Chapter 255: Christmas, Diverse Experiences
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Chapter 255: Christmas, Diverse Experiences
The trio made their way back to the common room, Hermione notably quiet. However, she had resolved to tell Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt incident.
That morning, Harry received a brand-new Firebolt, and Hermione had heard him mention the broom's name several times. The Firebolt was touted as the "fastest broom in the world," not yet in production and without a price tag—its mere contemplation hinted at an extravagant cost.
Harry had recounted numerous times his time in Diagon Alley, admiring the Firebolt's enchanting curves with Professor Hagrid after their training sessions. It had become one of Harry's treasured thoughts amidst the arduous training.
But Hermione believed Harry and Ron were oblivious to the danger. The broom could have been sent anonymously by a dark wizard, possibly harboring an unknown curse. Especially after the incident in their first year when Quirrell jinxed Harry's broom, she couldn't fathom why Harry would be so careless.
"What if it's from Sirius Black?" she mused.
It wasn't until Harry mentioned Professor Lupin's peculiar gift that Hermione joined the conversation. "The professor gave you a Boggart?"
"It's a Boggart figurine!" Harry emphasized. "It's just like the real thing, that sudden chill and awful memories..." He shuddered.
"Did you check inside for a note? Maybe there's an explanation," Hermione speculated, though she couldn't imagine what that might be.
Shaking his head, Harry replied, "I only glanced inside and quickly closed the box... Honestly, I'd rather trade with Ron." He looked at Ron, who grinned. "Professor Lupin gave me an entire set of comic books."
Unable to resist her curiosity, Harry asked Hermione, "What did the professor give you?"
"It's a Chestnut Memory Plate," Hermione said.
"Chestnut... what?" Harry puzzled.
"It's hard to describe. Wait, let me show you. Also, Harry, bring your Boggart figurine; let's study them together. The professor surely has a purpose."
A minute later, they regrouped.
Harry stared at the Chestnut Memory Plate. "Is this... a crafted plate? I've seen something similar at the Dursleys', used for important clients."
"Oh, no, it's not that. Let me demonstrate. Professor Lupin wants my input... It might feature in next semester's classes," Hermione said, tapping the plate with her wand. Intricate magical patterns lit up, silver sand forming clouds, and Hermione closed her eyes, recalling details before pointing at the cloud.
The sand cascaded down, presenting a vivid three-dimensional scene to Harry and Ron.
"Merlin's beard, this is... the Chamber, the Chamber within..." Ron's eyes widened.
"It's a reenactment of our past memories," Hermione whispered.
Harry, revisiting the scene from a year ago, couldn't help but ask Hermione, "Did I really jump like that?" He gestured, realizing the Slytherin statue was almost five or six times his height. If he'd misjudged, aside from the basilisk's tail, he'd plummet and become its prey.
"We were all quite brave," Ron, watching the clumsy attempts to lure the basilisk, nervously told Hermione, "Um, Hermione—can I try? I mean, select a different memory; one that's clearer might work better."
"Of course. Choose a more memorable one; the effect will be stronger," Hermione said.
Harry was relieved they were speaking again; he'd expected Ron and Hermione to remain at odds for a day or two, based on his experience.
"Let me think, something vivid..." Ron muttered. His wand tapped the edge of the Chestnut Plate, and soon, a new three-dimensional scene appeared. The background was blurry, vaguely showing a car speeding directly into a tall tree—a Whomping Willow.
The Willow's branches thrashed violently, lashing at the car like a furious storm. The car managed to escape, but with two heavy thuds, luggage and two figures—Harry and Ron—were thrown out.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
"Other than the Chamber, this was probably the closest to feeling doomed," Ron observed the miniature figures, "But there are many unclear parts; I can't recall the car's details. I hope it's doing well in the Forbidden Forest."
Harry attempted his turn. "Here's something for you to see, Voldemort's real appearance..."
Moments later, Ron and Hermione finally saw the scene from Harry's first year when he faced Voldemort alone—the unveiling of Quirrell's turban, revealing a face deathly pale, red eyes with snake-like slits below.
Ron and Hermione gasped, both grabbing onto Harry's arms, startled. "Did you exaggerate when you told us last year? It wasn't this dramatic, was it?" Ron's attention always went to the oddest things.
