HOGWARTS IN DETECTIVE COMICS

[ Chapter IX (9): "ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER FAMILY IN THE BAG" ]

[ "A magically binding contract that forbids people who signed it to expose the magical world, and the existence of magic...?" ]

[ "Pretty much so, all families of Hogwarts signed it. If they don't then, students aren't allowed to enroll no matter what I do." ]

[ "Pretty helpful, yeah?" ]

Felix seating right beside Mr. Pennyworth who's tightly clutching the magically binding contract that has ups and downs in it could be seen carefully reading the said parchment.

On the opposite side of the sofa is the Wayne Couple. The patriarch, Thomas Wayne on the phone talking to the cops, one he knows off, James Gordon. While the matriarch, Martha Wayne could be seen right beside her son, one who's sipping hot chocolate — listening attentively at the conversation in front.

[ "Procedure calls, you know. Wouldn't want the whole world to know that magic exists, we'll, not yet." ]

[ "Look at this clause, it says that magic will eventually be exposed, and in that the downsides of this contract will disappear.

[ "And, oh, of course the contract is still there, it's just that it's one-sided. Meaning, we'll need to fulfill our end of the bargain, while you don't have to. Talk about magic whenever, wherever..." ]

Felix looks at the couple, at the kid — his future student, then at the man right beside him, having explained this same exact thing hundreds of times. Having unknowingly memorized what he'll have to say, and in dreams having nightmares about it.

[ "And of course, before that could happen all forms of magic needs to undergo supervision. This child, Mr. Bruce Wayne here is allowed to do magic, yes, but under the contract signee's supervision." ]

[ "And those are you, the Wayne Couples, Mr. Pennyworth here. And other families that also signed this same contract, if I'm not wrong 1000+ people at the moment..." ]

[ "This is the only requirement for Mr. Wayne is here to study at Hogwarts tuition free. The school will accommodate him for 7 years, we, Hogwarts are after all a boarding school first before being a school for magic." ]

Closing his eyes, Felix recited the answer which was most pleasing to the ears of the listeners, especially to concerned, worried, and frantic guardians. In this case, the most prominent billionaire Wayne Family, especially the famous figures which are the Wayne's — practically celebrities in Gotham.

Opening his eyes, Felix then noticed the weird look people are giving him. Mr. Wayne who have done finished talking to the officers on the phone couldn't help but have his mouth agape, on the side Mr. Pennyworth could be seen pondering, and to Mrs. Wayne seems to be supportive, tightly clutching her boy.

Bruce Wayne who's practically glowing in hearing those words, hiding his excitement with a blank look, but still haughty appearance that makes Felix remember one character — Draco Malfoy?

Confused, and not knowing what he said wrong, Felix raised one of his eyebrows and asked the possible problem they may have; [ "Is there a problem here or...? Is something not within your liking, please, I-I'll explain in great detail. Just as-" ]

[ "If I sign this do you guarantee the safety of us, especially the young master here?" ] Oh, so that's the problem. Of course, that's a stupid question, I'd much rather die than have one child hurt.

Not rushing to answer, Felix stared at his empty cup of hot chocolate. The 16th cup of something he had for this day, throughout his house visiting families all-around America — in seeing it empty, Felix didn't felt satisfied, as he grabbed it by the handle.

Twirling it around slightly before ultimately it began to fill up again, one-by-one without any external help other than magic. Something which he spent day in, and day out in learning; [ "Oh yeah, I assure you." ]

In hearing that Mr. Pennyworth who have always been on the fence since the start of the conversation finally began to soften, him beginning to start writing on the quill as Felix and the young heir of the Wayne Family began to sip chocolate from their individual cups of cocoa.

Stopping slightly, Mr. Pennyworth began to voice out his concerns; [ "No hidden clause right? No, nothing? No dark magic, or something? No slave contract?" ]

[ "I swear on my magic that I did no such thing." ] Feeling slightly offended, but also amused. Felix began to realize the offer he kept giving to families all-around America. Something which sounded too good to hear, with nothing but a contract as a requirement.

Free housing for 9 months for 7 years, even going as far as a year if they want to. Three meals everyday in those times, no tuition fees, or hidden agenda, or even collateral.

All school supplies, like the legendary wand which only exist in stories is free. Pets like toads, cats, dogs being offered. No wonder he kept receiving suspicious glares from families he signed. Some who have trust issues even not wanting to sign their children in, no matter the explaining he did.

Hope August 20th changes their minds. That'll be in... 26 dayish, or something-something. Hope it does. Out of the hundreds of families he have been at, 2 out of the 10 families straight out rejected him, 1 out of the 10 being uncertain not having signed the contract yet.

So in hopes of changing their mind, Felix Harp the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall the Deputy Headmistress, Fillius Flitwick the Dean of Ravenclaw, and Newt Scamander the young Dean of Hufflepuff decided to schedule a parent orientation meeting set in the Wizarding World — Hogwarts, showing them the world in hopes they agree.

Even to the parents who have already signed the contract, he, and the others hopes that it'll be enough to guarantee their acceptance. If not, then in the future Hogwarts doors will still be open to their young child. It's not like Felix will abandon the kids' even though they aren't his students.

August 20th, something he kept repeating on the families he visited. Felix have already explained what'll happen there to the Wayne's also, so even though they signed already, they'll still need to go there.

[ "That letter... The Hogwarts Letter will be your beacon in being able to go the wizarding world. Don't lose it, wouldn't want you to not experience seeing Hogwarts for the first time." ]

[ "This?" ]

Bruce who's silently listening attentively at the corner pulled the envelope that was given to him, one which has the exact same address of his room. Down to the tiniest of details, even having the word [ SECOND FLOOR, TOP RIGHT ROOM ] in it.

Looking at it, he could see a reddish-wax stamped with the letter H surrounded by the four animals that symbolizes the Houses of Hogwarts.

Felix nodded silently as he then payed attention to the other people in the room, all of which seems to have questions addressed to him. To Felix who haven't had a wink of sleep since he started this house visiting charade, dark circles under his eyes.

But nonetheless the only thing he could do was sight to himself, thankful that this family at the very least didn't chased him off with the shotgun; [ "Please, ask away. I have all day." ]

In hearing that all family members of the Wayne's which include Mr. Pennyworth raised their arms, little Bruce Wayne who have decided to stop attending the boring school of Harvard and instead attend Hogwarts — the magical school, also raised his hands, higher than the rest. Genuinely curious about what Hogwarts is like.

[ ——— ] [ ——— ] [ ——— ] [ ——— ]

[ WRITTEN: 02/01/2025 ]

[ POSTED: 02/02/2025 ]

[ AN: "e4, e5. Nf3, Nc6. c3," ]