"Ah, I see now. I understand your thoughts," Dumbledore remarked, glancing wearily at the parchment scattered across the bed, filled with numbers and diagrams.
Elena had just elaborated on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the unavoidable circumstances within, along with Hogwarts exploiting the rules to amass significant wealth. Dumbledore's face held a newfound respect not just for Elena but for those in another world exploring the realms of gods, after comprehending all her plans.
Despite being in the Slytherin dormitories, Elena's mind soared beyond the castle's dome, merging seemingly unrelated information into a coherent whole.
Through intricate calculations spanning from the British Isles to the American continents, from the aftermath of 1945 to the brewing undercurrents of 1991, interconnected like precise gears, she foresaw monumental changes—more terrifying than prophecy, akin to deities moving pawns, leaving one feeling powerless.
Since the gold entered Hogwarts from Gringotts, nothing more was required. Unlike previous plans, this was an event starting from the end, merely awaiting time to tie up loose ends.
"Arithmancy? No, we call it science. Or rather, deductive science," Elena explained with a slightly husky voice, her eyes shining brightly.
The core difference between the magical and non-magical worlds lay not in economic systems or technological prowess but in their societal thinking. Magic and science weren't opposing equals from the start.
While Muggles' perspectives initially seemed narrower than wizards, it wasn't a reason hindering their understanding of the world.
Science was the method of human cognition in the non-magical world. All seemingly inexplicable magic was merely beyond the grasp of today's technological understanding.
For Elena, observation led to study, study to influence, influence to dominance—universal principles in any world.
"But have you considered, whether in science or arithmancy, accidents always happen. What if this fails? Hogwarts might cease to exist due to your recklessness. In the worst-case scenario, what then?" Dumbledore inquired, carefully gathering the scattered papers, posing his final question.
This was his primary concern: according to the binding oath, if Elena's actions endangered Hogwarts, it would trigger an alert of the unbreakable vow to some extent before the final outcome.
"Worst case? Then we hand the castle over to the house-elves and figure out a loan... House-elves cannot destroy or harm Hogwarts from the start," Elena replied nonchalantly, stretching lazily.
She patted the soft bed, got up, adjusted her hair in front of the mirror by the window, and casually continued speaking.
"Professor Dumbledore, let me ask you. When does Hogwarts truly disappear? When the castle's ownership no longer belongs to us? No. When the knowledge we impart changes? No. When the Ministry or any other organization forcefully appoints a headmaster or teachers? Certainly not! It's when Hogwarts stops nurturing and educating young witches and wizards."
Elena turned, playfully tugging at the thick, warm rug with her toes, gazing gently at the magical scenery outside the lounge, her sky-blue eyes twinkling.
"Even if Hogwarts were destroyed by war, the castle razed to the ground, the Forbidden Forest gone, and the great lake dried up into a pit. As long as there's enough wealth and manpower to continue passing on knowledge, even if the magical world disappears, as long as human civilization endures, Hogwarts will never vanish."
"Moreover, if we truly couldn't repay, it's the house-elves who'd be more anxious. To prevent this loan from turning into bad debt, they'd go to any length to help Hogwarts continue—mortgaging Hogwarts for a loan was merely a means, not the end goal," Elena teased, flashing a mischievous grin.
"How's that, Professor Dumbledore? Do you think I'm impressive? There's a Muggle term you might want to know, 'laying back to win,' it suits our current situation well."
The silver-haired girl joyfully raised her fingers, revealing a pair of adorable little fangs, her delicate face seemingly saying, "Praise me! Praise me!"
"Truly a surprising stroke of genius. I have no doubts about this matter now, and we'll do our best to support your ideas," Dumbledore applauded, nodding approvingly and then added with a gentle smile, "However, I believe there are a few other minor issues to discuss..."
The elderly wizard glanced at Elena, whose tail was wagging almost reaching the sky, speaking in a warmer tone.
"—Regarding the unauthorized removal of the Hogwarts deed from the Headmaster's office and the illicit signing of significant contracts under false authorization."
"Eh?!"
Elena's happy face froze for a moment, and an unruly strand of silver hair sprung up. Why did the atmosphere suddenly feel off?
"Oh right, what time is it now? I haven't sent a letter to Father Benedictus reporting in. He must be worried sick," Elena hurriedly hammered her palm, her voice echoing anxiously as she rushed towards the door of the Slytherin common room in her small shoes.
Observing Elena's sudden panic, Dumbledore couldn't help but smile faintly. He casually drew his wand from his long sleeves and gently tapped it forward.
(→→)つ—☆……【Petrificus Totalus】
Elena felt her whole body stiffen. Before she could collapse, she was airborne, landing gently on the soft bed in the dormitory.
"Professor Dumbledore, you used magic on a child who hasn't attended school! I will report you to the Ministry! You, a powerful wizard, using magic to torment a child, where is your conscience?!" The silver-haired girl, petrified, sensed danger approaching and made kitten-like mewling sounds as she denounced fiercely.
"Apologies, please forgive a frail old man for a bit of cheating. I won't use magic again," Dumbledore said calmly, retracting his wand as he slowly approached Elena, smiling gently.
"In accordance with Mr. Benedictus's suggestion, there's a rather primitive Muggle method of education that tends to be quite effective in making unruly kids like Miss Elena recognize their mistakes."
As he spoke, Dumbledore rolled up his sleeves, sitting on the bed and placing Elena sideways on his lap.
"Wait... wait..."
Seeing Dumbledore rolling up his sleeves and raising his arms, the silver-haired girl instantly realized the impending fate, struggling hard, shaking her head.
"Help! Murder! Dumbledore has turned into a dark wizard..."
Smack!
"Ah!"
Thump, thump, thump...
At that moment, rhythmic knocks echoed from the dormitory's door—the voice of the household elf Berli drifted in.
"Professor Dumbledore, I've brought Mr. Benedictus to the door."
Before it could finish, the dormitory door was forcefully pushed open by Benedictus.
"Elena, are you okay?" The man rushed in, visibly worried, then paused, a bit hesitant as he took in the scene. "Um, Professor Dumbledore, what's going on?"
"Father, save me, please!" Finally, her savior had arrived, and Elena was on the verge of tears. But the gaunt wizard's palm smacking her bottom hurt so much!
"I just found out that Miss Elena here mortgaged the school this morning," Dumbledore lifted his head, explaining calmly, as if it were an entirely normal occurrence
.
"Mortgaged the school before it even began?!" Benedictus felt a headache coming on. He finally understood what Elena had meant by something huge.
"I understand. Hand Elena over to me now," after a few seconds of contemplation, Benedictus nodded, just as Elena's face began to light up with a smile. But then, in a wooden tone, he added, "I'm stronger; it'll be easier for her to remember with a good smack."
Huh? Huh huh?!
Elena's eyes widened instantly, the script wasn't supposed to go like this! She was a hero! She was the most adorable little helper!
"Wait, I did everything for the good of the school! I didn't take a single coin for myself..."
Smack!
"Have mercy, I've learned my lesson. I promise there won't be a next time..."
Smack!
"Professor Dumbledore, you swore to protect me..."
Smack!
"Ah! Waaah, waaah, waaah... You're bullying me!"
Smack! Smack! Smack...
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