"Nev, Nev!" Alice Longbottom called from afar. "Your Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid have arrived."
"Comi—coming, Mum!" Neville responded. He tiptoed, spending seconds trying to finally hang the ball, beads of sweat forming on his nose.
As he turned around, Alice stood behind him, watching quietly.
"Mum—" Neville blushed, feeling embarrassed about his earlier struggle.
Around the dining table, a bunch of relatives gathered, celebrating Frank and Alice's return. Mid-feast, Algie, gaunt and sporting a goatee, exclaimed, "Great! Absolutely great!" Downing two hefty glasses of spirits in quick succession, his face flushed.
He looked at Neville. "Kid, I heard you've made progress lately, show us what you got!"
Neville, hesitant, shrank behind Alice. She patted his shoulder, encouraging him. Neville stepped forward, drew his wand, and a red light sparkled from the tip, casting a spell.
"A silent charm!" Algie gasped, nearly toppling from his chair. "Easy there, Frank, no need to help me—I never had that skill at his age!"
Neville scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.
...
Muggle World, London Suburbs
"Justin, it's eleven o'clock. Remember our agreed-upon excuse for when the guests arrive."
"Got it," Justin, with his curly hair, replied, looking somewhat unhappy. "The reason I couldn't attend Eton was due to poor health. We had to hire tutors, and every year we had to visit places with fresh air... Mum, don't you think this excuse is too lame? Every time they see me, I'm perfectly fine."
"Who would have thought we'd have a little wizard in our family, unable to attend Eton? I'm more disappointed than you, but—" Mrs. Finch-Fletchley playfully winked, "after the guests leave, tell me about your school days. I still can't believe Lockhart turned out to be a fraud despite his captivating books..."
Justin discreetly rolled his eyes.
...
Hogwarts
Exiting his office, Felix strolled through the lavishly decorated halls, holly and mistletoe garlands guiding the way to the Great Hall. Armor throughout the castle gleamed.
Entering the hall, four long tables had been shifted against the walls, leaving only one in the center for a dozen or so people to dine. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were present. Felch had donned a slightly worn-out tailcoat.
"I hope I'm not late," Felix smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Felix! I love the woolen socks you've gifted, twelve colors in total, I can rotate wearing them," Dumbledore exclaimed joyfully. "We're waiting for the students; they might think it's regular timing, but we're slightly early—"
"To pass the time, we're taking turns telling jokes. It's Severus's turn," Flitwick added.
Felix glanced at Snape, who wore a stern face, his expression full of resistance.
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Chapter 255: Christmas, Diverse Experiences
The trio made their way back to the common room, Hermione notably quiet. However, she had resolved to tell Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt incident.
That morning, Harry received a brand-new Firebolt, and Hermione had heard him mention the broom's name several times. The Firebolt was touted as the "fastest broom in the world," not yet in production and without a price tag—its mere contemplation hinted at an extravagant cost.
Harry had recounted numerous times his time in Diagon Alley, admiring the Firebolt's enchanting curves with Professor Hagrid after their training sessions. It had become one of Harry's treasured thoughts amidst the arduous training.
But Hermione believed Harry and Ron were oblivious to the danger. The broom could have been sent anonymously by a dark wizard, possibly harboring an unknown curse. Especially after the incident in their first year when Quirrell jinxed Harry's broom, she couldn't fathom why Harry would be so careless.
"What if it's from Sirius Black?" she mused.
It wasn't until Harry mentioned Professor Lupin's peculiar gift that Hermione joined the conversation. "The professor gave you a Boggart?"
"It's a Boggart figurine!" Harry emphasized. "It's just like the real thing, that sudden chill and awful memories..." He shuddered.
"Did you check inside for a note? Maybe there's an explanation," Hermione speculated, though she couldn't imagine what that might be.
Shaking his head, Harry replied, "I only glanced inside and quickly closed the box... Honestly, I'd rather trade with Ron." He looked at Ron, who grinned. "Professor Lupin gave me an entire set of comic books."
Unable to resist her curiosity, Harry asked Hermione, "What did the professor give you?"
"It's a Chestnut Memory Plate," Hermione said.
"Chestnut... what?" Harry puzzled.
