Chapter 173: News Spreads
At dusk, the clouds were thick.
The Christmas Holiday ended, and the new term arrived with the Hogwarts Express.
Students rode Thestral Carriages into the school. As they just entered the Foyer, the sky rapidly darkened within minutes, thick like ink, and the evening wind howled against the castle’s outer walls. The Great Hall, however, was brightly lit with a cheerful atmosphere.
Hermione sat by the long table, holding a glass cup of hot pumpkin juice, sipping it in small mouthfuls while observing her classmates around her.
The expressions of students who stayed at school during the holiday and those who went home were completely different. The ones who stayed looked delighted because of reuniting with friends after a long separation; the ones who went home only returned today and were very envious of those who stayed, inquiring about school life during the holiday, their words and expressions revealing envy.
A ghost floated past.
Not far away, Lavender kept complaining by the long table: “Couldn’t cast a spell at home during the holiday, neighbors are all ordinary Muggles, saw news in the newspaper, couldn’t even find anyone to talk to, days at home were boring to death…”
“So you called me 15 times on Boxing Day!” Parvati sounded somewhat collapsed.
Such non-magical conversations made the entire castle feel alive.
During this holiday, Hermione kept analyzing Slytherin’s thoughts, the basilisk’s purpose, and Professor Levent’s ideas. Such unanswered thinking felt very ethereal, giving her a constant unreal sense of detachment from reality. Her roommates’ chattering voices made her feel reassured.
Not only Lavender and Parvati saw the news; other students also learned some information and chattered inquiring about the specific situation at the time.
“Slytherin secretly built the Chamber of Secrets, leaving a ferocious basilisk there. My god! That basilisk has been alive for a thousand years!” a little wizard exclaimed with wide eyes.
A higher-year student nearby provided some knowledge: “Basilisks have a normal lifespan of nine hundred years, and they can hibernate to delay aging. If it continues to sleep, this basilisk might live another thousand years.”
“Do you think the basilisk is still in the school?” Ernie from Helga Hufflepuff suddenly asked.
The surrounding students suddenly quieted down, and only after a moment did someone reply.
“Impossible, right? That’s too dangerous.”
“The Headmaster and professors definitely wouldn’t allow it.”
“The news seems to say it was already handled by Magical Creatures expert Newt Scamander.”
“…”
Besides the Chamber of Secrets and the basilisk, holiday life was also a hot topic. Those who stayed envied the others for reuniting with family and friends or traveling. And for these people being able to freely use the Common Room, the other little wizards were also deeply envious.
All the school’s staff attended the banquet. Headmaster Dumbledore sat at the center of the high table, with a kind smile and affectionate gaze watching the students in the Great Hall. Occasionally, when a little wizard met his eyes, he would wink playfully, making many students feel the strange sensation that the Headmaster was paying attention to them.
Beside him were the Dean and the professors of each subject.
There was a faint glimmer in the professors’ eyes. They had already experienced the Projection Mirror that went on sale a couple of days ago and keenly sensed that this medium was very special, but couldn’t quite explain it.
They focused their gazes on Professor Levent, hoping this professor could resolve their doubts.
Melvin was just discussing the Projection Mirror with Professor Flitwick: “The programs are pre-produced and transmitted via the Floo Network for relaxation. The Projection Mirror is just the receiving tool. This model imitates Muggle television production. We hope it becomes the Wizarding World’s television, making information transmission more convenient and efficient, enriching wizards’ entertainment methods.”
Flitwick actually didn’t fully understand. He had only watched a few Quidditch matches at The Three Broomsticks and used the Projection Mirror for recording teaching:
“The Projection Mirror transmits moving pictures via the Floo Network. Hogwarts fireplaces are usually not connected to the Floo Network, which is a bit inconvenient, isn’t it? How about we set up a few fireplaces specifically connected to the Floo Network?”
Melvin shook his head slightly: “The Projection Mirrors now are mainly for entertainment and leisure. Students don’t need that.”
“Now for entertainment and leisure, will there be changes in the future?”
Melvin didn’t answer directly but began explaining some Muggle Studies knowledge: “Muggle scholars believe that in the course of civilization’s development, the transmission and sharing of information is very important, even developing professional disciplines to study related fields, called communication studies.”
