"That guy wouldn't think his magic power could temporarily become active, just because the iron barrel got blasted over, would he?" Ian found that Filch had placed the iron barrel in exactly the same position as yesterday.
He thought he probably wasn't wrong... it's just that Filch obviously underestimated the power of homemade gunpowder, this guy looked more seriously injured than yesterday.
Yesterday his legs were still twitching, today he's lying there completely motionless.
"Probably just killed himself?"
Ian stepped forward and checked Filch's breathing.
"Alive but not alive... barely hanging on."
He sensed that Filch was exhaling more than inhaling.
"Who's going to take him to the infirmary?"
Ian hesitated for a moment but ended up giving Filch a bottle of magic potion that wasn't very effective, watching the little wizards scatter, feeling he was demonstrating his helpful nature.
"Get this guy to the infirmary! Do you hear me!" Ian grabbed a few little wizards from Slytherin, not only saving Filch but also giving Slytherin students their morning exercise.
He gained merit, Filch recovered his lifespan, Slytherin students got healthy bodies,
three wins.
Ian watched as several he had caught lifted Filch away and then once more stepped toward the hall, perhaps with fewer little wizards scrambling for popular breakfast items, he could count it as another victory.
"This is wisdom!"
The little wizards staying at school for the holiday had started making their way to the hall for meals, Ian was no exception, entering the hall he saw the number of students was even more than yesterday.
Some were taking advantage of the good weather, finally willing to leave the warmth of their common rooms, others originally went home for the holiday but chose to return to school immediately after Christmas.
Among them, Ravenclaw College had the highest number of students, Gryffindor College the least, likely because the kids in Eagle House were worried about other classmates secretly studying behind their backs.
Not being at school made them feel uneasy.
Eagle students began to worry while at home, afraid peers would use the holiday to outpace them, such concerns weren't unfounded but rather an annual occurrence.
Not to mention trying to overtake others during celebrations, even on regular days, say they're going to watch Quidditch but might actually be hiding somewhere studying. And stories about a senior battling with a girlfriend yet still sparing some focus to study books are motivational tales long told in Ravenclaw College.
Of course, perhaps for the Gryffindor heroine in the story, this was merely a complaint among girlfriends about how frustrating her boyfriend was.
"Quick, look at the new toy I brought from home."
"It's the latest model of the flying broom; you seem ready to show off after the holiday ends."
"Doesn't anyone want to eat the pie my mom made? She got the idea from Bibiduo Flavor Beans, you're even likely to try a fresh sheep dung flavored pie."
"Why do I feel like your pie stuffing is real sheep dung?"
"Guess why I brought it back for you to eat, hehe."
...
The cold of winter hadn't lessened the energy of the little wizards.
The hall was bustling with activity.
Four long tables symmetrically placed along the room's center.
Each table was covered with white linen tablecloths, edges embroidered with golden thread forming intricate patterns, contrasting with the old portraits hanging on the walls and flickering candlesticks. The air was filled with inviting food scents, combining fresh baked bread, the richness of stewed meat, the freshness of vegetables, and the sweetness of desserts.
"Why are you all looking at me strangely?" As Ian approached the table Aurora was at, he noticed Daphne Greengrass and her friend stuffing their mouths before wanting to leave.
"Maybe didn't sleep well last night?"
When Daphne Greengrass was caught by Ian, her entire body trembled slightly, her expression hinting at a bit of fear, like a startled fawn hastily retreating a few steps.
"Yes, yes. Didn't sleep well."
Gesha Selwen's expression was also odd, gazing at Ian with peculiar eyes, avoiding eye contact, her eyes showing even more timidity compared to Daphne Greengrass.
"Truly strange."
Ian watched the two little witches dart out of the classroom, he glanced around, not just these two, students at various long tables had people he couldn't recognize looking at him.
Everyone's expressions were somewhat strange, complicated... Ian recalled his actions over the past two days, thinking he had been very low-key without doing anything outrageous.
He was tired of the cycle and definitely wanted a period of peace.
"Why do you have that look too?" Ian sat beside Aurora, the German girl's way of brewing tea last night was still mind-blowing to him.
"Not just us, professors are the same."
Aurora resumed eating her plate of food, piled high with golden scrambled eggs, perfectly roasted sausage, and jam-slathered toast. The German girl wasn't picky, always eating whatever was placed in front of her.
Ian was different.
He filled his plate with beef, bacon, and roasted sausages, prioritizing rich protein, even drinking porridge made by house-elves specially for him - preserved egg and lean meat porridge.