bacchusnovels Chapter 109 Countless Harassing Flies
Chapter 109 Countless Harassing Flies
Chapter 109 Countless Harassing Gadflies (Seeking First Subscription!)
"Mr. Phillips, what are you doing...?" Xenophilius asked, somewhat puzzled, looking at Sean's hand hanging in mid-air.
Sean snapped out of his daze, smiled slightly, and withdrew his hand, waving it gently. "Oh, it's nothing, my arm was just numb, I was just moving it around."
Xenophilius gave Sean a rather strange look for three seconds, then took a breath and continued, "What I mean is that the entire magical world is currently completely blank when it comes to research on goblins. There are no related papers or books that explore the intricate connections between fairies and goblins."
"If we can be the first to conduct relevant research and publish some results, it will be an invaluable achievement, both in filling the gaps in the history of the wizarding world and in enhancing our own reputation."
Sean nodded.
As Xenophilius said, this was indeed a win-win situation.
However, he had neither the desire to fill the gaps in the history of the wizarding world nor the desire to increase his own fame.
He just wanted to be a quiet headmaster of Hogwarts and educate witches in all sorts of creative ways.
For example, the school rule that students should not wear panties under their skirts when entering the principal's office was something he really liked.
On the other hand, this matter could indeed be helpful for his role as headmaster—if he ever needs to seize power at Hogwarts or even the wizarding world of the British Isles by force.
He agreed, saying, "That is indeed a very promising idea, Mr. Xenophilius. The connection between goblins and fairies may very well hold deep secrets of magic. If we can uncover these connections, it could not only advance the knowledge of the magical world but also bring us new magical techniques and applications."
"That's right, Mr. Phillips. Moreover, such research could have unexpected social impact. After all, the exploration and discovery of the unknown always arouses people's curiosity and attention."
The two then reached an agreement.
"Alright, I support your proposal. We can start preparing for this research. I will collect relevant data at Hogwarts, capture some goblins to take back for research, and then gradually move forward. If your research here makes progress, you can write to me, and we can communicate and exchange ideas at any time."
As Sean spoke, he seemed to remember something and took out some Galleons from his wallet, a few hundred in number.
He placed the gold coins on the table and pushed them toward Xenophilius. "Take these Galleons as initial funding for your research. I know that such research requires a lot of materials, and I hope this will be helpful."
Xenophilius looked at the glittering Galleons before him and felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
He gave Sean a deep look and said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Phillips. This will certainly be a great help. Rest assured, I will do my best to make this research a success."
Sean nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "I believe in your abilities, Xenophilius. Together, we'll surely uncover the goblins' secrets."
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
After receiving this unexpected investment, Xenophilius became even more enthusiastic.
He talked about almost everything, from the five-legged monster to his experience of buying a picture of the Curved-Horned Snoring Beast at the Three Broomsticks bar two years ago, from his time studying at Ravenclaw to how he fell in love with Pandora... and of course, the heartbreaking accident a few years ago.
This accident allowed Luna to witness her mother's death firsthand.
As he spoke, Xenophon's eyes filled with tears, and his voice choked with emotion. "That was the darkest moment of my life. Pandora—she was such a wonderful witch, always so full of life and so curious about everything. That day, we had planned to go to Hogsmeade Village together, but she…"
Seeing Xenophilius in such pain, Sean felt deeply saddened. He reached out and gently patted Xenophilius's shoulder in comfort. "I'm so sorry, Xenophilius. Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences, and I understand how you feel."
Xenophilius wiped away his tears, took a deep breath, and continued, "That accident made me cherish my life even more, and it strengthened my resolve to explore the mysteries of this world. I think this is what Pandora would have wanted me to do. So, I will continue to work hard, for our research, and for her wishes..."
Perhaps at this moment, only alcohol can kill the past and dilute the memories.
Xenophilius slowly rose, walked to the liquor cabinet beside him, took out a bottle of spirits, and poured Sean a glass.
I poured myself a glass too.
He gazed at the amber liquid in his glass, as if seeing within it his past with Pandora. Those sweet moments, those shared dreams, all gradually blurred as the alcohol evaporated...
As Sean was about to leave the RV, Xenophilius was already passed out on the table, his heavy breathing reeking of alcohol, and there were still traces of tears in the corners of his eyes.
"Professor Sean." Sean, who had already walked a short distance from the RV, heard a clear voice calling him from behind, so he turned around.
It's Luna.
The girl stood in the moonlight, the silvery light shining on her as if draping her in a thin veil.
At this moment, she was as pure as a... unicorn.
This was the most fitting metaphor Sean could find.
"Luna, what are you doing here?" Sean asked gently.
"I'm worried about my father," Luna said softly, her gaze drifting unconsciously towards the RV. "He drank a lot tonight, and I know he misses my mother."
