A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 92: Discovery

On Monday morning, as young wizards passed by the notice board, they suddenly noticed the updated content displayed there.

A young wizard read aloud the parchment pinned to it:

"Scheduled for this Thursday at 8 PM, the second Dueling class of the semester will take place. All grades of students are welcome to attend."

The signature was that of an elegant name, Felix Harp.

"Why is it Professor Harp? Wasn't it Professor Lockhart?"

"Perhaps Professor Harp wrested control of the Dueling Club away from Professor Lockhart?"

"That would be big news!"

"Don't jump to conclusions. It might be a collaboration, just like Snape in the last class – he was invited by Lockhart."

Whispers and discussions filled the air beneath the notice board.

The trio stood not far away, Harry's expression brimming with excitement. "It's finally about to begin."

Ron, equally eager, said, "I hope we learn some powerful spells. Honestly, I've been feeling sick all week..."

Harry looked at him sympathetically. "Did he make you copy fan letters again?"

"Yeah, non-stop." Ron made a disgusted face. "Especially from this woman named Moria. Her letters are the most and seem to be Lockhart's favorite. I could recite some full paragraphs by now..."

"Please don't!" Harry quickly intervened.

Ron grumbled, "I've learned quite a few secrets from those letters these days, Hermione. I know him better than you do now."

"But it shouldn't be like that. Why would he do this?" Hermione asked, puzzled.

"I think he might be hitting rock bottom? He's been writing an apology letter to Fudge every night." Ron speculated, revealing that Cornelius Fudge hadn't responded to him these days.

...

When Harry and his companions arrived at the Dark Arts Defense classroom, Professor Lockhart stood by the door, his expression pensive. As they passed, he grabbed Ron's arm. "Do you think I've changed quite a bit lately?"

Ron's eyes widened with surprise, and he stammered, "N-no, I haven't noticed, Professor."

"Hmm... why do I feel something's off?" Lockhart puzzledly let go of Ron's arm, and the trio slipped into the classroom.

Seated at their desks, Harry said, "He's realizing something's not right; there's definitely something going on."

"Maybe he's under the Confundus Charm? Many spells have similar effects." Hermione analyzed earnestly.

"Possible. Every time I'm alone with him, I want to hex him." Ron grumbled with resentment.

"Oh, those three pieces of parchment – do you have any leads?" Harry suddenly remembered something and asked Ron.

"Not really, just a regular interview."

"What's that?" Hermione asked with curiosity.

Ron briefly explained their origin, and she was about to ask more when class started.

In the Dark Arts Defense class, Lockhart continued his teaching performance. "I need a volunteer. Today's scenario is the most crucial and thrilling part."

Young wizards collectively lowered their heads.

"Ron Weasley, it's your turn!" Lockhart called Ron to the stage, thanks to last week's detention, this time he finally didn't get the name wrong.

"That's right, just like that, Ron. You're an innocent villager plagued by werewolves. You're pleading for my help, yes! Make your expression even more bitter... excellent."

With a pained expression, Ron played his part as a prop in Lockhart's story.

"Now comes my inner monologue, a crucial part. Listen carefully, all of you."

Lockhart shook his head and put on a concerned look, elongating his voice as he spoke, "Oh, the wretched souls! They face the constant threat of werewolves, all because of slaying a young wolf cub that had attacked their livestock. What have they done wrong! It's truly pitiable, lamentable... My conscience cannot allow me to remain indifferent!"

The performance continued, Lockhart puffing his chest out, seemingly basking in the villagers' admiration. But Ron's face turned pale as a sheet.

Even until he returned to his seat, his expression remained one of dazed bewilderment.

"What's wrong with you?" Harry nudged him with his elbow. Was the impact too much? He'd played a vampire for three straight weeks, after all.

"Later, I'll tell you later." Ron huddled in on himself, avoiding Lockhart's gaze.

On the other side, Felix Harp was teaching the fourth-year wizards.

"Today, we'll be learning the final set of practical runes. When the time comes, your magical puppets will be able to utilize their full effects."

The twins in the audience raised their hands eagerly. "Professor Harp, is there any advanced knowledge?"

Felix smiled. "What would you like to learn?"

"Like... more practical runes beyond these?" Fred asked.

Felix blinked at the twins. They seemed to have a knack for ancient runes.

He could tell from the Christmas presents they'd given him. Of course, they weren't using runes but rather alchemical thinking.

"If some of you have the capacity, I'd be willing to teach more." Felix promised.

After class, Felix called the twins over.

"I'd like to know if you have clear plans for your future," Felix inquired.

"We want to open a Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes shop!" The twins said in unison.

"Hmm... something like Zonko's Joke Shop?" Felix asked.

"Sort of... but Zonko's ideas are still stuck in the last century. We want to create more novel and exciting things." Fred said.

"Yes! We have plenty of great ideas, but due to our abilities, most of our designs can't be realized." George looked quite regretful.

"Great plan. But I assume you don't have professional guidance, do you?" Felix asked.

"Well, we found some books around the house when we were little, methods for creating small gadgets and gags. And we've done a lot of research at the library. It's been a huge help for us, Professor Harp." Fred said with a mischievous grin.

Library? Or Restricted Section? Felix didn't say anything, but the twins' reputation was quite renowned in the teaching circles.

He simply extended an invitation: "Next year, I'll be starting my own Ancient Runes Club. Are you interested?"

The twins exchanged delighted glances. "Absolutely, Professor!"

George suggested, "Professor, can't your Ancient Runes Club start a bit earlier?"

Felix shook his head ruefully. "There's less than half a year left in this school year, and my attention is divided due to various matters. So, I'll have to postpone it until next year."

"But if you have questions, you can come to me." Felix said.

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