The guest is a cat. It should be an Animagus.
I feel like it is just a monster disguised as a cat. Agreed.
Agreed. Add one. Agreed. Add 10086.
Garfield did not know what these portraits of the headmasters were whispering about. Actually, Garfield was very curious about one thing.
These portraits not only possessed some of the original's thoughts, but could also act and talk. They had memories and the ability to move over long distances.
After Sirius Black's death, Phineas Nigellus Black, the great great grandfather of the Black family, upon hearing that the last member of the Black family had died, ran directly from the portrait of the headmaster at Hogwarts back to his ancestral home at 12 Grimmauld Place in London, England. Speaking of the Black family, they were actually quite powerful.
The oldest and noble Black family was one of the largest, oldest, and wealthiest pure blood wizarding families in England.
They were also one of the Sacred Twenty Eight families.
Many British wizarding families had close or distant blood ties with them. Like the Malfoy and Lestrange families, the Black family was synonymous with status and wealth.
However, in the future, their direct line would be completely wiped out. It was all because of one person.
Voldemort, still a child, would unleash another pure blood storm following Grindelwald's.
Essentially, this meant the destruction of corrupt old ideas and conservative families before the arrival of a new era.
The old perished while the new rose. Dumbledore, the last shining star of the old era, also fell.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Garfield and Armando Dippet's initial conversation was very formulaic. It consisted mainly of polite greetings without much substance.
As the conversation deepened, they gradually got to the point. "Professor Garfield, thank you for your support of Hogwarts.
However, given the current social unrest, the school may need some protection. I wonder if you have any specific ideas on this?"
Garfield thought for a moment, deciding it was best to be direct.
"Grindelwald's fault? Headmaster Dippet, do you think the unrest was caused by Grindelwald alone?"
Armando Dippet shook his head. "No. Although I have been at the school all along, I can still see that."
Garfield spread his paws. "So, the protection department's efforts are actually not very meaningful. Grindelwald is causing trouble in Europe, but he will not come to Hogwarts."
"Even if he did come, there will naturally be someone who can rival him. Right, Old Bee?"
Dumbledore scratched his nose without speaking. Armando Dippet naturally knew about Dumbledore's past relationship with Grindelwald.
He gave a slightly awkward laugh, and the matter was considered closed. Hogwarts had been fine without Garfield's involvement.
Garfield had not initially wanted to bring Hogwarts into his sphere of influence, but having wizards who could repair magical things was quite convenient.
As for loyalty, Garfield felt there was nothing a charm of unwavering loyalty or a soul contract could not solve.
"Headmaster Dippet, what if High Claw Group sponsored Hogwarts alone?" Armando Dippet instantly sensed a massive ambition.
Hogwarts belonged to the entire British wizarding world. Armando Dippet would not allow one company to monopolize Hogwarts.
"Your Majesty Pendragon, Hogwarts is a special place. There are some things that cannot be done." Garfield nodded.
"Hmm, if you do not need it, that is fine. Just come to me if you need money. Sometimes I am much better than those greedy families."
"Oh, by the way, could you let the students work for my High Claw Group when they graduate? The salary is more than double that of similar positions."
Armando Dippet asked, "Is there any risk?"
Garfield replied, "The reward is proportional to the risk. High risk jobs also depend on whether they can handle them."
"But currently, there is no risk. My High Claw Group defeated quite a few arrogant guys a few years ago. In the next few decades, there should not be any fools coming to cause trouble."
Armando Dippet knew that Garfield was telling the truth.
All the dark forces in Europe who had nothing better to do than go to the United States were either beaten up by Dumbledore and Grindelwald together or wiped out by even more powerful forces.
Some ancient dark forces were even completely wiped out by Garfield's so called master. "That is good. That is good."
Garfield felt there was nothing more to discuss. Armando Dippet was a good headmaster, but a bit too boring.
It was better to keep up the wits with the old bee.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Leaving the headmaster's office, it was getting late, around ten in the evening. This was just the time when the night owl Garfield was waking up.
"How boring. Old bee, Armando Dippet is much more boring than you." Dumbledore pushed up his glasses.
"Is that so? I think Armando Dippet is quite nice. Maybe your interests are different. We still have time. How about we come to my room for a drink?"
Garfield looked at Dumbledore suspiciously.
"Old bee, are you inviting me out? I am still a child."
Dumbledore almost spat blood. "Garfield, I do not need another cat."
"Who knows? Actually, I think you should ask McGonagall out. If you two put in the effort, you can have a baby next spring." Dumbledore was defeated by Garfield's words.
He shook his head. "Let us forget about it."
Garfield said, "Looks like you need some time to adjust. How about this, have McGonagall prepare some love potion for you?"
Dumbledore scratched his chin. "That might be a good idea. Actually, I think after classes start in a couple of days, quite a few enthusiastic students will be interested in you."
"Be careful, my friend."
Garfield puffed out his chest. "I am fearless. What can they do to a cat?"
Dumbledore grinned mischievously.
"A spell can turn a teacup into a living mouse. It can also turn a cat into a human. If some older students are talented... tsk tsk tsk."
The old bee was really wicked. Garfield decided he had better be careful in the future.
What if Dumbledore secretly gave the human turning potion to those students? Dumbledore took Garfield to his private room.
It was on the top floor of a sunny tower at Hogwarts. The interior space was still expanded using spatial magic.
A knight statue stood at the entrance. The two approached, and Dumbledore spoke the password to the statue.
"Cat food." The statue slowly slid open, revealing a small door.
"Cat food. What a terrible password," Garfield said to Dumbledore. "Can you change it?"
"Okay, Garfield. What are you planning to change it to?" "Dried fish is fine."
Dumbledore looked at Garfield with a deadpan expression. "...."