look of disappointment.
"I was talking to you for nothing just now, wasn't I?"
"You turned around and started hitting Xiao Deng in the room."
"Now you can't say he was making things up; we saw it with our own eyes!"
Hermione was incredibly sharp; she immediately turned her head to look at Xiao Deng, who was crouching in the corner, and was so angry that she laughed.
"Setting me up, are you? You just wait!"
Mrs. Granger, with a look of heartache, walked up to Hermione.
"I didn't believe your father before, but it seems we really have spoiled you."
"You are still threatening Xiao Deng now; do you even have any regard for us as your parents?"
"I won't let you hurt him again!"
As Mrs. Granger spoke, she pulled Xiao Deng up and shielded him behind her.
"Sir, Madam, please don't be angry."
"Hermione was just playing around with me!"
At this moment, Mr. Granger felt like he couldn't catch his breath.
What kind of life did Xiao Deng usually lead!
Truly, even dating ten more people wouldn't make up for the mistakes Hermione had made!
Mrs. Granger took Xiao Deng's hand.
"Let's go, we're going to eat."
"Hermione, you stay here and reflect on yourself."
"You won't eat until you apologize to Xiao Deng!"
Xiao Deng made a face behind Mrs. Granger's back.
Hermione saw it instantly and instinctively pointed her finger at him.
Mrs. Granger said sternly:
"Put your hand down!"
"Come out when you've thought it through and apologized, then you can eat!"
The couple took Xiao Deng out of the room.
"Xiao Deng, listen carefully!"
"From now on, I give you permission to fight back; you mustn't indulge this bad habit of hers, do you understand?"
Xiao Deng hesitated for a moment, nodded, and then sat on the stool.
Hermione felt like she was going to be angered to death by Xiao Deng!
She turned around, wanting to take a nap and rest for a bit.
When her eyes landed on the bed, her mouth curled up.
There were quite a few snacks laid out on the bed; Xiao Deng must have put them there before leaving.
This jerk still had her in his heart after all!
Mr. Granger took a bite and felt uncomfortable all over.
"Wife, why don't we let Hermione come out to eat?"
"It won't do for the child not to eat!"
Mrs. Granger glanced at him and didn't speak.
In the end, it was their own child, and not eating really made them worry.
"No, I'll go in and check on her."
Xiao Deng chuckled inwardly, 'Little Hermione, good luck to you!'
"Hermione!"
A roar startled Mrs. Granger, making her shiver.
Then Mrs. Granger hurriedly ran over as well; she was also worried that something might have happened to Hermione.
"What's all this fuss about, making you..."
This time, the bedroom door wasn't closed, and the Grangers easily entered the room.
But the Madam's words got stuck in her throat halfway through.
She saw a pile of snacks on Hermione's bed, which hadn't been there when they came in earlier.
Where did these snacks come from?
Oh, right, Hermione knew magic; she must have used magic to hide them earlier.
The couple looked at each other and understood what the other was thinking.
Mrs. Granger looked at Hermione, and Hermione felt a bit awkward.
"Hermione, where did these snacks come from?"
"Mom, these are delicious, try one."
"I'm asking you where they came from!"
"I bought them."
Mrs. Granger's eyelid twitched; if she hadn't bought them, would she have stolen them?
"Who bought them?"
"Xiao... Deng."
"So this is where you get the confidence not to eat?"
Mrs. Granger closed her eyes deeply; her husband had guessed all of this correctly.
Sure enough, she was spending Xiao Deng's money on all her food and necessities.
"Hermione, come and eat; we need to have a serious talk with you."
The three of them came out of Hermione's room.
Mr. Granger noticed that Xiao Deng hadn't touched a single bite of his meal.
Which meant he had been waiting for them to return.
What a good child!
After everyone sat down, Mr. Granger had already picked up his utensils before noticing that Xiao Deng showed no signs of eating.
Instead, he kept his head down and snuck a glance at Hermione's expression, as if he were waiting for her permission.
"Xiao Deng, go ahead and eat, don't be shy, just treat it like your own home!"
"Okay, thank you, sir."
Only then did Xiao Deng happily eat the food on the table; compared to him, Hermione was not in a very good mood.
Being criticized by her parents from the beginning until the end of the meal—this was the first time since she had grown up.
Hermione ate her meal, chewing the food in her mouth fiercely, as if she were biting Xiao Deng.
Mrs. Granger looked at Xiao Deng and finally asked the question on her mind.
"Xiao Deng, you said you are an orphan, but where does all your money come from?"
"I noticed the clothes you gave Hermione; that's not cheap material."
Xiao Deng had already prepared his story and wasn't afraid of the question at all.
"My parents left me some assets, and I used them to do business and earn money."
"In this dog-eat-dog world, you can't survive without working hard yourself."
"If I am together with Hermione, I can give the villa under my name to Hermione."
Mr. and Mrs. Granger both widened their eyes and looked at him with astonishment.
