[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-hogwarts-john-wick":3,"chapter-hogwarts-john-wick-hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-319":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Hogwarts’ John Wick",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1645903,2109,"Chapter 319 319: 319: Summons for a debate at the Wizengamot?","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-319",319,"\u003Cp>Regardless of how Old Barty confirmed things, John received some good news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basil delivered a letter bearing the Belby family crest, and almost immediately after, another letter arrived—this one from the Wizengamot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The preliminary review of the Blood Curse thesis has passed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John opened the letter from Damocles Belby. The letter was written with great formality and even bore the Belby family crest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damocles rarely did this, since his relationship with his brother wasn't good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he barely used the family crest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when he deemed an occasion sufficiently formal would he use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After opening the letter, John understood why he'd done so this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Curse thesis had passed preliminary review—the Wizengamot couldn't find any flaws in the paper itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, they were forced to look for issues elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wizengamot members expressed doubts about certain aspects of the thesis—for example, the fact that a student still attending Hogwarts had co-authored it with one of the top potion masters of the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their eyes, that student probably contributed only a negligible amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, co-authorship meant the credit was split equally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a serious issue. Setting aside the suspicion of possible \"academic power abuse,\" the implications were significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It also involved the Merlin Medal issued by the Wizengamot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Damocles Belby, who had already been awarded the First-Class Merlin Medal, another one was merely the cherry on top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for John Wick, who had not yet received one, it would be an immense honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Merlin Medal had to uphold its integrity. They didn't want to see a student who supposedly \"rode on\" someone else's work being granted such glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So that's why a debate is necessary, huh.\" John opened the other letter sent by the Wizengamot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was calm, though the tone of the writer was full of arrogance—completely different from how they'd address Johnny Silverhand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if they had already decided this kid was just a fraud trying to steal a medal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Attend the final review debate at the Wizengamot before December 31st.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter listed John Wick's name—but not Damocles Belby's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a defense session specifically targeting John Wick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Casually tossing the envelope aside, John watched as flames consumed the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to return to his book, an unfamiliar owl flew in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It dropped a letter and flew away immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John picked up the envelope, scanned it briefly, and instantly understood who it was from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's still as cautious as ever.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John opened the envelope. Inside was Slughorn's reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After half a year, he had finally responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John had been full of hope, wondering if he would finally get an answer—but the moment he opened the letter, he realized he'd been mistaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"John, thank you for the mead. Over the years I've received many bottles of mead, but the one you sent is the best I've ever tasted. I really ought to let my friends try some too…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a reply, yes—but not to John's question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John could tell: Slughorn was dodging the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bottle of mead sent at Christmas hadn't been enough to make the former Head of Slytherin speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressionless, John lit the letter on fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like I'll have to find the answer myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped out onto the balcony, narrowing his eyes as he caught a falling snowflake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snowflake didn't melt in his palm for a long time. He cupped it carefully and returned to his study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the table sat a misty gray crystal ball.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brushed a finger over the surface, and within the foggy depths, the vague silhouettes of three people appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He withdrew his hand—the snowflake still resting in his palm, faintly cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The snow is heavy this year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been snowing for several days straight over Christmas, and even the inverted garden had been dusted with snowflakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John returned to Hogwarts. During his absence, the castle had been unusually quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Tom hadn't gone out with John, she had temporarily been left in Draco Malfoy's care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew exactly how many times Malfoy had fallen asleep while walking the dog. When John found him, his head was buried in a snowbank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, a music box played a graceful tune, and the dog lay nearby, belly-up, sleeping soundly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John stood in silence for a moment. He was starting to feel he really needed to do something about Tom's habit of collapsing asleep wherever she pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young dogs could handle it—but young wizards? Not so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He switched off the music box, gave Malfoy a kick, and hoisted Tom into his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aw—eh..?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy blinked in confusion, two frozen snot trails dangling from beneath his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tom opened hir eyes and, upon seeing John, happily reached out with her tongue—only for John to hold her farther away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're back, John,\" Malfoy said, shivering as he stood up. John, feeling a bit guilty, said, \"Sorry to trouble you with dog-walking, Draco.