Once the news of 'Grindelwald's Escape' spread, the Great Hall started to buzz with life.
Now it is the second half of 1994, and it had been fifty years since Grindelwald's defeat.
Due to the long period of time and the Ministry of Magic's deliberate concealment, many new-generation wizards did not know about Grindelwald's experience.
Fortunately, the newspapers had reported on it in great detail.
At the Slytherin table, a group of young wizards gathered around Malfoy, whispering.
"Draco, has there been any news from your father?" Someone asked.
Malfoy stretched his neck and glanced at Andy, but when he noticed that Andy wasn't looking at him, he silently withdrew his gaze and shook his head, saying, "Not yet. But my father has a lot of connections in Europe, so he should be able to find out soon."
"He's about the same age as Dumbledore, isn't he?"
Someone said with a hint of unease, "Draco, I'm a little worried…"
Malfoy glanced at that person and said, "No one is forcing you to join; you can back out at any time."
The person's expression changed slightly at this; his lips quivered a bit, and then he took a step back and said no more.
Recently, things have not been easy for them.
Slytherin could now be broadly divided into three factions.
Not all Slytherins believe in the Pureblood Supremacy Theory. Some are relatively open-minded, and although they are also ambitious, they believe in individual ability rather than so-called 'bloodline'.
When the Pureblood Supremacy Theory becomes unpopular, they will decisively change their stance.
Among those who believe in the Pureblood Supremacy Theory, there are those who are loyal to Voldemort and those who have betrayed him.
Now, with the mass arrest of Death Eaters, relations between the two sides have deteriorated sharply. If not for Gryffindor's ability to attract the hatred, Slytherin would have long since experienced civil war.
It so happens, Malfoy and the others belong to the faction that believes in the Pureblood Theory and has betrayed Voldemort at the same time.
In other words, they were not liked by either side.
Fortunately, Voldemort was dead, and the strength of their family had been preserved – with Dumbledore as a guarantor, those who betrayed Voldemort and joined the Order would naturally be off the hook after some heavy bleeding (fines).
But they were not content with this.
If there was no hope, that would be fine, but now hope is within reach.
Andy Collins.
According to reliable intelligence, Andy played a major role in the battle against Voldemort. Once the news is published, Andy will gain enormous prestige in the wizarding world.
With their family's wealth, they will naturally hype this up.
Next, Andy only needs to work in the Ministry of Magic; they're very confident that they can gradually push Andy into the position of Minister of Magic.
Once that happens, they can rely on Andy to return to the centre of power in the Ministry of Magic, influence its operations, and reap huge benefits from it.
In their view, Grindelwald's escape from prison could be considered an extremely favourable turn of events.
The more chaotic the wizarding world becomes, the easier it will be for them to reap the rewards.
Grindelwald's influence is in European wizardry, while Andy's is in British wizardry.
They can safely hedge their bets.
The former relies on a coup to rise to power, while the latter will go through the official channels.
The former is risky, but the rewards are also great. The latter is less risky, but the rewards are also lesser.
What's more, their power base is in the British magical community.
No matter whether Grindelwald succeeds or not, and no matter how chaotic the European magical community becomes, they only need to push Andy into the position of Minister of Magic, thereby becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The only problem is that Andy has not yet graduated.
That is why they hope that the European wizarding world will get even more chaotic.
It would be best if Grindelwald succeeded.
Even if he fails, it must not happen too quickly.
It would be even better if it stays chaotic for another decade or two!
***
Hogwarts is the microcosm of the British wizarding world.
Here you can see the interests and conflicts of all sides.
The righteously indignant Gryffindors.
The carefree Hufflepuffs.
The egoistic Ravenclaws.
The ambitious Slytherin.
Listening to the discussions in the Great Hall, Andy felt a little bored, despite his interest in hearing the gossip.
This is a wizarding world that doesn't cherish magic!
Of course, despite what he thought, there were some things that even Andy couldn't avoid completely.
Because Andy is still part of this 'society'.
When you are in society, your actions can't avoid being influenced by it.
Andy knows this only too well.
"Andy!"
Harry and Ron come over, looking impatient. "Do you know anything about Grindelwald?"
A strange look crossed Andy's face.
The legendary saviour... is he too caught up in the role?
To be honest, Andy no longer feels like dealing with Harry and Ron since Voldemort's death.
Without the interference of the prophecy, Harry was just a slightly talented young wizard with limited value.
"Not much, I'm afraid," Andy said nonchalantly.
Harry was taken aback and asked with concern, "I wonder where Professor Dumbledore is now."
Andy ate in silence and didn't reply.
Hermione saw the awkward atmosphere and asked, "Harry, what do you hope to achieve by finding us?"
"Er..." Harry froze for a moment.
After reading the newspaper, Harry's first reaction was that he should do something.
But what?
So Harry habitually came to see Andy, hoping that Andy could come up with an idea.
"We're just students; we can't even leave Hogwarts," Hermione added.
"Fine." Harry was a little disheartened.
After sending Harry and Ron away, Andy and Hermione looked at each other helplessly.
Just then, someone suddenly ran into the Great Hall and exclaimed, "You have to come out and see this! The professors have lifted the castle's defensive enchantments!"
"What?!"
"But that's the school's last line of defence!"
"What about our safety?!"
The young wizards clamoured in alarm and then rushed out of the Great Hall.
Andy and Hermione continued eating.
The two were not surprised by the news.
After the news of Grindelwald's escape from prison became public, there was no need to hide the fact that Voldemort was dead, and naturally, there was no need to continue maintaining the magic barrier that had shrouded Hogwarts Castle.
"Hermione, I'm going out this afternoon," Andy suddenly said.
"Huh?"
Hermione was taken aback. "Where are you going?"
Andy replied, "I'm going to see Professor Snape to ask him for some information and catch up on some things."
"Hm."
Hermione nodded, "If anyone asks for you, I'll cover for you."
"Thanks!" Andy smiled.
Hermione turned to look at Andy. "Andy, there's no need for us to be so formal with each other...you know?"
"Well, my bad!"
Andy laughed, "I'll leave it to you then, this afternoon."
"No problem." Hermione nodded slightly.
Andy had long wanted to meet Snape.
When they met at Gringotts before, Andy had asked Snape to help analyse Voldemort's arm, and now he wonders how that's progressing.
However, with the Hogwarts defence system still in place, Andy had been unable to go out as he pleased.
Now it had finally been lifted!
----
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