Such a young child doing business?
And a villa! They had worked hard for half their lives at their age and still hadn't bought a villa!
They weren't naive; they had worked their way up from the bottom and knew how difficult this was.
It seemed this child had suffered more than they had imagined.
Yet he was so humble in front of Hermione; he loved her to the bone.
Hermione felt a chill down her back. She looked up and saw her parents both rolling their eyes at her.
Chapter 122: Harry in Danger
Hermione was full of questions; she hadn't said or done anything yet!
It must have been something Xiao Deng did; otherwise, she wouldn't have been given a dirty look for no reason.
She would have to settle the score with him later!
Mrs. Granger asked Xiao Deng gently:
"Xiao Deng, move from the bathroom into Hermione's room tonight."
"If she dares to act up, you tell me, and I'll go beat her!"
Hermione learned her lesson this time and didn't try to correct her parents.
Xiao Deng didn't speak, just nodded silently, which made Hermione furious.
Daring to sleep in my room—if I don't beat you up tonight, my name isn't Hermione!
After dinner, Xiao Deng even took the initiative to help Mrs. Granger clean up.
This made her think even more highly of him; what a good boy!
"Xiao Deng, you and Hermione go play."
"I'll clean up here."
Xiao Deng looked hesitant, but Mrs. Granger had already shooed him out of the kitchen.
Mr. Granger watched Xiao Deng while holding a newspaper.
"It's fine, don't worry about it, go find Hermione and play."
And so, Xiao Deng entered Hermione's room.
As soon as he walked in, Hermione pointed her wand at his forehead.
"Tell me the truth, what did you do?"
Xiao Deng raised his hands above his head with an innocent expression.
"I didn't say anything!"
"Maybe Mom and Dad misunderstood?"
Hermione put away her wand and spat.
"Pah!"
"Those are my parents, don't sound so familiar!"
Xiao Deng trotted over and hugged Hermione.
"It was just a coincidence!"
"You just happened to be hitting me when they saw, and that's how the misunderstanding started."
Hermione shoved Xiao Deng away.
"Shut up!"
"Do you think I don't know you? You're full of mischief!"
"You must be thrilled that I got scolded by my parents today, right?"
Xiao Deng hugged Hermione from behind again.
"Not at all, I feel terrible for you."
Hermione poked Xiao Deng's forehead with her index finger.
"You jerk!"
Hermione's expression suddenly changed, and she held Xiao Deng down.
"Behave yourself!"
"My parents are still outside!"
Xiao Deng kissed Hermione's earlobe and whispered:
"That's not what you said last night!"
Just as Hermione was about to give in and respond to Xiao Deng, he suddenly stopped moving.
She looked back and saw that Xiao Deng's expression was grim.
"What's wrong? Why do you look so pale?"
"Hermione, we need to go back to my place!"
"Harry is in trouble!"
"I secretly placed a Protective Spells on him, and it's been broken."
Hermione sat straight up.
"How could this happen?"
"The holidays just started!"
"But who would be targeting Harry?"
Xiao Deng had some guesses in his heart, but he shook his head.
With a wave of his hand, only a note remained on the bed; the two of them were gone.
Xiao Deng stood at the entrance of his villa; as soon as he landed, his spiritual sense expanded outward.
Within three seconds, he found Harry and Malfoy.
It was surprising to find such an abandoned place in the middle of the city.
Harry threw himself over Malfoy, calling his name over and over.
Suddenly hearing a sound behind him, he turned around with his wand in hand.
"Immobulus: Freeze..."
Xiao Deng grabbed Harry's wrist.
"Harry, it's me!"
Harry finally saw who it was and immediately grabbed Xiao Deng's hand.
"Xiao Deng, quickly, take a look at him, what happened?"
"We just encountered a Dementor."
"Malfoy was attacked by the Dementor while trying to save me."
"But I already used Expecto Patronum to repel the Dementor, yet Malfoy still hasn't woken up."
Xiao Deng stepped forward to examine him, checking Malfoy's pulse and physical condition.
"Nothing serious, just a shock; he'll be fine after a sleep."
"What about you? Are you hurt?"
Harry scratched the back of his head.
"I'm fine, thanks to Malfoy."
"But if we're okay, then our trouble might be coming."
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow without speaking, and Harry continued:
"We were seen when we came here just now."
"The use of magic was also seen."
"If that person is from the Wizarding World, we will most likely be put on trial."
Xiao Deng looked at Malfoy on the ground.
"This isn't the place to talk; let's go back first."
With a flick of his sleeve, the four of them appeared in Xiao Deng's bedroom.
Xiao Deng glanced at Malfoy lying on the bed.
"He will wake up tomorrow."
"Let's talk about your situation first."
Harry nodded.
"Originally, Malfoy hadn't been to the Muggle world much, so he wanted me to show him around."
