Hogwarts: Even Voldemort Can't Stop Me From Studying

“But them? Faced with a successful case willing to share everything, they ran away!”

He shook his head, unable to comprehend such an act, which he considered very foolish.

At that moment, a figure passed by the intersection in the corridor ahead, Percy’s eyes lit up, and he quickly followed.

“Mr. Gray, could you please wait a moment? I have some ideas I’d like to discuss with you!”

The voice from behind made Vid stop in his tracks, turn around, and nod politely: “Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley.”

Percy walked up to him, shifted the booklet in his hands to make space, and gestured with his right hand, inviting him to walk to a secluded empty classroom together.

“I’ve been researching Poppet Pets lately.”

Percy said straightforwardly: “Actually, I’ve been curious before, but never had the chance… After all, spending dozens or even hundreds of Galleons on a toy isn’t my style.”

“It wasn’t until I got to the Auror Command Department that I discovered that Poppet technology is indeed impressive, even better than what Aslan Magic Workshop advertises!”

After closing the empty classroom door, Percy saw Vid simply looking at him without speaking, nor showing any pride, which made Percy even more impressed.

There was indeed some reluctance and jealousy, but he forced himself to ignore those bitter feelings, and said the words he pondered for two whole days:

“They shouldn’t just be pets; they should be promoted to realize their value to the entire Magic World!”

Percy looked at Vid, his tone growing enthusiastic:

“From production planting to household services, from construction and medical to Auror hunting down criminals, there are so many things Poppet can do!”

“Of course, I’m not talking about the toys sold by the workshop, but your real Poppets!”

“They can undertake countless dangerous or tedious tasks, freeing Wizards from inefficient labor, so our Aurors won’t face dreadful casualties.”

“So I think—”

Percy moved a few steps closer to Vid and said, “If you weren’t using this technology to make toys, but handed it over to the Ministry of Magic for coordinated management, wouldn’t that be great!”

“Reasonable, formal management can completely ensure that Poppets are used where they are most needed, not… uh…”

He quickly glanced at the door and said:

“… rather than being abused by some with ulterior motives!”

He seemed to think he had come up with an incomparable idea, his eyes shining with ideals, earnestly saying:

“Especially for you, Mr. Gray—I guarantee, this would be beneficial in every way!”

“Consider this, with the Ministry of Magic’s support, you wouldn’t have to worry about your technology being stolen, nor about external criticism and suspicion, or merchants deceiving you or threatening your safety and that of your family!”

“You could focus on your research; we would handle everything else. This would be the most correct choice for you… Even your income would only increase, not lose a single Knut!”

After Percy finished speaking, he waited expectantly for Vid’s response.

He really didn’t seem to believe he would be refused.

Vid also looked at him, feeling quite puzzled—

Such a smart person, capable of obtaining twelve O.W.L.s certificates, why is he talking and doing foolish things?

“Mr. Weasley.”

Vid spoke slowly: “You’re saying—I should hand over my things to the Ministry of Magic, and let them decide who can use it, who can’t, where to use it, and how much to charge.”

“And what I get is an empty promise with no specific numbers, and whether or not I get any benefits in the future would depend on the Ministry’s conscience?”

He chuckled sarcastically: “I thought the Ministry of Magic had a more elegant way of robbing people! Compared to politicians, Voldemort seems more sincere than you!”

At least that Dark Lord promised that Vid would stand to his left in the future!

Whether it can be fulfilled or not, at least it’s more substantial than the empty promises Percy makes.

Percy’s face flushed instantly but then turned somewhat pale upon hearing the name “Voldemort,” finally displaying a kind of anger-induced bluish tint.

“Gray! You’re misinterpreting the Ministry of Magic’s goodwill! I… I’m sincerely considering for you!”

He took a deep breath, speaking solemnly:

“Certain people in the Ministry of Magic—not me, but some far more senior than me—are indeed very concerned about… those abilities you possess.”

“If you continue to… to hold onto the technology yourself, ignoring the olive branch extended by the Ministry of Magic, then…”

He paused, observing Vid’s reaction, and lowly warned:

“Then it might come to more drastic measures. I mean, more formal, more legal, and harder-to-avoid measures than you imagine.”

“Oh… Sounds really frightening.” Vid said, expressionless: “Then tell me, who exactly are these ‘certain people’?”

He narrowed his eyes slightly, gaze locked onto Percy’s eyes, but his tone softened somewhat:

“If I truly can’t afford to provoke them, then… a certain level of cooperation might be considered…”

Percy opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something but swallowed it back, fingers unconsciously brushing the edge of the documents.

“Uh, this…”

He hesitated for a moment and said haltingly: “Anyway, this matter is dangerous… I mean… very serious…”

Percy carefully chose his words: “I’m doing this for your own good, Mr. Gray. I watched you enroll; I don’t want to see you destroy your promising future on a whim.”

The gray eyes in front of him looked at Percy as if they saw through his hypocrisy and guilt.

Percy seemed a bit uneasy, he coughed dryly and habitually assumed the authority of an administrative supervisor, squeezing out a sentence:

“In any case… think about what I said. I have work to deal with… If you think it through, come find me!”

Having said that, he turned and hurriedly left, his footsteps more disordered than usual.

Vid stood where he was, watching Percy’s hurried back, his brow slightly raised.

He pondered for a moment, withdrew his gaze, and turned to continue walking down the stairs.

The corridor below was much colder than the upper floor, and the torches on the walls burned day and night, but seemed unable to bring much warmth.

Vid stopped outside Snape’s office, raised his hand, and knocked three times: “Knock knock knock.”

“Bang!”

The oak door swung open, inside came Professor Snape’s deep and icy voice: “Come in!”

The Professor of Potion’s office was as dark and oppressive as always, shelves against the walls filled with glass jars of various sizes, containing strangely shaped items.

The air was filled with the mixed scent of magic potions and various materials, not exactly fresh, but neither unpleasant—a heavy, slightly bitter scent reminiscent of a cellar, mine, hospital, or snake’s lair.

And Severus Snape was like the Snake King nesting in this lair, cold and damp, hissing, his large black robe making subtle rustling sounds as he moved.

“Good evening, Professor Snape.” Vid said upon entering.

Snape lifted his eyelids, those black eyes like deep wells, his gaze lingering on Vid’s face for a moment, leaning back into the chair.

“Good evening, Gray—close the door.”

Vid shut the door and took a seat on the chair opposite the desk.

Snape, sitting in the shadows, scrutinized him with an unsettling gaze, remaining silent for several seconds before speaking:

“I’ve always thought Dumbledore’s leniency towards students often surpasses what they deserve—especially in your case, Gray.”

“Perhaps you’d care to enlighten your ignorant professor as to how you persuaded the headmaster to allow me to teach you knowledge that should not be accessible to students?”