Chapter 10: Discovering Many Problems
Ron's face flushed red.
"Fred tricked me with another prank!"
"Once I learn magic, I'll definitely make him taste my wrath!"
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow; this hat was somewhat interesting.
Although he hadn't yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage, his spiritual sense strength hadn't diminished.
That hat couldn't peer into a Nascent Soul level expert.
Xiao Deng still had that much confidence.
Professor McGonagall brought out a long parchment list.
"Whoever I call, come up."
"Hannah Abbott!"
A girl with pigtails sat on the stool, blushing, and placed the hat on her head.
"Hufflepuff!"
Following the hat's verdict, the Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers.
...
After a few more people were tested, Xiao Deng confirmed that this hat had no ability to cause substantive harm to others.
"Hermione Granger!"
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng, a bit nervous.
Xiao Deng smiled slightly and took her small hand.
"Relax, don't be nervous."
Hermione blushed, shook off Xiao Deng's hand, and then went on stage to put on the hat.
"Gryffindor!"
Hermione let out a long sigh of relief and walked toward the Gryffindor table.
"Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect!"
The hat suddenly spoke: "Oh, what a rare surname, I must take a good look."
Xiao Deng walked onto the stage unhurriedly, his ethereal temperament attracting everyone's gaze.
Professor McGonagall smiled as she watched this calm little Wizard, feeling exceptionally proud.
Xiao Deng picked up the hat and put it on his head.
"Oh, let me feel, let me feel!"
"Picking up girls! Picking up girls! Picking up girls!"
"???"
Do you have no other thoughts?
"Oh, acting on behalf of Heaven, fighting bad guys!"
"My god, it's such a perfect fit!"
"Courage, bravery, daring..."
"Gryffindor!"
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched; he wasn't very surprised by this result.
You ask why?
I had the courage to curse the Heavenly Dao, isn't that brave enough? Then I got struck by lightning!
I was brave enough to curse the Heavenly Dao, isn't that daring enough? Then I got struck by lightning!
My daring was enough to curse the Heavenly Dao, isn't that extraordinary enough? Then I got struck by lightning!
Xiao Deng walked down steadily, and Hermione kept waving at him.
Xiao Deng smiled slightly and sat down beside Hermione.
"Draco Malfoy."
Malfoy, with his slicked-back hair, proudly put on the Sorting Hat.
Before a second had passed, the Sorting Hat announced it.
"Slytherin!"
Malfoy smiled smugly and walked toward the long table.
"Harry Potter."
As soon as this name appeared, the entire Great Hall fell silent.
Xiao Deng sighed internally; he truly was the Child of Destiny.
Harry felt a bit uncomfortable, but still braced himself and went up.
This time, the Sorting Hat was silent for quite a while, and finally, it spoke in a deep voice:
"Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in deafening cheers.
Xiao Deng also knew what they were cheering for.
The name Harry Potter was too special.
Harry let out a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on Xiao Deng.
Sitting beside Xiao Deng made his mood steady, as if he had found a pillar of support.
"Neville Longbottom."
"Gryffindor."
Xiao Deng was a bit surprised; this little meatball was actually sorted into Gryffindor.
It seems you can't judge a book by its cover; perhaps he will do something big in the future.
What Xiao Deng didn't expect was that the chatty and slightly cowardly Ron was also sorted into Gryffindor.
Xiao Deng couldn't help but twitch his mouth; could it really be such a coincidence?
Everyone he met was sorted into the same place? Could the Heavenly Dao be playing tricks?
However, Xiao Deng didn't feel that familiar sensation.
The sorting finally drew to a close.
"Blaise Zabini, Slytherin!"
As the sorting ended, the new students were extremely curious about those around them.
At this moment, the sound of someone clearing their throat rang out around everyone.
Dumbledore stood up, his arms slightly raised.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, new students."
"Before the feast begins, I must say a few words."
"Nitwit, blubber, oddment, tweak."
"Thank you all!"
Dumbledore sat down slowly, and although no one understood what he meant, everyone applauded.
The moment Dumbledore sat down, the tables were filled with delicious food.
Several children were surprised and immediately started eating.
Xiao Deng, however, was not in a hurry; he calmly tore off a chicken leg and ate it slowly.
His elegant eating manner formed a stark contrast with the children beside him.
"Albus."
Professor McGonagall gave a look, and Dumbledorelooked toward the Gryffindor table.
He took one glance and then withdrew his gaze.
"To be so composed at this age is truly not easy."
Professor McGonagall felt deep agreement.
"He and Harry have a good relationship."
Dumbledore's knife and fork paused, then he continued cutting the food on his plate.
