Hogwarts: Harry Returns from Water Margin

Now, Dumbledore waved his wand, and all the banners and streamers in the Great Hall turned to pure gold. How could everyone not know that the House Cup had fallen to the Lions this time?

Slytherin were devastated, while Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were beaming with joy, even more so than Gryffindor.

Before long, Percy returned with the Academy Cup from McGonagall. He staggered along, feeling as if he were walking on a soft, fluffy cloud, with no solid foundation; his stomach felt like it had been filled with three pounds of fine wine, and his bones felt tingly.

Once everyone was seated, they snatched the academy cup from his hands and began to play with it, creating a noisy commotion.

Harry wasn't after the golden cup; he only wanted to unite the heroes before they came to fight for it. After eating and drinking for a while, he noticed Hermione still staring blankly. He asked curiously, "Why don't you go and get the golden cup, elder sister? If you find it too crowded, I'll get it for you in a moment."

Hermione quickly waved her hand, puzzled. "No, Harry, I was just thinking about Professor Dumbledore... Don't you think it's strange that he suddenly offered extra points today?"

It should be noted that the beheading of the double agent was an old grievance from half a month ago, and not a single word has been added or mentioned in the past ten days. It is only at this banquet that the matter has been brought up again. Isn't that strange?

Hearing Hermione's concerns, Harry said, "Why do you think so much, big sister? If you want to know, just ask." With that, he pulled her toward Dumbledore.

Hermione exclaimed in alarm, "Harry, this isn't quite right..."

Before they could finish speaking, the two had already reached Dumbledore.

Several professors looked at her from the left and right, their gazes like needles pricking her; hundreds of students below the stage stared at her, feeling like thorns were piercing her spine. Hermione felt extremely uncomfortable, unsure of what to do with her hands and feet.

"You two little lions," Dumbledore chuckled. "Do you have any questions?"

Harry cupped his hands and said, "I only have one question: why are you bringing up that old grudge from half a month ago today? If your explanation doesn't satisfy my sister and me, I won't let you off easily!"

Hermione was stunned. Was this something she could say to the headmaster? If she spoke any louder, wouldn't the professor next to her hear her?

"Harry, don't think so badly of me. I'm just an old man who hopes the wizarding world can be more peaceful."

Dumbledore sighed, "I was busy dealing with Quirrell's funeral arrangements those days; I had to give his parents an explanation."

Harry was slightly taken aback, and a sense of admiration arose in his heart.

Although this old man doesn't speak frankly, he acts decisively and clearly distinguishes right from wrong, truly deserving of the title "White Demon King."

It is:

Those who covet immortality risk their lives, only to be beheaded and witness bloodshed.

The principal did not reprimand the ruthless boy, but instead comforted his family after collecting the body, demonstrating his impartiality.

The day after the banquet, the four academies posted notices announcing the results for all candidates to see.

Harry and his two friends also went to join in the fun. When everyone saw the scarred man, they all looked at him with reverence and made way for him.

The group squeezed into the center and peered out. They saw Hermione at the top of Gryffindor, first in her grade, and top in both subjects—she was the first-year student's mother.

Harry looked closely, then cupped his hands in congratulations, "Big sister, you've passed the imperial examination with flying colors and become the top scholar! You truly are a literary star descended to earth."

This guy knows how to flatter; his words filled Hermione with pride, and a smile crept onto her face.

"Well, it's alright... By the way, what about you two?"

The three looked again and saw that Harry and Ron were both ranked outside the top ten.

"That's pretty good," Hermione said earnestly. "If you could use the time you spend running on the grass every morning and evening on studying, I think you could definitely make it into the top ten."

Harry laughed and said, "If those professors are willing to show their true skills, I'll definitely give them a piece of my mind."

After the list was released, the students packed their bags and rushed onto the express train, disembarking in a swarm from Platform 9¾.

The wizards, in groups of three, emerged through the wall, where many parents had been waiting for them for a long time.

Ron, with his sharp eyes, spotted Mrs. Weasley from afar and called out, "Mama, I'm here!"

Mrs. Weasley turned towards the sound, but before she could speak, a shrill voice cried out, "Mama! It's Harry Potter! I see him!"

"Ginny, don't point at people, it's very rude!" Mrs. Weasley scolded, then looked at Harry and smiled, "Long time no see, Harry, you've been very busy this year, haven't you?"

Harry bowed with his scissors and said, "Madam, you are kind enough to say that although you have been traveling and working hard, you have been fortunate to have the Ron brothers with you, which has allowed you to gain a lot of experience."

"The sweater you gave me for Christmas is as warm as the spring sun and as soft as goose down on my face; it's truly a wonderful gift. I will definitely pay you a visit to express my gratitude when I have time!"

Harry's words were so well-reasoned and flawless that Mrs. Weasley was overjoyed.

"Ron, you really need to learn from Harry."

Ron stuck out his tongue but didn't say anything.

Harry saw Ron and Hermione off at the station, where the Dursleys came to pick them up.

After exchanging greetings, the Vernons tightened their lips, stuffed their luggage, and led Harry toward Privet Drive.

After getting off the car, Harry took a bundle of pounds and said, "Here is all the money for your food, lodging and hard work. Take it and help me carry my luggage into the house."

Having said that, he tossed the rolled-up bills aside and headed straight for the second floor.

Enough of this digression. Now, after Harry had finished tidying up Privet Drive, he picked up a pen and wrote a letter to Ron, setting a date for his visit.

The letter was sent, but Snow White didn't return it. Harry assumed she was lost, so he checked the directions and sent her off again. She returned several days later, still without a reply.

As the saying goes, things don't happen more than three times. Harry's mind was filled with doubts, so he sent a letter to Hermione, Hagrid, and others. After waiting for several days, it turned out to be just like any other day.

Harry pondered: "Neither a reply nor a letter has arrived, which is unlike the usual behavior of my brothers and sisters. Could it be that someone is watching me, specifically intercepting this letter?"

That night, Harry got everything ready, took the birdcage and went out, finding an open space to release Snow White.

This owl is a clever bird that understands human nature. Knowing that Harry was trying to find a clue, it circled in the air a few times before flying towards the easy, wide road.

Harry, wearing an invisibility cloak, followed for several miles, when suddenly he saw Snow White seemingly frozen in place, slowly landing without moving.

Immediately afterward, a filthy monster less than three feet tall emerged from the shadows at the street corner.

But what one could see was: a pair of large, protruding ears, sharp as bat wings; two strange, bulging blue eyes, like copper bells; a few sparse, curly hairs on a bald head, like withered grass; wrinkled, pinkish-brown skin wrapped in an oil-stained rag, emitting a pungent, fishy smell.

Harry, seeing clearly from under the Invisibility Cloak, thought in surprise: "I've seen goblins and giants before, and they're already quite strange. But this fellow is nothing compared to him."

Although this short, grotesque man had a wretched appearance, his methods were astonishing. With a flick of his skin-and-bones fingers, Snow White floated toward him.

Harry was startled. Even a goblin without its wand is like a tiger without a claw, or a python with its fangs pulled. This fellow, however, can cast spells without a wand?

Just then, the short monster untied the letter from Bai Xuegu's ankle and tucked it into an oily rag.

It is:

The white owl delivered the message but it came to nothing; the filthy, short, and strange creature intercepted the document.

Harry witnessed the Book Thief, whose malevolent aura surged and carried a foul stench.