The next morning, Felix went to class as usual. There were naturally people to take over the three wanted criminals who were still alive. He would not take too much care. At most, he would check and make up for the gaps in the new defense measures added by the school this year. Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall had been busy for a long time.

They were on guard against the Death Eaters. In the words of Flitwick, the professor of the spell class, "The You-Know-Who regarded Headmaster Dumbledore as a thorn in his side during the first war! Who knows what he will do this time?" Of course, Felix and Snape thought in private that Voldemort would not deliberately attack students. What

he wanted was to rule, not to massacre. But Flitwick was right in saying that there were indeed many people in the school that Voldemort hated. It used to be Dumbledore, and now there was Felix, as well as Harry, Ron and Hermione, three students who embarrassed him. If we look at it more broadly, young wizards from Muggle families and teachers and students who did not agree with his brutal ideas can also be included in this group.

Voldemort would not deliberately target these people after he took control of the British wizarding world. It was part of his "grand cause", but anyone who was a little smart would realize that if Voldemort was going to do something, no matter who his target was, he would not show mercy to innocent people.

Therefore, defensive measures were very necessary.

"You all know about the exams in June next year, yes, this year is finally here," Felix said in the fifth-year Ancient Magic class, "I guess you have been hearing similar statements since last year, like a countdown, ticking in your head." "

Actually, it's the third year." Ron whispered, "Because we have a good friend, her name is Miss Know-It-All."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"In general, you are lucky. The Ancient Magic class has only divided the practical exams this year. There were no clear requirements before, which means that this year's exams will not be too difficult, and the scope of the assessment is relatively narrow."

The students below listened attentively. Usually at this time, every word the professor said is worth memorizing, because it is very likely to be related to the exam.

And this year is the year of OWLs!

"Magic puppets, the three most common types of the seven types of mirrors, and magic rune cards... other than that, it's related to what we're going to talk about today: from now until Christmas, you will learn to make twelve kinds of amulets."

"The core of each amulet is a set of magic rune circuits. Of course, the real situation is much more complicated because we have to consider the stability and service life of the magic power... Today, we are going to learn about an amulet that can resist dark creatures. You will find that the core of the entire magic rune circuit is built around light magic runs."

"You are definitely not unfamiliar with this knowledge, but you can't say you know it in depth, and today's class will help you better understand and consolidate these contents." Felix paused and looked down: "You should all have magic rune booklets in your hands, right?"

The students nodded in unison.

"Very good. In addition to some basic theories, this booklet also fully analyzes an ancient magic, Illumination. I have taught this magic in the Magic Club. The core of Illumination is the Light Rune. In addition, the Light Fire Spell, which is highly praised by the Anti-Black Magic Association, also uses this rune... In general, it has become a very representative symbol, in other words, a test point."

A bold student couldn't help asking: "Professor, so this rune will appear in the OWL exam?"

Felix blinked: "I can only say that it is very likely. Mr. Thomas."

He waved his wand, and a large piece of writing appeared on the podium. "The production method is in the textbook, and the precautions are on the blackboard. And" He waved his wand again, and a cluster of white smoke emerged from the tip of the wand, hanging in the air, forming a series of continuous pictures. "The picture of making amulets, for your reference."

The students below were not unfamiliar with this, but it was the first time to use it in the ancient magic class. They stared at the picture in the air.

A clean and slender hand held a rune carving knife. They guessed that it should be Professor Hepp who smoothly wrote burning runes on the palm-sized chestnut wood board. The speed was so fast that before the first rune cooled down, the last one was already completed. The whole rune circuit was connected together and burst into bright light. When the light disappeared, the hand began to move again. They could only understand part of the next operation. After nearly three minutes, an amulet was completed.

Then, the mist in the air suddenly froze, and the picture returned to the beginning, starting a new cycle.

"I haven't seen it clearly yet."

"You have to read it in conjunction with the textbook and the precautions on the blackboard."

"So we just need to follow it?" Harry said in surprise, "If only Potions class could be like this." The difficulty of the fifth-year potion formula has reached a new level. The various steps are extremely cumbersome. The slightest negligence will turn the potion into a pot of waste water.

"Snape really should learn from it instead of spending his mind on how to deduct our points." Ron couldn't help complaining.

"I think Professor Binns needs it too." Seamus said on the side. His words won a lot of approval. It was well known that Professor Binns could turn the thrilling goblin rebellion and giant war into a boring technical report. Many students formed a conditioned reflex, and they couldn't help but fall asleep when he spoke.

When the classroom was quiet, Felix said, "I don't think you can make it successfully in one go, but it's always good to set a higher goal. Anyway, let's get started."

