CH54 : Go ahead and do it boldly

The repair work of books was evidently a bit more challenging than Felix had anticipated.

The pages were torn, yet he managed to salvage them somewhat. Missing handwriting was also a possibility, but supplementing it required a wealth of knowledge, experience, and reference texts.

Naturally, this fell within an acceptable range.

However... Felix suspected Pince might have misunderstood something.

Like... mistaking him for Dr.  Strange.

With pages missing and lacking the Eye of Agamotto, he couldn't turn back time to replenish them.

He truly felt powerless in such situations.

Thankfully, though the days spent repairing books were somewhat mundane, they still provided him with purpose. Overall, his life felt rather fulfilling.

On Friday, on the fifth floor, a gentle breeze carried sunshine through the windows, while two sparrows frolicked at the eaves. 

In the quiet office, bright candlesticks burned continuously, their soothing green smoke drifting lazily.

The gramophone played on, its vinyl records spinning as melodious piano music filled the room.

Felix leaned back on the sofa, holding a book in need of repair.

It was a book on painting, riddled with missing text.

Before him, his mage's hand controlled four identical volumes, their pages turning incessantly.

He absorbed painting-related knowledge from them, striving to logically complete the books in his grasp.

Restoring ancient books not only demanded various skills but also required a vast reservoir of knowledge.

Typically, he wouldn't opt for such a method of study. His information processing capabilities were more than adequate, and his memory served him well.

However, for deep understanding, this approach felt akin to devouring knowledge whole.

But in this context...

Dong Dong——

"Come in!" Felix rose slightly, causing several books to tumble and pile up on the table.

The door creaked open, revealing a brown-haired girl of no more than fourteen or fifteen.

"Hello, professor!" She peeked in timidly, clinging to the door frame.

"I'm not a professor. What can I do for you?" Felix inquired.

The girl murmured softly, "Um... I'd like to borrow a book. Madam Pince said it was here and sent me to you."

"Feel free to find it yourself." Felix nodded before returning his attention to the book in hand.

The girl pushed the door open and stepped inside, her gaze wandering over the pile of books around Felix, a hint of confusion evident.

"Please close the door behind you. I have music playing. If I leave it open, Madam Pince will scold me," Felix reminded her.

"Okay." She nodded quickly and shut the door. Felix gently nudged a floating candlestick closer to her, its flame flickering softly like a fallen leaf, providing illumination.

Then, he resumed perusing the book's contents.

"In 1872, I made the decision to depart from the wizarding world... ...in northwest France... I encountered a man named Claude... who left a lasting impression on me. He lacked any particular skill... yet his magic was something I found enchanting... It wasn't long before... the newspapers began to mock... the academics..."

"Tsk!" Felix clicked his tongue in annoyance. Repairing the content of such an autobiographical text would prove quite challenging. Especially... Sebastian Hedlund - a relatively obscure figure.

Lost in thought, he set the book down, only to find the girl standing before his desk.

"Any further questions?" Felix asked, puzzled.

"Well, the book I seek... is in your hand Sir," the girl pointed out, extending her hand toward the book Felix held.

Um?

"I didn't expect to find someone in the magical world interested in books on painting. Quite commendable," Felix sighed, passing her the book.

"Yes, painting runs in our family. Both my great-grandfather and grandfather painted portraits of Hogwarts' headmasters," the girl boasted. "Including this book, which belonged to my great-grandfather!"

Felix was taken aback. "Your surname is Hedlund?"

The girl nodded. "Yes, I'm Janice Hedlund, a fourth-year Hufflepuff."

"Could you tell me about your great-grandfather? I'm restoring this book," Felix inquired.

Janice looked somewhat embarrassed. "I'm sorry, sir. This... I might not be the best person to ask..."

Observing her expression, Felix realized there were several generations between them. How could he expect the girl to remember?

"But you can still consult some magical paintings," Janice suggested. "Hogwarts houses many high-level and precious magical paintings. Although most of their memories fade over time, those created in the early days retain memories for one or two years."

Felix was taken aback. It wasn't the concept of magical painting memory that surprised him, but rather the revelation that this girl's great-grandfather had a painting at Hogwarts.

He had previously encountered discussions about magical paintings in his readings. The experiences witnessed and heard by magical paintings upon their creation remained etched in their memories indefinitely.

For instance, the portraits of Hogwarts' headmasters. Artists would complete these portraits before a headmaster's retirement, allowing the portraits to learn from their predecessors' speech, behavior, and thought patterns.

These memories became intrinsic to the magical paintings, imbuing them with a sense of realism.

Magical paintings were categorized into levels. The lowest level resembled a photograph drenched in developing solution or a picture in the Daily Prophet, capable only of minor movements like glancing or smiling.

Better ones resembled Chocolate Frog cards but weren't as advanced. 

Hogwarts paintings and unique portraits capable of moving between frames were considered genuine magical paintings. They possessed memory, intellect, and the ability to converse. Some even engaged in playful bets among Hogwarts students, frightened wandering children at night, or guided young witches and wizards.

"Are there any paintings of your great-grandfather here?" Felix inquired.

"Of course, there's one right outside your office," Janice replied.

"Who?"

"'Spring Outing' is directly opposite your door. In the painting is a girl named Sindele," she said.

"What a coincidence?!" Felix raised an eyebrow, then rose to confirm. However, before leaving, he remembered something and turned back.

"Ms. Hedlund, do you know what it means for a painting to cross the line?"

The girl furrowed her brow, trying to recall, but ultimately shook her head. "Sorry, sir. I have some vague impressions, but nothing concrete."

"Alright," Felix nodded and opened the office door.

As he stepped out, he encountered Harry.

"Captain!" Harry waved and hurried over.

"What's up, Harry?" Felix asked curiously.

"Hagrid... just sent an owl with a letter, inviting me over this afternoon. He wants to know if you're coming too?"

Felix shook his head, feeling a twinge of regret. "Sorry, I promised Professor McGonagall I'd attend their afternoon tea."

"By the way, how was your week?" Felix inquired.

"It was alright," Harry replied. After a moment's thought, he seemed disappointed that Felix couldn't join them at Hagrid's hut.

"But... tensions between Gryffindor and Slytherin are worse than I thought. I overheard some unpleasant remarks about Hermione in the common room," Harry admitted.

Felix nodded knowingly. "What's your plan?"

"If I catch them, they'll regret it," Harry said firmly.

Felix nodded, patting Harry on the shoulder. "As long as you act with integrity, you can confront them confidently without worrying too much."

"As for the outside..." Felix gazed out the window, a nostalgic expression crossing his face as he recalled his time with Howl at the Royal Academy of Magic. "What my teacher did back then, I will do now."