After completing the conquest of the giant tribe—ah, no, the "cooperation"—
Early the next morning.
Ethan and his two companions set off on their return journey.
A pitch-black portal stood upright in mid-air. Its interior was bottomless, like the gaping maw of a monster ready to send people into a void of nothingness.
However, Ethan expressed his sincere regret regarding this. He still hadn't discovered the coordinates for the Abyss or the Underworld.
The other side of the door was merely the foot of a mountain.
——Truly delightful, simply delightful.
The blood from the previous night had congealed on the rocky ground, giving off a dark red sheen.
The giants, now thoroughly beaten into submission, watched Ethan with eyes full of awe as he sat upon the back of the three-headed dog.
The Giant Chief spoke respectfully, "Lord Wizard, may I ask... what arrangements you have for us?"
After last night's rebellion, the Chief's form of address had shifted from "Wizard" to "Lord Wizard." It was full of reverence.
Hearing this, Ethan opened his eyes, which were heavy with drowsiness from painting all night. He met a circle of gazes filled with hope and expectation.
Giant children clung to their elders' legs. Their rugged bones protruded from thin skin; their already large skeletal frames now looked like walking coat racks. They sucked on their fingers, their large eyes staring curiously at Ethan.
That appearance reminded Ethan of house-elves.
"Aye," Hagrid chimed in from the side, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. "I don't know how Professor Dumbledore is goin' to settle these massive folk!"
"Galloping Gargons! If we want to keep the Ministry lot from findin' out, we'll need a huge, hidden place!"
Hearing this, Ethan tilted his head in confusion and looked at Hagrid.
He spoke in a tone that suggested the answer was obvious.
"'A huge, hidden place'? Do we even need to look for one? Doesn't Hogwarts have a ready-made spot right there?"
Meeting Hagrid's bewildered gaze, Ethan curled the corners of his mouth and enunciated one word clearly—
"The Forbidden Forest."
As long as it's a new species, just dump it in the Forbidden Forest~
As for the depths of the forest? It seemed the prototype for the Ancient Dragon painting—the Norwegian Ridgeback mother and son—were nesting there...
Hmm.
Ethan mused.
Life finds a way.
Surely the giant race would also find a way to coexist peacefully.
"The Forbidden Forest?!"
Hagrid's eyes went wide, followed immediately by a surge of ecstasy!
"Ethan, yeh're a genius!"
"That's right! The Forest ain't just full of creatures and vast terrain, it's hidden from the outside world too!"
"I might even be able to let the students play with the giants during Care of Magical Creatures class!"
At the thought of that scene—filled with laughter and harmony—Hagrid let out an "Oh," feeling as if his heart was about to melt.
On the other side.
The Giant Chief watched them smiling at each other. For some reason, a strong sense of foreboding rose from the bottom of his heart.
...It should be fine, right?
At least, it can't be worse than these desolate cliffs?
Thinking of this, the Giant Chief felt slightly relieved.
He agreed with Ethan that Headmaster Dumbledore would send someone to transport them in a few days.
As for when the giant tribe eventually discovered just what kind of things they were neighbors with in their new home, and how they would howl in painful torment—that is a story for another time.
At this moment, the giants simply watched Ethan's trio depart with gratitude, murmuring:
"Bless you, powerful and benevolent King... We will offer you our loyalty forever!"
Not long after Ethan and the others left.
Another figure climbed up the precipitous cliff and appeared before the giant tribe.
——Outwardly a high-ranking Ministry official, but in reality, the Death Eater Yaxley!
He was also one of the two people sent at the start of the school term to monitor the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and find Ethan's weaknesses.
"Huff, huff... Finally climbed up here!"
Yaxley panted. His fierce face, full of trembling flesh, was covered in sweat.
Looking at the massive silhouettes moving slowly in the mist, he grinned, muttering with greed and amazement:
"What an astonishing physique... Just looking at them, one can feel the raw, brute strength!"
"As long as I can recruit these idiots who only know brute force, our Death Eater combat power will surely skyrocket!"
He had come here precisely to follow the plan left by Voldemort: Recruit the giants, recruit the werewolves. Let these forces, rejected by the orthodox wizarding world, become their power!
"Rest assured, Master..." Yaxley murmured, a determined, vicious glint flashing in his eyes. "I am different from those other fools who just drift with the wind. I will actively accumulate power for your resurrection and sweep away all obstacles!"
——The giant race is the first step!
Although, practically speaking, the first step should have been "recruiting werewolves."
Yaxley thought sullenly.
Don't even talk about "recruiting." He had almost been captured by those damned werewolves to be offered as a trophy to Ethan in exchange for precious healing potions!
Recalling how he had fled in pathetic panic under the siege of countless claws and fangs, Yaxley couldn't help but feel a burst of resentment!
"Ethan Vincent...! You have some skill, I'll admit, but the Master is superior!"
He touched the gift prepared in his robes, a look of inevitable victory flashing in his eyes.
