A certain Hogwarts professor of runes.

“Okay,” Felix clicked his tongue, looking at the sketch in his hand and stroking its surface repeatedly. “So, in your professional opinion, is the idea I just mentioned feasible?”

Andes didn't answer. This time he thought for a longer time, and the more he thought about it, the more excited he became, circling the room repeatedly.

"Absolutely feasible! This is a breakthrough for the magical world! My God, we'll be an instant sensation!"

"If you were asked to improve, how long do you think it would take?"

“It’s hard to say. This is a new technology, so it will definitely take time. I already have two ideas, and I haven’t been idle all these years. My grandfather’s research can also help. But the magic has changed, and the whole process needs to be adjusted, including re-selecting the most suitable comic book medium and paint. This will take time, and it will also require—” Andes stopped awkwardly.

"Need money again?"

"……yes."

Felix considered for a moment, "I can offer about 20,000 Galleons, but what will I get in return?"

Andes looked conflicted; he hesitated. This was a crucial choice, one that might bring LCA comics back to life in his hands.

But his judgments over the past decade or so have all been wrong. What about this time?

“Are you Felix Heap?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Felix glanced at him, as if to say, "What do you mean? I've already introduced myself." The little elf Dobby, however, proudly stepped forward and said, "That's right, this is the great Mr. Felix Heap!"

Andes glanced at Dobby, not paying much attention, and looked at Felix slowly, saying, "I've asked around recently, and they say you have a lot of energy."

"Just say what you mean, Andis, don't beat around the bush."

“Five thousand Galleons! If you can help me get things done with the Ministry of Magic, I’m willing to convert this money into an investment, into 20% of the publishing house, no! 30% of the shares.”

"Take care of the Ministry of Magic?"

“I hope this book will receive an official recommendation and be placed in bookstores in other countries. That would save a lot of time,” Andes said.

"What's the problem?"

“It’s associated with some pure-blood families, and they might not like this book,” Andes said hesitantly.

"But none of my previous books were affected?" Felix asked curiously.

“Different publishers are different. I have a history of this, plus the subject matter of your book…” he implied. Felix understood, so your previous publications offended some people, right?

“I need to see your controversial drawings first.” Felix didn’t rush to agree.

If there's something wrong with Andes, he'll refuse without hesitation.

After a while, Felix looked up from a manuscript. He had only obtained the sales data from LCA Publishing House, but had not yet read all the books.

It's clear that Andy has been working hard to revitalize the publishing house over the years, with a variety of themes. However, one of his books features a pure-blood family as the villain, and although he didn't specify which family, it clearly caused some dissatisfaction.

Although in his view, this was a perfectly normal creative process.

"Tsk tsk!"

Felix pondered for a moment. He would need to pay 5000 Galleons, as well as limited time and energy, and deal with any potential troubles; the reward would be a 30% stake in the other party.

He is also optimistic about the development of new technologies and has confidence in LCA.

"Okay, but I need all your magic data."

Andes paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, that's your right, as long as you don't reveal it casually."

Felix nodded, then he was fine.

Money was a minor matter; what he valued most was this unique magic. At least it would provide a stable income in the future, saving him the trouble of resorting to black market extortion.

This is different from the 50% share the twins mentioned; he had no intention of taking that money at all.

Andes said to him, "Let's sign a magic contract; it will put both of us at ease."

Felix had no reason to refuse. He took out a piece of parchment, on which appeared a string of golden words, outlining the obligations and rights of both parties. Then, each left their name and blood.

Under the watchful eyes of the three, the golden flames burned the parchment to ashes, but the writing on it shone brightly, condensing in mid-air.

Soon, the gold lettering melted and coalesced into two small, glowing orbs. Felix and Andes each took one.

This contract is a common type of "witness contract," which is not legally binding but is protected by the Ministry of Magic. If any problems arise, simply take the ball to the Ministry of Magic and they will step in to resolve the issue.

Holding the Contract Orb in his hand, Andes breathed a sigh of relief.

He could say he was betting part of his future, but he was now full of anticipation because a friend of his mysteriously said, "You'll never have to worry about losing out when you work with that man. He's a proud Slytherin, unlike those greedy pure-blood trash."

Felix looked at the elf. "Dobby, I need you to come at least once a day to inquire about the progress and any troubles. If necessary, you can represent me in negotiations with the pure-blood families." He tapped the elf's chest with his wand, and an eight-shaped ouroboros symbol appeared.

The pattern remains still, but when you look at it, it moves rapidly, its emerald green snake eyes gleaming.

This is the mark Felix had printed on his clothes when he was in fifth grade. Many pure-blood families remember it, but it's not used much now.

"Dobby, Dobby probably can't..." the little elf said fearfully.

"When you were with the Malfoys, you also had the job of delivering letters, right?"

"But, but Dobby is just a messenger, his role is similar to that of an owl."

“Then give it a try. If you encounter any problems you can’t solve, come to me,” Felix said calmly. “I’d also like to know who will come looking for trouble with me.”

Chapter 180 Phineas Black's Commission

Felix walked out of the LA building. It was already noon. He stopped by Little Red Book Book Company on the way, and to his surprise, the sample copy of his book, "The 'Magic' of the Muggle World," was already finished.

