Chapter 49: 'Dinner”

Chapter 49: “Dinner”

Garlic? Cormac McLaggens peculiar remark immediately captured the attention of another student from the Slug Club, who was sitting beside Matthew.

I despise garlic! he muttered, frowning.

However, it didnt take long for him to catch a whiff of the strong garlic odor emanating from McLaggens breath, prompting him to quickly retreat his head.

Hello! Matthew glanced at the boy sitting next to him and spoke with enthusiasm.

The boy, thin and slightly nervous, forced a strained smile.

Matthew, this is Marcus Belby, a second-year student from Ravenclaw! Neville promptly introduced. Belby, meet Matthew Wickfield, a first-year student from Slytherin.

Hello Wickfield, hello Longbottom. Belby whispered.

Good evening, Belby. Neville nodded in response.

After exchanging brief greetings, Neville leaned towards Matthew and whispered in his ear:

McLaggens father, Mr. McLaggen, works in the Ministry of Magic and has a strong connection with Minister Millicent Bagnold. Belbys uncle, Damocles Belby, is a renowned potion expert and the inventor of the Wolfsbane potion. He even received the Merlin Medal for it

Matthew observed that the students around the round table were predominantly children of famous and successful individuals, as well as those from families with influential connections in the wizarding world.

In other words, everyone seemed to have received an invitation due to their close association with influential figures, just like Neville, McLaggen, and Belby. If Draco Malfoy hadnt been confined to the school hospital due to his injury, he would have been present as well.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

It appeared that students with average family backgrounds and exceptional talents were a rare sight here

For instance, Hermione Granger from Ravenclaw had made quite an impression at Hogwarts over the past month. Almost all the teachers held her in high regard, considering her the best student among the first-years. Of course, this was partly due to her outgoing personality, whereas Matthew tended to keep a lower profile.

There was also Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, a third-year student. Although Matthew hadnt interacted with him personally, based on the evaluations from students in the second and third years, Cedric was regarded as the top student in his grade.

However, neither of them had received an invitation to the Slug Club.

Of course, at another long table where the older students were seated, a few individuals with exceptional talents but average family backgrounds could be spotted. Matthew could identify Percy Weasley, a fifth-year Gryffindor student, among them.

Considering the Weasley familys financial situation, it was highly unlikely for him to be invited.

Perhaps Professor Slughorn employed completely different criteria when selecting students from different grades to join his exclusive circle.

I am truly honored to have received this invitation as a first-year student! Matthew thought, but suddenly he furrowed his brow, deep in thought, What did Professor Slughorn see in me?

Was it solely because of Matthews excellent performance in Potions class?

Matthew! Neville asked with concern. Whats the matter? You look a bit troubled.

Not only in Britain, but in the United States, Soviet Union, and many innocent wizards were captivated and followed Dumbledores lead. They united into an extremist group with the Muggle government as part of it.

Although Headmaster Grindelwald was trying his best, he was not a match for Dumbledore He said with a serious expression.

Finally, November 2, 1945. Headmaster Grindelwald challenged Dumbledore to a legendary duel ever happened! My Grandfather was fortunate to watch the history being recorded in front of his eyes, the duel lasted for the whole day. No one knows whats happening next, it was beyond their reach with what these two great wizards have in their minds.

Did Headmaster Grindelwald win? Matthew asked.

Headmaster Grindelwald emerged victorious, turning the tide at the last moment and saving our magical world, McLaggen proclaimed triumphantly. With Dumbledores defeat, his followers shattered and their forces weakened.

Headmaster Grindelwald then announced to the world that he will turn Nurmengarde into a prison and imprison Albus Dumbledore on the highest level. Headmaster then deployed the most powerful magic known to wizards to seal Dumbledore there for good.

Its a shame that our Headmasters plan for the Muggle world was bound to fail because of his duel with Dumbledore, his support and his strategy were useless after the duel ended

At the same time, although they were scattered and weakened. Albus Dumbledores followers were still all over the world, especially in Hogwarts at the time. You could say Dumbledore had more power than Headmaster Grindelwald

To get rid of Dumbledores followers, my grandfather helped Headmaster Grindelwald a lot. Although the Dark Wizards influence is deeply rooted everywhere, after almost thirty years they finally get rid of his influence for good! McLaggen finished his explanation.

Feeling his mouth and throat dry he stopped telling the story, Matthew took the initiative to offer him the pumpkin juice on the table.

He took it from Matthews hand, Thank you, Wickfield. He proceeds to drink it.

So, because Dumbledore has been imprisoned in Nurmengarde and the First Wizarding War was around fifty years ago. Did Headmaster Grindelwald has abandoned his plan as well? Matthew inquired.

Of course not. McLaggen said, What do you think Headmaster Grindelwald has been up to for all these years?

Neville returned, seeing this Matthew returned to his seat as well.

McLaggen then continued his discussion with Zabini.

The dinner was over soon, but Matthew never had the chance to talk with Professor Slughorn.

He left his watch at the table purposely and left with everyone else.

Then he turned back again because he forgot his watch after knowing Professor Slughorn was finally alone.

Mr. Wickfield, what brings you back here again? Professor Slughorn asked.

Sorry Professor, seems like I forgot my watch Matthew said softly.

At your age forgetting something is a bad habit, boy. Professor Slughorn said with a light chuckle.

After putting on his watch, Matthew hesitantly spoke to Professor Slughorn, Professor, can I ask you something?