Contract Dissolution

Although the Lans Family had arrived as discreetly as possible, this was still a relatively formal meeting—and the dissolution of a Contract was no small matter—so the spectacle was inevitably substantial.

At the very least, when the tall, ancient, elegant Thestral Carriage landed, the students could not help showing surprised expressions.

"Those things pulling the carriage... are they horses?"

Harry looked doubtfully at the creatures drawing it, skeletal and jet-black, with a pair of enormous bat wings.

"Pulling the carriage? Didn't these carriages fly here by themselves?"

Seamus Finnigan gave Harry a strange look, then carefully examined the carriage again.

"Those are Thestrals, fairly common Magical Creatures used to pull carriages," Ron explained. "They say only people who have faced death can see them."

As he spoke, he looked at Harry.

Harry's mood fell at once.

Meanwhile, Seamus patted Harry's shoulder with a look of amazement.

"You can see them! That's so cool!"

Children were like that. Whenever something was unusual, especially when it was connected to impressive-sounding words like "death" or "fate," they always found it inexplicably cool.

"I wish I couldn't."

Harry spoke in a dejected voice.

The disappointment in his tone left Seamus at a loss for words.

"Harry, ah, I didn't mean—"

"That's enough, Seamus."

Hermione watched the flustered Seamus helplessly from the side. Taylor, however, paid no attention to Harry's troubles. She was staring at the two people who had stepped out of the carriage.

"They're from the Lans Family."

She quietly told Hermione, "They should be here for Luke."

Hermione immediately frowned.

"Should we warn Luke?"

Taylor shook her head. "Luke should be prepared."

The person who appeared below once again proved Taylor right.

Under the watchful eyes of the students, Luke went forward to greet them. He was dressed formally today as well, though compared to the two members of the Lans Family, he still seemed far less invested in his appearance.

"Worm Lans."

Worm was the first to bow to Luke. Lai Ke behind him followed with the same salute. Though he—or rather, they—had this grievance or that grievance against the Gaunt Family, when it came to formal courtesies, even if a Gaunt spat in their faces, they would still have to greet him with a smile.

That was why he had to dissolve this Contract.

They had no initiative at all. This was not an equal Contract; even a contract for household retainers was not so harsh. Yet this Contract had been signed during the Gaunt Family's heyday. Back then, if they wanted to use the Gaunt name as a banner, they had no choice but to accept such terms.

Luke's expression was solemn as he returned the gesture with the same formality.

Worm, who had been observing him from the corner of his eye, was briefly stunned.

It had been who knew how many years since he had seen a Gaunt willing to treat them with etiquette beyond their station.

"Luke Gaunt."

After exchanging names, the three of them straightened.

Worm had just been about to make some polite conversation when Luke spoke directly.

"There's no need for too much small talk. You know exactly what today means."

Luke said coldly, "Of course, since you came, I presume you understand the consequences as well."

With that, Luke turned and headed straight into the castle, looking exceptionally aloof.

The attitude instantly brought Lai Ke, who had just been annoyed and surprised, back to the past.

Those arrogant, haughty, and incompetent Gaunts had left the deepest impression on him.

Worm, walking ahead, watched Luke's back, and the worry on his face faded by a third.

As long as they could talk.

Thinking that, he followed Luke with noticeably lighter steps.

Professor McGonagall had lent them her office.

It was not particularly formal, but Hogwarts had no reason to provide a dedicated meeting venue for a student and a Pure-blood Noble who was not especially influential.

Still, today's witness was quite something.

The moment Luke approached the office, he paused. Then he forcibly suppressed his surprise and naturally bowed to Dumbledore, who sat at the head of the room.

"Professor Dumbledore."

The two members of the Lans Family behind him had surprise written across their faces.

After all, Dumbledore's attitude toward the Pure-blood Nobility was not particularly good.

Back then, a large portion of them had openly stood against Dumbledore.

Then, after the Dark Lord died, they had been taught a harsh lesson.

And now, was the Gaunt Family's heir actually on good terms with Dumbledore? Could this be a sign that the Pure-bloods were about to regain control of the center of power? Did it mean Dumbledore intended to ease relations with the Pure-blood Families? Or was he planning to win over some Pure-blood Families and strengthen the Pure-blood faction aligned with him?

In an instant, Worm thought of countless possibilities. Yet all those turbulent thoughts remained hidden beneath his calm expression.

"Let us be quick, Mr. Lans. Forgive an old man for lacking energy. Once the Contract has been dissolved, you may talk at leisure." Dumbledore wore a gentle smile. "Mr. Gaunt, I can permit you to miss all your classes today, but remember to make up your assignments afterward."

"No problem, Professor."

Luke quickly agreed.

Then he looked at Worm.

Worm did not hesitate further. He directly took a piece of Parchment from the box Lai Ke was holding.

"Please hold this corner, Mr. Gaunt."

As he spoke, Worm handed one corner of the Parchment to Luke while gripping the other himself.

Though Luke did not deliberately read it, phrases such as "serve as a subject for all eternity, never disobey" and "whenever called upon, refuse nothing" were enough to make anyone's heart race.

Such a Contract could not merely be called harsh. Of course, there had to be loopholes.

"Remarkable Contract magic." Dumbledore could not help but sigh in admiration. "Older even than the Unbreakable Vow."

"But it isn't as secure as that, Professor." Luke shook his head. "Every Contract has loopholes."

"...You're right."

Perhaps it was an illusion, but Luke seemed to catch a flash of disappointment on his face.

"Now, please tear it apart with all your strength, Mr. Gaunt."

Worm drew Luke's attention back.

Luke obediently pulled hard.

He felt a sharp pain in his fingers. Then crimson flames rose from the bottom of the Contract.

Gradually, the ancient Contract turned to ash.

Worm and Lai Ke suddenly felt as though a great weight had been lifted from their bodies.

Luke, meanwhile, was briefly dazed, as though he had just taken a bath.

But before he could recover, he heard Worm's voice.

"Next, let us discuss the matter of reputation, Mr. Gaunt."