Contract, this is an extremely important existence in the magic world.
Modern wizards generally believe that the discovery and perfection of the "contract" marks the beginning of the transformation of magic from a disordered innate instinct into a complete, controllable ability. Since then, magic has also entered a long period of rapid development.
.
"Wizards use spells, magic words, and gestures supplemented by magical media, which are now wands, to sign contracts with nature, so that their magic can cause more magnificent phenomena, such as summoning floods and burning the wilderness.
"
In the Gryffindor common room, Percy Weasley was sitting on a small stool, holding a book and reading slowly.
Beside him, a group of children who were listening to the story sat obediently on the carpet, eating snacks and listening to the prefect's popular science knowledge about the rituals and the origins of festivals in the magical world - this was much more interesting than Professor Binns' History of Magic
Already.
With the experience of contributing to "The New Quibbler" these days, the relationship between the Weasley twins and their somewhat old-fashioned third brother has become much closer. Percy no longer completely thinks that these two younger brothers will only
George and Fred also experienced Percy's seriousness and responsibility when he helped them revise the manuscript over and over again.
Therefore, George and Fred, like Harry and Ron, listened carefully to Percy's story with Jio in his lap.
"In addition, there are many kinds of contracts within the narrow scope."
Percy Weasley moved his fingers over the pages of the book, reading the words on it quietly and slowly.
"We wizards sign contracts with other magical creatures to jointly resist dangerous environments and enemies; we wizards sign contracts with each other to exchange knowledge and build trust to keep secrets; of course, wizards also sign contracts with Muggles, and we
Use your magic to help them, and they provide the wizards with the supplies they need every day."
"Contracts have a very special meaning for wizards, so as early as the early days of the solar calendar, we established December 25th every year as the birthday of Mithras, the god of contracts, and hung fir trees with glittering lights
Celebrate this festival by giving each other gifts to relatives and friends.”
"After learning about this custom of wizards, Muggles in the non-magical world also imitated the festival celebrations, hoping to get a glimpse of the power of magic and pray for luck in the next year. Later, in the non-magical world,
The derivation of religious festivals in the world, as well as the changes of Mithras in Muggle mythology, mostly come from this."
"I see, is it because of the birthday of the God of Contract?"
Elena nodded thoughtfully.
Although it was the first time she heard what Percy Weasley read in the book, judging from many signs in the non-magical world, from this aspect, most of the records can indeed be found that match it.
and mythological and historical materials.
"That's right! In addition, the book says that the correct name of this festival is actually yule or yuletide, the word form is gēol, which originates from the Old Norse jol, and its original meaning is "midwinter festival"
】.”
Percy looked around at the brothers and sisters sitting around him and explained with a smile.
"It is said that in ancient times, both wizards and Muggles would pay special attention to the contracts made during this period, treating them as important agreements directly witnessed by the God of Contract - any promise made at this time,
They all have magical powers."
"Eh?!"
"Really?!"
"Oh my God, I have to change my wish quickly."
After hearing Percy's words, there was a commotion among the little guys around him.
Even Elena, who has always believed in science, couldn't help but have a bit of caution on her face - metaphysics doesn't cost money anyway, so until science comes to an end, you still have to believe in it.
"Okay, the story is over..."
Percy Weasley closed the book and showed a hearty smile.
"All in all, these are quite ancient legends, and they are just a good sign."
"But, Percy, why did you suddenly think of studying these contents?"
George Weasley raised his eyebrows and looked at Percy curiously, "I remember at the beginning of the semester, didn't you say you were going to prepare for the Ordinary Wizarding Qualification Examination and run for President of the Male Students?"
"Because this is the direction I chose for my academic thesis."
Percy sighed helplessly and patted the tome in his hand with a complicated expression, looking a little embarrassed.
"During this period, there have been rumors that starting from the next school year, the selection criteria for prefects and male and female student presidents will be clearer and clearer. In addition to the evaluations of professors and principals of each college, they must also refer to publications in core journals in the magical world.
The situation of academic papers - the passing rate of submissions in popular subjects is really difficult, so..."
"Wow, let me tell you... why did our prefect suddenly start studying these contents."
Fred Weasley screamed strangely, with a look of excitement on his face, "So, from next semester, Gryffindor will have a male student president covering us?"
"Then why don't you hurry up and please the future Chairman? Come on, Chairman Percy, please give me some chocolate."
George Weasley nudged Fred with his elbow, quickly opened a Ferrero Rocher ball and handed it to Percy's hand, and said loudly with a pompous face, just like a respectful house elf.
"That's right, Chairman Percy, eat sausage!"
"Dear Lord Percy, would you like an orange?"
"Percy..."
"That's enough for you, don't... my mouth... can't fit... full..."
In this way, the Gryffindor lounge soon became lively again. As the feeling of unfamiliarity gradually dissipated, Elena finally put aside all her previous worries for the time being and happily enjoyed the wonderful holiday life.
In addition to going to bed every night, she would deal with and give some advice on matters in the former Soviet Union.
The rest of the time, she played with everyone like an ordinary little witch.
After waking up on time every morning, Elena rushed directly to the boys' dormitory and woke up the boys who were lying in bed one by one. Then a group of people went from Gryffindor Tower to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Then play a snowball fight in the yard, or go to the lounge to play poker, chess, read a book and chat...
Time flies by like this, and the Christmas holiday is finally coming to an end.
Or to be more precise, the birthday celebration of Mithras, the god of contracts in the magical world, is coming to an end.
…
Somewhere in Scotland.
This is an extremely well-decorated three-story single-family villa. Muggle expulsion spells are placed around the house to avoid British government officials who come to collect taxes, count the population, or send warmth to the community.
Several middle-aged men in elegant black trench coats gathered in the shadows not far from the house, talking quietly.
"Then this is it. Make sure he's home, right?"
"Yes, although he is very vigilant, we locked down this area by sending owls based on the magazine's royalties and sending letters disguised as his fans."
"Well, be careful. We have been laughed at by those guys for almost a week since the last invitation to the bookstore failed."
"Don't worry, this time the floo network has been blocked in advance, and the Apparition... There are people watching from the sky - even if there is a fire dragon in its prime, it can't escape."
"Very good, let's get started. In short, let's implement plan one first."
The leader nodded, straightened the collar of his windbreaker, took out his wand, and walked forward unhurriedly and knocked on the door.
"Hello, dear Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart, I am a reporter from "The New Quibbler" and I have a lucrative exclusive contract that I would like to discuss with you."