Chapter 220: New Ventures and Recruitment List

Chapter 220: New Ventures and Recruitment List

The Ancient Runes class for the third year had found its rhythm. After delving into two sections of rather cryptic magical manuscripts, they were finally about to embark on their first genuinely intriguing lesson.

Felix Harp stood at the podium. "Put away your textbooks, for today we shall undertake a new endeavor."

The young wizards and witches grew excited. "I've been looking forward to this day!" Dean Thomas exclaimed. "Professor Harp's classes are always full of fascinating possibilities. I've heard that phrase for a whole year now!"

Felix had grown accustomed to the chatter of the young wizards. From his coat pocket, he withdrew a small wooden box about the size of his palm. He raised it towards the students and then placed the box on the lectern. "A little experiment of mine, initially meant to test my mastery of practical Ancient Runes. But then I thought, why not make more of it?"

He produced his wand, tapping the lid of the small wooden box. Circular patterns of golden-red magic woke from slumber, materializing on the surface of the box.

With a deft flick, Felix layered the magical patterns one upon the other—

"A snap!"

The box was now open.

"What's inside?"

"I'm curious too."

A chorus of noise erupted below.

Felix gazed sentimentally at the students. As a professor, he could easily distinguish the differences between the two houses. Gryffindor's students were more outwardly emotional, most of them craning their necks and leaning forward, eager to know what lay inside the box. On the other hand, Slytherin students were more reserved, their curiosity evident in their eyes, though many restrained themselves, except for a few who seemed a bit scatterbrained.

It wasn't a matter of superiority, just a reflection of two distinct traits.

In no time, a runic symbol leapt out of the box. Hermione recognized it at first glance; it was the runic representation of buffalo strength. She couldn't help puffing her cheeks in satisfaction. Thanks to the blabbermouth of Lee Jordan, her reputation had grown even more prominent lately, with the incidents of breaking the chair armrest and confronting Draco Malfoy being widely discussed.

Numerous students from other houses had come, intrigued and chattering, wanting to witness her skills.

Not many students could recognize this runic symbol at a glance like Hermione. Draco, for instance, felt a vague sense of familiarity with the symbol, as if he had seen it somewhere before.

The next moment, a second runic symbol flew out of the box, followed by the third, the fourth...

Harry couldn't help interjecting, "Professor, have the results for the Runes Club come out yet? Ron and I..."

Felix looked at him. "Your essays...barely passed. You've been placed in the second category."

"Second category?" Harry heard this term for the first time. He planned to ask Hermione about it later - she would surely know. However, he understood the implication of "barely passed." Both he and Ron breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh, and," he heard Professor Harp addressing him, "how's your essay on dueling systems coming along?"

"Uh...still working on it," Harry said sheepishly. He had taken lots of notes, but the essay was only about a third complete. Plus, his mind was now consumed with thoughts of first category, second category, and so on.

Back at their seats, Hermione naturally provided an explanation of the grading categories. "The professor has divided the assessment into three categories. The lowest one is straight elimination - as the professor puts it, those are the ones who are just trying their luck without any preparation."

"So, the second category is a pass, and the first category is outstanding?" Ron guessed, which made a lot of sense.

"No," Hermione sighed, "the first category is a pass. As for the second category, it retains the right to audit. Whether you attend or keep up with the club's lessons, the professor won't interfere."

Ron's mouth fell open, and he couldn't help raising his voice, "So you mean, we're just filling spots?"

"Professor Harp believes," Hermione's tone grew louder too, "that a minority among you might be able to keep up with the course. But most will fall behind and naturally drop out."

"At the moment, there are only seven students in the first category, which is quite low. That's why the professor intends to select a few more from the second category."

Harry couldn't help but feel uneasy. He had a strong feeling that he might fall behind. Perhaps he was just on a one-way trip?

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