https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-351-Adaptation-of-Real-Experiences/13460666/
Chapter 350: Seventeen-Year-Old Dumbledore
Chapter 350: Seventeen-Year-Old Dumbledore
The next day, Hogwarts was hit by a heavy rain. The rain extinguished the morning mist in the Forbidden Forest but also shrouded everything in a gray haze.
Niffler huddled in a cradle lined with soft sponge and velvet. Since learning that it would be staying at Hogwarts permanently, it refused to return to the space inside the pocket watch. Instead, it took advantage of Felix's inattention to bring its bed out and hide the silver pocket watch. Even when Felix searched through its collection again, he couldn't find where the watch was hidden.
Of course, he didn't search too seriously; he couldn't keep it confined forever. Previously, it was a necessity while traveling.
At some point, its collection had grown even more—silver forks, which were likely from Beauxbatons; a glowing crystal ball that Felix recognized as the one from Nearly Headless Nick's former home. The first time he saw it, it was covered in dust, but now it was spotless.
When Felix looked at Valen, it cautiously blew a small breath, wiping the surface of the crystal ball to make the clouds and lightning inside brighter. There were also various other new items, probably collected while Felix wasn't paying attention—a temperature-regulating pendant, a badger-shaped magical lamp, a flint box, a dusty hourglass, and a golden necklace—oh, Felix knew this one. He had modified a Galleon to see just how corrupt the goblins of Gringotts were, and how much sand they had mixed into the Galleon. The results made him suddenly want to rob the goblins.
He remembered reading a book about ancient goblins, which described in detail the extravagant lives of the ten major goblin families. The descriptions were so vivid, it seemed the wizard who wrote it had been hiding in a goblin cave to observe.
According to the book, these goblin families were as opulent as the Malfoys of the wizarding world.
It was hard to say which group the author disliked more, but Lucius Malfoy certainly wouldn't want this comparison to spread.
The Quidditch World Cup had been over for a week, and during this time, Lucius had not responded. Felix wasn't in a hurry; these Pureblood Families would even choose an auspicious day for sending invitations, let alone submitting themselves to his authority.
Moreover, the Ministry of Magic, under public pressure, had not given up on investigating the hooded wizard who had escaped, so this matter would likely drag on for a while.
However, Felix only planned to wait until Christmas. If Lucius still hadn't responded by then, he would go to collect his debt.
For now, Niffler Valen had its eye on a Resurrection Ring on the workbench and also had a genuine fondness for the Memory Stone Basin. However, Felix had given it a lesson last night.
The new lesson could be summarized as—its little pocket was for the things it loved the most, while other items should be kept in the office, which was also its home and treasure trove.
From then on, it understood that a cunning Niffler has three hideouts...
Another rule was that it couldn't steal from others, or Felix would cast a spell to seal its pocket and give away its treasures in front of it. If it behaved well, there would be extra rewards.
After days of legal education and coercion, Niffler Valen raised three pink fingers and swore by the names of its two brothers.
"Boom!"
A bolt of lightning split the gray sky, illuminating Felix's figure by the windowsill. Niffler Valen raised its head, wriggled its body, and climbed onto Felix's shoulder, watching the heavy rain with him.
They listened to the pounding rain, feeling the fine, misty droplets on their faces, cool and refreshing.
Felix tilted his head slightly, pouting, and said, "Don't wear that necklace anymore; it's too ugly." Niffler also pouted, its black, shiny eyes mocking his sense of aesthetics.
It was eleven in the morning.
At this time, the Hogwarts Express should have already departed from King's Cross Station, puffing out clouds of steam as it heads toward the Scottish Highlands.
Felix appeared in the Headmaster's Office, where Professor Mcgonagall and Dumbledore were sitting on a sofa, discussing the arrangements for the reception of the four magical schools during the Triwizard Tournament.
"Madame Maxime and her students can stay in the carriages, which can be placed at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The Durmstrang students will arrive by ship and can be accommodated near the Black Lake..." Professor Mcgonagall pursed her lips. "However, the other two schools are more problematic. While Wagadu doesn't mind staying in the Forbidden Forest, as they can transform into creatures—"
"Minerva", Dumbledore said, resting his forehead in his hand, "Ilvermorny will use a Portkey to travel across the continent, disguising themselves as a tour group. They can be accommodated near the Quidditch Pitch. As for Wagadu, they will arrive later—"
"Later than the scheduled time?" Professor Mcgonagall asked. "How many days later?"
"That's the issue", Dumbledore replied, gesturing for Felix to find a seat. He looked troubled as he continued, "They plan to walk here."
Professor Mcgonagall stared at him in shock. "Albus, are you serious? They're in Africa!"
