Chapter 217: The Trial Ends
Snape finally walked up slowly under the gazes of everyone.
"Mr. Snape, please explain the relevant testimony in detail."
At this moment, Fudge's attitude was quite good, and his tone had slowed down a lot.
Sirius looked with guilty eyes as the gloomy Snape sat on the stool.
Both he and Lupin knew that this melancholy was deeply related to Lily's death.
He had even clashed with them over whether Lupin would harm Lily.
However, it was probably also inextricably linked to the wrong things they had done to him back then.
"The key to the matter... still relies entirely on Xiao Deng's keenness."
"Xiao Deng discovered that the rat was problematic, so he took action against him."
"That rat tried to run away as soon as he abandoned his master..."
"After forcing him to reveal himself, we fed him veritaserum."
"Just as Xiao Deng said, everything was done by Peter."
"That rat... is Peter."
"It's just that..."
"After catching him back then... he ran away."
The members sitting in the courtroom began to raise their hands one after another.
After Snape's testimony, many people had already seen the situation clearly.
Fudge's face looked a bit ugly; in this case, it would be difficult to extract any benefits from the House of Black.
However, the result could no longer be reversed.
The gavel fell on the trial table.
"The final decision: Sirius Black, acquitted!"
With the result in, everyone left their seats one after another.
Sirius watched the departing crowd and immediately spotted Snape, who wore no other colors.
Sirius hurried up and grabbed Snape.
Snape turned around with an expressionless face and looked at Sirius.
Sirius, who originally had a stomach full of words, couldn't think of a single one at this moment.
"Sna- Snape, in any case, I must formally say thank you."
Snape looked at Sirius without speaking.
"I know that we, including the late James, are all deeply indebted to you."
"The past cannot be changed; I can only say that I am very sorry."
At this time, Lupin also walked over slowly.
"Please allow me to join in this apology."
"Sirius, you probably don't know that the Wolfsbane Potion that hid my identity during my time at Hogwarts was all provided by Snape."
"We hurt a good person and missed out on a true friend."
"Snape, you don't have to accept this apology, but we must make it."
Snape snorted coldly.
"You two are truly good brothers, as arrogant as Potter."
"I did all this just to help someone."
"Besides, she is dead, and I need to find the real murderer..."
Snape glanced at the two, his face even gloomier, and he swept his robes and left like a bat.
Sirius and Lupin silently watched Snape's back gradually disappear.
"Remus, he looks narrow-minded, but he is more broad-minded than any of us."
Lupin nodded.
"We will never be able to repay this kindness in our lifetime."
"Speaking of which, it was you who overturned the case, but in reality, it relied on those witnesses."
"veritaserum doesn't affect much; it was mainly Xiao Deng and Snape's testimony that was most important."
"On one hand, many people voted, and on the other hand, the Ministry of Magic didn't want to offend these two."
Sirius patted Lupin on the shoulder.
"With your Werewolf identity exposed, you probably can't go back to Hogwarts."
"I know too well what kind of people those Family members are."
Lupin couldn't help but laugh.
"Does that even need to be said? Didn't you see how those people's disdainful gazes were practically stabbing into my nostrils just now?"
"I can only talk to you about this without any psychological burden; before Headmaster Dumbledore spoke, my palms were sweating."
Sirius and Lupin walked side by side.
"Remus, what do you plan to do next?"
"Don't worry about me; Xiao Deng arranged everything from the beginning."
"He asked me to manage his shop, and by the way, clear up your House of Black matters so you can start working smoothly."
"He pays the salary!"
"So you don't have to worry about me sleeping on the streets."
"At the same time, I also remind you that if you want to atone for the first half of your life, you should manage the House of Black well and become Xiao Deng's right-hand man."
"He is also preparing to resist the Dark Lord."
Sirius remained silent until he and Lupin walked out of the Ministry of Magic.
...
When Xiao Deng returned to Hogwarts, the Great Hall had already been decorated.
Xiao Deng was a bit confused; even if it was to celebrate overturning Sirius's case, it shouldn't be like this.
After grabbing a Hufflepuff young lady and asking, he learned that this was the House Cup banquet, and the arrangements had been set up for several days.
Time flies fast; he still remembers how shy Malfoy and Pansy were when school first started.
It's just that at this time, Slytherin's score was still first, and he didn't know how many times Professor Snape had opened the back door.
Malfoy couldn't help but look at the Gryffindor table.
Although his relationship with those few was not bad, he still hoped to surpass Harry a little.
Why Harry? Because Xiao Deng is a monster, and one cannot compare with him.
Dumbledore also happened to walk into the Great Hall just in time.
The whole Great Hall quieted down.
"Before announcing the House Cup, I would like to say a few words."
Malfoy had a bad feeling because these words sounded very familiar.
Dumbledore had said this before!
"This year, some things have happened."
"The most important thing is that an old, long-standing case has finally been brought to light."
"And the result has already been announced at the Ministry of Magic's courtroom."
Dumbledore slowly stood up.
"Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect discovered the betrayer, cleared the name of the wronged, and let us see the true traitor."
"This combines wisdom and courage, requiring excellent comprehensive qualities."
...
Xiao Deng smiled; Dumbledore certainly couldn't bring up the Chamber of Secrets, so he could only talk about Sirius.
Otherwise, his own achievements would fly to the sky.
"Therefore, two hundred points to Gryffindor!"
Cheers immediately erupted at the Gryffindor table.
The other houses were speechless; it was like this every year, and Xiao Deng was in the spotlight every year.
During the banquet, Xiao Deng noticed that although Lupin had returned, he was sitting in the corner eating silently.
It seemed he also wanted to leave quietly and not provoke anything.
Xiao Deng actually didn't have much appetite, so he got up and left the banquet.
In the distance, Lupin saw Xiao Deng leave and also followed silently.
Ron watched Xiao Deng leave and took a bite of a chicken leg.
"Why did Xiao Deng leave again?"
Harry shook his head.
"He is too busy; Sirius was able to clear his name thanks to him."
While the two were talking, Hermione had already put down her utensils and followed Xiao Deng.
"Where is Hermione going again?"
Harry didn't say much.
"Let's go, follow!"
Xiao Deng walked slowly to the Whomping Willow and stopped.
Not long after, Lupin also arrived and stood side by side with Xiao Deng.
"The peaceful days are over..."
Xiao Deng reached out to interrupt Lupin and looked back.
"Why are you all still hiding?"
Chapter 218: Lupin is Fired
As the voice faded, three heads popped out from behind.
Harry felt a bit embarrassed and glanced at Hermione, hoping she would say something.
Hermione naturally spoke without a second thought.
"Looking so sneaky, I thought you were off to find a Hufflepuff girl."
Xiao Deng's face darkened. Damn it, is that really his image?
Lupin looked at Hermione, then at Xiao Deng, and shook his head with a smile.
"It's good to be young. Xiao Deng, don't just focus on your career and miss the person right in front of you!"
Lupin stepped in to smooth things over.
"Since you're all here, let's chat together."
However, Ron shrank his head and hid slightly behind Harry.
The matter of Sirius Black seemed urgent, but in fact, the news had been out for a few days, though it only stated that a prisoner had been caught and was awaiting trial.
Combining this with previous news, Ron guessed that it might be Sirius Black who had been caught.
He also wanted to know what Scabbers was, so he begged his dad repeatedly to take him to watch.
But he didn't expect to hear a shocking secret, so he tugged at the clothes of the two people in front.
