The So-Called Desire to Conquer

"A video website, as the name suggests, is a website where you can upload and watch videos," Harry patiently explained to Professor Slughorn. "On this website, everyone can upload videos, and users who like the videos can like them and send bananas to increase their popularity..."

"What's the point of increasing the heat?" Professor Slughorn asked curiously.

"Increasing popularity increases a video's exposure on the website," Harry said with a smile. "Each video has initial traffic, and as the video's popularity rises, the website will give it even more traffic, making the video and its creator more famous among website users."

At this point, Harry, fearing Professor Slughorn might not understand, added, "Besides, this video website reportedly has 250,000 registered users... Just think about it, how many wizards are there in the whole world?"

Professor Slughorn's vision grew brighter and brighter; he could almost see a broad, thriving road shining right before him.

It was so tempting that he couldn't wait to try out the video website.

perhaps...

Can I teach some Potions Class tips on it?

No, no... let me think...

Harry interrupted Professor Slughorn's reverie, saying, "Of course, Professor, as one of the founders of the video website, I can request some preferential traffic allocation, right on our videos... and as an advisor, you will certainly receive ample exposure as well..."

"I understand, Harry, I understand!" Professor Slughorn exclaimed excitedly. "I accept your invitation!"

Even the most dense Professor Slughorn would understand.

Following Harry was practically a sure-fire way to make money.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that Harry was able to secure preferential treatment in resource allocation is enough.

He will gain ample exposure, and Professor Slughorn, as the video's consultant, will certainly receive plenty of attention as well.

Once you've built up a following through this video series, you can achieve twice the results with half the effort when you go out on your own or do something else.

With this in mind, Professor Slughorn felt the matter was even more secure.

Is there a more foolproof deal than this?

Harry was also very happy because he had managed to persuade the right person.

Think about it: Professor Slughorn has lived this long, so his skills in Charms and dueling must be quite impressive; moreover, he's a Potions Master no less skilled than Professor Snape. If you students have any questions, why don't you just go directly to him?

This is not just hiring a dueling advisor, it's hiring a backup resource for Potions!

It's like having Professor Flitwick and Professor Snape at the same time!

Professor Flitwick: So love will disappear, right, Harry?

If Professor Flitwick knew about this amusing incident, he would be heartbroken that Harry hadn't called him.

Bai's been so good to you, kid!

"In that case, I need to go back and prepare properly," Professor Slughorn cleared his throat. "After all, I'm going to be your advisor, so I need to be prepared... So, what's the first Magical Creatures you plan to deal with? Don't tell me it'll be Acromantula..."

"Why not?" Harry chuckled and shrugged. "Professor, you know, the Acromantula are a treasure trove, especially their venom... just like the venom you extracted from Aragog today... Isn't letting it go to waste in the Forbidden Forest a betrayal of Potions? I think anyone who loves Potions couldn't stand by and watch."

"Yes, yes." Professor Slughorn's old face flushed slightly. He never expected that Harry would catch him in his little trick—but what Harry said next touched him deeply.

Yes!

With so many Acromantula, so much venom, and so many Potions ingredients, how can we let them rot and spoil in the Forbidden Forest?

What a loss!

"I understand, child." Professor Slughorn's expression suddenly became solemn. "For the sake of these Potions ingredients, for the healthy growth of our children, I have no choice but to set aside my personal desires and take on this glorious and arduous task!"

"Thank you, Professor." Harry extended his hand and shook Professor Slughorn's. "Thank you for coming to the Dueling Club and guiding everyone."

"No, I should thank you for giving me this opportunity." Professor Slughorn seized the opportunity, thinking, "It's all about mutual support."

Both were satisfied. Professor Slughorn wanted fame, while Harry wanted to slack off; the two were a perfect match, birds of a feather flocking together.

But perhaps only the Magical Creatures in the Forbidden Forest are unwilling, especially the Acromantula; however, no one cares about their opinions.

Who cares what the spiders think? It's so hard to guess!

But Ron... well, Ron will probably still fall for the spider.

Have fun!

After parting ways with Professor Slughorn, Harry yawned and headed towards the castle.

He encountered Peeves on the road, and Peeves saw him too.

After staring at each other for about ten seconds, Peeves turned around and left without hesitation, showing no intention of teasing Harry at all.

Just pretend you didn't see Harry.

Harry was the same; he couldn't be bothered to waste any time with Peeves, and the two of them tacitly missed each other.

When Harry reached the Gryffindor Tower, he remembered that he needed to report this to Dumbledore.

But Dumbledore at school now?

He decided to grab a portrait and ask it.

He then looked at the portrait of Sir Cadogan not far away.

"Sir," Harry said with a polite bow, "Do you know Professor Dumbledore at the school?"

"Well..." Sir Cadogan spread his hands and said, "I haven't been following the Headmaster's movements, I apologize."

"He's here," a voice said behind Harry. "Professor Dumbledore went back to school an hour ago."

Nearly Headless Nick, floated toward Harry, his head still swaying precariously on his collar.

"I heard it from Bloody Baron; he saw it. Barrow said Dumbledore seemed to be in good spirits, just a little tired, which is to be expected."

"Where is he?" Harry pressed.

"Oh, humming and clattering on the Astronomy Tower. That was his favorite pastime—"

"Not Bloody Baron, I was asking about Dumbledore," Harry corrected.

"Oh—in his office," Nick said. "According to Barrow, he had some things to do before going to bed—"

"Okay, thank you, Sir Nicholas." Harry smiled and waved to him, then turned and walked towards the Headmaster's Office.

