Snape, the Sunshine of Hogwarts

We started tidying everything up ourselves. Even if the world isn't perfect, we can create blooming flower fields and windmills facing the morning sun with our own hands.

No matter what the future holds, at least for now, we are moving forward for love.

Alright, it's getting late. I lied to them, saying the manuscript was finished a long time ago. But actually, I'm still missing the last bit; I haven't figured out how to use the most eloquent words to describe this grand escape.

[Perhaps I don't need to say anything fancy, guys. I just want to say that I'm currently grilling steaks and baking cookies for them, preparing a lunch that will satisfy my best friends, Sanjini, Mr. Snape, Dudley, and Patty, whom I haven't spoken a word to yet.]

[Later, Mr. Snape quietly told me that he felt Sanjini needed a presentable outfit for this incredibly important day, and that we should go to Diagon Alley that afternoon to get him a suitable dress.]

If I continue, you might find me rambling. As for the ending of this story, why won't this damned liar finish writing it?

What I want to say is, dear readers, what I've written is not a fictional novel or story, but rather what I am experiencing right now, happening right now.

If you really care that much about the ending of this story, why not come and see it for yourself now?

We're right here.

Yes, right now, as you read this newspaper, Sanjini is in the place he promised to be, awakening the love he can never lose.

[A farm called McKinley in southeastern Cotswolds.]

The night breeze swept across the white tulip field, and under the witness of the moonlight and starlight, the pure white buds, as beautiful as fairies, bloomed in their most beautiful moment.

Patty's long eyelashes trembled. It was as if she had just taken a nap. When she opened her eyes again, she saw the young vampire holding her in his arms.

She stared blankly at Xue Ni, inhaling the fragrance of the flowers, which seemed to emanate from a secluded valley.

Xue Ni didn't speak; he simply smiled, his loving smile welcoming his only girl as she awoke at this moment.

Patty saw everything around her: the clear, clean night sky, as if it had been washed, the red windmills with their blades turning slowly in the evening breeze, and the tulip field in full bloom where they were now!

Her eyes turned red, and tears streamed down her cheeks like broken beads.

From some unknown time, a series of crackling sounds, like firecrackers, began to ring out all around, and countless figures on broomsticks streaked across the night sky.

But none of this disturbed the couple in the middle of the flower field.

Somewhat flustered, Xueni reached out to wipe Patty's tears and whispered.

“I did it, Patty. I did what I promised you. I brought you back here.”

"Then, Dali kept asking me this question. He asked me this question when he set off. I finally answered him today, and now I want to tell you about it."

Patty was sobbing uncontrollably. She kept nodding to show that she was listening, listening very attentively.

"I love you, will you be my wife?"

Xueni seemed to have used all her strength to make such a firm declaration.

Patty didn't speak. She stared intently at the young man in front of her, and then kissed him without hesitation!

Hundreds or even thousands of people had appeared around us at some point, and cheers, screams, and applause erupted all at once, with countless flashes of light going off one after another.

Just then, the Aurors arrived, led by their office director, whose face was extremely grim.

Severus and Wolpe, standing by the flower field, threw down their wands, and Harry also dropped his hoe.

"We surrender!"

Chapter 56 Special Program

"At 8 a.m. on this weekend, welcome to the Wizarding Radio special – Vampires, Muggles, Hogwarts Teachers, and the Laws of Magic! I am your host, your favorite Grydon Layton!"

"Whether you're a gentleman rushing to work on a flying broomstick or a lady busy preparing breakfast, please get ready to grip your broom and pot handle tightly and welcome our two special guests today!"

"Bastida Barbling, the Ancient Runes professor at Hogwarts! And Harold Mintham, the former Minister of Magic!"

"Please say hello to the audience, ladies and gentlemen!"

"Good morning, I am Barbling, the Ancient Runes professor at Hogwarts."

“I am Minchum, an unemployed bum.”

"Ha! Don't joke around, Harold. We all know that if you're willing, the Ministry of Magic can rehire you as an expert consultant in the Division of Magical Law Enforcement at any time!"

"Then forget it, my retirement life is pretty good as it is."

"Alright, let's cut back on the jokes today. I'm sure the listeners are all eager to get started; they all know what we're going to talk about this morning! And you are too, of course. Did anyone go to that farm last night?"

“I’ve been reading the book ‘The Quibbler’ since the beginning, so after reading the ending last night, I rushed to the scene as soon as possible and witnessed the moment when Sanjini and Patty kissed.”

