Chapter 255: The Owl Hut's Scenery
Chapter 255: The Owl Hut's Scenery
Vold didn't really have anything important to do in secret, but now that the work was done, he wanted some time alone to reflect.
After spending so much time leading the development of this magical version of television, he understood the vast potential of FlowMirror better than anyone.
After all, even Muggle television stations didn't have high-definition broadcasting yet!
FlowMirror not only offered clear visuals and immersive sound but could also be enlarged or shrunk to fit into a pocket—of course, only wizards who mastered the relevant spells could achieve this size transformation.
Machiioni saw the business opportunities in FlowMirror, the Weasley brothers recognized the alchemical techniques, the audience found unparalleled enjoyment, and the contestants could probably see their brief moments of social embarrassment in the future.
But Vold was well aware that from now on, half, or even the majority, of the magical world's public opinion would be swayed by FlowMirror.
Don't be fooled by the fact that the Daily Prophet often criticized the Ministry of Magic and ridiculed government officials.
But when it came down to it, they were completely the mouthpiece of the Ministry, shamelessly rallying behind Fudge without regard for their reputation.
They could portray the esteemed old headmaster as a cunning old lunatic, describe the underage savior as a vain and boastful little fraud, and even fabricate facts and weave lies to whitewash the dark forces.
However, once FlowMirror became widely popular, the Daily Prophet's status would undoubtedly face a significant challenge, and it was uncertain if anyone would even bother to read the newspaper anymore.
At that time, public opinion would have a new leader.
And the masses were always gullible, easily deceived and led astray.
Vold wasn't sure if Dumbledore had foreseen this future, but he said nothing.
...
Vold avoided the crowd and made his way to the Owl Hut.
The environment here wasn't great, but it offered a good view of most of the maze, with a wide-open vista and a peaceful atmosphere.
Most of the owls stood on their perches, half-asleep with one eye open and the other closed.
Some lay flat, both eyes closed, their long, fluffy legs stretched out straight, sleeping as if they were dead.
A few owls were startled by the footsteps and curiously opened their eyes to look at Vold, their eyes following his movements for a while. Seeing that he didn't offer any tasty treats, they ignored him.
Suddenly, Vold noticed that one owl had a slightly bald spot on the back of its head, and he walked over, suppressing a smile as he patted it gently.
The owl tilted its head in confusion, letting out a "coo" from its throat, but it didn't move away or peck at his hand.
It seemed quite docile.
There was no trace of the ferocity it had shown during the fight the other night.
After playing with it for a while, Vold made his way to the platform on top of the hut, only to find someone already sitting there.
"Professor?"
Vold exclaimed in surprise.
The person sitting there was Professor Morrow, who rarely came to school.
"Oh, Vold."
Professor Morrow turned and smiled, saying,
"It seems you've also discovered this secret spot. The view is quite nice, isn't it?"
"Of course."
Vold was puzzled, but after thinking for a moment, he decided to ask directly,
"Professor, weren't you supposed to attend the banquet of the European Alchemists' Union?"
This was a schedule that had been set half a year in advance, and Professor Morrow should have left for Luxembourg yesterday afternoon.
Because of this, they had even postponed an alchemy class.
Professor Morrow helplessly spread her hands and said,
"The banquet had just started when the hosts got into a fight with the guests, and there was an embarrassing fellow who even lost his pants... I knew today was the first public appearance of your FlowMirror, so I thought about it and used the Portkey to come back."
"Why didn't you go down there? It's a bit smelly here."
Professor Morrow's face paled slightly, and she quickly said, "Please don't tell Dumbledore I'm back, or he'll definitely assign me work! Look at your poor Headmaster; he's so busy!"
In the distance, within the maze, Professor Flitwick was riding a broomstick near the walls, looking a bit awkward as he hadn't flown in a while.
While Professor McGonagall maintained order outside the maze, Professor Flitwick was inside, magically tossing out students who had fallen into traps, were being chased by magical creatures, or had been carried off as trophies to their nests.
The professor, who was about the size of a child, was incredibly busy but dared not relax for a moment.
Of course, Professor Sprout, Professor Snape, Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey, and others were also busy with their tasks, not to mention Filch and Hagrid.
Perhaps only Professor Trelawney from Divination could sit comfortably in her chair, leisurely watching the challenge program, laughing so hard that tears almost fell from her eyes.
But this wasn't because Dumbledore particularly favored her; even Dumbledore, who trusted his staff, wouldn't dare assign her any difficult or important tasks.
Vold twirled his wand, and a small whirlwind appeared, cleaning the balcony on the outer side of the hut.
Professor Morrow even lifted her leg to allow the dust to blow away with the wind.
Then, Vold sat down beside her and apologized, "I'm sorry, Professor... I seem to have caused you a lot of trouble."
Professor Morrow smiled and said, "How could this be considered trouble?"
"Seeing the school's children bursting with vitality that hasn't been seen in a thousand years, learning magic happily through play—this scenery is better than anything."
"I guess Professor McGonagall and the others feel the same way, so no one has ever blamed you for it, right?"
"I guess so."
Vold fell silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Meeting good teachers like you and Professor McGonagall is also our students' luck. I will never forget the help the school's professors have given me."
He reminisced, "During my first year, when I accidentally hurt myself with a spell, if it weren't for you finding me, I might have died."
Professor Morrow recalled for a moment, then asked with confusion, "Weren't you sick with a fever then? And you were injured? Which spell did you use incorrectly?"
Vold blinked and looked at the professor with white hair.
After a moment, he realized, "Ah... I think I mixed up the memories."
"You can even mix up memories," Professor Morrow shook her head helplessly. "You've never made a mistake with Ancient Runes or Hieroglyphics."
"It's because my brain is occupied with more important things, so I tend to forget other matters."
Vold explained and took out the Panorama Telescope he had prepared from his pocket, duplicating it and handing one to Professor Morrow.
"Use this! You can zoom in and out, replay, and pause; it's so clear!"
"Thank you."
Professor Morrow smiled and took the telescope without hesitation.
Vold watched as she did this, and only when she used the telescope to observe the maze did he raise his own.
On the screen, Harry, Michael, and the others were also entering the maze.
(End of Chapter)
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