Just as Karl was dumbfounded, Cedric spoke up, looking embarrassed.
"Sorry, Karl, my family doesn't have a shop in Diagon Alley, but my dad works at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, so he can promote it for you at the Ministry of Magic!"
Bringing private goods into a government department, huh? Is that even legal?
Karl tried to politely refuse: "Wouldn't that be bad? Would it affect your career?"
"Don't worry! Just leave it to me!"
Cedric was confident about this; although his family wasn't a pure-blood family, an ancestor had once been a Minister of magic.
What's wrong with promoting a book? It's not like publicly selling contraband.
While the two of them were talking, the other three musketeers had already called Audrey over.
It was just that Ravenclaw was too far away; otherwise, Julia wouldn't have escaped either.
Audrey looked at them in confusion, "You called me over for this? Then why didn't you find Gabriel?"
"Why find him?"
"Flourish and Blotts is his family's, you know. I used to often trade ice cream with him for storybooks."
So, after Audrey pointed the way, fourth-year Gabriel Truman was also pulled over.
"When Karl's book goes on sale, I'll definitely replace all the bookshelves in the shop, put up banners, and fill it with photos."
"But I can't help with publishing. We can find Prefect Judy; her family has connections at the Obscurus Company."
Finally, after Gabriel pointed the way, seven Hufflepuffsappeared before Prefect Judy Folly, who was drinking tea.
After Karl and the others explained their intentions, Prefect Judy calmly stated that it was no big deal.
"Simple, I'll just tell my family. The story you wrote is indeed very good."
Karl showed a docile smile, "Then when can we meet to discuss it…?"
"No need, you just write, and I'll handle the rest. The terms and conditions will all be the best."
Prefect Judy said that the Folly family, as a pure-blood family, didn't have much influence.
But at the Obscurus Company, if not pivotal, they at least had significant sway.
She told Karl not to worry about trivial matters and just watch her work.
…
Tuesday morning, Herbology Class.
While Professor Sprout had everyone practice watering, bug-catching, and weeding dittany, Katie and Cormachuddled next to Karl again.
"Karl, you should thank us. Now the entire Gryffindor is reading your storybook."
As for the older Gryffindors being more interested in the dragon Smaug, Katie felt it wasn't important and didn't need to be mentioned.
"Of course! Your generosity and kindness truly move me to tears!"
"Here! Have some candy!"
The leftover candies from the Hogwarts Express were distributed by Karl to the two of them.
"Hmph! No need to cry. We just like to help others."
Cormac lifted his chin in disdain, but seeing Katie eating happily, he quickly reached out to snatch some.
"Understood! You are the best Young Wizards!"
Karl was about to praise them more when he heard a gentle voice from behind him.
"So, best Young Wizards, can you please focus on taking care of the dittany instead of chatting and eating snacks?"
The three looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Professor Sprout looking at them with a smile.
…
The last two classes of the morning were Potion Class, with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff together.
By the time the little eagles arrived at the classroom, the Hufflepuffs, who had finished Herbology Class, were already in their seats.
It must be said that the Potion Class classroom was truly eerie; not only was it underground, but it was also a dungeon.
It was chillingly cold in September, making it hard to imagine what the temperature would be like in winter.
The walls were lined with various glass jars containing animal specimens, making it difficult to accept this as a classroom.
Nina walked over and sat next to Karl, noticing that he looked listless.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Just now in Herbology Class, due to my outstanding performance, Hufflepuff lost five points."
"Only five points?"
Karl: (⊙_⊙)
What do you mean? What are you implying?
Is this the impression your best friend has of you?
"I mean it's only five points, and you'll definitely be able to add more points later."
Nina, who barely managed to salvage the situation, quickly changed the subject.
"Do you know Severus Snape, who teaches this class?"
"I heard from older students that this Professor is very strict, and his personality is quite… peculiar?"
Karl rolled his eyes directly; Nina's description was truly subtle.
He bet the little eagles' original words were definitely not like that; at the very least, they must have been cold, harsh, and fond of mocking and ridiculing students.
However, Harry Potter hasn't enrolled yet this year, so Professor Snape probably won't be at full power.
He would just routinely despise the Gryffindors and favor the Slytherin.
As for the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, as long as they were well-behaved and didn't act foolishly, he generally couldn't be bothered with them.
At most, they would be sarcastically mocked and then lose house points…
Damn it! Just thinking about it makes me so angry!
"Never mind Professor Snape; we just need to pay attention in class."
Nina agreed with Karl, "Learning from a Potion Master, we'll definitely learn a lot."
At this moment, Cho poked Karl from behind, with an expression of seeking credit on her face.
"Thanks to the efforts of me, Nina, Marietta, and Julia in promoting it, the entire Ravenclaw knows your infamous… famous name!"
Karl: (¬_¬)
Did you just let something slip?
But that's not important; three houses are already taken care of, and the preliminary plan has been successfully completed.
Even if the novel sells slowly outside, its sales at Hogwarts are already stable.
As for why they didn't go to Slytherin?
Mainly because he was worried that some idiot might say: "You filthy Mudblood, coming to our pure-blood house begging for food?"
Then Hogwarts would once again have an accidental student casualty.
Anyway, the Slytherin aren't short on money; they'll buy it when they want to.
…
The three chatted for a while, and then class began.
Professor Snape's gaunt figure appeared at the classroom door; he was wearing a black robe that billowed as he walked, making him look like a giant bat.
He walked through the student desks to the blackboard, scanning all the students with a cold gaze.
"This course will teach you the precise science and exact art of Potion-making."
"Therefore, remember the recipes, quantities, brewing order, and precautions I teach you; do not make mistakes like an idiot."
"I don't expect you to truly grasp the beauty of brewing Potions."
"But I will still teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even stopper death."
At this point, Professor Snape raised his voice:
"But there's one condition: you must not be the kind of imbeciles with Troll brains."
The Young Wizards were as quiet as quails, all huddled in their seats, listening intently to the great man's lecture.
Some even hugged their textbooks, almost putting their cauldrons on their heads for a sense of security.
This tone, this aura, this classroom environment—even a Dark Wizard would sit up straight and listen.
My goodness! So scary!
Karl squinted, carefully examining Professor Snape's appearance.
Waxy skin, a large hooked nose, and greasy, shoulder-length black hair.
He felt that if he tidied himself up, he should still be presentable.
Karl began to ponder what method he could use to get Professor Snape to wash his hair.
Forget it! Better not court death!
Otherwise, he would surely be killed in the morning, burned in the afternoon, and end up as a package in the Forbidden Forest by midnight, with Death praising his efficiency.