Hogwarts: Don't call me the Staff Maker

Chapter 93 Professor McGonagall's Concerns

Chapter 94 Professor McGonagall's Concerns

Dumbledore seemed to notice the students' fatigue. As the last plate of orange pudding disappeared, he quickly announced a few points of advice, led everyone in a hasty rendition of the school song, and then declared the banquet over.

Helen followed the others back to the familiar Gryffindor common room and arrived at his former dormitory on the second floor. There was now a sign on the door that read "Second Year".

Xilun was quite happy that the dormitory hadn't changed. After all, he had dismantled and repaired the desks and chairs in the dormitory countless times, so he had some attachment to them.

Stepping into the familiar round room, my suitcase had already been delivered and placed next to the table.

Siren had intended to write a letter to his grandfather as was customary, but after taking out the parchment and ink, he changed his mind.

He and Grigorovich should already be in some forest by now. It's too far away; the owl might not be able to deliver it. Let's wait until he comes back.

Xilun lay on the bed and quickly fell asleep.

……

The next day, the whole school was still immersed in a happy atmosphere. Although Lockhart's behavior at the opening banquet made some students grit their teeth in anger, most people had full confidence in him.

For example, Hermione had a completely opposite view on this matter to her friend Ron, insisting that Lockhart was a truly capable wizard.

The two had been arguing in the common room that morning, and now neither of them speaks to the other.

Siren definitely supported Hermione, and through Hermione he met more Lockhart admirers, eventually successfully selling the first officially sold, signed, Lockhart-certified copy of "I Am Magic" to a seventh-year Ravenclaw witch for fifty Galleons.

Xilun originally just wanted to show off, but the other party liked it so much and was so generous, asking for ten times the price right away, showing great sincerity. Xilun simply couldn't find a reason to refuse.

The transaction took some time, and in order not to be late, Xilun had to skip breakfast and hurriedly ran towards the greenhouse.

The first class in the second year was Herbalism. Professor Sprout was a plump witch with a patched hat on her flowing hair. She had a very kind personality. When she saw that Celen had run in after the bell had rung, she didn't say anything, but just told Celen to quickly find a place to stand.

Seeing that Siren was panting heavily from running all the way, Hermione couldn't help but say, "Couldn't you have waited until lunch break to bring her the book?"

She also really liked that very memorable book, but unfortunately her allowance wasn't as generous as that of the seventh-grade witch.

Furthermore, she wouldn't use fifty gallons to buy a book that originally cost five gallons.

"The sooner the better," Siren muttered after catching his breath. "If we wait until they've had a Defense Against the Dark Arts class, it'll be harder to use that thing."

"What?"

"Nothing," Siron shook his head. "I was asking what Professor Sprout just said."

"She asked us what the characteristics of mandrake were," Hermione said, raising her hand high.

Amazingly, Sheryl dodged Hermione's elbow by tilting her head back; she was able to keep an eye on the professor's questions while talking to herself.

However, he was quite familiar with mandrake.

Xiren touched the cuff of his sleeve; he had used mandrake juice when he made the shapeshifting lizard skin bag.

I bought it at the herbalist shop in Diagon Alley. A small bottle cost five gallons. I only used a few drops, and the juice in the bottle was already reduced by about a third. In the end, it was more expensive than dragon's blood.

"Gryffindor gets ten points," Professor Sprout said.

Hermione had clearly answered her question correctly.

However, she was really generous. She only gave three points for answering questions correctly in Transfiguration class, five points for Spells class, and no points were deducted in Potions class.

Professor Sprout is the only one who gets ten points for each point.

"Mandragora is dangerous, can anyone tell me why?"

Hermione raised her hand again in a flash. "Hearing the cry of the mandrake is deadly."

"Absolutely correct, add another ten points."

It's twenty points now!

He gained 20 points in less than one class period, while Harry only gained 50 points for killing Voldemort.

Hufflepuff is great, the students are great, and the headmaster is even better.

Afterwards, Siren also added ten points to Gryffindor, as he was the first to complete the task of repotting the mandrake.

Xilun was a little embarrassed. When he pulled out the mandrake, he couldn't help but wonder how much juice he could squeeze out, and then he subconsciously pinched it with his hand.

One of the whiskers was cut off just like that.

Xilun really didn't mean it, but the mandrake obviously didn't think so. While the others were struggling to avoid being put into the new pot, it didn't need Xilun to do anything and voluntarily crawled in.

Then Xilun became the first student to finish.

After class, the little lions could hardly hide their good mood.

"Thirty points for each class! At this rate, the Academy Cup is definitely ours this year!" Ron said excitedly, chuckling incessantly.

"Don't forget about Snape," Harry said with a sigh, less optimistic. "Losing points is much easier than gaining them."

Ron's face froze instantly.

