Chapter 92: Discovery
Chapter 92: Discovery
On Monday morning, the young wizards noticed that the notice board had been updated as they passed by.
One of the young wizards read out the content pinned to the parchment—
"A dueling class is scheduled for this Thursday at 8 PM. All young wizards from all grades are welcome to attend."
The signature at the bottom was a flowing name, Felix Hep.
"Professor Hep? Isn't it supposed to be Lockhart?"
"Maybe Professor Hep took over the Dueling Club from him?"
"That's big news!"
"Don't jump to conclusions. It could be a collaboration, like Professor Snape last time. He was invited by Lockhart."
The young wizards gathered around the notice board, discussing the matter.
The Golden Trio stood a bit away from the crowd. Harry's expression was filled with excitement: "It's finally happening."
Ron was also eager: "I hope we learn a few powerful spells. To be honest, I've been feeling sick all week..."
Harry looked at him sympathetically: "He's still making you copy fan letters?"
"Yeah, non-stop." Ron's face twisted in disgust. "Especially from a woman named Moria. She sends the most letters and is Lockhart's favorite. I can recite some of her letters by heart..."
"Don't!" Harry quickly stopped him.
Ron muttered: "I've heard a lot of secrets from him these past few days. Hermione, I know more about him than you do now."
"But that doesn't make sense. Why is he doing this?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"Maybe he's giving up? He writes an apology letter to Fudge every night now." Ron speculated. Cornelius Fudge had never responded to him.
...
When the Golden Trio arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Lockhart was standing at the door, looking thoughtful. As they passed by, he grabbed Ron, "Tell me, has my personality changed recently?"
Ron's eyes widened in shock, and he stammered, "No, no, I haven't noticed, Professor."
"Hmm... I just feel something is off." Lockhart released him, looking puzzled. The Golden Trio slipped into the classroom.
In their seats—
Harry said, "He's noticed something is wrong too. There must be a problem."
"It could be a Confundus Charm. Many spells have similar effects", Hermione analyzed seriously.
"That's possible. Every time I'm alone with him, I feel like casting a hex on him", Ron said resentfully.
"Right, what about those three parchments? Any leads?" Harry suddenly remembered and asked Ron.
"No, just a regular interview."
"What kind of interview?" Hermione asked, intrigued.
Ron briefly explained their origin, but Hermione didn't get to ask more as the class began.
In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Lockhart continued his teaching performance, "I need a volunteer. Today's scene is the most crucial and exciting part."
The young wizards all lowered their heads.
"Ron Weasley, you're it!" Lockhart called Ron to the front. Thanks to last week's detention, he finally got the name right this time.
"That's it, Ron. You're an innocent villager troubled by a werewolf. You're pleading for my help. Yes! Look more distressed, very good..."
Ron grimaced as he played the role of a prop in Lockhart's story.
"Next is my inner monologue. This part is crucial, so listen carefully."
Lockhart swayed his head and assumed a worried, patriotic demeanor, drawing out his words. "Poor souls! They are constantly threatened by werewolves, all because they killed a young wolf that was preying on livestock. What have they done wrong? It is truly tragic and heart-wrenching... My conscience cannot allow me to turn a blind eye!"
The performance continued, and Lockhart puffed out his chest as if basking in the villagers' praise. But Ron's face turned deathly pale.
Even after returning to his seat, he looked utterly distraught.
"What's wrong with you?" Harry nudged him with his elbow. Was the shock too much? It wasn't as if this was the first time; he had played a vampire for three weeks straight.
"Let's talk later, later", Ron huddled into himself, avoiding Lockhart's gaze.
Meanwhile, Felix was teaching a class to the fourth-year young wizards.
"Today we will learn the final set of practical runes. After this, your Magical Automatons will be fully functional."
The twins raised their hands from the audience. "Professor Hup, is there any advanced knowledge?"
Felix smiled. "What do you want to learn?"
"For example—unlocking other practical runes", Fred said.
Felix blinked and looked at the twins. They seemed to be promising students in Ancient Runes.
This was evident from the Christmas gift they had given him, though they hadn't used Runic Script but rather the principles of Alchemy.
"If some of you have the capacity, I am more than willing to teach you more", Felix promised.
After class, Felix called the twins over.
"I want to understand if you have a clear plan for your future", Felix asked.
"We want to open a Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!" they said in unison.
"Hmm... something like Zonko's Joke Shop?" Felix asked.
"Something like that... but Zonko's ideas are stuck in the last century. We want to create something more innovative and fun", Fred said.
"Exactly! We have many good ideas, but most designs are beyond our current abilities", George said, looking quite disappointed.
"An excellent plan. But I assume you haven't had professional guidance, have you?" Felix asked.
"Well, we found some books at home about making gadgets and jokes, and we've researched a lot in the Library. It's been very helpful, Professor Hup", Fred said with a sly smile.
Library? Or the Restricted Section? Felix didn't comment, knowing the twins' reputation among the professors.
He simply extended an invitation. "Next year, I plan to start my own Ancient Runes Club. Are you interested?"
The twins exchanged delighted glances. "Of course, Professor!"
George suggested, "Professor, could your Ancient Runes Club start earlier?"
Felix shook his head regrettably. "There are less than six months left in this academic year, and I have many other commitments. So, it has to be postponed until next year."
"However, if you have any questions, feel free to come to me", Felix said.
(End of Chapter)
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