The Wind and the Wings of Hogwarts

Fred's expression changed.

"What does your fight with that Frenchman have to do with the Three Kingdoms Tournament? Those Frenchmen did it on purpose! You were number one before, and they wanted to bring you down!"

“They did it on purpose, of course,” Scott said.

“Why not protest?” Fred asked Dumbledore.

"Hmm... deducting 5 points doesn't seem like much at first glance, and it doesn't seem like a serious punishment."

Roger stroked his chin.

"But if you think about it carefully, they are treating two unrelated things as one thing."

The others listened to the two men's analysis and looked at Dumbledore, wanting to hear what he had to say.

Dumbledore walked to the head of the long table and sat down, saying in a gentle tone, "Yes, you are right, but the deduction of points is not entirely unnecessary."

Most people looked puzzled.

Dumbledore smiled and said to Scott, "Scott, you tell me. If it were you, I'm sure you would understand."

Scott nodded.

He walked over to Dumbledore, faced the others, and bowed.

"First of all, I want to apologize to everyone. The competition points are related to the honor of Hogwarts, but because of my behavior, points were deducted."

"What nonsense are you talking about, Scott!" Fred shouted immediately. "You're our warrior, and the points were earned through the game!"

Roger said, "I don't think you did anything wrong."

Others also spoke up.

"Fred and Roger are right."

“You don’t need to apologize to us, Scott.”

"This is entirely the fault of those Frenchmen!"

"If you ask me, you're just unlucky."

……

Hearing everyone trying to comfort him, Scott couldn't help but laugh.

To be honest, he wouldn't feel guilty about it, and even if someone complained about it, he wouldn't be moved at all.

But he would also be happy if everyone else stood by him, just like they are now.

He further explained his thoughts, "The decision to deduct points was made by Mr. Jolly from the French Ministry of Magic. Although he was somewhat opportunistic, I don't think he had any real bad intentions. In a way, he actually helped me."

"Why do you say that?" Fred asked in surprise.

"It may seem unfair, but we need this somewhat unfair way of handling things."

Scott continued his analysis.

“Waldo’s family could come after me at any time, and even Professor Girard is watching. In any case, deducting points will at least shut her up.”

He paused here, giving the others time to think.

Most people were still pondering Scott's words, but several Slytherin students immediately understood his meaning and nodded in agreement.

They each took turns explaining to the others—

"As you already know, the Girard family's power in France is not to be underestimated."

"As a pure-blood family that has operated in the French magical world for hundreds of years, they always manage to influence the decisions of the Ministry of Magic through some means."

"The situation in Britain is not very good right now, and it may not have the energy to deal with things here."

"Not everyone in the British Ministry of Magic will be willing to help. There are always intricate connections between pure-blood families."

The Slytherins who came here were not descendants of Death Eaters, so they spoke without much restraint.

“If the Girard family is prepared to take full revenge on Scott, I’m sure they can do a lot.”

“If they are willing to pay the price, they might be able to temporarily change the law, put Scott in the shackles of illegality, and try to put him in jail.”

"Although this is hypothetical and they may not necessarily succeed, one thing is certain: they have the ability to cause us a great deal of trouble."

"In comparison, deducting points is actually the best option."

"The points have been deducted, and the referee panel representing all parties has reached a consensus. This means that the matter has been officially concluded and its nature has been determined."

"In other words, this incident has been officially defined as a fight between students. Although it violates the rules, it is by no means illegal."

“Mr. Jolly and Mr. Lefebvre have confirmed the outcome; they represent the French Ministry of Magic.”

"In this way, the Girard family can no longer cause us trouble through the French Ministry of Magic, because they have lost their legitimate grounds for revenge."

“That’s it.” Scott gave them a thumbs up.

As expected of Slytherin, their reaction in this kind of situation is the fastest.

Roger said, "But... does that mean the Girard family might still be secretly retaliating against Scott?"

Several Slytherins nodded.

"So, in the coming days, Scott had better not be alone or leave Beauxbatons."

"Do not eat anywhere outside the tower."

"There are still several months until the end of the championship, and no one can relax."

"Stay vigilant at all times."

Their serious warning made everyone tense.

But soon, Dumbledore's kind voice rang out.

"Don't worry, kids, and don't be too wary. I'll be staying here for the next while."

He sat there, looking at the students with a peaceful gaze.

Fred asked, "Until the end of the championship?"

"Yes, barring any unforeseen circumstances." Dumbledore nodded slightly.

"Great."

"In that case, they certainly won't dare to do anything more."

Everyone was delighted to hear Dumbledore's words.

This is Dumbledore; as long as this old man is around, they have complete confidence.

"Everyone is free to move around now, no longer confined to the tower," Dumbledore said in a relaxed tone.

He stood up. "Scott, come with me."

Afterwards, Scott followed Dumbledore to the top floor of the tower, to Dumbledore's room.

“I’m sorry, Scott,” Dumbledore said. “Excuse me, I have too many things to worry about, and as a man over a hundred years old, I’m not so energetic anymore.”

Scott watched him sit in the chair.

Once away from the crowd, Dumbledore was no longer the energetic and vibrant man he once was.

His face, and even his voice, were filled with exhaustion.

“There are indeed better solutions to your problems, including the previous ban on the Animagus,” Dumbledore said softly, “but I always choose the most time-saving and effortless approach.”

Scott shook his head. "It's not your fault. I'm the one who got into trouble, and you've done more than enough."

He knew Dumbledore hadn't done his best to fight for him, but he wouldn't blame him.

Although Dumbledore focused most of his energy on the British wizarding world and was somewhat perfunctory about the Triwizard Tournament, Scott believed it was the right choice.

As Dumbledore himself said, he was over a hundred years old, yet he still had to shoulder the future of the British wizarding world. It was no easy task.

Perhaps he simply couldn't let go of those things, and his exhaustion was also due to his own choices.

But no one can deny that Dumbledore was a good man, and he genuinely wanted to fight for a better future for the majority of the British wizarding community.

Scott wouldn't blame such an old man.

"I'm glad you understand." Dumbledore smiled with relief. "Don't worry about what happens next; someone will help you."

Scott had a sudden inspiration. "Is it Professor Russell?"

Dumbledore nodded. "It seems you've already gleaned something from his attitude."

Scott said, "His help to me in Mrs. Maxim's office wasn't exactly discreet, I just don't know why."

"Don't you know why I helped you like that?" Dumbledore said. "You'll find out soon enough."

Just then, a loud "bang" came from behind Scott.

He turned around and saw a house-elf wearing a Hogwarts tea towel suddenly appear before him, holding Professor Russell's hand.

"Dear Headmaster, Lulu has brought your distinguished guest."

The house-elf that Scott recognized released Professor Russell's hand, bowed, and then quickly disappeared.

"Welcome, Professor Russell."

Dumbledore stood up and shook hands with Professor Russell.

“You can just call me August, Professor Dumbledore.”

Professor Russell said politely.

“Yes, August, of course you can call me Albus, please have a seat.”

"Thank you."

After the two professors were seated, Scott also politely greeted Professor Russell.

"Good afternoon, Professor Russell, thank you for your help."

Professor Russell nodded.

He took off his white gloves and reached out to take the hot tea that Dumbledore offered him.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Trollope,” he said slowly. “As agreed, I will provide you with assistance and protect your safety during your time in Beauxbatons.”

“An agreement?” Scott turned to look at Dumbledore.