Chapter 326

Time quickly reached the Christmas season.

Hogwarts Castle was covered in thick snow, and crystal icicles hung from the spires of the towers.

This Christmas, John and Hermione still decided to go home.

Although it was not as safe outside as staying at Hogwarts.

But they still planned to go back.

However, before the holiday arrived, there was a small interlude.

"Professor, I have a question I would like to ask you."

After a Potions class ended, John found Professor Slughorn, who hadn't left yet, alone, and asked him about some Potions knowledge not written in the books.

"Oh, John.... you..."

Seeing John take the initiative to find him, Professor Slughorn was clearly a bit stunned.

A few days ago, he had just confessed to Dumbledore under John's verbal pressure that he had revealed the secret of Horcruxes to Voldemort in the past.

And he knew very well that John and Harry were both "lobbyists" sent by Dumbledore.

And they were only so enthusiastic about him because of that secret.

He thought that after completing the task, John would return to normal, no longer be so enthusiastic about him, or distance himself from him because of his past.

But John acted as if nothing had happened, still coming to him to discuss knowledge related to potions as usual.

——

"Albus, John and Harry, those two children, were sent by you, right."

"Hmm... let me think, yes and no."

"What do you mean?"

"Horace, I would rather believe that the children approached you because they were attracted by your knowledge, not just for some purpose."

——

Seeing Professor Slughorn distracted, John asked strangely again.

"Professor?"

"Oh, sorry, let me see."

Professor Slughorn finally came back to his senses, pushed up the round-rimmed glasses that had slid to the tip of his nose, and looked at John's question.

It was still far beyond the requirements of his current grade as always.

It was no exaggeration to say that John was only a matter of time away from becoming an expert in Potions.

These naturally had to be attributed to our Professor Snape.

"Oh, it is indeed a rare question."

"You must have mixed up some knowledge..."

After looking at John's question, Professor Slughorn tapped the edge of the parchment with his fingertips and began to sort out the confused knowledge for John in a professional tone.

As a master who had studied potions for decades, Professor Slughorn had another, purer understanding of potions compared to Professor Snape.

His explanation was more infectious and easier to understand than Professor Snape's cold and hard style.

This was also the reason why John had been asking Professor Slughorn about Potions questions recently.

Therefore, he hadn't gone to Professor Snape for a long time.

(Well, actually, another reason was the fear of being plotted against by Professor Snape...)

The two of them discussed for a long time on the podium as usual.

Until the question was clarified, John closed his notebook happily and smiled at Professor Slughorn.

"Thank you, Professor."

"Hehe, it's nothing."

Professor Slughorn also smiled, then habitually spoke.

"By the way, John, Christmas...... uh, never mind."

However, halfway through, he took back his words.

He actually wanted to invite John to attend the Christmas party he was hosting.

But thinking of the poisoned wine accident that happened at his gathering last time, he took back this thought.

The students' attitude toward him had changed slightly recently.

He knew all this was to be blamed on the poisoned wine accident maliciously plotted by Voldemort.

But he couldn't help but imagine.

Could it be that Dumbledore had exposed his past relationship with Voldemort to the students...

Although it was completely impossible...

But he still couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.

What he cared about most in his life was his reputation.

What he feared most was being respected all his life, only to end up disgraced in his later years.

As for John, he definitely knew about his past relationship with Voldemort.

So he was now more concerned about John's attitude toward him.

"No, Professor, who did you learn that from, speaking halfway."

"This bad habit must be changed."

John actually guessed a little bit of Professor Slughorn's thoughts.

But he didn't point it out, instead joking.

"Hermione and I are going home for Christmas break, so we won't be staying at school."

"If the time you want to invite me to is Christmas, then I can only say sorry."

"But for the few days of rest before Christmas, if you have any programs, I would be very happy to participate."

"Of course, Hermione would be very happy too."

"But forget about Senior Harry; he is currently in a pure mating season, even the Headmaster might not be able to move him."

"Oh, by the way, you can organize a dance party; I guarantee Senior Harry will bring Senior Ginny to attend."

Listening to John's long string of words, Professor Slughorn was stunned for a while before finally letting out a relaxed laugh.

John had no disgust or distance toward him at all.

As lively and unserious as ever.

"Haha, you child, if Harry knew you were arranging him like this, he would definitely chase you all over the castle."

"So you just don't let him know."

John also responded with a smile.

Professor Slughorn's smile didn't fade, and finally he said slowly.

"In previous years at Christmas, I would organize a Christmas dance party, inviting a few old friends and former excellent students to gather."

"At the same time, it allows current students to attend the dance party and communicate face-to-face with those former outstanding people."

"Although there were some accidents this year, the dance party will be held as usual, but the scale should be smaller."

"If you are interested, I would be very happy for you to attend, John."

"Oh, of course, Miss Granger too."

Hearing this, John also smiled.

"Of course I'm interested; I will bring Hermione and arrive on time."

"Oh, by the way, I still want to eat the snacks from your last gathering, especially that raspberry-filled chocolate tart."

Professor Slughorn laughed again upon hearing this.

"No problem, you can eat as much as you want when you come."

After setting the time, John got up and said goodbye.

Watching John's departing back, Professor Slughorn smiled slightly; the pressure of so many days finally dissipated a little.

Even, compared to when he was carrying a heavy secret before, he only felt his shoulders were incredibly light at this moment.

He could finally engage in the things he loved without any burden.

For example, winning over John and Harry again?

After all, he hadn't forgotten one of the big purposes of returning to Hogwarts to resume his old business.

That was to include these two treasures into his "collection."