Chapter 613: Confrontation at the Table

The next day, Felix had breakfast in the Great Hall.

After finishing his sandwich and mince pie, he picked up a slice of bread. He flicked his fingers, and the raspberry jam in the distance moved slightly, but did not fly over. Felix looked up and found that Grindelwald was also staring at the jam plate.

Compared with Felix, Grindelwald's breakfast seemed much lighter, just porridge with bread and a glass of milk.

Although it was light, it was by no means simple. The sweet pumpkin porridge was served with freshly baked, soft and crispy small bread. There were also some scattered plates around, filled with butter, jam, honey, cheese, and thinly sliced ​​sausages and bacon.

At this moment, he had spread a layer of butter on his bread. Maybe it was because he had tasted the strawberry jam nearby, so he set his eyes on the raspberry jam, which happened to coincide with Felix's choice.

The two secretly competed with each other.

The small plate was pulled back and forth under the effect of magic, making a tinkling sound, crisp and pleasant.

Professor McGonagall, who was sandwiched between them, and Professor Flitwick, who was sitting on Felix's left, also noticed it. They seemed quite indifferent to the little show that happened at the table, because it was not the first time, and it was not worth making a fuss about. Last time, the two of them condensed a ray of magic from the thin air on campus. This magical attainment alone made the professors of Hogwarts admire it.

But they couldn't figure out why the new professor had a special wand. Isn't that the symbol of a squib? But they didn't delve into it. First, they were not familiar with it, and second, they all had their own guesses: the magic world has never lacked outliers, and a magic experiment could cause incurable injuries. They were worried that it would touch on unspeakable secrets.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, leaned forward and stretched out a long arm, breaking the magic entangled on it. The plate was pulled in front of him. He slowly spread a thick layer of jam on the bread slice, and asked casually: "Old people like to eat something sweet and sour. It's my personal favorite. Do you want to try it?"

"It's the same for me, strawberry jam." Felix said.

"It turns out to be raspberry," Grindelwald whispered, "I thought it was cherry jam..."

Seeing that there was no more excitement, the professors each ate in silence. At this time, there was a rustling sound above their heads, and several owls flew into the hall through the open window. Several people present - including Grindelwald - received mail.

In terms of quantity alone, Felix naturally received the most, because he had just done something big yesterday. He quickly counted out five copper coins and put Nat into a small leather bag tied to the leg of a brown owl. The owl dropped the Daily Prophet, skillfully picked up a biscuit and flew away.

He put the newspaper aside and focused on dealing with the other restless owls.

"Is it okay?"

Felix looked up. Grindelwald was staring at the newspaper and talking. He smiled slightly, "Please." His eyes swept over a thick package in front of Grindelwald. He was surprised who would send something to Grindelwald. Could it be Harry?

Grindelwald took the newspaper and started reading it. Not long after, he grinned silently.

"What a big deal."

Several professors were also reading the newspaper. They seemed to have seen something new. They widened their eyes and couldn't help but look up from the newspaper to look at Felix several times. Flitwick didn't even notice that the fork in his hand had fallen. For a while, no one spoke at the table except for the sound of quickly flipping through the newspaper and the sound of the owl's wings flapping.

Even Dumbledore opened a tightly wrapped letter and looked at the contents with a serious expression.

Felix finally unwrapped the letters from the owls' legs, and then he lined them up, stuffed a small cookie into each owl's mouth, and watched them fly away. At this moment, Flitwick shouted excitedly and read aloud:

"Felix, listen to this - just yesterday morning, Mr. Felix Hepp, professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, recipient of the St. Mungo's Medical Badge, member of the Wizengamot, founder of the 'Future World' company, who triggered a craze for learning ancient magic words, memory master, and internationally renowned wizard, came into our sight again. This time, he launched a new product at the headquarters of the 'Future World' company, which is known as the 'Mountainous Sword Castle'. The auxiliary spellcasting prop named 'Exclusive Magic Wand' has amazed and shocked countless wizards, and has attracted heated discussions... It's amazing!"

Felix blinked and put the stack of personal letters in his hand into his pocket.

"Is it about yesterday's press conference? I haven't had time to read it, but I think it will cause huge controversy--"

"More than controversial, it's simply, simply--" Flitwick said sharply. He stood on his chair, one hand on the table, and the other hand flipped the newspaper, "Hurry up and take a look."

