"Are you sure, Ani?"
The answer is not bizarre, but for Dumbledore, it is the one he least wants to believe.
But he knew in his heart that since Ani had said it, he must be sure.
"Sorry, I'm not doubting your judgment, it's just..."
"I understand, and I don't want this to happen."
The two were silent for a while, each sighing.
Then, the old man sighed again.
"Hogwarts has achieved many accolades since I took over as Headmaster."
Dumbledore looked around at the shining trophies and medals with a lot of sighs in his tone.
"But in fact, Hogwarts' influence in the magical world has been slowly weakening."
The old man waved his hand and blocked Aini's comforting words.
"I know that with more and more magic schools, people will naturally not focus all their attention on Hogwarts."
Aini nodded, just like in the early 1990s, there were only two channels in the company. The ratings at that time were difficult to surpass by later TV stations. No matter how good the latecomers were, it was useless.
What's more, in terms of absolute strength, Hogwarts no longer has the advantage.
Just compare with two other prestigious universities in Europe.
The combat effectiveness of Durmstrang's students after graduation is obvious to all, and behind Beauxbatons is a living legend, who had a vague reputation as the number one in Europe hundreds of years ago.
If it weren't for Lao Deng's strong rise to support the facade, and if Flamel gradually faded out of people's sight, the quality of Hogwarts' students would have to be lowered by a notch -
It doesn't mean that after receiving the admission notice to Hogwarts, one must come here to attend school.
As for now...
After today, Hogwarts' reputation will definitely be severely damaged!
After checking the trophy display room for traces, the two of them walked to the principal's office together.
Seeing the old man's deeply shocked look, Aini couldn't help but want to say something, but several words of comfort came to his lips and he swallowed them back.
What to say?
Maybe the message can be blocked?
Maybe no one will add fuel to the fire?
Maybe we can get understanding from parents of students?
Even the Siberian tiger that ran to a certain peninsula was not so wild!
Perhaps these are simply self-deceptions. In fact, they really stumbled this time.
"Be prepared, it's going to be chaos soon."
Passing the stone beast guarding the door, Dumbledore suddenly spoke.
"I understand that Fudge will never let go of the opportunity to damage the reputation of Hogwarts even without Peter behind him."
Aini nodded. A student being attacked by black magic in school, especially by another student, is definitely the biggest scandal in Hogwarts in the past century, even more than the one fifty years ago.
After all, there was no Acromantula jumping out to take the blame this time.
As for launching a scapegoat...
Neither the pride of the great wizard nor the integrity of a teacher would allow Dumbledore to commit or acquiesce in such behavior.
"No, Fudge never wanted to target Hogwarts. No matter what, the future of England lies here."... The old principal pursed his lips. There was no sarcasm or contempt on his face, only indifference.
"Power will not steal the wisdom from people's minds, but it will make them use their energy in places that are not in line with their wisdom. The only one Fudge wants to target is me."
Thinking about Fudge's changes over the past few years, Dumbledore couldn't help but feel a little sad.
"Last week Fudge released a new book. When news of what happened today comes out, he will definitely regret that he acted too quickly, otherwise he could make the content in the book more "substantial". "
Following Dumbledore into the principal's office, Ani consciously took out Lin Lu and poured a glass for each of them.
"Thank you. I have sugar and honey here. You really don't want to taste it."
Want to try it? "
Dumbledore took Lin Lu and took a sip. Then he opened the drawer and took out a silver box. He put five sugar cubes and two tablespoons of honey into the cup.
"Forget it, I'm more used to the original flavor."
Looking at the glass of unclearly shiny liquid opposite him, Aini decisively refused.
"Okay, actually it tastes really good with more sugar."
The old man took a satisfied sip of the sweet version of Lin Lu and picked up the topic just now.
"Fudge? He'll just complain that it happened too late."
"Yes, some people will not blame themselves for any mistakes, and never consider whether they have the strength to pay for their desires."
As for the minister who published more than a dozen money-making reference books with cramp-like speed within a few years of taking office, Aini really didn't want to comment much. Think about the fact that he ordered people to bring dementors to stop Hogwart. As you can see from the incident with Ci Special Train, this person can be regarded as a model of repeated mistakes.
Although this will make Fudge's behavior more unpredictable, no matter what the specific means of execution, there are always a few tricks that can't be escaped.
Manipulate the media and public opinion, incite students' parents, and send people to Hogwarts to investigate.
"****Loss, a second-year Ravenclaw student."
Ani snapped his fingers, and a fair-faced little boy stood in front of Dumbledore.
It's just a projection - the projection of the perpetrator.
"I'm sorry, as a principal, I really lack care for the children."
The old man stared at the image for a few seconds and closed his eyes in pain.
This time it wasn't just one student attacking another student, it was brutal torture. When Romilda fell, the boy added three more acid spells to the girl's wails. The transformation of mind reflected in them could not be completed overnight.
No matter what the reason was, it was his biggest dereliction of duty as the principal.
"Albus, what we can do is guide and educate, not control, then..."
He could not sympathize with Dumbledore's self-blame. There are always two sides to things. I want children to let their natures fly and develop freely, but I also want every little tree to be straight and not go astray...
How can it be?
Aini didn't say the next words, and there was no need to say them.
"Huh, people always have unrealistic ideas as they get older. It seems it's time to let go."
Dumbledore took a long breath. He recognized the point Aini wanted to express, but being able to agree with it rationally did not mean it was acceptable emotionally.
Aini was stunned when he heard this, could it be...
"Of course, not now."
As he spoke, Dumbledore glanced at Aini. In terms of ability, he was now a qualified successor, but in terms of age and reputation, it was difficult to convince the parents.
"But I do have to be gone for a while, and Fudge won't let this opportunity pass by."
Both of them knew that if Dumbledore did not leave for a day, the public opinion against Hogwarts would not stop for a day.
The most important thing now is not the parties involved, but... Fudge.
.
Keep claws