"Just right, he can teach him how to be composed in doing things."
Dumbledore glanced at Snape and continued:
"Having such a friend is quite good."
Professor McGonagall nodded slightly and didn't say anything more, just looked at Gryffindor again.
Xiao Deng took a sip of pumpkin juice and raised an eyebrow.
The presentation was average, but it tasted quite good.
Suddenly, Xiao Deng shuddered and frowned tightly.
Malice!
His spiritual sense had captured a trace of malice, although it wasn't directed at him.
He hadn't searched for it intentionally, yet he had captured it, which showed just how great this malice was.
Xiao Deng continued to eat unperturbedly, but his spiritual sense power surged out.
The situation of everyone in the Great Hall was taken into his mind.
A sneaky appearance was quite conspicuous in the crowd.
That person with their head wrapped in a thick turban.
Shouldn't that be Professor Quirrell?
A Professor would actually harbor hostility toward a student?
Following Professor Quirrell's gaze, he looked over.
That was Harry Potter!
Xiao Deng frowned; did these two have a conflict?
That shouldn't be; wasn't Harry raised in the Muggleworld?
No, wait!
This person's soul power had a problem!
Oh, that dark-looking Professor walked over.
I don't know if this Professor knows about Quirrell's problem.
However, this dark-looking Professor's attention also seemed to be faintly on Harry.
Sigh, I have to say, the Child of Destiny is just attractive to people.
Although he couldn't warn him directly—no one would believe a new student—he could secretly help keep an eye on Harry.
Xiao Deng finally retracted his spiritual sense and stopped paying attention.
Returning his focus to the scene at the table, he couldn't help but twitch his mouth.
Everyone, including Hermione, was gathered together, chatting around Harry.
But, did Harry really not notice anything wrong?
A bunch of Weasleys!
There were only a few people at the whole table, and there were four Weasleys.
Weasley Family is really prolific!
After eating dessert, the feast soon drew to a close.
Dumbledore slowly stood up; his voice was not loud, but it could be heard by everyone.
He emphasized the school rules: no going to the Forbidden Forest, no wandering around at night, no going to the Fourth Floor...
Xiao Deng frowned; there was a slight problem in Dumbledore's words.
Most of the rules were based on regulations, but this Fourth Floor was a specific location.
What exactly was in there?
Chapter 11: Night Wandering, Heading Straight to the Fourth Floor
Xiao Deng pondered carefully; if this place was off-limits, there should be many ways to prevent people from going there.
Putting up a sign, casting spells, or simply blocking it off with construction would all work.
Yet, this specific place was singled out—what kind of signal was being sent?
And it was signaled right in front of the new students.
Or was Dumbledore saying it for Quirrell to hear?
No, no, no; Quirrell is a Professor; he should be very clear about the school's rules.
If it was specifically for him, there was no need to point it out in public; a private chat in the office would have been more appropriate.
Xiao Deng had no clues for now and couldn't draw any conclusions.
After the banquet was declared over, they returned to the Dormitory under the guidance of the year's prefect.
Whether it was a coincidence or a deliberate arrangement, he was in the same Dormitory as Harry, Ron, and Neville.
There was also an additional classmate named Seamus Finnigan, whom Xiao Deng was not familiar with.
Harry excitedly pulled at Xiao Deng.
"Great, it just so happens we are in the same Dormitoryagain."
Xiao Deng unobtrusively pulled his hand back; he really didn't want to be held by a guy the whole time.
That sort of thing should be left to Hermione!
"The luggage should have arrived by now; if we tidy up, it should be about time."
The others nodded in agreement and began to unpack their things.
After tricking these four into falling asleep, Xiao Dengslowly opened his eyes.
Xiao Deng might be more than capable of protecting himself.
But dragging along a few dead weights, he wasn't sure he could solve problems if they arose.
Judging by Dumbledore's implication, Hogwarts wasn't entirely safe either.
Xiao Deng walked out of the Dormitory slowly; the lights outside had long since been extinguished.
Only the fire in the fireplace, used for warmth, flickered constantly, casting irregular shadows.
Xiao Deng walked up the stone steps; he wanted to go straight to the Fourth Floor to take a look.
What exactly was there?
However, what was up with these baffling stairs?
They would rotate every now and then; after a few turns, Xiao Deng was rotated right back to where he started.
Unwilling to give up, Xiao Deng stepped onto the stairs again.
As his spiritual sense expanded, he unexpectedly spotted someone.
A little girl was sneaking around the stairwell.
Xiao Deng's lips curled slightly; she talked about rules and regulations, but wasn't she still bold enough to come out and wander around!
