Chapter 875 Nick’s Value

The Great Hall of Hogwarts was as bright and lively as ever.

The surrounding walls were decorated with fire bats, and the huge pumpkins planted by Hagrid were carved into lanterns, big enough to accommodate three or four little wizards sitting inside. Dumbledore even specially invited a skeleton dance troupe to cheer for Halloween. .

The air is filled with the delicious aroma of steaks, grilled fish, and fluffy bread fresh from the oven.

The lights were decorated, candlelight was shining, and the golden plates on the table looked quite festive.

However, the warm magic torches, delicious dishes, clinking cups and saucers, and the hard-working performance of the skeleton dance troupe still couldn't cover up the increasingly weird and weird atmosphere in the hall, a depressing silence and confusion.

Both the school staff and the students attending the dinner seemed a little uneasy.

Hogwarts' annual Halloween party has been going on for more than half an hour.

However, the Gryffindor House table was still empty.

During such festive moments, these golden-red lion cubs are always the noisiest and most excited in the auditorium.

When their presence disappeared from the auditorium, it was as if someone had opened a hole in the door of the auditorium, and the cold wind and silence rushed in crazily. The ghosts who used to appear in the auditorium on Halloween also did not show up, which made the dinner deserted again. A few points.

"Is this really okay, Dumbledore?"

Snape said, his dark eyes shining in the candlelight.

"I think this is a pretty bad group violation that may be followed. Maybe we should ask those gentlemen and ladies to go back to where they should be, and preferably give them a little warning and punishment-"

"Honestly, Severus," snapped Professor McGonagall, "I have absolutely no idea what's wrong with Gryffindor students celebrating their house's resident ghost. The anniversary of Sir Nicholas's death is Today, do you want us to force the students to leave Nick’s death anniversary party in front of hundreds of ghost guests?!”

"Death anniversary party? I think the things the ghosts provide at the party are probably not suitable for living people."

Umbridge said softly with a smile, a hint of sarcasm appeared on her fat face.

"This is a provocation. They are trying to be unique and deviate from the rules - Oh, Professor Dumbledore, we should stop this behavior immediately. This will most likely have a bad impact on other little guys in the hall."

"Sir Nicholas submitted an application for organizing a death anniversary party a few years ago, and I personally approved it——"

Dumbledore said softly, looking helplessly at the empty Gryffindor table.

"As for the issue of dinner food, the Hogwarts kitchen is the co-organizer of Nick's 500th death anniversary party. Miss Kaslana provided the dinner ingredients and dish arrangements a week ago, and these were all submitted to the school board for approval. Due to emotions and reasons, we cannot question or blame the students or Nick... This is just a choice between the two venues."

"I mean, Headmaster. It has nothing to do with the gathering of ghosts. Students need to apply in advance for large-scale gatherings. I carefully studied the new rules you revised last year - and Gryffindor students obviously ignored this. .”

Umbridge's ugly smile became more pronounced, she said.

"If you think that the dinner below is today's branch meeting, then there must be a professor there to maintain order. It is quite dangerous to allow so many students to be alone for a long time, away from the professor's sight. Obviously, among us No one received the application in advance. So I personally think that in this case, it is very..."

Since several group incidents occurred in Hogwarts last school year, the school rules have been updated.

Large-scale private dinner parties and private group activities (including but not limited to multi-person duels and simulation matches) are strictly prohibited - any multi-person sports or gatherings of more than 50 people must be conducted under the supervision of at least one official faculty member.

"Ahem. Oh, sorry-"

At this moment, a slightly tired and gentle voice sounded.

Remus Lupine looked sick and stood up slowly, embarrassed.

"Actually, Weasley told me before, but I happened to be in poor health at the time and was distracted so I didn't hear clearly - I had to rush over - even though it wasn't a formal class, it's still too bad as a professor to be late. ”

"Cough, cough, don't worry, I'll go down and take a look. You continue..."

Umbridge looked furious. Snape had the same displeased expression.

"I don't think this is a mature approach, Professor Lupin."

Umbridge snorted, looked at the man with a smile, and threatened softly.

"I hope you can pay attention to your identity. As a formal professor, you should restrain students' mistakes instead of making up for their stupid mistakes. Of course, if this is really your work error, then I It will be noted in the observation report submitted to the ministry, can you sign it for me to confirm it then?"

