A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 245: Approaching the Christmas Break

Chapter 245: Approaching the Christmas Break

Felix Harp was relieved to notice that Harry, Ron, and Hermione's attitudes had become more serious.

Speaking of this, a sudden thought popped into his mind, somewhat unclear but definitely related to the broken Pensieve he had been studying all night without any progress.

The Pensieve, memory magic, the arena akin to a thought-filled room... What could happen if they were all combined?

A scene flashed before Felix's eyes: In ancient runic lessons, young wizards lined up to jump into the Pensieve one by one. The constructed "Felix" proceeded with the class as planned. Students could even pause, rewind, and accelerate the process at will, while their true selves enjoyed reading books and sipping tea...

Or perhaps—

He could design a complex maze-like terrain, a forbidden forest, a swamp... The location wasn't crucial; the point was that he could have young wizards team up in pairs or threes and engage in dueling practice fearlessly within the real scenes.

Observing Professor Harp lost in thought, the trio shared a glance, and suddenly he mumbled, "We must prevent young wizards from teasing their teachers. They can be quite mischievous, capable of such things..."

Hermione blinked, wondering what the professor had just said.

Felix decided that when he returned, he would ask Nearly Headless Nick. Besides Nick, he couldn't think of any contemporary alchemist who might have cracked the secret of the Pensieve.

It might be best to temporarily borrow Headmaster Dumbledore's Pensieve again... yes. He could swear there would be no intention of prying into Dumbledore's memories.

"If my idea could be realized, this might become a magical item with even more potential than the magical phones. It could profoundly change the entire wizarding world." This thought flashed through his mind, swiftly taking root and growing wild.

Felix hurriedly left. Before departing, he asked Hermione to keep an eye on the progress of the list of students staying for Christmas. She nodded responsibly; she was accustomed to assisting the professor with various matters.

After he left, Harry muttered, "Thanks—for staying behind with me," and both Ron and Hermione chose the option to remain at school.

Ron mentioned that he didn't want to see Percy's face. "He's already got three internship offers. I can just imagine what the Christmas feast at home will be like—Percy boasting with his Prefect badge, Dad passing him a glass of brandy, Mum smothering him in kisses. Maybe I'll even catch a glimpse of Penelope..."

Hermione also felt burdened with many tasks. "I've only just gotten to the third volume of 'Enchanting Encounters,' and there's never enough time."

But Harry's heart remained warm because he knew these were all excuses. "Let's go practice dueling," he suggested. Ron's expression immediately turned mournful, and with Harry and Hermione's laughter, they dragged him out of the common room.

"Can I add an extra cushion? I mean, maybe more than one..."

...

Nearly Headless Nick seemed preoccupied with other matters. Through the mouth of his younger self in the photo, he assured Felix that he would ask Dumbledore to bring some past research materials.

Felix had initially thought of visiting Nick during the Christmas break, but since Nick was busy with other things, he had to let go of that idea. However, he still needed to give a Christmas gift. Felix had created a magically marvelous mirror, which Dumbledore could conveniently bring along.

He was certain Nearly Headless Nick would be utterly delighted by this Christmas gift.

Apart from Nearly Headless Nick, he had prepared a lengthy list of people to whom Christmas gifts needed to be sent. The list included Hogwarts professors and students, as well as some wizard pen pals he knew. Of course, ardent fans and enthusiasts were not left out.

Since Felix Harp's debate with various wizards at the Daily Prophet, his identity as a Hogwarts professor had become well-known to the public. Consequently, naturally, fans sent their letters here.

When people multiplied, all sorts of odd letters came in, including bold and spicy declarations of love. Felix couldn't help scratching his head. "I've never even done a book signing, never shown my face. What if I turn out to be a messy old man?" He imagined himself in Andis's appearance, sending shivers down his spine.

What surprised him was that many of these fans' letters came from young wizards who hadn't even started school yet. They were faithful readers of "The Little Wizard Mick's Adventures." The letters were directly sent to the L.C.A. Comic Publications and one day delivered by the house-elf Dobby.

His Galleon heated up at the time. Soon, several house-elves appeared in his office carrying huge packages. Aside from Dobby, the other house-elves were in tattered attire.

Inside the packages were various letters and gifts, and it took him quite some time to handle the responses.

As for the five house-elves brought by Dobby, Felix had carefully examined them one by one, confirming that they were true free elves. With this assurance, he heartily welcomed them, and after some encouragement, let Dobby take them away.

Their status would be somewhat similar to the house-elves in the Hogwarts kitchen, maybe a bit higher since they had holidays and wages. Of course, their number wasn't large.

Felix had also considered arranging seventh-year Hogwarts students for internships at L.C.A. Comic Publications. However, he eventually dismissed the idea as mastering the art of magical illustration wasn't something that could be achieved in a short period.

Hogwarts students were oblivious to this magical branch, and a short internship wouldn't be very helpful. But he could serve as a mediator between Professor McGonagall and Andis, facilitating cooperation and directing the cultivation of a group of individuals skilled in magical illustration.

All fifth-year Hogwarts students were required to participate in a brief discussion during the summer term with their Heads of Houses, discussing future employment prospects.

During this time, pamphlets and brochures on various magical careers would flood in, with some larger companies—like Red Books Publishing, the Daily Prophet, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and the Ministry of Magic—sending representatives every few years to promote their opportunities.

Felix remembered seeing the goblins from Gringotts while he was still at school. This was actually a rare occurrence, as such matters were usually handled by human Gringotts employees. The fairies weren't satisfied with the treatment they received and held strong caution and resentment toward wizards.

Leaving aside the rebellions and riots instigated by fairies in history, during every International Confederation of Wizards meeting, they demanded that wizards release their monopoly on wands. Even though the fairies invariably concealed their magic and the secret of enchanting weapons.

Felix speculated that their appearance on campus might be related to the recent war's conclusion. Someone had proposed taking back the goblins' operational rights over Gringotts at the time, treating them merely as workers for minting currency.

Minister Millicent Bagnold at the time was a strong-willed leader. She took office during the height of the wizarding war and approved the Aurors' use of the Unforgivable Curses against Death Eaters.

Being a resolute minister, it was hard to predict whether she would agree to this proposal. Therefore, after weighing their options, the fairies had no choice but to make some gestures, including permanent neutrality and a promise not to incite riots. Their visit to Hogwarts was just one of these gestures.

...

Over the next few days, as the Christmas holiday approached, it was clear that the young wizards' minds weren't on their studies. Many were already planning to make the most of the last Hogsmeade visit before the break for some festive shopping.

Meanwhile, Felix had more leisure time. During the last treatment, the Longbottoms had both entered a deep slumber as their brains underwent crucial self-repair and transformation. It could be a day or maybe a month before they woke up from their sleep.

Yet, even on the day before the holiday, as the young wizards boarded the train back home, Felix hadn't received any joyful news from St. Mungo's. He felt a twinge of regret, but still he earnestly penned a note to Augusta Longbottom—

"The plan can begin."

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