"It's hard to describe. Wait, let me show you. Also, Harry, bring your Boggart figurine; let's study them together. The professor surely has a purpose."
A minute later, they regrouped.
Harry stared at the Chestnut Memory Plate. "Is this... a crafted plate? I've seen something similar at the Dursleys', used for important clients."
"Oh, no, it's not that. Let me demonstrate. Professor Lupin wants my input... It might feature in next semester's classes," Hermione said, tapping the plate with her wand. Intricate magical patterns lit up, silver sand forming clouds, and Hermione closed her eyes, recalling details before pointing at the cloud.
The sand cascaded down, presenting a vivid three-dimensional scene to Harry and Ron.
"Merlin's beard, this is... the Chamber, the Chamber within..." Ron's eyes widened.
"It's a reenactment of our past memories," Hermione whispered.
Harry, revisiting the scene from a year ago, couldn't help but ask Hermione, "Did I really jump like that?" He gestured, realizing the Slytherin statue was almost five or six times his height. If he'd misjudged, aside from the basilisk's tail, he'd plummet and become its prey.
"We were all quite brave," Ron, watching the clumsy attempts to lure the basilisk, nervously told Hermione, "Um, Hermione—can I try? I mean, select a different memory; one that's clearer might work better."
"Of course. Choose a more memorable one; the effect will be stronger," Hermione said.
Harry was relieved they were speaking again; he'd expected Ron and Hermione to remain at odds for a day or two, based on his experience.
"Let me think, something vivid..." Ron muttered. His wand tapped the edge of the Chestnut Plate, and soon, a new three-dimensional scene appeared. The background was blurry, vaguely showing a car speeding directly into a tall tree—a Whomping Willow.
The Willow's branches thrashed violently, lashing at the car like a furious storm. The car managed to escape, but with two heavy thuds, luggage and two figures—Harry and Ron—were thrown out.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
"Other than the Chamber, this was probably the closest to feeling doomed," Ron observed the miniature figures, "But there are many unclear parts; I can't recall the car's details. I hope it's doing well in the Forbidden Forest."
Harry attempted his turn. "Here's something for you to see, Voldemort's real appearance..."
Moments later, Ron and Hermione finally saw the scene from Harry's first year when he faced Voldemort alone—the unveiling of Quirrell's turban, revealing a face deathly pale, red eyes with snake-like slits below.
Ron and Hermione gasped, both grabbing onto Harry's arms, startled. "Did you exaggerate when you told us last year? It wasn't this dramatic, was it?" Ron's attention always went to the oddest things.
"Nev, Nev!" Alice Longbottom called from afar. "Your Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid have arrived."
"Comi—coming, Mum!" Neville responded. He tiptoed, spending seconds trying to finally hang the ball, beads of sweat forming on his nose.
As he turned around, Alice stood behind him, watching quietly.
"Mum—" Neville blushed, feeling embarrassed about his earlier struggle.
Around the dining table, a bunch of relatives gathered, celebrating Frank and Alice's return. Mid-feast, Algie, gaunt and sporting a goatee, exclaimed, "Great! Absolutely great!" Downing two hefty glasses of spirits in quick succession, his face flushed.
He looked at Neville. "Kid, I heard you've made progress lately, show us what you got!"
Neville, hesitant, shrank behind Alice. She patted his shoulder, encouraging him. Neville stepped forward, drew his wand, and a red light sparkled from the tip, casting a spell.
"A silent charm!" Algie gasped, nearly toppling from his chair. "Easy there, Frank, no need to help me—I never had that skill at his age!"
Neville scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.
...
Muggle World, London Suburbs
"Justin, it's eleven o'clock. Remember our agreed-upon excuse for when the guests arrive."
"Got it," Justin, with his curly hair, replied, looking somewhat unhappy. "The reason I couldn't attend Eton was due to poor health. We had to hire tutors, and every year we had to visit places with fresh air... Mum, don't you think this excuse is too lame? Every time they see me, I'm perfectly fine."
"Who would have thought we'd have a little wizard in our family, unable to attend Eton? I'm more disappointed than you, but—" Mrs. Finch-Fletchley playfully winked, "after the guests leave, tell me about your school days. I still can't believe Lockhart turned out to be a fraud despite his captivating books..."
Justin discreetly rolled his eyes.
...