"After playing for a while, I felt thirsty, and since Malfoy didn't have any Muggle currency, I went to buy something."
Xiao Deng rubbed his temples.
"Are you writing a diary? Get to the point!"
Harry chuckled.
"The point is, we encountered a Dementor."
"Muggles couldn't see it, but we could."
"So we ran for our lives."
"But that Dementor seemed to be chasing us specifically."
"Then we ended up at the place you saw earlier."
"During this time, I think I saw someone; she looked in the direction of the Dementor."
"But I was in such a rush at the time that I couldn't overthink it."
Hermione, who had been using Spells to check that Malfoy was not in life-threatening danger, turned to look at Harry.
"I suggest you tell the truth if someone from the Ministry of Magic really comes to arrest you."
"Lying won't work; the Ministry of Magic can feed you veritaserum."
"You'll confess everything, so don't hide anything."
Xiao Deng frowned and shook his head; that wasn't enough.
If the Ministry of Magic wanted to convict Harry, they would find every possible way to do so.
If they didn't want to, they wouldn't even come; if they did come, someone must be stirring up trouble inside.
After all, Harry had the title of The Chosen One hanging over his head.
Harry didn't understand the weight of this title, but he knew it all too well.
For something that the entire Wizarding World accepted, if the Ministry of Magic wanted to break this established perception, it was definitely a premeditated act.
Following this logic, this Dementor attack might have been calculated by some guy.
Harry was the only candidate for that prophecy, and Dumbledore would certainly do his best to protect Harry.
Once Dumbledore was involved, the conflicts of interest would only increase.
Once Dumbledore was pulled down from his pedestal, the position of Principal at Hogwarts would be vacant.
Who supported Dumbledore, who opposed him, and who had influence in the Ministry of Magic would all be exposed without a doubt.
This was killing several birds with one stone!
"Hermione, the method you mentioned is a way."
"But it's the dumbest method; trying to prove your own innocence is always the worst strategy."
Hermione snorted: "Then what do you suggest, Mr. Hehuan!"
Xiao Deng looked at Harry and pondered for a moment.
"If they put you on trial, they'll just ask you what you did and why you did it?"
"You only need to say one sentence, and I guarantee the Ministry of Magic won't be able to touch you."
"Leave the rest to me."
Harry grinned and leaned in, wanting to know what sentence.
Xiao Deng glanced at Hermione and smiled.
"I am The Chosen One!"
Chapter 123: Xiao Deng Teaches Harry
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng in disbelief.
"That's it? That's it?"
"Is that all there is?"
"I feel like a proper explanation would have been better!"
Xiao Deng glanced at the incredulous Hermione.
"What the hell do you know!"
"Long hair... uh, that doesn't apply to you."
"And small breasts don't..."
Xiao Deng stopped halfway through, as Hermione had already silently taken out her wand.
"Ahem, let's talk business."
"Harry, if you do as I say, Dumbledore will receive the signal."
Harry looked at Xiao Deng in confusion; although he didn't understand, he trusted Xiao Deng unconditionally.
Harry pursed his lips and said:
"Okay, if I really go to the Ministry of Magic, I'll say it like that."
Xiao Deng nodded with an expression of "a child worth teaching."
"Hey, that's right!"
"You two just focus on recovering; as long as you don't leave the villa, you'll be fine."
"I'll come find you tomorrow."
Before Harry could say anything, Xiao Deng and Hermione disappeared from where they stood.
Duang!
Xiao Deng and Hermione landed on the bed in Hermione's room.
"Can't you be a bit gentler?"
Xiao Deng patted Hermione's bottom.
"That's not what you said last night."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was met with Hermione's little foot.
The force was so fierce that it kicked Xiao Deng right off the side of the bed.
Then Hermione leaned over the edge of the bed and said solemnly:
"You're sleeping on the floor today!"
Xiao Deng shrugged; what could he do when a lioness was throwing a tantrum?
Sleeping on the floor is fine, could it be worse than a toilet?
The next morning.
Hermione woke up early and sat on the edge of the bed, her legs dangling down.
Her little foot kicked Xiao Deng's ear, but Xiao Deng didn't react.
A mischievous smile suddenly appeared on the corner of Hermione's mouth.
She directly stepped her little foot onto Xiao Deng's face.
"Wake up!"
"If you don't get up, I'm going to hit you!"
Xiao Deng opened his eyes, startled, and dodged to the side.
"No, why are you stepping on my face?"
Hermione burst into laughter.
"To wake you up!"
"Get on the bed quickly. If Mom comes to check later and sees you sleeping on the floor, I'll get scolded again."
Xiao Deng grabbed Hermione's ankle, looking unconvinced.
"Is that how you wake people up?"
"Also, isn't getting scolded deserved?"
"Who was it that kicked me off yesterday?"
"Now you want to play the good person?"
"I'm telling you, Hermione, no way!"
Seeing that they couldn't agree, Hermione angrily tried to use her other foot to step on Xiao Deng's face too.