Sean sighed softly and remained silent.
After thinking for a long time, he patted Luna on the shoulder and said, "If you need any help in the future, feel free to come to me."
There's nothing he can do for the girl; all he can offer now is a simple promise.
What Sean didn't know was that after he left, Luna kept staring at his receding figure.
She was murmuring softly without realizing it.
"Professor Sean...you've been subjected to countless... harassments..."
Wednesday arrived quietly.
In the past few days, Sean has continued to shuttle between his bedroom and the garden.
He already had some clues about goblins, but further verification and experimentation were needed.
In the past few nights, he has been dreaming of Luna's clear eyes.
She seemed to have something she wanted to say to him, but didn't say it.
And that morning.
The Weasleys got up exceptionally early.
Everyone, including Sean, quickly ate five or six salted meat sandwiches each before putting on their coats.
Mrs. Sly tiptoed up a flowerpot from the kitchen mantel and stared intently at its contents.
"Arthur, it looks like we don't have much left," she sighed softly. "We need to replenish our supplies today—okay,"
Let the guests go first! Harry, you try!
She handed the flowerpot to Harry.
Harry was startled, and all eyes were on him.
"What should I do?" he asked nervously, his words becoming somewhat incoherent.
"Oh, right, he hasn't used Floo Powder for his travels yet." Ron suddenly realized, looking at Harry apologetically. "I'm so sorry, Harry, I forgot about that."
"Never used Floo Powder before?" Mr. Weasley looked surprised. "Then how did you manage to buy your school supplies in Diagon Alley last year?"
"I—I took the subway," Harry replied somewhat awkwardly. "Oh?" Mr. Weasley's interest was piqued. "Are there ladders in the subway? How do you do that—"
"Arthur, this isn't the time to discuss this," Mrs. Weasley interrupted him. "Using Floo Powder would be quicker for Harry. But, good heavens, if you've never tried it before—"
"Mom, he'll be fine," Fred interjected confidently. "Harry, watch us demonstrate first."
Fred picked up a pinch of shimmering powder from the flowerpot, calmly walked to the fireplace, and gently sprinkled the powder into the dancing flames.
With a whoosh, the fire instantly turned a vibrant emerald green, the flames soaring high, even surpassing Fred's height.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the flames, shouting "Diagon Alley!" Then, in an instant, his figure disappeared into the emerald green firelight.
Then, the group took turns telling Harry the tricks to using Floo Powder, while Sean watched silently from the side—he knew these instructions were useless to Harry, like a machine doing futile work before it entered China at high speed.
Like the sentence above, it's a pointless statement, completely meaningless.
If he hadn't been there, Harry would have definitely mixed up the pronunciation of "Diagon Alley" and "Knockdown Alley" because he was nervous.
Fortunately, he was here.
He wouldn't let Harry go to Knockturn Alley and ruin his plans; at this moment, he was the only one in the house who could go to Knockturn Alley, according to Sean.
So, before it was Harry's turn to use Floo Powder, Sean stepped forward and suddenly said to Harry with a stern face, "Mr. Potter, open your mouth wide and say after me, Diagon Alley—"
He emphasized the words "Diagon Alley," clearly distinguishing the first and second syllables. Sean didn't believe that Harry could get the destination wrong when using Floo Powder later, under such circumstances.
Sean's sudden seriousness puzzled the remaining people in the room, but none of them spoke.
I just watched as Professor Sean gave his students a "grammar lesson".
Harry was a little nervous.
These past few days, Professor Sean has been calling him "Harry" instead of the cold "Mr. Potter."
Sean's stern face and sinister tone involuntarily reminded him of someone—Snape, whom he hadn't seen for an entire summer.
Under this sudden pressure, his mouth inexplicably seemed to be tied in a knot.
He stammered, "Yes, Diagon Alley."
"No, it's Diagon Alley—" Sean corrected. "Don't stutter, say it fluently."
"Right Corner Alley?" Harry replied somewhat uncertainly.
"Diagon Alley—!" Sean had intended to gently greet the wall beside him with his wand, but then he remembered that this was the Weasleys' house and that there were people watching, so he abandoned the idea.
He took two stools from the kitchen and placed them between him and Harry, gesturing for Harry to sit down with him. His tone had softened considerably as he calmed down.
"Come on, repeat after me, Diagon Alley—" "Diagon Alley—", this time Harry finally put the stress right.
However, things didn't end as easily as Harry had imagined.
"Come on, read it a hundred times. I'll count for you. We'll leave after you're done," Sean said kindly to Harry, then turned to the remaining, dumbfounded Weasleys. "You gentlemen, please go ahead. Mr. Potter and I will be there soon..."