Harry and Horace were stunned, Harry was even more surprised, she had only watched the battle between Hermione and Ike in the Department of Mysteries, and now she felt different about the strange magic that surrounded Hermione.

Horace was not the same as Harry, as a well-known Potions Master in the entire wizarding world and had taught countless outstanding students, he could see the mystery of the golden threads and the magic circle beneath his feet. No matter how you think about it or how you look at it, this should not be something that a wizard who has not yet graduated can do.

What's more, she's still underage!

Of course, he didn't know about this, Hermione, who had used the time turner for several years, was already an adult wizard in the strict sense of the word. But even so, it's outrageous enough.

Not magic at all!

Hermione didn't hold on for too long, and after making her attitude clear, she waved her hand away. At that moment, there was a knock on the door outside the living room, and Dumbledore walked in while wiping his hands.

This also woke up Horace and Harry, especially Horace, who coughed unnaturally and said, "Oh, Albus, you're back. This time is not short, diarrhea? ”

"No, I just flipped through the Muggle magazines, and some of the content was very interesting." Dumbledore replied with a smile and said to Harry and Hermione, "Alright, Harry, Hermione, we've been bothering Horace for a long time, it's time to go." ”

Harry and Hermione walked towards Dumbledore together, but Horace was blindsided, and he was a little confused about what Dumbledore was going to do.

"You're leaving?" He asked, surprised.

"yes." Dumbledore straightened his cloak and said with a smile, "I'm sorry you won't accept the job, I miss working with you." ”

"Ah...... So, well, I'm ......."

"Goodbye, Horace, change your mind if you will, Hogwarts welcomes you at any time." Dumbledore waved his hand and turned to walk outside.

Harry and Hermione were close behind, but before they could walk out the door, they heard a shout from behind them, "Alright! All right! You win! ”

"Albus, I promise!"

Dumbledore stopped, and when he turned around, he winked at Harry and Hermione. By this time, Horace had already chased him out, panting against the door frame.

"Would you like to go back to Hogwarts and work again?"

"yes, yes." Horace looked a little impatient, "yes, I must be crazy......"

"Great!" Dumbledore smiled happily, "Well, we'll see you on the first of September." ”

"Okay, no problem...... Damn ......"

They watched as Horace muttered in frustration as he walked back to the living room, and a few moments later there was a scream and several curses, mixed with the sound of something falling to the floor.

Harry was still thinking about going back to see what was going on with Horace, but was pulled out of the house by Dumbledore laughing.

Walking down the garden path, it was obvious that Dumbledore was in a very good mood, and he even hummed a song.

"Well done, Harry, and Hermione." He said.

"We didn't do anything." Harry was still a little confused before he heard Dumbledore continue, "You've done a lot, and you've shown Horace what he's going to get back at Hogwarts. ”

"Safety, Garon, and the glory he values most."

"Glory?" Harry asked.

"Yes, glory." Dumbledore said, "Horace was a lovely man, he loved material things, he liked luxury, but what he liked most was the compliments and respect that those who were outstanding, successful, and powerful. ”

"When he used to be at Hogwarts, he would always pick his favorite students, but without exception, they were all very good in one way. Maybe it's because of his intelligence, or maybe it's because of his talent or charisma, plus he has a special talent for people who will go on to get ahead in all walks of life. ”

"What you don't know is that Horace has a club centered around himself, and the members are all his protégés. He lets them get to know each other, make connections, and he always gets some benefit. ”

"Maybe it's a great bottle of mead, or maybe it's a ticket, or maybe it's the right to recommend someone to a department."

Hearing this, Harry's face sank unconsciously. Dumbledore's words gave him a bad impression of the fat old man who was about to become his professor, and reminded him of Ron's most hated creatures. Like a spider, Horace weaves a web to satisfy his needs.

He thought of what Horace had said in the living room before, and although he said it without prejudice, there was still a wave of doubt in his words, as if a Muggle-born wizard like Hermione could not have obtained twelve certificates and twelve O's in the OWLS exam.

This prejudice reminded him of a person.

"Professor, this Huo ......"

"It's supposed to be Professor Slughorn now, Harry." Dumbledore smiled and said, "I know what you're trying to ask, and I'm not saying this to make you wary of him, but to be wary. ”

"He will definitely win you over, and you will definitely become a treasure in his 'collection'. A boy who never dies, a star of salvation, and a talent that will leave everyone jaw-dropping. ”

"I have to say Hermione, you just showed that hand is amazing!" As he spoke, Dumbledore gave a thumbs up.

Hearing this, Hermione didn't react as much as Harry, but just looked up at Dumbledore seriously and asked softly, "Professor Dumbledore, do we need to do something?" ”

"Nothing, Hermione." Dumbledore replied seriously, "Just let it be." ”

He looked at Hermione, who was still serious, and was silent for a long time, then shook his head helplessly, and said, "Okay, I can tell you something, but you have to promise that you can't let anyone else know...... Of course, like your good friends, you can also know. ”

Dumbledore paused, as if to organize his words, before continuing, "You also know the current situation, and you have to admit that the two sides are not equal in strength. ”

"So, I need to close that gap as much as possible, and Horace is a key person."

"I need to confirm one thing from him, get an answer, and that's important."

"What's the matter, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Sorry, it's not the time yet." Dumbledore shook his head, "But I swear, when the time is right, you'll know." ”

As he spoke, he held out his left hand.

"Alright, now grab my arm, it's time to send you to the Burrow."

"It's late, I don't want to hear Molly's complaints......"