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you get back, have Daphne make you some mulled wine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy replied, \"Now that you mention it, I'm suddenly not cold anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You sincerely try to help, and they sincerely try to kill you, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy gave a full-body shiver and brushed the snow off his clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neville came back early, and after Daphne got a letter, she turned really irritable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy spoke with lingering fear, recalling the man-eating look on Daphne's face yesterday. Anyone who didn't know better would've thought she'd just been dumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, with a suspicious look, Malfoy asked, \"Did you say something to Daphne?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nope,\" John thought for a moment. He hadn't written to Daphne at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy grew even more puzzled. If it wasn't John, then what could've made Daphne so furious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them chatted as they walked back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they stepped into the castle, they heard Peeves' cackling voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That mischievous ghost apparently never took a day off—he was still causing trouble during the holidays.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of Umbridge, most students had left the school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few Slytherins remained, which meant Peeves had fewer people to pester.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they passed by, Peeves was busy wrecking a disused classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When John walked by and made eye contact, Peeves immediately put the chair down obediently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly thinking of something, Peeves rubbed his hands together and approached with a flattering smile. \"Mr. Wick, if you could give me some dungbombs, I'd be happy to teach that annoying Inquisitor a lesson on your behalf.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John raised an amused eyebrow and said with a smirk, \"I don't recall ever saying I disliked that person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peeves' face froze, but he quickly forced a grin. \"Everyone hates that pink toad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true,\" John nodded in agreement. \"I'm willing to fund you. Let me see... would ten be enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More than enough!\" Peeves was overjoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John told him to go find the Weasley twins after the holidays to collect them. Peeves took off his hat and gave John a deep bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When John returned to the Slytherin common room, he saw the \"irritable Daphne\" Malfoy had mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her golden hair was loose, and Daphne was furiously scribbling on a piece of parchment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John swore he really only accidentally caught a glimpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the page were lines like: \"You little bitch, if you've got the guts to do it, then come back and face me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't think you can dodge me just by not writing back. I know you're at home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm going to stuff a sock down your throat!\"\"You'd better sleep with one eye open!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter was practically dripping with venom. Just standing nearby made one feel like they were sitting on a bed of nails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after she finished writing the entire page did Daphne realize John had returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced at him, then looked at the letter…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Um.. ehm.. AAAAAAAH!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a scream, covered her face, and ran back to her dormitory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, the door opened again, and Daphne dashed out, snatched the letter away, and bolted back inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the entire process, both John and Malfoy remained completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John asked, \"How long has she been like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy replied, \"Since yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying that, the two fell silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would've thought that the proud heiress of the Greengrass family turned out to be a certified trash talker?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John was quiet for a long while, then said earnestly, \"For your own safety, I recommend you forget everything you just saw. Otherwise, I can't guarantee Daphne won't physically erase your memory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malfoy swallowed hard. He had a strong feeling that the chances of getting his memory erased the hard way were... pretty high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To preserve his life, for the remaining few days of the holiday, he kept his mouth shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>December 31st.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was one day left before the end of the holidays, and John was heading to the Wizengamot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't his first time going there—the last time had been for Harry's hearing over the Dementor incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John wasn't wearing his mask this time, and he found it a bit uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking through the access corridor, he noticed that the atmosphere of the Ministry had improved significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most obvious change was the memorial statue — it could now make a second facial expression to greet visitors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damocles came over with his cane and stepped into the lift at the same time as John.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, he was dressed in purple robes that made him look far more solemn. He said earnestly, \"If you're afraid, I can do the defense for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John chuckled. \"Wouldn't that be playing right into their hands?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're always so self-righteous,\" Damocles Belby also laughed. \"They never realize the difference between a genius and the common folk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lift arrived, and the two stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike last time, this wasn't being held in the courtroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There weren't many Wizengamot members present either—mostly it was academic authorities and scholars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they saw John's young face, the previously skeptical crowd gasped and even scoffed in amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they had already seen through the laughable little act of this \"child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damocles Belby stepped to the side, raising his brows and making faces at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>John Wick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for the magical world to witness the brilliance of this dazzling star from Hogwarts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under all their watchful gazes, John stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>o(*￣▽￣*)ブSupport and Read 12 Chapters ahead: Patreon\u002FDragonel\u003C\u002Fp>",1733,"2026-06-06T11:45:53.361Z",1,"novelbin.me","95d0583be12019cab949ec191a2f92372e85fa5fca0c8170ae5721e37177656e","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-320","hogwarts-john-wick-chapter-318",577,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhogwarts-john-wick-cover.jpg"]