Hogwarts: Who made her a professor?

Chapter 167 Meddling in Others' Business

Chapter 167 Meddling in Others' Business

So what? It can be a meme, or it can be an attitude.

Two years ago on the Hogwarts Express, Belvina was willing to patiently explain to Neville that Neville Longbottom was a child, and he was still young.

But Augusta Longbottom was different. Mrs. Longbottom was already a grandmother, and she was neither deaf nor blind.

Yet they still fail to distinguish right from wrong and simply parrot what others say.

Belvina was too lazy to explain. If she weren't a professor at Hogwarts, and if the other person didn't have the surname Longbottom, Belvina would have turned around and left without even giving them a hard time.

The best solution to Mrs. Longbottom’s barbed accusations and misunderstandings was to gouge out her eyes and keep them with her at all times, so that she could see for herself.

Belvina wouldn't be foolish enough to jump into a self-incriminating trap. Once suspicion sets in, the guilt is already established, and no one will care about her explanation.

At this moment, under the brightly colored parasols of the café, Belvina sat back down to check her bags, preparing to leave with Harry. Harry and Neville faced each other, the verbal sparring between the two "parents" and the low pressure between them made the two little lions lose the courage to speak up and ease the atmosphere.

The most awkward person present was Mrs. Longbottom, who was caught in a dilemma, unable to move forward or backward.

Although she didn't know the full story of the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets, Mrs. Longbottom realized that the young witch in front of her was not that kind of person, at least not like the people in her family.

This means that all the previous statements were baseless accusations and attempts to smear people's reputations, even though the Black family has nothing to be proud of.

If she were to take a step back and apologize to Belvina in a conciliatory manner, Mrs. Longbottom would not be able to bring herself to apologize to a junior. How would Augusta ever face anyone in the future?

Furthermore, Mrs. Longbottom did not want to pretend to be deaf and blind and continue to insist on Belvina. She had already said the wrong thing, and she should not make a mistake on top of a mistake and let the error be magnified infinitely.

Most importantly, Neville will be returning to Hogwarts after September, and it would be very unwise to continue offending the school's professors.

What if Belvina Black's heart is only the size of a pinhole?

She can't afford to make things difficult for little Neville!

Just when Mrs. Longbottom was in a dilemma, her good grandson Neville Longbottom once again stepped forward.

"Professor Black, I've enrolled in your Muggle Studies course this school year," Neville said in a low voice. "These are the books my grandmother and I just bought at Flourish and Blotts."

As he spoke, Neville pulled out a new textbook he had just bought at the bookstore: "Domestic Life and Social Habits of British Muggles" by Wilhelm Wigworth.

Although the book is rarely used in Belvina's class, it still appears on the must-have list for students who have taken the Muggle Studies course. It contains a wealth of information about British Muggles and is well worth reading as an extension of the course.

"I look forward to seeing you in class, Neville," Belvina said. "Sometimes, choosing a thorny path that others are unwilling to take is a sign of courage."

Neville kept his head down, not daring to look at anyone, staring only at his toes. His round, chubby face was flushed, and his eyes were full of joy at being praised.

Neville always felt he lacked courage and was unworthy of Gryffindor, a school known for its bravery. During the Sorting Ceremony, he even argued with the Sorting Hat, hoping it would sort him into Hufflepuff.

What Nash didn't know was that arguing with the Sorting Hat during the Sorting Ceremony was also a display of courage.

"Muggle research?" Mrs. Longbottom looked at Belvina in surprise. "You're teaching Muggle research at Hogwarts?" The vulture specimen on the pointed hat trembled violently again.

"Yes, you can write to Dumbledore if you have any questions," Belvina said. "Don't worry, the lessons are not about how to hunt Muggles or disembowel them."

Belvina is relatively patient with children, but her patience with adults is pitifully low, revealing her blatant double standards.

"That's not what I meant," Mrs. Longbottom explained. "I meant, you're teaching Muggles research?" Mrs. Longbottom simply couldn't understand whether Hogwarts had become this crazy.

"Yes, if you have any questions, you can write to Dumbledore," Belvina said, standing up and telling Harry, "We should go back now."

Mrs. Longbottom suddenly raised her arm, stopping Belvina from leaving. Mrs. Longbottom said, "If I have offended you, I apologize for my behavior."

The sudden apology stunned Neville, who looked at his grandmother as if she were a complete stranger.

In Neville's eyes, Mrs. Longbottom was a strong, stern, and somewhat stubborn person who would actually apologize to someone!

Belvina looked at Mrs. Longbottom, who was blocking her way, at this thin, resolute old woman.

Hearing the other party apologize to her, and the victim's family apologizing to the perpetrator's family, is truly absurd.

“An apology is pointless, Mrs. Longbottom,” Belvina said calmly. “If you’re worried I’ll mistreat Neville, then there’s even less reason to apologize.”

Belvina paused for a moment, then continued, "I have always had great respect for people who are dedicated and willing to sacrifice."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Longbottom's pupils trembled.

"And if you insist on apologizing, take a look at Mr. Longbottom beside you," Belvina continued. "It's hard to find any boyish courage or confidence in him, Mrs. Longbottom. Can you tell me where Mr. Longbottom's courage and confidence have gone?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Mrs. Longbottom looked at Neville standing beside her. Neville Longbottom was still the same as always, with his head down, staring at his toes, and not saying a word.

Was Neville's timidity and introversion truly his own fault? Mrs. Longbottom asked herself this question.

Although this was her first time meeting Augusta Longbottom, Belvina had a general idea of ​​what kind of person Mrs. Longbottom was, and that Neville's character flaws were most likely caused by her.

Despite losing her proud son and daughter-in-law, the strong Mrs. Longbottom was not defeated by the hardship; she single-handedly raised her grandson Neville.

Undeniably, Neville's physical life was well taken care of, but Mrs. Longbottom neglected Neville's inner growth.

It's likely that Mrs. Longbottom treated Neville very strictly, and probably even felt that Neville wasn't good enough to be a match for his parents, as he wasn't as talented as them.

It was because of Mrs. Longbottom's harsh treatment and her rejection that Neville grew into the shy, clumsy, and introverted person he is today, and that he felt unworthy of Gryffindor, a school known for its courage.

Neville Longbottom had become accustomed to being criticized and gradually began to criticize himself. He lacked self-confidence to an extreme degree. When faced with any problem, his first thought was not how to solve it, but rather, "I can't do it, I definitely can't do it."

Living in the shadow of others is not a sustainable path. Neville either needs to muster the courage to step out on his own, or someone needs to help him do so.

Out of respect for the Longbottoms, Belvina didn't mind lending a hand, but that was the end of her meddling; Belvina had no right to interfere in the Longbottoms' family affairs.

"Harry, we should go back," Belvina said. "Oh, and," she added, glancing at Neville, who was constantly looking down at his phone, "I heard you're not using your own wand?"

Draco Malfoy told Belvina that only two of the freshmen who enrolled in 1991 used the old wand: Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom.

Neville, head bowed, didn't dare speak. The wand he was using was left to him by his father. Neville liked his father's wand very much, but he wasn't comfortable using it.

Mrs. Longbottom seemed somewhat displeased, whether because of Belvina's talkativeness or Neville's cowardly behavior, it was unclear.

"Neville, as your professor at the school, I personally suggest you get a new wand," Belvina said. "A wand that suits you, a wand that is truly yours."

That's enough. It would be impolite to say anything more, even though interfering in other people's affairs is already very rude.

Belvina gave a slight bow and said politely, "Then, excuse me."

After saying that, Belvina led Harry out of the coffee shop. Even as Harry was being dragged along, he didn't forget to turn back, wave, and shout:

"See you at Hogwarts, Neville!"

Neville wanted to respond, and he wanted to shout to Harry: "See you at Hogwarts, Harry!"

But when Neville looked up, he was met with Mrs. Longbottom's gaze, and feeling fear, Neville lowered his head again.

"Are you ashamed to use your father's old wand?" Mrs. Longbottom asked, her gaze sharp as a hawk's.

Neville Longbottom's breath hitched. He whispered, "I didn't. They are heroes, true heroes."

"If only you had your father's talent—" Mrs. Longbottom suddenly stopped, sighed, "Never mind, let's go."

"Grandma, where are we going?"

"I'll go buy you a magic wand!"