A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

The meeting ended on a sour note.

Felix Harp adopted a stalling tactic in the end. He agreed to investigate the existing leads, but Felix had no doubt that once the meeting concluded, the commitments made would be cast aside.

"You're too straightforward; Fudge might not be able to handle it," Dumbledore said outside the Ministry of Magic.

"Indeed, he's as narrow-minded as they come," Felix sarcastically replied. "What do you think of Mrs. Bones?"

Dumbledore's sharp blue eyes fixed on him.

"Imagine," Felix gazed at a distant street corner where an ice cream van was parked, "when the war comes, how much of a hindrance our Minister might become. I don't want to face both Voldemort and the Ministry's threats simultaneously. It's essential to sort one out while we have time."

"Your ideas are risky, Felix," Dumbledore disagreed. In truth, that was putting it mildly.

"Just planning ahead," Felix shrugged, shifting the topic. "If the war erupts, Fudge won't be fit for that role anymore. He could resign and leave a mess behind."

His notion was simple: if Fudge proved incompetent, they could replace him. Amelia Bones seemed promising and conveniently close to the position.

Pondering, Felix made his way back to the Ministry. In a way, the meeting had served the purpose of publicly estranging Fudge and Dumbledore. It had raised alarms for some, especially Amelia Bones. Felix sensed she was a crucial figure.

She controlled ninety percent of the Ministry's forces, including combat units, strike teams, and magical law enforcement. She had authority over any operation, even those involving Dementors, not under her direct command.

"Sirius seems to know her?" Felix recalled.

In the afternoon, combat units practiced on the field, their magical progression surpassing that of students in schools. Felix had been busy these past two weeks, collecting ample data for future teaching.

Sitting in a corner at the training ground, Felix toyed with a red nail, attracting Tonks's interest. "Is that some new product? What's its use? Does it change color?"

Felix chuckled, pocketing the nail that belonged to Rita Skeeter. "It's far more potent than you imagine. I hope never to have to use it."

"Is it a weapon?" Tonks clearly didn't believe him. She glanced at the field. "Kingsley's about to succeed."

Kingsley, with wand in hand, traced flowing runes. A tough, pale-green magical barrier struggled into existence, resembling a fluid curtain.

"Ready?" Dawlish shouted from a distance.

People gathered around, watching their actions closely. Dawlish swung his wand, spells hitting the runic armor; concentric ripples shimmered across the surface. "Try this!" Dawlish slashed his wand, a bright red runic script forming into a blazing fireball, shattering the still-maturing barrier.

Kingsley stepped back, steadying himself. Cheers erupted around them.

"My task is nearly finished. Hogwarts starts in two days," Felix said thoughtfully.

"You could stay longer," Tonks suggested. "You're welcome anytime. Scrimgour said your consultant status remains."

"Staying longer would draw attention," Felix replied with a smile. He pulled out a communication mirror, gently adjusting it. A gentle voice came from the other end. "Felix?"

"Romulus, it's me," Felix said calmly. "There might be some hindrances for the company soon. Pause expansion temporarily."

"What's happened?" Romulus asked anxiously, while Tonks widened her eyes, listening quietly.

"Just a precaution, being prepared for anything," Felix spoke vaguely. "If the company's affected, inform me promptly; don't delay. I'll help sort it out."

"Is that so..." Romulus spoke from behind the mirror. "I've been expecting this. It's a good time for staff training."

"I can help," Tonks suddenly offered.

Felix looked at her.

"I can help," Tonks repeated, surprising Romulus on the other end. "Dora?" "It's me," Tonks grinned, pointing to the mirror. Felix kindly passed it to her.

...

Hogwarts, Ancient Runes Office.

Valen, the Niffler, woke up from its cradle. It was the tenth day of its independent living. Though the great wizard had asked Hermione to look after it before leaving, Valen preferred its cozy bed.

Days without anyone around were delightful!

"Squeak!"

Valen spent quite some time rearranging its collection, then happily climbed onto the sofa, flipping through "Tales of Bardic Poet," having finished "Adventures of Young Wizard Mick." Felix had given Valen the fairy tales previously used as reading practice material.

Of course, officially, it was a gift for Valen once it learned to read.

Valen particularly loved the illustrations. Yawning, it read the story of the Well of Good Fortune: three witches and an unlucky knight set out to find a spring that bestowed good fortune. They had to pass three challenges. The first was a gigantic white worm blocking the road. The knight's sword didn't affect it; only proving "pain" made the worm move aside.

Why didn't they take a different path? Or create an opening? Valen wondered. Perhaps they didn't have a sniffer friend. Oh, that would be terrible.

As it continued reading, a witch afflicted with a terminal illness, seeing time slip away, shed despairing tears. Finally, the worm made way as the woman expressed her anguish.

The second challenge involved a magically bewitched hillside. They had to "sacrifice labor's fruit" to ascend. They offered all their wealth—Valen shuddered—but the magical hill remained indifferent. Time passed, leaving only the second witch climbing. Her forehead glistened with sweat, and they were able to continue.

Valen stared wide-eyed. Wasn't labor's fruit money? It would gladly exchange some sweat for a few Galleons, just like the grand wizard had made it learn to read.

The third challenge was a river encircling the mountaintop. To pass, they had to exchange "past wealth." The unlucky knight used his shield as a makeshift boat, much to Valen's amusement as it dipped its thumb biscuit into jam, enjoying a leisurely afternoon.

The knight in the story undoubtedly failed despite being generous. But in the end, it was the third witch who had an answer. She abandoned her obsession with the past at the third challenge, freeing herself from emotional entanglements.

Finally, all three witches agreed to let the unlucky knight immerse himself in the Well of Good Fortune as a reward for his bravery. Emerging from the spring, he felt he had shed his ill luck, finally expressing his affection for the third witch.

At the story's conclusion, the unlucky knight married the third witch and—because of their unity and mutual aid—the four decided to bridge the gap between wizards and Muggles, living together. They lived happily for a long time. When the unlucky knight passed away, he firmly believed the Well of Good Fortune changed his destiny. But he didn't know, though the magical garden where the well was located brimmed with magic, the well itself held no magic.

But why? Valen couldn't understand. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door

. Valen leaped from the sofa, scurrying to hide its book beneath the cushion.

"Good morning, Valen!" Hermione greeted as she entered. "How are you today?"

"Squeak!" Valen replied, eyeing her warily.

Hermione chuckled, knowing Valen was hiding something. "What have you been up to?" she asked playfully.

Valen hesitated, glancing at the cushion where the book lay concealed.

"I see you've found the 'Tales of Bardic Poet,'" Hermione observed, smiling. "Did Felix give that to you?"

Valen nodded shyly.

"Well, it's a good book," Hermione said, sitting down. "Would you like me to read it with you?"

"Squeak!" Valen's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Hermione chuckled, pulling the book out from under the cushion. Together, they started reading the adventures of the unlucky knight and the Well of Good Fortune, Valen squeaking happily with each turn of the page.

>

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