The Funniest Joke and the Least Funny Joke

"I can provide you with a safe place to hide, as well as all kinds of living supplies."

"Not enough!"

Black said without hesitation.

Although he is now wanted by the British Ministry of Magic, the world is so big and there are so many Muggle that it will be difficult for the British Ministry of Magic to catch him if he goes abroad.

After all, the efforts to hunt down illegal immigrants are incomparable to those to hunt down terrorists.

However, that would mean he would have to stay away from Harry, which would be putting the cart before the horse.

Of course, Black wouldn't tell Bell about this.

Bell smiled slightly, showing no negative emotions despite Black's refusal.

Originally, he hadn't intended to use this offer to impress the other party. It was merely an appetizer, or rather, a free gift.

The next condition was his trump card.

"I can ensure Harry's safety at Hogwarts."

While this condition is a trump card, it is also another test by Bell against Black.

Even though Bell doesn't care much about the issue of good and evil, he doesn't want a madman constantly hovering around him.

Therefore, if Black is truly concerned about Harry's safety, it means that he is not Death Eater and there is more to the story than meets the eye.

If Black seems completely indifferent to Harry's safety, then unfortunately, all of Bell's previous speculations may be flawed.

But it doesn't matter, as long as we catch Black.

In that way, not only could they obtain all of the Black Family's savings, but they could also boost their father's reputation.

In short, you can't lose out no matter what.

Bell did not add tracking magic to the Personal Terminal he gave to Black, but since Blake used the Personal Terminal, Bell was able to confirm the other party's location through magical interaction.

Therefore, tracking magic and the like were unnecessary from the very beginning.

Upon hearing Bell's second condition, Black's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

After thinking for a moment, he spoke:

"Not just at Hogwarts, I need you to protect Harry's safety at all times and in all places."

While Black would try his best to protect Harry, he was only one person, and his strength was limited, inevitably leaving some areas unprotected. If the Menethil Family were also involved, Harry would certainly be much safer.

"Impossible."

Bell rejected Black's additional request without hesitation; he had no interest in being Harry's full-time babysitter.

"Mr. Black, you have to understand, Hogwarts is far more dangerous than the outside world. I'm already exhausted just from ensuring Harry's safety within the Hogwarts grounds. Besides, Harry needs some privacy."

"Huh? Hogwarts in danger? That's the funniest joke I've ever heard!"

Black scoffed.

"Huh? Hogwarts isn't dangerous? That's the worst joke I've ever heard!"

Bell retorted without backing down.

"Mr. Black, I know you just came out of prison and are not very familiar with domestic news in recent years."

If you knew even a little about what's happened at Hogwarts in recent years, I don't think you would say something so foolish.

Seeing Black's bewildered expression, Bell sighed helplessly.

"Ugh! My damned gentleness!"

"Okay, let me give you a brief introduction."

When Harry was a first-year student, he was attacked by Troll at Hogwarts Castle.

In his second year, a dangerous Basilisk appeared at Hogwarts. I also heard that Harry had a close encounter with a colony of Acromantula.

In third grade, which is this year, uh... this year it's you.

By the way, during the Quidditch Match before, I heard that Harry, who was the Seeker Gryffindor, almost fell to his death because the Dementor went berserk and rushed onto the pitch.

So, do you still dare to say that Hogwarts isn't dangerous? Then find a place more dangerous than Hogwarts and tell me about it.

Bell looked so heartbroken that he completely stunned Black.

Black had no idea that Harry had encountered so many dangers in the past few years.

However, he did know the last thing. He was in the Quidditch pitch at the time. If he hadn't lacked Wand, he would have summoned his Patronus and killed those Dementor.

That is, if he can summon it.

Thinking of this, Black couldn't help but give Bell a strange look. Even now, the scene of Bell fighting against hundreds of Dementor single-handedly still shocked him.

"But..."

"Oh! Right! There are two more things I forgot to mention."

Seeing that Black was so unhappy, Bell decided to unleash his ultimate move.

"I forgot to include Dumbledore and Snape."

"..."

Black fell silent.

How should I put it about these two people?

Black didn't know what to say...

Logically speaking, Dumbledore shouldn't have harmed Harry. But if what Bell said earlier was true, and so many dangerous Magical Animals had indeed appeared at Hogwarts in recent years, then Black didn't believe that Dumbledore hadn't condoned it.

Would Bell lie to him?

Black didn't think so. After all, this wasn't classified information; he could verify its authenticity with a little investigation. The other party wouldn't lie like that.

Logically speaking, Snape shouldn't have harmed Harry either. Although Harry is James's son, he's also Lily's son. Given Snape's feelings for Lily, Black felt that Snape wouldn't hurt Harry... right?

He understood the reasons, but it was impossible for him not to worry at all.

After all, these days, there are plenty of people who don't play by the rules.

"I need to be certain that you will protect Harry before I hand over the Black family's treasures to you."

Upon hearing Black's words, Bell knew that the deal was done.

However, Bell was not happy that Black had doubted his integrity.

What about the most basic trust between people?

The nickname "Honest and Reliable Young Man" bestowed upon him by the Bell is no empty boast.

"No! The items must be handed over beforehand!"

Are you kidding me? Does he have to wait until Harry graduates before he can get his things?

What if Black doesn't give the "money" and runs away?

Bell: So what if I'm being hypocritical? I don't want to go through all that trouble again, searching the world for Black.

"Mr. Black, you should know that although you traded me your family's treasured magic books, I don't require them to be the originals. In other words, you actually didn't lose anything."

Bell attempted to brainwash Black with his fallacies and heresies.

In short, although Bell currently has more books than he can read, he wants them right now!