As soon as Hermione moved, her second ankle was also grabbed by Xiao Deng in the next second.
"Let go of me!"
"No!"
"Hey, hey, what are you doing? Don't spread your hands!"
"Call me Big Brother!"
"I won't!"
"Hey, don't open them, I'll call you that!"
"...Big Brother!"
"That's enough, let go!"
"Letting go will cost extra."
"Call me Husband!"
Hermione's face turned even redder.
"No, that won't do!"
"Why not? Look at Mom and Dad, they say it so naturally."
In the stalemate, Hermione glanced at her bedroom door and whispered:
"Hus... band."
A triumphant look appeared on Xiao Deng's face.
"Hey, that's more like it!"
"You've already called me that, get on the bed quickly!"
"Little Hermione, you've become stupid!"
"I already said that costs extra."
Hermione closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"What exactly do you want?"
Xiao Deng tickled the sole of Hermione's foot, and Hermione pulled her leg back in a flash.
"That sentence of yours is two requests!"
"Xiao Deng! Speak properly!"
"Fine, fine, fine! How about this: call me Daddy and I'll get up, how's that?"
"Don't push your luck!"
"Hermione, I disagree with that."
"Who was it that got an inch and wanted a foot, and who said 'go a little further'?"
"Stop, Xiao Deng, shut up!"
"I... I'll call you that, okay?"
"Dad... dy."
Xiao Deng crawled onto the bed with a cheeky grin.
"Now that feels right!"
"Seeing as you were so cooperative today, I won't give you a hard time."
Just as Xiao Deng got on the bed, Mrs. Granger's voice calling for breakfast came from outside the door.
Mrs. Granger didn't knock this time; she walked right in for a surprise inspection.
The room wasn't in a mess like yesterday, so she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Come out and eat."
Hermione bit down on Xiao Deng's arm and muttered viciously:
"The price for bullying me!"
After freshening up, the two came to the dining table.
Halfway through the meal, Xiao Deng spoke up.
"Sir, Ma'am."
"I am very sorry, but I may need to leave early."
Mr. Granger immediately glared at Hermione.
"Did Hermione bully you again?"
Xiao Deng gracefully put down his cutlery.
"Sir, it's not what you think."
"Yesterday, I received news of an urgent, temporary matter at Hogwarts."
"I need to provide testimony for a good person."
"The laws of the Wizarding World are now going to put him on trial."
"We cannot let a good person suffer an injustice."
"So, this visit might need to end early."
Mrs. Granger also slowly put down her cutlery.
"Oh, child, you are a good child."
"No need to apologize for these things."
"Hermione probably has to go back too, right?"
Hearing her mother's question, a hint of awkwardness appeared on Hermione's face.
She had only just returned and reunited for a few days, and now she had to leave again.
"Since you have things to do, we won't delay you."
"When are you leaving?"
Xiao Deng pondered for a moment.
"After we finish eating!"
"After all, it takes some time on the way back."
Mr. Granger sighed softly and didn't say anything more.
Children grow up, and they have to fly out on their own.
However, before the two could leave, Hedwig had already knocked on the window of Hermione's house.
"Hedwig is here!"
Hermione asked, looking puzzled: "How did you know it was Hedwig?"
Xiao Deng let Hedwig in from outside the window.
Xiao Deng opened the letter Hedwig brought.
"Harry says that the person that night was indeed from the Wizarding World."
"He has already reported it to the Ministry of Magic."
Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked at Hedwig curiously; this Owl shocked them a bit.
This bird can deliver letters?
Xiao Deng handed the letter to Hermione; the information on it was simple and could be understood at a glance.
The Ministry of Magic required Harry to return to Hogwarts immediately to undergo an investigation and explain the situation.
This was about the same as Xiao Deng's guess; it seemed they really needed to return to Hogwarts.
Hermione looked at Mr. and Mrs. Granger with some embarrassment.
Before she could open her mouth, she heard her father say to her mother.
"How about we have a little daughter?"
"This one is too crazy and never stays home. Look at Xiao Deng's situation; she might even have violent tendencies."
"Husband, you're right, having a gentle little daughter would be nice."
Hermione:???
Xiao Deng couldn't help but burst out laughing, drawing a roll of the eyes from Hermione.
"Dad, Mom!"
Mr. and Mrs. Granger then looked at Hermione.
"Alright, alright, if you have things to do, go ahead and be busy."
"Once you're gone, we have our own things to do."
Chapter 124 Fudge Arrives
In the end, despite Hermione's reluctance, she followed Xiao Deng and left.
The two arrived instantly inside their villa, and Xiao Deng went to check on Malfoy first.
Malfoy was already awake; fortunately, Harry had used the Spells in time, so he suffered no injuries or aftereffects.
Malfoy already knew what had happened after he fell unconscious.
Although he didn't know what Xiao Deng wanted to do, he trusted Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, Harry only needs to say one thing, but what about me?"
