Beside him, Hermione was cheerfully greeting passing friends, while Glenn silently reflected on the events of the past months.
For nothing unusual to happen at Hogwarts was, in itself, highly unusual. During the time Glenn had spent monitoring and researching, the chaos that had plagued the first half of the semester had given way to a return to normalcy.
One notable event, however, was a visit from the Ministry of Magic.
And not just any visit—it was Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic himself. Though Glenn didn't see him in person, as he had been in class at the time.
Even without witnessing it, Glenn could easily guess the purpose of the Minister's visit: to demand accountability.
The news about the Serpent and the Chamber of Secrets had likely been kept under wraps. The matter had been resolved by Glenn and Hermione before it could escalate. Thus, the reason for the Minister's visit must have been the Acromantula incident.
But, well, he probably left empty-handed. Dumbledore had surely prepared for this.
Glenn didn't know the specifics of their conversation, but judging by the sour expression on the Minister's face as he left Hogwarts, it was clear Dumbledore had handled him with ease.
What mattered was that Dumbledore had likely used the opportunity to clear Hagrid's name regarding the events of fifty years ago. Their giant friend was overjoyed, and that was enough for Hermione to feel happy too. As for Glenn, he wasn't sure how he felt, but probably something similar.
That said, when Hagrid expressed his gratitude by inviting them to dinner at his hut, Glenn politely declined.
He had only tolerated Hagrid's cooking before because Hermione had helped prepare it. But if it was solely Hagrid's "kind gesture," Glenn would rather avoid it.
One thing Dumbledore had said, however, lingered in Glenn's mind.
"The Ministry's interference in Hogwarts may increase in the future."
That's what the old bee had said.
It was the usual tactic of suppression and balancing. In every era, powerful individuals were often targets of suppression by those in power.
And Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore—Order of Merlin, First Class; Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards; Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot; the greatest wizard of the age; Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—was a living testament to immense power and influence.
A powerful wizard wielding great authority, even if he had no intention of abusing it or opposing others, was bound to be seen as a threat. And the Ministry of Magic was clearly one of those who sought to counterbalance him.
Hermione had mentioned some of the Ministry's covert attempts to pressure Dumbledore, but Glenn wasn't worried.
Anyone who had risen to Dumbledore's level wasn't easy to deal with.
Dumbledore simply wasn't interested in dealing with the Ministry's petty antics.
After all...
Would a kind-hearted man who had long resigned himself to death care about the annoying clowns around him?
Even so, the Ministry's interference in Hogwarts would inevitably create unnecessary obstacles for Glenn and Hermione's lives.
Perhaps it wouldn't affect Hermione much, but for someone like Glenn, who barely acknowledged rules, it was far from pleasant.
Still, as long as those Ministry folks didn't provoke him, Glenn had no intention of bothering with them.
But if they did cause trouble, Glenn wouldn't mind testing the combat skills of the Aurors, who were rumored to be so weak that even basic Shield Charms were beyond most of them.
He couldn't help but wonder how they compared to the dark wizards lurking in Knockturn Alley. Did they really have the strength to enforce their authority?
Glenn doubted it. Those dark wizards, fighting tooth and nail for survival, might very well surpass the increasingly corrupt official organizations of this era.
Nowadays, Glenn wouldn't attack anyone without reason. And with the Acromantula population in the Forbidden Forest nearly wiped out, finding new targets would take time. Glenn couldn't release his pent-up negative impulses, so... perhaps he was a little curious about the Ministry stirring up trouble for him?
Well, it was just a thought. Glenn's current priority was to enjoy a peaceful life with Hermione.
Though their relationship had changed, their daily lives hadn't altered much. Still, Glenn could feel a new kind of emotion taking root in his heart, growing stronger with Hermione's presence.
Hermione was the best.
Aside from the Ministry, there was another matter Glenn had mentally flagged in red.
The Malfoys.
Specifically, Lucius Malfoy, the current head of the family.
One day, Lucius had suddenly appeared at Hogwarts. After spending some time in the Headmaster's office, he left with an unpleasant expression.
He came in a hurry and left just as quickly.
How did Glenn know? Because the moment Lucius arrived, Glenn had kept a close eye on him.
Using his heightened senses and concealed presence, Glenn had followed Lucius to the Headmaster's office and eavesdropped on his conversation with Dumbledore. Finally, one of Glenn's lingering questions was answered.
The diary of Tom Riddle, which had endangered Ginny Weasley, had been slipped into her cauldron by Lucius Malfoy at Flourish and Blotts. His goal was to have Ginny, under the diary's influence, attack Muggle-borns, tarnishing the Weasley family's reputation and undermining their pro-Muggle legislation.
So that's how it was. It seemed Lucius Malfoy's allegiance still leaned toward Voldemort.
That wasn't good news. The Malfoy family held significant sway among the pure-blood families.
"Looks like it's time to pay Draco's family a visit."
Glenn had considered this for a long time.
Previously, as a newcomer to the wizarding world with no backing, such an action would have been unwise.
But now...
Lucius Malfoy's mindset needed correcting, and Glenn had no desire to see one of his few friends' parents meet their end at his hands.
Hermione, who was also friends with Draco, wouldn't want that either.
After all, Glenn wasn't a monster.
Right?
Glenn. Threatening.jpg.
"Come on, let's take a walk by the Black Lake. It's been a while since we left the castle for a stroll."
"Alright, let's go."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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