"I've finished reading it. Here you go. It's very interesting." Grindelwald said, handing over the newspaper. Felix glanced at the black font on the huge event photo. The headline of the front page news was marked in bold: Exclusive wand, epoch-making invention.

He took the newspaper and read it carefully. Grindelwald slowly opened his huge package. A corner that had been opened seemed to contain various magazines.

At this time, Felix had read what Flitwick had just read, and he continued to read:

Exclusive wand is undoubtedly an epoch-making invention, with extraordinary potential in many application fields. The author immediately interviewed the most qualified professional to comment on this matter-the famous wand maker Ollivander. He expressed strong interest in Mr. Hep's willingness to cooperate, and Mr. Ollivander also had his own views on the heated discussion (even controversy) that it brought. "I knew he would do something big - earlier than anyone else, from the day he first entered my shop... Yes, I know wands. Just as he was favored by the ebony wand, he also showed some outstanding qualities early on. He was unique, unconventional, and always knew what he wanted. I can give you many examples..."

Felix skipped some flattering remarks.

...But the emergence of exclusive wands also made some knowledgeable people worried. An unnamed Ministry of Magic official admitted that this would bring heavy pressure to the confidentiality of the wizarding world, and even overwhelm it. He repeatedly emphasized that "this is a good thing", but turned around and complained to reporters.

"Many people underestimate the number of Squibs. They are inconspicuous and your presence is almost unnoticeable, like invisible people. This is because there are only a few Squibs who choose to stay in the wizarding world. They basically live in Muggle communities and occasionally show up in Diagon Alley to purchase daily necessities. But after the news of the exclusive wand was released, more than three hundred Squibs came to inquire and register in just two or three days. And the news hasn't even spread yet."

After an in-depth investigation, the author obtained even more shocking news.

Since the Ministry of Magic does not keep birth records of Squibs, most of them and their descendants live as Muggles, which means that what we know is just the tip of the iceberg. The real number of Squibs may exceed the current wizards. If they each have a dedicated wand, it will have a huge impact on our society. At the same time, it will also increase the risk of the wizarding world being exposed to the world. The author hopes that the authorities can carefully consider the review and issuance of dedicated wands...

It is reported that the concept of magic frequency was first discovered and named by Miss Hermione Granger, a student at Hogwarts. The public's impression of this name may still remain on her winning the final trophy on behalf of Britain during the Five-Power Tournament. But the fact is that she herself is also from a Muggle family. She obtained full marks in this year's OWLs exam. She also made outstanding contributions in the fight against the Dark Lord and was awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, together with her companions.

Miss Granger and her Muggle parents also participated in the press conference. Now we have reason to guess that this "Muggle identity" may be questionable.

It is worth mentioning that she became Mr. Hep's assistant in her second year and became one of the earliest members of the Magic Club (known as the Ouroboros Club by the outside world). She has published an astonishing number of papers, a total of 42...

"She is your believer? That Granger?"

Grindelwald asked with interest, holding an open magazine in his hand. Professor McGonagall looked at him sideways, obviously not satisfied with his wording. The exchanges in the past few days made her draw an obscure conclusion:

this old man may be a worshiper of Grindelwald, or even one of the saints of the year. Professor McGonagall snorted, and his words at the moment only made this conclusion more convincing. She made up her mind that she must guard against it in the new school year and never let evil thoughts poison the young wizards.

"It depends on how you understand the definition of believers. I personally prefer to call it a partner." Felix said casually.

He quickly scanned the remaining pages: 'Exclusive wands bring us dignity: an interview with the head of the Squib Support Association', page 2; 'The forgotten second-class citizens of the wizarding world', page 3; 'Ancient Rune Yearbook is coming soon', page 4; 'Members of the Rune Club with outstanding achievements', pages 5-6; 'Wand Regulations face new challenges: goblins demand the right to use exclusive wands', page 7; 'House elves and assembly lines', page 8.

He put down the newspaper and murmured, "It's a trouble, but also an opportunity."

Good or bad depends on how it is operated. There was one point in the newspaper that coincided with his point, that this matter should be taken slowly, 'Carefully consider the review and issuance of exclusive wands', and not blindly expand the number.