"Harry, Hermione, he is a Werewolf!"
Ron's voice was too low; neither Harry nor Hermione heard what he said.
Harry turned around and asked, "What did you say?"
At this moment, Lupin looked at the three of them with a smile.
"Ron said I am a Werewolf!"
But Harry and Hermione didn't have much of a reaction.
Although Harry was a bit surprised, it was only for a moment; Lupin had always been very good to him.
Hermione looked at Ron with disdain, as if looking at an idiot.
"Is this something hard to guess?"
"Professor Snape might be mediocre when teaching other things."
"But when he talks about Werewolves, he is vivid and descriptive, afraid that the students won't understand."
"And he assigns the most homework regarding Werewolves."
"Professor Lupin has to take leave every full moon, and he looks exhausted when he returns."
Lupin smiled.
"Hermione, you are very smart; you've learned well."
Xiao Deng curled his lips and shouted towards the other side of the Whomping Willow, "How much longer are you going to hide?"
Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what Xiao Deng was talking about; even Lupin looked at Xiao Deng in surprise.
Snape, dressed in black and almost blending into the night, walked out of the darkness.
Snape first glanced at Lupin.
"So it's Lupin, out for a stroll bathing in the moonlight?"
Lupin smiled and didn't take it to heart; since he entered Hogwarts, Snape had always been this sarcastic.
But when it was time to help, he really did provide solid assistance.
Perhaps he himself was partly responsible for this strange personality.
"Severus, I didn't expect you to be so serious in class; I really thank you."
Harry looked at Lupin with anticipation.
"Professor, can you still teach?"
Before Lupin could speak, Snape spoke up.
"Mr. Potter, is the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class I teach not good enough for the eyes of the The Chosen One?"
Harry quickly shook his head.
"No, sir, that's not what I meant."
Lupin interrupted their conversation.
"Alright, you don't need to argue."
"Severus's level is very much on point; Young Miss Hermione can attest to that."
Lupin turned to look at Snape.
"It's just that neither you nor I can teach this class."
Snape didn't speak; he knew that since Lupin said this, there must be an inside story.
"Because my identity was exposed, the parents will definitely petition Dumbledore to fire me."
"As for you, you will be replaced."
"As far as I know, the Ministry of Magic issued a new notice right after Sirius Black was declared innocent."
"Fudge immediately went through the process and sent a magic letter to Dumbledore."
"The upcoming Defense Against the Dark Arts Class will be taught by Umbridge."
Xiao Deng frowned tightly; this shouldn't be right!
According to past experience, the world's progress is arranged according to the growth of the The Chosen One.
And there didn't seem to be any record of Ministry of Magic personnel joining Hogwarts before, right?
This should count as the first step of the Ministry of Magic interfering in Hogwarts affairs.
This decision by the Ministry of Magic clearly had a huge leap, and the landscape of the Wizarding World might face its first change.
Xiao Deng vaguely felt that this might have accelerated some kind of progress.
Could it be caused by him giving Harry extra help?
He originally wanted to give Harry enough confidence to face the results, but he didn't expect it to lead to this problem.
Harry hurriedly said, "If that's the case, you'll lose your source of income, so how will you live?"
Before Lupin could answer, a gloomy voice sounded again.
"The The Chosen One is still as arrogant as he was at the start of the school year, thinking he can worry about everyone."
This time, Lupin didn't refute what Snape said.
"I used to take odd jobs, but I had to disappear for a while every full moon, and I've already changed many bosses."
"Businessmen in the Wizarding World are few to begin with, and the acceptance level for Werewolves is also low."
"But Xiao Deng has already planned to hire me to help him manage his businesses."
"At the same time, I'll help manage the House of Black's assets."
Harry looked at Xiao Deng, feeling a bit confused.
"Shouldn't the House of Black be managed by Sirius Black?"
Xiao Deng rolled his eyes; sometimes it wasn't unreasonable for Snape to scold Harry.
"Do you think that godfather of yours, with his slacker attitude, is someone who can manage a business?"
Harry was speechless for a moment, looking at Lupin, then at Snape, and it seemed that was indeed the case.
Lupin knew better than anyone; his brother was okay at finding people to fight, but managing business? It would be better to let him have a child and pin his hopes on the child.
Snape watched the few people argue silently without interrupting; regarding Lupin's issue, Xiao Deng had also talked to him about it before.
Lupin's attentiveness and thoroughness in considering things were very praiseworthy.
"That's about it; do you have anything else?"
Everyone shook their heads, and Xiao Deng said loudly, "Then go back!"
"Today I grant you permission not to train; go back and get a good sleep!"
"Go back!"
The few people cheered and ran towards the Dormitory. Lupin glanced at the motionless Xiao Deng, understood in his heart, and silently followed the young Wizards away from the Whomping Willow.
Xiao Deng stood with his hands behind his back, watching the four people walk away.
"Professor Snape!"
"What do you think the Ministry of Magic means by this?"
Snape was silent for a while.
"The Ministry of Magic probably won't admit that the Dark Lord is returning."
"Unless..."
"Fudge and the others see it with their own eyes!"
"This time, letting Umbridge, a staff member of the Ministry of Magic, serve as a teacher..."
"Is not really to relieve Hogwarts' urgent need."
"They want to take the opportunity to control Hogwarts."
"The scheme is huge!"
Xiao Deng nodded; he agreed with what Snape said.
"Hogwarts has always kept neutral in the past, and with Headmaster Dumbledore in charge, it has been as stable as a mountain."
"They! Want to test Headmaster Dumbledore's attitude first."
Chapter 219: Top of the Hogwarts Tower
Snape slowly stepped forward, looking at the Whomping Willow.
"It's not just that..."
"Everyone inside Hogwarts is a child of the Wizarding World!"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, but he understood what Snape was saying.
Once the Ministry of Magic controlled Hogwarts one day, it would be equivalent to controlling the children of many Families.
They would be able to reach out even further.
However, they had miscalculated two things.
On one hand, the Dark Lord was truly going to return, and the Ministry of Magic would have to rely on these Families, even begging these Families not to turn to the Dark Lord.
On the other hand, Xiao Deng was the hidden leader of the Wizarding World; the Ministry of Magic couldn't force these things.
"Let's go, Professor. We have to play along with their little show."
Xiao Deng strode out. Snape watched Xiao Deng silently for a good while before lifting his feet to follow.
"Boring, twisted sense of humor!"
However, for the time being, Umbridge shouldn't be coming over.
Why would she come over? The young Wizards were about to go on holiday.
Unsurprisingly, Harry still wanted to spend the holidays at Xiao Deng's home.
As for Malfoy, he had been asked by Pansy to visit her home.
The two Families were closely related, and the two of them had known each other since childhood, so visiting each other's home was very normal.
It was just that one wondered if Malfoy's mindset would be different this time.
However, when Xiao Deng returned to Hogwarts, he was stopped by a little girl.
"Ginny? Aren't you going back to rest? The banquet has already ended."
Ginny stared with her beautiful large eyes, a hint of stubbornness shining in her gaze.
"Brother Xiao Deng, you've already been to my house to play. Can you invite me to your house to play?"
Regarding Ginny's question, Xiao Deng had truly been too busy lately to really keep in touch.
It wasn't impossible for her to visit his home.
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow slightly; it seemed there was a troublemaker observing from the shadows in the corner.
"And what about your brother?"
Ginny pouted, somewhat dissatisfied.
"What does that have to do with my brother? That idiot only knows how to eat chicken legs all day!"
