Before Ares entered the Gryffindor common room, the place was in a state of chaotic uproar, albeit mixed with the angry sentiments of a minority.
But after he walked in, the common room, previously filled with boisterous noise, was instantly "frozen" into silence!
In the entire Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the only ones who had previously received such treatment from the young wizards were Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, both of whom earned this "respect" through their stern teaching styles.
But Professor Delfino was different.
The young wizards treated him more with admiration—this new professor had two obvious qualities: youth and power.
A young and powerful professor was simply too perfect a fantasy figure for the young wizards who were keen on "becoming famous at a young age"!
"Professor Delfino—"
While Ares was still looking nostalgically at the common room, whose colors were as vibrant as blooming youth, Percy had already approached quickly, asking attentively:
"Is there anything I can help with?"
"Oh, it's Percy—"
Ares patted Percy on the shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the faces full of awe, and said pleasantly:
"Nothing, nothing—I'm just revisiting an old haunt, reminiscing about my green years—Ah, by the way, I need to pass a message to the first-year students... Although you probably all know it, I think I should say it in person to show respect—"
"All first-year students gather here!"
Percy immediately turned his face, looking authoritative, and shouted with full voice.
Harry and Ron looked at each other, then pushed through the bustling crowd with Patil and Neville to get closer—the other first-year students also hurried over from various places.
Ares stepped out from behind Percy, looking at the group of new students who were somewhat shrouded in gloom, with regret on his face.
"It's like this... you must have all heard the rumors—the school has decided not to allow first-year students to participate in the 'Protect the Captain' competition."
Although he had heard the news beforehand, when Professor Delfino confirmed it personally, Harry's heart still sank, and he couldn't help but shout out:
"Why!"
Harry shouted, noticing Ron's face turning pale, while Patil's expression became even angrier than before.
"Oh, it's like this—"
An old cushioned sofa slid silently behind Ares. He perched on the armrest and said gently:
"The school... er, certain management levels believe that since first-year students have never received systematic broomstick flight training, rashly attempting 'Protect the Captain', a competitive game deeply bound to broomstick riding, is very... well, reckless."
"This decision is unfair!"
Amidst the public outcry, Patil's eyes turned red with anger, her voice tinged with dampness.
"The school can't forbid us from playing... no, participating in such interesting teaching!"
Harry could completely understand Patil's anger. She had also performed brilliantly in today's match... She had led the formation of the team, and because of this, Patil had received a lot of praise.
"I've already stated the reason, Miss Patil—"
Professor Delfino raised his hand slightly to soothe her.
"But the school's rule prohibiting first-year students from participating in flying competitions has been around for a long time. Especially after a catastrophic accident that endangered all your lives just happened, safety issues will definitely be the top priority of the school."
"But 'Protect the Captain' isn't dangerous at all!"
Ron finally couldn't hold it in anymore and said, panting.
"And riding a broomstick isn't difficult... I succeeded after trying just twice at home!"
"Yes, I also think this rule is a bit too archaic and outdated."
Professor Delfino nodded in agreement, his regretful gaze falling on Ron's face.
"But the problem is... sigh, my view might be critical—but the reality is that those in power often hate rules being broken the most, because—well, it brings them no benefit but only harm."
Harry saw Percy, standing behind Professor Delfino, move his lips, shrink his neck, and look a bit uneasy.
"Can't you think of a way, Professor Delfino!"
In Harry's opinion, Ron wasn't the type to stick his neck out. But at this moment, Ron shouted pleadingly. It seemed that killing Malfoy in the morning match had indeed given Ron a lot of encouragement.
"You could even stop a runaway train!"
"Oh, to be honest, some people are much harder to deal with than a runaway train, Mr. Weasley."
"Can't you really try harder to persuade those opponents, Professor Delfino?"
Ron seemed a bit "desperate."
"I know you can definitely do it. I'm willing to pay any price for this!"
"Pay any price for this?"
Harry heard Professor Delfino's brow furrow slightly as he repeated Ron's words in a low voice.
And then, the handsome young professor in front of them looked a bit strange...
To be precise, when talking to them just now, Professor Delfino always had a regretful and gentle expression.
But after Ron's words, his expression became solemn and grave. He even slowly stood up from the sofa armrest and came in front of Ron!
"You just told me you are willing to pay any price to lift the ban on the competition, Mr. Ron Weasley?"
Professor Delfino said softly, but no one could ignore his stern expression.
"Er—"
Needless to say, Ron, bearing the brunt, was stunned by Professor Delfino's sudden change. He dared not say a word, only nodding hesitantly.
Harry... including Ron's twin brothers, Percy, and many others, thought Ron's persistence had put Professor Delfino in a difficult position... triggering his anger!
Harry sucked in a breath of cold air. In a trance, he seemed to see Professor Delfino struggling to stop the runaway train again!
However, if Professor Delfino really blamed Ron excessively... Harry was ready to step forward!
"That means... you are commissioning me, Mr. Ron Weasley?"
Ares looked at Ron encouragingly.
Harry: ???
"Huh?"
Ron remained dazed.
"Commissioning, Mr. Weasley."
Ares repeated solemnly.
"Before teaching, I opened a shop in Diagon Alley—The Agency (Yorozuya). People pay me money to solve the dilemmas they face... roughly like that.
So, Mr. Weasley—"
Ares stared at Ron's pale face.
"Were you commissioning me just now?"
"Er—"
Ron completely hadn't expected his casual nonsense to lead to this!
He still didn't quite understand what "The Agency" meant, but under the gaze of so many people, he couldn't back down.
"Sort of... er, Professor, but—but I—I don't—don't have much money..."
Ron stammered, his translucent red ears starting to smoke.
"Don't have much... is how much, Mr. Weasley?"
Ron experienced the state of mind Harry had on the night of the train crash when Dumbledore cornered him on the hospital bed and praised him profusely—wishing he could find a hole to bury his head in.
"Only... only... only one Knut, Professor."
Ron's voice was so faint that even Harry standing beside him almost didn't hear it...
Harry hesitated. One Knut... obviously not enough for anything.
If possible, Harry was willing to contribute a little...
"One Knut is enough for the job, Mr. Ron Weasley!"
Ares said righteously.
"For just one Knut, Ron Weasley, the commission between you and me is formally established at this moment!"