Chapter 455: Responsibility Breeds Courage
Professor Marchbanks abruptly shifted the conversation to her friend Gilbert Wimple in the Experintal Spells Committee. "Wimple wanted to co 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
to bring these materials to you."
Felix took the materials. Marchbanks added casually, "Inside are so 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 Experintal Spells Committee. They'll have people check them later."
Before leaving, she tentatively asked, "You really don't plan to put your na down? There might be new spells nad after you!"
"Oh, no need. I suffer from nars 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 imdiately replied.
Old Vira paused for a mont, 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 Clentine involved... I'm such a good person!"
"P-Professor?" A head poked out from the corridor, stuttering.
It was Neville.
"You heard sothing?" 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 ?"
"I-I..." Neville suddenly stuttered again, his face turning red, swallowing hard. "I want to ask if there's a magic to make soone brave?"
"Make soone brave?" Felix looked at him oddly. "What do you intend to do?"
"I-I've noticed improvents 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 tournant—"
"You want to join the tournant? Like Potter and the others? They're compelled," Felix remarked.
"N-no, I an, 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
from these negative emotions, including what others think of ?"
Neville looked at Felix expectantly.
Of course, there is, Felix thought, Occluncy, 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
off guard," Felix scrutinized Neville, making him visibly uncomfortable. "Your idea is quite unique... A curse work?"
"A c-curse?" Neville seed startled.
"Yes," Felix casually scratched his chin, then suddenly changed his deanor, saying ominously, "I curse you: from this mont onward, every insult, slander, mockery, resentnt, dissatisfaction you hear shall turn into the most pleasant praises... You won't hear harsh advice... Or honest warnings..."
Neville shivered as if sothing vile wrapped around him, trembling uncontrollably.
"P-professor?" Neville, with a mournful expression, said despairingly, "Did you really curse ? At least ask
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
a dunderhead... So, I wasn't cursed?"
Felix chuckled.
Neville's round face couldn't help but tense up. Felix comfortingly patted his shoulder, "Rember 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 Legilincy and assud Neville was imrsed in the magical mories 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 mbers' emotions; otherwise, a slight mistake could an a life."
Neville's expression turned serious, nodding along. He'd heard similar things from his parents. So 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 mont, 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 tournant."
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 co with practice and experience."
Neville took the booklet with shaky hands, looking at the spell with reverence.
"Professor," Neville hesitated for a mont, "thank you."
Felix patted his shoulder once again. "Rember, 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 parchnt awaiting him, and he couldn't help but think, Maybe a new spell nad after Longbottom? That would indeed be interesting.
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