"It wouldn't be a problem not to invite him."
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile. Since she had offered herself, he couldn't just dampen the young lady's enthusiasm.
"Fine, if you want to come, then come."
"I don't have any other plans for the holidays this year."
A triumphant light flashed in Ginny's eyes.
"Great!"
"Then it's a deal!"
Ginny skipped away down the corridor, but Xiao Deng didn't move.
Five minutes passed, and Xiao Deng curled the corner of his mouth.
"Miss Granger, if you don't come out now, it'll be dawn soon."
Hermione slowly walked out from the corner, her eyes darting away.
Xiao Deng walked over slowly and gave Hermione's bottom a smack.
"Hermione, you're being naughty!"
Hermione stammered, "I just happened to see you two dating here, it was just curiosity!"
Xiao Deng retracted his hand that was still resting on the round object.
"Is it really curiosity?"
"Of course! I've known about you and Ginny for a long time, you know that!"
"Hermione, what do you think of the night scene today?"
"Huh? Today..."
"The night scene is quite nice, the moon is quite round..."
Xiao Deng pulled Hermione into his embrace.
"If it were round, Professor Lupin should have transformed just now."
Hermione was momentarily speechless; she had forgotten about that just to cope with Xiao Deng's question.
"Then, maybe I remembered it wrong just now..."
Xiao Deng smiled.
"Xiao Bai was absolutely right; I've been spoiling you too much."
"Come on, come with me to see the night scene."
Xiao Deng hoisted Hermione up by her bottom, and the two disappeared from the spot.
When the two appeared again, they had arrived at the pinnacle of the Hogwarts tower.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!"
"So high! Xiao Deng, you bastard, I want to go down!"
Xiao Deng picked his ear.
"Alright, stop howling. If you howl any more, everyone in Hogwarts will be woken up by you."
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the top of the Hogwarts tower expanded outward, forming a large bed.
"Look, Hogwarts, a unique view."
Xiao Deng stroked Hermione's hair, and Hermione's emotions slowly calmed down.
When she rode the boat before, she had only seen the appearance of Hogwarts from the very bottom.
At that time, she truly felt that Hogwarts was a breathtaking building.
Now, sitting at the very top of Hogwarts and looking down, although a bit frightening, everything was within view.
This feeling of looking down upon all mountains was something that couldn't be experienced anywhere else.
"Xiao Deng, is this Hagrid's perspective?"
"Hagrid? No, no, no, he couldn't grow this tall. He is indeed tall, but don't praise him so much."
Hermione burst into laughter.
"Say something nice!"
"But standing here, I really want to shout out loud. This openness of mind is something I'm feeling for the first time."
Xiao Deng smiled and pulled Hermione into his arms.
"You said just now that the night scene is beautiful, but there was no evidence."
"Now I can tell you very seriously, you were right."
"It is indeed beautiful!"
"Most importantly, with such beautiful scenery, there is you as a backdrop."
Hermione wrinkled her nose.
"I've become a backdrop?"
Xiao Deng tapped lightly on Hermione's lips.
"If you aren't convinced, bite me!"
Just as Hermione wanted to speak, her mouth was blocked, leaving not a single bit, and she couldn't make a sound.
A few minutes later, Hermione actively wrapped her arms around Xiao Deng's neck.
Before, on the Eighth Floor, she always felt the forest shaking violently, but today Hermione felt the entire Hogwarts shaking violently.
It was like... an earthquake!
Before, watching the ceiling shake didn't feel like much, but today, looking at the sky that seemed reachable just by stretching out a hand, the thoughts in her heart gushed out like a fountain.
What beautiful scenery!
Hermione turned over and could finally see the various terrain trends, the forest, and the lake...
They were also shaking. At such a high position, Hermione finally shouted out, pouring out all the unhappiness in her heart.
"Ah!"
"Such high mountains!"
"Ah!"
"Such reflective lake water!"
"Ah!"
"Such a dark forest!"
Hermione sang praises on the top of the Hogwarts tower for over two hours, until her voice was hoarse.
Fortunately, Xiao Deng had long used his permissions for Hogwarts to shield the entire interior, so Hermione's voice wouldn't carry inside.
"Xiao Deng, my throat is a bit hoarse, I want to drink some water."
Xiao Deng, looking devil-may-care, didn't stop working.
"You didn't drink so much water just now, and now you say you're thirsty?"
Hermione's face flushed red, and she threw a pillow at him. Xiao Deng casually swiped it away, and it turned into starlight and dissipated in the air.
"Xiao Deng, can we go back? I still need to pee."
"Whether that is pee or not, you know yourself, don't talk nonsense."
"Besides, it's so high; if you pee downwards, it would be gone by the time it hit the ground."
"It doesn't matter, go ahead and open the floodgates!"
"With a gust of wind, it might just land in the Forbidden Forest; it might even be used as fertilizer!"
"Xiao Deng, you bastard!"
Chapter 220: Plans for an Early Vacation
Early in the morning, Hermione slowly opened her eyes.
The bright surroundings made her feel a bit disoriented for a moment.
This was the highest point in Hogwarts; fortunately, there was Xiao Deng's protective barrier, otherwise, she would have frozen to death in the middle of the night.
Although it was dawn, the sun had not yet fully risen.
One couldn't help but sigh; things that were unclear in the dark of night were extremely clear now that it was day.
To describe it in one word: spectacular!
Immediately, Hermione realized the situation and reached out to shake Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, hurry up and get up!"
"Hurry and send me back. If my roommates find out I'm not there, it'll be impossible to explain."
Xiao Deng grumbled.
"Let me sleep a little longer!"
Hermione's face turned red.
"I refuse! We can sleep anytime, but I have to get back to the Dormitory!"
Xiao Deng's face darkened. Why was communication always so difficult sometimes?
"I meant let me rest for a while!"
Hermione flushed visibly.
"Then you should have made yourself clear!"
"You send me back first, then you can rest!"
But Xiao Deng on the bed didn't move, and Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"Hey, hey, hey!"
"Hermione, don't pull on that!"
"I'll send you! I'll send you!"
"Can't we talk properly!"
Cold sweat beaded on Xiao Deng's forehead, and he gave Hermione an awkward smile.
"Then you hurry..."
Before she could finish, Xiao Deng waved his hand, and Hermione disappeared from the top of the tower.
"Send..."
Hermione quickly covered her mouth, checking to see if her roommates had woken up.
"That jerk! He didn't even say a word!"
Xiao Deng only got up after he had slept enough, though it was also because it was too bright once the sun came out.
Thinking about how annoying Hermione was in the morning, he should have let her experience the rising sun while bathed in the morning light.
That would have been appropriate!
Xiao Deng stretched, and suddenly, a letter bearing Dumbledore's magic seal appeared beside him.
Opening it, it was the usual routine; there was only one word on it: "Come."
Xiao Deng's figure vanished from where he stood, and the bed resting on the tower top slowly dissipated.
When Xiao Deng arrived at Dumbledore's office, Professor McGonagall and Snape were already there.
"The Genius little Wizard seems to have quite the ego, arriving last every time."
As soon as Xiao Deng arrived, he was sarcastically remarked upon by Snape, but he didn't pay it any mind.
"What happened that you called me over?"
Dumbledore cleared his throat when he saw everyone had arrived.
"Since everyone is here, I will speak plainly."
"The Quidditch World Cup will be held at the end of August."
"Many families want to attend this global event, so I plan to start the vacation early so they can make it."
