CHAPTER 672: END OF TERM EXAMS - (1)

A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

In June, the weather at Hogwarts was sunny and warm, but for the young wizards of Hogwarts, June meant exams.

As the entire ancient magical system became increasingly sophisticated, the corresponding assessment system became more established. Felix believed that students in third and fourth years were still in the stage of developing basic skills and nurturing interests, so the exams set for them were not too difficult. Unlike the higher years, which leaned heavily towards practical applications, these exams balanced theoretical magical knowledge with practical skills.

For example, this year's theoretical exam for third years included not only translating sentences but also writing a one-foot essay in ancient magical language on the topic of 'A Memorable Day'. The practical exam was a recreational puppet show of magic. Students could choose to demonstrate their manipulation skills alone or find suitable partners to engage in dazzling puppet battles, or even form a theatrical team.

Felix deliberately scheduled the practical exam for the third years in the Great Hall, attracting many other students from different years to come and watch. Judging from the envy on the faces of the first and second-year wizards present, he had partly achieved his goal.

Snape sarcastically asked if he wanted parents to vote for him in the 'Most Enchanting Smile Award' in The Wizarding Weekly?

"You remind me, Severus," Felix said, flashing a charming smile, while several other professors looked at him strangely.

Just as a spectacular puppet duel had just ended on the circular stage in front of them, Felix waved his hand, and the scorch marks, ice blocks, and cracks on the stage all disappeared. In the next moment, six or seven students rushed in from the corner, holding various props to set up the stage background.

It was clear that a Hufflepuff girl was leading them. "Eleanor?" a boy nervously said, as the girl clenched her fists and waved them in the air, seemingly psyching herself up, then stepped forward and said loudly:

"Professor, we're going to perform 'Rabbit Babity and her Gurgling Stump'."

Felix nodded at her, signaling them to begin.

Eleanor Branstone cleared her throat and emotionally introduced the story background: "Long ago, there was a foolish king who longed for the power of magic. So, the king sent out a capture team and posted notices in every town, but he had no idea that the laundress who was responsible for cleaning the palace clothes was actually a witch..."

"On this day, a swindler appeared in the palace, claiming to be the wizard the king was looking for."

While she was speaking, several young wizards busied themselves, manipulating magical puppets to enter the stage. They were dressed in various theatrical costumes, including a chubby king (with cotton stuffed in his clothes), a comical-looking swindler (bearing a striking resemblance to a clown), a white-haired laundress (holding a flattened toothpick), and some palace guards (represented by chocolate frog cards and wizard cards).

"I need gold! And a huge ruby!" a boy imitated the swindler vividly. "I also need a silver goblet to brew potions!" He directed the characters' actions as he spoke.

Even the older students found it engaging; Harry heard more than one classmate saying they wanted to try it out after the exams.

"These kids have quite the imagination," Ron said, with his usual casual demeanor.

"I hope you're as confident tomorrow," Hermione said. They had just finished their Charms exam and were enjoying a day of rest and relaxation before their Potions exam tomorrow. Although they had Potions, they all agreed to take some time to relax and unwind.

Harry saw many familiar faces around him; he guessed they had the same idea. He tried hard not to look at Dumbledore and Grindelwald in the crowd—he still wasn't used to it. Even Hermione seemed less enthusiastic in Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

"Are you showing me something so juvenile?" Grindelwald whispered.

"Don't say that. I just made annotations for 'Tales of Beedle the Bard'." Dumbledore said cheerfully, "Sometimes I feel that Professor Dipett's decision was hasty. Since the complete ban on theatrical performances, the school has lacked a major entertainment activity."

Grindelwald's expression became unpredictable, his lips moved into fine lines.

"We almost wore out that book back then. What prompted you to do this after so long? Or... have you collected the three Deathly Hallows? The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the uncertain Invisibility Cloak... My investigation ended in the Goldrick Valley—" He suddenly stopped talking.

"It is the Deathly Hallows," Dumbledore corrected.

"When did you overturn this common conclusion?"

"I've always had doubts, but at the time, I compromised, accepted your explanation, and was blinded by false hope." Dumbledore whispered back, and they fell silent, finally, the play reached its climax. řäΝöВΕS̈

"—You should erect a statue of Babity to commemorate your poor laundress, so that you will never forget your foolish behavior!" The young wizard playing the stump spoke in a deep voice. Then, a chubby old rabbit jumped out of the stump, and after a puff of smoke, the laundress appeared.

"And so, the statue of the laundress stood on the stump, and the foolish king learned his lesson, never again persecuting the wizards in the kingdom." Eleanor Branstone ended the story with an excited tone, her cheeks slightly flushed as she bowed with her partners. The hall erupted into applause.

Dumbledore also applauded enthusiastically, and Grindelwald reluctantly followed suit with a couple of claps.

"I need to talk to you, Dumbledore..."

As the noise in the hall gradually subsided, Grindelwald continued in a low voice, "According to your philosophy, one leader easily leads to tyranny, two often leads to division, only three can maintain balance. Don't tell me you have high hopes for the current female minister; that kid over there could crush her with one finger."

Dumbledore looked up and glanced at the kid across—Felix, who had just finished grading the students and seemed to notice someone observing him. He glanced back, meeting Dumbledore's gaze, then nodded expressionlessly.

"The next group, please."

After the exams, everyone dispersed, chatting and laughing along the way. At this point, Snape next to Felix and Grindelwald next to Dumbledore were nowhere to be seen, and the two men huddled together.

"About the Disapparition charm... any requirements?" Felix asked.

"Requirements," Dumbledore repeated softly, looking at Luna skipping around, the Patil sisters laughing, and Peeves peeking mischievously from the ceiling. After a while, he said:

"The subject must be rendered unconscious, otherwise, it's difficult for him to pretend nothing happened... so, timing is crucial."

Felix pondered the meaning of these words for a moment.

"In short, knock him out? Shall I do it, or you?" Felix glanced at him.

Dumbledore gave him a reproachful look.

"Oh right, it mustn't arouse suspicion, everything must seem reasonable." Felix rolled his eyes, thinking for a moment, "I understand! On the day he leaves the school—" knocking out Grindelwald under the pretext of transferring locations. When he wakes up, it's all over.

Dumbledore nodded stiffly.

"During this time, I will keep giving him hope,

making him think he can continue to stay at the school."

...

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