Xiao Deng smiled and asked Avery to brew some tea and bring it over.
"Of course you have something to do too!"
"And it is something that you, Slytherin, are very good at."
"That is accountability!"
"No matter who the judge is, all questions must put pressure on the trial."
"Constantly repeat the losses you have suffered and defend your own interests."
Malfoy looked confused.
"Is that all I need to do?"
Xiao Deng took a sip of tea.
"Leave professional matters to professionals; Slytherin is professional in this regard."
Malfoy looked delighted, having been complimented.
"Alright, I will do it well."
Xiao Deng drank the last drop of tea in the cup.
"Do you have any other questions?"
"If you have questions, say them now, so we don't have problems at the last minute."
The three of them shook their heads.
Hermione certainly wouldn't be on the stand, so naturally, she had no issues.
"Since there are no problems, let's go!"
Xiao Deng waved his sleeve, and when the four opened their eyes again, they were already outside Hogwarts.
Harry asked with a tremble.
"Isn't Apparition not allowed at Hogwarts?"
Xiao Deng patted Harry on the shoulder.
"Relax, Mr. Potter, you are a Gryffindor!"
"Look at Malfoy, he isn't panicking."
Malfoy was about to say something, but Hermione cut him off.
"His father is a school governor!"
Malfoy looked at Hermione with a constipated expression; it seemed like he had gotten some attention, but it had also been stolen.
Xiao Deng stepped in to smooth things over.
"Alright, alright, let's go to the Headmaster's Office first."
"There should be people from the Ministry of Magic monitoring this area, just waiting for us."
"This moment right after we return is one of the few golden windows of time."
Xiao Deng didn't say another word and immediately led the three toward Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore was sitting in his office and was visibly stunned when he saw Xiao Deng and the others return.
"Xiao Deng, did you use Apparition?"
Xiao Deng said while extending his right hand:
"Oh, Principal, don't say such things, I didn't use it."
"We just missed you and were anxious to see you, so we came back early from summer vacation."
Hermione shivered all over.
"You are disgusting when you talk!"
Xiao Deng did a 180-degree turn to face Hermione.
"You don't like the Principal?"
"You don't respect the Principal?"
"During the holidays, don't you miss the Professors who have been so kind to you?"
Then he turned back again.
"Principal, I am reporting that Hermione Granger is very dissatisfied with you and wants you to step down!"
"Hey, don't talk nonsense!"
Dumbledore placed a lemon sherbet into Xiao Deng's hand.
"Alright, stop joking around, let's talk business!"
Afterwards, Harry recounted what had happened at Xiao Deng's house.
Dumbledore looked at Harry in surprise.
"Harry, you went to Xiao Deng's house?"
"You left Privet Drive?"
Harry looked at his friends and nodded hesitantly.
"No wonder, no wonder!"
"But why were you fine while inside Xiao Deng's house?"
"It was only after you left Xiao Deng's house that the Dementors caught up with you."
Xiao Deng pulled out a handful of melon seeds and watched the others staring at each other while discussing what happened.
"Is it possible that I placed Protective Spells on my villa?"
A simple sentence exploded in Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore turned his head sharply to look at Xiao Deng.
"You saw the problem with Privet Drive?"
Xiao Deng spat the melon seed shells in his mouth onto the floor.
"I saw it!"
"This itself is quite suspicious."
"Harry Potter, such a big celebrity, yet no one looked for him during his first half of his life; that's very strange, okay."
"Death Eaters are heartless guys; would they let Harry go?"
"Yet Harry successfully grew up as a Muggle."
"So I went to the entrance of Harry's aunt's house and circled around."
"When I stood at the door, I understood everything."
"Since Harry didn't want to go home, he would go to my house, and I could also add Protective Spells to my home."
"I just didn't expect these two guys to be so playful and run so far."
"You don't need to blame them; if Harry had been at his aunt's house, he still would have been attacked by Dementors even if he ran that far."
"So..."
"Someone is here!"
Following Xiao Deng's reminder, Dumbledore also noticed that someone had arrived outside.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
The door to Dumbledore's office opened slowly on its own.
A short, stout man and Snape stood outside.
The man walked in slowly.
"I am truly sorry to disturb you, but I received information that Harry Potter has returned."
"Allow me to introduce myself, Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic."
"This is the decision for your upcoming detention and trial."
Fudge spread a scroll of parchment on Dumbledore's office desk.
Dumbledore's eyes darkened.
It was indeed Fudge himself, and the magic mark on this arrest warrant was indeed the seal of the Ministry of Magic.
"Given that you are still a student at Hogwarts, I will not take you to Azkaban."
"But you need to come with me to the Ministry of Magic to stand trial."
"Or if you do not wish to accept, you can temporarily go to Azkaban while we investigate the matter."
Harry's expression was not very good, even though Xiao Deng had told him a lot.
