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Chapter 266: Reconciliation
Chapter 266: Reconciliation
Chapter 266: Reconciliation
In the office, Felix Harp was still reminiscing about the recent events —
He and Narvaez stood before the clock tower, gazing at the distant scenery. The overcast clouds had transformed into freezing rain and snowflakes, making this evening's twilight unusually splendid. Although there were no colorful hues refracted by the clouds, the orange sunlight seemed vast and all-encompassing, an unobstructed spectacle.
"A magnificent sight, isn't it?" Felix whispered.
Narvaez nodded. He opened his mouth to say something, but it felt like his lips were glued together; he couldn't seem to open them no matter how hard he tried.
"I believe I owe you an apology, Narvaez," Felix began, although Narvaez's gaze remained fixed on the outside world, he could sense the professor's eyes upon him.
"I, ahem! I mean, Professor Harp, it should be me who should express gratitude. You cured my parents, inspired my talents... I, I..." he trailed off, his face reddening.
Felix changed the subject, "How are your parents?"
Narvaez seemed to exhale in relief, "Mom and Dad are doing well. They spent Christmas at home, and everyone was joyful. Grandmother got tipsy, even though she didn't have more than a few sips... Uncle Algernon mostly drank most of the alcohol."
"After the holiday, Mom and Dad returned to Saint Mungo's for follow-up treatment. These years took a toll on their vitality; they need to recover for a while. But Aunt Merriam said these were minor issues. The previous treatments were hindered by memory damage, and many methods couldn't be employed..."
Narvaez paused and continued, "Before school started, they asked me to convey their gratitude to you." He pulled out a parchment from his pocket and handed it to Felix.
Felix took the letter, sealed with a golden-red wax emblem. The emblem bore a three-dimensional L-shaped design, quite formal-looking. His fingers lightly brushed the wax seal, and the parchment opened on its own. Inside was a sincere thank-you letter and a golden-red card woven from metallic threads.
The card bore a list of names —
Augusta Longbottom, Algernon Longbottom, Enid Longbottom, Frank Longbottom, Alice Longbottom, Narvaez Longbottom...
Felix solemnly put away the card and thank-you letter, "I will reply with a formal letter, and if necessary, I will pay a visit in person." Narvaez looked at him blankly, "Oh, uh... I will pass it on to Grandmother — and Mom and Dad."
For the next while, they both silently watched the sun setting in the west, starting as a hazy half-sky tint and gradually descending until the sun's shadow disappeared. Yet its brilliance remained gilded on the distant horizon.
Felix suddenly spoke, "Narvaez, you've taught me a lesson."
"What?"
"It's incredibly hard for a person to transcend all they've experienced. Most decisions they make are rooted in scenes from the past, like a mental cage that's invisible and intangible. But when you want to make a choice, it's constantly influenced by that cage."
"The frightening part is, the person inside the cage isn't self-aware. If, at such a moment, someone can be there to wake them up, to offer hints, to show them a broader world, their perspective can take a significant step forward."
"Narvaez, you've played that role before."
Narvaez's breath quickened; he turned to face Professor Harp.
Felix continued, "Your feelings toward me must be quite complex — gratitude, resentment, respect, disdain... a mixture of emotions that leaves you unsure how to face me, am I right?"
Narvaez lowered his head, looking at his shoes; he suddenly had so much to say, but he held it all back.
"I just said, a person's actions are influenced by the past, and I'm no exception. The more profound the past, the more far-reaching the impact. When I was planning this scheme, subconsciously, memories of my student days came to mind. I tried to use myself as a template, attempting to replicate my experiences onto you."
"Professor, was your magical outburst... really terrifying? But you did defeat the entire Slytherin house, didn't you?" Narvaez whispered.
"Ah... even Dumbledore wasn't born invincible. When he was eleven or twelve, he might not have been able to beat Harry either. Of course, we're only talking about combat ability, not wisdom."
Narvaez found this statement a bit odd. Was Professor Harp saying that Harry lacked wisdom or just acted recklessly? But considering that they were comparing him to Headmaster Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of their time, Narvaez let it go. Instead, it felt like an honor and praise.
"I've actually been quite fortunate," Felix Harp chuckled. "Students in my year couldn't best me, and the upper years were restricted by school rules, only able to watch. After all, the punishments were quite severe back then..."
"But if you can't resist attacking older students, you're no longer under protection. People should be allowed to defend themselves, right? So, for a long time, they kept nagging in my ears. Initially, I thought they were immature, just skilled at running their mouths, like buzzing flies. But over time, some negative feelings accumulated."
"Coincidentally, due to certain special reasons, perhaps because of talent... my magic is more active, much more active than an average person's. That's why I've experienced several magical outbursts."
"Actually, it hasn't affected me much, but I naturally attributed it to the product of negative emotions."
Narvaez suddenly grasped the insight. So that's how it was. He had been thinking so hard for the past few days, but he couldn't quite figure it out. Professor Harp was incredibly powerful, yet he had been pushed to multiple magical outbursts. Now he understood – it was because of his unique talent.
He couldn't help but envy the fact that Professor Harp and he were complete opposites – his magical ability was too inert, and his talent was lacking...
However, now everything was improving.
Felix Harp carefully observed the expression on Narvaez's face and smiled, "Well, I've revealed quite a few of my secrets. Will you keep them for me? Do you feel more at ease now?"
Narvaez bashfully lowered his head. He hesitated before saying, "Professor, I'm just temporarily trying to wrap my head around this."
Felix kindly said, "I hope to address the issues openly. I admit there were some improper considerations on my part. I hope to gain your understanding."
"Professor, I guess I've been overly fixated." Narvaez scratched his head, giving a simple laugh.
"Well then, like a true man, how about a handshake?" Felix extended his hand.
Narvaez blinked his eyes and shook hands with the professor.
"Narvaez, I'd like to invite you to join my magical literature club. Would you be interested?"
"Can I, even though... my grades aren't outstanding?"
"Everyone notices your diligence, and besides, I believe I have the authority to select suitable members."
"I'd definitely love to!"
Finally, the last trace of light was swallowed by the earth, and night descended.
A slightly distressed voice echoed from the clock tower, "I've noticed something – we seem to have missed dinner. Shall we head to the kitchen? I'll introduce you to a friendly house-elf named Yunbo. Hopefully, he's read the cookbook I gave him... there are a few dishes I've been longing to have."
...
As the reminiscence concluded, Felix Harp sat on the couch, his tone relaxed, "Isn't this quite nice?"
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