"HP: Too Late, System!"Chapter 313: The Godric's Hollow Memorial Ceremony (Part One)
At the break of dawn in Godric's Hollow, the Muggles awoke from their warm beds, blinking away sleep with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
As they rubbed their eyes, they caught sight of crowds weaving through the village—people dressed in elaborate, outlandish garments, as if they'd stepped straight out of ancient legends or distant fairy tales. These unexpected visitors moved with steady, purposeful strides, all converging on the village square at the center of town.
It had been more than a decade since this peaceful valley last witnessed such a spectacle of oddly dressed strangers. That distant memory felt like a dream, now revived—stirring ripples of wonder among the villagers.
Yet, none of them noticed a peculiar pattern: whenever a local tried to approach the bustling square, hoping to discover what event could possibly merit such a gathering, they'd inexplicably remember some urgent errand halfway there—perhaps the stew needed stirring, or the lambs in the pen needed feeding. One by one, they found themselves compelled to turn back, never making it even a step closer to the enigmatic square.
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the square, Mr. Slane, Douglas's editor, was surrounded by an anxious crowd of readers. Their faces were a tapestry of anticipation, confusion, and a hint of disappointment.
Dressed in a dark suit, Slane maintained his professional composure despite the awkwardness of the moment.
"Oh, my dear readers, I do understand how you feel," he said, forcing a wry smile as a storm of questions rained down on him.
"I promise you, I've received every letter you sent and read them all carefully. But, as for your questions—Professor Holmes simply hasn't replied with any new updates lately."
Someone in the crowd broke in impatiently, "Then why did Professor Holmes suddenly stop updating his novel? Every week I write to him, hoping for news—have you really passed on all our letters to him?"
Another fan chimed in, worry etched on her face, "And you haven't been seen in Diagon Alley lately either. Does this mean Professor Holmes really intends to stop writing? Are you planning to disappear as well?"
Slane's smile grew more rueful, but his eyes shone with genuine sympathy. "Actually, I came here today hoping to find Douglas himself," he explained, shaking his head. "Truth is, I haven't seen him for some time now. And what frustrates me most is that he's been busy writing articles for the Daily Prophet instead of bringing us the captivating stories we all crave. I condemn him for it just as strongly as you do…"
Elsewhere, some villagers found themselves puzzled. They could've sworn the Potter family home was somewhere in the village, yet no matter how hard they searched, it was nowhere to be found.
(The Fidelius Charm doesn't erase all knowledge of a place or person, but ensures that even if a non-Secret-Keeper stands right at the doorstep, they can't enter or see the person inside. See: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 11.)
At the valley's edge, where the road met the village, Tonks stood facing the rising sun. Her grip on her wand was tight, and her hair shifted colors with every heartbeat—a silent testament to her inner turmoil.
Soon, a bus rolled into view. Discreetly, Tonks signaled to the group behind her, then adopted a cheerful smile as the bus drew to a stop.
Just yesterday, accompanied by Professor Sprout and Professor Holmes, they'd visited a Muggle botanical research institute.
Even Professor Sprout—the renowned expert in magical plants—had been astonished by the depth of Muggle botanical science. While the wizarding world had always focused on crafting environments to suit magical plants, Muggles had, in recent decades, ventured into the microscopic realm, pioneering cell engineering, genetic engineering, and new methods for rapidly breeding entirely novel plant species.
In fact, the past twenty years had seen Muggles delve into ecological engineering and the regulation of Earth's biosphere—ideas that sparked a flash of inspiration in Professor Sprout.
What if she could create a new magical biosphere in a closed environment, using magical plants and creatures? If the ecosystem reached a perfect balance, it could become entirely independent of the outside world. Borrowing Muggle theories, she might even be able to breed new magical plants—a feat nearly unheard of in wizarding history. Traditionally, magical plants were only discovered and cultivated; no one had ever bred an entirely new species. But with Muggle microtheories, perhaps it was possible.
Taking Douglas's advice, Professor Sprout had each student write a unique essay based on their visit to the institute. She believed that even the students who struggled in Herbology might have brilliant ideas that could spark her own creativity.
Of course, as Douglas's former Head of House, Professor Sprout had smiled as she gave him a parting challenge:
"Douglas, I remember you earned an Outstanding in Herbology when you were at school, and you arranged this whole visit. Would you be interested in writing a more in-depth paper? We could discuss it together."
Douglas's lips twitched as he pointed at himself in mock surprise. "Me? A paper? That's not necessary, Professor. I know a bit about Muggle botany—we can just discuss things directly."
Professor Sprout gave him a meaningful look. "Make it a deep one…"
No sooner had she left than George and Fred rushed up, bowing deeply. "Good morning, Senior!"
Sirius—arm thrown around Harry—laughed heartily from the sidelines.
Douglas swept his gaze over the students, then said to Sirius with a wicked grin, "Well, the boss has a new assignment for you—a paper, minimum ten pages…"
Sirius (°ー°〃)
As the bus neared Godric's Hollow, its exterior shimmered into stripes of red, green, blue, and yellow. At Tonks's wave, the vehicle glided to a gentle halt. The moment its wheels settled into the earth, the door swung open with elegant precision.
Douglas was the first to step out, clad in a perfectly tailored, jet-black suit that sculpted his figure with statuesque poise. Deep black sunglasses lent him an air of mystery and nobility.
When Tonks caught sight of the glittering Hogwarts badge pinned to his chest, her eyes lit up, and her hair flashed a brilliant, fiery red.
Next came Sirius—the usually carefree and rebellious man now dressed in a rare black suit. The silk-smooth fabric hugged his athletic frame, making him look every bit the dashing wizard. As he stepped from the car, he paused, gazing at the village. Memories flooded back—James bringing him here for the first time, the two of them still underage, arriving like Muggles by car… Before he could drift too far into nostalgia, Douglas gave him a gentle tug, snapping him back to the present.
Just as Sirius regained his focus, Harry Potter led a grand procession of Hogwarts students out of the bus. They all wore the black robes that symbolized the dignity and honor of Hogwarts, just as they had on their very first day. Each chest bore the gleaming Hogwarts crest—a badge that pulsed like a living heart, binding their faith together.
Some students had even pinned their individual house badges beside the Hogwarts crest—gold, blue, red, and green intertwining, a vibrant display of the unique spirit and unity of all four Hogwarts houses.
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