In a moment of distraction, the voices of two boys came from nearby, giving the little girl a fright.
In her panic, she didn't know what to do.
A large hand suddenly reached out from behind her and dragged her into a corner.
The little girl was about to scream when her mouth was covered, and she immediately heard a familiar voice.
"Don't move, it's me!"
Hearing this voice, Hermione stopped struggling and turned her head sharply to look at the person behind her.
Her lips brushed lightly against Xiao Deng's chin without her noticing, and she asked in a low voice:
"Xiao Deng, you came out too?"
"Shh, look!"
Hermione looked in the direction Xiao Deng was pointing, and there were indeed two people sneaking around.
"The Weasley Brothers!"
Hermione whispered: "What are they doing here?"
Xiao Deng smiled and said:
"Did you forget their mother's instructions to them when they arrived at school?"
"Pranks must be a daily routine for them."
"They said they wanted to blow up a toilet at the platform."
Hermione stared blankly at Xiao Deng.
"I didn't pay attention to that at all."
Xiao Deng patted Hermione's head.
"At that time, your attention was all on Harry; how could you have time to pay attention to that?"
Hermione blushed and retorted: "I just wanted to ask about magic."
"George, I think blowing up the toilet is just whatever."
"Do you have another idea?"
"As expected of you, you get me."
"Look at this."
"What is this?"
"Something I researched by accident, similar to a swamp."
"But it's not perfected yet; it can't be applied at will."
"Oh, right, if it can't be applied at will, what if you cause trouble?"
"You're silly! No matter how much trouble you cause, can it be bigger than the Principal's ability?"
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. So, you two figure you can't topple a thousand-year-old school, so you're just going to mess around?
But let's watch, just in case something happens!
Hermione curled her lips: "I thought they were joking before!"
"I didn't expect these two brothers to really be able to pull it off!"
Xiao Deng nodded in agreement.
"Take a look; if it's nothing major, we can go."
While the two were talking, the Weasley Brothers had already arrived at the entrance of a restroom.
As if knowing Hermione's confusion, Xiao Deng took the initiative to tell her the reason.
"The person they are targeting is Filch."
"This restroom was originally a public restroom."
"Because Filch is too harsh on students, no one likes him."
"Just because Filch often comes here, students don't want to come here anymore."
"Over time, it became his private restroom."
After Xiao Deng finished explaining, the two had already finished casting their spell.
A faint light flashed, and a small, dark, dirty spot began to expand continuously.
"Damn, I told you it wasn't researched well, it's so big!"
"I only wanted to surround the toilet seat! Now it's all over the entire restroom."
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. That's not all, is it?
That doesn't seem like an ordinary swamp!
"Hey, brother."
"Is the swamp you mentioned a cesspit swamp?"
"You really are a genius!"
"That... of course!"
The two exchanged commercial flattery and then sneaked back out of the restroom.
Just as the two were preparing to go back, a whistle caught their attention.
Looking closely, Fred finally relaxed.
"So it's you, Xiao Deng, you gave me a fright."
"I thought we had been caught by the Professors!"
"Night wandering on the first day, I like this personality!"
George pointed to the person beside him.
"And Hermione too; she's not big, but her guts aren't small."
Hermione wanted to argue, but was held back by Xiao Deng.
"Do you guys know how to get to the Fourth Floor?"
George asked: "What are you doing going to the Fourth Floor?"
Xiao Deng spread his hands.
"Dumbledore won't let us go there, so I want to go all the more."
Fred and George looked at each other, both understanding the meaning in the other's eyes.
"Haha, so you are one of us."
"We approve of you; we'll hang out together from now on."
"That said, we actually want to go too!"
"However, the path there has been enchanted with magic."
"You can't get to the Fourth Floor!"
Fred and George finished speaking by alternating sentences.
Xiao Deng was silent for a moment, thinking of an important point.
"Was this rule here before?"
Fred waved his hand: "It wasn't there at all before."
George waved his hand: "Who knows what Dumbledore is thinking."
Hearing this, Xiao Deng understood in his heart.
This Fourth Floor was probably not prepared for ordinary students.
Harry probably hasn't noticed this yet.
No, it should be that all students haven't noticed this point.
It's just...
With Harry's current strength, going anywhere is just asking to get beaten.
And his own current strength had not reached the level where he could ignore this magic and enter quietly.
Fred glanced at George.
"I advise you both to give up."
"We've both tried it, it's impossible to enter there."
"Unless your magic power is greater than Dumbledore's."
"We're done with our business, we're going back."
"Do what you will."
The twins got up and returned to the Dormitory after speaking.
