Hogwarts: Bourne Returns from Warhammer

Chapter 232 Lockhart is still the same Lockhart
Ouyin Wrench patiently shook hands with the flashy wizard in front of him. For Garen's sake, he endured a lot.

As the mechanics of the Hogwarts Express, when the train does not need to run, the Ministry of Magic actually has no requirements for them.

In other words, except for July (holiday), September (school start), and December (Christmas vacation and back-to-school), these dwarves have paid leave for 7 months of the year. .

Of course, during the vacation, their salary can only be guaranteed.

Normally, these dwarves would take on other jobs during these nine months to make money, and more importantly, to pass their boring time.

However, this year is a little unusual.

At the Gringotts Diagon Alley headquarters, the minecart system in the underground tunnel is not only complex and changeable, but also very old, requiring huge sums of money to be overhauled every year.

Although wizards with good skills can actually do this job, and may even complete it better, due to tradition and the need to maintain their "personality" in front of the big customers of pure-blood wizards - this is actually very interesting. Many pure-blood wizards I feel that Gringotts, which has been repaired by wizards, may not be as safe as before - the goblin bankers of Gringotts usually only let their own logistics department do the maintenance, demonstrating the "goblin craftsmanship".

But the DIO of capital is like this, everyone must have guessed: once they come into contact with finance, for the physical manufacturing industry, it is basically difficult for those who are accustomed to playing with numbers to be willing to "dirty" their hands.

The person in charge of logistics at Gringotts nominally arranges for goblin workers to inspect tunnels and minecarts, but in fact every year they subcontract the business to dwarf mechanics like Oin Wrench and the others.

The goblins in Gringotts are all very good at making false accounts, even those in charge of logistics.

However, I don’t know what happened to those goblin bankers this year. They have recently been checking accounts and personally going underground to take stock of the vaults.

Because my grandfather's immediate boss can't tell when he will show up, the goblin manager in charge of logistics this year can't operate as he did in previous years.

The dwarves lost a big customer.

In desperation, these dwarf mechanics could only break into pieces, place a lot of small advertisements in the Daily Prophet, and accept odd jobs in twos and threes.

It was through this channel that Oin Wrench was hired by Gilderoy Lockhart, and brought his brothers with him to do part-time work for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.

"Have you got everything?" Gilderoy Lockhart asked, the excitement on his face almost palpable.

Ouyin Wrench nodded.

He was actually a little worried. He was worried that the wizard would recognize him.

Because not long ago on the Hogwarts Express, due to an "accident" (Chapter 52), the appearance of Pi Yanzi and Lockhart's saucy maneuvers caused the Hogwarts Express to crash halfway.

As the perpetrator, Lockhart could really feel the "enthusiasm" of the dwarf mechanic masters on his face and belly.

At that time, Oin Wrench was also one of the dwarves who showed "enthusiasm".

However, perhaps because every dwarf has a similar barrel-shaped figure and a thick beard, Lockhart really did not recognize that the "wrench" in front of him had really hit his head with a wrench.

He enthusiastically pulled Ouyin and the others into the courtyard of Hogwarts Castle. As they walked, he also warned: "When I was traveling in a mysterious ancient country in the East, I once saw the Muggles there performing... A kind of celebration - they will make models of magical animals such as venomous leopards and long-horned water snakes, and then people will hide inside and control them, making the performances vivid and lively.

Today happens to be Halloween, and I just want to show the little wizards this interesting folklore activity.

I asked you to make full-scale models, and you were responsible for supporting them inside and then controlling their movements.

Of course, remember, remember, you must pay attention to my instructions.

I want to act out the adventures I have experienced in front of everyone, and teach them how to deal with these dangerous magical animals with both hands..."

Ouyin and his brothers carried the box and listened to the boss's instructions as they walked.

It's all about earning Galleons, and controlling a doll made of machinery is not cool at all.

"...Okay, you guys just wait here for now," Lockhart stopped when he reached the castle gate. He did not invite the dwarves to enter the castle. "Wait for my greeting, remember. It was an aria-like song, and then you pretended to be magical animals and rushed into the auditorium."

Ouyin Wrench nodded in agreement.

Then, regardless of the drizzle of rain, these very strong dwarves placed the box they were carrying on their shoulders on the bluestone on the floor, then jumped on their short legs and sat on it, waiting patiently.

They brought some dry food and ale, so they wouldn't be too bored while waiting.

However, when Lockhart walked into the castle alone, it didn't take long for Ouyin to see another acquaintance of his from Hogwarts.

"Little Bourne, what are you doing out here on a rainy day?"

Bourne was holding a big basket in his hand, and in front of the dwarves, he took out the things he had prepared for Ouyin and the others——

A few charcoal-grilled dwarf pork elbows, a stack of pancakes, and a large barrel of mead.

