Chapter 711: Horace is a Good Man! (Edited)

"Where did you get that idea from?"

Professor Slughorn's hand trembled violently, pulling out a few strands of his walrus-like beard.

"That's what Albus said, nya. He said you like to collect everyone as collectible objects in your Slug Club."

(??ˇ?ˇ??)

Fish said sincerely.

"Albus, this guy..." Slughorn showed a pained expression on his face, then shook his head with a wry smile and said, "I won't deny it, but that so-called 'collection' is just a playful term I use with my friends..." He rubbed his forehead a little dejectedly, "Did Albus tell you the general nature of my club?"

"Yes, he said your club should benefit from them, nya!"

"Benefit..." Slughorn helplessly rolled his eyes, "Well, it's true that was one of the reasons I founded the club, but I don't benefit just for the sake of it. The members are equals and help each other. It's not like they're really my men or my collection." He patiently explained to Fish.

"That's right, Fish. I was able to join the Harpies with the Professor's help." Jones interjected.

"Oh, my dear Gwenog, I was only a small help, but with your talent, you could have joined the Harpies sooner or later without my recommendation, as your captaincy proves." I don't know if it was to appease Fish, but Slughorn modestly said.

"Eh? Isn't that making friends?"

(?ω?)

Fish scratched his head in confusion and expressed himself.

"On that, you're not wrong," Slughorn said as he put down his glass and clapped his hands. "My Slug Club consists of gathering people who can afford to know and interact with each other, and then getting what they need."

"Of course, if they can give me something in return when they can... like a bottle of fine wine, a ticket to the match, or a special ham from the house-elves..." He pointed to the small piece of ham left on Fish's plate, then winked at Fish and smiled, "That would be splendid."

Slughorn had noticed Fish's fondness for the ham on the table before approaching.

"That's right! Albus seems to have said the same, nya..."

∑(ΦДΦ)

Fish had been so focused on the "collectibles" part that he had missed the rest.

Of course, the main reason is that...

When he heard Dumbledore say that, he thought it wasn't important.

But after a moment of pause, Fish quickly responded again, saying, "But you had a strange look when you looked at Fish and Harry the other day, and Fish didn't like it, nya."

On this point, Slughorn could explain himself.

"Yes, I always get a bit carried away when I see talented students." He admitted candidly, "It's like a strange desire to collect, and I can't help but want to bring such talented students into my club, which is why Albus and I, and some other old friends of mine, jokingly referred to you as my 'collection'... but in reality, I wouldn't do anything harmful to you."

"Is that so, nya?"

(?ω?)

Fish looked at Hermione, who probably could understand Slughorn's explanation, but whether it was the same as what Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall said was something Fish couldn't quite grasp with his current experience.

Hermione nodded gently.

Certainly, Slughorn was not as harmless as he pretended to be. He enjoyed having many contacts and relying on them for special treatment, but in general, he didn't harm the members of the club. As Dumbledore had said, he saw them as collectible objects that he would protect. However, when these "collectible objects" lost their value, his attitude would immediately change to that of Neville and Ron.

Of course, Hermione couldn't directly tell Fish this here, so she simply nodded, reassuring him that Slughorn didn't have bad intentions.

Fish shook his head; something still didn't sit right with him.

"Oh! By the way! You have a bad attitude towards Neville and Ron, nya!"

(`ω´)

Fish began to fight for his friends once again.

Slughorn, however, saw nothing wrong with it. After all, those were his values.

"Yes, I don't give much importance to those who lack talent." He smiled but said coldly, "To me, those without talent are not worthy of friendship, and naturally, I don't waste my time with them."

This had been Slughorn's creed for decades, and not even Fish could change it.

"That's why Fish doesn't like you! I don't want to join your club either!... Slurp!"

(ˇ﹃ˇ)

As Fish finished speaking, he looked at the food on the table and once again slurped the saliva from the corner of his lips.

"Hahaha!" Slughorn burst into laughter. "It's okay, it's okay," he said to Fish, waving his hand. "I don't force people to join my club; it's fine if you don't want to join."

"But I would like you to come to future parties," Slughorn said with a smile. "You know, I enjoy getting to know talented students like you, and that won't change whether you join the club or not."

"Really, nya?!"

(?ω?)

Fish brightened up. "Fish was mistaken about you; you're a good person, Horace!"

For Slughorn, it didn't matter whether Fish joined the Slug Club or not. As long as he could establish a good relationship with Fish and invite him to the gatherings, Fish would naturally be considered a member of the club, just like the others.

It was obvious to everyone except Fish, but no one was going to remind him.

After all, it seemed that Fish really enjoyed the food here, so it was best not to say anything and let Fish enjoy the meal...

Besides, it was another opportunity to interact with Fish, so why not?