"Oh! Professor Barbling is a witness! That's fantastic! My colleagues wanted to rush over right away, but they're a bunch of idiots! It took them half an hour to find the Cotswolds, and by the time they got there, all the flowers had withered!"

Where is Harold?

"I only learned about this after yesterday's events were over. In the middle of the night, all kinds of newspapers that my wife had subscribed to were delivered to our home in droves."

"You live such an enviable life, oblivious to everything around you, but now you should know the whole story, right?"

"Yes, before receiving your invitation to participate in the program, I even took the time to read that book in its entirety."

“Then let’s start with you, Harold. You were the Minister of Magic and the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. No one dares to say they are more knowledgeable about legal texts than you.”

"Do you think Sanjini, Volpe, and Snape's actions last night count as turning themselves in?"

“I think it definitely counts. The address that they ultimately leaked for ‘The Quibbler’ was written by Wolpe, and he made it clear that he was inviting them. And when Scrimgeour arrived with the Aurors, they all voluntarily put down their wands. Oh right, not only wands, but the boy also put down his weapon. These are all typical examples of voluntary surrender.”

"but"

"What do you mean? Do you have any other opinions?"

"But the premise for surrendering is that they are indeed guilty of a crime. Our current understanding of the truth of this incident comes entirely from that book. For now, we can assume that what is written in that book is true. Then the so-called poisoning case and the Snape kidnapping case are all nonsense."

"Could you explain this to us in detail, Harold?"

"Of course. According to the book, Sanjini and Volpe's plan to give Patty the Living Hell Potion was with the Muggle's consent, that's one point. Secondly, the Living Hell Potion itself is not a poison, even the strong version, so the poisoning case is fundamentally invalid."

"Next is the Snape hostage case, which is similar to the poisoning case. The first point for the term 'hostage' to be valid is that it is against the subjective will of the person involved. However, we can understand from the book that Patty wanted to leave her home from the beginning, and Sanjini promised to help her go back. Therefore, Snape's behavior was no longer hostage-taking, and naturally, it could not be considered a crime."

"However, even if these two cases are not established, they are still suspected of other crimes."

"Oh? Other charges?"

"Yes, firstly, there's Sanjini and Wolpe. In the book, they admit that they stole the potion of Hellfire from Snape. If Snape pursues this, they'll be suspected of theft. Also, there's the matter of Sanjini being discovered casting spells by Patty in the beginning, and then letting a Muggle know so much about the wizarding world. This involves violating the Statute of Secrecy. But I heard that Patty accepted Sanjini's marriage proposal last night, and under magical law, they are now legally married. Whether Wizengamor will continue to pursue this matter depends on how the High Judge rules."

"And then there's the matter of Snape taking Patty away. Although it can't be considered kidnapping, it still constitutes obstruction of the Aurors' investigation. I believe the Aurors will definitely pursue this, as they've always disliked the Slytherin headmaster."

"Haha! Harold is as sharp-tongued as ever!"

"However, as Harold just said, all his judgments are based on the premise that the contents of that book are true. And now, the biggest question in the wizarding world about 'Blood Ties: Vampires and Muggles' is its description of Severus Snape!"

"The basis for the majority of people's belief that the book is a complete lie is that any student who has graduated from Hogwarts in recent years knows the character of the Slytherin headmaster. Wolpe must have embellished him to the extreme in the book, and even portrayed him as a completely different person."

"And on this point of contention, our Professor Barbling certainly has more to say! As a colleague at Hogwarts, what's your opinion on Snape's actions?"

"Yes, Professor Snape was indeed not an easy person to get along with, just as rumored, and he was completely unrelated to the humor, gentlemanly, and patient character described by Wolpe in the book."

"So, Professor Barbling, you also think that Wolpe fabricated the story, and that he excessively glorified Snape in the book?"

"No, I actually think what he wrote is true!"

"Wait, first we need to clarify to the audience that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore did not influence this interview in any way! We did not accept any bribes, and Harold can vouch for that. Of course, even if Dumbledore did bribe us, it would only be something like candy or soda!"

“I apologize for interrupting you. You may continue now, Professor Barbling.”

“I left Hogwarts Castle at the start of summer vacation, but before this happened, I had heard from other people about Professor Snape’s changes!”

"Yes, we can see his new look in today's paper. To be honest, the first time I saw him, I felt he was more captivating than the five-time winner of the Wizarding Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award. If you're listening too, and if you mind, Mr. Lockhart, then disregard what I said."

"It wasn't just the change in his appearance; everyone who came into contact with him after he left Hogwarts Castle was shocked by the changes that had taken place in him."

"So you believe that the contents of the book, especially the descriptions of Snape, are true, right, Professor Barbling?"

