Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

Chapter 537: Chapter 535: Bagman and Krum

Apart from the latest articles in the Daily Prophet, Sirius also took out a thick pile of letters... these were brought by Dumbledore.

To some extent, Rita Skeeter’s report wasn’t wrong, because many graduates did think that Dumbledore couldn’t expel Hagrid and sent letters.

Sirius brought part of them this time, and there are more with Dumbledore, but he hasn’t had time to finish reading them.

The articles, together with the letters, finally helped Hagrid regain his confidence,

”Thank you... thank you all.”

He gratefully patted Sirius on the shoulder, ”I think I have to head back quickly, the first class in the afternoon is Care of Magical Creatures for fourth grade, and I haven’t prepared anything yet.”

”Not staying for lunch here?” Kai asked.

”No, there’s not enough time...”

After speaking, Hagrid hurriedly strode out of the entrance hall.

”Hagrid should realize how strong he is.” Sirius muttered as he rubbed his shoulder, saying quietly.

The pat earlier almost snapped his arm, he even heard the sound of his bone cracking.

”Are you okay...” Kai looked at him with amusement, ”Need to go to the Hospital Wing?”

”No need, I’m not that fragile.” Sirius waved his hand, ”By the way, how’s your preparation for the second task?

”Professor Dumbledore has been so busy lately that he’s nowhere to be seen, probably setting up the competition site.”

”Hmm... it’s going okay.” Kai shrugged.

”That’s good.” Sirius also patted Kai on the shoulder, ”I believe you can beat them, especially Durmstrang. I really want to see Karkaroff’s expression then.”

After saying that, Sirius also left the entrance hall.

Kai and Conna walked into the auditorium together.

”Rita Skeeter actually spoke up for Hagrid.” Conna sat on a chair, ”Your guess was spot on.”

”Of course.” Kai said, scooping the stew into a bowl with a long-handled spoon, ”I told you, Rita Skeeter is a smart person. She can certainly guess what we want her to do.”

”Will you send the photos to the Ministry of Magic?” Conna asked.

”Why would you think that?” Kai looked at her in surprise.

”After all, you didn’t agree to her, did you?” Conna blinked, ”I remember clearly, you just said you wouldn’t publish the photos because you were in a good mood, not because you were speaking well of Hagrid.”

”Hmm... although what you said makes sense, after thinking it through, I still decided to keep the photos for now. After all, I am a champion representing Hogwarts, can’t do something against my conscience, right.”

Conna raised her eyebrows.

If it were three or four years ago, she might have believed Kai’s words, but not anymore... she didn’t believe a word.

”What are you plotting again.”

”I’m really not, I promise.” Kai said, then hurriedly added, ”At least not now.”

”So does that mean it’s uncertain in the future?” Conna said, and somehow, she started to sympathize with Rita Skeeter.

Who was the last one that Kai set his sights on... oh, right, that rat named Peter Pettigrew.

If it weren’t for exonerating Sirius, Peter might never have returned to human form.

”But speaking of, you reminded me.” Kai patted his forehead, took out a piece of parchment from his pocket and transformed it into an envelope.

Kai wrote Rita Skeeter’s name on the envelope and stuffed ten Galleons inside.

Then Kai whistled, and Ladon flew in from outside.

”Can you help me deliver this to the newspaper office?”

Ladon nodded, grabbed the envelope, and flew out through the small window beneath the ceiling.

Watching Kai’s actions, Conna asked in confusion, ”Why are you giving Rita Skeeter Galleons?”

”Of course, it’s payment for this time.” Kai said, ”Photos are just one aspect, for a more favorable cooperation relationship, appropriate benefits are also essential.

Only this way, she’ll be more diligent when writing articles. Anyway, it’s just ten Galleons, not much.”

”Are you planning to ask her to write for the Daily Prophet again?” Conna asked.

”What else.” Kai ate a bite of Yorkshire pudding, ”Apart from having a large readership for her articles, does she serve any other purpose?”

Conna was speechless, just a moment ago Kai said he wasn’t planning anything else, and now he’s changed.

”This doesn’t conflict.” Kai saw her thoughts and explained, ”It’s never wrong to prepare, who knows when it’ll come in handy.”

...

In mid-January, it was the first Hogsmeade weekend after the school reopening.

Kai didn’t go to Zonko’s Joke Shop with Fred and George, but went straight to Dervish & Banges. He wanted to see if the store had gotten any new magical items.

Unfortunately, the owner seemed to have never gone out again, Kai spent half the day and only bought a few exploding beans.

Although their power was somewhat small, they could still be used to scare people.

Afterward, Kai found others, and Cedric suggested going to the Three Broomsticks.

The pub was crowded as usual, Hagrid was at the bar drinking with Sirius, with several empty bottles in front of him, obviously having drunk for a while.

Opposite him, Sirius seemed to have drunk too much, his body swaying as if he could pass out at any moment.

”Oh, why is he here...” Fred suddenly pointed at the mirror behind the bar, ”There isn’t any Triwizard Tournament event now, judges aren’t needed, are they.”

Kai looked up, the mirror reflected Ludo Bagman’s figure, he was speaking in a low voice, and sitting opposite him were several goblins, arms crossed, looking fierce.

”What do you think they’re saying?” George asked.

”No idea, but his situation doesn’t seem good now, that goblin looks quite angry.” Fred said.

”Should we try to get Dad’s Galleon back?” George suddenly asked angrily, ”That swindler... lucky we didn’t bet back then, he wouldn’t even pay Dad’s Galleon, definitely wouldn’t pay our winnings either...”

While the two were talking, the door of the pub opened again, Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked in from outside,

Shortly afterward, Durmstrang’s Krum also arrived.

At this moment, Bagman suddenly left the goblins opposite him and rushed over.

”Oh, Viktor, so glad to see you here. I was wondering if I could have a word with you alone... rest assured it won’t take much of your time.”

Before Krum could say anything, he was dragged by Bagman to the other side of the bar.

The goblins continued to watch that side vigilantly, as if afraid he would run away.