Xiao Deng pondered for a moment, then looked at Hermione with a gentle smile on his lips.
"What are you doing out here?"
Chapter 12: Sudden Change in a Dream
Listening to Xiao Deng, Hermione had the illusion of being caught red-handed.
"I, I was just curious and came out for a stroll."
Xiao Deng did not continue to dwell on this issue.
"It's getting late, so let's go back."
Hermione glared at Xiao Deng, puffing out her cheeks.
"You don't need to pull me, I can walk myself."
Xiao Deng smiled without any embarrassment, let go of Hermione's small hand, and turned to walk forward slowly.
Seeing Xiao Deng turn around, Hermione touched the hand that had just been held, her face gradually turning red.
Hmph! Little rascal! How many times has it been?
Just as Hermione was immersed in her own world, a hand grabbed her ankle.
"Ah!"
Xiao Deng turned around instantly, his wand appearing in his hand from his space ring.
"Wingardium Leviosa: Levitation."
"Immobulus: Freeze!"
A Levitation Charm selected Hermione, and a Freezing Charm immobilized the owner of that hand.
The Levitation Charm saved Hermione from falling, and as the spell slowly faded, Hermione was steadily caught by Xiao Deng in a princess carry.
"Are you okay?"
Hermione only came back to her senses after hearing Xiao Deng's words.
Looking at the handsome face so close by, Hermioneturned her head away unnaturally.
"I'm fine."
Xiao Deng then looked at the hand from before.
"A spirit form?"
"And it has a physical body?"
Xiao Deng's heart twitched; what kind of bizarre creature was this!
At this moment, Hermione spoke up.
"I know it, I've seen it in a book."
"He is Peeves, a ghost with a physical body."
Xiao Deng nodded slightly and ignored Peeves.
Anyone who could live here must have been approved by Dumbledore, so naturally, he couldn't do anything to it.
It was more worth it to go back to the Dormitory to sleep.
Before they had walked two steps, Hermione called out to him.
"Hey, put me down!"
Hermione's reason had long since returned; what was this embarrassing position?
Why hadn't he put her down yet!
With no other choice, Hermione had to speak up herself.
Xiao Deng slowly put Hermione down.
"Sorry, I forgot about this."
Hermione's eyelid twitched; little rascal!
After putting Hermione down, the two parted ways.
Xiao Deng slipped into his bed silently.
Senior Sisters, I have arrived!
The night passed without incident.
In the early morning, before the others had woken up, Xiao Deng had already finished washing up.
What puzzled him a little was that nothing had happened last night.
He hadn't dreamed of his Senior Sisters as usual, nor had he been able to circulate his cultivation technique in his dream.
Could it be... that the dream on the train was real?
What if he really couldn't see his Senior Sisters in the future?
However, with his current cultivation level, there was nothing he could do.
After entering Hogwarts, his realm had reached a bottleneck, and he could attempt to reach Foundation Establishment at any time.
Even if he reached Foundation Establishment, the problem of this dream still couldn't be effectively solved.
The class he had today was Transfiguration Class.
Xiao Deng took his textbook and wand and left the Dormitory silently again.
"Why are you up so early, child? You're affecting my sleep."
"Password!"
"Dragon Head."
The Fat Lady then opened the door reluctantly.
But Xiao Deng didn't leave immediately; instead, he reached out and touched the portrait.
"Hey, you little brat, you disturb my sleep and then want to molest me?"
Xiao Deng smiled slightly.
"No, no, no, I was just curious if this portrait could move."
The Fat Lady looked at him suspiciously, but Xiao Dengdidn't explain much and left with his things.
There was no one in the Transfiguration Class classroom at the moment.
Xiao Deng had already scanned the contents of the textbook with his divine sense; bringing the textbook was just to keep a low profile.
Just as Xiao Deng was pretending to flip through the book, a cat jumped onto a desk in the distance.
Now Xiao Deng was considering how to make others think he was playing with magic for the first time, and that his rapid progress was purely due to strong talent.
If others knew he already knew quite a lot of magic, he would probably be watched twenty-four hours a day.
In his perception, a little cat appeared nearby.
But this aura... it felt a bit familiar!
Xiao Deng's mouth curled up; kitty, are you ready to see a genius?
Xiao Deng waved the wand in his hand, making the cat behind him frown.
Xiao Deng's wand suddenly pointed down.
"Transform!"
The stool next to Xiao Deng immediately emitted light and gradually bulged.
"Woof woof~"
The stool turned into a puppy, wagging its tail and barking at Xiao Deng twice.
The cat in the distance went from frowning to widening its eyes instantly.