But when he actually faced the Ministry of Magic, he still had some stage fright.
At this moment, a sound of tapping on the table rang out in the quiet office, and Dumbledore stood up.
"Harry Potter cannot go to Azkaban."
Fudge's expression changed slightly; he had originally intended to arrest Harry.
After all, with the title of The Chosen One, he, the Minister for Magic, seemed less important.
The whole world knew the name of The Chosen One was "Harry Potter".
But there were still people who didn't know the Minister for Magic was called Cornelius Fudge.
This was a huge threat to the reputation of the Ministry of Magic and his own authority.
Such an event was the best thing to exploit.
Dumbledore saw Xiao Deng winking at him and understood immediately.
Xiao Deng must have made some arrangements on the way here.
Although Xiao Deng was a bit unreliable—Dumbledore glanced at the melon seed shells all over the floor—
but when it came to serious matters, Xiao Deng was still quite reliable.
Dumbledore slowly sat back in his chair.
"Harry can go to the Ministry of Magic, but he cannot be taken to Azkaban as a criminal."
Fudge's expression softened; Dumbledore's pressure was still quite sufficient.
"Fine, I will grant you that much face."
"Mr. Potter, can we go now?"
Chapter 125 Going to the Ministry of Magic for the Trial
Before Harry could speak, Malfoy stepped forward.
"If Mr. Fudge wants to take Harry away, then he should take me too."
As the sole heir to the House of Malfoy, he knew the young man before him.
"Malfoy, why should I take you?"
Malfoy lifted his chin slightly, revealing a bit of the arrogance and pride he usually restrained in front of Xiao Deng.
"We went out together, and I used magic during the process as well."
"Take me too!"
Fudge's face looked rather grim; Harry basically had no backing behind him.
But Draco belonged to the House of Malfoy, whose influence was deeply entrenched in the Ministry of Magic.
He could not afford to offend them!
Facing Malfoy, Fudge was still somewhat hesitant.
If he didn't take him, his high-sounding rhetoric from just a moment ago would be a slap in his own face.
If he did take him, he really dared not imagine the consequences.
In the end, it was Dumbledore who helped him out of the awkward situation.
"Since you are together, then you should go together."
"As students of Hogwarts, you will not be wronged."
"I will personally defend you!"
It counted as helping him out, but it was also forcing him to do something against his will.
Even though he could say it was at Dumbledore's instigation, he was the one who did the offensive work of taking the people away.
He had to swallow this bitter pill!
Fudge suppressed his expression and, with righteous indignation, took Harry and Malfoy away.
After Fudge left, Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng.
"Have you instructed them well?"
"Tell me what you said, so I can have a bottom line and be prepared."
"Old Be... uh, no."
"Principal, I cannot tell you this. If I tell you now and you are mentally prepared, the effect will actually diminish."
"But every word they say will remind you of the direction of the attack."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Very well, I hope you won't disappoint me."
"However, before we go to the Ministry of Magic, I want to ask you, what were you planning to call me just now?"
Xiao Deng cracked a sunflower seed, looking completely bewildered.
"What? What are you saying? I don't understand. I called you Principal!"
Subsequently, Dumbledore also reached out his hand towards Xiao Deng.
"I am old, but I am not yet so senile that I cannot hear clearly."
Xiao Deng looked at Dumbledore and chuckled, grabbing a handful of sunflower seeds and placing them into Dumbledore's hand.
"Oh, I didn't know before, it was all Professor Snape..."
Xiao Deng looked sharply at Snape.
"Professor, I had no choice. Look, I even gave away the sunflower seeds I like."
Snape was expressionless.
"Mr. Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect, ten points from your house for disrespecting a Professor."
"I will report your words and actions truthfully to Professor McGonagall."
Xiao Deng's expression crumbled; he did not want to suffer Professor McGonagall's strict criticism.
Dumbledore pursed his lips and walked slowly out of the room, turning back when he reached the door.
"Severus, I will have a chat with Professor McGonagall about you teaching Xiao Deng to call me Old Bee."
Snape's face twitched; no one wanted to face that lioness.
Although he sometimes bickered with her, it was mostly limited to inter-house matters.
When it came to personal matters, anyone who went to her would tremble, including, but not limited to, Dumbledore.
Xiao Deng came up to Snape with a cheeky grin.
"Let's get scolded together, shall we? To share the fire?"
Snape snorted coldly, flicked his robes, and strode out of the office.
When Xiao Deng came out, he saw Dumbledore waiting for him at the door.
Xiao Deng told Hermione to go back first, while he left Hogwarts with Dumbledore.
"Grab hold of me, don't move around!"
"Isn't Apparition forbidden at Hogwarts?"
Dumbledore glanced at Xiao Deng.
"You have the nerve to ask?"
The world spun before his eyes, and they arrived at the Ministry of Magic.
Although it wasn't his first time here, he had to admit that the sense of mystery was well-crafted.
