Chapter 144: Practical Lesson?
Chapter 144: Practical Lesson?
The house-elf swayed slightly, his tennis-ball-sized green eyes even more prominent, "Dobby thinks that since Mr. Potter is safe... Dobby has no reason to appear anymore, especially for his own sake..."
Felix continued along the same lines, "We're just chatting. Who says a house-elf can't have a Wizard friend?"
"Is it true? Dobby—Dobby can be friends with such a great Wizard?" The house-elf made a praying gesture, his body involuntarily leaning forward.
"Of course, Dobby."
"This, this is such an honor, Dobby! Dobby is Mr. Hep's friend!" The house-elf bowed deeply, his long nose almost touching the floor.
"Alright, Dobby, let's get to the important matters. Please, have a seat."
Dobby sat down at the edge of the sofa, "Is there anything you want to ask?"
"Dobby, Lucius Malfoy probably doesn't know about the diary being destroyed, right?"
Seeing Dobby's expression quickly deteriorate and his tendency to bang his head against the wall, Felix quickly intervened, "Actually, I already knew. He has no idea about the diary's destruction."
"How do you know?" Dobby asked curiously.
"Through your reaction... but I have my sources", Felix replied.
Dobby had no doubt and nodded in agreement.
Felix continued, "Does Malfoy have any travel plans recently? I want to have a private chat with him."
He was planning to corner him.
With just a Confundus Charm, he could make Malfoy think Dobby was negligent in his duties, leading to the punishment of 'expelling Dobby,' which would be simple and direct.
For other house-elves, being expelled by their master is a tragic event, and they would repeatedly beg for forgiveness. But Dobby was different; he longed for freedom.
If Lucius took this action, Dobby would leave Malfoy Manor with joy.
However, all of this had to be kept from Dobby to avoid triggering the obedience instincts engraved in his body, which could cause strong resistance and make the situation uncontrollable.
But Dobby hesitated, "Dobby, Dobby doesn't know his master's whereabouts, and Dobby shouldn't reveal them..."
Felix was a bit frustrated. He couldn't exactly tail Malfoy or break into Malfoy Manor, could he?
He tried the same tactic again, speaking with a confident tone, "Dobby, I actually know. Malfoy will come to me, no need for me to seek him out."
"How does Mr. Hep know the master will come to Hogwarts?" Dobby asked, surprised.
So, he will come to Hogwarts? For what, to see Dumbledore?
"Of course, he must come, on that day..." Felix slowed his voice and spoke softly.
"Yes, the young master wrote that he would definitely win the Quidditch Cup and defeat Potter, but Dobby thinks that won't happen", the house-elf said with a bias.
So it's the Quidditch day, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin?
Having obtained the information he needed, Felix smoothly changed the subject, "I agree, Potter has exceptional talent in Quidditch."
"You're right!" Dobby responded excitedly, "Mr. Potter is very talented, but if Dobby hadn't cast a spell on the Bludger..."
His mood sank.
"But even so, I remember Potter still caught the Golden Snitch", Felix said calmly.
"You were protecting Potter. I suggest you find a time to apologize to him and explain the situation."
...
A new week began.
Ancient Runes class.
Felix beamed at the sixth-year students, "Congratulations, you've completed this year's coursework ahead of schedule, a very impressive achievement!"
The male and female Wizards in the audience applauded enthusiastically.
Their applause was heartfelt. The learning pace this year had indeed accelerated significantly, thanks to Professor Hep's various innovative and engaging teaching methods—Magical Automaton, classroom competitions, Answer Parchment, Runic Script Essays, 'forged' magic handbooks, and the latest addition, the Leaderboard.
Sixth year was a special period. They had just completed a year of rigorous studies, building a rich knowledge base, and they no longer had to worry about exams. This made Felix more willing to try out new and exciting methods in his advanced classes.
It turned out that his approach was very popular—after the Owls Exam, most students who chose to continue with Runic Script did so because they genuinely loved Ancient Runic Script, not just because they had no other options.
Felix looked at them. "We have about three and a half months left in the academic year, and we will be introducing a new type of class: practical sessions."
Practical sessions for Ancient Runic Script? That was a novel idea.
Before Professor Hep arrived, this course was always treated as a theoretical subject. Once he took over, the students realized that Runic Script had many practical applications.
However, Professor Hep himself had mentioned that practical Runic Script was meant to 'increase student interest' and would not become the main focus of the course.
"Professor, are you planning to add more sections on making Magical Automatons?" A witch with long curly hair raised her hand and asked.
"Miss Clearwater, have you completed the repairs on your Magical Automaton yet?" Felix raised an eyebrow.
"Not yet, Professor."
"Exactly. The practical sessions I'm referring to will draw from the most vivid and interesting parts of your potential future careers."
The thirty-odd students in the classroom exchanged glances, intrigued by Felix's words.
"Take your wands and backpacks, and follow me."
Felix led them to a sealed classroom. He pointed his finger at the doorknob, and a few Runic Script symbols appeared in the air, sparkling before quickly vanishing.
"Click!" The door opened a crack.
"Adding a few Runic Script symbols to a Locking Charm can effectively resist conventional spell-breaking", Felix explained, sharing a useful tip. "Of course, brute-force breaking is another matter."
He pushed the door open, and the students peered inside curiously.
The room was pitch black, as if all the light had been absorbed. They were about to take a closer look when a cold wind blew through, sending shivers down their spines.
As the wind passed, they heard faint caws of crows.
"Professor, what is this...?" a Wizard asked, somewhat fearfully. This room... why is it so eerie?
Could it be a Dark Wizard's lair?
Professor Hep's calm voice answered, "In 1842, the Ministry of Magic discovered an ancient Wizard's Hidden Hut in a swamp. Due to the passage of time, the magic had worn off, and the hut revealed itself."
"At the time, the Ministry organized a team to explore the Hidden Hut and its surroundings, ultimately bringing back many Magic Manuscripts."
The students listened in silence, then they heard Professor Hep say with evident pride, "I researched extensively and, based on descriptions and photographs, recreated the scene."
"Our practical sessions will take place here. I hope you will enjoy it."
(End of Chapter)
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