— Albus, explain to this stubborn student that he is not allowed to leave Hogwarts! — Well, what did I say? McGonagall was stubborn, although I didn't even ask, just out of politeness I decided to inform him, it's the banal rules of etiquette. But no, she's like a sheep, and that's that. She assigns some detentions, takes off points, although it was agreed separately, so the only thing I can do is threaten me with expulsion.
But for that I have to do something really stupid, because in English rules they try to educate and pressure first, and then if the public finds out about it and the principal's authority is damaged, then the child is expelled. So the dean tried to shame me or pressure me, but nothing worked, so he dragged me to the principal. And I went — I'm very interested to see this performance. Especially since I always have the recorder with me, and this memory will give me pleasure, so I can easily show it with the "Cup".
— What is it, Minerva? — The Headmaster found himself at his desk.
— You see, Albus, what's going on... — What followed was a detailed description of all my transgressions.
— Mr. Hoshino, you must understand that your guardian has given you explicit instructions, so we can't let you go. — With a kind of regretful expression, the headmaster spread his hands without taking his eyes off me. I felt the 'Elder' clawing at the titanium door of my mind again.
— Are you aware that when I signed my student contract, I made some special changes, such as not participating in the faculty competition or doing physical labor? I don't care about your withdrawals, — I look at my dean. — And neither do the detentions. I paid my tuition here honestly, and I personally sealed the contract with magic. No outsider has the right to interfere with a deal that has already been made. For my part, I've fulfilled my obligations by paying the bill. Now it is up to you to fulfill yours. So I find your words and threats meaningless.
— You forget yourself, young man. — The dean gave me a threateningly angry look. — It is not proper to interfere with older, wiser people! Besides, you are bound by law to obey!
— I don't owe anything to anyone. — I replied calmly, smiling. Now that I have a lot of free time, I have returned to deep meditation, which could not help but affect my mental state. — Are you aware, Dean, that they're trying to rob me of my profitable business? No? Well, you should ask the headmaster — he's up to date. — A wry grin for Dumbledore. — Or read tomorrow's edition of The Prophet, they're printing it now. Right, well, I have to go. Do you mind if I use the fireplace? No? Oh, how rude! — I shake my head. — Well, I'll be on my way. Good day to you.
The door to the office was locked, of course. I turn around and meet an angry look. My palm rests half a meter from the door, where there is a knot of power structures from which several lines lead to the door.
A seal of silence on the whole node, and the door itself opens with a slight creak, and at the exit stands not a gargoyle at all, but a common sleeping stone golem in sleep/wait mode. On the way out of the castle, the big doors were also blocked and locked. I wanted to do something nasty, but decided against it, so I did another Seal of Silence and left the castle. After the gate I go to Heathrow Airport.
The flight from the United States will be here in forty minutes and Anthony is already here with people and transportation. In general, this man turned out to be very smart and efficient, especially in the world of muggles.
Along with him came three more middle-aged men, whom I had only met once before, when Anthony came back for the goods and decided to introduce the new employees. All three, like their boss, worked in the Aurorate, live in Muggle London, all have normal documents and driver's licenses. All three have signed magical contracts. Two minibuses have been hired for the guests. We don't want to rush into the light, today they will be interviewed, introduced to local life, and then the work will begin.