A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 358: Conversation

Draco Malfoy remained silent, sprawled on the floor, sweat glistening on his face. His pale blond hair clung to his forehead, and he trembled as he struggled to stand. Crabbe and Goyle came over, casting glances at the unresponsive Moody, and helped Draco up.

McGonagall's skeptical gaze shifted between Felix and Moody, quickly finding its mark. She furrowed her brow and said, "Professor Moody, did you use Transfiguration on Malfoy?"

"Yes, indeed. Just giving him a lesson, leaving a deep impression so he won't attack others from behind in the future," Moody replied.

McGonagall cast a querying look at Felix, who nodded subtly. McGonagall sighed with a touch of exasperation, "Even so, we should only give detentions, not use Transfiguration as punishment on students. Prolonged bodily transfiguration is harmful and has long been abolished. Dumbledore must have mentioned this to you, right?"

"He probably did," Moody scratched his chin absentmindedly, grinned widely, and said gruffly, "It's not that serious, Professor McGonagall!"

"I disapprove of his sneak attacks, so I gave him a fright. This Professor Harp suddenly appeared and might not think my approach was appropriate! There was a little clash, and I happened to hear a few things from Dumbledore before... just wanted to test his abilities."

Moody limped around, waving his rough, scarred hand, and cleared his throat, "I know why I'm here, and Dumbledore didn't invite me to be the kind old man!"

"Danger never presents itself openly. I came to help you prepare in advance. That's why I'm hereto sever the tendrils of certain individuals, certain things. I might have overreacted a bit, but in my experience, overreacting is better than being unprepared!"

"Stay vigilant at all times!" He roared, startling a first-year student who ended up sitting on the ground.

Moody's magical eye saw this, and he grinned, dragging his wooden leg towards the new student. He yanked the student up, positioning his scarred and unblemished eye right in front of the student's face, and chuckled, "Kid, you'll find that appearances are the least fearsome things. Excuse me, move aside"

The crowd parted, gazes filled with awe fixed upon him.

"Oh, right!" Moody stopped and turned to look at Felix, "We better pick out some potential warriors and give them an early training session. How about during the first Dueling class?"

"Of course," Felix said with a smile.

Moody scrutinized him for a few seconds and then left with large strides.

"Merlin, he's really cool!" a student observed, gazing at Moody's departing figure.

"He's a true warrior, the real deal, with extensive knowledge... you'll see soon enough." Another student held Moody in high regard, having just attended his class that afternoon.

McGonagall glanced at the students still lingering around, and said sternly, "Disperse, everyone, disperse! Go have your meal, don't block the way." She walked over to Draco Malfoy's side, her gaze hesitant as it landed on Felix.

"Well thenMr. Malfoy"

"I'll handle it, Severus," Felix said.

"Very well," McGonagall breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced at Crabbe and Goyle next to Draco and at Harry, Ron, and Hermione not far away, then snapped irritably, "Do you all want to join in as well?"

They hurriedly made their escape.

At the dining table, Ron closed his eyes, fork held suspended in the air. He sighed contentedly and said, "I'm definitely going to keep a ferret in the future... Every time I see it, I'll be reminded of today's Malfoy. Will it also grab onto my trousers and refuse to let go?"

Harry and Hermione chuckled. Harry inquired, "But is human transfiguration really that dangerous? Professor McGonagall didn't seem like she was joking."

Hermione raised her fork, and with a meaningful look, she said, "Imagine this: you're turned into an owl. At first, you still remember who you are, but soon, animal instincts take over, and you forget your identity..."

Harry furrowed his brow. "So, you mean if the spell isn't lifted in time, Malfoy could end up genuinely thinking he's a ferret?"

Hermione said seriously, "I'm just giving an example to make you aware of the dangers involved. Some transfigurations can unravel over time on their own, but for wizards with advanced magical abilities, their transformations can last a long time, and malicious ones can become like curses, permanent."

Ron, for some reason, burst into laughter. He panted and said, "Well... that's... not bad, is it?"

Hermione gave him a sidelong glance. "While the possibility is small, imagine if, in his panic, Malfoy ran away and got lost in the Forbidden Forest. He might end up being eaten by the creatures there before he's found..."

Ron imagined it and suddenly found his food less appetizing. Harry lost his appetite as well. However, Hermione finished her dinner unaffectedly, packed her bag, and said, "Are you going to the library?"

"Of course," Hermione replied, "Lots to do. Not schoolwork" she anticipated Harry's question and interjected, grabbing her bag and hurrying away.

Elsewhere, Felix and Draco Malfoy walked through a dim underground corridor. Draco had teary eyes, the light from the wall sconces casting a glow on his pale face. Felix noticed the occasional glint of resentment in Draco's eyes.

"Do you hate Professor Moody?" Felix looked at him and asked.

Draco clenched his fists, his face reddening with shame. He mumbled, "I'm going to tell my father..."

"Hmm." Felix didn't say much, and they continued walking for a while. Then, he suddenly spoke, "Your idea has some merit, but it might not be effective."

"Why? Just because he's Dumbledore's good friend?" Draco asked through gritted teeth.

"It's Headmaster Dumbledore," Felix corrected, but judging from Draco Malfoy's disapproving expression, it seemed he'd included the headmaster in his grievances.

"I am curious, though, about the origin of this conflict..."

"I humiliated Weasley's father," Draco said coldly, "Is that what you want to ask? Do I deserve this?"

"No," Felix chuckled softly, "I'm just wondering what thoughts were going through your mind when you initiated this. After all, even without Professor Moody, the three of youplus Crabbe and Goyleare not a match for Potter alone."

"Or perhaps, in your view, you don't think Potter would harm you, so you feel fearless? Or you don't mind being defeated by Potterworth noting, Miss Granger isn't that easy to handle either."

Draco Malfoy's face grew heated. He stammered, "II didn't think that much."

"Right," Felix nodded and then changed the subject, "Do you remember the first time we had a more in-depth conversation? When you brought the diary to my office?"

Draco slowly looked at him, not quite understanding the purpose behind this sudden mention.

"I once told you that everyone is responsible for their actions," Felix paused, "It seems you don't remember."

He smiled, "I really wish I could show you that scene again, the you from back then and the you now, somewhat similarnervous, hesitant. Of course, one instance was noble self-defense and altruism, while the other was harboring some darker thoughts..."

Draco stared at him, feeling somewhat uneasy but also a faint sense of pride.

"It's normal. Anyone who's been humiliated would have thoughts of destruction," Felix said lightly. They rounded a corner, and Snape's office was visible in the distance.

"He might not be available..." Felix said regretfully, "It will have to wait for another day, Mr. Malfoy. Go back and get some sleep. I'm curious to see how long this idea of yours will last."

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