Magical Studies at Hogwarts

On July 31, a red bird knocked on the window of Ike's room.

Opening the window, the bird landed directly on Ike's head, as if his hair was a bird's nest.

Ike came to the next door with the bird on his head. Julianne was calculating Santa Maria's expenses for the whole month. She didn't stop when Ike came, still looking at the numbers.

"Little Ike, what's the matter with you? Not now, at least wait until I finish figuring this out."

"Mother Julian, I just want to tell you that my principal may come over later."

Ike pointed obediently at Fox, who was combing his feathers on top of his head: "This is the principal's pet."

"Principal? Little Ike, did you get into any trouble?" Julianne quickly put down her pen after hearing this, and looked up at Ike, who looked innocent, "If you get into trouble, you must tell me."

"No, Mom Julianne." Ike shook his head, which made Fox very dissatisfied. He pecked Ike's head in retaliation, "I just have one thing to return to the principal today."

"Okay, okay, when will your principal arrive and what do you need me to do?" Julianne asked.

"Perhaps we can move the things in front of the fireplace?" Ike thought for a while. He was not sure how Dumbledore came. If Floo powder was used, it would be necessary to clean up the things in front of the fireplace. .

Lao Deng is very old, and it would be troublesome for him to trip over many obstacles on the ground when he comes out of the fireplace.

"It's very simple. Little Ike, why don't you just use magic to do it." Julianne said and picked up the pen again.

"Mama Julianne, I can't use magic outside of school." Ike said helplessly, "I can do it myself, and I promise I won't disturb you."

"Okay, little Ike, you do it by yourself first, and I'll finish the calculation with you when I finish it." Julianne smiled, gave Ike a "be good" look, and started calculating the accounts again.

Seeing this, Ike began to carefully move the things in front of the fireplace.These things are very miscellaneous and there are many, including clothes sent by well-wishers, some toys and books for children, and some things that belong to Julianne, such as Santa Maria's account book and some photos and paintings.

Carefully moving these aside, Ike and Julianne worked for a long time before they finished moving them all.

The two of them were sitting on chairs drinking tea and taking a short break.It's also Ike's own fault. According to the provisions of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, Ike cannot reveal the existence of magic to other Muggles except guardians. Otherwise, these things can attract several little Beans with just a few pieces of candy. With help, the two of them wouldn't be so tired.

After resting for a long time, the fireplace finally lit up with green flames, and an old man with white hair and white beard walked out of the flames.

Dumbledore looked at the things in the room for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "Hello, Mrs. Julianne, I am Albus Dumbledore, the current headmaster of Hogwarts. Nice to meet you."

"Hello, Mr. Principal." Julianne quickly stood up, returned Dumbledore's bow, and then pulled Ike aside.

Ike also nodded slightly: "Good morning, Professor Dumbledore."

"Good morning, Mr. Strider."

After greeting each other, Julianne invited Dumbledore to sit down and taste her most famous lemon black tea.Dumbledore picked up the tea cup and took a sip, and praised: "This is the best lemon black tea I have ever tasted. It's great!"

Julianne is very happy. She likes to be praised for two things: first, her children are great, and second, her lemon black tea is delicious.

And, she’s not shy about sharing her tips.

"Add an extra sugar cube, sweet things always make people feel happy." Julianne squinted her eyes, and the smile on her face became more kind.

"So, maybe Hogwarts will have a new drink in the new school year." Dumbledore also narrowed his eyes, showed the same smile as Julianne, and even winked at Ike.

Ike rolled his eyes, only to be caught by Julianne.After giving it a loving slap, Ike also acted like he was in pain and scared.

This was an interaction that nearly all the Santa Maria kids had with Julianne, and Ike was even one of the most frequent, and it was a way for Julianne to express her love.

"You taught Mr. Strider very well, Ms. Julianne." Dumbledore sighed. "I have been at Hogwarts for more than half a century, and Mr. Strider is one of the young wizards who impressed me the most. .”

"I would also like to thank the school professor for his teaching." Julianne said politely.

Dumbledore took a sip of lemon black tea, paused and then said with a smile: "I think Mr. Stride should have mentioned to you that I came today to pick up something. I promised Stride when I was at school. Sir, he gets to keep that thing to this day.”

"So, Mr. Strider, can you give me the Philosopher's Stone?"

"Of course." Ike took out the Philosopher's Stone from his pocket and handed it to Dumbledore, "Thank you for letting me keep the Philosopher's Stone until today."

"I hope I can help you enough." Dumbledore put away the Philosopher's Stone, stood up, and gestured slightly to Julianne, "I think I have to leave. Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Julianne."

"Aren't you going to stay for dinner, Mr. Principal?" Julianne asked.

"No, Ms. Julian, the owner of the Philosopher's Stone is waiting for me, and I don't want him to wait too long."

Ike watched as Dumbledore slowly walked towards the fireplace and finally stopped in front of it.Turning around, he said to Ike: "By the way, Mr. Strider, please help me take care of Fox for a while. The place I am going to next is not very suitable for taking him with me."

"And it looks like it likes you."

"Okay, Professor Dumbledore." Ike nodded and reached up to touch Fawkes, but was caught. This scene made both Julianne and Dumbledore laugh out loud.

"Professor Dumbledore." Ike stopped Dumbledore again, "Has Nico Flamel really decided to destroy the Philosopher's Stone and give up immortality?"

"As far as I know, that's the case." Dumbledore nodded, "However, from the fourteenth century to the present, Nico has often announced the destruction of the Sorcerer's Stone. Who knows if it is true this time?"

There was a flash of fire and Dumbledore disappeared into the room.

"Little Ike, did you just mention Nico Flamel? The famous alchemist?" Julianne looked very surprised and asked aloud.

"Yes, it's him."

"Then what you just handed over to Mr. Principal is the legendary Philosopher's Stone?"

"That's right." Ike nodded.

"Oh my God! It's unbelievable! The Philosopher's Stone is actually real!"

"It's true, but it's not as magical as imagined." Ike replied, "Magic has a price, and the price of immortality may be beyond our imagination."

Looking at Julianne who looked regretful, Ike couldn't help but feel a little entangled. After thinking for a moment, he said: "Mom Julianne, if you want, I will find a way..."

"Little Ike..." Julianne interrupted Ike and showed a familiar kind smile, "I have experienced a cruel world war and had a happy family. Whether it is beautiful or cruel things, I have experienced a lot. …”

"Now, you have allowed me to see the existence of another world, and I am very satisfied..."

"So, no need to risk it for me, little Ike."

There was no regret or yearning on Julianne's face anymore, only indifference and kindness.Ike was silent for a long time and then nodded slightly.

"I understand, Mama Julianne..."