A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 111: Perfect Conclusion of the Dueling Class

Chapter 111: Perfect Conclusion of the Dueling Class

"Dobby, can you stay here? We can talk later."

"No, Dobby must go back. Dobby escaped while Master was visiting friends." Dobby emphasized, "Very close friends! Master didn't let Dobby come along."

"Well, according to your time, I have something important to discuss with you. No, not now. I need time to prepare, and you can notify me in advance." Felix Harp waved his hand, and a round brass metal disc flew from the workbench to him.

It was a Brass Knut.

He tossed the coin to Dobby, who caught it in his hand and examined it carefully. "No, no, Dobby cannot take. Dobby shouldn't have any money," he said anxiously. From the look on his face, it seemed as if he was holding some malicious dark magic object.

Felix Harp sighed, "It's for notifying me. You inject magic beforehand, and I'll receive the message."

This item was a magical pair as well, somewhat akin to a two-way mirror, but far less functional.

It was merely a pair of Copper Knuts enchanted with 'Synchronization Magic,' so that if one was infused with magic, the other would heat up.

'Heating Knuts' were derivative creations of Felix Harp, a product of brainstorming by young wizards with minimal technical substance of their own.

Felix absentmindedly fiddled with it; he had given each member of his research group a pair as well.

The Weasley twins were particularly interested in it, and Felix felt that it wouldn't be long before they showed him the remains of their 'Heating Knuts'...

Upon hearing Felix's words, Dobby finally relaxed. He carefully examined the coin in his hand, his eyes seemingly gleaming.

"Is this a gift for Dobby?" he tilted his head, holding the Copper Knut in his hands.

"—You could say that." Felix had no intention of taking it back.

"Mr. Harp is so generous. This is the first time Dobby has received a gift!" The house-elf was moved, tears welling up in his eyes.

Felix: "..." If you're happy with this, I have plenty of similar items.

Under his gaze, Dobby bowed to him and then snapped his fingers lightly, causing his figure to disappear.

"Truly fascinating talent," Felix marveled.

Domesticated house-elves were truly remarkable creatures. They possessed many 'wizard-like' abilities, such as the technique Dobby had just used to vanish—very much like a wizard's Disillusionment Charm—but the principles behind the two were completely different.

At least, as far as Felix knew, Hogwarts had cast numerous anti-Disillusionment Charms, but these spells didn't work on certain magical creatures—like phoenixes and domesticated house-elves.

Furthermore, domesticated house-elves could manipulate various small objects, making them very convenient for chores and tidying up rooms. They also possessed a not insignificant level of combat ability, though this skill was heavily constrained by magical contracts.

But all of these were not the magic familiar to wizards; they were merely innate talents of these magical beings, much like how birds and snakes could naturally enlarge and shrink their bodies according to their surroundings.

...

As Felix returned to the Great Hall, the three professors were still carefully guiding the young wizards.

It had been two weeks since the last Dueling class, and many senior students were barely able to cast the Disarming Charm.

This gave their practice duels a faint shadow of actual dueling.

But it was only a shadow.

Felix Harp observed as two young wizards exchanged glances, loudly reciting incantations but awkwardly producing sparks from the tips of their wands. Then, almost inadvertently, they unexpectedly unleashed a genuine Disarming Charm, which came straight at him.

"Miss Burstead, mind your incantation," Felix Harp redirected the spell, addressing the robust-looking witch. He gave her a thorough once-over. If he wasn't mistaken, his assistant had obtained cat hair from her for that knitted hat he'd been wearing for three weeks.

"Oh, sorry, Professor," Mirison Burstead said, flustered.

"You need to watch the angle of your wand and put strength into your swing, as if you're thrusting forward. And... conviction is essential. Don't be playful; it will seriously impede your progress."

After offering guidance to several young wizards, Felix approached Professor McGonagall, forming a small circle around her.

She stood excitedly before a pair of young wizards, praising loudly, "Potter, an excellent Disarming Charm." She wiped away a tear from her eye.

When Felix glanced over, a red light shot from Harry's wand, accurately hitting his opponent—Hermione Granger.

Her wand flew from her hand, tracing an arc through the air, before Harry deftly caught it.

The young witch seemed rather disgruntled.

Harry sheepishly handed her the wand, just about to say something, when his next opponent stepped forward.

Felix Harp was surprised to see, across from Harry, a line forming, not a short one at that, with several young wizards surrounding them, looking at Harry with admiration.

What was going on here?

When Hermione caught sight of Felix, she discreetly approached him. "Professor Harp."

"What's happening?"

"Well, Ron mentioned that the reason he learned the Disarming Charm was from practicing with Harry, getting hit by spells so many times." She said with her head lowered.

Felix looked at Ron, who was on the sidelines cheering and explaining, and found the situation quite absurd.

But... was there a possibility? Even he couldn't be certain.

It really was a far-fetched idea, something his straightforward thinking couldn't entirely fathom.

He looked at his assistant. "So, you believe it too?"

Hermione looked somewhat embarrassed. "At first, I didn't believe... but more and more young wizards who came to request practice sessions with Harry have made me unsure."

She deftly changed the subject, "Professor, everyone is saying you've mastered Level 6 spells." Hermione fixed her gaze on Felix's face, trying to discern something.

"Is that so?"

"Yes!" Hermione emphasized, "Professor, what are your thoughts?" She was genuinely curious.

"My thought is, Miss Granger, we'll have to work overtime this weekend."

"Huh? What for?"

"Grading the homework from the last Dueling class."

Hermione stared at him dumbfoundedly. She couldn't help but look around at the hundreds of young wizards in the Great Hall, practicing their spells with such enthusiasm.

To them, it was a fascinating and enjoyable game.

Occasionally, when spells went awry or bursts of dazzling sparks erupted, laughter filled the hall.

But amidst the joyous atmosphere, she suddenly lost that happiness, feeling somewhat unsettled.

After seven or eight minutes, Felix Harp concluded the class.

"I've witnessed your progress, young wizards," he praised generously. "I hope to see your outstanding performances in the next class."

"Each house's Prefect should collect the homework from the previous class; I'll find time to offer feedback—one by one, provided your data isn't fabricated."

Many hung their heads in shame.

But as the young wizards left the hall, their faces were adorned with radiant smiles.

"Hermione, you don't look so well," Ron said.

His mood was quite good. In fact, due to his special contribution award, Ron had been quite popular lately. Especially after resolving the trouble with Lohart, his detention had been largely lifted by Professor McGonagall.

"Really?" Hermione held her head high and walked away.

"Harry, I think it's your fault. Your Disarming Charm is just better than hers, and she's feeling embarrassed." Ron said to Harry.

Harry couldn't help but scratch his head.

The next morning, a piece of news descended upon Hogwarts, overshadowing all other headlines.

"Gilderoy Lockhart: A False Adventurer! Facing Multiple Trials." A young wizard held up the same-day newspaper delivered by an owl, loudly reading the headline from the front page.

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