A Hogwarts Magic Professor Chapter 274: "Absolutely No Spikes" - Novel Cool

Chapter 274: "Absolutely No Spikes"

Chapter 274: "Absolutely No Spikes"

"Maybe Professor Lupin... hiss~"

A sudden gust of cold wind blew into Ron's collar, making him swallow the rest of his words. He glanced at the window in the common room, carefully picking up a piece of broken glass: "There's actually a hole here, and no one has fixed it?"

Hermione said impatiently, "It's just a spell. Why don't you do it yourself?"

When they returned to the dormitory, Ron said to Harry, "Maybe her cat did it. I think it's a bit strange, especially the way it looks at me..."

Harry didn't continue the topic and didn't tell Ron about the times he had thrown Crookshanks off his bed. In Harry's mind, the cat seemed to have a particular fondness for Scabbers' scent, even coming to visit frequently after Scabbers disappeared. Perhaps it was just disappointed at not getting a snack?

However, Harry couldn't be sure. If Scabbers were still around, he might have been driven to suddenly become a Dark Wizard. 'Maybe he couldn't stand Crookshanks' harassment anymore and left,' he thought. In a way, the cat had saved both him and Ron.

Harry started to undress and changed the subject, "By the way, what were you going to say earlier?"

Ron paused, lowering his hand from his shoe and frowning as he tried to remember, "I was thinking that maybe Professor Lupin planned to use your Dementor Doll to replace the boggart."

After a few seconds, Harry suddenly understood. He said excitedly, "You're right. Professor Lupin wrote on the card that the doll could help me. I thought it might help me overcome my fear of Dementors and prevent another Quidditch accident. It seems Professor Lupin had anticipated this all along."

Ron grinned as he changed into his pajamas, "But it doesn't make much difference. You used it to convince Wood to let you continue playing. Remember, he nearly fainted when he first saw that thing..."

Even though Ron was exaggerating, Harry couldn't help but laugh, especially imagining the burly Wood cowering in his chair like a kitten.

From the next bed, Neville, half-asleep, asked, "Harry? What's going on?"

"Nothing, go back to sleep", Harry quickly replied.

Lying in bed, Harry hoped he wouldn't miss the next Quidditch practice, just like Hermione never missed any of her elective classes. It was a bit magical, but he just needed the result.

...

In the following days, Felix spent most of his time, aside from attending classes and visiting the Library, researching the Pensieve he had borrowed from Dumbledore. He spent a considerable amount of time organizing the teaching steps for the Ancient Magic—Lumos Maxima.

This was his planned end-of-term reward for the club. Although this magic was essentially an infinitely enhanced version of Lumos, both its effects and safety were highly satisfactory.

The only consequence of the spell going out of control was draining the careless learner's magic. Compared to spells that could backfire, turning someone into a pile of ashes or a dessicated corpse, this was a much friendlier outcome.

Felix intended to break down this Ancient Magic, integrating the knowledge into the upcoming club meetings, and teaching it after the semester exams.

Additionally, his communication with Nicolas Flamel had resumed. Although they only communicated through photographs, Felix could keenly sense the weariness in Nicolas Flamel's words. He couldn't help but feel a sense of dread, remembering Dumbledore's words: Nearly Headless Nick's wife might not survive the winter...

But Nicolas Flamel avoided the topic, and Felix could only pretend to be unaware to avoid reopening the old man's wounds.

Perhaps during the summer holidays, he could discuss with Nicolas Flamel and spend some time at his place.

During this period, Mundungus contacted him several times, delivering a few ancient alchemy artifacts. He even brought a finely crafted silver item, which Felix determined to be the work of goblins from the intricate craftsmanship. Such items were always highly valuable, and it was clear that the owner frequently handled it. Felix speculated that it might have come from a Pureblood Family.

Mundungus tentatively asked if Felix wanted more, mentioning that he had a steady supply. This further confirmed Felix's suspicions. He couldn't help but remark that some Pureblood Families, despite their outward appearances, were quietly selling off their possessions.

In the first Duelling Class of January, Felix explained the rules of the Mini Dueling Tournament and arranged for some upper-year students to demonstrate. Besides prohibiting the use of dark magic, semi-permanent transfigurations, dangerous curses, and potions, there were not many restrictions.

"This tournament will be as close to a real duel as possible. The venue is not a ring; after discussions with several professors, we decided to fully utilize Classroom Seven, which has been converted from the Ancient Runes practical classroom."

"There is still a month before the tournament officially begins, so you can prepare thoroughly."

Apart from the information Felix revealed, the most noteworthy aspect of this Duelling Class was Neville. His Silent Stupefy successfully took down several opponents, shocking those who knew him.

Neville's heart raced; this was the first time he had won so decisively. Seeing Harry give him a thumbs-up, he grinned. When Seamus Finnigan was revived, he playfully thumped Neville's chest, "Hey, mate, what did you take, steroids?"

While everyone was happy about Neville's improvement, his transformation also instilled a sense of crisis in many. Most notably, Harry, Ron, and Hermione's small dueling study group became even more popular.

In an abandoned classroom, Ron, with a determined look on his face, said, "Come on, Harry." A small group of students gathered around him, making his expression look even more heroic.

Harry hesitated but complied. Pointing his wand at Ron, he shouted, "Incarcerous!" A magical rope wrapped around Ron, binding him from head to toe, and Ron crashed onto the mat with a thud.

Harry ran over, lifted the spell, and helped Ron up, quietly asking, "Another round?"

"Sure, I need to feel your magic more—ouch!" Ron winced, "Your magic must have mutated; I feel like my butt was pricked by thorns."

The students surrounding them took a collective step back, and a few girls—Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil—looked at them with disgust.

Harry nervously explained, "No, he must have a swollen skin, which is why it feels prickly. I've experienced it—" He stopped, realizing he was making it worse.

Now even Ginny was giving him a strange look.

Harry, feeling dejected, gave up on explaining and glared at Ron, saying irritably, "Ready?"

"Wait—"

"Bang!"

Ron fell again. Harry sincerely told the others, "You can check; there are absolutely no thorns..."

(End of Chapter)

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