Chapter 433: Retirement

Still, Titus is more careful and raised another concern.

This time, without waiting for John to answer, Hermione's voice came from inside the house.

"Am I some unreasonable person?"

Hermione, at some point, was leaning at the back‑yard gate with a teacup, smiling at them.

"It's just a trip; just don't go too crazy or stay too long."

As she sipped tea, she spoke slowly and calmly.

"So that means the sister‑in‑law agreed?"

They instantly asked in surprise, but Hermione turned the conversation.

"Of course, but…"

"John has never taken me on a trip; the first one has to be mine," she said, smiling at John.

"You all have to wait behind me; after I return from traveling with John, it'll be your turn."

Hearing that, Titus and the two others exchanged glances, all a bit stunned.

"What? They're all fighting for first place?"

"You flaunt your love and even chase after showing it on people's faces?"

In the end, the three could only nod helplessly.

"...... Shuffle."

【7】 The trip with the good brothers was set for after graduation.

The trip with good brothers was set for after graduation.

Meanwhile, Hermione and John's trip was scheduled for this year's Christmas holiday.

This would also be John's last Christmas break while studying at Hogwarts.

He had originally planned to hang out with the brothers at school.

But Hermione's single remark cut him off.

The brothers, to ensure a smooth graduation trip, voluntarily yielded and handed John over to Hermione.

Without a word of coercion, they willingly accepted the arrangement.

Heh.

Still reasonable.

Cunning woman.

It seemed she sensed John's hidden resentment; Hermione smugly winked at him, a victorious smile curling her lips.

John sighed helplessly, but couldn't help the upward curl of his mouth.

Who's the good family's husband's good brother vying for favor?

Nevertheless, he found such days sweet.

Finally, John also became a seventh‑year student.

Time really flies.

It feels like not long ago he was that naive freshman.

But in the blink of an eye, they're about to graduate.

At the opening ceremony.

Headmaster Dumbledore, as always, stood at the podium, his gaze sweeping over the young faces in the hall.

"Hogwarts welcomes another year."

"This year may mark the beginning for some entering the magical world, but also the final year for others here."

"But remember, wherever you are, Hogwarts will always welcome you home."

"The future still holds countless unknown adventures and challenges, waiting for you to explore and conquer."

"Let us savor every moment of life," Dumbledore raised his goblet, his smile gentle and profound.

The Great Hall erupted with enthusiastic applause and cheers.

After the banquet ended.

John suddenly received a summons from Dumbledore.

He entered the XiaoZhangBanGongShi, where Dumbledore sat behind his desk, a steaming cup of tea before him.

"John, please sit."

John obeyed and sat down, then curiously asked Dumbledore.

"What's wrong, Headmaster? Is there something you need me for?"

"Oh, your words are really hurtful; can't you just talk to your dear student when there's nothing else?"

Dumbledore feigned sadness and shook his head.

Eh—...

"Headmaster, are you possessed by Grindelwald?" John said with a disdainful face, shrinking back.

"Cough… you really speak as blunt as ever," Dumbledore cleared his throat lightly, regained his wise elder demeanor, and his eyes still held a smile.

"How has Jor been lately?"

John sipped his tea and said at a leisurely pace.

"It's not bad; now he's been handed over to his parents."

"Her physical development is slightly faster than a normal infant's, but otherwise she's healthy with no abnormalities."

Dumbledore nodded after listening; after all, this was an unprecedented attempt, and succeeding was already quite a feat.

"That's good."

"Nico also cares deeply about Jor's condition; when you have time, you can get in touch again."

John nodded; the smooth birth of Yueer also couldn't have happened without Nicolas Flamel's help.

"I will." John set down his teacup, his gaze falling on Dumbledore's face, "Headmaster, you specifically called me here, it can't be just to talk about Yueer, right?"

Dumbledore smiled faintly and nodded.

"That's right, John, I called you here actually to tell you something."

"That is, after this year I don't plan to continue serving as Hogwarts' Headmaster."

Hearing this, John's teacup almost slipped from his hand; he widened his eyes and stared at Dumbledore.

"What?"

"It was fine, why quit all of a sudden?"

"No need to be that surprised."

"I've been Headmaster long enough."

"Now Voldemort's threat has been eliminated, the magical world enjoys long‑awaited peace."

"These past two years I've handled most of the aftermath; it's time to experience retirement life."

Dumbledore sipped his tea slowly, looking very at ease.

No longer does he have that strategic, furrowed‑browed serious look from years ago when facing Voldemort.

"Indeed, Headmaster, at your age you should retire; having occupied this position for so many years, it's time to give it to someone else."

John nodded, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

Dumbledore was somewhat speechless.

"At this point, can you say some flattering words to coax this old man?"

"If I coax you, can I take the Headmaster's seat?"

"Then don't coax me."

"Shuffle."

The two exchanged smiles, the tea aroma drifting slowly through the office.

The choice for the next Headmaster didn't need to be asked at all.

It would definitely be Professor Maige.

At this moment Dumbledore pulled a framed painting from under the table; the person on the canvas was himself.

"I've even prepared my post‑retirement portrait, hanging it in the Headmaster's Office to offer help and advice to successors at any time."

"If I'm nowhere to be found, you can try contacting me through the portrait."

John looked at the smiling Dumbledore in the frame and winked at him.

Seems Dumbledore had truly started preparing long ago.

"Where do you plan to go?"

"I don't know, Gellert and I plan to go out for a walk."

"It might be revisiting old places, or perhaps venturing to places never set foot before."

"Sounds good," John lifted his teacup and took a gentle sip.

"Then I wish you a pleasant journey in advance."

"Thank you, child," Dumbledore smiled faintly.

The two quietly finished the tea.

This elder, who had labored for the magical world for most of his life, finally shed the heavy burden from his shoulders.

He could now escape the tangled complexities of the world a bit, to pursue his own tranquil moments.