Thank Goodness There Was a Windowsill Back Then

Research required funding, that was true, but Noah’s research seemed to have—

hardly cost any money at all, right?

Not to mention, the materials for his research had basically all been provided by the system. It could be said that the biggest expense had already been spared for Noah.

Even when it came to buying dragons for experiments, with Mr. Ferencz’s help, he had barely spent much money.

But Dumbledore and the others did not know any of that. All they knew was that Noah was conducting magical research.

Dumbledore had even personally seen Noah cutting open a Treepeak Dragon, studying its organs and recording his findings.

So Dumbledore firmly believed it. After thinking it over, he asked, "Would you like the Ministry of Magic to fund your magical research project?"

Having the Ministry of Magic provide support would be far simpler and more convenient than Noah going into business himself.

Moreover, Dumbledore believed that the wealthy people within the Ministry would certainly be interested when they heard about a project working with the Sanctum Guardian, and would gladly open their wallets.

Not to mention, quite a few Ministry employees present were already eager to give it a try.

Unfortunately, after seeming to consider it for a moment, Noah shook his head and refused, leaving many of the Ministry employees somewhat disappointed.

"There’s no need, Professor. The Ministry’s money should be used where it is needed most. Besides, if the project Charles and I have in mind succeeds, it might even increase the Ministry’s tax revenue."

Noah casually picked up a goblet full of fine wine and said with a smile.

"Is that so?" Dumbledore nodded, then asked curiously, "Could you tell me what kind of project it is?"

"I wonder whether Professor Dumbledore has noticed that although the magical world has basically begun using computers and mobile phones, and the internet now covers the entire magical world, we still don’t have any social platforms."

"Social platforms?"

The term "social platforms" was utterly unfamiliar. Let alone Dumbledore and the others, who had spent their whole lives in the magical world.

Even Charles, who had grown up in the Muggle world, did not have a particularly clear idea of what it meant.

But after Noah explained it, they suddenly understood what these social platforms were!

Simply put, the software used to achieve social interaction through the internet was social software.

The internet had already spread throughout the magical world. Nearly every wizard had their own computer and mobile phone—except at Hogwarts, where the magnetic field was too strong for coverage to reach.

But honestly, phone charges were still rather expensive, and not everyone was willing to buy a mobile phone.

On top of that, sometimes the person you needed to contact was busy and would not answer the phone, which could be quite awkward.

As for writing letters?

Although some wizards still kept up that tradition, even the owls delivering the letters might not be willing to help you anymore.

Especially when the destination was farther away, those round-faced creatures would tilt their heads and stare at you with wide eyes.

And letter delivery took a long time as well. Often, it took one or two weeks just to discuss a single matter.

Noah had even heard of a wizard who wrote to his family, only for the returning owl to bring back a mobile phone and an instruction manual.

It could be said that the social platform Noah and Charles wanted to create would greatly strengthen connections between wizards.

And Noah emphasized one more thing: the social platform would be a larger communication hub, allowing wizards to broaden their social circles.

Not only could wizards contact their friends and family more conveniently, but they could also meet more like-minded people.

They could also take part in more matters. For example, if the Ministry of Magic announced certain public plans, wizards could voice their opinions on certain platforms.

If this thing were truly created, it would not only strengthen connections between wizards, but on a larger scale, it could even expand to the Ministries of Magic in other countries.

That would make the magical world more closely connected. Of course, there would be certain issues—for instance, some places still upheld pure-blood supremacy—but couldn’t that sort of thing simply be blocked?

"That truly is a great idea." Dumbledore pursed his lips. He realized that even he had been shocked.

The other Ministry members seemed much the same. They could fully imagine just how beneficial this would be to the entire magical world if it truly came into existence.

As for how Noah and the others would make money, that was not something they needed to consider. Even if these Ministry members jointly proposed fully funding it, that would be perfectly possible!

Honestly, the part about setting up platforms for wizards to express their opinions was especially significant.

With just a little guidance, it would allow many people to understand and support the Ministry’s decisions. That was practically control over the direction of public opinion! When the time came, the Daily Prophet might even be driven into history!

