Felix Harp scrutinized the article with care. Beneath the headline was a massive photograph of Cornelius Fudge standing in the center, his plump hands clasped with those of the President of the American Wizarding Congress and the Minister of Magic for France, their smiles exceedingly radiant.
He was dressed in formal attire, his robes stretched tautly, even his protruding belly seemed to have shrunk a bit, albeit with two visible dents.
"When did he get involved?" Felix wondered.
With a questioning gaze, Felix sought answers within the text and stumbled upon extensive descriptions about Fudge:
"Minister Fudge has been closely monitoring the progress of the Cross-Channel Conference and has been exchanging views through correspondence. Three days ago, Minister Fudge personally attended the conference. Through his mediation, the shocking international event involving the student protests at the Bussres Hotel has yielded favorable results..."
"...The impromptu 'Bussres Hotel Memorandum' to be signed will play a substantial guiding role in the development of the entire incident. The American Wizarding Congress plans to revise key laws, including sections three and four of the original 'Wizard-Chicken Relations Registration Act', abolishing the 'periodic home visits' surveillance method in favor of magical contracts with wizards. Noteworthy is Minister Fudge's provision of a wealth of his personal experiences and advice in governing the British magical community, which has played a pivotal role in the smooth proceedings of the conference..."
"In an interview with this paper, Minister Fudge claimed that the three nations will embark on broader collaborations in the future. He hinted that, as per the existing work plans, an enigmatic grand traditional event is in the works. However, when pressed for more details, Minister Fudge declined, stating that everything is still under negotiation..."
"Moreover, the name Felix Harp is also one to be remembered. At the onset of the event, he decisively put an end to the irrational actions of Ifarni students and effectively treated a severely injured female student, ensuring that the entire dialogue unfolded within a peaceful and friendly atmosphere, devoid of leaning towards more violent conflicts..."
"Our reporter believes his merits are worthy of a Merlin Medal. Additionally, worth noting is the young witch named 'Bethany,' who expressed her gratitude and admiration for Mr. Harp during an interview..."
Felix chuckled softly and turned to the end of the article, unsurprisingly spotting the name Rita Skeeter. After a few quiet months, she was once again in the limelight.
Her articles were always imbued with a strong personal touch, containing a plethora of facts-twisting descriptions and provocatively worded phrases. She had a penchant for celebrity gossip.
Reading her work, one would think that Cornelius Fudge played a grand role in all this, and Dumbledore's name appeared only cursorily, merely in places where it was necessary to be mentioned.
"She's quite the clever one, but I still find it hard to convince myself to like her," Felix mused. He flipped through the pages of other articles, where the content was much more impartial and objective. Dumbledore's name appeared multiple times, tucked away in corners, and there he found the content he sought.
"...It is worth noting that Uriah, the student leader who triggered this event, will be confined to Ifarni School of Magic, under the personal supervision and education of the headmaster. The specific measures of his punishment remain undisclosed, but he has undoubtedly become an idol among young American wizards, who gathered spontaneously at Greylark Mountain to cheer and celebrate..."
...
In the days that followed, Felix obtained additional information from other sources.
For instance, there was a message from Beauxbatons' Xavier Colbert that included information not covered in the newspapers.
Dear Felix,
Celestina that woman has been demoted! The American Wizarding Congress paid a hefty sum! Regretfully, you didn't witness the expression on her face—it was a sight to behold. Every pore on my skin is radiating joy.
But the Director of International Exchange isn't too pleased, as that woman's new position coincidentally connects with him. But who cares, really!
The fish soup at that restaurant is still as delicious as ever. I've tried it twice again.
Enclosed are relevant clippings. And more.
...
What surprised Felix Harp the most was receiving a bulky letter a couple of days ago from Uriah, whom he had just read about in the newspapers, supposedly in reflection at Ifarni School of Magic.
Dear Mr. Felix Harp:
Please pardon my audacious letter. I obtained your address from Headmaster Albus Dumbledore; he's a very kind person.
Through various channels, we've pieced together what you've done, and we have belatedly become aware of the truth. The following content was composed under the witness of 52 students, with me as the principal scribe.
Bethany: Mr. Harp, I have fully recovered, completely healed! Based on the information I received from the Healers, they thought I was gone, and it was you who snatched me back from the clutches of the Grim Reaper! Knowing that you are a professor, I hope you come to visit America next year.
Byles: Mr. Harp, first and foremost, thank you for saving my sister. Secondly, I must ask, are you always so serious? I admit I was quite frightened by you and even had nightmares. A strange feeling indeed... I'm thankful to you when awake, but all that remains in my dreams is fear.
XXX: Don't listen to Byles' nonsense, Mr. Harp. I don't have that feeling at all. Perhaps you've unveiled his facade! Haha, but your magic is truly astonishing. I asked a few professors; they all said they couldn't accomplish the same thing. I'm very curious...
Felix rubbed his forehead, attempting to read through a letter pieced together by 53 individuals. It was undoubtedly a test of patience. Different tones, different wordings, yet unmistakably the handwriting of the same person.
As he reached the end, he almost thought he was experiencing a split personality.
The letter also included relevant news clippings. When the newspapers from the three countries were placed side by side, a rather intriguing fact emerged.
With the outcome unchanged, you would find three versions of the story's origins and progression. Moreover, each version featured a different protagonist...
For Felix, this matter had come to a close.
Next, he turned his attention to refining his previous work on ancient magic. Professor Flitwick had lauded his accomplishments and personally tested the magic. Another ancient tree had suffered in the process.
Professor McGonagall hastily halted their actions. She cast a stern gaze upon them, her expression furious, and spoke with gravity, "Felixius, I had thought you wouldn't join them in their folly. The Wandwood Tree is a valuable asset of Hogwarts. I heard you were even considering experimenting on the Whomping Willow..."
She pursed her lips tightly, exuding an air of profound authority, "To be frank, if you were my students, I'd surely confine you to detention! And each of you would lose two hundred points!"
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