Harry Potter: The Golden Viper

The final price of the panoramic telescope was five Galleons and ten Sickles each, which was cheaper than Bryan's price. Mr. Banges needed a whole week to prepare 600 pieces, including the telescopes.

When Bryan was sent away, Mr. Banges seemed distraught, as if he had lost a significant amount of money.

Bryan realized that he may have overreacted a bit. Generally, the cost of most magical items and alchemy tools is around 40% to 50% of the selling price. After factoring in taxation and operating costs, the profit margin wouldn't exceed 60% at most. So, Mr. Banges wouldn't be at a loss.

Negotiating the final seven Sickles was quite challenging, and it was already late morning when Bryan left the magic supply shop.

Standing in the street, basking in the bright sunshine, Bryan relished the rare moment of comfort. Since graduating, he had rarely experienced such a relaxed and unhurried pace of life.

"There's still a tougher negotiation ahead," Bryan thought to himself.

After a while, he took a deep breath and looked at the castle towering under the blue sky and white clouds. There was someone waiting for him to persuade, and he anticipated that the negotiation process wouldn't be particularly smooth.

Just before noon, around 10:30, Bryan returned to Hogwarts Castle. To avoid interrupting lunchtime, he hurriedly ascended the marble stairs and deftly maneuvered across the moving stairs to reach the second floor, where the Gryffindor students were active.

He heard heated arguments coming from the other end of the corridor. Bryan strained to listen but couldn't make out any words. Due to his haste, he quickly turned toward the other side of the corridor and approached the door to the adjacent office.

"Please come in," came a stern voice from behind the door. It triggered a memory in Bryan's mind, and he smiled faintly as he twisted the doorknob and entered.

Professor McGonagall's office was smaller than Snape's, with walls adorned with stacks of documents, young wizards' homework, and teaching aids used in class.

Her desk, much smaller, was positioned by the window overlooking the Quidditch pitch.

Upon Bryan's entry, Professor McGonagall, who had been working at her desk, turned around after dialing the black mirror frame. Her tightly pursed lips softened a bit when she saw who it was.

"You look much more mature than three years ago. I almost didn't recognize you," Professor McGonagall remarked, getting up and assessing Snape's favored student before her. Her expression was much gentler than when dealing with the younger wizards.

To be honest, prior to Bryan's fifth year, their interactions were limited to a few exchanges in the classroom and the approval of his bursary application each year. The unassuming Slytherin wizard hadn't received much special attention.

However, everything changed on the night before Christmas during Bryan's fifth year.

That night, Bryan Watson drastically shifted Professor McGonagall's evaluation of him in a very short period. Her extreme disgust had transformed into extreme gratitude.

Since then, she had kept a close eye on Bryan's progress.

"It's been a while, Professor McGonagall," Bryan greeted with a sincere smile. "Compared to three years ago, you haven't changed much."

While Professor McGonagall scrutinized Bryan, he returned the favor with a smile. His previous comment had been a mere polite flattery. Honestly, Professor McGonagall had aged and appeared more human. She had lost weight and acquired several more gray hairs.

It couldn't be helped. She had the misfortune of dealing with a "responsible" headmaster like Albus Dumbledore.

The room's window was open, allowing a faint scent of violet wine to permeate the air. Professor McGonagall guided Bryan to take a seat while she walked to the fireplace, retrieving the teapot from the shelf.

"Last night, Headmaster Dumbledore left me a message, informing me that the school board has sent you back to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall began, a trace of dissatisfaction evident in her tone, although it wasn't clear whom she was blaming.

"Regardless, Bryan, welcome back to school!"

Bryan took a sip of the tea. Unsurprisingly, its bitterness made his scalp tingle. It seemed Professor McGonagall had brewed the tea to stay alert. He calmly put down the teacup without desiring another sip.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I'm also glad to have this opportunity to return to Hogwarts. You know, many young wizards dream of coming back here a few years after graduation and reliving their carefree campus days."

"Yes, there are numerous fond memories associated with this place," Professor McGonagall acknowledged, her mood lightening. Her shoulders seemed less tense.

"That being said, if I recall correctly, this is only the second time we've had a face-to-face conversation, right?" Bryan inquired, reflecting on their past encounters.

Bryan nodded slightly, reminiscing about that time.

"You're correct. It was during the latter half of my fifth year when we spoke. You advised me not to intentionally make mistakes in my homework and encouraged me to demonstrate my true abilities. Oh, I apologize, Professor, I admit I was somewhat peculiar back then."

"Snape mentioned to me in private that you have a preference for staying out of the limelight. But now, it's your responsibility to persuade me, Bryan"

Professor McGonagall didn't mind chatting with Bryan for a while to get to know him better, which was exactly her duty as the school's vice-principal.

Unfortunately, she had a lot on her plate that day. While other professors were still enjoying their Christmas vacations, she had to handle Hogwarts' daily affairs, plan the upcoming year's curriculum, draft salary adjustments for various subject professors, and review several Transfiguration papers eagerly awaiting her feedback.

Due to these pressing matters, she had to make time for a meeting even though she initially intended to meet Bryan after dinner.

"...Headmaster Dumbledore instructed me to arrange accommodation and an office for you," Professor McGonagall continued, her lips tightening as her expression grew solemn.

"I had originally planned to discuss this with you later, but this morning, when I encountered Professor Snape, he mentioned your plans in passing. It compelled me to have this conversation sooner. Ideally, this matter should have been handled by Headmaster Dumbledore, but... well, let's not dwell on that," she said, her mood souring. Taking a deep breath, her eyes sharpened as she asked sharply,

"I'm not questioning the feasibility of your plan, Bryan. My concern is whether this plan is truly appropriate—monitoring the daily lives of young wizards in search of the heir to the Chamber of Secrets."