Chapter 219: Professors and Students [Two-in-One]
In the first month of school, Magic Pets became the new craze at Hogwarts, quickly replacing all previous fads.
Even Quidditch and maze games couldn't compare to the affection people had for Magic Pets—though, admittedly, these two activities were already semi-stagnant due to the weather.
Originally, many students had to send their pets home because of Peter Pettigrew's disguise as a rat. While this brought a sense of security, it also brought loneliness.
The appearance of Magic Pets quickly filled this emotional void. For some children, they were even closer companions than family or classmates.
Around the school, it was common to see students with their exquisite and adorable pets.
Most of them could fit in pockets or bags, possessed a certain level of intelligence, never caused trouble during class, and could even help students with small tasks.
For instance, reminding them that class was about to start, or helping to hand over a Quill when they were doing homework.
Although these minor things didn't really count as "help" to the students, seeing their tiny pets laboriously carrying a Quill that was too long for them, or being woken up by the little creatures in the morning, filled them with an overwhelming sense of happiness.
Moreover, when sad or upset, or after quarreling with friends, Magic Pets would thoughtfully comfort them—students basically wouldn't buy pets with bad temperaments or those that even liked to curse.
Therefore, their little companions never judged right from wrong; they always sided with their owners, laughing and crying with them, even fighting with other pets for their owner's sake.
And so, owners showed off their pets like doting parents would their own children. Some even broke off friendships over disagreements about their pets.
Just as Marchioni had predicted, students—including adult Wizards—were enthusiastic about buying comfortable homes, furniture, and clothes for their pets, some even ensuring their pets had completely different outfits every single day.
Since Magic Pets didn't violate any school rules, the school didn't prohibit students from bringing them into the campus or even classrooms.
In fact, with the exception of Professor Snape, who strictly forbade any thinking, moving objects other than living people from entering his classroom, other professors were quite tolerant of them, some even being pet enthusiasts themselves.
Take Gilderoy Lockhart, for example.
He spent an entire class period showing off his new pet—Victoria, a pink bottlenose dolphin.
It was a Christmas gift given to Lockhart by a foreign female fan also named Victoria. She had spent a fortune to have it custom-made at Aslan's Magic Workshop.
This Victoria the dolphin not only had a pink, translucent, rounded body and a pair of sparkling large eyes but also the ability to praise Lockhart continuously for hours. Every eloquent word it uttered was a testament to the fan's overflowing love for Lockhart.
Lockhart was absolutely delighted. In every class thereafter, Lockhart would bring his precious dolphin, and during breaks, he'd let it sing hymns written for him by a lady named Gladys.
He even assigned students homework: to diligently listen to Victoria's praises of Professor Lockhart and then write an essay of at least thirteen inches analyzing why Professor Lockhart was so great.
Students racked their brains to meet the word count, and though the content was hollow, Lockhart was extremely satisfied. He would loudly recite his favorite essays in class, generously awarding Hermione another twenty points.
Professor Lockhart, with his charming smile, found his teaching career at Hogwarts immensely enjoyable, with only one thing bothering him.
Every day, he planned to take a photo with Wade, the inventor of Magic Pets, and include him in his next book. Professor Lockhart had already decided on the content:
Young Wade Grey looked at the wise Professor Lockhart with innocent, adoring eyes, thanking him for his support and encouragement during difficult times.
"Undoubtedly, the invention of Magic Pets would not have been possible without your help, Professor."
Wade Grey genuinely said, "Your talent and creativity are truly astonishing. I just think it's a pity—you've dedicated your great talent to writing, otherwise you would surely have become an extraordinary Alchemist."
And I smiled at him and said:
"There's no need to feel regret, my dear Wade. I admire the Alchemists who advance society, but children also need the inspiration of words. I know my writings will inspire them to pursue better versions of themselves."
Wade's eyes filled with gratitude and emotion, and tears streamed down his face. He said deeply, "Professor Lockhart, you are the best professor I have ever met!"
Lockhart looked at the text, put down his Quill with satisfaction, then waved his Wand to make the ink dry faster.
Now, all that was missing was a supporting photograph.
He wasn't worried that Wade would expose his lies, because Lockhart knew that Wade Grey was also one of his admirers; his test questionnaire had been answered beautifully—though, of course, it still couldn't compare to Hermione Granger's perfect score.
Moreover, other professors said that he was a child who loved learning and respected his professors. For this type of bookish good student, affirmation and encouragement from a professor would only make him happier, and he wouldn't view a little "literary adaptation" as a lie.
However, Lockhart rarely saw Wade Grey on campus.
Lockhart also wanted Wade to perform his great drama during class, but for some reason, every time he entered the classroom, other thoughts would capture his attention. It wasn't until after class ended that he suddenly remembered his original intention.
Unfortunately, by then, the elusive student had usually already vanished from his classroom.
"...What a reclusive and shy child! But it doesn't matter, he'll know that his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor truly appreciates him. A little fame and an Order of Merlin shouldn't hinder our teacher-student relationship."
At the breakfast table, Lockhart said to Professor Flitwick:
"Of course, I don't have an issue with your teaching methods, dear Professor Flitwick. It's just that I believe, besides teaching, we should also guide children to actively express themselves and make more good friends, rather than having nothing in their heads but knowledge."
Professor Flitwick's beard nearly bristled with anger at his words. He said in a high-pitched voice:
"Thank you, Professor Lockhart. I believe I know how to teach my students well!"
"Of course, of course, you must be very experienced!"
Lockhart chuckled as he tried to soothe the ruffled Professor Flitwick, patting his arm, then added:
"But I suggest you read my book—Weekends with Werewolves. I mention seven quick and effective ways to improve interpersonal skills, and many immediate conversation techniques. I believe it will be helpful for you."