Hogwarts
Exiting his office, Felix strolled through the lavishly decorated halls, holly and mistletoe garlands guiding the way to the Great Hall. Armor throughout the castle gleamed.
Entering the hall, four long tables had been shifted against the walls, leaving only one in the center for a dozen or so people to dine. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were present. Felch had donned a slightly worn-out tailcoat.
"I hope I'm not late," Felix smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Felix! I love the woolen socks you've gifted, twelve colors in total, I can rotate wearing them," Dumbledore exclaimed joyfully. "We're waiting for the students; they might think it's regular timing, but we're slightly early—"
"To pass the time, we're taking turns telling jokes. It's Severus's turn," Flitwick added.
Felix glanced at Snape, who wore a stern face, his expression full of resistance.
Thank you for reading this far! You can access more chapters from HERE by joining my Patreon community. You'll gain exclusive early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.
As a member of my Patreon community, here is what you'll get:
For $5
Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public. You also get access to all the novels I'm translating, you can find them here HERE.Your name will be featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".The power to vote on which novel I translate next.You Get Ad-free Chapters.
For $10
You get to suggest a Novel for me to translate.You get access to Digital art.Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in gold).
For $20
You get to recommend a Novel and I will immediately start translating it.Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" (in blue).
Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
Chapter 255: Christmas, Diverse ExperiencesThe trio made their way back to the common room, Hermione notably quiet. However, she had resolved to tell Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt incident.That morning, Harry received a brand-new Firebolt, and Hermione had heard him mention the broom's name several times. The Firebolt was touted as the "fastest broom in the world," not yet in production and without a price tagits mere contemplation hinted at an extravagant cost.Harry had recounted numerous times his time in Diagon Alley, admiring the Firebolt's enchanting curves with Professor Hagrid after their training sessions. It had become one of Harry's treasured thoughts amidst the arduous training.But Hermione believed Harry and Ron were oblivious to the danger. The broom could have been sent anonymously by a dark wizard, possibly harboring an unknown curse. Especially after the incident in their first year when Quirrell jinxed Harry's broom, she couldn't fathom why Harry would be so careless."What if it's from Sirius Black?" she mused.It wasn't until Harry mentioned Professor Lupin's peculiar gift that Hermione joined the conversation. "The professor gave you a Boggart?""It's a Boggart figurine!" Harry emphasized. "It's just like the real thing, that sudden chill and awful memories..." He shuddered."Did you check inside for a note? Maybe there's an explanation," Hermione speculated, though she couldn't imagine what that might be.Shaking his head, Harry replied, "I only glanced inside and quickly closed the box... Honestly, I'd rather trade with Ron." He looked at Ron, who grinned. "Professor Lupin gave me an entire set of comic books."Unable to resist her curiosity, Harry asked Hermione, "What did the professor give you?""It's a Chestnut Memory Plate," Hermione said."Chestnut... what?" Harry puzzled."It's hard to describe. Wait, let me show you. Also, Harry, bring your Boggart figurine; let's study them together. The professor surely has a purpose." A minute later, they regrouped.Harry stared at the Chestnut Memory Plate. "Is this... a crafted plate? I've seen something similar at the Dursleys', used for important clients.""Oh, no, it's not that. Let me demonstrate. Professor Lupin wants my input... It might feature in next semester's classes," Hermione said, tapping the plate with her wand. Intricate magical patterns lit up, silver sand forming clouds, and Hermione closed her eyes, recalling details before pointing at the cloud.The sand cascaded down, presenting a vivid three-dimensional scene to Harry and Ron."Merlin's beard, this is... the Chamber, the Chamber within..." Ron's eyes widened."It's a reenactment of our past memories," Hermione whispered.Harry, revisiting the scene from a year ago, couldn't help but ask Hermione, "Did I really jump like that?" He gestured, realizing the Slytherin statue was almost five or six times his height. If he'd misjudged, aside from the basilisk's tail, he'd plummet and become its prey."We were all quite brave," Ron, watching the clumsy attempts to lure the basilisk, nervously told Hermione, "Um, Hermionecan I try? I mean, select a different memory; one that's clearer might work better.""Of course. Choose a more memorable one; the effect will be stronger," Hermione said.Harry was relieved they were speaking again; he'd expected Ron and Hermione to remain at odds for a day or two, based on his experience."Let me think, something vivid..." Ron muttered. His wand tapped the edge of the Chestnut Plate, and soon, a new three-dimensional scene appeared. The background was blurry, vaguely showing a car speeding directly into a tall treea Whomping Willow.The Willow's branches thrashed violently, lashing at the car like a furious storm. The car managed to escape, but with two heavy thuds, luggage and two figuresHarry and Ronwere thrown out.