The Gryffindor Tower wasn't too far from the Headmaster's Office, and a few minutes later, he was already saying "Toffee Fingers" to Dumbledore's Waterspout Gargoyle.

The monster obediently jumped aside, allowing Harry to walk up the spiral staircase.

"Come in," Dumbledore said after Harry knocked on the door.

Harry pushed open the door. Dumbledore's office was the same as before, but the view outside the window was now a black night sky studded with stars.

"Oh, Harry," Dumbledore said in surprise, "What brings you here so late?"

"Oh, Professor," Harry said politely, "I have a somewhat immature idea that I'd like your approval—"

After saying that, he told Dumbledore about his idea to send the students from the Dueling Club to the Forbidden Forest for a trial.

Hearing his words, Dumbledore nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said to him, "Hmm... I think this idea is feasible, but are you sure you can guarantee their safety? What if there are places you can't see?"

"That's why I'm asking Professor Slughorn to be an advisor to the Dueling Club," Harry replied quickly. "Of course, if you're still worried, I can invite you to be an advisor to the Dueling Club as well."

"I won't go, Harry." Dumbledore smiled gently. "I've been quite busy lately, and with Horace and you there, I'm sure everything will be fine... So, I approve of it. I'll speak with Minerva later—now, you should go back and rest, Harry."

"Yes, Professor," Harry said obediently, sensing Dumbledore's dismissal. "Then I'll go to sleep now—goodnight, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled, waved to him, and saw him off as he left the Headmaster's Office.

When he returned to the entrance of the Gryffindor Common Room, the Fat Lady was clearly angry.

This anger... must be morning grumpiness, after all, the Fat Lady was just sleeping when he woke her up.

"Do you know what time it is?" the Fat Lady demanded of Harry.

"I'm so sorry—I had something important to attend to just now," Harry apologized to the Fat Lady.

However, the Fat Lady said somewhat impatiently, "The password was changed in the middle of the night, so you'll have to sleep in the corridor."

Harry raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why change the password in the middle of the night? When did Hogwarts have such a rule, changing the password at the last minute?"

"That's how it is," the Fat Lady said. "If you're angry, go tell the Headmaster; he's the one who ordered the increased security measures."

"Oh, I just got back from Dumbledore," Harry said with a shrug. "I don't necessarily have to go back to the common room, but you've given me a good excuse to skip bedtime—goodbye, I'm back in Vienna."

With that, Harry turned and walked out without looking back.

The Fat Lady clearly realized she'd gone too far, and she quickly tried to stop Harry, saying, "Oh, I was just kidding, Harry, how could you do this... The new password is 'tapeworm,' come back quickly, ahahaha... come back!"

The sound grew fainter and fainter. Harry went down the Seventh Floor and walked out the stairs.

After reaching the Black Lake, Harry activated Apparition and appeared outside Nurmengard Castle in Vienna.

The Ministry of Magic guards were naturally different from the Fat Lady; they didn't have morning grumpiness, and even if they did, they wouldn't take it out on Harry.

No one thinks their current job is bad; who would deliberately make themselves uncomfortable by changing jobs?

He walked into the castle and eventually found his way into the office with practiced ease.

Veratia was still working overtime; she looked a little tired, but she was still reviewing the documents in front of her.

"Good evening," Harry said as he walked up to Veratia.

"Harry?" Veratia looked up, recognizing Harry, and smiled broadly. "I knew it was you... But it's only Thursday, how could you..."

"The Fat Lady won't let me in; she's grumpy in the morning," Harry said with a shrug. "Since she won't let me in, I'll just come out. I happened to miss you, Veratia."

"Then I really should thank Fat Lady." Veratia smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling into a beautiful smile.

Harry walked up behind Veratia and reached out to massage her head, saying, "Yeah, if she hadn't stopped me from coming in, I really wouldn't have come here... Anyway, I don't have class tomorrow, so if you have time, I'll stay here for the weekend."

"Of course I have time," Veratia said softly, "But I need to finish reviewing these documents first. Please wait for me a moment."

Harry stood beside her, watching intently as she reviewed the documents.

It must be admitted that Veratia is indeed a stunning beauty, especially when reviewing documents; her noble and aloof demeanor makes it difficult for Harry to suppress his desire to conquer her.

The author of a certain novel once said that if something is too straight in some places, it has to bend in others. In the end, Harry even hunched over, like a shrimp.

Veratia noticed Harry's change, and a smug smile appeared on her lips.

snort...

She enjoyed her boyfriend's infatuation with her body, which not only proved her charm but also that Harry's feelings for her were not only psychological but also physically intense.

"Where's Cass?" she asked suddenly as she put down a document.

"Isn't she here with you?" Harry asked curiously.

"No, she hasn't been over these past couple of days." Veratia picked up another document. "I heard she seems to be working on something at the Malfoy family. Have you heard anything about it?"

"No, I'll ask tomorrow," Harry said, crossing his legs. "Oh, by the way, I've been working on some interesting things these past few days."

As he spoke, he explained his idea of Dueling Club trial to Veratia.

Upon hearing Harry's words, Veratia frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then continued to lower her head to review the documents.

"Didn't you suggest it before?" She didn't look up until she finished reviewing the last document. "If I remember correctly, we had a similar event when you were in third and fourth grade, right?"

"No, this time is different," Harry said excitedly. "Think about it, a newly emerging video website, combined with the Dueling Club trials, is sure to attract a lot of viewers..."

(End of this chapter)