"Yes, I believe that's all true!"

"Can you guarantee that your words weren't influenced by Dumbledore, or that you weren't threatened by him before you came here, saying you'd lose your job if you didn't say it this way?"

"I didn't go back to Hogwarts for the entire summer! I can guarantee that what I'm saying is exactly what I believe!"

"That's great! Alright, listeners, we'll continue to analyze and answer everything you want to know shortly!"

"Now, let's take a break and have a commercial break!"

(Advertising space for rent)

Chapter 57 Harry's Castle and the Ghost

Scrimgeour had just arrived at Crouch's office when the radio started playing an advertisement.

Seeing him knock and come in, Crouch turned off the radio and gestured for Scrimgeour to sit down.

"Have Snape and the others been arranged yet?"

Scrimgeour's face hadn't looked good since last night, and he nodded.

"They were all temporarily detained in the detention cells on the seventh floor."

"What about that Muggle named Patty?" Crouch looked at Scrimgeour. "According to protocol, you should have erased her memories and sent her home, right?"

Upon hearing this, Scrimgeour's expression worsened.

"That's how it should have been, but last night that vampire proposed to her, and she said yes. Wizards don't have any kind of marriage certificate; as long as two people publicly declare themselves husband and wife, they are considered husband and wife. Last night, countless newspapers captured that scene; almost every wizard in Britain can vouch for them!"

Crouch crossed his arms, his expression remaining largely unchanged.

"In other words, according to the standards of the International Secrecy Act, she can already be included in the ranks of wizarding family members and has the right to know about magic, right?"

“She’s an adult, she has the right to make her own decisions, so that’s how it is,” Scrinker nodded.

He was prejudiced against all Death Eaters, and he also looked down on vampires and banshees, dark creatures that were classified as human under magical law but were often discriminated against and scorned.

But Scrimgeour was just rigid, stubborn, and opinionated; he actually had considerable respect for magical laws.

"Moreover, many people are watching how the Ministry of Magic intervenes in this matter. Some have even written to demand that the trials of Snape and others be made public so that journalists can follow them throughout."

After listening to Scrimgeour's words, Crouch frowned slightly, his expression looking somewhat serious.

"So, have you already conducted the initial questioning of Snape and the others?"

“Last night, after bringing them back to the Ministry of Magic, I immediately separated them and questioned them personally. But they all chose to remain silent, saying they would not say a word until they were brought to the Wizengamot Grand Inquisition.”

“And that child.” Scrimgeour hesitated.

This made Crouch look up.

What happened to that child?

"That boy named Dudley, we just brought him back to the Ministry of Magic last night to separate him from Snape and the others, and Dumbledore came and took him away. The reason is that a nine-year-old child is not suitable to be detained by the Ministry of Magic, and Hogwarts will take care of him in the meantime before the trial."

The atmosphere in the office became quiet for a moment, and Crouch didn't know what to say to Dumbledore's actions.

After a long while, he shrugged and said.

"So, there's nothing we can do right now?"

Scrimgeour opened his mouth, reluctant to admit it, but after Snape and his group threw down their wands and surrendered in public, the matter had nothing to do with the Aurors or the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

At most, Crouch would participate in their interrogation as an interrogator at the beginning of the trial.

"The Aurors will hold Severus Snape accountable for obstructing our law enforcement!"

After holding it in for a long time, Scrimgeour finally uttered a sentence.

Harry opened his eyes and sat up somewhat blankly from the large, soft four-poster bed.

His mind was a little muddled from just waking up, and after a dozen seconds of recalling, he remembered how he got here.

Last night, I turned myself in with my teacher. After being taken back to the Ministry of Magic by the Aurors, they assigned an Auror to search me and then put me in solitary confinement.

Harry was extremely nervous at the time.

Severus had emphasized to him that his true identity could not be revealed yet, otherwise it would cause trouble for many people.

But Harry, who was only 9 years old, was powerless to resist anything and could only keep delaying by using the excuse of going to the toilet.

Just as he was saying for the fourth time that he was about to burst again, an old man with a white beard wearing strange crescent-shaped glasses suddenly found him.

The wizards around him all respected him. The old man introduced himself as the headmaster of the magic school, named Dumbledore, and invited him to visit Hogwarts for a few days.

Harry didn't agree immediately. He remembered what Severus had told him: "When dealing with Dumbledore, remember to be careful."

But Harry also knew that the white-bearded old man clearly knew his identity, and that he came to take him away in order to cover up his identity.

So, after hesitating for a moment, Harry followed him to the castle.