“In ancient Roman times, Muggles began posting public notices, including legal texts, court verdicts, and recent important events, for the public to read and understand. Around the 7th century AD, papermaking and printing techniques in Eastern dynasties gradually improved, starting to print newspapers. Seventy years ago, Muggles began using television for information transmission.”
“Muggle scholars believe that media accelerates the flow of information, allowing knowledge, thoughts, even wealth and power to reach more people.”
If observed on an even longer timescale, the Wizarding World’s production technology was centuries ahead, originally supposed to nurture a brilliant civilization. But because wizards are few in number, Pure-blood Wizards control most resources, most of whom are foolish without knowing it, stubborn and rigid, leading to no obvious changes in the Wizarding World for centuries.
Meanwhile, Muggle Society developed rapidly, and in just two hundred years, the entire world has completely changed.
“…”
Flitwick nodded as if he understood but not quite.
The other professors nearby looked thoughtful.
Even Dumbledore turned his head, looking at Melvin’s young and handsome face, revealing a contemplative gaze.
The Wizarding World lagging behind the Muggle World is a truth many wizards are unwilling to admit. Magical civilization may have once been brilliant, but since the issuance of the Secrecy Law, Muggle civilization has left wizards behind, racing toward the future like the Express Train.
There are also many wizards who see this cruel truth and attempt to spark revolution, like his old friend.
Using violent means to enslave Muggles, using magic to conquer technology, bloody, killing, cruel… these are the ways wizards can think of. Primitive and backward civilizations give birth to such ways of thinking.
Dumbledore knew this was wrong, so he stood up to stop them. But he didn’t know where the correct path forward was, worried about making the wrong choice, so he locked himself in the Headmaster’s Office, unwilling to step out of the cage to touch power.
No one has ever been like Melvin, examining the Wizarding World from a Muggle perspective, using Muggle methods to stir up the winds of revolution in the Wizarding World.
The silver-haired old Headmaster stared dazedly at the young professor. Memories surfaced of that young, handsome blond boy, and the laughter of little wizards around him reminded him of similar laughter he once heard in an orphanage.
“…”
Dumbledore’s expression was slightly dazed. When he came back to his senses, a chessboard for the future flowed in the depths of his eyes. He said softly: “I remember there’s a news program on the Projection Mirror, right, Melvin?”
Melvin nodded slightly: “Programs made by the Daily Prophet Publisher, currently still have some flaws.”
“News isn’t exactly entertainment and leisure. Many people in the school also subscribe to newspapers.”
Dumbledore paused: “After the banquet ends, can we show the children the news? I remember Muggle orphanages and boarding schools do this.”
“Yes, Headmaster.”
Melvin raised an eyebrow. What orphanage? Wool’s Orphanage?
Just today, the Daily Prophet news premiered. Editor-in-Chief Guffey sent him a memory backup, no need to specially connect to the Floo Network, otherwise it would be quite troublesome.
……
The atmosphere at the banquet was very lively.
The dishes from the Hogwarts Kitchen may not taste as good as those made by Mother at home, but they were more abundant in variety.
Little wizards chatted while eating. After a long separation, it was as if they had endless words. Sharing those ordinary holiday matters with friends seemed to spark endless fun, even the matter of sweeping snow and being chased and bitten by goblins felt cheerful and interesting.
Gesturing comical actions while showing exaggerated expressions of panic at the time, this performance style could even join the Drama Club.
Above the Great Hall, the Magical Dome did not imitate the pitch-black ink-like clouds outside but revealed a bright starry sky, as if welcoming the students back to school in this way.
Time passed unknowingly. Little wizards successively put down their cutlery, abandoning full roasted chicken legs and steaks, filling the last gaps in their stomachs with ice cream and pudding, faces wearing satisfied smiles.
“Ding ding ding~”
Dumbledore lightly tapped a glass cup with a silver spoon, the crisp sound spreading throughout the Great Hall, drawing the attention of all the students.
“Oh, I was worried about affecting your appetites earlier, so I didn’t speak at the start of the banquet.”
Dumbledore deliberately paused for a few seconds, but only the Weasley twins chuckled lightly. No one else responded to the cold joke. He cast a shining glance at the two and continued: “Now that everyone is full, at the start of the new term, I have a few words to say to you all.”
