Chapter 289: Want to Have a Drink Together?
Chapter 289: Want to Have a Drink Together?
When Harry and the others knocked on Professor Hup's door, they heard a steady voice from inside: "I understand, Felix."
The three exchanged glances. "It's Headmaster Dumbledore!"
However, when Professor Hup opened the door, the room was empty, with no one inside.
"Professor, was Headmaster Dumbledore just here?" Harry couldn't help but ask.
Felix smiled, "That was just a recorded message; he's not actually here." He looked at the knight automaton in Hermione's hand and hesitated, "This... how did it end up with you?"
He wasn't sure if the three of them knew anything and inwardly complained, Sirius Black, you're really slipping.
Fortunately, the subsequent conversation reassured him that they hadn't discovered Sirius Black. They had merely brought back the magical automaton that he had "lost." Hermione apologized for her mischievous cat, "Crookshanks probably treated it as a toy. We cleaned it before coming over..."
Felix stared at the knight automaton, its crimson eyes flickering as it sat on a saucer, its silhouette looking somewhat lonely.
"...Thank you."
After the formalities, Harry pulled out the nameless book from his pocket, "Professor Hup, I've made my choice. It's apparition."
Felix didn't rush to refuse but looked at him steadily, "Do you understand the risks of this magic?"
Harry nodded.
"Do you know how to deal with dismemberment?"
This time, Harry was speechless. He looked to Hermione for help, and she didn't let him down, "Mild dismemberment can be treated with mistletoe, preferably mistletoe essence. For more severe cases, such as the head separating from the body—"
Harry looked at her in horror, but she continued matter-of-factly, "In such cases, you need professional help. The information I found suggests the Ministry of Magic's Accidental Magic Reversal Squad."
Ron added, "And there are fines. I mean, if the Ministry of Magic finds out you don't have a license and caused trouble, you'll be hit with a hefty fine."
Felix nodded in approval, "That's about right. So, Harry, are you still determined to choose apparition?"
Harry steeled himself, "Yes, Professor."
Felix looked at him, "Hold on, I have one more question for you: Given this information, what do you think is the most important preparation before practicing this magic?"
Harry opened his mouth, "Uh... have mistletoe essence ready?"
Felix chuckled, "That's the bare minimum. If you don't, I'd suspect you have troll blood. Think harder!"
Harry furrowed his brow, racking his brain. Ron and Hermione were also thinking hard. Hermione's eyes lit up, and she raised her hand, but Felix shook his head at her, and she reluctantly lowered it.
"I guess... having someone to guide you?"
"You're getting close, Harry."
After another minute, "I know! When practicing apparition, someone should be watching to help in case of severe dismemberment!"
Felix smiled, "Exactly. The most serious issue with apparition is dismemberment. In the past century, there have been twenty-one recorded deaths, all from people attempting apparition privately and suffering severe dismemberment, left to die unnoticed."
"Their fate was to watch helplessly as they bled out, full of regret."
Harry shuddered. How could Professor Hup say such a terrifying thing with a smile? It was too vivid, and he was worried that the next time he faced a boggart, his fear might be of dismemberment.
"So", Felix turned to Ron and Hermione, "you will supervise Harry and make sure he doesn't act recklessly, right?"
Ron and Hermione nodded vigorously, also shaken by the severe consequences.
"Good. Now, let me explain my plan." Felix addressed Harry, "First, you need to master the theoretical knowledge of apparition. I want you to write an essay on it—"
His finger tapped the nameless book, and a bright silver glow emanated from his fingertip. The pages of the book began to show various scenes, with multiple images of Professor Hup disappearing and reappearing.
"This book will help you, Harry. I've set some restrictions that you need to break through, layer by layer. It's like a game. By the way, do you know what a game is?"
"A video game? Dudley received one as a birthday gift a few years ago." Harry said, recalling the times he watched his cousin open birthday presents, filled with envy.
But Dudley had only been a favorite for a few days when Harry found a button on the handle of the controller in the trash.
