Chapter 73: Christmas Feast
Chapter 73: Christmas Feast
Felix hadn't expected any additional surprises.
Considering Draco Malfoy's words, he realized that the diary hadn't been brought to the school by Draco himself—he had just been unlucky enough to find it after the second attack.
Now, he could finally be certain.
Felix nodded and turned to leave, but he suddenly heard Luna's ethereal voice from behind him—
"Christmas Gifts."
He turned to look at her. "What?"
Luna said seriously, "I just realized I haven't prepared any Christmas Gifts for you. We met in such a rush." She calmly rummaged through her pockets and, under Felix's slightly puzzled gaze, pulled out a strange-looking bracelet.
She said with a hint of regret, "I made it myself. I originally planned to make a pair." She extended her hand, offering it to Felix.
Felix wasn't sure why he reached out to take it, but he did.
Luna skipped away happily.
When Felix returned to his office, he was still holding the bracelet. He leaned back in his chair and thought seriously about what gift he should give in return.
He felt that a typical gift wouldn't quite suit her...
Finally, he found a book of the World's Best Jokes from his collection. He had a strange feeling that it would be perfect for the young witch named Luna. As he watched the owl fly away, he refocused his attention on the new information.
Gryffindor, fiery red hair, a first-year student—these characteristics almost confirmed that it was a member of the Weasley family, known for their distinctive red hair.
Moreover, his assistant had mentioned that the youngest member of the Weasley family—Ron Weasley's sister—had just started school this year.
So, how did this somehow tie back to the trio?
He recalled encountering a red-haired young witch a few times earlier, always in sensitive locations—near Hagrid's hut or the abandoned girls' bathroom.
Felix pondered this new lead. He was curious about who had brought the diary and whether there were any more like it—Young Voldemort had been cautious and hadn't mentioned anything about his connection to Slytherin, which left some of Felix's theories in a bind.
As the sky grew dark, Felix made his way to the Great Hall. From a distance, he could see the brightly decorated venue, with colorful lanterns floating near the ceiling, continuously showering the hall with fireworks from their mouth-like openings.
He spotted the trio, with Ron Weasley excitedly waving at him—Felix guessed it might be because of the gift he had sent, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. Albus Dumbledore was gesturing to him, so he walked over.
The headmaster was dressed formally and amusingly. His long beard was tied with purple and red ribbons, giving it a gourd-like shape. "Felix, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you as well, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore."
Albus Dumbledore blinked and whispered, "I received your gift. It's quite unique. I haven't had a chance to read the book yet, but the title alone suggests it's worth a read."
"I'm glad you like it."
As the sound of bursting fireworks echoed through the Great Hall, the feast officially began.
Albus Dumbledore, as the headmaster, led everyone in a few cheerful Christmas carols, then chuckled and announced, "Eat to your heart's content, fill your bellies."
Various dishes appeared, including roasted turkey, sausages, meat pies, pork chops, kidney pies, buttered peas, and baked bread, all in abundance.
The young wizards gathered together, their forks moving swiftly across the table.
Felix set aside his worries and indulged in the feast.
Hagrid recommended a special Hogwarts butterbeer to Felix, who took a sip and found it sweet and tangy, with a mild alcohol flavor. He ended up having a few more cups.
Gilderoy Lockhart, sitting nearby, shook his head and his wavy hair bounced with each movement.
Professor Mcgonagall and Albus Dumbledore were having a hushed conversation, occasionally letting out soft giggles.
Once everyone was about seven-tenths full, they finally had time to chat, and the Great Hall buzzed with conversation. Felix speared a piece of raisin pudding with his fork and shoved it into his mouth, catching a glimpse of his assistant leading two young wizards out of the Great Hall quietly.
Interesting, what do they plan to do?
On the other side, Hermione Granger held up two chocolate cakes and announced her plan, “I’ve put ordinary Sleeping Draught in these. You just need to make sure Crabbe and Goyle find them—they’ll definitely eat them. Once they’re asleep, take a few strands of their hair and hide them in the broom cupboard.”
Ron Weasley and Harry Potter exchanged glances, finding numerous flaws in the plan. Ron Weasley asked her, “What about you, Hermione Granger?”
“I’ve already got mine! Remember the Duelling Club? Millicent and I wrestled, and I struggled so much… anyway, I managed to get her hair.”
Hermione Granger left to check on the Polyjuice Potion, leaving Harry Potter and Ron Weasley to complete the task.
“To be honest, I don’t think it’s going to work,” Ron Weasley said, frowning.
Harry Potter didn’t have much hope either.
But they had no choice but to huddle in the shadows, keeping a close eye on the Great Hall’s entrance.
After a while, the bored Harry Potter whispered to Ron Weasley, “When are you planning to ask Professor Mcgonagall for leave?”
“The sooner, the better,” Ron Weasley replied without hesitation. “I can’t wait to get a new wand. Professor Heep is so thoughtful!”
Felix had given him seven Galleons and a note that read, “Noticed your wand is damaged. Suggest you get a new one; otherwise, you won’t be able to participate in next semester’s dueling class. Also: consider it a reward for your courage.”
Harry Potter received a copy of the Duelist's Handbook, one of the reference books Felix used to write the dueling class curriculum.
Thus, the two of them learned that Professor Heep had taken over Gilderoy Lockhart’s Duelling Club. They had discussed it privately and were very much looking forward to his classes.
“I just hope the new dueling class doesn’t have Snape’s influence,” Harry Potter said hopefully.
The feast had been going on for over an hour, and young wizards were leaving one by one. Felix was still discussing the magical manuscript he had given with Professor Flitwick. “That ancient magic is fascinating. It’s somewhat like a combination of the Reducing Spell and the Enlarging Spell.”
Professor Flitwick said, “It’s said that these two spells evolved from it. I do see some similarities, but it could also be a coincidence.”
They agreed on a time to conduct a more detailed academic discussion after Felix had some time to study it.
Amid the lively and boisterous atmosphere, Felix’s first Christmas Feast as a professor at Hogwarts came to an end.
(End of Chapter)
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