There is also wine in the Hogwarts kitchen, but it is not a drink, but a kind of condiment that the house elves need when cooking.

It is worth mentioning that the big elbows of the pig monster and the barrel of mead were specially sent by Momo.

Because the food that other little wizards eat basically does not use alcohol as a seasoning, and only the "nutritious meals" that Bourne needs - tartar dragon meat, dwarf pig monster elbow, Riem beef steak and the like, "Hard dishes" made from magical animal materials - some must use alcohol to remove the smell and toxicity.

Bourne is a decent man, and he can't do such a thing when a white woman buys things from Hogwarts as a favor.

When inviting the dwarves to eat, Bourne also cast a waterproof and moisture-proof spell and a deformation spell, which not only dried their wet clothes, but also built a small rainproof shelter for them.

"If you were born in our family, my grandfather would definitely like you very much." Ouyin Wrench said with emotion as he watched Bourne chewing the pork knuckle in a very manly manner.

Although they are immersed in magic all year round, the average physique of wizards is actually higher than that of dwarves - of course, physique and strength are two different things. Dwarves are generally much stronger than wizards, and their bodies look stronger - However, due to a certain stereotype, the dwarves still feel that wizards are not like them, they are all "little skinny monkeys" with thin arms and legs.

In particular, "being able to eat" is one of the important criteria for measuring health in the eyes of dwarves, and adult wizards generally have less appetite than dwarf children.

Human children like Byrne behave like adult dwarves when eating (in fact, Byrne still holds his belly), so naturally he can be recognized by dwarves like Ouyin. After gaining recognition, chatting will naturally become easier.

"Just as I guessed," the word "sure enough" immediately popped into Bourne's mind after learning about Lockhart's plan.

The star professor is going through another overhaul.

But it is a bit path dependent.

Although Kettleburn was a little unhappy about the incident of dealing with birds and snakes at the dueling club event, Lockhart did gain a group of fans among the young wizards and cleared some of them. After school started, he passed the real and The "infamy" brought about by the performance of the defeat.

Even some young wizards in Gryffindor House began to believe that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor might have some real abilities. The reason why his previous performance was so poor may simply be because he was "acclimated" - he had indeed returned to Hogwarts Castle not long ago, and it was understandable that he was a little uncomfortable - for example, sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow caused him to cast spells during the day It's not smooth, it's not like the little wizards haven't seen it at home.

Of course, Bourne doesn't care at all about these little wizards' thoughts. He is more concerned about how to get Tom Riddle's diary from Lockhart and how to deal with the basilisk in the castle. things.

Although it was inconvenient to ask Lockhart "in person" because Principal Dumbledore was back, Bourne went to his office this morning while Lockhart was still in class and he had no class.

However, somewhat unexpectedly, Bourne did not find Tom Riddle's diary.

Because he had annihilated the remnant soul of Voldemort, Bourne still clearly remembers the "stench" of that guy's soul.

It's far away, so whether or not you can find it may have to be said separately. However, in an office that serves as a living room and dormitory, which is roughly fifty or sixty square meters, as long as the diary is in that room, there is no reason why Bourne cannot find the Horcrux.

Bourne was also certain that Lockhart did not carry the diary with him... Wouldn't that make things strange?
Originally, if conditions allowed, Bourne actually wanted to "visit" Lockhart in person again after the dinner.

He had taken good care of the chainsword, bolter, and alchemy ring (Fire Dragon Armor) on his hand: even though there was no suitable ointment at hand, after praying sincerely to the Emperor, their The machine soul was still so happy that it almost started "singing on its own".

"Don't worry, you won't be late for a good meal. Your chance to sing loudly will come soon."

After patting the deformed lizard wallet on his waist and gently rubbing the ring on his hand with his thumb, Bourne chatted with Ouyin and the other dwarves for a while. When the lanterns came on, he walked into the castle. Singing was already coming from the auditorium, and the Halloween party was about to begin.

Thousands of candles floated up, lighting up the entire Hogwarts Great Hall.

Sure enough, just as the upperclassmen had rumored: Principal Dumbledore invited the famous wizard singing group "The Weird Sisters" to perform on stage, and there was also a whole team of skeleton dancers to accompany them.

The skeletons jumped off the stage, tap dancing, and shuttled back and forth among the little wizards.

The senior students laughed loudly; while some of the lower grades, or the little wizards from Muggle families, were a little afraid of these "soul dancers". They gathered together to avoid being alone and suddenly rushing to perform in front of them. The curious dancer.

After Bourne walked into the auditorium, a skeleton found the right opportunity and rushed to his side with a "whoosh".

then……

Nothing more happened. The poor dancer was dragged to the ground by his humerus. Bourne touched his head before letting him go.

"Mummy and leprosy, not round enough."