Fudge's actions were swift, or rather, well-prepared.
As soon as Harry and Malfoy were escorted to the Ministry of Magic, the interrogation process had already begun.
Dumbledore brought Xiao Deng to the interrogation room.
Everyone present stopped what they were doing.
After a moment of silence, the person closest to Dumbledore greeted him.
Harry and Malfoy sat on the chairs for the accused together.
Many people on the judging panel looked at each other.
If it were just Harry, with his parents dead and the House of Potter in decline, one could turn a blind eye to Fudge's trial.
But involving the House of Malfoy required more caution.
Lucius's connections in the Ministry of Magic were deeply entrenched, and the most important person there was not a good guy; he was petty and held grudges.
Fudge cleared his throat from the chairman's seat, and the scene quieted down.
"Ahem!"
"Everyone, please be quiet!"
"Now, we shall try the case regarding Harry Potter's unauthorized use of magic in the Muggle world."
"Following a report from relevant personnel, Harry Potter used magic in violation of regulations during the summer vacation. I have a few questions for you to answer."
"Did you use magic in the Muggle world?"
"Are you aware that using magic in the Muggle world is a violation of relevant regulations?"
Hearing this question, Dumbledore's expression darkened.
Fudge was trying to pin the charge on Harry and convict him directly.
Once he entered Azkaban, it would be much more troublesome to rescue him.
Even if there was a turn of events or a reversal, Harry would have already spent a long time inside.
Just like Hagrid back then, even though he eventually got out, he had suffered immense pain.
Harry had panicked a little when he first sat in that seat.
But after seeing Xiao Deng standing in the crowd, he suddenly steadied himself and looked straight at Fudge.
"I am The Chosen One!"
While Dumbledore was still thinking of phrasing, this sentence made his eyes light up, and he subconsciously looked for Xiao Deng.
This entry point was really good!
The people in the room were all bewildered, not knowing what this sentence Harry said had to do with the case.
Dumbledore slowly stood up.
"As everyone knows!"
"What the name Harry Potter represents!"
"He is The Chosen One, he is the child in the prophecy! He is the one who defeated You-Know-Who!"
"Would he intentionally use magic in violation of regulations?"
Whispers gradually emerged in the room.
"That's right, he is The Chosen One, he shouldn't have intentionally violated the regulations."
"Could there be some hidden story behind this?"
"Bullshit, he's just a kid, he must have violated the regulations out of playfulness."
...
The atmosphere in the room made Dumbledore feel much less pressure.
It had to be said, Xiao Deng's unconventional move was quite something.
Constantly trying to explain the facts would only make others more suspicious of the issues involved.
It would be better to directly shift the issue to his stance and identity.
And the identity of "The Chosen One" happened to be something the Ministry of Magic had promoted and praised in the past.
And for all these years, it had been common knowledge!
The shield and the spear, which one was stronger?
Fudge immediately felt that this situation was disadvantageous to him and threw out a second question.
"Do you have anything to say in your defense regarding the fact that you were seen by a Muggle while using magic?"
Harry smiled.
"I am The Chosen One!"
Chapter 126 Malfoy Begins to Hold Accountable
Harry clearly saw Fudge's lip twitch.
Dumbledore's lips also curled up; this was simply impeccable!
Even in Merlin's big trousers, there wouldn't be a solution like this.
The people sitting on the dais had never seen this kind of questioning strategy before and didn't know what to say for a moment.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and walked out again.
"As everyone knows!"
"Harry Potter is The Chosen One."
"He stopped You-Know-Who, and everyone knows what You-Know-Who intended to do."
"Did Harry Potter save the Wizarding World?"
"He saved it along with the Muggle world."
"Would someone who saved Muggles deliberately go and destroy the things they once saved?"
"Even if magic was used in front of Muggles, it must have been for that person's safety, for world peace!"
Fudge no longer had the joy he felt when he first entered the Ministry of Magic; his face was now showing signs of worry.
He knew clearly that he could not dwell on this issue anymore, or he would become increasingly passive.
"Harry Potter, do you have anything to say about violating the Ministry of Magic regulations?"
Although Fudge was a bit mediocre, the question he posed was quite tricky for Harry.
"I am The Chosen One!"
Fudge's fists couldn't help but clench; if it weren't for so many people present, he would have exploded in anger long ago!
At this stage, Dumbledore had probably figured out what Xiao Deng wanted Harry to do.
This line was simply invincible, leaving infinite room for himself to maneuver.
Whether said positively or negatively, there would be no issues, and the Ministry of Magic would have to let it slide this time.
Dumbledore puffed out his chest again and took a step forward.
"What are the Ministry of Magic regulations for?"
"Are they not for the peace of the Wizarding World and the stability of the Muggle world?"
"If one cannot follow the rules while raising a wand, and cannot protect the world while putting the wand down, then what should we do?"
"What is The Chosen One?"
"It is for saving the world."
