A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 158: End of the School Year

Unbeknownst to Felix Harp, he had finished reading all the content.

"Professor?" Hermione looked over.

She paused the screen's projection and turned to discuss some questions about her paper.

"I read in the book 'Wands and Wizards' that there's a recurring notion: 'Wands have a life of their own.' How should I interpret this?"

"Well... I'm not deeply versed in that area, but I can give you a general idea."

"Of course." Hermione blinked, speaking in a relaxed tone.

"Every wand is unique. Even if the materials and dimensions used to create them are identical, the effects they display in different hands are completely distinct."

"Is it because of the wand's owner?" Hermione guessed.

Indeed, I believe that. Personally, I think the wands displayed in shops are just semi-finished products, eager to achieve their full potential."

Hermione looked up, locking her gaze onto Felix. This was a fresh perspective.

Felix explained, "The characteristics of the wand's wood, combined with the nature of the magical creature the wand core comes from, make wands highly versatile. But there's one more factor that can't be overlooked— the wand's owner."

"Rather than saying wands have a life, I prefer to believe that the combination of the wand's body, core, and owner's characteristics makes the wand complete, unleashing its true power."

"So, this supports the theory of 'wands choosing wizards'? To become whole themselves, when the body and core are fixed, wands prefer to select the ideal owner who resonates with them?" Hermione followed his line of thought.

"That's a way to put it." Felix modestly replied, then added,

"Furthermore, for young wizards, obtaining the right wand is just the first step. Wands and their owners become partners, learning from each other, aiding each other, constantly nurturing this synergy in the days to come."

"We can understand it like this: Each wand's journey is unique."

"But, Professor, I've heard that some wands can betray their owners?" Hermione cautiously inquired.

Felix's expression turned serious, "Such cases are quite rare. Even wands with a bad reputation, or ones that are a bit rebellious, won't sever ties with their owners after just a failure or two. The conflicts at the school won't escalate to that level."

"But it does happen, doesn't it?" Hermione pressed.

Indeed. I believe there are various reasons: some stems from a poor relationship between the owner and the wand; some wands are inherently sensitive and admire the strong; others have had their 'failures' deeply affect their owners, deepening the rift."

"However, when it comes to the core material, unicorn hair is indeed more loyal, while dragon heartstring can be overly active. They might 'temporarily' yield to a powerful enemy."

"Temporarily?"

"For example, if such a wand is forcibly taken by an enemy, if you retrieve it in time, you can still use it as usual."

"This, this is..." The young witch was somewhat astonished.

"Miss Granger, what we're discussing is quite distant from your world." Felix concluded that topic.

In fact, Felix believed that the conditions for a wand's change of allegiance were extremely stringent, including at least a 'devastating defeat in a malicious confrontation,' a conclusion he reached from observing some dark wizards.

Felix's collection of spare wands came from such circumstances.

Yet, even so, these wands could, at best, serve as temporary solutions—wands not truly one's own would inevitably have various limitations when it came to spellcasting.

And looking at examples like Ron and Neville, there might indeed be cases of 'willing transfers,' but Felix had never experienced it personally.

"Granger, let's discuss your modifications to the beaded bag. I originally thought you would finish that in the next school year."

...

Felix Harp had a new book on his agenda. In order to broaden his influence, he decided to complete two books simultaneously. One targeted young, aspiring wizards, filled with dynamic images and accompanied by lively and interesting storylines.

The other was aimed at adult wizards, dealing with educational topics. He used the most rigorous logic and language to explain the most basic Muggle technology.

After completing part of the manuscripts, Felix had the sensation of explaining addition and subtraction to someone with learning disabilities, which made him contemplate giving up.

However, some of the readers he selected provided rather positive feedback:

Bertie looked at the manuscript. The first image depicted a boiling kettle, steam billowing from its spout; the second image showed a pipe extending from the kettle, and steam flowing through it to turn a windmill on the other end; the third image portrayed the windmill spinning rapidly under the influence of steam.

The following hand-drawn image was somewhat abstract: a train was mounted with a huge kettle, connected to the wheels by pipes, setting the train in motion...

To make the process more straightforward, Felix intentionally highlighted the color of the steam, making it appear as if a train was carrying a fearsome, frothing kettle creature, continuously spewing venom.

"So, this is the Muggles' steam engine? They use this to power trains?" Bertie exclaimed excitedly. "You know so much, Felix!"

Three days before the end of the school year, Felix received an invitation letter, signed by the "International Confederation of Wizards" — an organization similar to the United Nations, but comprised of magical departments from various countries.

"Why would they be reaching out to me?"

Felix opened the letter, then lifted his head after a moment. "Turns out it's a subcommittee of the International Confederation of Wizards inviting me to a conference in Paris. A research group focused on Muggle issues? Hmm, I've never heard of them before. I hope they're not something newly established in recent years..."

From the somewhat formal wording of the invitation letter, Felix deduced that this research group employed a "casting a wide net, reeling in many fish" strategy. It wouldn't be surprising if well-known Muggle studies experts were also invited.

The next day, he seized the chance to inquire with Professor Burbage, and her feedback matched his expectations: she had also received an invitation.

"You too?" Professor Burbage widened her eyes at him. "Oh, of course you're qualified. I mean, you're just so young, I hadn't considered it."

"Professor Burbage, do you know the origins of this so-called research group?" Felix asked.

"I do know a bit," Professor Burbage said, "Seems it's a topic put forth by the American magical government, to address crises or such. It's all old hat, you know, they're always sensitive about Muggle issues."

Felix nodded thoughtfully.

The two of them agreed to meet in Paris, then went their separate ways.

He was curious to see how experts from other countries viewed Muggle issues.

Over the next two days, Felix dealt with various matters: assigning holiday homework to young wizards, bidding farewell to Professor Burbage, requesting permission from Dumbledore to stay at the school, attending the school's banquet...

At the station, young wizards excitedly boarded the train, while Felix silently watched from a corner.

Most noticeable was the tall figure of Marcus Flint. Since the exams were over, he had been avoiding Felix;

Next was Clementi Vane, who wore oversized glasses. Right after the exams, she found Felix, hoping to maintain correspondence after graduation and receive his guidance on ancient magical texts;

A few other graduates also expressed similar wishes, and Felix didn't refuse.

Apart from these, the young wizards who had left an impression on him throughout the year appeared one by one:

Albert Burke, Percy, Penelope, Geoffrey, Peter Selwyn, Warren Partis, the twins, Cedric, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood...

He also caught sight of a somewhat dejected Draco Malfoy. Felix knew Lucius had struggled on several fronts; he was eventually expelled from the school's board of governors, and his son couldn't help but be affected.

Felix watched as the Hogwarts Express sped away.

As the train's shadow vanished from his sight, he turned and left the platform.

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