Hermione also stared blankly at Noah. She had never expected him to come up with such a method.

Although she had no idea how Noah intended to make money, she had to admit that his idea really could make the magical world more closely connected.

"Ah, right, that’s only one of the ideas. And its development should come later in the research sequence. But I have some other ideas that probably won’t take too much time to complete."

Seeing their expressions, Noah knew that this was basically settled.

It could bring the British magical world closer together, and perhaps even connect magical communities around the world more closely in the future.

How could they possibly not be interested?

Even if they did not establish any connections with the Ministries of Magic in other countries, it would be enough as long as Noah worked closely with them!

"This social platform is something very meaningful. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to the Ministry of Magic at any time."

Dumbledore nodded. Although he was somewhat disappointed that it could not be released so quickly, he still strongly supported it.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore." Noah nodded. "As for the other plan, do you know about films?"

"Films?" Dumbledore froze for a moment, then asked somewhat hesitantly, "Those television programs that everyone watches together in a theater?"

All right, Dumbledore’s understanding of the matter seemed to be a little off.

But when you thought about it, it was more or less the same thing. They were simply presented differently.

Honestly, films were really profitable, especially in the magical world.

First of all, there were not so many messy expenses to pay. The wizards themselves could participate as actors.

That way, there would be no need to spend money on special effects or all sorts of other nonsense. At most, they would only need to adjust the lighting effects.

And making films could make money too. For example, inserting advertisements into films could definitely bring in a considerable sum.

There were no films in the magical world. Although wizards had become more connected with the Muggle world, they still would not integrate into it too deeply.

Even in the United States magical world, where integration was highest, many wizards still went their entire lives without ever entering a cinema or using the internet.

So Noah was very confident that films could make money. Besides, he had plenty of mischievous ideas mixed in as well.

I’ve already ruined Harry Potter. Could I make the original story into a film for the newcomers to watch? Or, since the Mutants have completely left the Muggle world, could I make X-Men too? In the future, could I make the original Marvel Universe? Uh, even if not, couldn’t I make a DC Universe Film Festival?

Marvel Universe films seemed a bit troublesome, because if Noah went too far with them, it might easily cause problems.

Besides, Iron Man had not even appeared yet. Making those films now would just be stirring up trouble, and Noah did not intend to bring out those things so early anyway.

He might as well make something suitable for wizards to watch.

For example, the Harry Potter series. The story happened to take place at Hogwarts, and that time really had been during Voldemort’s rule.

Even if Noah made some changes and replaced the protagonist with himself, that would not be impossible. At worst, he could tell the story of a version of himself who had never met the Sorcerer Supreme.

After settling these matters with Dumbledore, Noah felt exceptionally relaxed.

Strictly speaking, he would probably have a great deal to do over the next few years, but this was currently a perfect lull.

If he did not take this opportunity to harvest the fruits he had planted in the past and make some new arrangements along the way, that really would be a waste.

The Ministry of Magic banquet lasted until around ten that night, and Noah left at roughly that time.

He had already spoken enough with Dumbledore, and Dumbledore had given him an answer that satisfied him—he would fully support Noah.

Honestly, if these two matters succeeded, one could imagine just how wealthy Noah would become in the future.

As a wizard, especially one who conducted experimental research, he truly could not do without money.

Even setting money aside, with all these social tools, at least the connections between wizards would become closer, wouldn’t they?

"Perhaps when magical schools recruit students in the future, it won’t be a silly owl perched on your windowsill anymore. Instead, you might suddenly receive a mysterious message on your phone, one that only you can see."

Noah rubbed his chin. Remembering the foolish-looking creature that had perched on his bedroom windowsill more than ten years ago, he could not help smiling.

Without realizing it, he had studied magic for more than ten years. If System Space were included, then the time he had spent studying magic would be doubled.

Time really passed quickly. Noah had gone from someone with nothing but restless magic power raging inside him, unable to do anything at all, to someone only one step away from becoming a high-level wizard.

Unfortunately, before Noah could reminisce for long, a question suddenly occurred to him.

"Wait? If my room hadn’t had a windowsill back then, where would that owl have landed?"