Chapter 209: Lady Longbottom

Chapter 209: Lady Longbottom

Back in his office, beneath the starry Hogwarts sky, the atmosphere was unusually serene. The Forbidden Forest in the distance appeared even darker than the night itself. Felix Harp, meticulously observing the eight-eyed Acromantula within the large glass enclosure, recorded the latest data.

"Wizard, when do you intend to release me?" The Acromantula's coarse voice sounded.

"Soon, once the experiment is concluded," Felix replied absentmindedly.

...

After the routine teaching day of the following Friday, the second weekend since the start of term arrived. Felix Harp, attired neatly, arrived punctually in the village of Hogsmeade.

He deliberately passed by the main entrance of the school and, flanking the wrought-iron gates, encountered a Dementor's presence.

The creature was even more sinister than he had imagined. It exuded an icy chill that caused his body to involuntarily stiffen and his mood to sour as he approached.

As Felix deliberately cast a Patronus charm in his mind, the Dementor's influence waned, and the hooded figures in their tattered cloaks seemed to lose interest in him.

Yet, his aversion to these creatures only intensified, accompanied by a strong urge to destroy them.

Pushing open the door of Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop, Felix Harp entered the place that Hogwarts students whimsically dubbed the 'Romantic Destination.' To some extent, there was an air of vague beauty about the place.

The interior was misty, with its layout winding and confined. Every ornament was adorned with slightly gaudy lace trimmings.

Felix wasn't particularly fond of this decorative style, but he had to admit that the proprietor had created a suitable atmosphere.

Apart from a few young wizard couples, he noticed a few solitary patrons enjoying their tea, which eased his tension. Approaching the counter, he spotted a smiling, plump middle-aged witch.

"Madame Puddifoot?"

"It's me, dear. What can I get you?" Madame Puddifoot said, her hair arranged in a black bun.

"Could you check the reservation information for me? Augusta Longbottom, 10 o'clock."

Madame Puddifoot lowered her head, perusing the records only she could decipher. "Indeed, that's correct. She told me herself. Ten o'clock in the morning, at the window-side alcove, you're fifteen minutes early."

"I know. Start with a cup of coffee, please. And which specific spot?"

"Right to your left, along the aisle. Next to that small round table, there's a lace bow menu."

Felix Harp took his seat and gazed at the dim window. His index finger tapped against it, causing a palm-sized area to frost over, revealing a clear view outside.

She lifted her teacup to shield her face.

After two or three minutes, she composed herself. Aside from slightly reddened eyes, her expression grew even prouder. "We've strayed from the point, wasted your time, Professor Harp."

"It's nothing. I admire those with unwavering determination," Felix said.

"Thank you. Where were we? The wand? Oh, right, the wand."

"Probably when Neville was about four or five years old. He returned from the hospital, ransacked the place, and found his father's wand. I had hidden it away. Its core is unicorn hair, particularly loyal."

"I thought it was a passing phase, so I allowed it. But he clung to it ever since. When it was time to buy a wand before school, he refused, insisting on using his father's wand."

"Did you not try to persuade him, madam?"

"I did try. This child is usually quite timid, but he's particularly stubborn about this. Besides, before school started, he managed to perform a simple spell with that wand. Considering his previous performance, it was almost a miracle... So I agreed."

Felix pondered and suggested, "Perhaps you could get another wand, just as a backup."

Lady Longbottom's expression turned stern, "I don't think changing wands would help him much. His report card from this summer has made me ashamed! He hasn't inherited his parents' talent at all. I even thought he might be a Squib until he accidentally displayed magical ability due to an incident."

Felix said gently, "But, as you said, he wasn't a prodigy to begin with. Even slight influences can bring about significant changes, let alone a wand?"

He retrieved a stack of parchment from his ring. "These are Neville's performances in spellcasting classes, recorded by himself. The data on there is unexpectedly honest, and it's given me a clearer understanding of his situation."

"From the data, it seems that Neville takes three to five times longer than an average person to learn a spell. It's hard to say if the wand has anything to do with it..."

Lady Longbottom carefully examined it, flipping through page after page. Alongside Neville's handwriting, there were markings and comments from another person. After a while, she looked up, "You've convinced me, Professor Harp. Neville's fortunate to have met you. Truly."

Felix shrugged, "I'm also curious about his performance with a new wand. Also, Lady Longbottom, I have an unfavorable request..."

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