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Contract, a particularly important existence in the magical world.

Modern wizards generally believe that the discovery and refinement of "Contracts" marked the beginning of magic's evolution from a chaotic, instinctive talent to a complete, controllable ability. From then on, magic entered a long period of rapid development.

"Wizards use spells, runes, and gestures, aided by magical media, which are now wands, to sign contracts with the natural world, thereby allowing their own magic to trigger more magnificent phenomena, capable of summoning floods and incinerating wilderness."

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

Around him, a group of children listening to the story sat obediently on the carpet, eating snacks while the prefect educated them on the origins of magical rituals and festivals—much more interesting than Professor Binns's History of Magic.

Thanks to their recent submission experiences with "The Quibbler," the Weasley twins' relationship with their somewhat stiff older brother had noticeably improved. Percy no longer completely believed that his two younger brothers were only troublemakers, and George and Fred, in turn, had come to appreciate Percy's seriousness and responsibility as he helped them revise their drafts repeatedly.

Therefore, George and Fred, like Harry and Ron, sat with crossed legs, listening attentively to Percy's story.

"Besides that, there are also many types of contracts in a narrower sense."

Percy Weasley moved his finger across the page, slowly and softly reading the words on it.

"We wizards sign contracts with other magical creatures to jointly resist dangerous environments and enemies; we wizards sign contracts with each other to exchange knowledge, build trust, and keep secrets; of course, wizards also sign contracts with Muggles, using magic to provide them with assistance, while they provide wizards with the daily necessities they need."

"Contracts have a very special meaning for wizards, so as early as the beginning of the Solar Calendar, we designated December 25th of each year as the birth of Mithras, the god of contracts, and celebrated this festival by hanging glittering ornaments on fir trees and giving gifts to relatives and friends."

"After learning about this custom of wizards, Muggles in the non-magical world also imitated the festival celebrations, hoping to glimpse the power of magic and pray for good luck in the coming year. Later religious festivals in the non-magical world and the changes in the myth of Mithras in Muggle mythology mostly originated from this."

"I see, is it because of the birth of the god of contracts?"

Hermione nodded thoughtfully.

Although she was hearing the content that Percy Weasley was reading from the book for the first time, judging from many signs in the non-magical world, it did indeed seem that most of them could find corresponding records and mythological historical materials from this perspective.

"That's right! Another point to add, the book says that the accurate name of this festival is actually yule or yuletide, with the word form gol, derived from Old Norse (oldnorse) jl, originally meaning [midwinter festival]."

Percy looked around at the younger siblings sitting around him and explained with a smile.

"It is said that in ancient times, whether wizards or Muggles, they would pay special attention to the contracts established during this period, regarding them as important agreements directly witnessed by the god of contracts—any promise made at this time has magical power."

"Eh?!"

"Really?!"

"Oh my gosh, I have to quickly change my wish."

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

Even Hermione, who always believed in science, couldn't help but feel a little cautious—anyway, metaphysics doesn't cost money, and before science reaches its end, it's still necessary to believe in it a little.

"Okay, the story is over..."

Percy Weasley closed the book, revealing a bright smile.

"In short, these are all quite ancient legends, just for a good omen."

"But, Percy, why did you suddenly think of researching this content?"

George Weasley raised his eyebrows, looking at Percy with some curiosity, "I remember when the semester started, you said you wanted to fully prepare for the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams and run for Head Boy?"

"Because this is the direction of my academic paper."

Percy sighed helplessly, patting the large book in his hand with a complicated expression, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Recently, there have been rumors that the selection criteria for prefects and Head Boys/Girls will be clearer and more specific starting next year. In addition to the evaluation of various college professors and the principal, the publication of academic papers in core magical journals will also be considered—the acceptance rate of those popular subjects is really too difficult, so..."

"Wow, I knew it... why our prefect suddenly started researching this content."

Fred Weasley exclaimed, a look of excitement appearing on his face, "So, starting next semester, Gryffindor will have a Head Boy protecting us?"

"Then why don't you hurry up and please the future Head Boy? Here, Head Boy Percy, have some chocolate."

George Weasley nudged Fred with his elbow, quickly unwrapped a Ferrero Rocher hazelnut and handed it to Percy, saying loudly with an exaggerated expression, just like a respectful house-elf.

"That's right, that's right, Head Boy Percy, eat a sausage!"

"Respected Percy, would you like an orange?"

"Percy..."

"Enough, you guys... don't... I can't fit it in my mouth... it's overflowing..."

In this way, the Gryffindor common room quickly became lively again. As the awkwardness gradually dissipated, Hermione finally temporarily put aside those annoying things and happily enjoyed the wonderful holiday life.

Except for before going to bed every night, she would slightly handle and instruct on the affairs in 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, Hermione would directly rush into the boys' dormitory, waking up those lazy boys one by one, and then a group of people would march from Gryffindor Tower to the Great Hall for breakfast, then have a snowball fight in the yard for a while, or play cards, chess, read books, and chat in the common room...

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

Or more accurately, the day when the celebration of the birth of Mithras, the god of contracts in the magical world, was nearing its end.

…

Somewhere in Scotland.

This is a meticulously decorated three-story detached villa, with Muggle-Repelling Charms set up around the house to prevent British government officials from coming to collect taxes, count the population, or deliver community care.

Several middle-aged men in well-tailored black trench coats gathered in the shadows not far from the house, whispering to each other.

"So, this is the place, confirmed he's home, right?"

"That's right, although he's very vigilant, we've locked down this area based on the owl deliveries of magazine royalties and letters disguised as fan mail."

"Well, be careful, we've been ridiculed by those guys for almost a week since the last bookstore invitation failed."

"Don't worry, the Floo Network has been blocked in advance, Apparition... there are also people watching in the air—even if there's a mature Fire-Dragon inside, it won't be able to escape."

"Very good, then let's begin. In short, let's first execute according to Plan A."

The man at the head nodded, straightened his trench coat collar, drew his wand, and slowly walked forward and knocked on the door.

"Hello, respected Gilderoy Lockhart, I am a reporter from 'The Quibbler,' and I have a lucrative exclusive contract I would like to discuss with you."

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