"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 323: The Pressure Behind the Idol
Douglas nodded with delight, his face beaming. "Of course, Professor! Our research team is in desperate need of a respected, wise elder like yourself to anchor us. Your experience and insight will be an enormous asset to our work."
Dumbledore arched an eyebrow, eyeing Douglas's seemingly earnest—yet unmistakably sly—smile. "Let me warn you in advance," he said, suspicion in his tone, "it won't be easy to get funding from the Board this time. We'll probably have to find our own way to finance things. After all, the last time we requested materials for the teleportation array, they still haven't seen any real results. If I go back for more, I doubt they'll approve it."
Douglas coughed lightly, clearing his throat with practiced calm. "How about this: you take the lead as head of the 'Magical Imaging Technology Research Group.' I'll need Sirius on board—he's picked up a lot of Muggle tech this year, and that'll be a huge help. I'll just serve as a technical consultant. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me. The rest of the team, I'll leave to your discretion."
Dumbledore adjusted his glasses, concern flickering in his eyes. "But what about the money? This isn't going to be cheap."
Douglas raised an eyebrow, a glint of shrewdness in his gaze. He grinned. "Well, that's for you, as team leader, to sort out! Think about it, Professor—if we pull this off, you'll be the hero of the wizarding world. You'll be both investor and inventor, and the first-ever magical director and editor. Whether we sell blank imaging devices or finished magical films, you'll get the lion's share of the profits. Sounds fair, doesn't it?"
Dumbledore gave a resigned smile, but the spark of anticipation in his eyes was impossible to miss. He shook his head. "You always find a way to talk me into these things, Douglas. Fine, I'll handle the funding. Let's hope this research goes better than the last one."
Douglas flashed a brilliant, confident grin. "With you at the helm, Professor, how could we fail? I'm convinced that once magical imaging technology succeeds, it'll transform the wizarding world. And just imagine—our first film could be a history of Hogwarts itself! Everyone would see firsthand how the four founders worked together to build this school. That kind of story could do wonders for House unity. And then, who in the wizarding world wouldn't call Albus Dumbledore the greatest educator of our age?"
Dumbledore coughed, feigning sternness. "Douglas, that's quite enough. Stop trying to sweet-talk me—I've already agreed, so save the flattery!"
At the Hogwarts feast marking the end of the Easter holidays, the three House tables buzzed with students animatedly sharing stories of their adventures in the Muggle world.
Only the Slytherin table sat in a strange hush, a gap of silence so thick it felt unnatural. One Slytherin Prefect even spat a string of curses at a first-year who tried to edge closer to the Hufflepuffs for a listen.
(Four House table order, left to right: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff.)
Just as the Great Hall reached its noisiest, a flurry of owls swooped in.
"What's going on?"
"Looks like newspapers."
"Oh no, my pumpkin pasty! I've been craving that all holiday—bloody owls!"
"I think your mum ought to do a stint in the Hogwarts kitchens."
The owls delivered special editions of the Daily Prophet with pinpoint accuracy, some cheeky birds even making off with food from the plates.
George snatched up a paper and began to read aloud:
"This afternoon, following the grand conclusion of the Heroes' Memorial in Godric's Hollow, we bring you this exclusive extended report, revisiting the significance of this remarkable gathering.
Sunlight poured over peaceful Godric's Hollow, where the statue of the Potters stood as a focal point for remembrance and respect. Wizards from across the magical world, clad in black robes and solemn expressions, gathered to mourn the heroes who gave everything during the dark years for the cause of justice.
Minister Fudge himself attended and delivered an important speech...
And of course, the much-anticipated 'Boy Who Lived,' Harry Potter (I almost forgot, Harry's the Boy Who Lived), the legendary Hogwarts student (Wow, Harry, you're a legend now!), also took the stage. Though a bit thin, he radiated a quiet resolve, those green eyes so like his mother Lily's..."
But it wasn't just the Daily Prophet making a splash. The now well-funded Quibbler, always eager to follow the news, had its own take.
Luna read the latest Quibbler article in her signature dreamy, lilting voice:
"Hey there, truth-seeking witches and wizards! Today, let's chat about that memorial under the Potter statue in Godric's Hollow. Behind all that solemnity, there's bound to be a few things that'll make you scratch your head!
First, look at our Minister, Fudge—strutting onto the stage, his robes swirling, his face set in a mask of sorrow that's almost comical. Wand raised, Sonorus cast, his voice booming: 'Dear wizarding compatriots, we gather today in this historic place. Years ago, a great war took many brave souls—none more so than the Potters. They gave everything to protect our magical world from You-Know-Who...'
Listen to that—like something straight out of a third-rate play! Those tears in his eyes—who knows if they're for real, or just worry over his job, given how turbulent things have been lately. The applause was loud enough, but who can say how many were truly moved, and how many just clapping for show?
Now, let's turn to the 'Boy Who Lived,' Harry Potter. He really is something special. A bit skinny, but standing up there, he had a fire in his eyes—stubborn and unbreakable. Those green eyes flashed as he spoke:
'Standing here, my heart is full of thoughts for my parents and the fallen heroes. I didn't live through those dark days, but the courage they left behind has always been with me. Studying at Hogwarts, I've come to understand the power of knowledge and unity, just like our predecessors fighting the darkness...'
No fancy words, just honesty. The young wizards down below were hanging on every word, nodding like woodpeckers—he's their idol, no doubt. But how many really know what it's like to live under that kind of pressure?
Rumor has it, Ministry files have been vanishing left and right—those top-secret documents about You-Know-Who's rise and his secret dealings, all gone. Was this memorial just a smokescreen for dark forces to stir up trouble? Are they trying to drag back old nightmares, or plotting some new disaster to upend our world? The Ministry's sent out Aurors, and Fudge is thumping his chest promising to get to the bottom of it—but will they really find anything? We'll see!
One thing's for sure: the magical world is deeper than it looks. Don't just trust appearances. Here at the Quibbler, we love poking holes in the surface to get to the truth. If anything new happens, you'll hear it from us first!"
At the mention of Harry, the Weasley twins couldn't resist:
"Hey, idol Harry!"
"Tell us about the pressure!"
"I bet it's all the homework."
"Or the fear of failing exams?"
Harry just grinned, mouth full of chicken leg, and laughed—he'd long since learned to brush off this kind of teasing.
Hermione, flipping through the Daily Prophet, called over to Percy:
"Our research trip was such a big deal, and the paper doesn't mention it at all? Wasn't it backed by the Ministry?"
Percy cleared his throat, putting on his best politician's face.
"That's politics for you. You'll understand someday."
Then he turned to Penelope at the Ravenclaw table:
"Penelope, have you finished eating? I have some student council matters I'd like to discuss."
Ron glanced at Percy, whispering to Hermione:
"I bet Percy's definitely with—"
"Quiet!"
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