Chapter 32: The Gathering at the Bar
Chapter 32: The Gathering at the Bar
The person who greeted Sherlock was Hagrid.
This was the first time they had met since Sherlock saw Hagrid at the Hogsmeade station.
At Hagrid's table were Professor Flitwick, Professor Mcgonagall, and a fat old man Sherlock had never seen before.
The man had a round, bald head, a walrus-like mustache, and a prominent belly. He wore a friendly smile that made people feel he was easy to get along with from the first glance.
Their seats were by the window, offering a perfect view of the rain sliding down the eaves outside, making it the best spot in the bar for a rainy day.
Sherlock walked over directly, and Professor Flitwick pulled out the empty seat next to him for Sherlock to sit down.
Since Sherlock appeared in the bar, the fat old man with the walrus mustache had been staring at him with a dazed look.
"Really, it's just like her."
He murmured softly, causing everyone at the table except Sherlock to feel a sudden sense of melancholy.
"Horace." Professor Mcgonagall frowned and called out the old man's name.
Slughorn snapped out of his daze, sniffed, and his face broke into a friendly smile again.
"Sorry, Sherlock. You can call me by my name, Horace Slughorn. We almost had a father-son relationship once. Your eyes remind me of your mother, but your good looks come from your father. I was your mother's teacher and close friend."
Sherlock looked at the seemingly kind old man and nodded slightly, without saying much more.
The atmosphere fell into an awkward silence, so Professor Flitwick, known for his wit and humor in class, spoke up to lighten the mood.
"From what the students have been saying, you've been doing a great job as a professor this week, Sherlock."
"I'm just doing my job", Sherlock replied modestly.
Hagrid laughed heartily.
"Just doing your job is already a great achievement. Your predecessors didn't perform as well as you. Harry and the others often mention how interesting your classes are when they visit me."
His tone also conveyed a hint of envy.
Among those sitting there, only he did not hold a professorship. The other three, besides Sherlock, were either former or current heads of the school.
"This reminds me of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during my time as headmaster—Meres, that old fellow."
Slughorn, being a talkative person, smoothly picked up on Hagrid's topic.
"He was one of the most dedicated and responsible professors I've ever seen. However, he was too idealistic, always believing dark magic could be controlled. Fortunately, his defensive skills were top-notch, and he didn't cause any trouble during his tenure."
"I know his theories and have studied his works. He was indeed a talented teacher and one of the most successful in Hogwarts' history, ranking among the top ten. But I can't agree with his attitude toward magic."
Professor Mcgonagall said sternly, "He viewed magic too objectively, always believing that any existing magic had its value. This mindset inevitably influenced his students, leading to significant problems later on."
Filius comforted, "It can't really be blamed on him. In academia, any constructive discussion is welcome. Ultimately, how each person interprets it is a matter of their own thoughts."
Slughorn laughed heartily.
"Are you also reproaching me, Minerva? After all, I was once that person's teacher."
"I didn't mean it that way."
"I know you didn't. I was just joking", Slughorn said, turning his gaze to Sherlock.
"I hear you're a master of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Sherlock. What's your take on dark magic?"
Sherlock picked up the whisky glass on the table and took a sip, speaking calmly.
"Actually, this question can be framed differently. Dark magic is ultimately just a form of magic. Any spell is merely a manifestation, while the true essence of magic lies in the wizard's heart."
"Dark magic reflects the darker aspects of the human heart. Magic itself has no inherent good or evil, but human hearts do. When dark magic is used, the user's heart is undoubtedly in a state of extreme darkness. The corruption of the heart can lead to all kinds of disasters. Therefore, the greatest danger of dark magic lies in its influence on the user, an insidious erosion that is difficult to guard against."
After he finished speaking, the three professors sitting there clapped lightly.
Hagrid, who had been listening with a confused expression, clapped his large hands a couple of times to avoid looking out of place.
Filius praised, "A brilliant theory, Sherlock. The incantations of all spells are just surface phenomena; the true essence of magic lies in the wizard's heart. This insight alone is enough to make all spell researchers reassess their work."
"Even if you don't become a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, you have a bright future in the wizarding world", Professor Mcgonagall affirmed.
"Hogwarts would have been lucky to have you. If I were still the headmaster, I would have invited you to join my club", Slughorn added, not holding back his praise.
Saturday offered plenty of time, and they chatted in the pub until noon.
After his initial remarks on dark magic, Sherlock fell into a more reserved mode, quietly observing Slughorn.
This seemingly jovial and friendly old man didn't actually treat everyone the same way. During the conversation, Sherlock could clearly sense that Slughorn was deliberately ignoring Hagrid.
His attitude clearly showed a disdain for Hagrid, a wizard with no particular talent, knowledge, or social standing.
As noon approached and the five of them had finished their third drink, Slughorn smiled and said to Professor Mcgonagall and the others, "It's getting late, Minerva. You should prepare to go back for lunch. Could you give Sherlock and me a moment of private space? I have something I'd like to discuss with him."
Professor Mcgonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Hagrid exchanged glances, nodded, and stood up. After bidding Sherlock farewell, they left the Three Broomsticks.
(End of Chapter)
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