In the time between the end of the Triwizard Tournament and the last day of the school year, various rumors spread incessantly throughout Hogwarts. There was no statement from the Ministry of Magic, and the Daily Prophet did not write any articles. None of the teachers denied Harry Potter's words. They were only told that there would be an announcement from Dumbledore.
As for Leo, he didn't say anything, so it didn't become much of a rumor. However, Harry and Ron twisted their faces in anger and hatred every time they saw him. The other students didn't approach him much, perhaps because they were afraid of his power due to the explosion of the maze in the third task. The only ones who interacted with him as usual were the Weasley twins, Ginny, and Cedric. Hermione goes without saying.
Fred and George came to Leo's study room. They were there to explain the development status of their prank products. With Leo's help, the development was progressing rapidly, and they were ready to open a store as soon as they secured a location and a shop. As for the funds, Leo was investing because he thought it was interesting. He had the funds from his research results so far. The twins looked apologetic and said,
"Leo, don't worry about Ronny and Harry. They're just kids."
"We know you're great! Who could hate a genius who helps us develop prank products!"
"I could have developed non-lethal defensive goods as well. But now, I think defensive goods might be more profitable."
"Is it because of 'that person'?"
"Let's make something that even Muggles can use to defend against magic!"
"Hmm... Magical items that can be activated by Muggles or Squibs... That might be interesting."
The three of them began to brainstorm various ideas for product development.
And then it was time for the end-of-year party. Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang also participated. However, Igor Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang, was nowhere to be seen. He, a former Death Eater, seemed to have fled in fear upon learning of Voldemort's resurrection.
By the way, the winner of the Triwizard Tournament was Leonard Taylor, but due to the destruction of the maze and other damages, there was no prize money. It was probably harassment from the Ministry of Magic.
Everyone enjoyed the party. After today, the chances of meeting with other schools would drastically decrease. There were many who had become friends in the past half year. They enjoyed themselves greatly so as not to feel the parting.
"Leonard! You can come to my place anytime!"
"My sister is lonely, so please come and play when you feel like it."
"Hey! Gabriel!"
Fleur Delacour, the representative of Beauxbatons, and her sister Gabriel were sitting across from Leo. In the end, there were no men in Hogwarts or Durmstrang who were recognized by Fleur other than Leo. And Leo also has his beloved girlfriend. Apparently, it's already approved by their parents.
"I can't believe you chose another woman instead of a good woman like me. You'll regret it later."
"A good woman...?"
"Why are you questioning that!? I'm a good woman!"
"Well, to me, Hermione is the best."
The students around them sighed.
Even such a fun time comes to an end. The dessert was finished, and the large plates on the table were completely clean. Dumbledore stood up. Everyone was paying attention to what he was going to say.
"I'm sure everyone ate well. But what I want to hear is not such a story. Let me state the facts succinctly. Lord Voldemort has returned."
The moment they heard that name, the Great Hall was enveloped in fear. There were not a few students who screamed. Dumbledore waited for the students to regain their composure before continuing to speak.
"The Ministry of Magic does not want me to talk about this. The Ministry of Magic will probably not admit to Voldemort's resurrection. But this is the truth. There will be many difficulties ahead. That's why I want everyone to know the truth."
Dumbledore's speech continued after that. It was about the necessity of unity, and that they couldn't win unless they trusted their comrades. He seemed to be praising Harry Potter's courage, but Leo wasn't interested, so he let it pass.
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Leo's fourth year at Hogwarts comes to an end. A lot happened this year. From the Triwizard Tournament between the three major magic schools, to becoming romantically involved with Hermione, to the resurrection of the Dark Lord. It was a year full of events.
The students of Beauxbatons returned home in their horse-drawn carriage. Fleur Delacour enchanted the men of Hogwarts until the very end. The man she really wanted to enchant was not charmed until the end.
The students of Durmstrang boarded their ship. Viktor Krum approached Leo and Hermione for a final farewell.
"It was good to come to Hogwarts. Leonard, let's meet again someday. If you make that angel-like girl unhappy, I'll attack you with a broom at full speed."
"There's no need to say that."
After a final handshake, he headed towards the ship. The ship disappeared underwater, and the two magic schools left Hogwarts.
The red steam locomotive runs towards King's Cross Station. In one compartment are Leo, Hermione, and Ku. Hermione is reading the Daily Prophet newspaper and is exasperated.
"As expected, there are no articles about Voldemort's resurrection. And there are only articles that slander Dumbledore and Harry."
"Is there anything about me?"
"There's nothing written about Leo. I wonder if Fudge is scared?"
In truth, Leo's accomplishments are truly remarkable. Therefore, any hasty criticism of Leo could potentially erode public trust in the Ministry of Magic, particularly in Minister Fudge. Consequently, it would be unwise to take action at this time. It is quite likely that efforts are currently underway to gather more information about Leo.
"Well, I don't care about the Ministry of Magic. What are you going to do for the summer vacation?"
"I want to spend it at Leo's house again this year. I've already got permission from my mom and dad."
"Oh... speaking of which, I have to report properly to Hermione's parents. They seem to know that we're dating, but I have to say it clearly from my mouth."
"They should be coming to King's Cross Station today. It's okay, they both seemed happy."
Leo, who looked a little anxious, was seen as rare by Hermione, but she also felt that his appearance was lovely. It's proof that he's serious about her.
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King's Cross Station, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
The three who landed on that platform found the parents of both families. After telling them that they had returned safely, Leo faced Hermione's parents.
"I have something to report to you, my father-in-law and mother-in-law."
"What is it?"
"I am dating Hermione."
"Um, we know. We can entrust our daughter to you. Above all, we have seen our daughter being happy for many years. Please take care of our daughter."
"Yes!"
It turned out to be like asking for their daughter. Leo doesn't care, but the parents are already moving on the premise of getting married. The mothers approached Leo and Hermione and asked,
"Have you been proposed to?"
"When are you planning to have the ceremony? It's better to do it after graduating from school, right?"
"Eh? Eh!? Wait a minute, Mama! Mrs. Feriss too!"
"Hasn't the conversation gotten bigger? It was just a report that we were dating..."
"Don't you want to marry my daughter?"
"Leo, you should take responsibility as a man. We're not against it. We're not against it."
"I don't mind, but this flow is a bit... "
"Hmm, indeed, it's not good to do it in front of parents. It's too early for a proposal. But Leonard, I want you to remember that all of us parents are not against anything about your future."
In this way, the couple of Leonard Taylor and Hermione Granger became officially recognized by their parents. They also obtained permission to marry.
The Dark Lord has resurrected, and darkness will probably spread to the wizarding world, no, to the Muggle world. But Leo and Hermione had happiness as if they didn't care about that. Leonard Taylor's fourth year was the most wonderful year in his life, where he found someone more important than magic.
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Volume 4 is over! It ended peacefully with Cedric not dying. (Except for the Death Eaters)
Leo has become quite feared.
Well, it can't be helped if he caused such an explosion and was unscathed at the epicenter.
The championship prize money has been confiscated.
But with Leo's development cooperation and financial assistance, Fred and George's prank shop is no problem.