A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 191: The Seven Types of Sneakscopes

Chapter 191: The Seven Types of Sneakscopes

"First, let's talk about Sneakscopes. Since you already have some understanding, let's quickly move through this part."

Felix Harp flicked his fingers, and the Sneakscope on the table quickly sprang to life, performing various bewildering movements under his control. Finally, the Sneakscope released a fireball as its grand finale.

The young wizards watched Felix Harp with eager anticipation. He chuckled softly, "After the lesson, I will distribute one Sneakscope to each of you, with no restrictions, I hope this will become a tradition at Hogwarts. Until next Tuesday, you can enjoy the fun of Sneakscope dueling to your heart's content."

Hermione's eyes fixed on the Sneakscope with icy blue hair, and she found a similarly fierce gaze – it was the Slytherin girl named "Greengrass."

She pursed her lips; she wasn't going to back down.

She had been looking forward to this for an entire year.

The brown-haired girl across from her responded with a similar look in her eyes. They both realized: the battle was on.

"Next, we have the seven types of Sneakscopes."

Felix Harp walked from one side of the lectern to the other. His left hand glided across the tabletop, and his ring emitted a faint glow. A row of Sneakscopes appeared on the table, causing the young wizards to crane their necks to get a better look.

"What you see before you are the seven types of Sneakscopes. Now, to make it more engaging, I'll ask: what is a Sneakscope?"

Hermione raised her hand, but to balance things, Felix Harp deliberately pointed at Draco Malfoy.

Draco stood up and said, "It's a detector used for alarms. My father says the ones sold in the market are all rubbish; our family's Sneakscopes are specially customized."

Felix Harp glanced at him and continued, "That represents the view of the minority... Let me explain. In the 18th century, the wizard Edgar Stroud invented the prototype of the Sneakscope. It was a dark magic detector, similar in shape to the gyroscope used nowadays. But similar magical objects with the same purpose can be traced back thousands of years, though they weren't called by that name then...

Looking at it from our present perspective, Sneakscopes can be regarded as a collective term for a category of detecting and alarm devices.

As time progressed, they diversified even further, giving rise to various derivative magical objects. For instance, the Honest Probe at Gringotts. It's completely departed from the original design and looks like a slender, golden antenna.

Or the Unveiler, which can uncover conspiracies or lies.

The Sneakscopes we see today are mainly limited to detecting suspicious individuals or black magic.

But in reality...

They can do so much more.

Like providing alerts for specific types of magic;

For certain behaviors;

And even, for specific bloodlines, to the extent of... a particular person."

Felix Harp's words were astonishing, completely overturning the young wizards' perception of Sneakscopes.

Most Slytherin students regarded this with skepticism, in contrast to their upbringing.

But some believed firmly in Felix Harp's words –

Ron, for example, wouldn't mind having a Sneakscope for Malfoy. Just imagine, whenever Malfoy got within 100 feet of him, he would get a notification. He could hide in the bushes or behind a courtyard pillar, waiting for the perfect moment to cast a curse on Malfoy.

He'd gladly spend a year's worth of allowance for this. It would be even better if he could make one himself.

"Professor, does that mean if I dislike someone, I can create a Sneakscope specifically for them?"

Ron said loudly, looking openly at Draco Malfoy.

Draco's expression grew dangerous, and he squinted, saying, "Weasley, maybe you could have a Sneakscope at your house... to guard against mice. If your mum loses one Knut, she won't sob inconsolably, will she?"

"Malfoy, you git..."

"Alright, enough arguing. Otherwise, I'll deduct fifty points each and add three weeks of detention." Felix Harp said, exasperated. He hadn't realized before how skilled Malfoy was at sarcasm.

"As for Weasley's question, the answer is yes, I can do that. But the rest of you need not bother..."

"Better to sharpen your senses instead."

Professor Harp's words left everyone feeling helpless. After hearing his descriptions, the young wizards indeed started having thoughts similar to Ron's – everyone had one or two people they couldn't stand.