"No problem. Also, a little reminder - teachers are different from officials."

Lupine explained patiently, spread his hands helplessly and said with a smile.

"As professors, isn't it our duty more often than not to help students find and fill in their gaps?"

"you--"

Umbridge raised her eyebrows, her eyes bulging outward.

Such a half-human, half-animal guy actually dared to make her look bad in public again and again.

"Excuse me," Professor Lupine smiled gently, "I have to go down quickly to maintain order. Oh, by the way, Professor Black, would you mind coming along to help? The ghost party is quite rare and it tests the ability to control the scene. of."

"I'm very happy - Speaking of which, Weasley seemed to have mentioned it to me, but I accidentally forgot -"

Sirius Black laughed, threw the chicken drumstick in his hand, and wiped the oil on the tablecloth.

"Professor Umbridge, when you ask Lupine to sign, remember to also make a copy of the form and give it to me. I am very familiar with the processing procedures at the Ministry of Magic. If there are salary deductions, fines, etc., they will be deducted from my salary first. alright."

"It seems that Professor Black does not realize the seriousness of violating the rules——"

Umbridge narrowed her eyes and said sweetly.

"I'm very sorry," Sirius shrugged nonchalantly, "I have thought about it quite thoroughly and clearly since I was imprisoned in Azkaban for ten years. But Professor Umbridge, you are really in awe of me. Rules, or are they just used as a tool to demonstrate power? This is Hogwarts, and there are only two types of people who study rules - bad students, and...heh."

His eyes lingered on Snape's face for a moment, and he raised his eyebrows provocatively.

There was an awkward silence.

"let's go."

Lupine pulled Sirius helplessly.

Since the summer vacation, the relationship between Sirius and Snape has become delicate.

Compared with the previous confrontation like enemies, after becoming colleagues, their hostility and confrontation were almost all enhanced by their usual cynicism. Lu Ping was always worried that these two guys would draw their wands and fight directly in the auditorium.

As for the source of all changes...

Remus Lupine was thinking silently as he walked towards the underground classroom downstairs.

At first, Lupine thought it was about Harry Potter's education.

But as the semester began, he came into contact with a certain little witch more and more clearly and closely. Especially after learning many details from Dumbledore and others, Lupine rarely flinched.

There was no doubt that Professor Dumbledore was not entirely telling the truth.

If every half-blood Veela was this difficult to deal with, then the world would already belong to half-blood Veela.

For a moment, Lupine even had some doubts that Professor Dumbledore was not conducting some kind of Dark Lord training program.

Fortunately, based on the information obtained so far, this little witch is still understandable.

The chef of the Hogwarts kitchen, a once-in-a-century magic genius, a stronger hybrid... Even though she has the privilege of passing four houses, she is only a special student after all. What if she leaves this castle? Neither.

Lupine still plans to try his best to fulfill Dumbledore's expectations - to do his best to guide and watch over Miss Caslana.

…

at the same time.

In the Death Anniversary Party Hall, next to the small table belonging to Elena and the others.

Nearly headless Nick floated in from the "crowd".

Different from his previous composure, this gentleman sighed sadly tonight almost as many times as he had in the previous hundreds of years combined. He began to feel annoyed as to why he didn't move the death anniversary party forward a year or two.

“Isn’t the arrangement of the ghost dishes great?”

"Oh, great." Nick smiled bitterly.

"The response so far is pretty good," Elena straightened her back with pride, "I dare say that this is definitely a milestone in the history of the ghost world - everyone will remember this day, and I said I would never You are disappointed!"

"Yes, yes... the Wailing Widow came all the way from Kent and almost fought with the Bloody Barrow - just to fight for a piece of cheese the size of a palm. If it weren't for the fact that the ghost couldn't draw a wand and duel, I guess tonight’s Death Anniversary Party can be temporarily changed to the First Ghost Duel Competition..."

The almost headless Nick sighed and his eyes fell on Myrtle who was talking to Hermione next to him.

In his mind, it was rare to see Moaning Myrtle looking so cheerful.

Just like Peeves, who maintains order with childish and determined reasons, even if his original intention is to play tricks and cause trouble, under his playful assessment games, there is no bad situation. .

