Everyday Life of a Top Student at Hogwarts

Chapter 256 News from the Daily Prophet

Chapter 256 News from the Daily Prophet

Thursday morning, Hogwarts' Great Hall was as noisy as ever. Long tables were piled high with food, and owls flapped their wings and swam into the hall, dropping letters and packages into the students' hands.

At the Ravenclaw table, Cullen was sipping pumpkin juice while flipping through the journal *Transfiguration Today*, pondering an article about the influence of emotions on non-biological transformations. Ernesto was discussing yesterday's paper from the History of Magic class with Fabian, while Wesley was attacking a plate of smoked eggs and meat.

Just then, a large flock of owls swooped in, several of them carrying the latest issue of the Daily Prophet.

It was left on the Ravenclaw table.

"Oh, the newspaper's here." Wesley grabbed a copy and habitually flipped to the Quidditch section first. "Let me see the result of yesterday's Falmouth Falcons vs. Pudmere United game—wow! The Falcons' new Seeker is really good!"

Ernesto also took a copy, focusing more on the international news section. Fabian, on the other hand, was interested in the fantastic animal conservation column.

Karen paid no attention to this until Wesley suddenly let out a loud scream, nearly choking on the smoked meat in his mouth.

"Merlin's wrinkled face! Karen! Look! You're in the newspaper!" Wesley excitedly waved the newspaper in his hand, almost hitting a second-year student on the back of the head.

"What?" Karen looked up from the journal, somewhat puzzled.

"Here! Under the front page!" Wesley shoved the newspaper almost under Karen's nose, tapping the page hard with his finger.

Ernesto and Fabian immediately joined them. Sure enough, below the front-page news about a Ministry of Magic budget debate, there was a prominent headline:

Technological Innovation or Magical Miracle? Hogwarts Students' Inventions Change the Quidditch Arena

The subtitle reads: "Master of Magical Sports, Kelburn, praises the 'Quidditch Eye' system."

The article was accompanied by a small animated photo, which appeared to be a corner of a Quidditch stadium, showing several blurry figures operating some kind of equipment.

"Quick, see what it says!" Ernesto urged, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses.

Karen took the newspaper and quickly skimmed through it. The article devoted considerable space to describing the application of the "Quidditch Eye" system in recent professional league tests, praising how it "greatly assisted the referees' work," "reduced controversial calls," and "provided unprecedentedly accurate data for tactical analysis."

The reporter interviewed Mr. Kelburn, Director of the Department of Magical Sports. A shrewd and capable-looking wizard in the photo smiles and says: "—This is a revolutionary invention, demonstrating the innovative spirit of the younger generation in the wizarding world. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has once again demonstrated its exceptional ability to cultivate top wizards—we are very grateful to Professor Flitwick and his students, especially Mr. Karen Hawthorne and the members of the Charms Club, for bringing us such a brilliant creation—the Ministry of Magic is actively evaluating the possibility of extending this system to all levels of leagues and even the Quidditch World Cup—"

The article also mentions at the end that the invention is continuing to be tested and refined within Hogwarts and is expected to make its public debut at the upcoming House Cup finals.

"Merlin! Cullen! Your invention is a success!" Wesley exclaimed excitedly, almost jumping onto the bench. "The Minister of Magic specifically praised you! And he's even going to promote it for the World Cup!"

His loud voice attracted the attention of the surrounding Ravenclaw students. Soon, the newspaper was being circulated, and exclamations of amazement and congratulations filled the air.

"That's amazing, Hawthorne!"

"I knew that system was something special!"

"Now Ravenclaw can finally get some recognition!"

The commotion also reached the other houses' long tables, and many students looked over curiously, whispering amongst themselves. Cedric Diggory, at the Hufflepuff table, smiled and gave Cullen a thumbs-up. At the Gryffindor long table, Harry, Ron, and Hermione also saw the newspaper. Ron looked incredulous, Hermione was pure admiration, and Harry seemed both curious and impressed.

Ernesto patted Karen on the shoulder forcefully, his face trying to remain calm, but the upturned corners of his mouth betrayed him: "Well done, Karen. You deserve it."

Fabian nodded with a smile: "This will definitely change Quidditch, Cullen. Think about it, there will be far fewer controversial calls in the future."

Karen merely smiled slightly at the surrounding noise and congratulations, handing the newspaper back to Wesley. "Thank you. But this is mainly the result of the entire Charms Club's efforts, with Professor Flitwick providing a lot of guidance." His tone was indifferent, as if the newspaper report were someone else's story.

"Come on, Karen!" Wesley grumbled. "You're the main inventor! Who in your club doesn't know? You should be happy! It's on the front page of the Daily Prophet! Just imagine how proud your mother would be if she saw this!"

“My mother would be more concerned about whether I ate breakfast on time,” Karen said, picking up a piece of bread, her tone still calm. “Besides, Wesley, reputation is a double-edged sword. It can bring praise now, but it could also attract unnecessary trouble and attention the next second.” He thought of the Selwyn family; although they had been suppressed, who knew if they would harbor even more resentment because of it? He also thought of other people who might covet this technology. Not to mention Voldemort, lurking in the shadows.

Ernesto nodded thoughtfully: "Karen is right. Excessive attention is not necessarily a good thing, especially since this invention involves considerable interests."

"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport," Wesley muttered, but carefully folded the newspaper, clearly intending to keep it. "At least today's a good day. Right, Karen?"

Karen smiled. "Of course. It feels really good to see your ideas become reality and actually work." His real joy came from the validation and recognition of the technology itself, not from the empty praise in the newspapers. He was more concerned about what aspects of the system could be improved and how to cope with the actual test of the upcoming Academy Cup finals.

Just then, an owl flew by and dropped a note for Karen. It was from Professor Flitwick, and the handwriting showed his excitement: "Karen, did you see the newspaper? That's wonderful! Would it be convenient for you to come to my office after class? We need to discuss Director Kelburn's letter. —Flitwick"

Karen put away the note and said to her roommates, "Professor Flitwick wants to see me. It seems the newspaper article was just the beginning."

He quickly finished his breakfast and left the auditorium amidst a chorus of "Congratulations," his expression remaining calm and focused.

The noise outside was irrelevant to him; he was contemplating the "letter" Professor Flitwick had mentioned and the practical problems he might face next. Reputation was merely a byproduct; ability and results were what truly mattered.