"Squib savior, huh? How will they thank you and build a monument for you?" Grindelwald said with an ambiguous attitude, "Then you must be careful, beware that they will regret it later..."

He stuffed a mouthful of bread into his mouth, chewed it slowly and swallowed it, wiped his mouth slowly, and turned the page of the magazine in his hand.

Felix clearly felt a few eyes on him, but he would not respond. He said darkly, "Professor Bagshot, I'm glad to see that your appetite is much better than before. I was worried before because I heard that eating with dentures is not very tasty... I didn't expect that the new teeth have grown out in just a few days. Madam Pomfrey's skills are getting better and better." He said with admiration.

"Has anyone told you that you are rude?" Grindelwald asked.

"A lot of people... but they all found out that it was a misunderstanding in the end." Felix said, he gently changed the subject and his eyes stayed on the cover of the magazine in Grindelwald's hand. He was a little surprised. He couldn't help but glance at Dumbledore, who was putting away the letter and lost in thought.

"Jane's Defense Weekly?" Felix asked curiously.

"For class preparation." Grindelwald said briefly.

"Oh." Felix's heart moved, and he smiled slightly and said, "I read this magazine when I was practicing in Muggle society. In the areas it understands, its observation, accuracy and fairness are pretty good-"

"Do you know a lot about Muggle military affairs?" Grindelwald asked sharply.

"I've only heard of it..."

Grindelwald sat up straight, "Then what do you think of those large thermal weapons?" " They

are quite powerful."

"Have you ever thought that they would fall on your head?" "

I have thought about it." Felix said frankly, "But they can't hit me."

"Ah, yes, even the strongest-" Grindelwald smacked his lips and asked sharply, "But what about your friends? What about your compatriots?"

"We have defensive spells."

Grindelwald sneered and pointed to the newspaper.

Felix hesitated for a moment, knowing that he was referring to the Squibs. If a large number of Squibs poured in, they might not be on the same page with traditional wizards.

"Mr. Bagshot, why are you so persistent in confrontation? That is the worst option. Maybe you don't know that the Ministry of Magic has been in contact with the Muggle Prime Minister--" "

So what?" Grindelwald's attitude was aggressive. He said bluntly: "Just a puppet. What if things develop in the worst direction? Hmm? After all your preparations fail..."

Felix was stunned, and he said slowly.

"I still insist on taking peaceful means, negotiation, and deterrence. War is a lose-lose result. Besides, as you said... Britain has three islands, and there are many countries outside the three islands. Their opinions can never be unified, and this is the biggest bargaining chip."

"We represent order, and we fight against the threat from dark wizards."

Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were completely stunned. What were they discussing? How did the topic turn to the exposure of the magic world and the war between wizards and Muggles?

Grindelwald showed an appreciative expression.

"It seems that we still have something in common, about this aspect-"

"Leonhard." Dumbledore came back to his senses, he said sternly, "You promised me." Felix

immediately reacted, this name belongs to Grindelwald, he only knew that Grindelwald borrowed his great-aunt's surname before, and he didn't know his real name yet. Now it seems that Leonhard Bagshot is the full name he forged.

Dumbledore stood up and said in a deep voice.

"Leonhard, they insist on coming in person to do a full examination of your body." Grindelwald squinted his eyes, his eyes were suddenly full of violence and perverseness, he said in a hoarse voice: "They dare?" "I agree. You must do it." Dumbledore said calmly, he didn't look at Grindelwald, turned his head, and his tone became gentle:

"There may be something that requires you to run, Felix, I can't find a better person than you."

Felix's mind was still turning over thoughts, a full examination? Who? The healer of St. Mungo's? But the tone of both parties was completely different.

"What is it?"

"Return the snakewood stick of Ilvermorny." A wand slightly thicker than normal size appeared in Dumbledore's hand. He whispered, "I have resigned as the President of the International Confederation of Wizards. It is not appropriate for me to keep it. I need you to return it to its original owner."

"You'd better go to the Ministry of Magic first. Their delegation is already waiting impatiently."

The snakewood stick fell into Felix's hand, and a faint halo immediately appeared on its surface. In an instant, hundreds of snake hisses echoed in the hall.

"Silence."

Felix ordered in Parseltongue.

The snakewood stick fell into silence.