The ability to transform reality into reality gives Peeves the possibility of "destroying" food at any time.

On the other hand, no outside ghost can pass through the walls of the Hogwarts kitchen, and the thousands of house elves waiting there are not easy to mess with - obedience is not included in the "law of obedience" for house elves To the ghost.

"Miss Kaslana, it's almost time for me to speak - I've thought about it too."

Nick looked away, nodded towards Elena, and took the initiative to walk aside.

As the former "Earl Isaacs", Nick would not dwell on this choice for too long - from the moment his identity was revealed, he completely fell into the little witch's careful weaving. trap.

The most terrifying and sad thing is that the sharpest weapon was given by him personally.

"I'm talking to Mr. Nick about something, don't worry about me, you can just go and play..."

Elena stood up and whispered to the few little wings around her.

In fact, she didn't need to worry at all, as all the little witches were listening to Myrtle's gossip with great interest.

As the youngest, curious and gossipy female ghost in the entire Hogwarts Castle, Moaning Myrtle may not have a legendary life experience, but she is definitely the best narrator when it comes to all kinds of gossip, scandals and bloody events.

"How's your answer?"

Elena, who was rarely ignored for once, curled her lips and walked to Nick.

As she whispered, she took out her wand and pointed it deftly around.

Invisible magic ripples enveloped the location where they stood, and even ghosts could not easily enter. Under Grindelwald's teachings, she learned how to attach soul flames to magic protection, which was a very effective trick.

"If Nico Flamel, Paracelsus, and Dumbledore are all here, then I will join."

Nearly headless Nick was silent for a few seconds and asked softly with some curiosity.

"But I don't understand one thing. There are so many outstanding, knowledgeable, and top wizards working with you to promote changes. Why do you still want me to join in? In terms of experience and opinions, it is not that the more people the better - this It’s my experience.”

"The reason is simple, because you are different from them - they are wizards and powerful scholars, that's all."

Elena shrugged her shoulders and said with a smile amid Siren's sad singing.

"But the establishment and integration of the new world cannot be accomplished by relying on brute force and knowledge. I..."

Unexpectedly, at this moment, the Siren suddenly stopped singing in a low voice.

Everyone in the underground classroom was silent for a few seconds, looking around excitedly, when a hunting horn blew.

Elena gave Nick a meaningful look.

"The final show has begun, Sir Nicholas... I will be here waiting for your return."

"Oh, of course." Nearly Headless Nick sighed.

Twelve ghost horses suddenly ran out from the walls of the underground classroom, each with a headless rider on it.

All the party-goers applauded enthusiastically;

Elena also clapped her hands. As the planner and organizer of the death anniversary party, she had already obtained the list of ghosts attending the party from Nick - this was also one of the reasons for encouraging Gryffindor students to come. , a performance by the Headless Hunters.

At the same time, it is also an important step in downplaying Nick's presence tonight and diverting attention to leaving only a mark.

Twelve ghost horses ran to the center of the dance floor, stopped suddenly, stood upright on their hind legs, and then kicked up their hind hooves to rush forward.

At the front was a large ghost with a bearded head tucked under his arm, blowing a horn.

He jumped off the horse and raised his head high in the air so that he could look at everyone from above (everyone laughed); while he strode towards the almost headless Nick, he carelessly moved the His head was pushed into his neck.

"Nick!" he yelled. "How are you? Is your head still hanging there?"

He let out a wild laugh, and with everyone watching, he patted the almost headless Nick on the shoulder.

"Welcome, Patrick."

Nick quickly put on a stiff, reluctant expression.

Even though this was actually an invitation written by him personally, it was a crucial finishing step - with the headless hunter attracting the attention of everyone attending the banquet, no one would remember the details of the speech that happened at the same time. content.

"What an admirable means - Sir Nicholas."

Elena returned to the dining table, admiring Nick's extremely natural performance.

This is one of Nearly Headless Nick’s greatest strengths and values.

After this death anniversary party, Nick's character will be completely formed in the magical world. No one will compare this poor, good man who was usurped by the spotlight with the wizard who single-handedly ended the war between the magical and non-magical world hundreds of years ago. connect together.

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Great!