Chapter 226

John finally knew why Hermione insisted on dragging him along to make up the numbers.

Although she didn't lie to him, he really didn't have to be the teacher.

But she put him in a position that was even more than a teacher.

What a scheme, Hermione!

The conversation continued.

"Then why should we participate in this training gathering of yours?"

Another student questioned.

"Of course, it's because You-Know-Who has returned."

"We need to possess the ability to deal with danger."

Hermione replied again.

"But no one has seen You-Know-Who."

"Harry has seen him."

"Where's the evidence?"

Facing the aggressive questioning, Hermione was choked up for a moment and didn't know how to answer.

"Evidence? If you go to the Ministry of Magic lobby now and curse Voldemort a few times, I believe someone will invite you to see him immediately."

"It's just a matter of whether you dare to or not."

Seeing Hermione stumped, John, who was beside her, smiled and spoke up.

As soon as these words came out, the whole room fell silent.

Because the name Voldemort held a certain amount of fear in their hearts.

That person also frowned, but still continued to refute.

"Sophistry, this argument of yours can't convince the public at all, and it still can't prove the return of You-Know-Who."

John nodded without denying it; he stood up directly and spoke again.

"Fine, then let's not talk about Voldemort, let's just talk about this gathering."

"This gathering is said to help everyone become stronger and resist unknown dangers."

"In reality, it's just an organization for spell enhancement training."

While speaking, John took out his wand.

With a casual wave, a silver giant eagle Patronus appeared behind him.

Except for Hermione, everyone else felt a sense of surprise when they saw the materialized Patronus behind him.

Because a corporeal Patronus is a recognized symbol of high-level magical ability, and it also proves the pure and fervent will to protect in the owner's heart.

"You can learn truly usable spells here, and learn combat techniques that Umbridge won't teach you."

"If you are simply interested in learning to become stronger, then you can join us."

"We didn't organize this gathering just to let you overthrow anyone or defeat anyone."

"It's just to let everyone possess more power to protect themselves."

John's highly infectious speech, coupled with the Patronus exuding sacred radiance behind him, made them all feel encouraged for a moment.

Thinking about it carefully, it really is so.

This is a choice with only benefits and no harm.

They can learn some truly usable spells for free, and if something really happens, it won't be their turn to go to the front lines.

Just as John said, it's just simply improving oneself.

Suddenly, they were all somewhat tempted in their hearts.

"Can I also learn the Patronus Charm?"

That little Badger from before, who was clearly here for John, asked John with a face full of worship and eagerness to try.

"Of course you can."

John nodded, and with a light flick of his wand tip, the giant eagle slowly flew in front of him, letting him admire and feel it up close.

"Then I want to join!"

Now there was no need to say anything; that little Badger shouted excitedly.

With him making such a good start, Luna, Ginny, and others who were already familiar with them also expressed one after another that they wanted to join.

Seeing this scene of smooth progress, Hermione's smiling, beautiful eyes curved slightly, looking at John with great gratification.

Soon, most people raised their hands one after another, indicating their willingness to join this training gathering.

Those willing to join came forward to sign and register.

Afterward, once they had discussed the training location and management mode, they would notify everyone uniformly.

It wasn't that they didn't want to discuss it in advance, but before the number of people was certain, they couldn't be sure what kind of venue scale and staffing configuration were needed.

By the time everyone who joined finished signing, counting Titus and the others, there were over twenty people.

This number is not something just any small room can hold.

They had to find a spacious space that could hold over twenty people and also have enough room for combat drills.

As the recruitment meeting ended, everyone left one after another.

Only John and Hermione remained here.

Seeing that everyone had left, Hermione then wrapped her arms around John's neck, rubbed against his cheek intimately, and apologized.

"I'm sorry, John, for tying you to this matter without your consent."

"I just hope that more people can recognize you, rather than just fearing you because of your strength."

Regarding Hermione's unauthorized decision, John wasn't angry; he naturally understood Hermione's meaning.

It was nothing more than wanting him to appear in public more and improve his popularity with passersby.

Even letting him become the spokesperson for the new generation.

This is all Hermione's partiality toward him.

However, John still feigned anger and reached out to pinch her little cheek.

"If you act on your own again next time, I'm going to punish you."

Seeing that John wasn't really angry, Hermione smiled, tilted her face up, and gave John a peck on the cheek.

This was a big deal.

John directly hugged Hermione's waist and started gnawing on her mouth.

Hermione accepted John's demands with flushed cheeks, without resisting.

Until the stained wooden door of the Hog's Head Inn was rudely pushed open with a "creak—" sound.

!!!

The two who were being intimate were startled and quickly separated.

Then they simultaneously looked at the door that had been pushed open behind the bar.

They saw an old man with a long beard walking out slowly; he swept a casual glance at John and Hermione, muttering something in his mouth.

This person should be the owner of the Hog's Head Inn.

At first glance, the owner actually looked a bit like Dumbledore.

But the two of them had no time to pay attention to this detail, because the scene of them hugging and gnawing on each other had just been discovered, and it was quite awkward now.

"Uh... Boss, we'd like two Butterbeers..." John hurriedly found something to say.

"... with double whipped cream on top!" Hermione also quickly added.

It seemed she hoped that through consumption, the owner wouldn't mention their business.

But the owner didn't respond; he just silently took out two thick glass mugs from under the bar, poured the Butterbeer, scooped two large spoonfuls of thick, stringy whipped cream on top, and finally walked over with the mugs and slammed them heavily onto their table.

"Five Sickles," the old man said flatly.

*Thump~ Thump~*

The whipped cream wobbled, like two fluffy clouds.

"Thank you..."

The two thanked him timidly, but the owner suddenly threw a rag over his shoulder and squinted at John.

"Your Patronus Charm is practiced well, and your words are also good; much more down-to-earth than some old guy who always loves to talk big in the Headmaster's office."

John's hand holding the mug paused, and he looked at the owner in confusion.

"Uh... are you talking about Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"Who else!" Mentioning Dumbledore, the owner snorted coldly.

He thought John wanted to speak up for Dumbledore, but John said.

"Isn't that obvious! Of course I'm more down-to-earth than that old guy!"

"Ahem!" Hermione had just picked up her mug to take a sip, and upon hearing this, she almost choked.

The owner was stunned, and then burst into loud laughter!