"If this is possible, wouldn't that also be possible?"
Xiao Deng glanced at the cat in the distance without a trace.
"Transform, transform, transform!"
The dog from before turned directly into Professor McGonagall.
The stool next to it also turned into Professor McGonagall.
Three Professor McGonagalls were created at once!
The cat in the distance opened its mouth wide.
Brat, is that how you play with Transfiguration?
Just as Xiao Deng was having fun and was about to transform a fourth one, a gentle yet stern voice came from behind.
"Mr. Hehuan, you must be careful when using magic."
Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and those Professor McGonagalls turned back into stools.
Xiao Deng turned around and bowed to Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall, I will be careful."
Professor McGonagall's eyes softened a bit as she looked at Xiao Deng.
"Also, you need to respect your elders when using it."
Xiao Deng immediately showed his best attitude.
"I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall."
"I will respect my elders!"
"Out of respect, please allow me to inform you in advance."
"Next time I will transform into the Principal, please check my learning results, Professor."
Professor McGonagall's eyes couldn't help but fall on the stool.
Albus?
Stool turns into Albus?
It seems...
Professor McGonagall's mouth twitched, and she forcibly suppressed her upturned lips.
"Your talent is very strong, but you must ensure safety when casting spells."
"I will, Professor."
"It's getting late, and you are at the age where you are growing, so go eat breakfast."
"Okay, thank you, Professor, I'll go right now."
Xiao Deng bowed and prepared to walk out of the classroom.
"Xiao Deng!"
Xiao Deng turned back to look at Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall didn't look at him, but walked straight out the door.
When passing Xiao Deng, she added a sentence.
"The Principal likes to wear fancy socks."
Without waiting for Xiao Deng to say anything, Professor McGonagall walked out of the classroom with her head held slightly high.
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow; was this allowed?
Xiao Deng didn't dwell on it anymore; it was better to eat first.
After all, there was a difference between having the strength for Foundation Establishment and actually achieving it.
He heard that Professor McGonagall didn't like students being late, so he needed to move a bit faster.
But after arriving at the Great Hall for breakfast, looking at the bizarre breakfast on the table, he couldn't help but cover his forehead.
During the previous banquet, he didn't feel much because there were so many varieties.
Now for this breakfast, he felt that only the eggs and desserts were edible.
If it really didn't work out, he would need to get a pot and cook for himself.
But today he could only make do with bacon and sausages.
If Hermione were by his side, it might be easier to swallow.
Just as he was thinking about this, a cute little girl sat down next to Xiao Deng.
Chapter 13: Angry Filch
Complaints also came from the seat opposite.
"Xiao Deng, you're really not being a good friend. You didn't even wake us up when you got up."
After swallowing the sausage in his mouth, Xiao Denglooked at Ron with a smile.
"If you wish to wake up at five or six o'clock like me, I can wake you up tomorrow."
"I guarantee I'll get you up!"
The four people at the table stared at Xiao Deng with wide eyes.
Ron stuttered as he asked Xiao Deng.
"You, you, you… five or six o'clock?"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, just smiled slightly and nodded, taking another piece of bread while he was at it.
Hermione stared straight at Xiao Deng.
"Is this the reason why you're so amazing?"
Xiao Deng, who had just picked up a sausage, paused, then switched to bacon instead.
"Ah~"
Hermione looked at the food held to her lips, hesitated for a moment, then opened her mouth.
The others didn't think anything of it; they had been feeding Hermione like this before.
"Not entirely!"
"It's just because I'm handsome and talented."
Hermione stopped after taking two bites, and even the roommates opposite were staring at Xiao Deng.
Ron slowly gave a thumbs up.
"You are truly thick-skinned!"
The others nodded slightly, and Xiao Deng's face instantly darkened.
"I'll wake you up tomorrow."
"No, no, no, bro, I really can't get up!"
Watching the few of them fooling around, Malfoy turned his head away.
This bunch of losers—even he had been stunned by Xiao Deng's looks and demeanor when he first saw him.
Was there anything wrong with what he said?
On the contrary, this confident manner was very similar to his own; he was truly a friend worth making.
Turning his head, he saw his two cronies stuffing their faces and rolled his eyes in disgust.
Just as Malfoy intended to go over and say hello, the doors to the Great Hall were slammed open.
"Bang!"
"Who is it! Who cast magic in my bathroom?"
A loud roar instantly silenced the Great Hall.
Everyone eating stopped, unable to continue eating.
The person who arrived was none other than Filch!
He was currently covered in filth, exuding a strong stench of excrement.
With every step he took, drops of sewage fell.
Some Wizards with weak stomachs were already about to vomit.
