A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts
Chapter 455: Responsibility Breeds Courage

Professor Marchbanks abruptly shifted the conversation to her friend Gilbert Wimple in the Experimental Spells Committee. "Wimple wanted to come over! But I advised him to deal with those horns on his head first, it's been a while. I just happen to know Dorothy was in Saint Mungo's yesterday, so I told him to hurry over there... He asked me to bring these materials to you."

Felix took the materials. Marchbanks added casually, "Inside are some questionnaires, assessing the dangers and ease of mastering spells, along with potential risks. Just pass them to those students and have them filled out and sent back to the Ministry's Experimental Spells Committee. They'll have people check them later."

Before leaving, she tentatively asked, "You really don't plan to put your name down? There might be new spells named after you!"

"Oh, no need. I suffer from namers block," Felix replied.

Old Vira paused at the door, in a nonchalant tone asking, "By the way, those ancient magical texts in the library—"

"They're in the usual spot, second to last row on the bookshelf," Felix immediately replied.

Old Vira paused for a moment, waved, and muttered a "Thank you" as she left.

...

Felix left the Ancient Runes office, contemplating the recent events. He couldn't help but curl his lips in a smirk. "A little jab at that stubborn old man today, another one tomorrow, and then I can sit back and watch things unfold. After all, with Clementine involved... I'm such a good person!"

"P-Professor?" A head poked out from the corridor, stuttering.

It was Neville.

"You heard something?" Felix asked with a smile.

"Y-you... you're a good person..." Neville replied dumbfoundedly, then instantly showed a terrified expression, desperately covering his mouth.

"You're not to tell anyone," Felix stated.

Neville stared at the stern-faced professor, nodding like a chicken pecking.

"Anything you want? Oh, by the way, how are your parents? I heard they got discharged from Saint Mungo's," Felix inquired.

"Yes, they've recovered," Neville hurriedly replied. "The director from the Auror Office visited a while ago, hoping they'd return to the team, maybe even as squad leaders."

"Strickland?" Felix furrowed his brow slightly.

"Yes, him," Neville said. "But mom and dad decided to take a break, they're traveling abroad for a bit, for recovery training... They'll decide when they return."

Felix nodded slightly. "Sounds good. Alright, Neville, why were you lurking in the corridor? Anything you want to tell me?"

"I-I..." Neville suddenly stuttered again, his face turning red, swallowing hard. "I want to ask if there's a magic to make someone brave?"

"Make someone brave?" Felix looked at him oddly. "What do you intend to do?"

"I-I've noticed improvements in my talents and grades, but I'm still cowardly. I can't even speak loudly in front of others, afraid of ridicule... a-and the tournament—"

"You want to join the tournament? Like Potter and the others? They're compelled," Felix remarked.

"N-no, I mean, for both events, I lack the courage to challenge. Not an ounce of bravery... When I think of the tasks, like the Hungarian Horntail or the depths of the lake, I can't help but shiver," Neville said, tears welling up.

"So, I want to ask, is there any magic to shield me from these negative emotions, including what others think of me?"

Neville looked at Felix expectantly.

Of course, there is, Felix thought, Occlumency, tailored just for you. But if you aim to gain courage by blocking emotions, that's putting the cart before the horse.

"You've caught me off guard," Felix scrutinized Neville, making him visibly uncomfortable. "Your idea is quite unique... A curse work?"

"A c-curse?" Neville seemed startled.

"Yes," Felix casually scratched his chin, then suddenly changed his demeanor, saying ominously, "I curse you: from this moment onward, every insult, slander, mockery, resentment, dissatisfaction you hear shall turn into the most pleasant praises... You won't hear harsh advice... Or honest warnings..."

Neville shivered as if something vile wrapped around him, trembling uncontrollably.

"P-professor?" Neville, with a mournful expression, said despairingly, "Did you really curse me? At least ask me first..."

Felix's expression turned stern. "You're a dunderhead."

Neville froze. His eyes widened until he blinked. "I... I'm fine? I heard you call me a dunderhead... So, I wasn't cursed?"

Felix chuckled.

Neville's round face couldn't help but tense up. Felix comfortingly patted his shoulder, "Remember what you saw when you got the invitation card for the Brave Warriors?"

"I saw... Hogwarts... England... the ocean... the world and... the sparkling starry sky," Neville said. He recalled the awe-inspiring experience of drifting through the vastness of the cosmic stars, a silent contrast that needed no words to feel his insignificance.

As he thought, his mind diverted, recalling the previous challenges—standing on stage singing to a row of 'Professor Snape' in the audience. It was a nightmare: Snape expressing delight, snapping angrily, wearing a black cloak and glaring coldly, attempting to approach him...

The scene was so impactful that afterward, even when he saw the actual Potions Master, his mood felt odd. He feared that Seamus or Dean might suddenly turn their heads, revealing a face with an impassive expression and a long hooked nose.

However, despite it all, he was less afraid of attending Potions class.

He heard a snap and looked up to see Professor Harp staring at him. "Apologies, Professor, I zoned out," Neville stuttered.

Felix looked understanding.

He hadn't used Legilimency and assumed Neville was immersed in the magical memories attached to the invitation card.

"Do you have any plans for the future?" he asked, leading into the next topic. Most students usually have an epiphany about it during the fifth year career advice sessions.

"Just a suggestion," Felix said, "If you're a professor, you'll have to deal with various lively students or if you're an Auror, think long-term as a squad leader, right? Then you'll have to constantly monitor your team members' emotions; otherwise, a slight mistake could mean a life."

Neville's expression turned serious, nodding along. He'd heard similar things from his parents. Some of the perspectives aligned with the professor's words...

The professor knows a lot, Neville thought with envy.

"...So, you should also possess such capabilities," Felix concluded.

"Uh..." Neville's face reddened again. He wasn't good at this, and at this moment, he only thought: I'm done for. Can't be a Potions professor or an Auror. But he quickly rallied and said softly, "I'll try?"

Felix nodded approvingly and, sifting through his ring, pulled out a small booklet. "I happen to have a spell here for you to look at... It's the magic attached to the

Brave Warriors tournament."

Neville was surprised but looked intrigued.

Felix briefly explained, "It's an incantation that aids in channeling and controlling one's emotions. It's not foolproof, but it might help you build courage by understanding and managing your feelings. However, be warned, it doesn't nullify fear; it's more about understanding and confronting it. Mastery will come with practice and experience."

Neville took the booklet with shaky hands, looking at the spell with reverence.

"Professor," Neville hesitated for a moment, "thank you."

Felix patted his shoulder once again. "Remember, Neville, bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's facing it despite being afraid."

Neville nodded, feeling a warmth inside him. He glanced at the spell, determination flickering in his eyes.

"Practice it diligently," Felix advised. "And when you feel ready, take the step. But do it for yourself, not to impress others."

Neville left the corridor, clutching the booklet with newfound resolve.

Felix watched Neville disappear around the corner before turning back towards the Ancient Runes office. His lips curled into a slight smile. He had a stack of parchment awaiting him, and he couldn't help but think, Maybe a new spell named after Longbottom? That would indeed be interesting.

>

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