After leaving Hela, Garfield returned to Hogwarts.
The students were in class, and with nothing to do, Garfield went back to his room.
He summoned a round faced, chubby Scottish rooster to deliver a message to Aberforth, telling him he would return to see him around eleven o'clock at night.
In his room, Garfield saw a figurine dragon on the fireplace.
Its mouth was strangely blood red.
Garfield sniffed it and it seemed to be deer blood.
The figurine dragon remained motionless despite Garfield's staring.
Just a figurine, he thought.
Never mind it.
Everyone knows that a cushion can breed a cat if left out too long, so Garfield climbed onto the cushion by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth of the fire.
The figurine dragon saw Garfield resting with his eyes closed, its eyes darting around a couple of times before a hint of disdain appeared on its lips.
"Just a low level, stupid, impure Flerken. Hmph. The fireplace is so comfortable. It is a pity its master is off somewhere else. A dragon's life is so boring."
Garfield appeared at the faculty and staff table at dinner time, dining with Dippet, Slughorn, McGonagall, and others.
"Horace, where is the old bee," asked Garfield.
Slughorn swallowed the food in his mouth and replied, "Albus went to the Ministry of Magic. Being part time Minister of Foreign Affairs is really squeezing the life out of him."
McGonagall agreed with Slughorn's point of view, saying, "That is right. That is true. Hopefully, Albus can take a good rest after dealing with Grindelwald."
Dippet also chimed in, "Actually, I was planning to let Albus take over as Headmaster of Hogwarts, but seeing how busy he is, I always feel that maybe I will outlive him."
Everyone could not help but laugh.
Actually, Dumbledore was not that busy.
He did not handle all diplomatic matters.
He mainly only appeared when it involved Grindelwald and Dumbledore had to be present.
Normal daily communication was handled by the Deputy Minister and his capable team members.
Besides his profound magical talent, Albus Dumbledore possessed another extraordinary ability.
A keen eye for talent.
He could always spot children's strengths, encouraging and inspiring them to grow.
After he joined the Ministry of Magic, under his meticulous guidance, the Foreign Office underwent a dramatic transformation.
Not only was the organization united, but Albus also unleashed the talents of each member in their respective fields.
Under his tutelage, the children were rapidly maturing into capable individuals.
This was one reason why the hostility toward Dumbledore among the Ministry's higher ups decreased after he became Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Another factor was the efforts of James Carter Senior.
The Foreign Office not only established ties with other countries' Ministries of Magic but also facilitated normal communication with the Muggle world in Britain.
James Carter Senior's exceptional position and the Carter family's influence in both military and political circles ensured that Dumbledore not only faced no obstacles in his interactions with the Muggle government but also accelerated the process of cooperation.
Another point to mention was the assistance Garfield's High Claw Group provided.
The massive High Claw Group, through its controlling stake in Stark Industries, wielded considerable influence in Britain.
When Garfield was away, Dumbledore helped combat those reckless dark forces, earning Queenie's trust and gratitude.
Out of goodwill and a desire to make friends, the High Claw Group, riding on the coattails of James Carter, offered a helping hand.
It was better than adding to someone's already good fortune, but not quite a lifeline.
It was more like helping Dumbledore light a fire.
Garfield had returned after a few days' absence and had even sought him out.
After receiving McGonagall's letter and finishing his work, Dumbledore rushed over.
This time, he did not use magic, but instead rode in a carriage pulled by a Thestral.
On the journey to Hogwarts, exhausted, he fell asleep.
In his dream, Dumbledore saw Grindelwald obtain the Resurrection Stone, and the two argued about whether to resurrect Ariana.
They fought fiercely, but suddenly the earth trembled, and a giant orange cat descended from the sky.
Dumbledore opened his eyes abruptly and saw the scene outside the carriage.
He realized the tremor was caused by the Thestrals landing outside Hogwarts.
As for the giant orange cat, it was probably because he was eager to see Garfield.
He had a feeling Garfield might disappear again for a while.
"Minister Dumbledore, we have arrived."
The coachman, a member of the Foreign Office, had won the mission of escorting their respected minister back after a rigorous competition.
Dumbledore pushed open the carriage door and stepped down, waving to the coachman. "James, you have had a good time. If you are not in a hurry to get back, I suggest you go to Hogsmeade for a drink."
"Alright, I am going back, but I should probably go back and treat Buddy and the others to a drink now. After all, I only got the job of bringing you back because I promised them I would treat you."
Dumbledore smiled at James, then teased him with a hint of goodwill. "James, you have worked hard and lost money."
James, however, looked honored. "It is my honor to have been brought by the Minister."
Dumbledore smiled and pulled a note from his pocket, handing it to him and saying, "As a reward for your mission, take this note to the Leaky Cauldron and find Tom. He will provide you with plenty of drinks, free of charge."
After High Claw acquired the Leaky Cauldron, the originally simply decorated pub underwent a dramatic transformation under the tutelage of Dumbledore and several other powerful wizards, expanding its menu from everyday steaks and bread to gourmet delicacies.
The Leaky Cauldron, once known for its affordable and delicious food, had seen its prices rise, prompting complaints from some customers.
James, a member of the Foreign Office, knew this was not the main reason.
The real cause of the price increases was the European war, which had not yet reached Britain.
War had led to inflation and resource shortages, driving up prices.
If High Claw had not taken over, with its vast wealth and influence, the Leaky Cauldron might not even have been able to stay open, let alone afford ingredients.
Another true story circulating about the Leaky Cauldron was that Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick enjoyed a lifetime of free access.
In the wizarding world, there were those who freeloaded, and to prevent people from using their spots for fraud, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick, along with Tom, created a batch of signed slips under the witness of High Claw.
These slips possessed magic and rules.
Only when the three signed them could a magical contract be formed.
Tom had to verify them at the Leaky Cauldron before they could be recorded in the accounts.
This was the magical rule of the wizarding world.
"Thank you, Minister. I think the others regret not being able to outmaneuver me."
Dumbledore patted James on the shoulder. "Young man, go back now. If you go out to play, there will be nowhere to sit, and you will just be left staring blankly."
Watching James ride the Thestrals away, Dumbledore went to the tower, and at the corner of the tower, he saw Garfield.