"Yes, I know. I've been there a few times and really hope to try being a Dream Messenger—" Dumbledore said with a smile. "To tell young wizards in their dreams that they've been accepted, leaving a notice behind."
"Dumbledore—" Professor Mcgonagall said sternly, looking at him.
"Oh, right... Where were we? Wagadu considers this journey a form of training. They have a tradition of doing this, but traveling from Africa to Britain is unprecedented."
Professor Mcgonagall's expression grew serious. "Albus, this shows how much they value this tournament. I can almost imagine the trials these students have faced on their journey. Compared to them, our students can't even cast spells properly."
"Minerva, don't be so hard on yourself", Dumbledore said with a smile. "I've always believed our students are just as capable. Don't you think so, Felix?"
Felix looked up and smiled, then countered, "Albus, I just came back from Beauxbatons. Their students have already been informed about the tournament and are using the summer to train intensively."
"Uh..." Dumbledore was speechless. He glanced at Professor Mcgonagall, who, as expected, raised her voice in frustration. "You see, Dumbledore! Other schools are preparing, but what about us? We're just enjoying our summer, and the students don't even know that their Quidditch matches have been canceled this year."
"Minerva..."
"... I told you about this before, but you were nowhere to be found. You're a complete absentee." Professor Mcgonagall's chest heaved with anger. The thought of Hogwarts students being outperformed made her heartsick.
Felix, who had been quietly observing, guiltily turned his head. He thought of Lupin, to whom he had also passed off a lot of responsibilities.
'Is Remus feeling the same way as Minerva?'
"Minerva", Dumbledore had to soothe the Deputy Headmistress, "I've already made arrangements. Felix is here today specifically for this matter."
"Really?" Professor Mcgonagall looked skeptical.
"Of course", Felix nodded. "I gave the Headmaster some suggestions during the holidays, proposing to include certain spells as mandatory. Albus said he needed to consider it, but now it seems he has agreed?"
"Not this matter", Dumbledore said helplessly.
"But I think this proposal is excellent", Mcgonagall said, looking at Felix. "I've always believed that young wizards are too lax, Felix. We can take the time to discuss this and finalize the details."
Dumbledore interrupted their conversation, speaking bluntly, "I plan to expand the Dueling Club's role, turning it into a special elective course. The professors will rotate, and Felix, you'll need to dedicate more time to training the champions."
"Why me?" Felix asked curiously.
"Your advantages are unique. Those magical teaching aids..." Dumbledore winked, "They have been a great help to the champions. Didn't you ask for my input? I believe the Memory Stone Basin has far more potential than the Pensieve."
Felix pondered the Headmaster's words. "You mean—"
"I can provide a memory, from when I was seventeen", Dumbledore nodded slightly. "It contains my battle wisdom."
Felix was taken aback. A wizard's memories are the most valuable treasure, and many guard them closely. Although he knew Dumbledore would remove irrelevant memories and take precautions, the trust was sudden and overwhelming.
Seeing Felix's stunned expression, Dumbledore smiled gently. "Do I seem like a fossilized relic from the last century to you?"
Felix regained his composure. "Just a bit surprised, Headmaster Dumbledore."
Professor Mcgonagall was highly interested in their conversation. Upon learning about the Memory Stone Basin, she immediately decided to join in. "We can also involve other professors—"
"No, Minerva", Dumbledore firmly shook his head, his voice serious. "We must not pressure the other professors. We shouldn't even mention it."
Professor Mcgonagall opened her mouth to speak, but Dumbledore's resolve was unyielding, and she did not voice any objections. "Alright, I'll go and help Filius set up the Great Hall." She left the office.
"Headmaster, what prompted this decision? To be honest, I was quite startled", Felix joked when the Headmaster's Office was left with just the two of them.
"Because Dumbledore received a letter, from..." The Sorting Hat, which had been sitting on the shelf, suddenly cracked open a seam and spoke out loud.
But Dumbledore cast a stern gaze at it, and it immediately closed its mouth, instead softly humming the Sorting Hat song it was preparing for the year.
"Brave Gryffindor, from the desolate swamp,
Wise Ravenclaw, from the tranquil riverside,
Kind Hufflepuff, from the open valley,
Cunning Slytherin, from the muddy marsh.
They shared a dream, a wish; a dream, a wish... they shared a dream, a wish..."
The Sorting Hat seemed to be still working on the lyrics or rehearsing, repeating the last line over and over. The song was grating, and Felix, who had heard it for seven years during his school days and two more after graduation, found it rather tiresome. He wished it would just be quiet so he could focus on his research.
Dumbledore ignored the Sorting Hat, raising his voice to explain, "Do you remember the Christmas gift you gave me during your first year, 99 Inventions That Changed the World? I gave it to a friend, and we discussed its contents. I mentioned you in passing."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
