"Yes, ancient Greece was a remarkably glorious era in magical history."
In the staff lounge, a lively discussion unfolded.
"Whether it's Atlantis, the most extensive wizarding settlement in history, or magical institutions like the Academy of Athens, they all underscore this fact," Flitwick said.
Felix also nodded in agreement. "That era was indeed glorious. However, what intrigues me is whether Atlantis served as a vast safe haven, and whether ordinary people were aware of the existence of wizards."
As he spoke, he savored a sip of black tea. Professor Sprout's black tea was the finest he had tasted since arriving.
Flitwick pondered for a moment, sitting no shorter than the others. His exclusive chair provided a footrest, adding to his comfort.
Shaking his head, Flitwick continued, "There's currently no definitive answer to this question. Two prevailing theories exist. I discussed this with Bathilda Bagshot decades ago. She believed that the Muggles of that era were aware of wizards' existence due to the tradition of deity worship in ancient Greece. Wizards of that time didn't conceal their abilities extensively."
"The other theory comes from Professor Binns," Flitwick said, gesturing towards the old ghost resting nearby.
"According to Plato's Dialogues, Atlantis is described as a sunken city. This suggests that Atlantis only became known to the public after Plato's documentation. It also implies that Muggles of that time were unaware of Atlantis, let alone wizards."
"Yes, that's what I was saying," a somewhat dry voice interjected. "After Atlantis was submerged by the flood, some chose to establish the Academy of Athens as an alternative, while others continued practicing magic in Atlantis. Wizards aren't particularly bothered by underwater environments; a bit of magic suffices."
"What about the flood?" Felix inquired.
"I'm not sure. The sea's torrents buried Atlantis, and history's torrents buried the truth," Professor Binns sighed.
Observing Professor Binns's interaction with Professor Sprout, Felix chuckled and changed the subject.
After some further conversation, they concluded their afternoon tea.
Felix learned that Professor Flitwick was a former dueling champion, not in the ceremonial sense among noble families, but in genuine duels.
"Jones, join us for drinks tomorrow night at the Three Broomsticks. Everyone will be there. By the way, I heard you're staying in the Shrieking Shack."
"Sure, what time? I'd be glad to attend. Yes, I'm currently residing in the Shrieking Shack, and I'm free to visit."
"Excellent. Tomorrow night after dinner, let's meet there. It's a shame I have club activities to prepare for in the evening."
"A club?" Felix asked as they walked down the corridor.
"Yes, many professors set up clubs for those students who wish to delve deeper into their studies. Professor McGonagall even runs a Transfiguration Club."
"I see. Well, until tomorrow then," Felix bid farewell to Professor Flitwick.
There's no formal preschool education in the wizarding world, nor is there higher education. It's disconnected from the ancient apprenticeship system and lacks full development.
No wonder the professors establish clubs.
His previous world wasn't much different. In that world, parents could send their children to wizards to work as apprentice handymen. Once the child had a solid foundation, they could sit for the Royal Academy of Magic exam, covering both secondary and higher magical education, and potentially become an apprentice to the palace wizard.
He and Howl both studied under the court wizard Suliman.
Never mind...
Felix descended the stairs, shaking his head in disbelief. Since gaining freedom, he found himself recollecting more memories than ever before...
Navigating through the bustling hall, he soon caught wind of the news regarding Harry.
Not bad...
A satisfied grin played on his lips.
Regarding the factions behind those individuals, he deemed they might as well return home and delve into studying magical paintings...
From Sindele's revelations, he learned how to supplement the autobiography of the magical painting.
A crucial name emerged from the girl's words.
He's also known as "Claude" in the book.
Initially, Felix presumed him to be an obscure figure until Sindele uttered his full name.
"Claude Monet."
Connecting the dots within the fragmented text, he swiftly pinpointed the precise time and place of Sebastian Hedlund's encounter in 1872.
Departing the wizarding world in search of change, he crossed paths with Monet, Sisley, Manet, Renoir, and others at the port of Le Havre in northwest France.
He witnessed the inception of "Sunrise·Impression" firsthand...
Contemplating on completing the unfinished contents of the book, he hastened his steps towards the Shrieking Shack.
Save for the initial instance, he refrained from apparating between the two locations. The castle lay nearby, making the walk convenient.
Entering, he was greeted by the familiar warmth of the room.
"You've returned at least!" Lucifer exclaimed.
Felix stepped further inside and noticed the scenery outside the window had ceased its motion, indicating the castle had come to a halt.
"What's going on?" he inquired.
"We've encountered a black stone tower. Well... to call it a castle wouldn't be an exaggeration. It appears to be from the magical world," Lucifer explained.
Felix frowned, closed the door, and turned the handle.
A ding resonated, and the suspended plate's pointer indicated the green side.
"By the way, where are we now?"
"Austria. We traveled through Germany before, didn't we?" Lucifer replied.
Felix's heart skipped a beat before he nodded in understanding.
"Alright, I'll go out and investigate."
The scenery here starkly contrasted with that of Hogwarts. The sky was overcast, with withered grass swirling in the wind, and Moonlight Castle perched atop a cliff.
As a gust of wind swept by, Felix secured his sheep-felt hat, the ring on his hand emitting a fluorescent glow before fixing the brim in place.
Ahead stood a towering black tower anchored against the cliff.
Felix strolled towards it, already forming a vague notion of its location.
However, what surprised him was... there was no protective enchantment here?!
Minutes later, he arrived at the base of the tower.
Passing through the dilapidated walls, he halted at the steps leading to the gate.
Gazing upwards, he read the inscription carved above the door.
"For the greater good!"