Naive's thoughts were more practical. He really wished for a special Sneakscope to remind him not to lose things, but he worried about losing the Sneakscope itself – it wasn't impossible, after all, that's what happened to his Memory Ball last school year.

Naive, feeling vexed, scribbled 'Lucky Stars' on a piece of parchment. That was the password for the Gryffindor common room. He just couldn't remember it, so he would write it down wherever he could see it whenever he had the chance.

According to his logic, if he noted the password in enough places, he'd never have to worry about forgetting it again. Maybe he'd get lucky and get it right once or twice...

"Alright, let's take a look at these seven types of Sneakscopes," Felix Harp said casually as he waved his wand, causing a fist-sized chestnut wood Sneakscope to hover in the air above the lectern.

"The first type, the most common, these are the ones you find in the market. They might have slight variations in appearance. They're not very specific and have mediocre effectiveness. They're also prone to errors. The upside is that they're easy to make and inexpensive."

"They can be used temporarily for defense against dangerous creatures during outdoor camping, although they're only barely adequate."

"The second type is similar to the Honest Probe and can detect hidden curses on wizards."

"The third type targets dark magic. My version can detect seventeen of the worst dark magic spells, including the Unforgivable Curses."

He conjured a heavy black light that caused the Sneakscope to emit a sharp alarm.

The young wizards in the audience stared at Felix Harp, silenced by the black light that seemed to engulf all other light. But he continued speaking calmly –

"The fourth type is for specific spells, essentially a derivative of the third type, but more versatile in application. The one in front of me targets the Disarming Charm. Anyone want to give it a try?"

Felix Harp pointed to a walnut-sized gray Sneakscope.

All eyes turned to Harry. According to recent rumors, he had single-handedly defeated a group of Dementors using the Disarming Charm.

Draco, however, didn't buy into the story at all. He staunchly believed that all the versions currently circulating were fake. Stripping away the embellishments, the truth was: Potter encountered Dementors and then passed out. That was the real deal.

So, he mimed "Dementor" at Harry.

Harry was a bit nervous, a bit excited. He challenged Draco with a look, casually waved his wand, and silently, a curved arc of red light swept past the Slytherin student seats.

Throughout, he hadn't focused on his spell – he was locked onto Draco.

Harry was satisfied to see Draco's face go pale.

As Harry cast his spell, the gray Sneakscope in midair spun around and continuously flashed red, emitting a series of sharp buzzes.

Felix Harp explained, "Do you see? This is a Sneakscope designed for specific spells. This situation. It might seem insignificant, but if you were to place one of these targeting the common 'Unlocking Charm' in a room, it might serve as an unexpected surprise."

"Keep in mind, ordinary Sneakscopes can be blocked. You'd never know if the person standing outside your room is a prepared dark wizard."

"The fifth type is for specific bloodlines. Knowing that is enough, I won't delve into it."

"The sixth type targets specific individuals. The principle is simple – you just need a strand of their hair, much like Polyjuice Potion..."

"And the final type is for specific emotions. Here, I have a 'Joy' Sneakscope. Quite intriguing, isn't it? If you're about to tell a joke, it'll help you understand the true emotions of your audience."

"Anyone want to give it a try?"

Unlock exclusive early access to more than 100 chapters before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.

As a cherished member of our Patreon community, here is what you'll get:

For just $5, you'll receive:

• Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public. (check all the novels I'm translating from HERE, all the novels have 100s of exclusive early access chapters and some are complete.)
• Your name prominently featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".
• The power to vote on which novel I should translate next.

If you decide to pledge $10, you'll get all the perks from the $5 tier, plus:

• You get to suggest a Novel (Chinese or Korean) for me to translate, It may take some time for me to do it but it will be done as soon as possible.
• Your name prominently featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in gold).

And if you're feeling generous with a $20 pledge, you'll unlock all the perks from the $5 tier and $10 tier, plus:

• You get to recommend a Novel (Chinese or Korean) and I will immediately start translating it.
• You get to recommend an abandoned Novel (Chinese or Korean) and I will immediately start translating it.
• Your name featured at the top of the "Wall of Gratitude".

Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!