It's late.
Ian's explanation was indeed thorough and detailed. The solid foundation brought by one authenticator and eternal certitude, along with the complete understanding of every detail, made the ten or so Little Wizards of Ravenclaw feel that it was worth every penny.
They gained knowledge.
Ian gained today's Silver Sickles, as well as new insights by revisiting known knowledge and a good amount of Skill Level in Master of Potions—seven or eight points, quite a growth.
"Let's gather again tomorrow! If you think it's alright, come along!"
Ian bade farewell to one enthusiastic Little Wizard after another, each more grateful than the last, savoring the accomplishment of transferring knowledge while gaining significantly, as he returned to the dormitory.
In the dimly lit dormitory.
The sound of Michael Jordan's snores came in waves. William, who had been frightened like a little quail by Aurora in the afternoon, wasn't buried under a small lamp studying intensely as Ian had expected.
He was completely wrapped up in his blanket, not looking like he was asleep, more like he had curled himself into a ball, occasionally squirming inside.
Had Ian not sensed fear, unease, and a bit of... disbelief, Ian might have suspected that this roommate was, at night, indulging in a magical version of the Holy Grail.
Eleven years old?
Westerners do tend to develop a bit earlier.
"The offspring of the German Auror truly feel it deeply." Ian thought William might not have gotten over the Magic Potion Class from the afternoon, potentially losing a valuable new friend because of it.
There's no helping it.
It depends on whether William can think it through himself. Ian didn't experience the historical chaos of Europe, so naturally, he couldn't sympathize with the family education William received.
"It's only half-past eleven at night, and I'm the only one studying in the dormitory." Without a small lamp that could glow independently, Ian raised his glowing Magic Wand and started reading until late into the night.
Originally intending to read those borrowed library books tonight to look for the secrets of the Misty Illusion Realm, the Half-blood Prince's "Advanced Potion Making" was equally appealing.
[Successfully read the Magic Potion textbook, Master of Potions +3]
[Successfully read the Magic Potion textbook, Master of Potions +2]
...
Strengthened by Severus Snape's annotations, this rare-level Magic Potion textbook offered a learning experience that was far beyond Ian's solo research could compare.
Authored by Libashu Polarchi, "Advanced Potion Making," is a Magic Potion textbook used at the N.E.W.T Level Magic Potion classes at Hogwarts.
It contains various Magic Potion formulas, many of which have been improved in their processes by Snape, and Ian even saw relatively new handwriting on it.
Clearly, there have been recent updates and additions.
It's essentially the painstaking research results of a Master of Magic Potions, allowing Ian to learn and comprehend rapidly, like riding a rocket, soon undergoing a true metamorphosis.
[Master of Potions (Level 3) 3/400]
This skill reached the same level as the Transformation Technique, allowing Ian even to reflect on the shortcomings of today's lecture, gaining a higher-level judgment and control in the field of Magic Potions.
"I've grown stronger, but I haven't gone bald."
Apart from these Magic Potion-related knowledge, Ian also unexpectedly found some surprises, as the blank spaces in the book recorded some self-created Magic Spells that proved Snape's extraordinary talents.
[Langlock (Level 1) 3/100]
[Muffliato (Level 0) 27/50]
[Levicorpus (Level 1) 3/100]
Coming from the creator's own descriptions and explanations, far beyond what ordinary textbooks can offer, Ian selected the most practical spells for learning.
As for the already learned [Sectumsempra], it also appeared in the book, and through far more detailed explanations than the previous little note, Ian gained as much as seventy points increase in Skill Level.
"Almost all of them are Evil Curses. Did my Half-blood Prince uncle not cross them out?" Seeing new handwriting above, Ian did not think this was Snape's oversight.
The Old Bat seemed to want Ian to learn... which is quite intriguing. Perhaps because Voldemort's sneaky return next year is already on the agenda as a plan.
Ian wasn't quite sure.
Or maybe it's trying to guard against the Saints in the academy?
Today, in the little elf kitchen at Hogwarts, Ian saw Professor Ronnie Ehrich's somewhat exposed hand with the Golden Snitch tattoo of the bookstore owner due to holding a basin.
He is a Saint.
"At least he's a capable teacher; those who can become Saints are not ordinary people." Ian continued reading Snape's annotated textbook until two or three in the morning.
Outside, a light rain began to fall.
After getting some substantial increases in Skill Level, he finally tiptoed to wash up and go to bed.
Before sleep.
Ian glanced at William's bed—the green-haired roommate remained in a hedgehog curled position, moving now and then, proving he still hadn't fallen asleep and was doing who-knows-what.
May sleep bring sweet dreams.
The next day.
"Wake up, wake up, hurry and wake up, something terrible has happened." Just like yesterday, Ian was shaken awake, opening his eyes to see Michael raised a large, dark hand.
Luckily, it didn't come down.
"What happened? Did Hogwarts Castle grow wings and fly away?" Ian rubbed his groggy eyes; this time every day is when his mind's foggiest.
"No, the morning's Defense Against the Dark Arts Class has been canceled." Michael's eyes were filled with panic and unease, speaking to Ian with trembling words.
"I've heard the teacher who teaches us Defense Against the Dark Arts is missing! Some say he died last night!" Without any lemonade, Michael's words instantly woke Ian!
"What! Dead? Fallen so fast?"
Ian was dumbfounded.
He knew how dangerous the position for Defense Against the Dark Arts Class was, but never had he thought that the teacher for this subject would die on the first day of school, knowing that they were a genuine Saint!
Ronnie Ehrich's smiling presence last night seemed still vivid.
He even praised the other for being ruthless the night before; how did one day pass, leading for them to fall instantly? This speed was faster than the bungle Wizard Gilderoy Lockhart at the Defense Against the Dark Arts post!
Too unreasonable!
How could Voldemort's Curse take effect so swiftly?
"Shouldn't be, this is Hogwarts, and he's a masterful Wizard." Ian only felt that perhaps he hadn't fully woken up and still dwelled in dreams.
"I don't know if he's dead, but he's definitely missing. Dean Flavius just informed us, the class this morning canceled directly, and the professors are actively looking for him throughout the school." Michael's voice brimming with unease and fear, along with eyes practically popping out, didn't seem to be joking.
"I'll go inquire more."
Saying this.
He ran out of the dormitory.
And just when Ian was still digesting this bombshell of a message.
"Uh... Ian."
William unexpectedly emerged from the washroom at this time, seemingly not caring about the missing Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and instead squeeze up to Ian's bedside in a shy manner.
"We are good friends, right?"
As if yesterday's scene repeated.
"Certainly."
Ian felt William perhaps had come to his senses.
"Then..."
William became even more coy, with expressions on his face showing both some consternation and a struggle inside. He spoke in a voice tinged with some inexplicable sobs.
"Will you introduce me to join the new generation of the Wizarding... Saint Team? Last night, my grandfather said if I don't manage to join you, he'll go back and directly tell my father to... kill me."
"I feel like he's serious."
William's sobbing became increasingly evident.
Another absurd moment for Ian to be instantly dumbfounded!
Oh my goodness!
Your grandfather is a German Auror!
Asking you to join a secret society?
Ian squeezed his face, feeling today was truly an intense start!