Walked out of the washroom.
William had already curled back into the bed.
Perhaps he was sending another "telegram" to his family? Ian, preoccupied with the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, put on his robe and headed to the Ravenclaw Common Room.
"Good morning! Ian!"
"It's our Little Professor Ian! He's teaching us tonight!"
The first-year little wizards were much more enthusiastic about him than last night. Some even called him Little Professor with overwhelming excitement, which made Ian feel a bit at ease.
He remembered the boy who called him Little Professor. The boy seemed very promising, and Ian decided to focus on addressing his concerns and questions during tonight's class.
"Look, I used the breakfast time to mix the Boil Potion, how delightful this intoxicating yellow-green is, and the tuition of one Silver Sickle is simply worth it!"
Not all the first-year little wizards paid for the class last night. A little wizard was showing off his creation, promoting Ian's little class along the way.
Hmm.
This was another child worth favoring! To be fair, Ian's teaching last night was indeed genuine, and the improvements it brought to the little wizards were quite evident.
It wasn't that Snape's teaching quality wasn't good. Otherwise, Ian wouldn't have made a significant leap in [Master of Potions] skill level from Snape's notes.
Many students didn't grasp everything thoroughly yesterday because Snape preferred smart students and would only tell the little wizards what effects each step needed to achieve.
As for the details.
Those needed to be figured out by the students themselves.
Perhaps in the exceptionally talented eyes of Snape, this was a simple matter, but for little wizards just getting into potions, it seemed like a significant beginner's challenge.
Compared to Snape.
Ian's explanations were closer to the actual level of the little wizards. He would detail every operational step, even down to the seconds needed for a specific level of simmering.
Failure due to lack of experience.
Ian turned his experience into a textbook for learning, somewhat feeling like a cramming education, but at least it made it easier for people to step through the threshold.
"If you could grind the snake fang a bit finer, the quality would be better. Use a hair strand as a comparison, and achieve a bit finer than a hair strand, and it'll be fine."
Ian gave some pointers to that student who wasn't even having breakfast.
Level 3 Master of Potions already surpassed many senior wizards. He could certainly figure out ways to bridge the gaps in the little wizards' abilities.
This was a combination of elite education and assembly line education.
"Okay, okay, I'll give it another try."
The little wizard, after receiving the advice.
Left the common room full of anticipation.
"Can someone tell me what the situation is with the Defense Against the Dark Arts class?" Ian started asking around in the common room, and as Michael had said, the situation was indeed strange.
Ronnie Ehrlich really disappeared.
Dumbledore and the professors searched all of Hogwarts but couldn't find him.
The last person to see Professor Ronnie Ehrich last night was Snape, and rumors started to spread in Gryffindor that Snape, out of jealousy, murdered the new teacher.
Everyone knew Snape always wanted to be the Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and the rumor spread quickly in the school, though the clever ones in Ravenclaw didn't believe it.
"Who would kill for a position?"
"Even if Snape is jealous of Professor Ronnie Ehrich, killing him wouldn't be the best option. Dumbledore and the other professors aren't blind or foolish."
"Perhaps this teacher simply fled on his own, as there's always been a sort of spooky legend about the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
...
The curse of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class had been heard of by the senior wizards. They weren't blind to the yearly loss of a professor.
But Ian didn't quite believe in the fleeing out of fear story. After all, as an old follower of Grindelwald, Ronnie Ehrich probably came for the young master Aurora.
Not to mention that the followers more than likely knew about the curse on this course, and their loyalty to old Grindelwald would certainly prevent them from fearing potential sacrifices.
William's grandfather wasn't even a follower, yet he showed unwavering loyalty over time. What more for those who felt faith at Grindelwald's side?
"Aurora might know some hidden details, but... matters of the followers are hard to say, the waters might be deep." Ian suppressed his inner curiosity.
He only met Professor Ronnie Ehrich twice, didn't know him well, and whatever had happened to the latter was unrelated to him.
After all, there simply wasn't a professor for this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Even if Dumbledore didn't find a new professor, Grindelwald might send someone over.
"Maybe he went to find the Secret Chamber and got eaten by my precious Snake Monster." Ian chose to spend the canceled morning Defense Against the Dark Arts class in the library. He brought some delicious candies to Madam Pince, who, in her cheerful demeanor, didn't rush him to return last night's borrowed books.
"Dark Power: Self-defense Guide"
"Intermediate Guide to Transfiguration"
"Standard Spell, Level 2"
"Standard Spell, Level 3"
...
Following yesterday's Peeves incident, Ian realized he needed to settle down. Pursuing powerful magic didn't suit every possible situation he might encounter.
Although "Advanced Dark Arts Unveiled" offered him techniques, it didn't negate the need to cover his basic deficiencies. The school's seven-grade curriculum was all material he needed to study.
A truly powerful wizard.
Must be an all-rounder without any shortcomings.
"Dumbledore is a benchmark."
Ian immersed himself in reading and studying. The knowledge in the books was being understood by him, and his talent allowed him to grasp it, while his personal board diligently recorded his gains.
One proof for eternal proof.
The prerequisite is you need to prove first.
The gain in skill level and the comprehension of knowledge were always in sync.
"Disarming Spell..."
As Ian looked to the shelves for more detailed explanations of this spell, Penelope Criwatt, the Ravenclaw Prefect, hurriedly ran in from the library's entrance.
"The library requires quiet!"
Madam Pince glared angrily at the slightly restless Penelope.
However.
Penelope ran straight to Ian.
"Ian, Headmaster Dumbledore asked me to bring you over."
Penelope's pale face seemed to be still in shock.
"Ah? What does he want with me?"
Ian was quite puzzled.
Could it be that Peeves really went to complain?
"Professor Ronnie Ehrich is dead! I saw the body!"
Penelope grabbed Ian and began running out of the library, pulling with impressive strength, while whispering through gritted teeth, "The new professor died without a whole body, and the one who discovered the body was a Slytherin student. That guy is pure evil, and he swears he saw you make the move!"