Xiao Deng looked at Dumbledore suspiciously. It couldn't be that simple.
Was it really necessary to call him over just for this?
Even Professor McGonagall looked confused, and Professor Snape kept a straight face without speaking.
Xiao Deng felt a headache seeing Dumbledore being coy. Couldn't he just finish what he had to say?
"Don't play coy, just say it. Are you hoping I'll reward you with two lemon sherbets?"
Professor McGonagall lowered her head slightly, pursed her lips, and adjusted her glasses.
Truly worthy of being my Gryffindor student, he certainly knows how to talk!
Dumbledore's face froze for a moment, then he let out a long sigh.
"The matter with Sirius Black has ended, but after it ended, the Ministry of Magic issued a notice."
"Specifically, a notice regarding Hogwarts."
"They believe that hiring Lupin was a mistake by Hogwarts, and they will be sending Umbridge to be the instructor for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class."
As soon as the words fell, a cold snort came from Snape.
"Hah!"
"Since when has the Ministry of Magic been so kind? If they didn't come to snatch your position as Principal, it would count as them pretending to be good people."
"Dumbledore, you don't actually believe their story, do you?"
Professor McGonagall said nothing, only worry flickering in her eyes; Snape had already said what she was thinking.
Dumbledore shook his head.
"Naturally, I don't believe the Ministry of Magic's nonsense."
"It's just... this conflicts with my plan."
"I originally already had a suitable candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, but I didn't expect the Ministry of Magic to move so quickly this time."
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but ask:
"Who did you choose before?"
Dumbledore paused and glanced at Snape.
"The person I invited was Mr. Moody!"
Professor McGonagall exclaimed: "That old Auror, Alastor Moody?"
Xiao Deng couldn't help but ask: "Is this Moody some kind of big shot?"
Dumbledore smiled.
"He isn't a very big figure, but he is a veteran Auror, hailed as the most outstanding Auror of our time."
"Back in the day, he took down quite a few Death Eaters all by himself."
"Half of the people in Azkaban were put there by him."
Xiao Deng couldn't help but glance at Snape, but Snape remained expressionless.
Hehe, watch me mess with him.
"Then he must be a very capable person."
This time, even Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded.
"Professor Snape!"
"When you were a Death Eater, were you ever hunted by him?"
Snape, who already carried an air of coldness, saw his expression instantly darken.
"What did you say?"
Xiao Deng spread his hands, looking innocent.
"Nothing, I just wanted to learn about this Auror."
"What his level is. If you were hunted by him, you would certainly know his level."
Snape didn't answer Xiao Deng's question; no matter how he answered, it would be problematic.
To say he had been hunted—Snape would definitely not admit to such an embarrassing thing.
But if he hadn't been hunted, it would make it seem like Snape was incompetent, so Snape simply chose not to answer.
Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall looked disappointed when they saw there was no drama to watch.
Xiao Deng was also speechless. He didn't know if they were happier seeing him get punished, or if they were happier seeing him provoke Snape's poker face.
Speaking of this, Xiao Deng suddenly thought about the matter of Malfoy going to visit Pansy's house.
In that case, they would probably go to the Quidditch World Cup together.
Then other families would probably go too; after all, for Wizards, Quidditch was a big deal.
Weasley Family would probably go too, but Xiao Deng had lost interest in Quidditch.
With his strength, there was basically nothing that could stop him.
Taking on a whole team by himself probably wouldn't be a problem.
When others were still searching hard, the Golden Snitch couldn't possibly vanish under his own nose.
Looking at it this way, Ginny might not be able to go to her own home.
Let's take it one step at a time!
Dumbledore cast an interested look toward Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, are you going to the World Cup? There will be world-famous players there."
"If you can become famous here in the future, I think it will definitely be an extremely shocking match."
"The world will cheer for you!"
Xiao Deng shook his head.
"I'm not very interested in these things; I probably won't go."
Chapter 221: Planning to Go to the Quidditch World Cup
Dumbledore sighed deeply; he could see that ever since Xiao Deng had swiftly won that match, he had lost interest in Quidditch.
At the end of August, the World Cup—the name alone suggested a place with a lot of people.
Don't they find it unbearably hot in such scorching weather?
Dumbledore tapped on the table.
The World Cup is a minor matter; whether to watch it or not is a personal choice.
But the matter regarding Umbridge is urgent!
Unless something unexpected happens, she should be arriving very soon.
The timing of Umbridge being sent here is just too coincidental; she was summoned right after Sirius was released, making it hard not to suspect other motives.
If Moody and Umbridge are evenly matched in skill, then Dumbledore will be in an awkward position.
Who to keep, who to let go—that is a huge problem.
So, Dumbledore simply decided to start the holiday early, so no one could find him.
Once both parties have arrived, then we can discuss it.
When Xiao Deng left Dumbledore's office, he went straight to the Great Hall.
It wasn't very early when he arrived, but the seating arrangement at the table made Xiao Deng want to slap his forehead.
Hermione being there was one thing, after all, they were both from Gryffindor.
Luna had also come over to eat, and what made it most uncomfortable was that Ginny had also sat down to eat, currently sitting next to Ron.
These three had temperaments more stubborn than the last; Xiao Deng couldn't help but rub his face, then steeled himself and sat down next to Hermione.
"What are you all talking about?"
Ron was the first to speak up.
"I heard that Hogwarts is going to start the holiday early. I don't know if it's true or not."
"A lot of people are going to watch the Quidditch World Cup."
"Hogwarts might adjust the holiday schedule for this."
"Xiao Deng, do you have any news on this?"
Xiao Deng elegantly picked up a piece of bread, took a small bite, and nodded slightly.
"Yes, I do have some information."
"The first piece of news is that what Ron said is true; the holiday will start early."
"However, it's not just because of the World Cup."
Hearing Xiao Deng's tone, it was clear there was some juicy gossip, and the curiosity of his friends was immediately piqued.
"Xiao Deng, tell us quickly, what's going on?"
"On one hand, it is indeed to prepare for the World Cup in advance."
"On the other hand, do you remember what Professor Lupin said that night?"
"He said the Ministry of Magic would be sending someone to serve as the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class teacher."
"And that person is the detestable Umbridge."
"Starting the holiday early is also to avoid her."
"To be honest, there isn't much time left until the holiday now."
"What we're afraid of is Umbridge launching a surprise attack; you've all heard of her ability to stir up trouble in the courtroom."
"Malfoy, Harry, and Ron have even seen it with their own eyes."
"Headmaster Dumbledore is also trying to ensure that the young Wizards can have a normal holiday."
"The second piece of news is that before Umbridge, Headmaster Dumbledore had already invited someone else to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class."
"If these two end up clashing, there's no telling what will happen."
As Xiao Deng finished speaking, the people at the table stared at him blankly.
This news came too fast, and the amount of information was actually quite significant.
Umbridge alone was enough to cause a headache.
"The holiday is in a few days, so everyone, get ready to go home!"
"From today on, all training is suspended."
Xiao Deng finally finished, and Harry couldn't help but ask:
"Xiao Deng, I also want to go watch the Quidditch World Cup. Can you get an entry ticket?"
Xiao Deng's face darkened, but then he immediately laughed.
"Harry, this small matter is, of course, no problem for me."
With a flip of his right hand, a Quidditch World Cup ticket appeared in his hand.
"Later, have Sirius pay me back for the ticket."
"It's time to make him bleed a little!"
Harry took it with both hands, clutching the ticket Xiao Deng had given him.
