A magical journey that begins at Hogwarts

“It’s not that bad.” Genes said, both amused and exasperated. “It’s true that the young master violated the family rules, but he can go back under certain circumstances, as long as he is willing to accept the arrangements.”

“I won’t accept it,” Aaron said decisively. “It’s not like I haven’t been put on a show before. Those two trips I took were anything but miserable.”

"This has nothing to do with travel, and you don't even need to attend tutoring classes."

"That's even worse. It just means that the arrangements at home are more complicated than I thought."

"Alright! Since you've made up your mind, young master, I won't force you."

However…” Geneston paused for a moment, then turned to look at the distance and said meaningfully, “Mr. Malfoy has been looking this way several times since just now.”

By the way, there have been more strangers in Diagon Alley lately. Although it looks a bit gloomy, business at their young master's shop has improved considerably thanks to them.

Gulu!

Aaron swallowed hard, cursing inwardly.

What is this? Coercion and bribery?

He had seriously underestimated Voldemort's regard for him. He had originally thought Voldemort would wait a year or two before making a move against him, but now it seemed that Voldemort clearly didn't have that patience and had prepared surveillance and ambushes against him.

If he doesn't agree to go back with Genes, he'll probably run away as soon as he leaves the station.

Moreover, he absolutely couldn't go to Diagon Alley; it was more dangerous than he thought. Did he really have to go to the Ministry of Magic?

Hermione seemed to understand the seriousness of the situation and pondered, "I think it would be better for you to stay with the Order of the Phoenix for the time being."

This time Aaron did not refuse immediately, but when he turned his head and looked at Lupin and the others who were chatting happily with the Dursleys, he couldn't help but feel a toothache.

The Order of the Phoenix should only be visited as a last resort.

Unless Dumbledore dies, they might sell him out at any time.

That old man is incredibly ruthless; he's absolutely capable of doing something so despicable.

"Phew!" Aaron took a deep breath and looked at Genes apologetically. "Could you tell me the specific reason so I can be somewhat prepared?"

“It’s the old patriarch who has returned,” Genes said hesitantly.

"My grandfather?" Aaron was surprised for a moment, then his expression became incredibly interesting. "It must have been ten years since I last saw my grandfather!"

“It hasn’t been that long. It’s only been five years,” Genes explained. “He also came to the station to see you off the year you went to Hogwarts, but you just didn’t see him.”

"That's long enough," Aaron said with a hint of complaint, but he was secretly relieved.

Vico and Lisanna might blame him, but his grandfather truly loved him unconditionally. Even if he couldn't make an exception and bring him home to protect him during the holidays, he would still catch up with him.

In a way, this saved him from a predicament. As long as Genes could bring him back, the Death Eaters wouldn't dare to attack him on the way.

"Young master, that's all I can say."

If you still refuse to go back, then... I can only wish you good luck.

"Go back? How can I not go back?" Aaron sincerely handed the suitcase to Genes, then hugged Abe and greeted Lucius, who had been watching him closely.

The meaning is quite clear: I have someone backing me up, so think twice before you make a move.

Seeing this, Lucius forced a relieved smile and left the station with Draco.

"So... your safety issue is resolved just like that?" Hermione was a little taken aback.

"It's only safe for now, but who knows what will happen after that." Aaron wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead. "Uncle Genes, we can go now."

“Yes, young master,” Genes said with a smile, then pushed the suitcase into the car.

"Goodbye, feel free to call me if you need anything." Aaron waved and turned to follow Genes.

A moment later, Harry and Ron came over.

As the two watched Aaron's light and agile figure disappear, a deep sense of doubt arose in their hearts.

"Isn't he unable to go home?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"There were some unexpected events, but it might not be a bad thing," Hermione said thoughtfully.

......

Sitting in the car, Aaron was in an incredibly wonderful mood.

This summer will be even easier than usual, and Genes just mentioned that we don't even have to go to tutoring classes this time, which is just the best thing ever.

Genes saw the smile on Aaron's face in the rearview mirror, and a playful smile appeared on his lips.

Are my parents home?

“Of course,” Genes said. “The old patriarch has returned, and the patriarch and his wife are naturally at home as well.”

"Haha, as expected of my grandfather."

"I usually have to rely on luck to see them, but things changed as soon as my grandfather came back," Aaron said gloatingly.

"That may not have anything to do with the old clan chief. The main problem is that you really went too far this time, young master. The clan chief and his wife are also having a lot of headaches."

"Uh...that's not important. How does my grandfather look?"

"The old patriarch is only sixty years old. For a great mage, this age is nothing. Naturally, he is in very good health."

"I'm asking about his feelings," Aaron asked somewhat nervously. "Is he angry with me?"

