"Sharing knowledge—this is something no wizard has ever done for the Pukwudgies—except for Lady Isolt Sayre.
Because of her generosity, our branch of Pukwudgies had the opportunity to grow our clan.
But you should know, no matter where, Pukwudgies are forbidden from possessing wands.
All goblins have been stripped of the right to use wands.
This is the consequence of losing the war.
More importantly, after the war, Pukwudgie knowledge was severed, and it will never be as vast as it once was."
Will said, trembling.
Firstly, Sean completely understood the importance of wands to wizards, or rather to "Humans," a classification within magical creatures.
It is the culmination of wizarding wisdom, the most widespread, exquisite, and practical magical tool in the wizarding world.
"Forbidden from using wands" was the restriction wizards placed on the entire goblin race after the war, and a major reason why goblins lost the qualification to initiate wars.
This point was vaguely hinted at in A History of Magic.
Secondly, regarding knowledge and wisdom.
The Pukwudgies' view aligned perfectly with Sean's—this was the greatest reliance of "Humans."
As the Pukwudgie butler spoke, Sean listened attentively while secretly recording his words.
This scene, falling into the Pukwudgie butler's eyes, brought it even more joy.
The good news was that Mr. Green was a kind-hearted wizard;
The even better news was that Mr. Green was obsessed with magic and extremely skilled at it.
"Master William said that only powerful wizards master powerful wisdom, but most of them won't share, and most of them are 'madmen.'
Finding a powerful wizard who isn't so mad is a very, very difficult thing, and there is an even harder prerequisite to achieve this."
Will blew his nose on a corner of the butler clothes he was wearing.
"What is it?"
Sean waited for him to calm down a bit before asking.
"Oh, there is an interesting story widely circulated among humans. Do you know how to marry a Duke?
You have to do it when he hasn't become a Duke yet, when he is still a little guard."
Will said.
That he had such a mind was obviously somewhat unexpected to Sean.
He had to adjust his gaze and tell himself once again.
This is a magical world as old as civilization itself, where accumulated wisdom is like endless stars.
"So you chose me, this little 'guard'?"
Seeing him somewhat dazed, Sean cracked a rare little joke.
"Oh! How can you say that!"
Will flusteredly tried to explain, his voice drifting away into the falling snow outside the window.
Sean gradually understood the way of survival for European goblin Pukwudgies.
After partially participating in the war, some Pukwudgies within the clan changed their view of wizards.
This portion of Pukwudgies believed that wizards were stronger than the Pukwudgie community because exceptionally outstanding individuals would appear among wizards.
They cited examples—like in the distant era of Merlin, ancient Pukwudgies didn't dare to show themselves at all.
Or more recently, Albus Dumbledore.
To avoid being captured by wizards for terrible experiments, Pukwudgies began another plan while hiding.
Since wizards produce exceptionally outstanding individuals, attaching themselves to such individuals seemed like a logical step.
Unfortunately, the last such individual was called Grindelwald. As the leader of the Alliance, he looked down on Muggles, let alone this group of Pukwudgies he could wipe out alone.
Even more unfortunately, the next such individual was called Voldemort...
The Pukwudgies suffered heavy losses.
Sean inexplicably remembered something. In his plans not far off, precisely because Voldemort looked down on creatures like goblins, the Pukwudgie butler could actually help him with some things.
He directed a quill to secretly record with a "scratching" sound. This was all hidden history of magical creatures; at least Sean knew one person who would be particularly willing to listen.
And soon, Sean would pay a visit to the old Hufflepuff senior.
After all, he had already made the Wampus Cat biscuit, and the next magical creature was obviously still in Mr. Newt's suitcase.
...
"So, can you help me practice the Wampus Cat's magic?"
Sean asked softly.
"With pleasure! Master Green!"
Will straightened his chest.
After a not-so-long exploration, Sean verified his guess. He indeed couldn't apply too strong Legilimency.
He could now only barely read the other party's emotions and fleeting thoughts.
For example, the Pukwudgie butler, its head was filled with "For the glory of Pukwudgies!" and feelings of respect.
As for reaching the level of the Confundus Charm and Obliviate, that was completely beyond what a "juvenile Wampus Cat" could do.
But Sean wasn't discouraged; instead, his morale was high.
Once the Wampus Cat biscuit was on the panel, the speed of proficiency level changes wouldn't be dictated by the difficulty of the magic itself.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
In this week's Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the recovering Lockhart announced:
"Everyone knows amazing things have happened in the school. More importantly, oh, the Hogwarts doctors put in great effort, plus my own considerable wisdom, and you have the amazing me again.
I'm preparing some surprises. I can't say much now, but I think I've got it under control..."
He tapped his nose again and strode away.
At breakfast on February 14th, everyone found out how Lockhart intended to boost morale.
Harry had been training Quidditch late the previous night, so he was sleep-deprived and a bit late rushing to the Great Hall.
For a moment, he thought he had walked through the wrong door. The four walls were covered with large, dazzling pink flowers.
Worse still, many heart-shaped confetti were constantly falling from the pale blue ceiling.
Harry walked toward the Gryffindor table. Ron was sitting there with a teasing expression, and Hermione seemed to be snickering continuously.
Harry felt very puzzled. Following Hermione's gaze, he saw a huge banner hung above their long table, which read:
[Sincere thanks to Mr. Green for his heroic battle in the Chamber of Secrets. Your caring teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defence League, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award]
And below the banner was Sean, looking like he had nothing left to live for.
"This—"
Harry couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Sean swept over with a helpless gaze they had never seen before, and Harry immediately changed his tune:
"What's going on here?"
Harry asked while holding back laughter as he sat down, brushing confetti off his bacon.
Ron pointed at the teachers' table, obviously too amused to speak.
Lockhart, wearing bright pink robes that matched the decorations, was waving for silence.