A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Felix exchanged some information and views with Dumbledore once again. Apart from the recent developments in the last couple of days, either Professor McGonagall or Mrs. Weasley would compile and hand over the information from each meeting of the Phoenix Society to Dumbledore.

So even though Dumbledore didn't visit often, he knew the place well enough to multitask. In his words, "Dealing with giants always requires more patience."

"You know giant-speak?" Felix's expression turned peculiar. "Then what does this phrase mean?" He made a sound that seemed huffing and puffing.

Dumbledore cast a reproachful look at him.

"Well, I guess I have an idea. It probably isn't a compliment," Felix said, making a few excuses for himself in a hushed tone. "All giant-speak sounds like insults to me, and I didn't really understand—is it safe to say I wasn't wrong in bashing those mountain giants back then?"

"Felix, personally, I'd advise against discussing this topic with Norwegian wizards. They quite fancy these simple-minded creatures. Probably because they have a certain rugged charm?" Dumbledore said uncertainly. "They even selected giants as the mascot for their Quidditch national team. Goodness, how they manage tons of nose mucus is the real challenge, to be honest..."

But the matter regarding Bode caught his attention. "I'll keep an eye on it, better find a chance to speak with Amelia," Dumbledore nodded slightly, smiling. "Dealing with the new Minister has become easier, no longer needing to consider their fragile ego... well, that might sound a bit harsh, but I believe Cornelius's current position suits him better."

"Yeah, while we're burning the midnight oil, he's gallivanting around various European countries," Felix said, "hope he doesn't come back overweight; that'd stir public outrage."

...

Conversations with Dumbledore were always intriguing. If it didn't concern Harry's safety, he'd gladly engage this old man further on Voldemort's strength. But it was evident that Dumbledore was truly busy and hurriedly departed.

Felix arrived at the headquarters of Future World with a mind brimming with thoughts.

Regarding the soul fragments within Harry's body, neither he nor Dumbledore had good solutions for now. So, their focus shifted to Voldemort, who was too erratic... no, resurrected. As a living being, his emotions were more intense than when he was just a remnant, especially after recent setbacks. One couldn't tell what turmoil he might face at night. Unfortunately, as a Horcrux, Harry became a receptacle for Voldemort's emotions, a massive emotional conduit.

This 'stirring up' would, in turn, agitate the unstable soul fragments, akin to holding Pandora's box, never knowing what might happen upon opening it. The Occlumency only delayed matters; the time bomb still existed. If Voldemort discovered it and had enough time, he could detonate this bomb.

Pondering this, Felix ascended the spiraling staircase.

Due to the current circumstances, the fortress hall wasn't open to the public. Each staff member carried a special token for identification. However, this was only temporary. The real effective measure was the researched Thief's Cascade.

Actually, there was another method—

That was periodically scanning using the Mind Chamber spell. But due to practical constraints, Felix couldn't be stationed at the company permanently. Moreover, wizards harbored reservations and prejudices toward memory spells in the broader context. Felix didn't want to sow internal unrest, especially with Voldemort lurking nearby.

So, he chose to use it occasionally and discreetly, telling no one.

Utilizing opportunities for discussions and magical demonstrations, he'd swiftly employ the Mind Chamber spell and ascertain its safety.

"Perhaps creating a magical item? Using a magical puppet as a guard wouldn't be bad either?"

But eventually, Felix abandoned this idea. Magical puppets, at best, were one of the fortress's defensive measures. Giving them additional functions required caution. Moreover, the situation wasn't critical enough. He could wait a while longer until the Thief's Cascade structure was complete.

"Professor Hipp!"

When Felix arrived at the fifth floor, Clementine was waiting outside his office eagerly.

"What's the matter?" he asked as she ran over, attempting to pull him, but he dodged.

"Oh, it's actually..." she hesitated, "my grandfather..."

That stubborn old man? Felix thought to himself, vaguely recalling some promise he made to him.

"...he wanted me to ask when you'd be free to visit the Ancient Runes Society," Clementine said in a low voice. "He said you'd know."

"That's true," Felix considered and replied, "but definitely not anytime soon. I need to oversee the progress of the Thief's Cascade and reinforce the fortress's defense... How about this, you can inform Mr. Vira that I'll definitely visit him before the start of term."

"Alright." Clementine visibly relaxed.

"Has Mr. Vira been available lately?" He casually inquired.

"Well," Clementine looked a bit strange. She pushed up her thick glasses and said, "He used to be free, but ever since he took up the position of president half a month ago, he's been busy—"

"He's the president of the Ancient Runes Society now?" Felix asked, surprised.

"That's right. Grandfather's been sighing a lot more lately. I think the society is on the verge of collapsing," Clementine said without sympathy, glancing around before leaning in, speaking in a lowered voice, "Professor, I suggest you recruit them all!"

Felix cleared his throat.

"Why do you think that? Mr. Vira probably wouldn't agree, right?"

"Hah," Clementine said nonchalantly, "I've overheard a few times. Many members have left the society recently, various reasons, from the Ministry's war alerts to the increasing popularity of new runes... Everyone says you've ushered in a new era for runology."

"Well, there's no need to exaggerate."

"—If it weren't for Grandfather hinting at 'absorbing' the essence of new runes, even more people would've left," Clementine stated matter-of-factly, revealing the plight of the Ancient Runes Society without any qualms, "He's just too proud. As long as you make a visit, he'll definitely compromise."

Finally, Felix promised to visit soon. Though the Ancient Runes Society primarily focused on translation-based runology, they had some foundation and potential for collaboration. It was an opportune moment; in a few years, with enough graduates from Hogwarts, the Ancient Runes Society would become inconsequential.

Meanwhile, at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries...

Sirius and Mrs. Bones had just come out of the Curse Damage ward. "Was it the token given by Professor Hipp?" Mrs. Bones asked.

"Yeah, what's up?" Sirius inquired.

"Nothing, just thought the First Class Merlin's Order was well-deserved," Mrs. Bones smiled.

"Felix thinks Bode's injury might be related to Voldemort—he believed Bode, using his authority, was trying to acquire something from the Department of Mysteries. Even though it's a failure now, Felix is worried Voldemort might silence him," Sirius explained.

"That's why I left two enforcers, and I've got an idea of what Voldemort might want," Mrs. Bones said, then her expression turned serious, "Sirius, help me schedule an appointment with Headmaster Dumbledore. I need to discuss a prophecy... no, two."

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