Contracts, which are particularly important in the wizarding world.

Modern wizards generally believe that the discovery and perfection of the "contract" marked the beginning of the transformation of magic from a disorderly natural instinct to a complete and controllable ability, and since then magic has also entered a long period of rapid development.

"Wizards use spells, magic words, and gestures supplemented by magical mediums, now known as wands, to make contracts with the natural world, so that their magic can cause greater phenomena, summon floods, and burn wilderness. ”

In the Gryffindor common room, Percy Weasley sat on a small round stool, holding a book and reading slowly.

Beside him, a group of children listening to stories sat obediently on the carpet, eating snacks while listening to the prefects' knowledge about the rituals and festivals of the wizarding world—much more interesting than Professor Binns's history of magic.

With the experience of submitting articles on "New Singing and Singing" these days, the relationship between the Weasley twins and their somewhat old-fashioned third brother is obviously a lot closer, Percy no longer completely thinks that the two brothers are only mischievous, and George and Fred also experienced Percy's seriousness and responsibility in the process of helping them revise the draft over and over again.

Therefore, George and Fred, like Harry and Ron, listened carefully to Percy's story.

In addition, there are many kinds of contracts in the narrow sense. ”

Percy Weasley's fingers moved across the page, reading the words softly and unhurriedly.

"We wizards make contracts with other magical creatures to fight against the hostile environment and enemies, we wizards make contracts with each other to exchange knowledge and build trust and keep secrets, and of course, wizards make contracts with Muggles where we use magic to help them and they provide wizards with their daily necessities. ”

"Covenants have a very special meaning for shamans, so as early as the beginning of the solar calendar, we have made December 25 every year the birthday of Mithra, the god of contracts, and celebrate it by hanging glittering ornaments on the fir trees and exchanging gifts to relatives and friends. ”

Having learned of this custom of wizards, Muggles in the non-wizarding world also imitated the celebration of the festival in the hope of getting a glimpse of the power of magic and praying for luck in the following year. Later religious festivals in the non-magical world, as well as Mithra's changes in Muggle mythology, were also largely derived from this. ”

"I see, is it because of the birth of the God of Contracts?"

Elena nodded thoughtfully.

Although it was the first time she had heard what Percy Weasley had read in the book, there were many indications in the non-magical world that most of the records and myths could be found in this regard.

To add that the book says that the exact name of the festival is actually Yule or Yuletide, which is gēol, derived from the Old Norse jōl, which originally meant "Midwinter Festival". ”

Percy explained with a smile as she looked around at her younger siblings sitting around her.

"It is said that in ancient times, wizards and Muggles alike would attach great importance to the contracts made during this date, and regarded them as important covenants directly witnessed by the gods of the contract - all promises made at this time had magical powers. ”

"Huh?!"

"Really?!"

"Oh my God, I've got to change my wish. ”

Hearing Percy's words, there was a commotion among the little ones beside him.

Even Elena, who has always believed in science, can't help but be a little cautious on her face - anyway, metaphysics doesn't cost money, and before science comes to an end, you still have to believe a little bit.

"Alright, the story is over......"

Percy Weasley closed the book with a hearty smile.

"All in all, it's a pretty old legend, and it's just a good omen. ”

"But, Percy, why did you suddenly remember to study this?"

George Weasley raised an eyebrow and looked at Percy with some curiosity, "I remember when you started the semester, didn't you say that you were going to do your best to prepare for the general wizarding exam and run for the male student president?"

"That's because that's my choice of academic dissertation direction. ”

Percy sighed helplessly, patting the tome in his hand with a complicated expression, his expression a little embarrassed.

"During this time, there have been rumors that from the next academic year, the selection criteria for prefects and male and female student presidents will be clearer and clearer, in addition to the evaluation of professors and presidents of various colleges, it is also necessary to refer to the publication of academic papers in core journals in the wizarding world - the approval rate of those popular subjects is too difficult, so ......"

"Wow, I'll just say...... Why did our seniors suddenly start working on this? ”

Fred Weasley screamed, a look of excitement on his face, "So, at the beginning of next semester, Gryffindor has a male student chair covering us?"

"Then why don't you curry favor with the future Chairman? ”

George Weasley poked Fred in the elbow, quickly flicked a Ferrero hazelnut ball into Percy's hand, and said loudly with a pompous face, as if he were a respectful house-elf.

"That's it, Chairman Percy, eat grilled sausages!"

"Dear Lord Percy, would you like to eat an orange?"

"Percy ......"

"Enough of you, don't ...... I ...... in my mouth Can't fit ...... Full of ......"

In this way, the Gryffindor lounge soon became lively again, and as the sense of strangeness gradually dissipated, Elena finally put aside her previous worries for the time being, and happily enjoyed the beautiful holiday life.

In addition to being in bed every night, she would deal with and advise a little about the affairs of the former Soviet Union.

The rest of the time, she played with everyone like an ordinary little witch.

Every morning after waking up on time, Elena rushed straight to the boys' dormitory, woke up the boys who were lying in bed one by one, and then a group of people marched from the Gryffindor Tower to the Great Hall for breakfast, and then went to the courtyard for a snowball fight, or went to the lounge to play poker, chess, and read books......

Time passed little by little, and the Christmas holiday was finally coming to an end.

Or more precisely, the birthday celebration of Mithra, the god of contracts in the wizarding world, is coming to an end.

......

Somewhere in Scotland.

It was a well-decorated three-storey cottage surrounded by Muggle expulsion charms to prevent British government officials who came to collect taxes, count people, or send warmth to the community.

Several middle-aged people in elegant black trench coats gathered in the shadows not far from the house, whispering and talking.

"So here it is, make sure he's home, right?"

"Yes, although he is very vigilant, we have targeted the area by sending owls according to the magazine's remuneration and sending letters disguised as his fans. ”

"Well, be careful, we've been teased by the bunch for almost a week since our last missed invitation at the bookstore. ”

"Don't worry, this time the Floo Network has been blocked in advance, and the phantom shifts...... There were also people staring in the air - even if it was a prime-age fire dragon inside, it couldn't run away. ”

"Very well, let's get started. In short, first of all, let's follow the first plan. ”

The man at the head nodded, straightened the collar of his trench coat, drew his wand, and walked up and knocked on the door without hurry.

"Hello, Dear Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart, I am a journalist from The New Singer and I have an exclusive contract with you that pays well. ”

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