Just as Karl was dumbfounded, Cedric spoke up, looking embarrassed.
"Sorry Karl, my family doesn't have a shop in Diagon Alley, but my dad works in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. I can get him to promote it for you at the Ministry of Magic!"
Pushing personal agendas in a government department, huh? Is that even legal?
Karl tried to refuse politely: "That wouldn't be good, would it? Won't it affect his career?"
"Don't worry! Just leave it to me!"
Cedric was confident about this. Although his family wasn't a pure-blood family, they had produced a Minister of magic in their ancestry.
What's wrong with promoting a book? It's not like selling contraband openly.
While they were talking, the other three pillars had already called Audrey over.
It was just that Ravenclaw was too far away; otherwise, Julia wouldn't have been able to escape either.
Audrey looked at them in confusion, "You called me over for this? Then why didn't you ask Gabriel?"
"Why ask him?"
"Flourish and Blotts is his family's business. I used to trade ice cream for storybooks to read with him all the time."
So, after Audrey pointed the way, Gabriel Truman, a fourth-year, was also dragged over.
"When Karl's book goes on sale, I'll definitely replace all the shelves in the shop, put up banners, and display photos everywhere."
"But I can't help with the publishing. We can ask Prefect Judy; her family has connections at the Obscurial Company."
Eventually, after Gabriel pointed the way, seven Hufflepuffs appeared in front of Judy, who was drinking tea.
After Karl and the others explained their purpose, Prefect Judy said nonchalantly that it was no problem at all.
"Simple, I'll just tell my family. The story you wrote is indeed very good."
Karl gave a sweet smile, "Then when should we meet to discuss it..."
"No need. You just write; I'll handle the rest. The terms and everything else will be the best."
Prefect Judy said that as a pure-blood family, the Foleys didn't have too much influence.
But at the Obscurial Company, while maybe not crucial, they were at least very influential.
She told Karl not to worry about trivial matters and just watch her handle it.
Tuesday morning, Herbology Class.
While Professor Sprout was having everyone practice watering, de-bugging, and weeding the Dittany, Katie and Cormac came over to Karl's side again.
"Karl, you have to thank us. Now the whole Gryffindor is reading your storybook."
As for the fact that the older lions were more interested in the dragon Smaug, Katie didn't think it was important enough to mention.
"Of course! Your tolerance and kindness really make me want to cry!"
"Here! Have some candy!"
Karl shared the leftover candy from the Hogwarts Express with them.
"Hmph! No need to cry. We're just willing to help others."
Cormac raised his chin in disdain, but seeing how much Katie was enjoying the candy, he quickly reached out to grab some.
"Understood! You are the best Little wizards!"
Just as Karl was about to add a few more compliments, he heard a gentle voice from behind him.
"So, the best Little wizards, could you please focus on taking care of the Dittany instead of chatting and snacking?"
The three of them looked in the direction of the voice and saw Professor Sprout watching them with a smile.
The last two periods of the morning were Potion Class, with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff together.
By the time the little eagles arrived at the classroom, the Hufflepuffs who had finished Herbology Class were already in place.
I have to say, the Potion Class classroom is really gloomy; being underground is one thing, but it's a dungeon.
It was freezing cold even in early September; it's hard to imagine what the temperature would be like in winter.
The surrounding walls were filled with glass jars containing various animal specimens, making it hard to believe this was a classroom.
Nina walked over and sat down next to Karl, noticing that he looked listless.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Just now in Herbology Class, due to my outstanding performance, Hufflepuff lost five points."
"Only five points?"
Karl: (⊙_⊙)
What do you mean? What are you implying? Is this the impression you have of your good friend?
"I mean it's only five points; I'm sure you'll earn more points in the future."
After barely patching things up, Nina quickly changed the subject.
"Do you know about Severus Snape, who teaches this class?"
"I heard from older students that this Professor is very strict and has a rather… eccentric personality?"
Karl rolled his eyes. Nina's description was truly understated.
He bet the older students' original words definitely weren't like that; at the very least, they would be cold, mean, and fond of mocking and ridiculing students.
However, Harry Potter hasn't enrolled yet this year, so Professor Snape probably won't go Spray and Pray.
He'd just routinely despise the Gryffindor lions and favor the Slytherin snakes.
As for the Hufflepuff badgers and Ravenclaw eagles, as long as they behaved and didn't do anything stupid, he usually couldn't be bothered with them.
At most, they'd be sarcastically mocked and have house points deducted along the way...
Damn! Just thinking about it is infuriating!
"Don't worry about what Professor Snape is like; we just need to focus on class."
Nina agreed with Karl, "Taking a class from a Potion Master will surely teach us a lot."
At this moment, Cho poked Karl from behind, with a look of expecting credit on her face.
"With the promotional efforts of me, Nina, Marietta, and Julia, the entire Ravenclaw knows of your infamy... I mean, your great reputation!"
Karl: (¬_¬)
Did you just let something slip?
But that doesn't matter. Three houses are already sorted, and the preliminary plan has been successfully completed.
Even if the novel sells slowly outside, the sales at Hogwarts are already secure.
As for why not go to Slytherin? Mainly because of the fear that some moron might say: "Filthy Mudblood, come to our pure-blood house to beg?"
Then Hogwarts would have another accidental student casualty event.
Anyway, the snakes aren't short on money; they'll buy it when they want to.
The three chatted for a while, and it was time for class.
Professor Snape's gaunt figure appeared at the classroom door. He wore a black robe that billowed as he walked, looking like a giant bat.
He walked past the students' seats to the blackboard and scanned all the students with a cold gaze.
"This course will teach you the precise science and strict craft of Potion preparation."
"So, remember the recipes, measurements, brewing sequences, and precautions I teach you, and don't make mistakes like idiots."
"I do not expect you to truly appreciate the beauty of brewing Potions."
"But I will still teach you how to boost your reputation, brew glory, and even prevent death."
At this point, Professor Snape raised his voice: "But there is one condition: you must not be the kind of fools with the brains of a Troll."
The Little wizards were as quiet as quails, all huddled in their seats, listening intently to the big shot's lecture.
Some even hugged their textbooks tightly, almost putting their cauldrons on their heads for a sense of security.
This tone, this aura, this classroom environment—even a Dark Wizard would have to sit up straight to listen.
Gosh! It's really scary!
Karl narrowed his eyes and carefully examined Professor Snape's appearance.
Sallow skin, a large hooked nose, and shoulder-length greasy black hair.
He felt that if he cleaned up a bit, he would actually be decent-looking.
Karl began to ponder, what method could he use to make Professor Snape wash his hair?
Forget it! Better not court death!
Otherwise, it would definitely be killed in the morning, burned in the afternoon, and an extra lump in the Forbidden Forest by midnight, with Death praising the high efficiency.