Chapter 414: Reply
In the following days, young wizards were fervently discussing those boundless and whimsical movie plots, while also passing judgment on the professors at school. First and second-year students often gazed admiringly at the older students, sourly noting that even Professor Flitwick was quite nice, allowing them to play games during the last class of the term.
"That's not bad, especially when compared to other professors..." Simon grumbled as he hurried through his potion homework, his two eyes reddened as if he hadn't slept well.
Even though the young wizards still held a glimmer of hope for Professor McGonagall's seriousness, they never unrealistically believed that Professor Snape would allow them to make a ruckus in his class. In fact, he simply scheduled the potion test on the last day before the holidays, making the young wizards nervous, not daring to slack off.
Neville sat on an empty chair next to Simon, offering some tips. "Be especially careful with the dosage of mistletoe berries, otherwise, your toad might never come back..."
"I don't have a toad, you know that, Neville."
On the side, Dean Thomas chuckled, "He's just expressing his worries." He handed Simon a cookie, Simon took a bite viciously, then continued writing his essay. Suddenly, feathers sprouted all over him.
Dean chuckled, "Fred and George's Canary Creams, only seven silver sickles each." He popped the remaining half in his mouth, and Neville noticed he was now sitting between two giant canaries, looking around in bewilderment.
People in the common room laughed heartily at the sight of the three canaries. Angelina Johnson was laughing so hard tears streamed down her face.
...
On the eve of Christmas, Hogwarts finally welcomed the holiday break.
Snow fell heavily outside, Felix and Valen huddled on the couch playing Exploding Snap. Valen insisted on a different way to play, so he watched it stack cards with its tiny paws. "Are you building a nest for yourself?" Felix asked curiously.
Valen's hand shook, and the cards ignited as if following its command.
Felix quickly scooped it up, sitting back on the couch. With a loud bang, both of them stared at the mushroom-shaped cloud of black smoke rising.
"Looks like you've learned quite a lot," he remarked to Valen.
At that moment, the sound of wings flapping outside caught Felix's attention. He opened the window, and several owls of different sizes and colors flew in carrying parcels and letters.
"Tomorrow is Christmas." Felix muttered to himself. "I reckon I'll receive a flood of greetings from readers. I better hurry and reply." He glanced at the corner where a pile of neatly wrapped gifts awaited.
Valen watched as Felix untied the packages and letters from the owls, providing them with food and water for their long journey. Afterwards, the owls flew off, leaving only a few lingering behind.
Turning back, Felix had settled behind his desk in a high-backed chair, starting to write replies.
"Let me see..."
He opened a letter, quickly read it, then took out a quill and parchment, swiftly crafting a response...
"Mr. Sirius, delighted to receive your letter. I've studied the scales of the Armenian Rune Snake you sent, and the patterns on them have piqued my interest. It's still hard to say whether these patterns relate to their unique quasi-magical abilities, further research is needed... Wishing you smooth expeditions on the Iranian Plateau."
Felix placed the letter in an envelope. A tawny owl hopped onto the table, extending a leg for him to tie the response. Valen handed it a piece of owl biscuit, and it flew off into the snowy winds.
Then came the second reply:
"Miss Meg, Merry Christmas... No, I don't have any new book plans at the moment. There might be a small booklet about magical scripts, but the specifics are still uncertain... Also, I don't think it's a good idea to put my picture on the cover, but I appreciate your suggestion."
The third letter was less amiable, but luckily Felix spotted the trap early and effortlessly dispelled the curse on it. Even the owl delivering it stayed behind, looking pitifully with its legs clasped. Felix penned down:
"Unnamed Sir, your prank is as mediocre as your handwriting. I have no interest in discussing any Muggle matters with you. Hope your messenger delivers my gift promptly on Christmas day."
Felix cursed the parchment, then hung it on the bird's leg. "Off you go, back to your master," he said with a smirk.
Throughout the day, he seemed occupied...
"Miss Jane, thanks for your ongoing support. I'm not sure if you can receive this letter; those owls have never found you, returning all the mail. Perhaps your identity is an issue, needing secrecy. The black market has been murmuring lately, and I've heard the Ministry is cracking down on illegal potions, possibly related to a batch of leaked wolfsbane potions..."
"Mr. Vera, your granddaughter is performing exceptionally. I'm considering a raise for her; you should stop pushing her into the Ancient Runes Association. I believe in two or three years, Clementine's income will surpass yours. And if you think a little deeper, you'll realize what she's doing now is more meaningful, Mr. Vice President."
...
While replying to letters, Uriah Edmund and Berni Bach, along with Byles Bach, came for a visit. Byles was carrying three large boxes, huffing and puffing at the end.
"Professor Harp, these are Christmas gifts for you..."
Uriah explained with a smile, "Byles insisted on carrying them himself, and Berni wanted to help, but he refused."
Byles looked slightly embarrassed, then hesitantly asked, "Professor Harp, has Valen learned a few words?"
"Not many yet... I don't think he can communicate with you yet. You can play Exploding Snap; it's quite adept at the traditional rules," Felix said.
Byles stared at the scattered Exploding Snap cards on the table, seeming bewildered. "This... uh... Valen is indeed clever."
Felix, Uriah, and Berni sat on the couch. Felix served them honey tea. "Uriah, today you aren't thinking of discussing the obscure topic of magic and non-magic in front of Berni, are you?"
"Of course not, mainly, Berni wanted to visit, and she brought gifts," Uriah said. He had been visiting frequently lately, especially since he lost his wand publicly and couldn't find work as a warrior trainer. He had more free time on his hands lately.
Whenever he had nothing to do, he'd drop by Felix's office and discuss views on the wizarding and non-wizarding worlds, benefiting both of them.
As they chatted, Uriah mentioned Byles, nodding in his direction, "He's the captain of the warriors now."
"What about Greaves..."
Uriah shook his head, "His mindset isn't suitable for a captain." He talked about an interesting incident that happened recently. "When we arrived, we stumbled upon quite an amusing scene; one of Beauxbatons' warriors—Dracul, was trying to invite your warrior, but he already
had a partner."
"Cedric Diggory, was it?" Felix speculated.
"Exactly," Uriah chuckled, "Her charm is strong, but it doesn't always work..."
The 'Armenian Runesnake' mentioned in this chapter came from a submission by readers in the book club.
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