It would have just taken two Cleaning Charms, but Snape, on a whim, also gave Big black dog a fur trimming service with a spell.
However, compared to the proficient Cleaning Charm, Snape seemed much less skilled when trimming fur.
Perhaps due to the angle, he accidentally gave Big black dog a trendy haircut—a reverse Mohawk.
Seeing his masterpiece, Snape felt a bit guilty for a moment and couldn't help but mutter a few words to himself.
Why did I suddenly get carried away?
Alas, my self-control is still not enough; I actually thought of bullying a dog for fun.
But the feeling was too great!
Snape's fingers twitched uncontrollably; he really wanted to continue shaving the dog.
He looked at Harry, who was full of worry beside him, and ultimately suppressed this thought.
That's enough, that's enough, it's good enough.
My mood is already quite pleasant.
If I continue, it would be bad if Harry became unhappy.
Thinking of this, Snape's expression straightened, and he waved his wand to return the dog to Harry's arms, then casually instructed.
"This dog is now completely clean, and I'm relieved to see you holding him like this."
"The matter is concluded. I'll return to my office now; you two take the dog to Hagrid."
"Oh, and remember to hang the pet tag around his neck, lest the House-elves mistake him for a stray dog and throw him into the Forbidden Forest."
With that, Snape flicked his black robe and walked briskly towards the school.
Seeing the refreshed Big black dog, Harry, who had been somewhat distressed and worried, completely relaxed.
He held the Big black dog tightly, who was trying to pounce on Snape, and continuously comforted him.
"Alright, alright, don't blame the Professor; he's doing it for your own good."
"Ron and Hermione can testify that you are truly much cleaner now."
"As for a bit of fur, it's just an external thing; it will grow back in two weeks."
Seeing the shiny bald spot on Big black dog's head, Harry's mouth twitched, and he quickly called out to Ron, who was snickering nearby.
"Ron, come help! I can't hold him by myself."
Ron and Hermione walked up and joined the effort to comfort the dog.
Ron tied the pet tag around Big black dog's neck while suppressing his laughter and said.
"Mate, your current look is unique, but overall, you still look very majestic."
"I'll give you a name; from now on, you'll be called 'Big Black'."
Majestic my ass!
My hair is gone!
Sirius roared endlessly in his heart.
Even in Azkaban, I never suffered such humiliation.
Today, in front of Harry, Snivellus not only hung me upside down but also shaved my head.
Are you bullying a dog because he can't speak?
Harry, open your eyes and see, Snivellus even bullies stray dogs; this is his true face, don't let him deceive you.
Snivellus!
The vendetta for my hair is irreconcilable.
You just wait.
I will definitely not let you off!
...
A week passed quietly, and the Little Wizards finally welcomed the long-awaited Christmas holiday.
Before parting, Harry, Ron, and Hermione specifically went to Hagrid's hut, hoping Ron could take Big Black home for the holiday.
Unexpectedly, Hagrid waved his hand and shouted in his unique loud voice.
"Don't be in a hurry to take him, Ron! Big Black is too thin right now. Leave Big Black with me for now; I'll fatten him up during this holiday."
"When you return to school, I guarantee you'll see a completely different Big Black."
"Don't worry, I'm the Professor for Care of Magical Creatures; I'm a professional when it comes to taking care of animals."
Looking at Big Black, whose forehead had only grown a layer of fine fuzz, Ron secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
This is good too; Hagrid is truly considerate. Big Black's appearance is really not presentable right now.
He had been worried that if he took Big Black home like this, Fred and George would make fun of his taste.
Big Black circled Ron, sniffing constantly, seemingly reluctant to part.
Ron looked at him and couldn't help but smile, playing with him for a while with Harry.
Hermione, holding Crookshanks, smiled and chatted with Hagrid about interesting things that happened in class.
Soon, it was time to depart. The trio said goodbye to Hagrid and went to Hogsmeade station to board the Hogwarts Express returning to London.
Compared to the start of the school year, the Professors were absent from the carriages.
Of course, the Christmas holiday was equally important for the Hogwarts Professors; most of them did not stay at school but returned directly to their homes via the fireplace.
Sebastian did not return but went to the Muggle world alone.
Regulus had already arranged to do a year-end summary today.
Arriving at Regulus's villa, as soon as they met, Regulus enthusiastically shouted, "Come, come, Sebastian, I've already prepared your favorite Chinese food."
"Old rules, eat first, then talk business."
Sebastian was not polite; he went to the dining table, took out a white porcelain bottle, and immediately poured Regulus a full glass of wine.
After eating and drinking to their fill, Sebastian lightly teased, "I say, why hasn't your big villa welcomed a mistress yet? Your charm isn't very good."
"Oh, come on, why are you rushing me to marry again? Now is the rising period of my career; what's the rush?"
"Why not rush? Your House of Black is still waiting for you to expand your family."
"Stop! Stop!" Regulus took out a cigarette, exhaling smoke as he complained.
"I'm busy like a spinning top every day; I didn't ask you to come here to be a part-time relationship expert and discuss personal issues with me."
"Do you still remember that councilman Jonathan, the one whose son's leg you treated?"
"Of course, I remember," Sebastian raised an eyebrow, "What, has he run into trouble again?"
"No, Jonathan is now thriving, and he has privately won over many councilmen using the Potions we gave him. Now he has subtly become a representative figure of their party."
Regulus said excitedly, "I've also met many of them. After learning that I have a powerful Wizard behind me, those councilmen were all extremely fawning towards me."
"So, in your name, I had them sign Wizard-friendly magic contracts. Once signed, they became our own people."
"With the help of so many councilmen, our various industries are flourishing; everything is going as smoothly as can be."
Regulus meticulously introduced the development of each industry to Sebastian.
"Very good!" Sebastian nodded in satisfaction.
It's always good to make more connections with influential Muggles.
After all, everyone in the world is driven by profit. As long as those councilmen have something to gain, they can become a force to overturn the secrecy law in the future.
I also need to ensure logistical support, lest Regulus can't produce enough Potions, as he is now fully integrated into Muggle life, and brewing Potions is very inconvenient for him.
Thinking of this, Sebastian asked, "Do you have enough Potions there? Just ask for whatever you need."
"I called you here for this," Regulus said without ceremony, "I just need a batch of Potions as Christmas gifts."
As he spoke, he rattled off a long list of Potion names.
"Glee Potion, Draught of Peace, Bubotuber Pus..."
"Alright, no need to be so troublesome," Sebastian waved his hand, "Just stick to the previous types; I'll give you a batch of each Potion."
"No problem," Regulus beamed, saying mysteriously, "Oh, by the way, you need to prepare more of one Potion; those councilmen particularly like it."
"Can you guess what Potion it is?"
...
...