He didn't feel bad at all about what Xiao Deng said.
Over these years, he had seen and remembered how Xiao Deng had taken care of him.
The cost of a ticket couldn't possibly compensate for Xiao Deng's efforts.
Xiao Deng suddenly felt someone tugging on his sleeve.
"Xiao Deng, I want to go watch it too."
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched—you can't compare people; it's impossible!
Look at this Young Miss Hermione, asking so confidently, without even a hint of softness in her tone.
"These tickets are indeed hard to get..."
Before Xiao Deng could finish, he saw that Hermione had already taken out her wand.
"Hey, hey, hey, put the wand away!"
"I only said they were hard to get, I didn't say I wouldn't give you one. Why are you taking out your wand?"
Harry, Ron, and Neville looked at each other.
Hermione is really hard to deal with!
Xiao Deng flipped his palm, another ticket appeared, and he handed it to Hermione.
"Is there anyone else who needs one? Speak up now while I still have tickets."
The others shook their heads; the others all had families and had the means to get tickets themselves.
Harry carefully tidied up the ticket and put it away, then looked up and asked:
"Xiao Deng, are you going then?"
When Harry asked, everyone else's eyes drifted over, and Xiao Deng waved his hand.
"I have no interest in such activities."
"You all just go; I think I'd rather lie at ho..."
Before Xiao Deng could finish, Luna interrupted him.
"There will be many other countries and races going to the Quidditch World Cup."
"Like Veela..."
"Go, of course I have to go!"
"What's the point of lying at home? This kind of match is only fun when friends watch it together."
"I shall be a loyal fan of the Quidditch match!"
Ginny, sitting opposite, chuckled; Xiao Deng had really changed his tune too quickly.
The next moment, Xiao Deng felt pressure on his foot.
The person next to him was clearly angry, vengefully and repeatedly "greeting" Xiao Deng's foot.
"Let's disperse once we're done eating, and go do what you need to do."
"Pack up, and let's go watch the Vee... the Quidditch match!"
Everyone said in unison: "Okay!"
After everyone dispersed, Xiao Deng saw Malfoy waiting outside the Great Hall.
"Xiao Deng, you're going to the Quidditch match, right?"
Xiao Deng nodded, and Malfoy's eyes shone with excitement.
He had almost forgotten that he also liked Quidditch.
"Xiao Deng, let's go together then?"
Xiao Deng frowned.
"I'm afraid that won't work."
"After all, the Quidditch World Cup is in August, and we might not be in the same place then."
"Let's just meet at the entrance of the World Cup then."
Xiao Deng paused, feeling like Malfoy hadn't finished speaking.
"Do you have something else?"
Malfoy looked around to make sure no one was near before speaking.
"There is actually something!"
"In recent years, whenever the holiday starts, I go out to play and am never at home."
"So I don't usually interact with my father."
"The last time I saw my father again in the courtroom, I don't know if it was just my imagination, but I had a different feeling about him."
Xiao Deng frowned: "Go on!"
"It's just that the aura around him seems thicker than before, and it feels different from how it used to be."
"That thickness is like a layer of fog; I can't quite describe it."
"It's sinister, more like a snake."
Xiao Deng thought for a moment and looked at Malfoy.
"Don't say anything for now; we'll take a closer look when the time comes."
Chapter 222: Bringing Ginny Home
The holidays arrived quickly. Xiao Deng stood at the entrance of Hogwarts, watching everyone leave one by one.
"Ron!"
Ron looked a bit confused and turned to look at Xiao Deng.
"What's up?"
"Ginny is coming to my house for the holidays..."
"Has she told you?"
Ron looked completely bewildered.
"What?"
"I have no idea!"
Ron secretly clenched his fists, looked at Xiao Deng, and then relaxed them.
"Ginny didn't even tell me; that's too much!"
Xiao Deng smiled.
"I was just worried that she hadn't told you, and it would be a hassle if you were running around cluelessly looking for her."
"So I came to ask you. After all, you know, the Gryffindor style is always bold."
"She's your sister; it's only right that someone in the family knows."
Living in the same Dormitory as Xiao Deng, how could Ron not know about Xiao Deng's life?
The love letters in his cabinet could be bound into several volumes.
But it seemed he couldn't afford to provoke his own sister either, and Ron sighed deeply.
"Fine!"
"I'll go back and tell my parents."
Xiao Deng asked with some surprise: "Aren't you taking her back?"
"In case something happens..."
In case something happens? Before any accidents occur, you are the biggest one.
"You said it yourself, she's a Gryffindor. I know her temper; would she listen to me?"
Xiao Deng could see that Ron, as an older brother, had no authority in front of Ginny.
"Since that's the case, I'll do my best to look after her."
"You don't have to worry; Ginny isn't the first to spend the holidays at my place, and they've all had a good time."
Ron nodded without saying anything.
Even though he had the ability to return home quickly, Xiao Deng didn't use it.
The stronger his strength became, the more he seemed to enjoy this lively way of life.
Xiao Deng didn't go to see off Hermione this time; he was worried that Mr. and Mrs. Granger would stop him again and talk a lot.
He had a home too. Ever since entering Hogwarts, it seemed he hadn't spent a single holiday completely at his own home.
"Harry, didn't your aunt and uncle even write a letter of concern?"
Harry shrugged.
"We've talked about this; you should know."
"I have no value to them; on the contrary, I've been more like a burden all these years."
"For my birthday, I'd only get worthless things like tissues or toothpicks."
"A letter of concern? That's a pipe dream."
"Even if they did write, I don't think their wording would be any better than the Howler Molly Weasley sent to Ron."
Ginny stood by, watching their conversation without participating.
There was just a trace of sympathy in her eyes as she looked at Harry.
Is this the Boy Who Lived? The Chosen One?
What a miserable boy!
By comparison, Brother Xiao Deng seemed even more charming.
After getting off the train, Avery was already waiting.
Although he had handed over many things to Martha, he still took care of picking up the young master himself.
Avery wasn't unfamiliar with seeing Harry; this boy came every holiday.
When he saw Ginny, a look of amazement clearly appeared in Avery's eyes.
Whose child is this? She looks really good.
Could this be the one the young master is dating?
The young master's taste is on point!
After all three of them sat in the car, Avery skillfully started the engine.
When they arrived at Xiao Deng's house, Ginny's mouth was wide open, enough to fit an egg.
"Xiao Deng, this, is this your home?"
Such a big villa, how rich must he be!
When Xiao Deng stayed at their house, he hadn't complained at all.
And Xiao Deng had always said he was an orphan, living alone.
This made Ginny think that Xiao Deng was just making ends meet, and that all his savings had been invested in her brothers' ventures.
When he said to come to him if she needed anything, she thought it was just polite talk to maintain his remaining Face.
She didn't expect him to have such a big villa.
Right, if his conditions weren't good, why would that picky Malfoy always spend his holidays here?
When Ginny looked at Xiao Deng, there were even more little hearts popping up.
Such an impressive person, yet he was so low-key at Hogwarts. This character, isn't it exactly what Mom always talks about?
I remember seeing his abs last time...
Praise Mom, her taste is good!
Xiao Deng walked in and changed his shoes.
"Martha, prepare shoes for them."
"Harry is the same as usual, and that is Ginny Weasley; bring her a new pair."
"Very well, young master."
After Martha agreed, she glanced at Ginny, and her reaction was just as amazed as Avery's.
Such a pretty girl, is she the young master's partner?