As an expert craftsman who had the experience of pressing down Uzul's body and crushing the 888 "babies" on the legendary vampire's precious cloak one by one in front of the "Skull Snatcher", Bo Well, there is no doubt about the professionalism of the feel of this thing.

(Uzul: Family, who knows, this guy is even more perverted than the great demon under the brass throne!)

Besides, there was no green light emitting from the skull, and Bourne had no interest in such an ordinary gadget.

The skeleton dancer he "released" EMO'd for a long time, but it still waited until the memory in the brain (if there was one) was formatted and updated regularly because the memory was full, and then it got rid of this negative state and continued. Sing and dance happily with other companions.

Bourne kept an eye on Lockhart.

Sure enough, not long after the dinner was held, the professor started to get busy again.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh..."

He clapped his mouth and shouted like Tarzan, which was the signal he and the dwarves had set.

At the same time, his strange shouting naturally attracted the attention of the little wizards in the auditorium and other professors.

Under the gaze of everyone who looked at him like "looking at the fun" and "looking at a fool", Lockhart actually started his performance calmly and calmly - it was true that he was mentally strong to a certain extent.

"boom--!"

"boom--!"

With two heavy door pushes, the solid wooden door of the Hogwarts Great Hall was pushed open from the outside, and cold wind suddenly poured into the great hall.

Many candles near the door were blown out by the strong wind.

Bourne thought: "Lockhart really put a lot of effort into creating the scene, and it cost a lot of money."

His eyes pierced the darkness outside the hall and saw the figures of Ouyin and his dwarf brothers. These stocky dwarf craftsmen set up a foot-operated blower outside the foyer. They just stepped on the wheel rudder together, causing the blower to blow out the strong wind.

When the door opened, the Ouyin brothers immediately slid down from the blower seats and neatly put on the "costumes" required for their "appearance".

Ouyin put on a cat costume as huge as a lion. This costume had many soft hairs stuck on it with magic glue, but the pattern on its body looked like a tiger or a leopard, full of momentum. Its teeth and claws made of metal were extremely sharp and glowed with a cold light. After putting it on, Ouyin pressed the leather trumpet inside it, imitating the sound of a roaring beast. And when it roars, the thick mane on its neck suddenly stands up, and its neck inflates, expressing a strong threat in the most intuitive way.

This is a parody of the Poison Leopard.

The poison leopard is a dangerous magical animal from East Africa. It looks like a leopard but is as big as a lion. The venomous leopard is considered the most dangerous living creature in the world. They are good at moving quickly and stealthily, and do so silently. Moreover, the breath they exhale is extremely poisonous, enough to destroy an entire village. It is very difficult to subdue wild poisonous leopards. Professor Scamander even wrote in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them": "...I estimate that at least a hundred wizards will be needed to join forces to round them up and continuously cast stun spells on them. Safely capture a poisonous leopard."

The other brothers of Ouyin put on another set of "costumes" together, because the magical animal they wanted to play was larger than the poisonous leopard.

They mimic a long-horned water snake that's over 20 feet long!
This magical animal has a snake-like body like a python, with horns on its head - which is also the origin of its name - because they live in the water all year round, they have green hair similar to water plants on their bodies, and fin-like limbs.

The horned water snake played by the dwarves has a large prismatic gemstone inlaid on its forehead.

If this is a real long-horned water snake, then it is the most cherished species among long-horned water snakes, because the prismatic gemstone is completely condensed by pure magic power, which can give this kind of long-horned water snake both flight and invisibility. A magical talent.

But costumes are costumes after all, and even if Lockhart is willing to spend money, these dwarves have no place to buy him the gem of the horned water snake.

It was just a glass ornament. However, the dwarves found a wizard craftsman to cast a powerful levitating spell on this long-horned water snake costume in advance, so that it could float in mid-air. When it wants to move, a dwarf hidden inside must paddle its flippers like a rowing boat, stirring up the air to move the costume. This is quite physically demanding work, so even a strong dwarf cannot operate the costume alone.

Ouyin and the others were very dedicated, and it only took a short time to complete the costume change. It was obvious that they had rehearsed many times in advance.

When everything was ready, the "venomous leopard" became entangled with the "horned water snake" - just like Merlin vs. Dumbledore - although these two magical animals would never appear in the same place. There was no competition for ecological niches, but at Lockhart's request, they still broke into the Hogwarts Great Hall in a very dramatic way.

Not to mention the little wizards, even the knowledgeable professors were so surprised that their eyes widened. Seeing that the performance was off to a good start, Gilderoy Lockhart was so proud that the corners of his mouth were hanging from his ears.

He took three steps at a time and suddenly stepped onto the dining table. Regardless of the overturned cups, plates, dishes, and chopsticks, he proudly announced: "Don't worry, let alone panic, this is just a small gift I offer to everyone." Entertainment program!”

(End of this chapter)