A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts - Chapter 465: Flames

“You all possess the ability to break free from the constraints of the magical cards and outline magical runes… But this is just the first step. You still need to grasp the magical imagery of ancient runes, and this isn’t an easy task. Unless—” Felix gazed at the group in front of him “—you take some radical measures.”

“Mr. Harp, are you suggesting—” Kingsley spoke for the rest.

“Take risks, show courage… You need to deeply feel it.” Felix spoke earnestly. Several feet away, his wand in hand seemed like a sharp blade cutting through the air. With a soft ‘whoosh,’ a vibrant orange flame shot up behind him, twisting into the shape of a fiery serpent.

Kingsley widened his eyes, taking two quick steps back. Other Aurors and hit wizards also drew their wands, pointing at the proud, towering flame snake and Felix Harp standing in front of it, his demeanor calm, the wand already vanished into his sleeve.

Gradually, the group calmed down. Tonks looked at the flaming serpent in astonishment. It towered nearly a hundred feet tall, its fiery form burning intensely on every scale.

She took two steps forward. “Tonks!” Kingsley called from behind, but the flaming serpent let out a soundless hiss and abruptly descended, slamming onto the ground with a ‘thud.’ Its snake shape vanished, leaving behind a straight pathway of flames.

About six or seven feet wide, the head of the snake lay just in front of Tonks. Its tail extended backward, enveloping Felix within, his figure faintly visible amidst the flames.

“Ladies and gentlemen, pass through the flames and feel the power of flame runes with me,” Felix stood within the flames, addressing them.

The Aurors were stunned. “Mr. Harp, is this some sort of illusion?” Kingsley asked slowly, sensing the complexity. Whether it was him, Scrimgeour, or even the Minister of Magic, they couldn’t control everything, especially when facing those who had already exhibited formidable power. Their actions were unpredictable.

His role was to handle these “unforeseen” situations.

Tonks glanced back at Kingsley, then at the silently observing Felix within the flames. His head slightly tilted, silently studying her and everyone behind her, seeming curious about their choices.

She began to feel excited.

“I won’t cause harm,” Tonks affirmed, taking another step forward, just a step away from the flames. The scorching heat formed gusts of hot air, and the smell of singed hair reached her nose. Suddenly hesitant, her thoughts wavered, and she involuntarily looked at the man in the flames.

“I won’t harm anyone unless provoked,” he assured her.

Her heart raced. Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Tonks closed her eyes and stepped into the flames. Contrary to her expectations of searing pain, she felt waves of warmth. Gasps echoed around her as she opened her eyes, and the flames appeared entirely different now.

She saw individual flame runes, almost like sprites, burning and leaping, transforming between fiery symbols and flames. Light emitted from Felix’s right hand as tendrils of fire emanated from his arm, each symbol embedding itself…

Tonks stood there, entranced. Felix gently reminded her, “Feel the emotions of the flames, sense the power of the runes.”

Extending her palm, a bright flame leapt onto it. Her arm flinched, but she didn’t pull away. The flame danced in her palm before transforming into a shining rune.

A surge of joy filled her, and suddenly she knew what to do next. Mentally calling for more runes, soon, flames surrounded her, forming an impenetrable cocoon.

“This is—” Kingsley widened his eyes, trusting Dumbledore, he stepped in second. The flames didn’t harm him but gently brushed against his robes. More people stepped into the flames, still unharmed, their faces displaying incredulity.

Was it an illusion? Kingsley wondered. Suddenly, a scream sounded behind him. “Yaxley!” someone yelled. Kingsley spun around, seeing Yaxley retreat from the flames, seemingly injured, though not a trace of burn marred his skin, smoke billowing from his clothes.

Yaxley sat on the ground, a pained expression on his face, fear and anger in his eyes. “What have you done!” he exclaimed.

“This only indicates that you didn’t pass the screening,” Felix calmly stated. “You didn’t expect I’d hand over power without any restrictions, did you?”

“Mr. Harp,” Kingsley sighed, troubled. “Our agreement didn’t cover this. You should have at least informed us of your demands beforehand.”

“Because I don’t think this would pose an impediment,” Felix lightly said. “Those who harbor ill intentions toward ancient runes naturally won’t be recognized by them. You should have been prepared for this.”

“You mean, Yaxley—” Kingsley hesitated, looking at Felix and then at Yaxley, who sat in anguish. Waves of turmoil surged within him.

“Perhaps I should have a chat with this Mr. Yaxley. There might be some misunderstanding between us,” Felix smirked, remembering Yaxley’s name.

“No misunderstanding,” Yaxley gritted his teeth, standing up. “I just simply dislike ancient runes! Sorry, Kingsley—I shouldn’t have been here.” He limped away.

Kingsley hesitated for a moment. “Apologies, Mr. Harp, I need to check on him—”

“His body won’t have any issues.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Kingsley said sternly. “But—” He paused, addressing the others, “Don’t let Yaxley’s situation affect you. I’ll go check on him.” He walked out of the corridor of flames, heading toward the door.

Felix calmly spoke, reassuring the bewildered Aurors and hit wizards. “The principle behind this magic is simple… I amplified the emotions of the flame runes so that you could better perceive the magical imagery. But inevitably, the runes have absorbed my own will. Anyone conflicting with this emotion will face rejection…”

After a while, Kingsley returned briskly.

“The healer says it’s nothing major, just shock. Scrimgeour granted him two days off.” He addressed the group, and they sighed in relief, feeling sorry for Yaxley. A few more cocoons of flame appeared on the field, flames melding into them.

Felix nodded, glancing at Kingsley, who seemed hesitant. “Is there anything else?”

“Scrimgeour would like to invite you for lunch.”

>

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