Does that mean I have no chance?
Damn it, Martha, what are you thinking? How could you have such thoughts!
"Ginny, make yourself at home here. Let Martha or Harry show you around first; I have something to attend to."
"Avery, come with me to the study."
As Avery entered, the door to the study was slowly closed.
"Avery, what do you think?"
Avery lowered his head and didn't speak directly.
"What aspect is the young master referring to?"
Xiao Deng smiled.
"Don't feel pressured; I'm just chatting with you."
"Regarding Martha, is there anything you want to say?"
Avery sighed deeply.
"It's a sin!"
"Originally, I just wanted her to have a job so I wouldn't have to worry after I died."
"I raised her, so I can guess a thing or two about what's on her mind."
"It's just that her feelings for the young master have become increasingly obvious in recent years."
"But everything is up to the young master."
"However, I have the audacity to make a request of you."
"I hope you can take Martha!"
"I trained Martha in her skills, and her appearance is top-notch; she won't make you lose Face."
"I haven't been in this circle for just a day; which noble or aristocrat doesn't have a few lovers?"
"Rather than wandering outside, it's better to follow the young master."
Xiao Deng stood up and looked out the window.
"Originally, I had considered replacing her."
"But you know I'm a sentimental person."
"If I drive you away, there will be no one close to me left, and I'll be the only one in this house."
"I can't bear to see you go either."
Mainly, in recent years, Martha has become increasingly attractive; letting her go would be too unfair to the Ancestral Master!
"Young master, what is your dilemma?"
Avery had watched Xiao Deng grow up, after all, and could guess much of what Xiao Deng meant.
"The dilemma is her status."
Avery immediately understood the problem Xiao Deng was thinking about.
Martha is one of my own, and Xiao Deng can use her however he likes, but once she becomes Xiao Deng's person, the nature of things changes.
What if she gets pregnant and has a child? If she becomes the lady of the house, who will be the housekeeper?
You can't expect the young master to hire a housekeeper to manage the housekeeper's household, right?
If one day a partner of the young master comes to the house, who should she listen to?
If Xiao Deng gets old, or passes away, Martha, who controls a large amount of Xiao Deng's assets, resources, and connections, would become an uncontrollable factor.
Thinking of this, Avery suddenly realized that Xiao Deng was giving him a warning.
At the same time, it is also an unavoidable hurdle!
Chapter 223: Courtyard Barbecue
Avery immediately bowed and bent over.
"Young Master!"
"Martha will be loyal to you for a lifetime!"
"Young Master, I have followed you for my whole life, please allow me to make a promise."
"If Martha has offspring, she will continue to serve in the duties and position of the housekeeper."
"She will never vie for favor!"
"I can sign a written contract with you directly in this generation."
"After my generation, the Avery Family is willing to go through fire and water for the Young Master for generations!"
Xiao Deng nodded slightly. Avery's attitude was excellent, which was exactly what he wanted to see.
"Alright, I understand."
"I do not reject Martha, but the principles of doing things must be clear."
"At the same time, this is also an insurance policy for you; your worries will not come to pass, and I will treat her well."
"That's enough, you may leave first."
"Yes, Young Master!"
Avery slowly retreated from the study, and the room fell into silence.
Xiao Deng looked at the sky outside; when the time is right, it is time to let the pattern of the Wizarding World change.
At dinner time, Ginny stared at the rack in front with curious eyes.
"It smells so good!"
Harry walked over slowly.
"This is called a barbecue!"
"It basically didn't exist in shops before. It started to become popular around the time we were admitted to Hogwarts."
Avery skillfully flipped the barbecue rack.
"Mr. Potter is quite right!"
"But guess who started it?"
Harry turned his head sharply to look at Avery.
"Mr. Housekeeper, surely it wasn't you?"
Avery laughed out loud.
"I don't have that ability. If I had that ability, I'd brag about it for a lifetime!"
"This method of barbecue was taught to me by the Young Master."
"And he invested capital to open the shop."
"At the beginning, there was no improvement, and many people scoffed at this."
"But the Young Master said the time hadn't come yet, and in a few years, business would be good."
"I didn't expect the Young Master to be right."
"Now the Xiao Deng Barbecue Shop is already a chain store."
"The Young Master said that if this effect continues, it will become a brand!"
Xiao Deng took a bite of mutton and nodded; Avery's craftsmanship had improved.
"Regarding the barbecue in the Muggle world, I feel that by the end of this century, the market should reach saturation."
"Avery, within this time, we must accelerate our capture of the market."
"Young Master, I am already working on this aspect."
"Currently, the barbecue shops encountered when going out are all under our name."
Xiao Deng placed the skewer on the table and took a gulp of butterbeer.
In one word: refreshing!
"That's because other people haven't reacted yet."
"Your speed must be increased!"
"The principle of this thing is not difficult; home-use barbecue racks will soon be researched by others."
Avery was startled in his heart. The Young Master's sense of smell was truly superb; why hadn't he thought of that?
"Very well, Young Master, I will go and give instructions immediately tomorrow!"
Ginny took a bite cautiously, and her eyes lit up instantly.
"This is simply delicious!"
"You can also open a shop in the Wizarding World."
Xiao Deng showed a gentle smile.
"The Wizarding World is not like the Muggle world!"
"There are few people working there; who would you have do the grilling?"
"Would the arrogant Wizards eat this kind of food made by Muggles?"
"Even if it's delicious, their sense of superiority would have to criticize it."
Ginny couldn't help but hold Xiao Deng's arm, but her other hand wasn't idle either, picking up a skewer and starting to gnaw on it.
"I actually think there is one person who can do this."
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow and asked: "Who?"
Ginny let go of Xiao Deng to grab some butterbeer.
"That roommate of yours, Seamus!"
"Any of his courses, as long as he casts a spell, it turns into an explosion!"
"But in a different place, that's a talent!"
Xiao Deng's eyes lit up. That's right! Would the delicacies Seamus explodes out with magic still be considered Muggle products?
As long as he is trained to be a Great Master of demolition, and the scope and degree of the explosion are well controlled, that high temperature would be very suitable for making barbecue.
And the efficiency would be much faster than Avery taking his time with a barbecue rack!
"Ginny, you are simply a Genius!"
"When we go back to Hogwarts, I will go and talk to Seamus."
"I invest, he does the work; anyway, he doesn't know what he's going to do after graduation."
The Hehuan Sect Specialty Store sells some novel gadgets and daily consumables used by Wizards.
Xiao Deng does not intend to touch wands and Wizard robes; after all, there are already pearls and jade before him.
He wouldn't be able to steal much business; Wizards generally don't change their wands easily, and the return on investment is too slow.
Not to mention Wizard robes; there is already cleaning and maintenance magic on the clothes themselves.
Barbecue is a big trend and will definitely occupy the market.
Placed in the Wizarding World, the Hehuan Sect Specialty Store and the barbecue shop can already be considered one of the top money-making Divine Beasts.
Next is the shop Xiao Deng has always wanted to open: a mortgage pawnshop!
On one hand, it can subsidize some people and let them temporarily get out of trouble; on the other hand, the cash flow here will be outrageously large.
A fairy-like pawnshop that helps people get out of trouble; will it be popular?
There are still many people in the Wizarding World who cannot find work.
Even humanoids, but life must go on, and the pawnshop is that light!
Operating for a year or two, if there is someone who knows how to manage, or even without waiting that long, the cash flow will explode in a few months.
With capital, customers, and connections, opening a bank next to Gringotts...
