Magical Studies at Hogwarts

On July 31st, 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, and Julianne was calculating the expenses of Santa Maria for the whole month. She didn't stop when Ike came, and was still looking at the numbers.

"Little Ike, what can I do for you? Not now, at least wait until I finish calculating these things."

"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, Mother Julianne." Ike shook his head, which made Fox very dissatisfied and 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 work with you when I finish the calculation." Julianne smiled, gave Ike a look that said, "Be good," and started calculating the accounts again.

Seeing this, Ike began to carefully move the things in front of the fireplace. These things were very miscellaneous and there were many, including clothes sent by kind people, some toys and books for children, and some things belonging to Julianne herself, such as

Santa Maria's ledger and some photos and paintings.

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

The two of them sat on chairs, drank tea, and took a short break. It was also Ike's fault. According to the provisions of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, Ike could not reveal the existence of magic to other Muggles except guardians, otherwise

These things only require a few pieces of candy, and you can recruit several little beans to help, so the two of you won't be so tired.

After resting for a while, the fireplace finally lit up with a green flame, 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. Stride."

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 very delicious."

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.

Moreover, she is not shy about sharing her secrets.

"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, but was caught by Julianne. He spanked her lovingly, and Ike also acted like he was in pain and scared.

This is an interaction that almost all Santa Maria children have with Julianne, and Ike is even one of the most frequent. It is 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 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 can keep that thing to this day."

"Then, Mr. Strider, can you hand over the Philosopher's Stone to me?"

"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 it will be of sufficient help to you." 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 persuaded.

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

Ike watched Dumbledore slowly walk towards the fireplace, and finally stopped in front of the fireplace. He turned around and said to Ike: "By the way, Mr. Strider, please help me take care of Fawkes for a while.

The place I’m going to next is not a good place to take it with me.”

"And it looks like it likes you very much."

"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 Nicol Flamel? The famous alchemist?" Julianne looked very surprised and asked aloud.

"Yes, that'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! 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 eternal life is probably 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, there's no need to take risks 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 before he nodded slightly.

"I understand, mother Julianne..."