A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 137: The Aftermath

The young wizards were dismissed by the professors.

Professor McGonagall directed the Heads of Houses to lead their respective students away. They went wherever they pleased, and in truth, her own feelings were quite complex.

Startled by Felix Harp's sudden shout, she had thought something urgent had occurred. She rushed over in haste, even using an Animagus Transfiguration halfway.

Not just one young wizard saw a cat deftly navigate through the flowerbeds, a blurry silhouette darting by. They thought that Lady Rosalind, who had been petrified by the basilisk, had been restored.

But even though things were different from what she had imagined, it was still considered 'urgent.' She had witnessed the two ghosts that had existed at Hogwarts for a millennium dissipate into nothingness.

This was a good thing, yet her mind was still filled with questions—what exactly had transpired?

Most of the professors and ghosts remained. They gazed at Felix, seemingly intending to hear his story.

Severus Snape, by the courtyard columns, had an inscrutable expression. His thoughts at this moment were, how many times this year had there been incidents that could be labeled as 'accidents'?

It seemed almost every one of them was connected to Felix Harp...

Professor Flitwick stood to the side, his lips moving, wanting to say something. He knew the true identity of Lady Grey, had respected her for decades, and he was most eager for the truth.

Dumbledore was deeply moved. He had been watching the spot where the two ghosts disappeared, murmuring softly. His silver beard trembled, but no one could fathom the thoughts of this centenarian.

"Felix," Dumbledore said softly, "it seems something incredible has happened to you."

Felix's expression seemed somewhat 'downcast.' His gaze swept over the professors on the field—Snape, McGonagall, Burbage, Flitwick, Sprout, Madam Hooch...

And the ghosts of Hogwarts—the Nearly Headless Nick, Friar Fat, Professor Binns, and a few whose names he couldn't recall.

Nearly everyone who could attend was here.

His tone was even, "Indeed, it's a long story. But it involves the privacy of two dignified ghosts, and considering my own complex emotions right now, I don't have the mood to tell it."josei

"Dumbledore, please forgive me for temporarily leaving. When my emotions have settled, I will reveal the truth to preserve the honor of our two friends."

Dumbledore's gaze discreetly swept across the others. He said with understanding, "Of course, Felix. I believe among everyone present, no one has endured more sorrow than you."

Felix and Dumbledore left in succession. The professors looked at each other, the ghosts nearby also shared similar feelings. They were all a bit anxious, but they knew they could only wait. After a few exchanged words, they dispersed.

Ancient Runes office.

Felix sat in the chair behind the desk, taking out a stack of parchment and writing swiftly. He transcribed the entire conversation with Lady Ravenclaw, intending for them to gradually take shape in the Pensieve. The manuscript before Felix turned into ashes silently.

Upon completing this task, Felix leaned back in his chair. A journal and a fresh tiara lay before him as he delved into contemplation.

His mood was indeed somewhat melancholic and complex. But the main reason was that he couldn't tell the story flawlessly while concealing certain crucial information.

Such as Lady Ravenclaw's millennium-long memories, the tiara, the Horcrux...

These were things he didn't want too many people to know.

Many secrets, once revealed to a second person, could no longer be called secrets.

But as for the matter of the Horcrux, he didn't want to keep it from Dumbledore either. After all, he held two complete pieces—though he found it strange how things had developed to this point.

The troubles of Voldemort could be left for the Headmaster to worry about.

Moreover, the most critical thing was that he seemed to be able to seamlessly incorporate the journal into the story...

This includes Ginny, includes Draco Malfoy, includes the House-Elf Dobby—these clues he had sporadically gathered could also be passed on to Dumbledore in one go.

Putting an end to the Chamber of Secrets incident, once Dobby's troubles were resolved, would allow Hagrid to regain his honor.

Speaking of which, why hadn't Dobby been in touch with him all this time? Had something unexpected happened, or had the natural instincts of a house-elf taken precedence?

In the office, there wasn't a sound to be heard.

Elsewhere in Hogwarts, numerous young wizards were sharing their opinions on the shocking events of the day.

But what Harry cared about the most was, what had truly transpired with the two ghosts?

At this moment, the Trio followed the rest back to Gryffindor common room under the guidance of their Head of House. The usually quiet Gryffindors erupted with enthusiasm, nearly overturning the ceiling.

Hermione gave Harry and Ron a glance, and they picked a couch with partitions and red curtains, then sat down. On the other side of the partition were several Gryffindor prefects.

They too were discussing the events that had just unfolded.

"It's the redemption of the ghosts!" Percy said with great certainty. "I've read descriptions like this in books, it's an extremely rare occurrence."

A fifth-year female prefect looked puzzled. "I think I've heard about it at home, but isn't that just a fairy tale?"

"Haha, have you heard the story of 'The Disappearance of Sir Barnabas the Ghost'?" a male student's voice rang out.

On the other side of the partition, Hermione mouthed, 'Have you heard this story?'

Ron shook his head.

The discussion continued—

The female prefect said, "I've always thought it was fake, but I never thought I'd see it with my own eyes today."

"What do you all think happened?"

"What's the relationship between Lady Grey and the Bloody Baron?"

"Could they be a couple?"

"Oh, impossible, Lady Grey used the word 'forgiveness.'"

"Did you hear that? We were too far away, I couldn't hear clearly, Professor McGonagall didn't let us get closer!"

"I saw her mouth moving..."

"In that case, they're enemies. Honestly, I think that possibility is higher. Like, maybe he murdered Lady Grey..."

A new, excited female voice chimed in, "Could it be... the Bloody Baron was an assassin, he killed many people and was sentenced, but even at the brink of death, he wanted to strike back... so he turned into a ghost." She built up a whole inner monologue and dramatically concluded.

The Trio shifted to a more secluded corner.

"What do you guys think?" Harry asked.

"Other than the information about ghosts redeeming themselves, nothing else seems reliable," Ron remarked. "Especially that sharp-voiced girl, she's trying to turn everything into a tale of love and hatred."

"They're overlooking Professor Harp. He's the one who summoned the Bloody Baron," Harry speculated. "Hermione, what are your thoughts?"

"I also think it's related to Professor Harp. He seemed somewhat sad, and I know he was friends with Lady Grey," Hermione shared what she knew.

Among the discussions, the Gryffindors' wasn't the most fervent. Of the four houses, the response from Ravenclaw was the strongest.

Though Lady Grey had always given an impression of aloofness, she had never hesitated to offer guidance to young wizards, especially those from her own house.

Her departure left the Ravenclaws quite saddened.

...

In the evening, Felix Harp left the school and arrived in London's old city district.

He walked down a pitch-black road and entered a cemetery. The gatekeeper paid him no attention.

After about three or four minutes, Felix stood before a tombstone.

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