A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

The Silent Caster has always played the role of an invisible figure, and in contrast, the recent series of preferential policies rolled out by the Ministry of Magic to attract werewolves to register voluntarily is enough to illustrate their attitude.

An individual like Felix Harp might not seem significant, but the Silent Casters, as a group, have a natural connection between the magical and ordinary worlds. If there comes a day when the wizarding world is compelled to reveal itself, Felix can think of no better individuals to navigate between the two realms than the Silent Caster group.

Felix seemed to glimpse at a second wildcard beckoning to him... Well, he decided not to dwell on that for now; Voldemort was still very much alive and kicking. He intended to delegate the preliminary work to the employees of the "Future World" company.

They needed something to keep them occupied.

"Chirp! (You lose!)"

Felix snapped back to reality to find Valen swiftly jotting in a notebook, "'On such and such a day, the Dark Lord lost for the first time to the genius sniffer Valen...'" Felix, peeking over, indignantly confiscated the notebook.

"That round doesn't count; let's play another hundred rounds!"

...

In the final Ancient Runes class before Christmas, Felix surveyed the students below, clearly disinterested in the lesson.

"Professor, Professor Flitwick allows us to have free time in class," a bold student hinted. His words elicited a murmured agreement. "Yeah, Professor, you only need the last two minutes to assign homework," another student boldly remarked.

Felix looked at them with a wry smile. "Well, that can be arranged. I'll assign the homework first, and if you feel the remaining time should be free, I completely agree..."

The subdued cheers erupted from below as the two students who spoke felt like heroes.

"Considering some of you can't practice spells during the break, I won't assign practical work. All the content is on the 'Answering Parchment,' and you'll find a new gift icon there... the one hanging on the Christmas tree, yes, that's your holiday assignment."

The students eagerly opened the parchment.

Harry stared at the 'Christmas tree' in confusion: there was a silly-looking little lion under the tree, continuously jumping and clawing at the gift box hanging from the branches to no avail.

Next to the gift box was a glowing wand pattern.

He turned to see Hermione cheerfully tapping it with her wand, causing the gift box to drop, landing smack on the eager lion. "Boom!" The lion got buried under the papers.

"Innovative, isn't it?" she said joyfully.

"Yeah, looks rather festive," Harry muttered, devoid of any trace of joy on his face.

"You know, it's O.W.L. year," Felix remarked cheerfully from the podium. After a while, he pretended to notice the gloomy atmosphere in the classroom. "Oh, come on, I always wished you'd enjoy studying... How about this? I'll give you a chance."

All the students perked up.

"If you can prove to me that you truly understand this section, my homework is just mindless repetition for you... I might consider reducing it." Felix said with a dangerously thoughtful tone, "I've prepared a test, not mandatory, I know it's not ideal to have an exam before Christmas..."

The students who had just clamored for free time moments ago fell silent. They stared at Felix, dumbfounded, before turning towards the door with anticipation.

"Quick, hand out the test papers, Professor!" one student yelled.

That statement essentially marked the end of the overt and covert struggle between the professor and the students; the students were the clear losers.

Of course, they felt it was a bargain.

As Harry unfolded the thick test paper to start answering, Hermione's paper made a loud rustling sound. He couldn't help but glance over and noticed Hermione quickly scanning through the entire paper, a pleased expression on her face. Harry, following suit, discovered a secret.

The paper was divided into ten sections—some involved translation, others required deductive reasoning, and there were even twelve protective charm-making steps to evaluate. Considering the professor's earlier instructions, Harry immediately began with the section he excelled in. Ron, sitting beside him, stubbornly refused to work on anything, and despite Harry's attempts to signal twice with his mouth, Ron remained oblivious, prompting Harry to give up.

Time passed with only the faint scratching of quills against parchment echoing in the classroom, an oddly pleasant sound.

Finally, the bell rang.

Harry looked around the classroom. Only a few students had finished answering, while Hermione was meticulously checking her paper, muttering to herself.

"Stop writing," Felix announced. All the papers flew towards him, forming a neat stack on his desk. "I'll have them graded before the break... Alright, you may leave."

Excited and exhilarated expressions were exchanged among the students as they packed up and left the classroom.

"You go ahead," Draco Malfoy instructed his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, who furrowed their brows, seeming puzzled. It wasn't until he repeated himself that they shrugged and left on their own.

Draco stood in front of Felix, tiny beads of sweat forming on the tip of his nose.

"Professor, it's about—” he stammered.

Felix raised a hand to stop him, then turned to glare at Harry, Ron, and Hermione still lingering by the door, "Boom!" The door slammed shut in front of them. "Now, speak."

Draco hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice, "Professor, I was wondering if you have time for Christmas. I'd like to invite you to my home..."

"Lucius prompted you to ask?" Felix asked calmly.

Draco looked up at him, his pale face not betraying any emotion. He stuttered, "N-No, it's... it's my own... I feel... um, you've always been kind to me, not only teaching me the Disillusionment Charm and the Animagus transformation but even the highly advanced magic of Occlumency. I want to express my gratitude, even if my father knew, he would want me to thank you."

Felix scrutinized him for a while without saying a word.

"Don't think too much about it. Many things aren't your concern. All you need to do is enjoy a pleasant Christmas holiday."

"But what about Potter and—?" Draco's pale face flushed slightly as he protested, dissatisfied.

"They're not like you," Felix said firmly. "In advance, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco awkwardly turned and walked away, pushing open the door— "Draco?" he heard the professor's voice say. Excited, Draco turned around. Professor Harp stood by the massive window, the pure, clear sunlight streaming into the classroom, casting a shadow on the professor's back. It obscured his face completely, and Draco squinted.

"Is your wand made of hawthorn wood?" the professor asked.

"Yes, Professor," Draco replied.

"This material is especially suitable for healing magic. You might want to consider it."

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