Professor Flitwick completely ignored him.
The short professor savagely cut his apple pie on the plate, silently fuming at Lockhart in his mind, along with a hint of schadenfreude.
In fact, after hearing Lockhart's confusion just now, he had already guessed what was going on, but he was surprised that Lockhart hadn't even considered the possibility of students using an Notice-Me-Not Charm or even an Expelling Charm on him.
Professor Flitwick had no intention of exposing his student; he just planned to have a serious talk with Wade later—how could he use those Spells on a professor so casually?
If discovered, it wouldn't be as simple as violating Curfew.
Not even Lockhart could...
Not even... Lockhart... not even...
Professor Flitwick changed his mind in less than five minutes of conversation.
Wade had done absolutely the right thing.
As a professor, it was truly unbecoming of him to be less perceptive than his own student.
Professor Flitwick quietly blocked out sound, and only then did breakfast finally become enjoyable.
...
Lockhart wasn't actually that stupid. He had simply constructed the image of a bookworm in his mind and then used that image to interpret Wade's behavior.
But after the same "forgetfulness" occurred dozens of times, Lockhart naturally understood why.
This student isn't as introverted or well-behaved as he thought.
But it didn't matter...
He was a professor, and Wade Grey was merely a student.
The disparity in status between teacher and student meant that the other party could only secretly employ little tricks to avoid drawing his attention, but couldn't openly refuse a professor's reasonable request.
Look at Harry Potter!
Even the Savior had to play a foolish vegetarian vampire and gnaw on half a lettuce in Professor Lockhart's class, didn't he?
Lockhart confidently adjusted his plan and even found himself a helper—
His pink dolphin, Victoria.
The effect of magic is influenced by the caster's consciousness, so Magic Pets not only differ in appearance, but their individual abilities and personalities are also somewhat affected.
For example, dogs are very enthusiastic, cats are very curious, elephants have strong carrying capacity, and dolphins are good at hearing.
"Vicki, you'll definitely spot Wade Grey before me. Remember to remind me when you do!"
Lockhart held his small pet and instructed.
"Okay."
Victoria nodded her chubby head and said in a tiny voice.
Lockhart smiled with satisfaction.
...
The weather had recently started to warm up a bit, with temperatures reaching over ten degrees Celsius on warmer days. The snow on campus had melted, and some eager wild grasses had already pushed through the hard earth, stretching out their tender green bodies.
More and more students were staying outside the castle, especially Slytherin and Hufflepuff, who were always strolling on the grass in groups.
"If I don't get some sun, my bones are going to get moldy."
Wade heard Pansy complaining to Daphne. Several girls were outside in the corridor, tilting their faces to fully absorb the sunlight.
Of course, Slytherin wouldn't say this when they saw students from other houses.
They always casually described the marvelous view of the lake bottom from their common room, the sound of waves crashing in their dreams at night, and the occasional glimpse of the Giant Squid passing by their window.
Wade also saw Draco Malfoy. He was always with a few older Slytherin students. Goyle sometimes tried to get close to him but was ignored.
During class breaks, there were always students gathered on the lawn, either cheering and shouting or celebrating, creating an exciting atmosphere.
And in their midst, there was often an enlarged piece of parchment, or a tattered net adorned with small decorations.
The Weasley Twins had recently invented a series of new games—such as pet climbing competitions and pet maze races.
A hand-drawn maze map on parchment was sold by them for the high price of three Silver Sickles; the climbing frame started at five Silver Sickles, and even then, they couldn't keep up with demand.
The twins also secretly set up a betting ring. They knew professors would never allow this, so they did it surreptitiously, even requiring magic contracts.
After one competition, Fred poured a small bucket of Knut and a few Silver Sickles into his money bag, listening to the coins clink inside, and showed a satisfied smile.
A Magic Golem Niffler poked its head out of the money bag, picked up a Knut that had accidentally fallen out, and then showed the same satisfied smile.
This was Wade's Christmas gift to him; George's was also a Niffler.
By the way, Ron's Magic Pet was a teacup dog. He was incredibly surprised when he saw the package, never expecting to receive a gift himself.
Actually, this was just Wade's polite gesture. All SSC members, and the Weasley siblings who went to Grimmauld Place Number 12 those few days, each received a Magic Pet. For example, Percy got a lion, and Ginny received a white lamb.
"Honestly, Wade. As long as you control the numbers, there's no harm in this at all."
Fred also said, "It's only one Knut at a time. Even if you lose every time, who does it hurt?"
"Really?" Wade said blandly, "How is it that I heard Ron has already lost all his pocket money?"
George revealed a mysterious smile: "No choice, our youngest brother seems to have a bit of bad luck."
Fred also laughed: "Letting him realize this early on will also prevent him from suffering losses later!"
Wade shook his head helplessly.
He knew these two brothers were up to no good.
However, aside from teasing their younger brother, the Weasley brothers were very trustworthy at other times, and they were generous about losing money. If not for that, their business wouldn't have succeeded.
"Seriously, Wade, you're the inventor of Magic Pets, but I've never seen any of yours?"
George said, holding down the Niffler that was trying to burrow out of his pocket.
"I have plenty, I just keep them put away," Wade said. "Right now, the only one I'd really consider a pet is Eva..."
"Oh, Wade, you mischievous little thing! I finally caught you!"
A boisterous voice sounded from behind him, and before he could even turn around, his arm was firmly grabbed.
Lockhart beamed at him, saying in a joking tone,
"I heard you wanted my signed photo? Don't be shy, take it! I can even take a picture with you! Aren't you surprised?"
-----------
Machine Translation by: https:// randomtranslator.com/
Read ***+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский
Or Translate for free at : https:// randomtranslator.com/translate
Join our Discord: https:// discord.com/invite/XXUR9nkjwa
-----------