“First, I must tell everyone that the Chamber of Secrets and basilisk matter is real, but it has been completely resolved. You can rest assured exploring the castle. If you discover any interesting rooms or secret passages, remember to share them with me.”
“Dream on!”
“Impossible!”
George and Fred said in unison. Dumbledore made an expression of grievance and hurt, which finally made everyone else burst into laughter.
Waiting for the laughter to subside, the Headmaster continued: “As you all know, Professor Lockhart is very ill and unable to continue teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. Like last year, this class will be taught by the four Deans and Professor Levent by year. The specific schedule will be posted on the notice board.”
The Great Hall immediately erupted in cheers:
“Yay!”
“Awesome!”
“…”
Dumbledore still wore a faint smile on his face, raised his hand to quiet the commotion, and continued: “Other related notices, contraband lists and such, were mentioned last term and won’t be repeated here. The next time is handed to Professor Levent to play the Projection Mirror news for us!”
The Great Hall erupted in commotion again.
“What is Projection Mirror news?” a little witch asked.
“It should be the content of the family Projection Mirror. My mother mentioned this thing went on sale when she dropped me at the station this morning.” A Slytherin student was very indignant. “Really can’t understand why it had to be set right before returning to school! Why not before the holiday!”
“Professor Levent did it on purpose!”
“Right!”
“I think so too…”
Various discussions quieted when Melvin stood up. The entire school’s staff and students watched his movements, seeing him take out a huge Projection Mirror from under the table. With a gentle tap of his wand, the Projection Mirror floated into mid-air, silver mist swirling, outlining a faintly visible contour.
The picture lit up with a faint glow, and sound continuously came through.
Higher-year Gryffindor students were quite familiar with her; it was their senior, Cecilia Haynes.
“During the Christmas Holiday, while other wizards rested, the Healers at St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries were even busier. Next, a reporter will show everyone hospital scenes. Carl from Wiltshire accidentally ate a soundless bird’s feather, his mouth only able to make sharp, urgent bird calls… Hoffman added seven people’s hairs when taking Polyjuice Potion, causing wrong transformation…”
Accompanied by bird call background sounds, the Projection Mirror presented scenes from St. Mungo’s Hospital.
A bizarrely shaped male witch appeared in the picture, his face covered in eyes, mouth on his forehead, nose on his throat, only ears in the original position.
“Ah!”
“Wow!”
The grotesque scene made several little witches scream, the boys feeling their stomachs churn with nausea and discomfort, yet unable to look away.
“The release of the family Projection Mirror has received close attention from wizards. As a product never seen before in the Wizarding World, whether it can be accepted and how many wizards are willing to buy it—the Daily Prophet interviewed several passersby…”
“Christmas Holiday ends, various Quidditch teams resume training. Scotland team’s star Seeker Lamont still hasn’t appeared, suspected of overindulging during the holiday, obese by 20 pounds…”
“Vile Memory Thief, Gilderoy Lockhart’s scam exposed. Newspaper reporters followed related clues to the local village to dig up the truth, arrived at Miller Valley today, no werewolf traces found yet…”
“Recently, Dolores Umbridge promoted to Senior Deputy Minister, now a high-level official on par with department heads. After moving into her office, she actively pushes the Anti-Werewolf Bill. Additionally, she attempted to prosecute foreign wizard, Hogwarts Muggle Studies professor Melvin Levent for unlicensed Apparition, but it was rejected by the Wizengamot trial due to lack of evidence…”
Melvin held a glass of apple juice, sipping it slowly while watching the news in the Projection Mirror.
It was just the matter from a couple of days ago. Madam Marchbanks routinely attended a Wizengamot meeting to discuss the implementation time and details of the new bill. After the meeting, Umbridge proposed the prosecution, which was rejected on the spot by Madam Marchbanks.
In the picture, besides that Umbridge in a pink dress, there was also Minister Fudge in a green suit.
Umbridge, furious with embarrassment, raised her hands to shield her face from the camera, constantly scolding the interviewing reporter. Her shrill childlike voice cracked slightly. Other Ministry of Magic staff and Wizengamot wizards just watched quietly nearby, eyes with smiles.
If it were usual, such a matter would only circulate internally in the Ministry of Magic, perhaps joked about for a while and then forgotten.
But now with the Projection Mirror, the Daily Prophet made it into a news report. All wizards in Britain know about this and can laugh about it until Umbridge retires.