"This... I don't think so!" Genes said uncertainly. "After the old patriarch found out that you had violated the ancestral rules, he only smashed up his study."

Upon hearing this, Aaron's lips twitched involuntarily. "Is it too late for me to get off the bus now?"

"Uh... Young Master, don't worry."

Forget it!

You know how much he loves that study; my dad gets scolded if he goes in without permission.

"I remember that you have free access, young master."

"How can that be the same?" Aaron retorted speechlessly. "In his heart, I'm definitely more valuable than the study and my dad, but what he did proves his anger. If I go back, I'll definitely get a beating first!"

“It’s not that serious,” Genes said. “The old patriarch was quite angry at the time, but several days have passed and his anger has subsided.”

"Furthermore, the old clan chief received a letter two days ago, and he was very happy about it, which is why he decided to send me to pick you up."

"What letter?"

"I can't say, but what is certain is that the letter played a crucial role in allowing the young master to return home as an exception."

Furthermore, the family's arrangements for the young master's future are also closely related to that letter.

Aaron raised an eyebrow, showing some interest in the letter, but he quickly suppressed his curiosity.

What you need to know, you'll naturally find out when you get home.

As for the family's arrangements... well, that depends on your own mood. If you can do it, then do it; if you can't, the worst that can happen is you get kicked out!

But it doesn't matter. As long as we seize the opportunity to buy enough supplies and hide in the Divine Palace, we don't care about the floods outside before school starts.

......

Several hours later, the car drove through the castle gates.

The house-elf Yoby quickly ran over, bowed, and took the suitcase from the trunk.

“Young Master, the old master said to go to the living room to find him as soon as you return,” Yobi said respectfully.

"understood."

Aaron nodded dismissively, then walked to the living room door and pushed it open.

Then he was completely stunned. He saw his parents and his grandfather, Tepler, a sprightly old man with a goatee, sitting side by side.

The three of them turned to look at him simultaneously, and an overwhelming sense of pressure instantly enveloped him.

Aaron couldn't help but shudder; he swore he had never been so thrilled, not even when facing Voldemort.

"You're back," Vico asked casually.

"Father, what's going on here?"

"Can't you tell? We've been waiting for you!" Lisanna said, somewhat exasperated.

"Alright, alright, let my grandson sit down first!" Teppler looked at his beloved grandson, whom he hadn't seen for several years, with doting eyes. "Let's talk about business first, otherwise it's quite awkward to see you looking so anxious."

“Did you hear that?” Vico rolled his eyes at him. “Your grandfather told you to sit down.”

Aaron immediately sat down opposite the three of them and, quite sensibly, lowered his head, appearing to humbly accept criticism.

"Ha!" Vico curled his lip in sarcasm. "Who are you trying to impress with this act? You're my son, don't I know you?"

"What's done is done; isn't it a bit too late to admit fault now?"

"Your father and I never realized you were so audacious!" Lisanna said wearily. "The ancestral precepts clearly state that members of the Gaius family cannot participate in conflicts within the magical world, yet you..."

In short, I almost had a heart attack when I received the message. You've always been so reliable, why were you so troublesome this time?!

"I'm very sorry, it won't happen again."

"You dare to do it again?" Vico was so angry he almost hit someone, but his old man glared at him and stopped him.

"Dad, there has to be a limit to favoritism. You can't keep protecting him."

I'm not angry that he overestimated himself; I'm angry that he dared to violate the Gaius family's ancestral precepts.

This time he dared to get involved in the conflicts of the magical world; next time he might very well vie for dominance over it. And then…”

“I’ll personally cross his name off the family tree when the time comes,” Teppler scoffed. “Just don’t stop me.”

“Uh…that depends on the situation. After all, he’s my own son.” Vico said with an unnatural expression, then looked at Aaron with anger at his son’s lack of ambition, “Did you hear that? I won’t be able to protect you then.”

“I heard you,” Aaron nodded. “I promise there won’t be a next time.”

"Good to know," Vico said irritably. "Tell me, why?"

"what?"

"Stop playing dumb. Why did you go to the Department of Mysteries?" Teppler looked at Aaron seriously. "My dear grandson, you've gotten yourself into a lot of trouble this time. We need to know why!"

"For the sake of justice," Aaron said righteously. "The battle between the Dark Lord and the White Lord has begun, and if it is not stopped, it will sooner or later affect the entire magical world."

As a descendant of the Gaius family, how could I stand idly by?

After he finished speaking, the entire living room fell silent.

Genes smiled without saying a word, Vico shook his head and rubbed his forehead, Lisanna rolled her eyes speechlessly, and Teppler, while feeling helpless, revealed a hint of admiration in his eyes.