Chapter 451: Scrimgeour
Felix Harp stepped out of the Potions classroom with satisfaction, gazing through the window into the distance. It was late March, and the weather had warmed considerably. The view towards the Forbidden Forest and the mountains was no longer a dull expanse of brown.
"What a waste not to explore the Forbidden Forest on such a beautiful day," Felix murmured to himself. He cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, stretching his body and donning a silver cloak before soaring into the sky.
Descending at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Felix landed, the silver cloak behind him dissolving into specks of light. He couldn't help but ponder, "Maybe one of the future descriptions about me will read, 'Collaborated with Dumbledore on twelve variations of the Patronus Charm'?"
Amused by the thought, he strolled through the forest. Up close, despite the lingering cold, tender shoots had pushed through the icy soil.
He even stumbled upon a clump of orchids.
Felix took a tour around several spots in the forest, including the herds of unicorns, hippogriffs, and thestrals, and of course, the nesting grounds of the Acromantula. With his presence aiding Grawp, the domination of the savage Aragog's descendants didn't bode well for any individual showing signs of cruelty.
As evening approached, Felix enchanted a piece of wood he found, turning it into a dog toy, which he gifted to Hagrid's faithful dog, Fang.
Returning to the castle, he collided with Professor Flitwick in the entrance hall. "Oh, Felix? Milova was looking for you," he chirped.
"What's up?"
"Not sure... But she asked me to tell you to visit Dumbledore's office first, using the password: 'Honeydew.' It was about an hour ago," Flitwick rattled off the information.
"Alright," Felix shrugged and made his way up to the separate tower where the Headmaster's office resided. Uttering the password, the massive stone gargoyle moved aside, revealing the revolving staircase behind.
Knocking on the door, the shiny oak wood door opened automatically. Inside the circular room were two people – Dumbledore behind his desk and someone else...
Felix squinted, seeing what seemed like a majestic old lion striding towards him, tawny mane and thick eyebrows dancing in the air, sharp yellow eyes piercing. Even the strands of gray in his hair and his less agile legs didn't diminish his aura.
A name resonated within Felix – Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office and right-hand man to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. But as far as he knew, he hadn't met Scrimgeour in person.
So, he turned to Dumbledore beside him. "Headmaster Dumbledore? Why did you summon me?"
"Oh," Dumbledore snapped out of his contemplation, fingers intertwined before him, a twinkle in his eye. "According to the Ministry's arrangements, Felix, you'll have three sets of visitors today." He glanced at the memo on the table, fingers dancing over it while flicking a colored candy wrapper with his index finger.
"The first is Professor Marchbanks from the Wizarding Examinations Authority. She arrived with Mr. Vera, Deputy Head of the Ancient Runes Association about an hour and a half ago. They are currently taking a stroll around the school with Milova."
Scrimgeour paused, scratching his chin, eyes focused on the dancing ripples on the lake. "We couldn't believe our ears. There was mention of a 'Boy'... and then 'Potter'... He asked for Felix Harp."
Felix was surprised at the mention of Harry Potter. He'd never expected to be a topic of discussion involving Harry.
"The Ministry is under pressure," Scrimgeour continued, glancing at Felix. "Our ties to Crouch, the dark past... Everything needs to be reevaluated, reconsidered. We need fresh perspectives and strong hands."
Felix considered the situation. The offer was unexpected, especially considering his academic pursuits and the comfort of the Hogwarts environment. Yet, the idea of contributing to the Ministry, especially in these times, was intriguing.
"Scrimgeour," Dumbledore interjected gently, "Felix has much to consider. I'm sure he will weigh his options wisely. Wouldn't you, Felix?"
"Absolutely, Headmaster," Felix nodded, his mind already juggling the possibilities.
Scrimgeour handed Felix a card with a Ministry seal and a silver quill emblem.
"If you choose to consider our offer, do send an owl to my office. We'll arrange a meeting," Scrimgeour said, his voice commanding yet concealing a sense of urgency.
With a nod to Dumbledore and a brief, polite glance at Felix, Scrimgeour departed.
"Quite an intriguing proposition," Dumbledore remarked. "But I sense it has created a dilemma for you."
Felix nodded slowly. "It's certainly not what I expected when I woke up this morning."
"It's always interesting how life presents us with choices when we least expect them," Dumbledore mused, a twinkle in his eye. "Now, Felix, I believe Professor Marchbanks is eager to meet you. Shall we?"
The evening moved forward with the excitement of meetings, discussions about the Ancient Runes program, and possibilities for future collaborations. But amidst all this, Felix's mind kept circling back to Scrimgeour's offer. The unexpected turn of events had certainly opened a new door in his life.
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