Chapter 455: Responsibility Breeds Courage
Professor Marchbanks abruptly shifted the conversation to her friend Gilbert Wimple in the Experimental Spells Committee. "Wimple wanted to come over! But I advised him to deal with those horns on his head first, it's been a while. I just happen to know Dorothy was in Saint Mungo's yesterday, so I told him to hurry over there... He asked me to bring these materials to you."
Felix took the materials. Marchbanks added casually, "Inside are some questionnaires, assessing the dangers and ease of mastering spells, along with potential risks. Just pass them to those students and have them filled out and sent back to the Ministry's Experimental Spells Committee. They'll have people check them later."
Before leaving, she tentatively asked, "You really don't plan to put your name down? There might be new spells named after you!"
"Oh, no need. I suffer from namers block," Felix replied.
Old Vira paused at the door, in a nonchalant tone asking, "By the way, those ancient magical texts in the library—"
"They're in the usual spot, second to last row on the bookshelf," Felix immediately replied.
Old Vira paused for a moment, waved, and muttered a "Thank you" as she left.
...
Felix left the Ancient Runes office, contemplating the recent events. He couldn't help but curl his lips in a smirk. "A little jab at that stubborn old man today, another one tomorrow, and then I can sit back and watch things unfold. After all, with Clementine involved... I'm such a good person!"
"P-Professor?" A head poked out from the corridor, stuttering.
It was Neville.
"You heard something?" Felix asked with a smile.
"Y-you... you're a good person..." Neville replied dumbfoundedly, then instantly showed a terrified expression, desperately covering his mouth.
"You're not to tell anyone," Felix stated.
Neville stared at the stern-faced professor, nodding like a chicken pecking.
"Anything you want? Oh, by the way, how are your parents? I heard they got discharged from Saint Mungo's," Felix inquired.
"Yes, they've recovered," Neville hurriedly replied. "The director from the Auror Office visited a while ago, hoping they'd return to the team, maybe even as squad leaders."
"Strickland?" Felix furrowed his brow slightly.
"Yes, him," Neville said. "But mom and dad decided to take a break, they're traveling abroad for a bit, for recovery training... They'll decide when they return."
Felix nodded slightly. "Sounds good. Alright, Neville, why were you lurking in the corridor? Anything you want to tell me?"
"I-I..." Neville suddenly stuttered again, his face turning red, swallowing hard. "I want to ask if there's a magic to make someone brave?"
"Make someone brave?" Felix looked at him oddly. "What do you intend to do?"
He hadn't used Legilimency and assumed Neville was immersed in the magical memories attached to the invitation card.
"Do you have any plans for the future?" he asked, leading into the next topic. Most students usually have an epiphany about it during the fifth year career advice sessions.
"Just a suggestion," Felix said, "If you're a professor, you'll have to deal with various lively students or if you're an Auror, think long-term as a squad leader, right? Then you'll have to constantly monitor your team members' emotions; otherwise, a slight mistake could mean a life."
Neville's expression turned serious, nodding along. He'd heard similar things from his parents. Some of the perspectives aligned with the professor's words...
The professor knows a lot, Neville thought with envy.
"...So, you should also possess such capabilities," Felix concluded.
"Uh..." Neville's face reddened again. He wasn't good at this, and at this moment, he only thought: I'm done for. Can't be a Potions professor or an Auror. But he quickly rallied and said softly, "I'll try?"
Felix nodded approvingly and, sifting through his ring, pulled out a small booklet. "I happen to have a spell here for you to look at... It's the magic attached to the
Brave Warriors tournament."
Neville was surprised but looked intrigued.
Felix briefly explained, "It's an incantation that aids in channeling and controlling one's emotions. It's not foolproof, but it might help you build courage by understanding and managing your feelings. However, be warned, it doesn't nullify fear; it's more about understanding and confronting it. Mastery will come with practice and experience."
Neville took the booklet with shaky hands, looking at the spell with reverence.
"Professor," Neville hesitated for a moment, "thank you."
Felix patted his shoulder once again. "Remember, Neville, bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's facing it despite being afraid."
Neville nodded, feeling a warmth inside him. He glanced at the spell, determination flickering in his eyes.
"Practice it diligently," Felix advised. "And when you feel ready, take the step. But do it for yourself, not to impress others."
Neville left the corridor, clutching the booklet with newfound resolve.
Felix watched Neville disappear around the corner before turning back towards the Ancient Runes office. His lips curled into a slight smile. He had a stack of parchment awaiting him, and he couldn't help but think, Maybe a new spell named after Longbottom? That would indeed be interesting.
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