He took just one step forward, and it scared off quite a few Wizards.
"Oh, God!"
"Stay away from me!"
"Did he fall into a cesspit?"
"That cesspit must have saved the galaxy in its past life, I guarantee it!"
After a brief silence, the Great Hall exploded into chaos.
Waves of mocking laughter followed one after another.
Filch's reputation among the Wizards was really not very good.
There were even rumors that Filch had suggested using corporal punishment on Wizards.
Given his reputation, it wasn't impossible.
Filch walked step by step, with difficulty, toward the Gryffindor table.
But as he moved forward, the Wizards retreated.
When he retreated, the Wizards retreated even further.
He couldn't get near anyone, which made him so angry he was jumping up and down.
However, Xiao Deng's table, under his instruction, didn't move about.
Instead, they watched the funny scene of him chasing and them fleeing.
The Weasley Brothers hid in the crowd and ran together, giving Filch absolutely no chance to make contact.
Filch had a belly full of nasty words, and he was absolutely furious.
Suddenly noticing that Xiao Deng's table wasn't moving, it made him even angrier.
Just as he walked two steps toward Xiao Deng, a calm voice drifted over.
"Mr. Filch, I am eating."
"Don't you think your current state is inappropriate?"
As soon as Xiao Deng finished speaking, he was met with Filch's roar.
"I'm already in this state, what do you mean by appropriate or inappropriate?"
"Why aren't you running?"
Watching Filch reach out with his dirty hand to grab him, Xiao Deng unhurriedly and elegantly put down the last bite of bacon.
"My Wizard robes are made of top-tier fabric and craftsmanship, costing one hundred and fifty Galleons."
"Are you going to dirty it?"
Upon hearing this, not only Filch but even the Wizards nearby gasped.
Most Wizards wore basic models, and some, like Ron, were even wearing old ones.
Therefore, most of the Wizards present weren't wearing anything even a fraction as expensive as what Xiao Denghad on.
Filch's hand hung in mid-air, hesitating to make a move.
Dumbledore had already been kind to let him work at Hogwarts.
His salary wasn't much; if it weren't for Hogwartsproviding food and lodging, he would have to struggle to make a living.
Such expensive Wizard robes pinned him right where he stood.
He couldn't afford to pay for that!
Filch's complexion was turning ugly at a visible rate.
At this moment, a gentle voice sounded again.
"Mr. Filch, we are eating."
"Don't you think it's undignified to stand in front of us like this?"
Filch's body stiffened; as a Squib, he naturally considered dignity extremely important.
Although he had endured strange looks and words for many years.
Dignity remained a highly sensitive red line in his heart.
He had been blinded by anger just now, but looking back now.
He didn't know how many pairs of disgusted eyes were wandering over him, making him feel uncomfortable all over.
But if he left immediately, wouldn't it have been a wasted trip, and he'd be mocked by others?
Just as he was in a dilemma, Professor McGonagall arrived late after hearing the commotion.
Seeing Filch's appearance, she frowned deeply, subconsciously covering her mouth and nose.
"Mr. Filch, what are you doing?"
As she spoke, she glanced at the crowd without leaving a trace.
"Professor McGonagall, someone cast magic on my bathroom."
"I just walked in and fell... into a cesspit."
Professor McGonagall didn't speak, taking out her wand.
"Scourgify."
Filch was finally no longer covered in filth, and Professor McGonagall even cleaned up the drops of sewage on the floor.
"So you suspect someone tampered with you?"
Seeing Professor McGonagall there, Filch seemed to gain a bit more confidence.
"I suspect it was the Weasley Brothers who did it!"
Xiao Deng smiled; although this old guy was a Squib, his intuition was quite accurate!
Professor McGonagall's heart skipped a beat; was it really them again?
Professor McGonagall looked from afar at the Weasley Brothers standing in the crowd, saying nothing.
But the meaning was clear: she hoped the two of them would come out and explain.
Fred reluctantly nudged George, and the two of them then stepped out.
"Professor, we were eating when he arrived!"
As soon as Fred opened his mouth, George received the signal.
"Yeah, looking at him, he came straight here after falling in."
"We've almost finished our breakfast."
Professor McGonagall looked suspiciously at the two brothers; was it really not them?
But apart from them, she really couldn't think of a third person.
Before Professor McGonagall could say anything, Filchstarted shouting loudly.
"If it's not you two, then who could it be?"
"Hogwarts shouldn't have admitted someone like you!"
Filch could verbally abuse the Weasley Brothers, but on the surface, they couldn't talk back.
The other Wizards eating, and even Professor McGonagall, felt that this remark was a bit too much.
