A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts - Chapter 457: Extra Examiner

“There’s one more thing,” Dobby held an envelope, his large round eyes hesitatingly glancing at Felix, fumbling with his words, “It’s about Shiny…”

Felix’s expression faltered; he had almost forgotten about Shiny.

“What happened? Her magical constraints should have disappeared,” he inquired.

“Yes, you’re right,” Dobby’s body began to sway, his slender arms entwining, “She wants to be with her master, Dobby told her Mr. Crouch was imprisoned, she… she fell ill.”

“I understand,” Felix calmly stated.

Dobby looked at him, puzzled. Felix pulled out a note and scribbled something on it. Dobby tiptoed trying to peek, but being too short and with Valen blocking, he could only see the back of Valen’s head.

“Do you know Ludovic Bagman?” Felix whispered, swiftly writing with his quill.

“Dobby knows!”

“Good,” Felix handed him the note, “Bagman owes me a favor, I think he won’t mind helping me out.”

“You don’t have to do this!” Dobby exclaimed, looking startled, “Dobby didn’t ask Mr. Hep to help!”

“Take it, let him take you to Azkaban, he has the authority,” Felix said, “Also, take something for Mr. Crouch, you can discuss it with Shiny. As for where Shiny wants to go afterward, that’s not my concern.”

Dobby bowed deeply, his nose touching the floor, trembling with excitement like a salmon leaping ashore.

Valen watched where Dobby disappeared, then turned to Felix, “Squeak?”

Felix picked Valen up, “Let me tell you a lesson, magic may not bind a person, but love can. Tsk! That’s something Dumbledore should say… Hungry for a late-night snack, Valen?”

“Squeak!”

—

The next day in the Ancient Runes class for seventh-year students, Professor Marchbanks and Old Vira appeared once more.

The old man clearly hadn’t slept well, evident from the dark circles under his eyes as prominent as his double chin.

Seeing Felix standing at the lectern, his expression held both excitement and disappointment.

Excited because Hogwarts’ library was rich, he found many magical notes not even in the Ancient Runes Association – these notes came from donations by alumni, translated and organized by Bathilda Babbling, akin to a treasure trove for him.

But he was disappointed; he finished verifying last night, finding not a single error. That lad… Felix Hep seemed to have memorized these materials, even the page numbers were accurate.

At that moment, Felix calmly surveyed the students below, his eyes sharp and keen. He wore a blue shirt today, hands tucked in his pockets.

“Today, it’s an advanced class,” he announced.

The students emitted low cheers, while Marchbanks and Vector were perplexed. Wasn’t seventh-year already advanced enough?

Felix explained softly, “To give you both a brief understanding of what the ‘advanced class’ means since our guests are unaware, I’ll briefly explain the significance of this ‘advanced class.’” He smiled lightly, extending his hand from his pocket. His wand appeared like a magic trick; a gentle wave and clear script started appearing on the blackboard behind him.

“We’ve finished the first round of reviews, as planned, two more rounds remain. To prevent the next three months from being too dull, I’ll consciously prepare some advanced courses to explain more profound content. These topics aren’t part of the exam syllabus but are beneficial, especially after you graduate, for personal enjoyment in Ancient Runes…”

“The advanced class will use the Thought Chamber, no need to worry about danger, just relax your mind. Alright, let’s begin.”

Felix snapped his fingers gently, deliberately noticeable for Marchbanks and Vector to adapt. A golden ripple emanated from his fingertip, spreading rapidly, swiftly tinting the entire room with a faint golden hue.

Marchbanks and Vector watched in astonishment; Marchbanks blinked, seeming to have discovered something. After a few seconds, everything returned to normal.

From mid-air descended ancient magical notes emitting an aura of mystery and antiquity…

Amidst the crisp bird chirps, Felix leaned against the brown trunk of an ancient tree, addressing everyone, “Despite saying it multiple times, I’d like to emphasize once more: exercising your minds is more crucial than acquiring knowledge. After all, your graduation thesis is completing a piece of magical parchment.”

Having students complete a magical parchment?

Marchbanks widened her eyes, swiftly surveying without any objections from students; evidently, this wasn’t an impromptu arrangement.

Her mood became complex; if this was true, did their exams still hold meaning?

A low groan came from beside her, Old Vira appeared troubled, fidgeting incessantly, his hand resting on the magical parchment scattered before him.

—

In the final minutes before the class ended, students rapidly transcribed notes, while Marchbanks, the petite professor, sauntered through the gaps in the classroom seats. Occasionally pausing, she watched the students’ quills fluently inscribing one magical script after another. Honestly, the complexity far surpassed the N.E.W.Ts exam standards.

Old Vira sat in his seat, looking desolate. He was the one who understood the vast gap between himself and Felix the most, feeling like a fish out of water.

The bell finally rang, and he almost immediately leaped from his seat, ready to leave.

“Mr. Vector,” Felix called after him from behind. “About that report…” He had mentioned it yesterday; at the time, Vector had instantly agreed, only now realizing the magnitude of this request.

How was he supposed to write that report? Praise Felix Hep in every possible way?

The old man flushed, covering his face and scurrying away.

“Mr. Vector! Mr. Vector!” Felix called ‘urgently,’ though not moving an inch himself. “What’s wrong with him?” he murmured.

Marchbanks gave him a strange look. Couldn’t figure it out, the little fellow sure holds a grudge!

“Stop calling, he’s busy,” she said.

Felix looked at her searchingly.

“Probably busy burying himself!” Marchbanks remarked. “I won’t be coming in this afternoon.”

“You’re leaving?” Felix asked.

“Not leaving,” Marchbanks sighed, “just won’t be coming to your class. I’ve got a fair idea about why these students have made such strides in the past two years. I’ll stay a few more days, visit other classes… can’t waste this trip.”

Felix nodded understandingly.

“There’s one more thing,” Marchbanks said, a smile creasing her wrinkled face, “Interested in becoming an external examiner?”

“An external examiner…”

“You’d only be responsible for the practical part of the Ancient Runes exam,” Marchbanks said, sighing, watching the slow-moving students leaving the classroom, “I can’t have these recent graduates handling this!”

“You plan to increase the practical assessment for Ancient Runes? Assessing practical magic?” Felix asked excitedly.

“Yes,” she said, “When I return, I’ll push the department to divide Ancient Runes into two directions—translation and practical. Of course, this report will most likely fall on you, you understand it best… and the career direction for practical magic. If you describe it attract

ively, the department might recruit a few people this year.”

“Why’s that?” Felix was intrigued.

“I reckon except for your company, the entire wizarding world has no clue what to do with practical magic. Usually, it’s the Ministry’s responsibility: recruit a few people, research the potential and direction of new professions.”

“Any similar examples?” Felix was highly interested.

“Take the example of the Namers, they branched from the Seers. They predict newborns’ futures and offer suggestions for names, of course, for a hefty sum of gold. I recall Sybill Trelawney spent some time as a Namer… seemed like a long time ago.”

Professor Trelawney… you surprise me, Felix widened his horizons.

“Sounds good,” he smirked, “I agree.”

>

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