A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts-Chapter 617: Followers of Harp - (1)

Chapter 617: Followers of Harp

Felix caressed the "Ancient Magical Runes Almanac" in his hands. Beneath the embossed golden letters, it read 'Compilation 1992-1996'. This voluminous reference book was the first comprehensive and systematic documentation of the development of ancient magical runes, making its content exceptionally rich due to its unprecedented nature.

The book was divided into three parts.

"In summary, it compiles the past, present, and future of the discipline of ancient magical runes."

Felix turned to the first page. The preface briefly introduced the time, location, and purpose of the event. Following that was a long list of names, each occupying a line, accompanied by small italicized letters summarizing the individual's basic information.

For instance, Hermione Granger's name was inscribed in vibrant emerald green ink, and beneath it were recorded—female, Hogwarts (in attendance), 16, 27.

"Gender, school, age... I understand these. What does this '27' mean?"

Mrs. Granger pointed to the number and asked. Hermione looked up and said, "That's the number of referenced papers in the Almanac, marked with asterisks below."

"The number of referenced papers?" Mrs. Granger blinked in confusion, then found the explanation at the bottom of the page. "Because it's the first compilation of the Almanac, it deliberately covers the number of papers published and cited in this book between 1992 and 1996."

She felt more puzzled, not because she couldn't read the text above but because, "You've published 27 papers?"

She exchanged glances with her husband. Mr. Granger enthusiastically said, "We didn't get a chance to ask— I read the number as 42 in The Prophet, but our clever and rebellious daughter told her parents that one-third of what's written there is already good enough..."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I'm talking about predictions about the war situation. You both know how many rumors I've debunked... The numbers are real, both of them. One is the total number of papers I've published, and the other only counts a portion in the field of ancient magical runes."

"It says 'published and cited in this book'..." Mrs. Granger hesitated.

"Clearly, right? Not all published papers will be cited. For example, overview articles won't be very popular because that's what the Almanac is here for, and it does it better: summarizing the past, examining the present, envisioning the future."

"Sounds like the medical journals I've read." Mr. Granger said with interest.

"Pretty much," Hermione said.

Mrs. Granger paused on this page, her eyes searching for familiar names. "Harry Potter, cited in 6 papers, Ron Weasley... 4 papers. Oh? Luna Lovegood, only fifteen years old, cited in 5 papers..."

"She writes a lot," Hermione sighed.

"What's the matter," Mrs. Granger said with a smile, "Is this 'Miss Love and Beauty' your competitor at school?"

"Absolutely not!" Hermione blushed, but her mother smiled even more. She walked over indignantly, flipping through the thick almanac pages, muttering, "You should really take a look... The first part summarizes important current events, paper literature, and statistical data. I remember she has excerpts from three papers... Ah, here!"

Mrs. Granger curiously looked at the paper titles:

"Recreating Magical Creatures with Ancient Runes: The Disappeared Snorting Beast... Sounds quite professional."

Hermione pointed to the small letters below. "This paper is unconfirmed, limited to speculation, but it is innovative with great potential... Highly praised by Mr. Heap..." She pouted as she spoke.

"Isn't this just magical speculation? I'm not quite sure... probably analogous to scientific hypotheses?" Mr. Granger asked with a smile.

"Well, I just..." Hermione sighed, unable to hold back a complaint. "Even if it were a different magical creature, why choose the Snorting Beast? Clearly, the topic is so vast, covering magical creatures, ancient magical runes, protective spells, and even ghosts..."

"Ghosts?"

...

"No, it's souls!" On the mountain outside Ottery St. Catchpole Village, in a house garden resembling a large cart, Xenophilius Lovegood said. Cotton-candy-like white hair spilled over his shoulders as he showed off a gold chain hanging around his neck. "What a wonderful coincidence! I wear the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, and my daughter tells me about the prophecy regarding the Resurrection Stone."

"Aren't you studying gnome magic anymore, Dad?" Luna said, repairing the house for the goblins.

"Oh, no... there are more important things," Xenophilius Lovegood said hesitantly. "Luna, listen to me— I don't know much about centaurs. They kicked me when I tried to be friends with them when I was young, but that's not important. Their prophecies are powerful."

"Exactly, I've been looking forward to a grand gathering." Luna said cheerfully.

"A gathering?" Xenophilius Lovegood was confused.

"I saw it in a fire divination, many people launching fireworks into the sky..." Luna shook her head, as if dreaming. "Oh, uh," she continued, "Will it have happened already? I heard that some people created a meteor shower to celebrate their victory..."

"But they are completely different, and I think I will be there in person." Luna said with anticipation.

"Well... let's get back to the point, Luna." Xenophilius Lovegood said seriously.

Luna nodded, staring at her father without blinking, the triangular eye symbol hanging around his neck shining brightly on his chest.

"First, this matter needs to be kept confidential—"

"Can I tell Ginny? Of course, you're friends."

"What about Harry? And Ron, Hermione, Neville..." Luna counted on her fingers, and Xenophilius Lovegood said, "If they are trustworthy—yes, you can even form a small team, but don't be too conspicuous. I don't want to hear about my daughter loudly looking for the Resurrection Stone; some wishes lose their power when spoken aloud."

He hesitated for a moment. "To be honest, I don't know if I should tell you, after all, hope is slim..."

"What is it?"

"Dumbledore wrote to me, inviting me for an interview... oh, no, don't get too excited, there are other competitors." But not long after, they began preparing for the celebration. "Freshwater Blast-Ended Skrewt Soup! Gurdyroot! Flying Lemons!" Xenophilius Lovegood shouted happily while adding various seasonings to the pot.

In the end, they got a concentrated concoction.

"Never mind me; you still have to attend the interview." Luna said.

"Oh, thank you, daughter," Xenophilius Lovegood wiped the corner of his eye, "I won't let you fight alone. After the interview is successful, I'll take you to visit a knowledgeable ghost who might be interested in your paper..." With that, he downed the drink.

"How does it taste?" Luna asked curiously.

"Alright," Xenophilius Lovegood shook his head, smacking his lips. "Perhaps there's too much Gurdyroot; the book says it has slight toxicity. Although you

can't fully believe it because they also enhance receptivity to extraordinary things, but..."

He rubbed his stomach, brought over the "Ancient Magical Runes Almanac," and said, "Let me see how they evaluated your paper. I should pick out the key points and ask Dumbledore..." Flipping through the pages, he said, "Huh, why isn't it here? Only introductions to puppeteers and pranksters..."

"You turned the pages too fast, Dad." Luna said.

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