Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 41 Phoenix and Oak

The Dumbledore family always seems to be favored by the phoenix, which is a rare occurrence even in the magical world, where strange and unusual things happen.

People speculate that this is because the Dumbledore family has phoenix blood, or perhaps they once signed a pact with the phoenix clan, but these are just speculations, and the Dumbledore family has never responded to this.

Fox, perhaps having followed Dumbledore for too long, had developed many bad habits in addition to the phoenix's innate arrogance. For example, it liked to steal Ike's food, liked to stand on Ike's head and mess up his hair, and would peck at Ike with its sharp beak if it was displeased, taking several strands of hair with each bite.

Ike was terrified that he would go bald prematurely without becoming stronger, so he had no choice but to let Fox run rampant above him.

After all, it's the principal's pet, so it's normal for it to have some privileges.

Unlike the phoenix in Ike's memory, Fawke doesn't possess such immense power, even though it is quite magical. Its tears have powerful healing effects, its songs can increase courage for the pure-hearted and release fear for the corrupt. It can freely enter and exit anti-phantom teleportation barriers, and its feathers are also excellent magical materials.

It is a treasure from head to toe, nothing more.

Although Ike was more interested in investigating whether stringing a phoenix together and roasting it over a fire would result in a roasted phoenix or a phoenix rising from the ashes, he abandoned this tempting idea for the sake of his hair.

However, Fox also exhibits many characteristics that Ike is unaware of. It is very sensitive to danger, can calm a wizard's mind, and may even know some ancient runes, occasionally pointing out errors when Ike writes.

As a result, Ike's right hand was wrapped in several bandages.

August has arrived, which means there's only one month left of vacation. The owl had already sent over the reading list for the next school year, and the large number of Gilderoy Lockhart's works was giving Ike a headache.

Hogwarts' annual scholarship is fixed at twenty Galleons, meaning that even if Ike buys old books, he will only have enough left to buy other things.

If it weren't for using the magic stone to create many gold items, Ike wouldn't even have any pocket money left.

Fortunately, Gringotts buys gold, and although the price is exorbitant, the Galon he gets is enough for Ekko to buy the things he's been planning for a long time.

For example, a box that has been enchanted with a seamless stretching spell.

Of course, that's something to think about in a while. This year, Ike doesn't plan to let Julianne see him off. He'll stay at the Leaky Cauldron for a few days and then buy the things he needs for the new school year.

For now, reading is the most important thing.

The familiar figure under the oak tree behind St. Mary's Courtyard has returned. Perhaps it's the effect of the "oak tree guardian" that makes Ike feel safe and relaxed whenever he's near the tree.

Fox also loves the tall oak tree. Whenever Ike sits under the tree, Fox flies up to it, hopping between the branches and even singing.

That was the first time Ike had heard the phoenix's song. It was indescribably beautiful, a melody that made even the soul feel wonderful. Every cell in his body was cheering and jumping for joy, his magic was boiling, and he was more active than ever before.

When the singing stopped, Ike felt his magic power had greatly increased. If he were to use the Philosopher's Stone to turn stones into gold, Ike felt he could directly transform a 75-centimeter-long golden rod before he felt tired.

It grew by half, that's magical.

"The phoenix will sing a song exclusively for the person it loves, which will forever enhance the wizard's magic. Unfortunately, the phoenix will only sing this song for this person once, and it will only have an effect this time."

Dumbledore suddenly appeared under the oak tree, looked at Fawkes who was cheering and jumping among the branches, and explained to Ike with a smile.

"How does it feel?"

"It feels so good." Ike squinted his eyes, stretched, and exclaimed with indescribable comfort.

"Fox hasn't been this happy in a long time." Dumbledore stared, somewhat lost in thought. "Phoenixes belong to no one; they are spirits of nature, born to yearn for nature."

“I can sense that this oak tree is very different, Mr. Strayed.” Dumbledore touched the oak’s thick trunk. “If you listen carefully, you will find that Fawkes is working the magic of this tree. It is faint, but it is real.”

"It has magic?" Ike asked in surprise.

"Of course, wizards will unconsciously influence the things around them, even if the influence is small, it still exists. If a wizard lives in the Muggle world for decades, some strange phenomena will occur, and many stories circulating in the Muggle world originate from this."

"You must really enjoy sitting under this tree, which is why it's been influenced by you and imbued with your magic." Dumbledore adjusted his glasses and beckoned to Fawkes on a branch, who then landed on his shoulder. "In a way, you created a magical plant, Mr. Strayed."

"Really? No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity with it." Ike patted the trunk, and the oak branches swayed slightly, whether in response or from the wind.

"Of course, you could say it's your child." Dumbledore blinked. "Fox has managed its magic, and will conceal its magical fluctuations to avoid detection by the Ministry of Magic."

"The Ministry of Magic does not allow anything with magical power to appear in the Muggle world."

"Well, I really have to thank Fox." Ike reached out to pat Fox's head, but got pecked again. Luckily, he had a band-aid on his hand, so he wasn't hurt again.

"I'm taking Fawkes back. Thank you for taking care of it these past few days, Mr. Strayed." Dumbledore raised his hand, and the Hermes Scroll suddenly appeared in his grasp. "I think it's time for this book to return to where it belongs."

"Of course." Ike's expression remained unchanged, showing no embarrassment at being caught. "It's too profound; I can't understand it at all right now."

"Even I couldn't understand it." Dumbledore nodded and handed Ike a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.

Ike took it and put it on, and saw the vast and terrifying magical power within Dumbledore. Turning his head, he also saw several thin threads emitting a soft light on the oak tree.

"These are glasses that will allow people to see the magic movement more clearly. They are a little gift from Nico. Thank you for protecting the Philosopher's Stone and returning it as promised."

"Thank you," Ike said sincerely. This was a very exquisite alchemical work; mastering it would allow Ike to further improve his alchemy skills.

"No need to thank me. Nico has many things like this. As I said, it's just a 'little gift.'" Dumbledore pushed up his glasses again and winked at Ike.

"By the way, don't worry about the trail. With me here, the Ministry of Magic won't find out." Dumbledore checked the time and said to Ike, "I have some other things to attend to. Goodbye, Mr. Strayed."

Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a crisp "snap" was heard, and Dumbledore and Fawkes vanished from sight.

Ike pushed up his glasses like Dumbledore, looked at the tall oak tree, and couldn't help but smile.

"A small gift? Hehehe..."

It's past midnight, please recommend and vote with monthly tickets.

Here's the book club group number: 714141880

Going to sleep

(End of this chapter)