Chapter 352: Going Home
Chapter 352: Going Home (Please subscribe, favorite, and vote)
The end-of-term feast marked the conclusion of the school year and the beginning of the summer vacation.
Karkaroff had chosen to flee. As someone who had managed to survive a year under Voldemort's relentless pursuit, Karkaroff's instincts were razor-sharp when it came to his own safety. The various changes over the past year had already made him uneasy, and Dumbledore's speech the previous day was the final straw. Once he made up his mind, he fled in the middle of the night.
However, his escape went largely unnoticed by the others. Apart from a few observant individuals who noticed his disappearance, most people didn't even realize he was gone. Liam and his fellow Hogwarts students waited in the crowded entrance hall for the carriages to take them to Hogsmeade Station. It was another beautiful summer day, and from the entrance hall, they could see the lush lawns and the vibrant forest in the distance.
On the grounds, Liam could see Hagrid helping Madame Maxime harness two horses to the Beauxbatons Carriage. The carriage was about to depart, and Hagrid mentioned that after Madame Maxime escorted her students back to their school, she would join him to complete the task left by Dumbledore.
"I wonder how the Durmstrang students will get back", Ron said beside him. "Without Karkaroff, do you think they can still navigate that ship?"
"Karkaroff doesn't steer the ship", a rough, deep voice replied. Krum had just walked over from behind. "He stays in the cabin, and we do all the work."
"It was great to meet you", Krum said to Liam. "Your skills have earned my respect, and I hope we can stay in touch." With that, they exchanged contact information.
"Have you found a new headmaster?" Liam asked casually after they finished exchanging information.
Krum shrugged. He extended his hand and shook hands with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Ron's expression seemed to indicate he was enduring some internal struggle. Just as Krum was about to leave, Ron suddenly said, "Can you sign this for me?"
Krum looked both surprised and pleased, and he signed his name on a piece of parchment for Ron.
On their way back to King's Cross Station, the weather was completely different from when they had arrived at Hogwarts last September. The sky was clear and cloudless. Liam and Hermione found a private compartment at the end of the train, away from the other students.
"You should clear your schedule this summer", Liam said. "With the return of that person, a full-scale war could break out at any time. We need to gain practical combat experience and improve our abilities as much as possible." He unwrapped a Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean and popped one into his mouth. "Damn, it's Devil's Pepper."
Hermione looked puzzled. "Weren't we already doing these things before? Why are you emphasizing combat training now?"
"No, it's different", Liam explained after a few sips of cold Pumpkin Juice to wash down the spiciness. "Before, it was just training, but this time, I'm talking about actual combat."
"Actual combat? How can—wait, do you mean—? But didn't you tell me that each journey was a matter of life and death? If you take me along again, won't it put you at risk?" Hermione seemed to have realized something and asked, "You told me that when we met Belle."
"People grow", Liam said, reflecting on the promises he had made in the past. "Now, I can ensure safety when taking people to relatively safe worlds."
"That's good to hear", Hermione nodded. "As long as it doesn't compromise your safety, I have no objections. If it can genuinely improve my abilities and help you in the war, I'm willing."
"I really appreciate your trust", Liam said, taking another sip of Pumpkin Juice. "But I need to warn you that the real battlefield is much more brutal than you can imagine. I hope you're prepared for it."
“I will. I’m already prepared to face the cruel truth.” Hermione said solemnly. After eating a cauldron cake, she suddenly remembered something. “I think next year might be very chaotic. The conflict between the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore is now out in the open. In this situation, Harry, being Professor Dumbledore’s chosen one, will have a tough time.”
“Indeed, if Dumbledore chooses to be lenient, Harry will definitely have a harder time. But Dumbledore’s leniency isn’t out of weakness; he hopes to preserve more strength to deal with that person and the Death Eaters, rather than waste it on meaningless internal conflicts. Unfortunately, Fudge can only see the immediate benefits at his feet and never bothers to think a bit further.” Liam made a helpless expression.
Hermione nodded, understanding why Liam was so eager to help her improve. In such a situation, they had to take care of themselves. Although the chances of Voldemort directly confronting them while Professor Dumbledore was still alive were slim, no one dared to bet on it. Because a single mistake could cost many lives.
“Hey, why hasn’t Rita Skeeter been causing as much trouble lately?” Liam asked curiously after flipping through the Daily Prophet.
“That’s because when I used your Detection Charm out of habit, I sensed someone nearby, but couldn’t see them with my eyes. Eventually, I discovered the magical reaction was coming from a beetle and caught it. After a thorough examination, I confirmed it was Rita Skeeter in her Animagus form. I threatened her not to write anything outrageous this year and then released her. She’s an Animagus who can turn into a beetle, which explains how she knows so many people’s secrets.” Hermione raised an eyebrow as she explained.
“You handled it well. At least this way, the Ministry of Magic will have one less significant attacker in the propaganda war.”
Suddenly, the compartment door slid open, and the Weasley Twins walked in side by side.
“Ha, Liam. You two hiding here, whispering sweet nothings, made us search from the front of the train to the back just to find you.”
“Is there something you need?” Liam asked, looking at the Weasley Twins.
“It’s about the shop,” Fred said. “We’re risking our lives, or rather, our perfectly matched buttocks, to open it.”
“Or maybe they’ll end up perfectly matched, but so swollen we can’t even put on our pants,” George made a face.
“Anyway, no matter what, we’ll open the shop within a week after the holidays start,” Fred clenched his left fist, showing his determination.
“So,” George stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother. “Have you thought of a name for the shop? After all, you’re the major shareholder.”
“Ha ha.” Hermione covered her mouth and laughed, remembering how Liam had named the baby dragons.
“Alright, stop laughing.” Liam looked exasperated, then turned to the Weasley Twins. “My naming skills are terrible, so you guys come up with it. The only requirement is not to use my name in the shop name.”
“But why—” George started to protest, but Fred pulled him aside.
“I know. Like Professor Dumbledore hinted, the Dark Lord has returned. For safety reasons, Liam not wanting his name used is understandable,” Fred explained to George.
“It seems Dumbledore’s approach now is indeed better than in the original story. Those who are willing to listen can learn the truth, while those who refuse to accept the news can find their own excuses to avoid it, without opposing Dumbledore so strongly. This should reduce the internal conflicts,” Liam thought as he listened to Fred.
Soon, the train returned to London. Liam said goodbye to the Weasley Twins and walked out of King’s Cross Station with Hermione, pulling their trunks. Their parents were busy today, so they had to take the subway home.
(End of Chapter)
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