This punch, Goblins, can you block it?
I hope your Gringotts gold mining team can be as nimble as the level I harvest at!
Hehehe!
Xiao Deng burped and slowly stood up.
"I'm full. It's a bit late coming back today; you two eat well and rest early."
"We'll talk about playing tomorrow!"
"Martha, you take Young Miss Ginny to her room later."
"You two eat slowly, I'm going to take a bath."
Martha immediately agreed.
The remaining time was spent serving Ginny and Harry as they ate and drank.
Ginny had a refined way of eating and ate slowly; she was a while later than Harry.
Looking at the mess in the courtyard, Ginny felt a bit embarrassed.
"Young Miss Ginny, it's alright, I will take you to rest."
"There will be someone specifically here to clean up."
"Mr. Potter..."
Harry immediately waved his hand.
"I'm not here for the first time; I know where my room is. You just take care of Ginny."
Within a few minutes, only Avery, who was cleaning up, was left in the center of the courtyard.
After Martha returned, she immediately stopped Avery.
"Grandpa, you are so old and still working, let me do it!"
"Hehe, moving around is good. If I don't do anything, then my time is about up!"
"What are you saying!"
"I don't know what the Young Master is thinking; why not hire a few more people?"
"Martha, watch your words!"
"The Young Master used to like quiet and didn't like those people; he only trusted me, which is my honor."
"However, after you become the housekeeper, you will probably need to hire people for housework."
"Also, what you should be doing now is going to the Young Master's bedroom!"
Chapter 224: Martha's Choice
When Xiao Deng came out of the bathroom, Martha was already waiting by the bed in a bathrobe.
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow; she had arrived quite quickly. That old guy Avery certainly had a fast mouth.
Martha handed the butterbeer to Xiao Deng with practiced ease, as if it weren't her first time here.
Xiao Deng took it and slowly sat on the edge of the bed.
In truth, Martha was still a little nervous; after all, she had only learned these habits of Xiao Deng's orally from Avery.
This was the first time she had truly attended to Xiao Deng's daily needs.
Just as Xiao Deng finished the last sip of butterbeer, a soft sensation came from behind his back.
Oh ho!
Thinking about it, Martha was eighteen now, wasn't she? She was certainly well-endowed. Who knew what Avery had fed her when she was a child.
He should ask him later and maybe stuff a few mouthfuls for Hermione too.
Meanwhile.
"Achoo!"
Hermione sneezed in the living room.
"Is Xiao Deng missing me?"
Mrs. Granger glanced at Hermione.
"Missing you?"
"Missing you spending his money?"
"Missing your foul temper?"
"Missing your small chest?"
Hermione snapped her head around to look at Mrs. Granger.
"Mom! How could you say that about me?"
Mrs. Granger stood up.
"Hah! Then why don't you bring him home?"
Hermione was speechless with anger, but facing her own mother, there was nothing she could do.
At the same time, she had no answer; Xiao Deng really hadn't come back with her this year.
In her parents' eyes, it was because Xiao Deng and she had quarreled, and the reason was that her temper was too foul.
But Hermione felt her temper was fine; there were few people in Hogwarts who could outmatch her in logic.
...
Inside Xiao Deng's villa.
"Young Master~ don't... use so much force!"
Avery was cleaning up the mess in the yard.
He glanced at the barbecue grill; the charcoal inside hadn't completely extinguished yet, occasionally crackling with a "pop."
The corners of Avery's mouth curled up as he watched the burning charcoal, which seemed just like the temperature inside Xiao Deng's room.
Avery tidied up the clattering tableware and placed it in the kitchen.
He took the opportunity to fetch a small basin of warm water and carried it to the yard, watching the glowing embers as he slowly poured it over them.
"Ssss!"
The charcoal made an even louder sound upon hitting the water than it had during the barbecue.
"Young Master~ spare..."
The temperature of the charcoal dropped, leaving behind a layer of white, frost-like substance.
"I heard that group of people are called Wizards, and the tool they use is a wand."
"I wonder what the Young Master's wand looks like, and if it's powerful?"
"Avery, oh Avery, you really are getting senile!"
"How could the Young Master not be powerful?"
Avery glanced at Xiao Deng's room; he had been cleaning up here for about an hour.
The lights were flickering on and off, and they still hadn't gone out!
Well, he would have to do more work tomorrow!
In the bedroom, Martha was lying on Xiao Deng's chest.
"Young Master, can't you be a little gentler! This is my first time!"
Xiao Deng smacked Martha on her fair, tender bottom.
"That's not what you were saying just a moment ago!"
Martha blushed, stuttering slightly.
"Just now, just now, I was just muddled!"
"Who knew the Young Master would be... so fierce!"
Xiao Deng smiled without speaking, pulling Martha into his arms.
"Young Master, I'm so tired, so sleepy..."
"If you're sleepy, just close your eyes and sleep."
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the room went dark.
The corners of Avery's mouth turned up slightly; it seemed both of them had fallen asleep.
It was just that the magic the Young Master mastered was too miraculous.
Outside, one couldn't hear a single sound.
The villa's soundproofing was quite good, but if one walked closer and listened carefully, there was still a faint sound.
Just like that friend named Malfoy last vacation—he was young, after all, and made quite a commotion, but his stamina was far inferior to the Young Master's.
The next morning.
Martha woke up groggily from her dream and sat up in an instant.
What time was it? She hadn't even heard the alarm clock!
Just as she got up, an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back into an embrace.
Right, she had fallen asleep with the Young Master yesterday; she wasn't in her own room.
She glanced at the sky; it was almost time.
"Young Master, we should get up."
"Can't we sleep a little longer?"
"Young Master, of course not; it will affect my work."
"And..."
Xiao Deng opened his eyes and looked at Martha, who was giggling.
"And what?"
Martha's little hand moved downward.
"And, you wouldn't want that Young Miss Ginny to know you used this thing last night, would you?"
"If I go out late, it will be very suspicious!"
Xiao Deng's expression froze; this Martha, she was actually cornering him.
Xiao Deng closed his eyes, withdrew his arm, and hummed in dissatisfaction.
Martha kissed Xiao Deng on the shoulder and stood up.
But a sharp pain made her frown.
It was all the Young Master's fault!
Martha turned her back and rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng!
After getting dressed, Martha carefully opened the door.
Seeing that there was no one outside, Martha tiptoed out.
However, when she reached the kitchen, she froze.
"Grandpa, why are you in the kitchen?"
Avery smiled slightly.
"The Young Master went to sleep very late last night, so I thought I'd get up and make something to nourish him."
Martha blushed; Avery hadn't said it explicitly, but the meaning was clear.
He knew about their intense battle yesterday, and he was afraid she wouldn't be able to get up, so he had gotten up to take care of it himself.
"Grandpa, let me do it!"
"You rest; you must be tired from yesterday."
"I didn't expect the Young Master to be so powerful!"
"Grandpa!"
Martha called out, puffing up her cheeks in annoyance.
"Fine, fine, I won't say any more!"
"You rest; no one else is up yet!"
After about half an hour, Xiao Deng came out of the room first, and then Harry and Ginny also came out of their respective rooms.
Occupied by Xiao Deng's training year-round, their biological clocks had all adjusted to be about the same.
Xiao Deng looked at the two of them.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning!"
"Ginny, you haven't been to the Muggle World much, have you?"
"Today, I'll take you out to have some fun."
Harry was also interested.