'That's incredibly efficient; I didn't have to worry about a thing.'

This book, as a serious popular science work, is in line with his previous two monographs on Muggle studies and has the potential to become a series.

At least that's what the elegant lady in the purple dress told him.

Felix also specifically inquired about things he hadn't paid attention to before, such as how his books went beyond Britain and sold all over the world.

From her answer, Felix realized that there were two ways to distribute the book worldwide. One was to obtain a recommendation from one's own country's Ministry of Magic, but this method had limited slots and, because it was an official action, might be resisted by some countries; the other way was to become a member of the International Federation of Wizarding Publishers.

The International Federation of Wizarding Publishers is a relatively loose international wizarding organization whose members are top publishers from different countries. They hold meetings every March and September to select some valuable books.

These lucky books will be taken to magic bookstores in different countries for sale.

Felix, unaware of the benefits he had received, expressed his gratitude once again.

“Your book is excellent, Mr. Hyp. It’s a win-win situation for us.”

……

Felix returned to the school, and many professors returned as well. Professor McGonagall and Flitwick decorated the auditorium, and they were in high spirits; Professor McGonagall even hummed a little tune.

The tall and imposing Hagrid walked in carrying two three-meter-long pine trees. Flitwick gracefully waved his wand, causing them to stand in a corner of the Great Hall and be adorned with colorful paper ribbons.

"Felix," Hagrid greeted him gruffly.

"Hagrid, how's the lesson preparation going?" Felix asked.

Hagrid said cheerfully, "It went fairly smoothly. I went to the library and looked up a lot of information. I specifically searched through all the new books on the market, and I dare say that the textbook I chose is absolutely interesting."

"I remember the textbook for this course was always 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'?"

“Ah, that’s a textbook for older grades. I tried something new in third grade… You told me that innovation needs a test subject, and only if it succeeds can it be promoted to everyone.”

"I'm looking forward to it, Hagrid."

Tomorrow is the first day of school, and the professors gathered at a square table for dinner that evening. Even Professor Trelawney, who is usually elusive, came wearing a scarf.

She whispered to a house-elf, "Get me some sherry, my dear."

The little elf stammered, "Okay, okay, ma'am."

Her figure disappeared, and a moment later she reappeared, staggering, carrying a large wine bottle. "I'm sorry, I couldn't find a small bottle, this is the only one I have."

"Ha!" Trelawney's eyes lit up. "It's alright, this is good too, very good."

"Would you like some?" she asked Felix, shaking the bottle and letting the liquor slosh around.

"No, thank you," Felix politely declined.

Trelawney poured herself a drink, and Professor Bubbaje next to her also took a small sip.

This was Dumbledore's first appearance since their meeting in France. He seemed to be in good spirits, smiling as he accepted a plate of brown pastries from Flitwick. Felix thought it was probably because he had just been freed from a tedious job.

After dinner, he called Felix over.

“Wait, Felix. Nick has a few books he asked me to bring to you,” Dumbledore said, blinking.

So the two went to the headmaster's office, where Dumbledore said in a light tone, "Wait a moment, I've placed it on my bedside table in the bedroom. I read a bit of it every day while you're away."

Felix nodded, watching him walk up the spiral staircase and disappear into the second-floor office space.

"That's Dumbledore's bedroom, I wonder what it's like?" he thought with some curiosity.

The principal's office hadn't changed much. The spacious, round room was filled with all sorts of amusing noises: the phoenix Fox on its gilded perch breathed rhythmically, the silverware on the long-legged table jingled as it spun, and the portraits of past principals on the walls emitted a series of snores.

Felix stared at the Sorting Hat, which lay quietly on the partition, hesitating whether to pick it up and examine it.

“Hey, Slytherin brat!” said an unpleasant voice.

Felix turned his head and looked over. It was a portrait on the wall, and at the bottom of the portrait was a line of small, gilded characters.

Phineas Nigellus Black, served from 1847 to 1925, and graduated from Slytherin.

Felix asked, "Principal Black, were you calling me?"

The portrait in the painting hummed, "What else? Are there any other living people in this house?" His goatee twitched, and his eyebrows were thin and long, making him look quite unpleasant.

At that moment, he reached out and grabbed the photo frame. "Come closer, I have something to tell you," he said, his tone becoming urgent when Felix remained motionless. "It'll be good for you!"

Felix was filled with doubt; surely he wouldn't get any benefits. Nevertheless, he walked up to Principal Black's portrait.

The snoring in the other portraits has disappeared; they either open their eyes wide to look around or half-close their eyes, closely watching the interaction between them.

But Principal Black didn't say anything, perhaps because even if he was unhappy, there was nothing he could do. So he said as quietly as possible, "Have you ever heard of Sirius Black?"

“I’ve heard of him. He’s a celebrity now. He escaped from Azkaban three weeks ago,” Felix said.

Principal Blake was taken aback, and said with some embarrassment, "That's a descendant of the noble Blake family, my great-great-grandson!"

"Oh."

“What do you mean, you naughty boy!” Headmaster Black hissed, but then he said slyly, “We’re all Slytherins, boy, I know what you’re thinking…”

“Listen, the Black family has a long history, and their old house has a rich collection of books that Hogwarts can’t compare to. Want them? Do me a favor.”

"what's up?"