"Hmm, it's somewhat similar to a game level."
Felix continued, "The essay and breaking the restrictions are the first steps you need to complete. The second step is practice. I will train you a few times until you have a basic grasp of this magic."
"After that, you'll have to put in the effort on your own. Be cautious and avoid reckless actions. Make sure someone is with you during every practice session, understand?" He looked at Harry seriously.
Harry nodded quickly in agreement, feeling a wave of relief. After hearing the professor, he had a clear idea of what he needed to do next.
"Professor, will we be practicing in the Forbidden Forest?" he asked. "I heard that apparition is not allowed within Hogwarts, due to the, uh, Anti-Apparition Charm."
Hermione nodded in agreement with Harry's statement.
"No", Felix dismissed the idea, "There is a place where we can avoid this restriction."
Seeing that they wanted to ask more, he clapped his hands. "Alright, kids, you'll find out in due time."
Finally, Harry tentatively asked about Professor Lupin's condition and was told that everything was fine.
When they left the office, Ron muttered, "We're not kids anymore. In two weeks, I'll be fourteen."
Harry sighed, "I still have nearly half a year", he teased, "Ron, are you reminding us to get you a birthday present?"
Ron's face turned red, and he chased after Harry, trying to pin him down with his armpit. Harry laughed and ran away.
...
Back in the office, Sirius Black, who had transformed back, sat on the sofa, frowning. "Harry is too young. You shouldn't be teaching him this magic. You should be more cautious."
Felix looked at him with interest. "I'm surprised you know the word 'cautious.'"
Sirius glared at him, but then Felix continued, "Do you know that Harry is learning the Patronus Charm from Lupin?"
"What?" he asked, shocked, "The spell to repel Dementors?"
Felix made a bottle of Butterbeer float in front of him, and Sirius gulped it down. "I miss it... it makes me want to cry, but life is still good."
"You don't object anymore?"
Sirius leaned back on the sofa, lazily saying, "You've thought it through pretty well, better than I would have. If it were me, I would either refuse or immediately start training with him."
"Knock, knock!"
A knock came from the door, and Sirius choked on his beer. He looked nervously at Felix, mouthing, "Quick, shrink me!" He glanced at the candy on the table, which he had just eaten, not knowing whether it was his helmet or chest armor. At least the knight's sword was already in his stomach.
"It's me, Lupin", a voice said from outside the door.
Felix looked at Sirius with a smirk, and Sirius, with a dark expression, walked to the door. "Hup—oh?" He pulled Lupin into the room.
"Padfoot..." Lupin paused, then hugged Sirius, whispering, "Forgive me, I've always misunderstood you."
"Oh, Moony, I forgive you too..."
"Whoa!"
The two looked up to see Felix fiddling with his wand, lighting a fire in the fireplace. "A temporary Floo Network connection. Let's talk over there, just in case Harry decides to come back. We don't want Professor Hup to be implicated in harboring a criminal."
Sirius grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and muttered, "You're jealous..." The next second, he was thrown into the fireplace. "You! #￥@%... 12 Grimmauld Place!"
Half an hour later, Felix and Lupin returned from the fireplace. Lupin thanked him, "Thank you for everything, Professor Hup."
"You're welcome. I'm just fulfilling a request."
Before leaving, Lupin couldn't help but ask, "When did you know I was a werewolf?"
"Why do you ask?"
"When I told you I was a werewolf, you didn't seem surprised. If you couldn't guess, I'd be quite dull." Lupin chuckled to himself.
"That's not important. So far, you've been a good colleague."
After Lupin left, Felix sat on the sofa, reflecting, "A long weekend... hmm", he drew his wand, and a swiftprow flew out of the tip. "Go on."
After a while—
He whispered, "Severus, you—what? Your Patronus is a doe?"
After a pause, he muttered, "Oh, that's a bit hurtful... I was actually going to ask if you wanted to have a drink together?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