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n."Other than the Chamber, this was probably the closest to feeling doomed," Ron observed the miniature figures, "But there are many unclear parts; I can't recall the car's details. I hope it's doing well in the Forbidden Forest."Harry attempted his turn. "Here's something for you to see, Voldemort's real appearance..."Moments later, Ron and Hermione finally saw the scene from Harry's first year when he faced Voldemort alonethe unveiling of Quirrell's turban, revealing a face deathly pale, red eyes with snake-like slits below.Ron and Hermione gasped, both grabbing onto Harry's arms, startled. "Did you exaggerate when you told us last year? It wasn't this dramatic, was it?" Ron's attention always went to the oddest things."Nev, Nev!" Alice Longbottom called from afar. "Your Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid have arrived.""Comicoming, Mum!" Neville responded. He tiptoed, spending seconds trying to finally hang the ball, beads of sweat forming on his nose.As he turned around, Alice stood behind him, watching quietly."Mum" Neville blushed, feeling embarrassed about his earlier struggle.Around the dining table, a bunch of relatives gathered, celebrating Frank and Alice's return. Mid-feast, Algie, gaunt and sporting a goatee, exclaimed, "Great! Absolutely great!" Downing two hefty glasses of spirits in quick succession, his face flushed.He looked at Neville. "Kid, I heard you've made progress lately, show us what you got!"Neville, hesitant, shrank behind Alice. She patted his shoulder, encouraging him. Neville stepped forward, drew his wand, and a red light sparkled from the tip, casting a spell."A silent charm!" Algie gasped, nearly toppling from his chair. "Easy there, Frank, no need to help meI never had that skill at his age!"Neville scratched his head, grinning sheepishly....Muggle World, London Suburbs"Justin, it's eleven o'clock. Remember our agreed-upon excuse for when the guests arrive.""Got it," Justin, with his curly hair, replied, looking somewhat unhappy. "The reason I couldn't attend Eton was due to poor health. We had to hire tutors, and every year we had to visit places with fresh air... Mum, don't you think this excuse is too lame? Every time they see me, I'm perfectly fine.""Who would have thought we'd have a little wizard in our family, unable to attend Eton? I'm more disappointed than you, but" Mrs. Finch-Fletchley playfully winked, "after the guests leave, tell me about your school days. I still can't believe Lockhart turned out to be a fraud despite his captivating books..."Justin discreetly rolled his eyes....HogwartsExiting his office, Felix strolled through the lavishly decorated halls, holly and mistletoe garlands guiding the way to the Great Hall. Armor throughout the castle gleamed.Entering the hall, four long tables had been shifted against the walls, leaving only one in the center for a dozen or so people to dine. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were present. Felch had donned a slightly worn-out tailcoat."I hope I'm not late," Felix smiled."Merry Christmas, Felix! I love the woolen socks you've gifted, twelve colors in total, I can rotate wearing them," Dumbledore exclaimed joyfully. "We're waiting for the students; they might think it's regular timing, but we're slightly early""To pass the time, we're taking turns telling jokes. It's Severus's turn," Flitwick added.Felix glanced at Snape, who wore a stern face, his expression full of resistance.Thank you for reading this far! You can access more chapters from HERE by joining my Patreon community. You'll gain exclusive early access to the COMPLETE NOVEL.As a member of my Patreon community, here is what you'll get:For $5Early access to 100s of chapters before they go public. You also get access to all the novels I'm translating, you can find them here HERE.Your name will be featured on the "Wall of Gratitude".The power to vote on which novel I translate next.You Get Ad-free Chapters.For $10You get to suggest a Novel for me to translate.You get access to Digital art.Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" in gold.For $20You get to recommend a Novel and I will immediately start translating it.Your name featured on the "Wall of Gratitude" in blue.Don't let this amazing opportunity slip through your fingers!