Giants naturally worshiped violence and blood. As long as he catered to their tastes, they wouldn't be hard to recruit!
Yaxley lifted his foot and stepped into the giant's territory.
He was quickly introduced to the Chief.
Facing that mountain-like towering figure, even Yaxley, who prided himself on his composure, couldn't help his heart beating faster. It only solidified his conviction to obtain the giant race!
He bowed elegantly and spoke respectfully:
"Respected Gurg, I come by the order of the Dark Lord to seek your assistance..."
Yaxley began to speak methodically.
He failed to notice, however, the increasingly gloomy atmosphere among the surrounding giants.
You said—who are you going to fight?
Yaxley continued, "...This is a token of our respect: a great axe capable of splitting mountain peaks."
As he spoke, he chanted a spell and pulled the mountain-splitting axe from a bag enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm.
The silver-shining surface, the heavy and intricate magical runes, and its massive size—only a giant could wield it.
Indeed, it was a gift that hit the mark of the giants' preferences.
Seeing the Giant Chief staring intently at the great axe, Yaxley's expression became increasingly smug and certain.
He could almost see the magnificent scene of himself leading a mighty army of giants to flatten Hogwarts!
After a long while.
The Chief's booming voice came from above:
"Who did you say your enemy was just now?"
Yaxley paused, not expecting the Chief to focus on this question. Without thinking much, he answered calmly:
"Primarily, a wizard named 'Ethan Vincent'."
"He is the greatest obstacle blocking the Dark Lord's path of conquest. We are bound to tear him into ten thousand pieces!"
His words were filled with ruthlessness.
Yaxley was certain that giants would love this kind of talk regarding violence and slaughter.
Sure enough.
The Giant Chief reached down, grabbed the great axe, and lifted it with a thunderous boom. He swung it twice and nodded. "Indeed, a good weapon."
Yaxley's eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Then, I look forward to our cooperat—"
"Perfect. I can use your head to sharpen this axe."
"...What?"
Hearing the Chief's words, the smile froze on Yaxley's face.
He stared wide-eyed, dazed, doubting his own ears.
...Use what to sharpen it? Me?
Is there some misunderstanding?
However, when Yaxley finally noticed the giants slowly surrounding him, he realized with delayed hindsight:
These giants never intended to cooperate from the start!
——Damn it, they actually wanted to freeload his gift?!
Since when did the giant race become so smart?!!
"Why?!" Yaxley shouted in panic and anger.
Looking at the Chief's mocking and cold expression, he felt like the only idiot there was himself.
The Chief did not answer.
Instead, he held the newly acquired weapon high with both hands and roared in a deep voice:
"For Ethan Vincent—our powerful and benevolent King!"
"Kill this evil disciple!!!"
Hearing that familiar name was like uncorking a bottle; Yaxley's thoughts suddenly cleared.
——He had fallen behind Ethan once again. That damned brat had recruited the giant race first!!
Although giants were dull, they were fiercely loyal. Not to mention, Ethan had used some absurd method to become the "King" of the giant race as a human!
Is that even reasonable?!
Watching the giant palms lunging from all directions and the great axe chopping down towards his head...
Yaxley, who had made a wasted trip and had his precious magical weapon swindled, felt as if his heart had been trampled by a troll.
He was so frustrated he could explode!
He threw his head back and let out a miserable, piercing shriek:
"ETHAN VINCENT—!!!"
At the foot of the mountain.
[Soul Fusion increased by 0.1%]
"Hmm?"
Ethan looked at the prompt that suddenly popped up, a small question mark appearing over his head.
What's the situation?
System glitch? Why did it suddenly add a point of soul fusion?
Ethan turned his head, gazing at the towering mountains reaching into the clouds.
He flashed a smile that was one hundred percent sunny and harmless.
"Someone must have been shocked by my glorious achievements and is expressing their praise for me~"
"Heh heh~"
Back at Hogwarts.
When he heard that Ethan had successfully reached a cooperation agreement with the giant race, Dumbledore smiled and clapped his hands in praise.
When he heard that Ethan had eliminated the rebellious deputy, conquered the tribe, and become the "New King" of the giants...
Dumbledore fell silent.
In the Headmaster's office, the wall of portraits fell silent too.
Dumbledore even began to feel that Ethan was a "Fully Automatic Conquest Machine"—he would conquer wherever he was placed!!
His efficiency was a little too high!
"...You did well, Ethan," Dumbledore finally said, smiling with relief.
As for how history would judge him—well, he would be dead by then anyway, so who cares!
Dumbledore handed over a money bag. "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Vincent."
Ethan took the bag. Feeling the heavy weight, he couldn't help but feel delighted.
He put away the money bag with satisfaction and nodded.
"I accept your respect, Old Man... Dumbledore."
Dumbledore: "..."
Dumbledore practiced his skilled ignorance of Ethan's impudence.
What a joke. Never mind a bit of lip; Ethan could ride on his head if he wanted!
Dumbledore: "When school starts, I will also award fifty points to Ravenclaw for your outstanding contribution."