"Xiao Deng, if we're going out to play, where are we going?"
Xiao Deng thought for a moment; in fact, he rarely played carefully in the Muggle World.
Before, he had always been conscientiously Cultivating; who had time to play around?
"I remember you mentioned in the Dormitory before that you went to a zoo when you were a child?"
"You seem to have let a snake loose?"
Xiao Deng recalled and nodded.
"Indeed, that was one of the few happy memories I have."
Xiao Deng slapped his thigh and decided on the place to go.
"Then we'll go to that zoo and take you to reminisce about the place we went to together."
Harry's eyes clearly lit up.
"Good, I have no objections."
"What about you, Ginny?"
Ginny also nodded in agreement.
"I haven't been there either. Wherever you decide is fine; the point is to have fun."
After Ginny finished speaking, she subconsciously glanced at Xiao Deng, and Xiao Deng looked at Ginny with a smile full of meaning.
"Alright, then it's settled!"
Chapter 225: Ginny Sneaks into the Room
After eating, the three of them headed to the zoo.
It had to be said that returning to the zoo filled Harry with great emotion.
Ginny also looked around the zoo with curious eyes.
"The decor here looks pretty good, it's very different from the style of the Forbidden Forest."
Harry shrugged.
"Of course, most of them are kept here."
"It's a huge difference from the completely wild ones in the Forbidden Forest."
Harry spoke somewhat euphemistically, but Ginny understood.
The Forbidden Forest was the scent of freedom.
"Hey, young man, why are you here again?"
Suddenly, Harry heard a greeting, which sounded somewhat familiar.
Turning his head, he saw a giant python watching him from inside a glass exhibit case.
"Hey, didn't you already escape last time? Why are you still here?"
"Don't even mention it! This bunch of people have no conscience."
"I put a lot of effort into hiding, and they put a lot of effort into finding me."
"But in the end, I was caught anyway!"
"What a miserable life!"
Suddenly, the python heard a voice that was no less impressive than the young boy in front of it.
"The only benefit of being here is that there is never a shortage of food and drink."
Then the python finally identified the person beside Harry.
"Are you the one talking?"
"Yes."
"After all these years, you two are the only ones who can understand my words."
"Do you want to be free?"
"Of course! Is this a place for a snake to stay?"
"I can take you away, but you must be obedient. I can release you into the forest in a few months. Will you do it?"
"Do it! Of course I'll do it!"
"I've had enough of this crappy exhibit case!"
Xiao Deng knew he couldn't say too much here, so it was better to take it away first.
Xiao Deng waved his hand gently, and the large snake vanished into thin air.
Suddenly, the crowd started to panic, and someone shouted:
"The python in the exhibit case is gone!"
Then, chaos erupted in the zoo. The zookeepers were aware that this python had a history of escaping, so they immediately pressed the alarm button.
Xiao Deng pulled Harry and Ginny along, and the three of them left the zoo with the crowd.
When they were in a secluded place, Ginny looked at Xiao Deng.
"That large python disappeared, did you do it?"
Xiao Deng smiled and nodded, flicking his index finger across the bridge of Ginny's nose.
"Why are you so smart?"
Harry took over the conversation.
"That snake had escaped before, and now that it's gone, it will probably be chaotic in there for a while."
"But Xiao Deng, why did you do that?"
"A python that loves freedom—I just helped it out because we were fated to meet."
Harry nodded.
"Alright, you're awesome, you have your reasons."
"It just craved freedom too much."
Xiao Deng draped one arm over Harry and wrapped the other around Ginny.
"Don't worry about that; we can't come to this place for a while anyway."
"Let's go play somewhere else; we don't have that much time."
"There's still the Quidditch World Cup in August!"
The three of them then began their journey of fun.
"Xiao Deng, look, these small cars in the Muggle world are so convenient."
"My dad also modified a car, turning it into a magic car."
"But Dad doesn't allow us to use it."
"Xiao Deng, this ice cream is so delicious!"
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed, and the three of them had been playing for over a month.
Returning home that evening, everyone went back to their rooms.
After Xiao Deng finished washing up and came out, he saw Ginny sitting on his bed wearing a bathrobe.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. No, why are your methods of coming here so similar?
Ginny, did you go ask Martha for advice!
"Brother Xiao Deng! Are you done washing?"
"Yes, I'm done!"
"I have something to tell you!"
"What is it? You're acting so serious, you're making me a little nervous."
Ginny fiddled with her fingers and continued:
"Brother Xiao Deng, I like you!"
Xiao Deng's movement of drinking butterbeer paused, and he slowly set it down.
"Ginny, do you know what you're saying?"
"Brother Xiao Deng, I know!"
"I've liked you since the first time I saw you!"
"I've been holding this in for several years."
Xiao Deng lowered his head slightly, the desk lamp casting a shadow across his profile.
"This is a very serious matter!"
"I have a very good relationship with your family; what if..."
Ginny slowly stood up and walked to Xiao Deng.
"I'll tell my family; there is no 'what if.' I just like Brother Xiao Deng!"
"Ginny, you don't understand some of my circumstances..."
"I do!" Ginny interrupted.
"Even though my brothers have warned me in advance that you are very popular with girls."
"But I still can't help but want to be close to you!"
"What do you think I don't understand?"
"Sister Hermione has already told me everything."
"As long as there is a place for me in Brother Xiao Deng's heart, I can join the others..."
"But..."
Just as Xiao Deng was about to look up and object, he saw Ginny's bathrobe slip.
Having just bathed, she was faintly emitting a fresh fragrance.
Her beautiful skin looked even more enchanting under the warm light of the desk lamp.
The mountains at Xiao Deng's place were no lower than the mountains in the Forbidden Forest, and looking at them made one feel a bit dizzy.
Xiao Deng sat, Ginny stood, and Xiao Deng fell silent.
Ginny slowly stepped forward and hugged Xiao Deng.
"I am willing to live with Brother Xiao Deng..."
Well, what else is there to say? It's just a sparring match, so just raise the wand and engage in a magic duel!
As a Wizard, Ginny had magic nourishing her, so her body was naturally in better shape.
Ginny was on the defensive in this duel, while Xiao Deng went all out with his magic.
The golden magic light completely replaced the desk lamp by the bedside.
When Ginny was at a disadvantage, her mouth was struck until she spat blood.
Xiao Deng's wand shone brilliantly, flashing with yellow magic light.
For a time, Ginny gained the upper hand, and the pressure of the mountains was immediately applied to Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng was not cowardly at all; he swung his wand to block the key attack, immediately reversing the situation and causing Ginny to roll her eyes.
"Brother... Xiao Deng, no more..."
"Ginny has received enough education!"
"*Hiccup~*"
Time quickly arrived at mid-August, and Harry and Ginny had packed their luggage.
Only Xiao Deng looked indifferent.
His belongings were all in his ring; he didn't need so many suitcases at all.
"If you're all packed, let's go."
"At this time, the others should be arriving one after another."
"We're all packed."
As soon as the words fell, the three of them vanished from the spot.
Martha stared blankly at the place where the three had left; this made her feel somewhat incredulous.
After all, this was the first time Xiao Deng had used so-called magic in front of her on such a large scale.
However, the room was empty, Xiao Deng was gone, and it seemed as if a piece was missing from Martha's heart.
Avery walked over slowly.
"The Young Master has things to attend to; you cannot stop him."
"He was willing to use magic inside, which means he already treats you as one of his own, so you don't need to worry."
"Just do your own work for the remaining time!"