Chapter 174: Newspapers and Letters
Chapter 174: Newspapers and Letters
Felix examined the article carefully. Below the headline was a large photograph of Cornelius Fudge standing in the middle, his plump hands clasped with those of the President of the American Congress of Magic and the Head of the French Ministry of Magic, all smiling broadly.
He was dressed formally, his clothes straining against his protruding belly, which seemed to have shrunk a bit, though two deep creases were visible.
'When did he get involved?'
With this question in mind, Felix scanned the text for answers. He soon encountered lengthy descriptions of Fudge:
"Minister Fudge has been closely monitoring the progress of the conference across the Channel and has been exchanging views through correspondence. Three days ago, Minister Fudge personally attended the meeting. Under his mediation, the shocking Boussard Hotel student protest incident reached a favorable resolution..."
"...The interim Bostris Hotel Memorandum will play a significant role in guiding the development of the entire event. The American Congress of Magic plans to revise several key laws, including the third and fourth articles of the original 'Wizard and Muggle Interaction Registration Act': the periodic home inspections will be abolished and replaced with magic contracts. It is worth noting that Minister Fudge provided a wealth of his own experience and advice in governing the British magical community, which played a crucial role in the smooth progress of the meeting."
"During an interview with our newspaper, Minister Fudge claimed that the three countries will collaborate in broader fields in the future. He revealed that, according to the current work plan, this collaboration will involve a significant traditional event. However, when pressed for more details, Minister Fudge refused to provide further information, stating that everything is still under discussion."
"Additionally, the name Felix Heap is one we should remember. At the beginning of the incident, he decisively ended the irrational actions of the Ilvermorny students and effectively treated a severely injured female student, ensuring that the entire dialogue took place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, avoiding more violent and bloody conflicts."
"Our reporter believes that his contributions are worthy of an Order of Merlin. It is also worth mentioning that the young witch named 'Bethany' expressed her gratitude and admiration for Mr. Heap during an interview..."
Felix chuckled to himself as he turned to the end of the article, unsurprised to see Rita Skeeter's name. After lying low for several months, she had re-emerged, her articles as colorful and sensational as ever, filled with descriptions that often strayed from the facts and contained highly inflammatory language. She had a penchant for gossip about celebrities.
If one read her article, it would seem that Cornelius Fudge played a pivotal role, while Dumbledore's name was only briefly mentioned in a few key places—just enough to be necessary.
'She's a clever one, but I still find it hard to like her.'
Felix flipped through the other pages, which were much more balanced and objective. Dumbledore's name appeared multiple times, and in the margins, he found the information he was looking for.
"...Notably, the student leader Uriel, who sparked this incident, will be confined to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, personally supervised and educated by the Headmaster. The specifics of his punishment are unknown, but he has undoubtedly become an idol among young American Wizards. People have spontaneously gathered at Graylock Mountain, cheering and celebrating outside the Ilvermorny school gates."
……
Over the next few days, Felix also obtained some information from other sources.
For instance, a text message from Romaxwell Colbert in France mentioned details that were not published in the newspapers.
Dear Felix,
Celeste has been demoted! The American Congress of Magic paid a hefty sum! It’s a shame you didn’t see her ugly face. I could feel my every pore radiating joy.
However, the head of the International Exchange Department is not too pleased, as that woman’s new position will be closely linked to his. But who cares!
The fish soup at that restaurant is still as delicious as ever. I tried it twice.
I am enclosing the relevant clippings. And more.
……
What surprised Felix the most was that Uriel, who he had only seen in the newspaper a few days ago, supposedly being held at Ilvermorny School for reflection, also sent him a bulging letter.
Dear Mr. Felix Hep,
Please forgive my boldness in writing to you. I obtained your address from Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who is a very kind person.
After gathering information from multiple sources, we pieced together what you did. We were slow in realizing this, and that was not right. The following content was compiled under the witness of 52 students, with me as the primary scribe.
Bethany: Mr. Heap, I am fully recovered, completely healed! The doctors thought I was dead, but you brought me back from the brink! Knowing you are a professor, I hope you will visit the United States next year.
Byers: Mr. Heap, first, thank you for saving my sister. Second, I have to say, are you usually a bit serious? I admit you scared me quite a bit, and I had nightmares. It’s a strange feeling… I am grateful to you when I’m awake, but in my dreams, I’m just afraid.
Xxx: Ignore Byers’ nonsense, Mr. Heap. I didn’t feel that way at all. Maybe you uncovered his mask! Ha ha, but your magic is truly astounding. I asked a few professors, and they all said they couldn’t do the same. I’m very curious…
Felix rubbed his forehead, trying to read through a letter pieced together by 53 people. It required a lot of patience. Different tones and wordings, but all in the same handwriting.
By the time he reached the end, he almost thought he was experiencing a split personality.
The letter also included relevant reports. If you put together the clippings from three different countries, you would find an interesting fact.
Despite the same outcome, you would see three different versions of the events and their causes, with a different main character in each story…
For Felix, the matter was now closed.
Next, Felix focused on refining the Ancient Magic he had been working on. Professor Flitwick praised his work and personally tested the magic, much to the detriment of another ancient tree.
Professor Mcgonagall hurriedly stopped their antics, her face a picture of annoyance. She said sternly, “Filius, I thought you wouldn’t join in their mischief. The Wand Tree is a valuable asset to Hogwarts, and I hear you plan to experiment on the Whomping Willow…”
She pursed her lips tightly, exuding a formidable aura. “Honestly, if you were my students, I would definitely give you detention and deduct two hundred points each!”
(End of Chapter)
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