Ethan smiled. "Heh, Professor Flitwick will certainly be pleased."
"It's just—" Dumbledore paused, looking puzzled. "Are you sure the giants are willing to live in the Forbidden Forest?"
"Space is sufficient, but... there are many indigenous inhabitants in the Forbidden Forest, aren't there?"
Dumbledore was putting it mildly.
Except for the unicorns and centaurs, not a single existing magical creature in the Forbidden Forest was an "indigenous inhabitant"!
Norwegian Ridgebacks, Birds of Death, the Wolf Knight that only appears at night... plus the illegal hybrids Hagrid secretly stuffed in there.
The Forbidden Forest had turned into a mob spawner!!
——However, in a sense, the Forbidden Forest was actually safer.
The Black Dragon nested in the depths, and Ethan's Birds of Death would throw any students who broke in right back out.
And the Lost Wolf Knight guarding the Moonflowers would snipe students from eight hundred meters away. They couldn't get close at all.
The creatures Ethan left behind wouldn't harm the students.
Although... this also led to the students' enthusiasm for the Forbidden Forest rising with the tide.
Dumbledore had heard that a "Forbidden Forest Exploration Squad" had been secretly established at Hogwarts.
Specifically for running off to explore the forest in the dead of night.
Needless to say, the leaders of this organization were naturally those brave Gryffindor "point-losers."
Heh heh Youth
Dumbledore thought with a chuckle.
Ethan: "That's right, the giants are very willing to live in the Forbidden Forest! If we don't let them come, they'll be sad enough to cry."
Hagrid nodded furiously from the side.
Whatever Ethan said, just affirm it.
"That serious?"
Dumbledore was startled and murmured, "So, giants are a race that enjoys living with other species... Alright, I understand."
Dumbledore looked up and smiled. "Then let's do it that way, Mr. Vincent."
"For the coming period, I will still need to trouble you to use your portal to help move them."
A portal that could move locations silently and unknowingly. Truly a great tool.
"No problem."
Ethan made an "OK" hand gesture.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Then, could I ask you to help me collect as much detailed information as possible on the Progenitor Giants?"
That was history from the primeval, barbaric era. The only things preserved were stone tablets and bone fragments.
They were extremely precious and stored in the Department of Mysteries. Only someone like Dumbledore could borrow them.
"Progenitor Giants? Heh, what a studious child."
Dumbledore smiled, not asking for the reason.
Instead, he also pinched his index finger and thumb together, smiling playfully.
"It's 'OK' on my end too~"
Seeing this, Ethan raised an eyebrow slightly. Then his eyes curved into crescents, and he laughed sincerely.
After Ethan and Hagrid left.
On the wall.
The "Most Unpopular Headmaster in History," Phineas Nigellus Black, huffed:
"You haven't told him about that matter yet—"
"The Order of the Phoenix."
"Hah, you talk a good game, but when it comes down to it, you still don't trust that brat, do you!"
Dumbledore took off his glasses and wiped them.
He didn't argue.
Instead, he put his glasses back on and gazed deeply at a new painting added to the Headmaster's office—
His sister, Ariana.
Because her soul was incomplete, Ariana spent most of the day sleeping.
But for Dumbledore, just being able to see her again like this, to even touch her, was the greatest blessing of his life.
After a long while, Dumbledore sighed deeply and spoke slowly:
"If possible, I don't want any child to know of the existence of the Order of the Phoenix... That is not something they should have to worry about."
"I constantly reflect on whether it is right to give Ethan such arduous tasks and make him shoulder the burdens of the wizarding world so prematurely, just because he is powerful."
"Hmph," Phineas Black rolled his eyes. "From what I can see, that kid is enjoying it!"
Dumbledore withdrew his gaze.
Unconsciously rubbing the Elder Wand with its protruding nodules, he made a final decision:
"We will discuss the Order of the Phoenix later."
"The giant race, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professorship..."
"Ethan already has enough on his plate. Let's not add to his burden for now."
Saying this, Dumbledore laughed again.
"Besides, once school starts, Harry and the others will likely tell Ethan about the Order anyway."
After all, the title "Hogwarts Colander" wasn't earned for nothing.
However.
What Dumbledore didn't know was...
Not only had Ethan already been to the Order of the Phoenix headquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place, but he had also retrieved and destroyed one of Voldemort's Horcruxes from there—
Salazar Slytherin's Locket.
At this moment.
As if struck by a sudden inspiration, Ethan remembered this matter.
"Right!"
Ethan snapped his fingers.
"I've been so busy, I forgot all about the Order of the Phoenix."
"Hmm~ Just in time, Harry's birthday is coming up soon too."
"I can use a new painting to give them a surprise~"
Ethan made up his mind.
He smiled, looking harmless to humans and animals alike.
On the other side.
Far away in the ancestral home of Sirius Black, Harry Potter suddenly shivered for no apparent reason.
It felt like... he was being targeted by something dirty.
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