After discovering the reason, Vid couldn't wait to improve the other cabinet as well.
But considering he had class tomorrow, he had to go back to the dormitory and sleep.
The first lesson in the morning was Transfiguration Class.
Transfiguration Technique was magic Vid could quickly master even without borrowing the aid of his eyes.
Possibly because he had been practicing Occlumency, Vid's thinking was much clearer than in his previous life, and the images formed in his mind were more concrete and precise. His magic power guidance was also smooth and stable.
This allowed him to succeed in Transfiguration even at the beginner stage, often within one or two attempts.
Moreover, Lupin was an exceptionally outstanding instructor in Transfiguration Technique.
Three of his companions had successfully become Animagi, and his own understanding and mastery of the theory of Transfiguration were sufficient to be called a master.
His guidance to Vid was always insightful and to the point, enabling Vid's progress in Transfiguration Technique to be swift.
Lupin judged that Vid's current level had already reached the stage where he could start preparing to become an Animagus.
The first step was to hold a fresh Mandrake Leaf in one's mouth continuously for an entire month, without swallowing or removing it.
This process was undoubtedly challenging because one needs to eat and drink daily; even in sleep, one might unconsciously chew and swallow.
Therefore, although it's said to be one month, it's not unusual for this process to be repeated several or even dozens of times. Those who cannot persist naturally can only give up.
However, the Mandrakes were currently saplings. Professor Sprout said it would take at least another month before the leaves could be harvested for use.
For now, all Vid could do was continue practicing and improve his Transfiguration Technique.
Since Vid's learning progress far exceeded the course content, Professor McGonagall granted him permission to practice individually in class. During her rounds, she would come over to provide some guidance.
Transfiguration Class ended early, after which Vid went to the Astronomical Tower to continue learning Biological Alchemy with Professor Morry.
As the supplementary lesson was nearing its end, a chess piece finally moved.
The White Knight rotated a few times on the chessboard, drew its long sword, and swung it about as if battling unseen foes.
Then it stood with both hands gripping the sword and said in a deep voice: "Evil is evil, there is no distinction between great or small!"
Professor Morry laughed and said: "It seems to be quite a character... What kind of thoughts did you give it?"
Upon hearing this, the White Knight suddenly raised its head.
"Based on your first impression of me, I do not like your attitude, but I will listen to you explain."
Vid said: "I read a short story in a magazine before, where the main character was a demon hunter. I found it interesting, so I gave it a similar idea."
"Interesting... Most people only instruct the chess pieces on what to do, character is usually bestowed inadvertently."
Professor Morry said, showing interest, and asked the chess piece: "Are you a knight with eight virtues?"
The White Knight remained silent for a while before stating earnestly: "No, I am not a knight but a demon hunter!"
"Demon hunter?" Professor Morry nearly laughed: "Are you going to hunt demons and vampires?"
"Though you may laugh at me, I know how difficult mutual understanding between people is."
The White Knight stated solemnly: "Perhaps you find this hard to believe, but there are shadows even in places touched by sunlight."
"What if I asked you to battle the opposite chess pieces?" Professor Morry inquired.
The White Knight glanced at the mindless black pieces, shook its head, and said: "I will not harm innocent people!"
"But you are a chess piece, that is your mission."
Professor Morry began debating with it.
The White Knight disagreed and said: "I do not recognize the mission you imposed on me; I know what I must do... Even if my path is destined to be lonely."
Seeing Professor Morry enjoying himself, Vid decided to leave the chess piece there, bid farewell, and left.
The afternoon was for Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.
"Leian and Harry mentioned their Defense Against the Dark Arts Class yesterday was a complete disaster."
During lunch, Michael shared what he heard from Umbrella House: "Professor Lockhart brought a cage of Cornwall house-elves, made a mess of the classroom, and then fled."
"Not just that." Padma chimed in: "Several people got bitten or scratched, Madam Pomfrey was quite upset."
Lisa expressed disbelief: "I heard they did a test before the class started, asking about Lockhart's favorite color, his achievements, and the like."
Anthony Goldstein quietly gathered the second-year Ravenclaw students in a small room behind the hall and gave each of them a note.
He said: "Honestly, I believe the questions Professor Lockhart asked are worthless; it's not worth reading books for this."
"These are the questions and answers I've obtained, review them beforehand and take the class just for fun."
"By the way, don't take out any notes during the exam. After all, he is a professor; he might have some means to detect cheating."
"Got it." Terry unfolded the note, glanced at it, and said: "I really don't want to appease him with such tricks."
"It's still important to leave a good first impression." Anthony advised: "After all, he's a professor, sometimes we need passes from him. And if your grades are too poor, he might give you detention."
Terry remained silent.
A group of students looked at the notes, murmuring to themselves, quickly memorizing the answers.
Ravenclaw students did not have photographic memory but were rarely forgetful.
Some students remembered most of it after one go, not aiming for full marks, they put down the note;
While some—especially most girls—reviewed it two or three times repeatedly.
Vid also silently recited the answers.
He wasn't interested in Lockhart but understood it would be easy to obtain a pass to the restricted section from Lockhart.
Therefore, Anthony was right; leaving a good first impression was indeed crucial.
But it was also important not to aim for a perfect score.
If the score was too high, the professor might think he was some sort of ardent admirer and drag him up to perform ridiculous plays in every class, which would be unbearable.
After finishing the recitation, the students quickly burned the notes, preventing them from being caught by the professor for group cheating.
Arriving at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Slytherin students were already there. Once Ravenclaws settled down, Lockhart beamed as he entered with a stack of papers.
"Great, children, it seems you are already eager for the lesson. And you have all bought my entire collection; I suppose you have seen my various glorious deeds within."
Lockhart spoke with a high and cheerful voice:
"Perhaps some students wonder—"
Imitating the high-pitched voice of a young girl, he said: "Oh, when can I be as great as the illustrious Professor Lockhart—recipient of the third-class Merlin Knight Order medal, honorary member of the Anti-Black Magic Alliance, winner of Wizard Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award five times—"
He displayed a supposedly "most charming smile," saying: "—that impressive?"
"Don't rush, children. All I can say is, don't rush." Lockhart encouraged: "Just study hard like me, and someday you can become remarkable wizards."
"Hmm... Now let's see how well you have learned..."
He handed out the papers.
Vid glanced at them.
They were exactly as Anthony had found out, without even changing a single question.
Ravenclaws gave each other knowing smiles, and then began writing diligently.
The Slytherins were varied in their responses.
Some were disdainful, some frowned, some were admiring, and some appeared to have obtained answers beforehand too, beginning to write without a second thought.
The quills brushed across the parchment, producing a "swish swish" sound.
Today, Lockhart was destined to receive a result that would greatly surprise him.