While speaking, Bodrick rubbed his fingers, revealing a shrewd expression.
"Go ahead," Harry said noncommittally.
"I know that for someone as powerful as you, a small Snake Monster is not difficult to handle. So after dealing with the Snake Monster, if there are any materials from the monster that are hard to process, Gringotts will help you solve this problem—of course, Gringotts will show Mr. Potter the greatest sincerity," Bodrick said with a glint of savvy in his eyes.
"I'll think about it," Harry said without rushing to agree.
"Then I wish Mr. Potter success," Bodrick said, and after exchanging a few pleasantries with Harry, he disconnected the Two-Sided Mirror.
Early the next morning, Harry was lazily lying in bed when he was pecked awake by Hedwig.
"Ouch, what are you doing?" Harry reached out to rub Hedwig's back. "Why bite my ear?"
Hedwig couldn't speak, only chirped softly twice, tugging at Harry's ear to signal him to look at the bag by the bed.
Harry put on his glasses, rubbed his eyes sleepily, and saw the package from Malfoy Manor.
As expected, inside should be Gareth's letters and notebook.
Harry opened the package, and indeed, it was exactly as he had anticipated.
He glanced at his still-sleeping roommates, took the notebook and letters outside, and found a secluded spot to read what was written.
First was Gareth's letter.
Dear brother Harry:
When you read this letter, I may already be dead—I think you would be very sad, but don't be upset, after all, death is just another great adventure.
Miss Grindelwald has somehow pinpointed the time of your return, and I know you don't have much money, so I've left you a little in Gringotts—you know how painful it is to ask Principal Black for a scholarship, don't you?
Forgive me for not joining them to find you, since I'm the only male left in the family—father wouldn't allow me to.
Additionally, I need to warn you, when you see certain letters left in the Room of Requirement, don't assume Miss Malfoy didn't come looking for you—you wouldn't believe it, but she was the most upset after your disappearance. My brother, you should trust me, she will definitely come for you.
Worth mentioning, it seems Pabi Swedding has also gone missing, that Hufflepuff girl who always stared at you.
If possible, try looking for her in the Forbidden Forest, I hope she doesn't end up like that Czech Dole you and Miss Grindelwald mentioned.
Lastly, on a final note, you're really damned, buddy.
Your loyal
Gareth Weasley
10, Sep. 1901
Harry put down the letter, a wave of indescribable sadness flooding his heart.
Although he had known of Gareth's passing for some time, seeing this letter still brought out uncontrollable sorrow.
To him, a year and a half had just passed in the Hogwarts of a century ago, he and Gareth had only been apart for that time, yet over a hundred years had elapsed.
Most of his friends were now separated by life and death.
Harry folded the letter, tucking it behind Gareth's notebook.
He particularly remembered Gareth's words; a good brother would only joke with him, and never truly lie to him—but how did he know Cassandra would definitely travel back a century to find him?
But Harry didn't think too deeply about it, this wasn't important; the important thing was even the dull Gareth had seen that Cassandra wanted to travel a century later to find him—why hadn't he realized this before?
Harry sighed, feeling both sad and touched.
Sad because he would never see Gareth again, but touched by his good brother having genuinely cared for him.
Thinking this, he opened the notebook.
The first page of the notebook detailed Gareth's expenses.
Looks like an account book, he thought.
First-year account book... Hmm, pocket money of one Galleon, twelve Sickles, and three copper knuts, this was Gareth's entire spending money for the semester.
Harry felt somewhat puzzled; it seems the Weasley family wasn't wealthy a hundred years ago either, how did they come to have so much money later?
Thinking this, he continued reading.
Christmas, received 10 Galleons.
Note: Harry is my good brother; how could I leave him and go home for Christmas? But Miss Malfoy gave so much. Bless her.
Oh, and bless Harry too.
There was also a small note afterward, roughly meaning Miss Malfoy gave him 50 Golden Galleons to run errands and buy fireworks.
Harry could tell Gareth was absolutely sincere when writing this; the force of his writing was heavy enough to imprint through the paper.
Harry: ...
Wait a minute?
Why does this feel a bit off?
Buddy, you actually went home for Christmas because Miss Malfoy gave you her ten Golden Galleons?
Harry felt a bit of a troubled expression; he sensed that his friendship boat with Gareth might capsize a little.
He recalled Gareth's genuine concern at the door and Cassandra's proud face.
Was this part of your plan too, Cassandra?
Harry continued to read on.
"Summer vacation, Miss Malfoy gave me twenty Galleons, telling me not to talk too much—oh my, she is too generous; how could someone as generous and kind as her be anything but good to Harry?"