"Are you sure, Aini?"

The answer wasn't bizarre, but for Dumbledore, it was the one he didn't want to believe.

But he knew in his heart that since Aini had spoken out, he must be sure.

"I'm sorry, I'm not doubting your judgment, it's just ......."

"I know, I don't want that to happen."

The two were silent for a moment, then each sighed.

Then the old man sighed again.

"Since I took over as Headmaster, Hogwarts has received many accolades."

Dumbledore looked around at the glittering trophies and medals around him, and there was a lot of exclamation in his tone.

"But in reality, Hogwarts' influence in the wizarding world has been slowly waning."

The old man waved his hand, blocking Ani's words of relief.

"I know that with more schools of witchcraft and wizardry, it's only natural that people won't be all focused on Hogwarts."

Aini nodded, just like in the early nineties, there were only two channels, and the ratings at that time were difficult for later TV stations to surpass, even if the latecomers did a good job, it was useless.

What's more, in terms of absolute strength, Hogwarts no longer has an advantage.

Just compare the other two prestigious universities in Europe.

Durmstrang's students are known for their combat effectiveness after graduation, and Beauxbatons is a living legend who has been the number one in Europe for hundreds of years.

If it weren't for Lao Deng's strong rise to support the façade, and Lemay gradually faded out of people's sight, the quality of Hogwarts students would not have to be lowered by a notch-

It's not like you have received an offer from Hogwarts that people have to come to school here.

As for now......

After today, Hogwarts' reputation will be hit hard!

After inspecting the traces in the prize showroom, the two walked towards the principal's office together.

Seeing the old man's devastated appearance, Aini couldn't help but want to say something, but several words of relief came to his lips and he swallowed it back.

What to say?

Maybe the message can be blocked?

Maybe someone won't be fueling the fire?

Maybe it can be understood by the parents of the students?

Even the Siberian tigers that ran to a certain peninsula are not so wild!

These may be self-deception at all. In fact, they really made a big mistake this time.

"Be prepared for that, it's going to be messy."

Passing past the stone beast guarding the door, Dumbledore suddenly spoke.

"I know that even without Peter behind him, Fudge would never miss an opportunity to undermine Hogwarts' reputation."

Ani nodded, the students were attacked by the dark magic at school, especially by another student with black magic, it was definitely the biggest scandal in Hogwarts in a hundred years, even more than the one fifty years ago.

After all, there is no eight-eyed giant spider jumping out of the pot this time.

As for launching a backstabber......

Neither the pride of the archwizard nor the ethics of a teacher allowed Dumbledore to do so, or acquiesce into, such behavior.

"No, Fudge never wanted to target Hogwarts, and the future of England was at stake anyway." The old headmaster pursed his lips, there was no sarcasm, no contempt, only indifference.

"Power does not steal the wisdom of people's minds, but it does make people use their mental energy where it does not conform to their wisdom. Fudge is the only one who wants to target me."

Thinking about the changes in Fudge over the past few years, Dumbledore couldn't help but sigh a little.

"Fudge published a new book last week, and when today's events get out, he will definitely regret that he moved too fast, otherwise he could have made the book more 'fleshed'."

Following Dumbledore into the headmaster's room, Ani consciously took out Lin Lu and poured a glass for each of them.

"Thanks, I have sugar and honey here, you really don't taste it

Can you give it a try?"

Dumbledore took a sip from Linlu, then pulled open the drawer and took out a silver box, and put a full five sugar cubes and two tablespoons of honey into the cup.

"Forget it, I'm still more used to the original."

Looking at the glass of liquid with unknown luster on the other side, Ani decisively refused.

"Well, it's actually nice to have a little more sugar."

The old man took a sip of Lin Lu with satisfaction, and picked up the topic just now.

"Fudge? He'll just complain that it's too late."

"Yes, some people don't blame themselves for any mistakes, and they never think about whether they have the strength to pay for their desires."

As for the minister, who has published more than a dozen books on money-gathering tools at the speed of his cramped hands within a few years of taking office, Ani is really too lazy to comment, and considering the fact that he ordered people to take Dementors to stop the Hogwarts train, this can be called a model of stupid tricks.

Although this will make Fudge's behavior more unpredictable, no matter how specific the means of execution, there are generally no more than a few routines.

Manipulate media opinion, encourage students' parents, and send people to Hogwarts to investigate.

"**** Lowe, a second-year Ravenclaw student."

Eni snapped his fingers, and a fair-faced boy stood right in front of Dumbledore.

It's just a projection – a projection of the perpetrator.

"I'm sorry, but as a principal, I do lack care for the children."

The old man stared at the image for a few seconds, then closed his eyes in pain.

This time it was not simply one student attacking another, but brutal torture. When Romida fell, the boy filled the girl's wails with three more acid spells, reflecting a transformation that could not be completed overnight.

Whatever the reason, it was the biggest dereliction of duty on his part.

"Albus, what we can do is to guide, not to manipulate, then ......

He couldn't empathize with Dumbledore's self-blame. There are always two sides to things, not only do you want children to let go of their nature and develop freely, but they also want every little tree to go straight and not go the wrong way......

How can it be?

The rest of the words Aini didn't say, and he didn't need to say it.

"Phew, people always have some unrealistic ideas when they get older, and it seems that it's time to let go."

Dumbledore let out a long exhale, he agreed with what Ani was trying to make, but being intellectually okay didn't mean that he was emotionally acceptable.

Hearing this, Aini was stunned, could it be ......

"Not now, of course."

Dumbledore glanced at Aini, in terms of ability, he was now a qualified successor, but in terms of age and fame, it was difficult to convince the parents.

"But I do have to be away for a while, and Fudge won't let this opportunity go."

Both knew that if Dumbledore didn't leave for a day, then public opinion against Hogwarts wouldn't stop for a day.

Now the most important thing is not the parties on both sides, but ...... Fudge.

.

Claw