But out of consideration for the administrator's dignity, Professor McGonagall didn't say anything.
At this moment, a gentle voice sounded.
"Mr. Filch, what are you questioning?"
Xiao Deng wiped his mouth and slowly stood up, walking unhurriedly to stand before the group.
"Good morning, Professor McGonagall!"
Professor McGonagall nodded with a smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Hehuan!"
After exchanging greetings, he looked at Filch.
"Are you questioning the person who guided the Weasley Brothers back then, or are you questioning Headmaster Dumbledore?"
"Or are you questioning the educational philosophy of the founder of Hogwarts?"
"Should we stop accepting young Wizards like them and only accept Squibs?"
"In that case, we might as well just run a Muggleacademy."
Upon hearing this, Filch's eyes widened in horror, and he hurriedly waved his hands.
He couldn't let words like that spread; if things went wrong, he could become the public enemy of Hogwarts!
"You, you, you, don't talk nonsense! I didn't say that!"
"I was only talking about the Weasley Brothers!"
Xiao Deng elegantly brushed off his Wizard robes.
"Whether you were talking nonsense or not, I don't know, and it's not my place to judge."
"However, there is one thing we can determine right now."
"Professor McGonagall, please act as a witness."
"I assume Mr. Filch doesn't want things to become so ridiculous, right?"
Professor McGonagall gestured for Xiao Deng to continue.
"You claim that the dung pit was tampered with by the Weasley Brothers; do you have any proof?"
Xiao Deng stopped pressing the previous topic, much to Filch's relief.
But at the mention of the dung pit, Filch became agitated again.
"It's definitely those two!"
"May I ask, do you have any proof?"
"They're the ones causing trouble all year round; if it's not them, then who else could it..."
Xiao Deng's tone was gentle, his voice not loud, but he cut Filch off.
"I am asking, do you have any proof?"
Filch slowly stepped back from his agitated state, his face turning ugly.
"I, I..."
"This matter, it must be..."
Xiao Deng looked at Professor McGonagall and bowed slightly.
"It seems Mr. Filch does not have any evidence."
"Without evidence, that is slander."
"Even if they did it, it was just simple mischief. Is there any need to blow it out of proportion in the dining hall?"
"Causing such a scene, Mr. Filch, who are you putting on a show for?"
"Or rather, who do you want to see it?"
This feeling of being suppressed and led by the nose made Filch extremely uncomfortable.
But he couldn't find the right words to refute it at the moment.
"I, Filch, don't need evidence!"
"Langlock!"
Filch could no longer make any sound.
"Don't misunderstand, this is for your own good; you are temporarily unfit to speak."
"I suggest you write a letter of apology."
"You wouldn't want to be jointly complained about by the parents of the young Wizards, would you?"
Filch widened his eyes, trying to express his dissatisfaction and anger.
Xiao Deng ignored Filch's struggle and turned to look at Professor McGonagall.
"Professor McGonagall, you should have witnessed this."
"You file the report, and the Headmaster approves it."
After bowing, he walked out of the Great Hall unhurriedly.
Behind him were the admiring gazes of all the young Wizards.
Two gazes were particularly intense; they exchanged a look and understood what was in each other's eyes.
Xiao Deng was too awesome, making Filch lose face right to his face.
Professor McGonagall looked at Filch with a complex expression.
He was a special person, a Squib kept on by Dumbledore.
Coming to the dining area covered in dung and filth was inappropriate no matter how one looked at it.
If the families of the young Wizards found out, complaints would be a certainty.
For a Squib to receive hundreds or thousands of complaints would undoubtedly be the end of the world.
Even Dumbledore would likely have to deal with him; otherwise, it would be difficult to appease the public anger.
If not for Xiao Deng's reminder, Professor McGonagallwouldn't have thought of this aspect for a while.
Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and Filch's spell was undone.
"Professor, look, just look, what kind of behavior is this arrogant attitude?"
Looking at the furious Filch, she had originally been somewhat angry at the students who played tricks on him.
Now, she didn't want to say anything else and let out a deep sigh.
"You had better have the apology written within three days."
"What Xiao Deng said was not unreasonable; it could really turn into a group incident."
"I will tell the Headmaster about this matter."
Professor McGonagall ignored Filch and walked slowly out of the Great Hall.
There was still some time before class, and she had to tell Dumbledore about this as soon as possible.
Arriving at Dumbledore's office, Professor McGonagallrecounted the events that had just occurred.
Dumbledore fell into deep thought and remained silent for a long time.
Usually, young Wizards being mischievous was a normal phenomenon, and making small mistakes was harmless.
