A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Felix blinked, immediately feeling a sense of retreat. "Um, I've thought it over, and that day might be a bit busy, being a Monday and all... How about another day—"

He was taken aback.

Tonks had transformed her face to look extremely worn out, her hair all disheveled, with several wrinkles added to her forehead. This was the talent of the Metamorphmagus, the ability to change appearance naturally.

"I've been worried sick. You wouldn't have the heart to leave Romulus to face interrogation alone, would you? With you there, in case things get heated, someone can step in to defuse the situation..." She glanced at the wizards tied up with ropes. "You easily subdued a dozen dark wizards, let alone just three."

Felix stared at Tonks, pondering just how pessimistic she must be about the upcoming family dinner to conjure such a frightening thought.

Finally, everything was set. Mrs. Bones produced two portkeys, and the group of Aurors split into two, forming somewhat ridiculous-looking formations. With one hand dragging the unconscious prisoners and the other touching the portkeys, after a dazzling blue light, they vanished into the darkness.

"Don't forget—" Tonks's scream abruptly cut off.

Felix stood in place, pondering the role he would play in the impending awkward dinner. He'd rather face a dozen dark wizards again than become the comic relief or the terrorist who ruins the Tonks family.

He quickly came up with a plan.

As Felix pocketed his communication mirror, his steps became lighter, even considering how he would casually mention tonight's events tomorrow morning. Grindelwald had become an object of manipulation and ridicule in some people's eyes, and Felix couldn't wait to see his reaction.

"I'm just curious," the next day at the breakfast table, after Professor Sprout from the neighboring table had left, Grindelwald said leisurely, "Why he approached you."

"Got any sharp comeback angles brewing in that head of yours?" Felix asked.

Dumbledore had just listened to Felix's words with a serious expression, but now he resumed his normal demeanor, nonchalantly spreading butter and jam on his slice of bread as if nothing had happened.

"I've been missing for half a century, it's only natural for some youngsters to underestimate me," Grindelwald said slowly, "But—Felix Harp, your name has been making quite the rounds in recent years. What made someone like DeWitt think you were the weak link in the conspiracy?"

His words implied that Felix should reflect on what impression he had left on the public.

"That being said," Dumbledore suddenly chuckled softly, "Felix's most impressive aspect has always been his scholarly identity. Even though he's made a few public appearances, it's all been to promote his knowledge. He's never openly associated himself with any political activities. Perhaps—in Mr. DeWitt's eyes, a young man of only twenty-five achieving such great success might suggest that he's devoted all his time and energy to the study of magic."

Grindelwald chuckled, "So, the man sitting next to me is still a remarkably naive individual."

Felix pondered silently.

"It does sound much better than being called a dark wizard or a dark lord. No wonder more and more people who've been writing to me since the start of term are using formal language. Especially this month, during the holidays, the greeting cards and chocolates could fill up an entire bedroom. Albus, I'm sure you've had similar experiences, right?"

Grindelwald's expression froze. He paused, glanced at Felix, then at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore's face, full of wrinkles, slightly reddened. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Felix, Professor McGonagall asked me to tell you that three students have sensed the Animagus tremors. It's unlikely that this number will change in the short term."

"Alright, I understand," Felix thought for a moment and said, "Then let's do it tonight. Actually, I believe, in another week or two, there might be more students succeeding."

"Why do you say that?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

You see, sensing Animagus tremors isn't an easy feat. Many people take months or even years to do so, and during this time, the wizards undergoing the test must recite the incantation every morning and evening without fail. This process is actually quite a test of one's perseverance and mental strength, much more difficult than stuffing a Mandrake leaf into your mouth.

"Because of the Patronus Charm," Felix said. "Currently, three people—Hermione Granger, Hannah Abbott, Draco Malfoy—they all have one thing in common, and that is they've mastered the Patronus Charm."

"The first two are members of the 'Frontline Lookout' club. Harry has spent a good amount of time teaching this magic in the club. As for Draco, although he's not a club member, he secretly mastered this magic, probably to compete with Harry..."

Felix thought this kid was a bit silly, because even if he learned it, he couldn't use it. At that time, his dad Lucius was still working under Voldemort, but... fools are sometimes lucky.

"In any case, the trend is quite obvious. The two seventh-year students from the Transfiguration Club still haven't received any feedback, which just goes to show this point. Millicent and I were discussing this matter, and we believe that the Patronus Charm can tap into the wizard's inner strength, which happens to meet the requirements for the second stage of Animagus training."

Dumbledore thought for a moment and nodded.

"This hypothesis is quite reasonable. Some magics can influence others, perhaps enhancing or counteracting them," his pupils slightly dilated, and he said with a smile, "This is also a vast research topic."

He glanced thoughtfully at Felix.

"Perhaps it's only with the help of such a large student body at Hogwarts that magic can continue to progress. No wonder those people at the Ministry have been researching for decades with little to show for it..."

At nine o'clock in the evening, a fierce wind blew, and rain poured down in torrents.

You can access more chapters from HERE by joining myPatreoncommunity. You'll gain exclusive early access to theCOMPLETE NOVEL.

As a member of myPatreoncommunity, here is what you'll get: