A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts
Chapter 420: Occlumency

On this Christmas night at Hogwarts, tranquility wasn't the norm. Explosions startled many students, leaving them bewildered. Fortunately, the professors intervened, coaxing them back to bed despite their discontent, ensuring they resumed their slumber.

Before closing their eyes, a few young wizards silently vowed to uncover the truth of the night as soon as they woke. The commotion in the castle gradually subsided, save for the brightly lit infirmary.

"You must drink the potion and rest in bed tonight. If there are no issues come morning, I'll permit your departure," Madam Pomfrey declared, holding a gleaming potion, her gaze sharp as an eagle's, standing between two beds.

Harry and Ron nervously drank the potion, and as the liquid trickled down their throats, though it felt oddly different, it reminded Harry of memories from his dreams. Suppressing the urge to retch, he gulped it down in one go.

Satisfied, Madam Pomfrey departed.

Exiting the ward and closing the door, she had more patients awaiting her in the intensive care unit. Bartemius Crouch had suffered severe physical and mental trauma, requiring extensive care. Alastor Moody's physical state was somewhat better, yet the mental scars were significant.

Lost in her thoughts, she contemplated if she should learn a trick or two from Felix. With time, Felix Harp's alternate identity as a Memory Master gained prominence. Many speculated he'd secure a spot in the first chocolate frog cards of the new century.

Turning a corner in the corridor, Madam Pomfrey spotted Dumbledore, Felix, and McGonagall standing at the entrance to the intensive care unit.

"Poppy, perfect timing," Dumbledore smiled, seemingly in good spirits. "Felix has just diagnosed Bartemius and Alastor, resolved the most intricate issues. However, their recovery will require a considerable amount of time."

Instinctively, Madam Pomfrey looked at Felix, in her mind, the true authority.

Felix nodded slightly, explaining, "Mr. Crouch has long been under the Imperius Curse's control, coupled with the effects of Confundus and Cruciatus curses, resulting in a muddled mind. Though troublesome, it's not irreparable. I suggest relocating him to Saint Mungo's for more comprehensive care."

"As for Professor Moody..." He paused, uncertain. "I'm not certain about his condition. His memories have been meticulously altered, and he's been implanted with numerous suggestions, such as not checking his room, overlooking certain anomalies, and invariably sleeping till dawn when in bed. This is why young Barty Crouch had the audacity to sneak into his room through the secret passage."

"He'll lose parts of his memory; which ones, I'm unsure of. I suspect his temperament won't take well to this," Felix inquired, seeking Dumbledore's opinion. Dumbledore subtly shook his head, knowing well how his old friend would react to tampered memories.

Madam Pomfrey acknowledged understanding, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Felix, during your treatments these days, could I observe?"

"No problem, madam," Felix readily agreed.

Thanking him, she pushed open the door to the intensive care unit and walked in. The other three could see Bartemius Crouch and Alastor Moody lying quietly in their beds, Professor McGonagall's lips moved.

"Milla?" Dumbledore looked at her.

"I—I'm not suspecting... but shouldn't we take precautions? What if they're still under the influence of dark magic?" McGonagall interjected.

"No need to worry, Minerva," Felix interjected, smiling. "I have some confidence in memory magic, and their wands are currently in the Headmaster's possession."

McGonagall breathed a sigh of relief. They descended together, and after a moment of silence, she couldn't help but say, "Albus, you shouldn't have stopped me from deducting points from Potter and Weasley, or at least putting them in detention..."

Dumbledore blinked, smiling gently at her.

"They're too reckless; they might have lost their lives." Professor McGonagall finished her sentence.

"Minerva, there's no need to be so strict. That child has a sense of responsibility far beyond his years," Dumbledore murmured softly. "Take this incident, for instance. Their use of the Marauder's Map and the Invisibility Cloak was unexpected, and they had to be decisive. If they had delayed even for a few minutes, spent precious time searching for the professors, the outcome might have been drastically different."

At least Moody was unlikely to survive.

McGonagall pursed her lips, relaxing her furrowed brow. "You make a valid point."

...

Felix returned to his office, standing by the window, recalling Dumbledore's conversation with him.

"Felix, I need to ask you something," Dumbledore said solemnly.

"What is it?" Felix inquired, anticipating what would follow.

They stood atop the castle, the chilly northern wind howling, causing the window frame to creak. Dumbledore remained silent for a long while, seemingly gathering considerable resolve, finally saying, "Teach Harry Occlumency."

"No problem," Felix promptly replied. After a moment, he asked softly, "Anything else?"

Another silence ensued.

"...Don't harm him."

...

Felix withdrew his gaze; it was now well into the night, a faint hue of grayish-green graced the sky.

"I'm becoming more sentimental; that's not like me."

"Chirp chirp!"

Lowering his head, Felix saw Valen standing at the bedroom door, rubbing its eyes, wobbling over, attempting but failing to climb onto his leg.

Felix chuckled quietly, moving his finger, causing Valen to float towards him.

"You're not asleep? Valen, that's quite unexpected..."

"Chirp chirp!"

Valen waved its small hands, drawing in the air. Felix concentrated, trying to decipher the distorted letters.

"A gift?"

Valen vigorously nodded.

Felix cautiously asked, "Are you inquiring about Granger's reaction to the gift?"

Valen nodded, its bright black eyes filled with anticipation.

"She was delighted," Felix remarked.

Valen was thoroughly pleased; it was one of its most cherished possessions. Thinking that he'd actually given it away, Felix sighed internally. Valen yawned, opening its arms for a hug.

Felix hugged Valen, placing it in the crib.

As he changed into his pajamas and lay in bed, his mood unknowingly lifted.

>

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