July 1992, London.
In a tall building in the busy West End, people were working hard, chatting and typing away. In a small meeting room, an important conversation was happening.
“Felix, are you sure about this? You’ve only been here for a year, but everyone recognizes your talent. If you stay, you’ll achieve great things!” said a middle-aged British man in a fancy suit, his hair perfectly styled.
Felix, a young man with a handsome face and striking blue eyes, smiled and replied, “Boss, I’ve made up my mind.”
The boss looked at Felix for a moment, seeing his determination, and sighed. “Alright, you win.”
Felix smiled gently, stood up, and grabbed his suit from the chair. He shook hands with the boss, who also stood up. The boss leaned in, hugged Felix tightly, and whispered, “Everyone has their own dreams. We’re losing a talented newcomer.”
Felix blinked and said, “I believe better opportunities will come.”
Thirty minutes later, Felix packed his things and left the building. As he walked towards the exit, he looked at the busy street with excitement in his heart.
——
Carrying a small suitcase, Felix walked down the street, dodging passing cars. He enjoyed looking at the different car brands and styles.
“Vintage cars, cool!”
He walked with light steps, not feeling tired despite the long journey. Instead, he felt excited.
After nearly an hour, Felix finally reached his temporary home in the city.
The street became more familiar, and he greeted a few familiar faces. “Hi, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Harp.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Felix stood in front of his own house.
He took out the keys and opened the door.
Stepping inside, he closed the door behind him.
“Ah!”
Felix exclaimed with joy, closing his eyes and stretching his arms wide. Suddenly, his ordinary house came to life.
His suitcase slipped from his hand, floating and flying towards the cabinet. The cabinet doors opened automatically, making room for the suitcase to settle among the clothes hanging on the rack.
Felix’s suit and shirt undressed themselves, and his tie hopped off his neck, hanging neatly on the wardrobe bar. There were three other colorful ties beside it.
His belt loosened, and his trousers separated as he took a step forward. A blue silk dressing gown flew out and draped over him, fastening itself with buttons.
Felix snapped his fingers, and soft music began playing. He conducted with his hands like a maestro while the kitchen filled with clinking sounds. Soon, a cup of hot coffee floated in front of him.
He lifted the cup, taking a sip, and smiled with great satisfaction.
—–
Felix Harp was not only a recent job quitter but also a grown-up wizard.
He graduated from Hogwarts, the finest magical school in Britain.
Ten years had passed since Felix received the letter with the ornate crest from the orphanage. In those ten years, he graduated from Hogwarts and grew from a young boy into a 21-year-old man.
“Time flies. It’s been three years since I graduated,” Felix reflected as he sat on the sofa, feeling nostalgic.
Then, in a slightly solemn tone, he murmured, “And it’s been 21 years since the time travel.”
Indeed, apart from being a freelance professional and a hidden wizard, Felix had the deepest secret of all—he was a time traveler.
When he received the invitation from the magical world, he couldn’t believe his luck. The world of Harry Potter, the magical adventures of the trio!
But sadly, they were not from the same era. Felix realized he was nine years older than Harry Potter. He wouldn’t even have a chance to see him during his entire school life.
Felix admitted he wasn’t a die-hard “Potterhead,” and his knowledge of the plot was only partial.
Partial knowledge.
After all, he couldn’t foresee his journey into the real magical world. If he had known in advance, he would have memorized every detail!
To grasp some understanding of the plot, he relied on short videos and tried to piece together the storyline.
But remembering all the details? That was wishful thinking.
Fortunately, what truly captivated Felix was the captivating magic of the tangible, living magical world. And he had gained access to it all.
As evening approached, Felix sat at his desk, quietly flipping through a magical book. The ticking clock made him feel a bit restless, disrupting his usual calmness.
He was waiting for an important letter.
And finally, he heard it—a tapping sound on the window. A silent owl perched on the windowsill, gently tapping the glass.
“At last!” Felix’s heart raced, and he quickly grabbed his wand, waving it lightly. The window opened by itself, allowing the owl to fly inside.
The owl circled overhead twice before dropping an envelope on the desk. It casually settled down, pecking at its feathers.
Felix eagerly picked up the envelope. On the back, there was a wax seal—an emblem with a shield and a big “H” surrounded by an eagle, lion, badger, and serpent.
He opened the envelope and read the letter:
Dear Mr. Felix Harp,
We are happy to inform you that your application for employment (Muggle Studies) has been accepted. The interview will be held on July 21st at 10 o’clock in the morning. Please prepare accordingly.
Note: Please use Floo Powder to enter the school (location: Deputy Headmistress’s office at Hogwarts). If you prefer another method, kindly let us know in advance.
Deputy Headmistress (Female) Minerva McGonagall
Felix couldn’t contain his excitement. He pumped his fist and finished his cup of tea in one gulp!
