Chapter 36: Chapter 36 - Press conference
Hogwarts, Black Lake, 12:00
Students gathered around an improvised amphitheater, as the seating was reserved for journalists and representatives from the Ministry of Magic worldwide. Hogwarts students would have to observe the conference standing, although they didn't mind. They still couldn't comprehend why their peer managed to create something that captured the world's attention. Asmodeus wasn't exactly inconspicuous at Hogwarts; quite the opposite. Thanks to the system and regular consumption of points for accelerated learning, his knowledge level was already comparable to professors, allowing him to assist in classes. Sometimes students witnessed heated debates between him and professors over matters they couldn't grasp. Lately, Asmodeus attended 7th-year students' classes, he frequently sat in Ancient Runes class, often disagreeing with the professor. Despite all this, it was hard for Hogwarts students to accept that while they were still learning summoning spells, their peer had developed something that would change the world. It's like attempting to get a driver's license on the third try while your childhood friend, with whom you played, just got a pilot's license over summer break. The levels are vastly different.
Another reason why Asmodeus and his knowledge aren't widely known in Hogwarts is that he mostly interacts with six people and no other students. These are Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Cho Chang, and the Weasley twins. Moreover, he can communicate with the twins while ignoring their younger brother Ron...
Due to this limited social circle, nobody paid much attention to this peculiar student, except for the senior class. They know exactly how many points this Ravenclaw earns for each lesson. Honestly, all seniors have long been convinced that Ravenclaw will win the Academy Cup this year. They just don't want to disappoint the juniors and keep on telling them that there's still hope for victory in the Academy Cup.
The time approached for the beginning of the conference scheduled for 13:00. Journalists filled the seats, and Ministry of Magic representatives scanned the area for Asmodeus, who, by the way, hadn't shown up yet.
As the scheduled time approached, someone in the crowd shouted, "Look, on the tower!" Everyone turned to see a figure with a staff in hand, seemingly preparing to jump. "Professors, professors! Someone call a professor; someone is about to jump from the tower!"
Before anyone could react, the figure jumped. Women and students closed their eyes, not wanting to witness the scene of a poor student falling. However, when gasps of surprise echoed around them, they reluctantly opened their eyes. Person held something like a hang glider behind his back, emitting flames from his feet towards the ground, extending the flight distance. Asmodeus had practiced extensively, calculating the maximum distance before the wings would catch fire.
After a few seconds of stunned observation, journalists saw a platform forming in front of the approaching figure. This platform was perfect for landing, with a slightly raised angle allowing for an easy touchdown by extending the legs forward. Folding his staff and tapping it around him, Asmodeus conjured flames for a few seconds. When the flames disappeared, everyone saw a comfortable and, most importantly, elegant chair with a stand for the staff to the right of it. Asmodeus greeted everyone loudly and took a seat.
"Greetings to all present – squibs, journalists, and envoys from various Ministries of Magic worldwide. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Asmodeus Noren Morningstar, creator of the so-called method of building magical rings, or, in other words, the savior of squibs! Feel free to ask any questions; I am ready to answer them." He said, settling into the chair.
Before anyone could react, a witch in a bright green suit stood up and asked, "You casually refer to yourself as the savior of squibs. Do you not consider the possibility of your method failing? What if someone, after your so-called treatment, cannot use magic?"
Seeing this attire, Asmodeus immediately understood that this audacious reporter, Rita Skeeter, would have been a special correspondent for the "Daily Prophet" without his intervention, sent to Hogwarts to cover the Triwizard Tournament. She is an unregistered Animagus—able to transform into a beetle, aiding her in acquiring hidden information.
Honestly, he doesn't care about what she plans to write in her little newspaper, but he doesn't know how his former squib subordinates will react to her article. To be honest, he is very pleased with the individuals Filch introduced; they are loyal and have earned his trust. Each of them signed a very strict and inviolable vow, but none resisted or felt any negative emotions about it. All those introduced by Filch considered becoming direct subordinates of the Morningstar family an honor and found it natural for Asmodeus to request their loyalty in return for making them wizards. So, if someone dares to defame him in the newspaper... well, the newspaper may not last long.
Forgetting his musings, Asmodeus responded to Rita Skeeter, "Miss Skeeter, firstly, please raise your hand if you want to ask a question. We are civilized people and must behave appropriately. The second point is in response to your question. Yes, I am one hundred percent certain that any squib can become a wizard after applying my method, and I believe calling myself the savior of squibs is still very modest. In fact, I will bring new blood to the magical world, which is currently too small. For example, Miss Skeeter, do you know how many squibs there are in England?"
Such a quick and prepared response baffled Rita, and the last question left her utterly speechless.
"Oh, you don't know? Too bad; you probably should take your job more seriously. So, I will tell you; in England, there are between 3,000 and 5,000 wizards and between 10,000 and 15,000 squibs. Moreover, most squibs don't know they're squibs. Many of them have been living in Muggle society for several generations but still remain squibs rather than becoming Muggles. What sets them apart from Muggles is that they have, albeit incomplete, a magical chain in their bodies through which magic flows in our organisms. My ring formation technique will allow squibs to restore their magical chains and perform magic."
Hearing Asmodeus's response, people first restrained their laughter and then were in shock. No one had ever thought that there were so many squibs in England. What if we consider the entire magical world? If what this young man said is true, it would mean that the wizarding population would increase several times over. Naturally, this is good news for everyone present.
"Alright, does anyone else have any questions? Ah, yes, the cultured gentleman on the right in the second row."
"Hello, Mr. Morningstar, I am from the French magical magazine 'Street of Magic.' I would like to ask a question that concerns everyone, not just the English. How do you plan to spread your creation worldwide? Will you do it for free or for a fee? Are there any conditions for squibs who wish to become wizards?"
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