Yes, how could he forget that biased Snape? The points he gained in Herbalism class today might all be deducted after Potions class.

This is truly a sad story.

Fortunately, they don't have to go to that damn Potions class today.

The little lions, covered in mud, returned wearily to the castle. Some rushed to take a bath, while others cast a cleansing spell on themselves before hurrying off to their Transfiguration class.

Sirius was exceptionally attentive in this class, holding a quill and diligently writing down every word Professor McGonagall said, a sight that left Harry and Ron speechless.

"Is he still Sheryl?" Ron nudged Harry with his elbow. "I feel like I'm seeing two Hermiones."

"What a coincidence, me too." Harry took off his glasses and wiped them vigorously.

Well, when it comes to class, Xilun can only be described as well-behaved and doesn't cause trouble, but he's definitely not serious. Most of the time, he would sit in a corner and draw symbols that no one could understand on a piece of parchment when the professor wasn't looking.

But what's wrong with this Celeste now? He's sitting up straight, with a determined look in his eyes, as if he's taking notes on every single word... Even Hermione, who's ranked first in the entire grade, isn't this much.

Even after class, Celan would proactively approach Professor McGonagall to ask her questions.

Oh no! Is this guy trying to be a good student?

Ron's heart pounded. He didn't care that Hermione was first in the class, he was used to it anyway, but he really couldn't accept it if it were Siren instead.

Professor McGonagall was also unable to accept it.

"Mr. Ollivander, I admire your courage, but I still suggest you take it step by step." She glanced at a button in Siren's hand.

Although it doesn't have beetle legs, the patterns on it are exactly the same as those of a beetle.

"I think it's necessary for me to seriously warn you that Animagus Transfiguration is no child's play."

Professor McGonagall said seriously, "This is an extremely dangerous form of transfiguration. Many wizards have permanently retained animal characteristics due to failed transfiguration attempts, such as having a long tail or retaining animal pupils. Some wizards can never transform back into human form."

“I fully understand how dangerous Animagus transformations are, Professor McGonagall,” Siron said. “And I never thought I could learn such a difficult transformation in just a few days. I just wanted to prepare in advance… I mean, perhaps you could recommend some relevant books.”

Professor McGonagall stared at Siron for a moment, then said, "Can you tell me why? How did you come up with the idea of ​​learning Animagus transformation? This magic isn't actually used very often in everyday life."

"Because I want to become a great wand maker," Siron explained. "In the future, I'll probably be visiting all sorts of different forests frequently, so being able to transform into an animal at any time is essential."

Professor McGonagall remained silent; she suddenly thought of Celen's grandfather.

Only seven wizards registered as Animagus with the Ministry of Magic in the 20th century, and Garrick Ollivander was one of them, with his name preceding hers.

She remembered that Garrick's animal form seemed to be a white-fronted long-tailed monkey, which was also the animal form most suitable for moving through the forest.

Thinking about this, Professor McGonagall gradually came to believe Celen's explanation.

In her mind, wand makers not only had to deal with the forest, but also had to travel among various magical creatures, and Animagus transformations were indeed of great help to them.

But despite her understanding, she still felt that Xilun was too young.

Garrick Ollivander registered in 1930, meaning he was almost 30 years old when he learned Animagus transformations.

Xilun is only 12 years old and just started second grade, so he doesn't need to think about these things at all.

"Alright, I can recommend some useful books to you," Professor McGonagall said after thinking for a moment. "But you must promise me that you will never attempt to transform into Animagus without my permission."

"Of course, no problem." Xilun immediately nodded in agreement.

"I'll give you the reading list this afternoon," Professor McGonagall said, then added, "Don't try it yourself. I'll help you complete this transformation when the time is right."

Professor McGonagall left the classroom with mixed feelings, and two furtive figures flashed past the doorway.

"Weasley, Potter?" Professor McGonagall watched their retreating figures, not paying much attention.

She originally intended to go straight back to her office, but halfway there she suddenly changed her mind and left the castle directly from the first floor.

Professor McGonagall found Professor Sprout turning the soil in the greenhouse and reminded her to keep a close eye on the mandrakes, especially to prevent some students from secretly picking the leaves.

Because there is a necessary prerequisite for learning Animagus transformations: holding a fresh mandrake leaf in one's mouth for a month.

Although Siron promised her not to try it on her own, Professor McGonagall was still uneasy—no one knew better than her how fragile a Gryffindor student's promise could be.

That's why she specifically sought out Professor Sprout.

Fresh mandrake leaves are not easy to preserve, so most of them on the market are either air-dried or ground into powder.

If Siron truly harbors some dangerous ideas, the school greenhouse is his only way to obtain mandrake leaves.

After doing all this, Professor McGonagall finally felt a little relieved. For the first time, she felt that it wasn't a good thing for students to work too hard; in fact, it was quite good to be like Granger.

……

(End of this chapter)