https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-513-An-Increasingly-Urgent-Future/13461404/
Chapter 514: The Dilemma of the Ancient Runes Association and the Prophecy
Chapter 514: The Dilemma of the Ancient Runes Association and the Prophecy
Felix exchanged some intelligence and opinions with Dumbledore. Apart from the past couple of days when events had been more concentrated, Professor Mcgonagall or Mrs. Weasley would usually compile and relay the information from each Order of the Phoenix meeting to Dumbledore.
So even though Dumbledore didn't visit often, he was well-informed and could handle other matters. In his words, "Dealing with trolls always requires more patience."
"Do you know troll language?" Felix asked with a peculiar expression. "What does this mean?" He produced a syllable that sounded like huffing and puffing.
Dumbledore gave him a reproachful look.
"Alright, I can guess. It's probably not a nice thing to say", Felix said, defending himself in a low voice. "All troll language sounds like cursing. I don't really understand it—so I wasn't wrong for beating those mountain trolls back then?"
"Felix, I personally advise you not to discuss this topic with the Norwegian Wizards. They have a fondness for these simple-minded creatures, perhaps because of their rough and wild beauty?" Dumbledore said uncertainly. "They even chose the troll as the mascot for their Quidditch National Team. Goodness, how do they deal with tons of boogers? Honestly, that's the real challenge..."
However, Bode's situation caught his attention. "I'll keep an eye on it and try to talk to Amelia", Dumbledore nodded slightly with a smile. "Dealing with the new minister is easier; there's no need to worry about his fragile ego... well, that might sound a bit harsh, but I think Cornelius is better suited to his current position."
"Yeah, we're working our hearts out, while he's eating and drinking his way through European countries", Felix said. "I hope he doesn't come back fatter, as that would cause a public outcry."
...
Conversations with Dumbledore were always interesting. If it weren't for Harry's safety, Felix would have been happy to discuss Voldemort's strength with the old man, but it was clear that Dumbledore was very busy and left in a hurry.
Felix, deep in thought, made his way to the headquarters of Future World Inc.
For the soul fragment inside Harry, neither Felix nor Dumbledore had a good solution for the time being, so they had to focus on Voldemort. The reason was that Voldemort was acting up, no, he had resurrected. As a living person, his emotions were more intense than when he was a fragment, especially after recent setbacks, which might cause him to toss and turn at night. Unfortunately, Harry, as a half-Horcrux, acted like a large emotional receiver, often affected by Voldemort's moods.
This 'stirring' would, in turn, stimulate the unstable soul fragment, like carrying a Pandora's Box, with no one knowing what would happen when it was opened. Occlumency could only delay the inevitable; the time bomb was still there. If Voldemort discovered it and had enough time, he could very well detonate this bomb.
Felix pondered this as he ascended the spiral staircase.
Due to the special period, the Sword Tower's main hall was temporarily closed to the public. Each staff member had a special amulet for identification. However, this method was only a temporary measure. The real solution was the Thief-Repelling Waterfall, which was still under development.
There was another method—
Regularly using Mind Chamber Magic for scans. However, the real-world conditions didn't allow Felix to remain at the company permanently, and the broader Wizard community still harbored reservations and biases about Memory Magic. Felix didn't want to cause internal unrest, especially with Voldemort watching from the shadows.
So he chose to use it occasionally and secretly, telling no one.
By using the opportunity to discuss issues and demonstrate magic, he could quickly use Mind Chamber Magic to get a general sense of things.
"Perhaps we could create an Ancient Runes item? Using a Magical Automaton to guard the entrance would also be good?"
But Felix ultimately abandoned the idea. The Magical Automaton could at most serve as one of the defensive measures for Sword Tower. If he were to give it additional functions, he needed to be cautious. Besides, the situation wasn’t urgent enough for that. He could wait a bit longer until the Thief-Repelling Waterfall was fully constructed.
“Professor Hup!”
When Felix reached the fifth floor, Crimi was waiting outside his office, eagerly looking around.
“What’s going on?” He saw Crimi run over and try to grab him, but he dodged.
“Oh, well, it’s like this,” she said sheepishly, “it’s my grandfather…”
That stubborn old man? Felix thought to himself, recalling that he seemed to have promised him something.
“…He wants to know when you’re free to visit the Ancient Rune Association,” Crimi said in a low voice, “He said you know what it’s about.”
“Yes, I remember,” Felix said after some thought. “But it’s not possible right now. I need to keep an eye on the progress of the Thief-Repelling Waterfall and reinforce the Sword Tower’s defenses… How about this: you can tell Mr. Vera that I’ll definitely visit him before the term starts.”
“That’s great.” Crimi visibly relaxed.
“Is Mr. Vera usually available these days?” Felix asked casually.
“Oh, him,” Crimi’s eyes had a peculiar glint as she pushed up her thick glasses. “He was pretty idle, but ever since he became the president of the Ancient Rune Association half a month ago, he’s been busy—”
“He’s now the president of the Ancient Rune Association?” Felix asked, surprised.
“Yeah, Grandfather has been sighing a lot more lately. I think the Ancient Rune Association is about to fall apart.” Crimi said unsympathetically, looking around and leaning in to whisper, “Professor, I suggest you take them all in!”
Felix cleared his throat.
“Why do you think that? I doubt Mr. Vera would agree.”
“Ha,” Crimi said dismissively, “I’ve heard several times that many people have left the association recently for various reasons. Some are due to the Ministry of Magic’s war warnings, and others because the new Runic Script is gaining popularity… Everyone says you’ve ushered in a new era for Runic Script.”
“Hmm, that’s not entirely necessary.”
“—If Grandfather hadn’t hinted at ‘absorbing’ the essence of the new Runic Script, even more people would have left.” Crimi spoke with certainty, revealing the Ancient Rune Association’s struggles without any qualms, “He’s just too proud. If you visit, he’ll definitely compromise.”
In the end, Felix agreed to go soon. Although the Ancient Rune Association mainly focused on translational Runic Scripts, they still had a solid foundation and the potential for collaboration. This was a perfect time; in a few years, when Hogwarts graduates were more numerous, the Ancient Rune Association wouldn’t matter as much.
Meanwhile, at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Sirius and Madam Bones had just come out of the Curse Damage Ward. “Was it the amulet that Mr. Hep asked you to pass on?” Madam Bones asked.
“Yeah, what about it?” Sirius asked.
“Oh, nothing. I just think the Order of Merlin, First Class, was well deserved,” Madam Bones said with a smile.
“Felix believes that Bode’s injury might be related to Voldemort—Voldemort might have wanted to use Bode’s position to obtain something from the Department of Mysteries. Although he failed this time, Felix is worried that Voldemort might try to eliminate the witnesses,” Sirius explained.
“That’s why I left two Aurors behind, and I have a pretty good idea of what Voldemort wants.” Madam Bones said, her expression turning serious, “Sirius, help me set up a meeting with Headmaster Dumbledore. I need to discuss a prophecy… no, two prophecies.”
(End of Chapter)
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