The students in the audience took out the rune carving knives and chestnut boards and began to try to make amulets.

Throughout the class, Felix walked around the classroom and pointed out various problems of the students. He found a phenomenon that had been going on for a while. Today was just another repetition of the Slytherin students' attitude towards him.

This behavior was completely different from before, and it couldn't be explained by observing classroom discipline. At least when they met him in the corridor recently, they would also deliberately slow down their voices and appear extremely solemn. It was as if they were afraid of making a fool of themselves in front of him.

Felix originally thought that this awe came from the reputation of the Elder Wand, but the Ministry of Magic had helped him to dispel the rumors, but their attitude still increased. He even suspected that they knew about his new habit of "taking a walk" in Hogsmeade in the past two days.

Even the Gryffindor students could see this abnormality.

"There's something wrong with the Slytherin students from top to bottom." At noon, Ron waved the fork in his hand and said, "I almost thought they were in collusion with Percy."

"What does Percy have to do with it?" Harry asked.

"Percy is very busy! Of course he is also very happy. I mean, last year there were two large-scale competitions in a row, and he might have no time for several years, but now there is an ancient magic exchange event, which is great news for him."

"Slytherin students don't still think that the professor holds the Elder Wand, do they?" Hermione said, "Hasn't the professor clarified it?"

"Maybe they are too eager for honor." Harry said. He understood this better than Ron and Hermione because he had played Quidditch against Slytherin House for three years and was familiar with their style.

The bad reputation of Slytherin House was related to many factors. For example, they were arrogant and liked to use their status to make a fuss, but more importantly, they formed a trend from top to bottom, which valued honor too much and would not hesitate to use many small tricks to win when they were at a disadvantage.

"You are right," the ghost Nearly Headless Nick floated over, "In their opinion, Mr. Happ has the potential to become the headmaster of Hogwarts. I don't know who spread it first, but this rumor suddenly became popular in Slytherin House."

"But does this mean anything?" Harry asked.

"Oh, of course, of course." Nearly Headless Nick said, "Do you know how many headmasters from Slytherin House there are in history?"

"Uh..." Harry was confused. He looked at Ron, who had the same blank expression as him. He looked at Hermione, who had a very strange expression. He said uncertainly, "Maybe a dozen? Not very many?" Nearly Headless Nick shook his head, and Harry added another question.

He only knew one, Sirius' great-great-grandfather, who was known as the most unpopular headmaster in the history of Hogwarts.

"Not very few, but only one, Phineas Black." Nearly Headless Nick revealed the answer.

"Only him?" Harry asked in surprise. He finally understood why Hermione's expression was so strange. She almost memorized "Hogwarts, A History".

"There are more than 30 headmasters, but only one Slytherin, so you can imagine what kind of expectations they have... To be honest, I think Professor Black's quick acceptance by Slytherin House may also be related to this only Slytherin headmaster, although later generations don't think highly of him."

"But wasn't he the most unpopular headmaster?" Harry murmured.

"The two are not contradictory. Some of his actions during his tenure were indeed unpleasant, but at the beginning Slytherin House cheered and celebrated, and Headmaster Black was given a lot of expectations at the time." Nearly Headless Nick said, "Although later even Slytherin students couldn't stand him."

"Then what did he do that angered the heavens and the people?" Ron muttered.

"I can't say bad things about him behind his back. After all, he was the headmaster of Hogwarts. You can check it yourself." Nearly Headless Nick said, and he flew away.

At the table, Harry and the other two were stunned for a while, and continued to eat with their heads down.

"Any news?" Harry asked Hermione.

"Today? No." She said briefly.

"Has the International Confederation of Wizards not approved Professor Dumbledore's application yet?" Ron asked.

"Not so fast, but the preparations have already begun. In fact, whether they agree or not, the activity will go on, but the influence will be much reduced." Hermione explained the reasoning to them, "and it will also slow down the promotion of ancient runes in other magic schools."

Harry suddenly coughed violently.

"Is that the case? Did I miss it?"

"It's obvious. It mentioned inviting ancient writing experts and principals of other magic schools. Why do you think this is?" Hermione asked back.

After hearing this, Harry and Ron understood a little.

"Do you know how 'Pumpkin Pie' is doing recently?" Ron asked after a while, "I'm only busy dealing with those homework, and the little time I have is reserved for Quidditch training." He groaned, "I understand what Fred and George said. The OWLs year will really change people because it will peel off a layer of our skin!"

"I asked Hedwig to send him a big bag of snacks." Harry said honestly. He didn't know if Hagrid had given Grawp any, because the stuff was not enough for the giant to eat in one bite.

