Chapter 705: Television Interview - (2) |
"Our audience has another question, which concerns the frequently mentioned Secrecy Act. What is its status? Is it akin to a nation's constitution? If so, does that mean wizards worldwide share a single constitution?"
"I'm not entirely sure how a constitution is defined, but as for the Secrecy Act, it's less about restricting wizards and more about keeping magic out of the public eye. We have a specific department dedicated to preventing the misuse of magic..."
An hour had passed by the time the host turned his attention to Hermione, whose expression had stiffened.
"Miss Granger, I've read your name in the newspapers. Are you still a student?"
"Yes, I have one more year until graduation," Hermione said, somewhat reservedly.
"Oh, I assume you must be quite exceptional to be chosen for this interview."
"Well, I, uh," Hermione shook her head, "I wouldn't say I'm the best. It's probably because I excel in the history of magic—that is, wizarding history—and also because of my background—"
"Background?"
"My parents are Muggles, non-magical people."
Hermione smiled, seemingly recalling something amusing.
"I did think that at first, but some strange things happened when I was younger that I remember clearly. So, I sent a letter to the school, which turned out to be unnecessary because the school's professors visit the homes of young witches and wizards from non-magical families."
"Did the professor convince your parents?"
"It was me who was convinced," Hermione corrected.
"How did they do that?" the host asked, noticing the audience's interest in the topic.
Hermione hesitated, but the host encouraged her, "It's okay, our audience is curious—no one can predict if their child might turn out to be one."
Hermione extended her hand, and a cup on the table turned into a beaver the size of a palm. She didn't even use a wand. Perhaps no one in the world knew the structure of this creature better than her, not even wizards who wouldn't spend half an hour each week transforming into a beaver.
Everyone stared unblinkingly at the agile creature on the table, trying to discern if they were under an illusion. The host reached out, but the beaver deftly avoided his hand. It turned back into a cup.
The host lifted the cup, imagining it running around. The audience's gaze followed his movements.
"This must be a subject called Transfiguration."
"Exactly. Besides Transfiguration, what other subjects are there?"
"Charms, potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, herbology, the history of magic, ancient runes, care of magical creatures..."
"The magic demonstrated in front of the parliament building that day belonged to—"
"An introductory level of ancient runes magic."
...
The discussion became more specific. The host adeptly navigated through various topics, gradually discovering the differences among the three guests. Slughorn enjoyed discussing social connections, allowing the audience to weave a vast network in their minds, like a naturalist; however, the old man also tended to boast.
Mr. Weasley was well-versed in the workings of the Ministry of Magic but preferred safer topics, such as family and friends. The host understood his concerns and steered the conversation in that direction, resulting in a pleasant exchange.
Hermione Granger, a student, surprised the host the most. When discussing wizarding history, she spoke for ten minutes straight and seemed to anticipate that few in the audience were familiar with historical dates. She thoughtfully supplemented her points with corresponding British history.
For instance, Henry VII had once recruited real wizards as court sorcerers. Naturally, the topic of witch hunts was mutually avoided. The host privately thought that as wizarding information became increasingly disclosed, anyone with a semblance of sense would doubt that part of history: How many wizards were actually burned at the stake? Revealing that ratio might despair many, possibly explaining the collective silence among religious groups.
"Miss Granger, what's your view on wizards being exposed to the public? As someone who understands both sides, which do you lean towards?"
"I believe in resolving issues through negotiation for peaceful coexistence," Hermione said, dodging the heavier implications.
"But now, negotiations have stalled. Wizards are unwilling to adhere to modern laws; you must understand the risks involved?" the host asked, not to corner her but recognizing her sharp political acumen.
"Wizards have their own laws that have functioned well until now." Hermione emphasized, "New laws haven't been established yet, so it's necessary to continue with the old ones. Moreover, new laws shouldn't be crafted from one side's perspective but should be convincing and acceptable to both—there was a professor who taught me in third year, he said—the purpose
of laws is to express our expectations for society with limited words."
Hermione carefully articulated, "In my view, laws can't fully predict human behavior and always face new challenges, like our current situation—these issues are hard to resolve short-term, but the relationship between the two sides must not stagnate. The best approach is to stop and think about what we truly want—conflict or peace? Without clarity, even a thousand or ten thousand laws are futile."
"This is a clash of philosophies."
Hermione concluded passionately, revealing her genuine thoughts for the first time. The audience was silent, and she instinctively looked for their reaction, only to widen her eyes in shock—there was a familiar face in the crowd.
It was Professor Harp! Wearing a bright blue suit with striped trousers, he was smiling and applauding as if to say, "Well done."
She glanced around stealthily; no one else seemed to notice anything amiss. Instead, they seemed inspired and began applauding as well. The host asked another question, but she didn't pay attention.
"Miss Granger? Miss Granger?" the host called her.
Hermione quickly refocused, apologizing softly, "Sorry, I didn't catch that?"
The audience chuckled.
"Oh, my question was, you seem very confident about the future?"
Hermione, slightly embarrassed by her earlier panic, but surprisingly calm, consciously smoothed her hair and after a few seconds, earnestly replied:
"Indeed, I believe it's inevitable. There have been periods in history when ordinary people and wizards lived together, so we're not creating history but inheriting and continuing a segment from many years. The question is whether we choose suffering or a more promising path, despite both being fraught with thorns. My companions and I are prepared..."
Felix Harp was momentarily lost in thought. How many could realize that while the elderly reminisce about the past, the young dream of the future, representing it themselves? Magic is a power that touches the soul, and in this grand era, how many wizards will stand out?
He envisioned the curtain slowly rising, not on a one-person drama.
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