Chapter 92: Discovery


    On Monday morning, as young wizards passed by the notice board, they suddenly noticed the updated content disyed there.


    A young wizard read aloud the parchment pinned to it:


    "Scheduled for this Thursday at 8 PM, the second Dueling ss of the semester will take ce. All grades of students are wee to attend."


    The signature was that of an elegant name, Felix Harp.


    "Why is it Professor Harp? Wasn''t it Professor Lockhart?"


    "Perhaps Professor Harp wrested control of the Dueling Club away from Professor Lockhart?"


    "That would be big news!"


    "Don''t jump to conclusions. It might be a coboration, just like Snape in thest ss – he was invited by Lockhart."


    Whispers and discussions filled the air beneath the notice board.


    The trio stood not far away, Harry''s expression brimming with excitement. "It''s finally about to begin."


    Ron, equally eager, said, "I hope we learn some powerful spells. Honestly, I''ve been feeling sick all week..."


    Harry looked at him sympathetically. "Did he make you copy fan letters again?"


    "Yeah, non-stop." Ron made a disgusted face. "Especially from this woman named Moria. Her letters are the most and seem to be Lockhart''s favorite. I could recite some full paragraphs by now..."


    "Please don''t!" Harry quickly intervened.


    Ron grumbled, "I''ve learned quite a few secrets from those letters these days, Hermione. I know him better than you do now."


    "But it shouldn''t be like that. Why would he do this?" Hermione asked, puzzled.


    "I think he might be hitting rock bottom? He''s been writing an apology letter to Fudge every night." Ron spected, revealing that Cornelius Fudge hadn''t responded to him these days.


    ...


    When Harry and hispanions arrived at the Dark Arts Defense ssroom, Professor Lockhart stood by the door, his expression pensive. As they passed, he grabbed Ron''s arm. "Do you think I''ve changed quite a bittely?"


    Ron''s eyes widened with surprise, and he stammered, "N-no, I haven''t noticed, Professor."


    "Hmm... why do I feel something''s off?" Lockhart puzzledly let go of Ron''s arm, and the trio slipped into the ssroom.


    Seated at their desks, Harry said, "He''s realizing something''s not right; there''s definitely something going on."


    "Maybe he''s under the Confundus Charm? Many spells have simr effects." Hermione analyzed earnestly.


    "Possible. Every time I''m alone with him, I want to hex him." Ron grumbled with resentment.


    "Oh, those three pieces of parchment – do you have any leads?" Harry suddenly remembered something and asked Ron.


    "Not really, just a regr interview."


    "What''s that?" Hermione asked with curiosity.


    Ron briefly exined their origin, and she was about to ask more when ss started.


    In the Dark Arts Defense ss, Lockhart continued his teaching performance. "I need a volunteer. Today''s scenario is the most crucial and thrilling part."


    Young wizards collectively lowered their heads.


    "Ron Weasley, it''s your turn!" Lockhart called Ron to the stage, thanks tost week''s detention, this time he finally didn''t get the name wrong.


    "That''s right, just like that, Ron. You''re an innocent viger gued by werewolves. You''re pleading for my help, yes! Make your expression even more bitter... excellent."


    With a pained expression, Ron yed his part as a prop in Lockhart''s story.


    "Nowes my inner monologue, a crucial part. Listen carefully, all of you."


    Lockhart shook his head and put on a concerned look, elongating his voice as he spoke, "Oh, the wretched souls! They face the constant threat of werewolves, all because of ying a young wolf cub that had attacked their livestock. What have they done wrong! It''s truly pitiable,mentable... My conscience cannot allow me to remain indifferent!"


    The performance continued, Lockhart puffing his chest out, seemingly basking in the vigers'' admiration. But Ron''s face turned pale as a sheet.


    Even until he returned to his seat, his expression remained one of dazed bewilderment.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Harry nudged him with his elbow. Was the impact too much? He''d yed a vampire for three straight weeks, after all.


    "Later, I''ll tell youter." Ron huddled in on himself, avoiding Lockhart''s gaze.


    On the other side, Felix Harp was teaching the fourth-year wizards.


    "Today, we''ll be learning the final set of practical runes. When the timees, your magical puppets will be able to utilize their full effects."


    The twins in the audience raised their hands eagerly. "Professor Harp, is there any advanced knowledge?"


    Felix smiled. "What would you like to learn?"


    "Like... more practical runes beyond these?" Fred asked.


    Felix blinked at the twins. They seemed to have a knack for ancient runes.


    He could tell from the Christmas presents they''d given him. Of course, they weren''t using runes but rather alchemical thinking.


    "If some of you have the capacity, I''d be willing to teach more." Felix promised.


    After ss, Felix called the twins over.


    "I''d like to know if you have clear ns for your future," Felix inquired.


    "We want to open a Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes shop!" The twins said in unison.


    "Hmm... something like Zonko''s Joke Shop?" Felix asked.


    "Sort of... but Zonko''s ideas are still stuck in thest century. We want to create more novel and exciting things." Fred said.


    "Yes! We have plenty of great ideas, but due to our abilities, most of our designs can''t be realized." George looked quite regretful.


    "Great n. But I assume you don''t have professional guidance, do you?" Felix asked.


    "Well, we found some books around the house when we were little, methods for creating small gadgets and gags. And we''ve done a lot of research at the library. It''s been a huge help for us, Professor Harp." Fred said with a mischievous grin.


    Library? Or Restricted Section? Felix didn''t say anything, but the twins'' reputation was quite renowned in the teaching circles.


    He simply extended an invitation: "Next year, I''ll be starting my own Ancient Runes Club. Are you interested?"


    The twins exchanged delighted nces. "Absolutely, Professor!"


    George suggested, "Professor, can''t your Ancient Runes Club start a bit earlier?"


    Felix shook his head ruefully. "There''s less than half a year left in this school year, and my attention is divided due to various matters. So, I''ll have to postpone it until next year."


    "But if you have questions, you cane to me." Felix said.


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