"To save the world, must these trivial regulations bind The Chosen One?"
The entire venue was silent, leaving only Dumbledore's resonant and powerful voice.
Lucius, standing in the corner, finally relaxed his brows quite a bit.
If Harry were found innocent, then Draco would most likely be fine too.
But what Lucius didn't expect was for Draco to actually stand up.
As Dumbledore's voice fell, the venue was already silent.
Malfoy's movement was undoubtedly watched by everyone.
Malfoy stood up, straightened his robes, and lifted his chin slightly.
"My name is Draco, Draco Malfoy."
"Lucius's only son, the sole heir to the House of Malfoy."
"I also have a few words I want to say."
"To those who are clear-headed, death is but another great adventure."
"I am very clear-headed right now."
"The reason I am clear-headed is that Harry Potter saved me!"
"And not that damn regulation of the Ministry of Magic!"
"You judge, you regulate, okay, no problem."
"But have you regulated who should save me when I am attacked by a Dementor?"
Suddenly, a pretentious female voice interjected.
"After all, Dementors are under the control of the Ministry of Magic."
"Maybe I'm mistaken, but it sounds like you are implying that the Ministry of Magic orchestrated the attack against you."
This remark couldn't help but make Dumbledore and Lucius frown, and even Fudge frowned.
If you don't know how to speak, can you not speak? He is from the House of Malfoy; can you bear his wrath? In the end, it only implicates oneself.
Fudge really wanted to curse this woman for being an idiot, but there were too many people, and it wasn't easy to speak up.
Malfoy glanced at the old woman sitting in the seat.
"So this question is even more worth pondering."
"I am just a student at Hogwarts; I don't know about any orchestration."
"According to the regulations, I'm afraid the cold winds of Azkaban will be sending warmth to me and Harry Potter ahead of time."
"I want to ask the Ministry of Magic, exactly how is public security handled?"
"Why did the Dementors easily go to the Muggle world?"
"Is there any real effort being put into the management of Dementors?"
"Or are you just sitting in the office drinking tea and reading the boring news reports written by Rita Skeeter?"
Malfoy became more and more agitated as he spoke, and at this point, his voice suddenly softened.
"I want to ask Mr. Cornelius Fudge, is the bloodline of the pure-blood House of Malfoy worthless?"
Fudge glanced at the Witch who had spoken just now.
Speak! Why aren't you speaking? Why don't you continue to go against the House of Malfoy?
At this moment, Umbridge's face was also a bit ugly; she dared not respond to this.
Who would dare to say the bloodline of the House of Malfoy is worthless?
This would not only be slapping the face of the House of Malfoy.
Other pure-blood families would probably all come to cause her trouble.
Originally, Lucius was still a bit dissatisfied with Malfoy for talking nonsense.
But after seeing Malfoy's rhetoric, he nodded with relief.
The honor of pure-bloods lies in knowing the rules, understanding the rules, utilizing the rules, and controlling the rules.
Wasn't Fudge trying to use the rules to judge Harry and Malfoy?
And Malfoy was now using the rules to press Fudge, the Minister for Magic.
Lucius knew Malfoy too well; he shouldn't have been able to come up with such a ploy.
Looking at Dumbledore's surprised expression, it probably wasn't taught by him either.
Unable to help himself, Lucius's gaze drifted to Xiao Deng, who was also standing in the corner.
When Lucius looked at Xiao Deng, the other party seemed to sense it and looked over as well.
Xiao Deng smiled slightly and nodded to Lucius, and Lucius returned the gesture.
However, Lucius was deeply shocked; the previous conjecture must have been correct.
All of this originated from Xiao Deng!
But being able to help Malfoy grow was also a good choice.
Sending him to Xiao Deng's house this time was well worth it!
Cold sweat was already seeping out from Fudge's back on the dais.
He truly didn't expect Malfoy to directly launch an interrogation.
After the Wizarding World had experienced some events, the Ministry of Magic's management of Dementors had always been mediocre.
Fudge exhaled deeply and forced a smile onto his face.
"I will personally come to apologize and explain the reasons to your father."
Malfoy was a bit apprehensive inside; he really couldn't be sure if Fudge would actually buy into his act.
But since he had been forced into this, he had to play this scene well.
"My father is a school governor!"
"He will know about this, but this time, he might ask for my opinion first."
Lucius saw that it was about enough; if he kept pressing, Fudge might be driven to desperate measures.
The cane in his hand tapped the floor, making a "thump, thump" sound.
All eyes turned toward Lucius.
But Lucius was someone who had seen great storms; he wasn't flustered at all.
"Alright, I respect Draco's wishes."
"But I will also accept Minister Fudge's apology."
Malfoy couldn't quite understand his father's approach and looked back at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng secretly pressed his hand down, and Malfoy then sat back in his seat.
All of this fell into Lucius's eyes.
As expected, it was all Xiao Deng's doing!