"Well, me too," Hermione sighed, "I really hope he comes back sooner. Professor Grubbly-Plank is obviously more popular."

"Professor Grubbly-Plank has her own business," said Ron, "She has a small manor where she keeps some magical animals. Fred said there's a large colony of fire crabs in her manor..."

Harry and Hermione looked at him at the same time.

"How did you know?"

Ron shrugged, "Fred and George bought a shop in Hogsmeade, and Professor Grubbly-Plank's manor is nearby. Once, a few cruppies ran out of it, and Fred and George helped catch them back."

"Why haven't I seen that pet shop in Hogsmeade?" Harry couldn't help asking.

"There is no store. Professor Grubbly-Plank only provides custom-made services or exports abroad. Every pet needs a special license."

"Special license?"

"Yes, for example, fire crabs, cruppies, and shrews are somewhat dangerous, but not particularly dangerous, and can be used as wizard pets. Of course, children can forget about it. Charlie was particularly obsessed with shapeshifting lizards for a while, but we only have catkins and goblins at home, and occasionally we can see shrews and martens..."

Harry gathered the members of the duel study group on the weekend, and there were more people than last year. Luna also came with them. While Ginny was explaining to Harry in a low voice, she was curiously looking at the Room of Requirement, as if she had accidentally walked the wrong way.

"We will pick some content that is not taught in class, such as the Patronus Charm, rune magic, and some very practical spells, such as the directional spell used to indicate the direction, which we mastered during the tournament. And not only learning magic, everyone can also sit down and chat, or occasionally go to the Black Lake to blow the wind." Harry explained his plan for the duel study group to everyone.

"Where is this place?" Ginny asked.

"The Room of Requirement, it can provide us with a training ground, and most importantly, we can use the equipment at will without worrying about damage." Harry said immediately.

Everyone looked around in amazement. Under their gaze, rows of targets and mats appeared out of thin air. They watched all this with relish.

For a while, Harry, Ron and Hermione instructed others to use their wands to emit sparks. "Don't underestimate it, it can save lives at a critical moment." Ron said half-seriously. Everyone here can make the wand emit sparks, but it is not so easy to use it as a warning.

After the first activity, they said goodbye in front of the troll tapestry in the Room of Requirement.

"Not bad, isn't it?" Hermione said.

"Yeah." Harry said vaguely. He didn't want to explain what he felt when he was alone with Ginny for two minutes. It felt like a thief. Anyway, neither he nor Ginny mentioned the topic of how to make the sparks more concentrated and brighter, but Harry couldn't remember what they said specifically.

They went down the spiral staircase and prepared to go to the hall for dinner. At the corner where the third floor leads to the second floor, they heard a noisy sound coming from the hallway. They looked at each other and sped up their pace at the same time. The sound became clearer. It was a woman's cry.

"What happened?" Ron said in shock.

Many people were crowded in the hallway, tightly packed together, surrounding a place in the middle, and the discussion was endless. The people in the back row were excited to look forward. Harry, Ron and Hermione struggled to pass through the crowd, "Make way, there are two prefects here!" Ron shouted loudly.

"Who are not?" Draco Malfoy said in his ear.

Ron was startled, and then showed a disgusted expression, "Why are you here?"

"Watching the fun," Draco said slowly, "or use your excuse, I am performing the duties of a prefect?"

Ron blushed.

Harry didn't say anything. He saw Professor Hepp at first sight. The professor stood solemnly in the crowd, as if he had encountered a very difficult problem. But the professor was not the center of this incident. He was just a bystander. Harry shifted his gaze and looked at the two women surrounded in the middle. Muggle Studies Professor Charity Burbage yelled at Professor McGonagall, "Let me go, Minerva, let me go!"

"I don't agree." Professor McGonagall tightened her lips and said dryly, "Principal Dumbledore won't agree either."

Professor Burbage dragged two boxes beside her, which were stuffed bulgingly. It seemed that they were all her belongings. Harry listened for a while and learned from everyone's discussion that Professor Burbage suddenly wanted to leave the school for some reason.

"Professor Burbage is not in a good state recently." A third-year girl said sadly.

"She is in a trance..."

"Maybe she wants to finish that new book too much." A well-informed student said.

In the middle of the hall, Professor McGonagall grabbed Burbage tightly and said sternly: "Charity, if being imprisoned in a Muggle prison makes you feel bad..."

"Oh, it's not because of this." Professor Burbage sobbed.

"What's the reason?"

Professor Bubaji's eyes suddenly widened and she stared blankly at the dim sky, as if something invisible was about to pounce and grab her away. She said tremblingly, "It's just a nightmare... I, I've become a dud!"

There was an uproar in the hallway.