Who wasn't a troublemaking child when they were young?
However, Xiao Deng was right; if handled poorly, it would become a group incident.
"I understand. After classes today, send a notification for everyone to come to my office for a meeting."
Hearing Dumbledore's words, Professor McGonagall knew he had already made his judgment.
She immediately headed toward the classroom; she had her Transfiguration Class today.
When Xiao Deng left the Great Hall, his roommates and Hermione had also finished eating and left one after another.
Arriving at the classroom, which looked very historic, Hermione sat directly in the front row.
Ron shivered, hesitating.
"Sitting in the front row?"
"Yes, that way we can hear more clearly and see more clearly."
Hermione replied as if it were a matter of course.
Helpless, he could only follow this difficult young lady and sit in the front row.
Not long after sitting down, Harry felt an intense gaze wandering on his back.
He turned his head and happened to meet Malfoy's sharp eyes.
Harry nodded politely as a way of greeting.
Malfoy's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded back.
The other side was full, and they were from different houses, so it wasn't easy to sit together; Malfoy could only give up.
Just at this moment, Professor McGonagall walked into the classroom with her head held high.
She scanned the room and smiled slightly.
"Very good, no one is late for the first day of class."
After some polite words, she got straight to the point.
"Transfiguration is an extremely charming yet dangerous subject..."
Waving her wand casually, the desk in front of her turned into a pig.
Oink, oink~ The magical change aroused the interest of all the young Wizards.
Having stirred up their emotions, Professor McGonagallbegan her teaching.
Xiao Deng raised an eyebrow and extended his right hand.
"Professor, I don't think I've been given a match yet."
Professor McGonagall rolled her eyes at him, both annoyed and amused.
You need a match?
"You don't need a match, come with me."
Before leaving, Professor McGonagall added, "Practice hard; the first person to succeed will earn points."
As these words fell, the young Wizards worked even harder, locking horns with the matches in front of them.
Professor McGonagall pulled Xiao Deng aside.
"As I recall, you are Muggle-born, right? Where did you learn Transfiguration?"
"And how far have you progressed in your studies?"
Xiao Deng put away his wand and looked at Professor McGonagall.
"Professor, what are you saying? I've just entered Hogwarts, I don't know anything."
Seeing Professor McGonagall's skeptical look, Xiao Dengfelt a bit guilty.
"Xiao Deng, you cannot treat a Professor like a fool."
"Not to mention the stool this morning, just the magic you used to deal with Filch is not something a normal young Wizard just starting out could master."
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched; it seemed he couldn't get away with it today.
"Basically, I have read through everything in the textbooks!"
Chapter 15 Section 1 Transfiguration Class
Xiao Deng still held back a little, only saying what was in the textbook.
Professor McGonagall nodded slightly, not overly surprised.
After all, she had already been surprised at the place where they ate.
Professor McGonagall shook her head slightly.
"It seems there is always someone better!"
"It is to set an example for that child."
Xiao Deng pretended not to hear Professor McGonagall's words clearly.
"Professor, what did you say?"
Professor McGonagall looked up, her gaze towards Xiao Deng softening.
This child she brought back was truly impressive!
"It's nothing, you don't need to do the subsequent assignments."
"I have seen your Transfiguration, and basically, there are no problems at all."
"Just keep practicing diligently."
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Professor."
Professor McGonagall changed the subject: "However, come to the Headmaster's Office after class today."
Professor McGonagall didn't say what it was about, and Xiao Deng didn't ask.
However, he did have some guesses; it was probably related to the matter with Filch.
Professor McGonagall and Xiao Deng entered the classroom one after the other.
But no one in the classroom grasped the essence of Transfiguration in a short time.
Even Harry couldn't do it!
It seemed it wasn't that others were stupid, but that Xiao Deng was too monstrously talented.
Professor McGonagall subconsciously glanced at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng saw Professor McGonagall's gaze and immediately knew what she was thinking.
Xiao Deng spread his hands; no help for it, he was just that awesome.
The saying that genius is just the threshold wasn't something he just boasted about casually back then.
Returning to his seat, his friends around him were still struggling with the matches.
He didn't intend to help either.
He could help once, but not for a lifetime; they had to figure it out themselves.
And he had a foundation in the cultivation world, so looking at the logic of magic was like playing a game.
If he mixed in some methods from the cultivation world, it was highly likely no one would notice.
Xiao Deng propped his face with one hand, looking at Hermione who was frowning slightly.
Xiao Deng also frowned slightly; he could buy little Hermione some hair-smoothing potion.
Her beauty would definitely go up a level!
After many attempts, Hermione already wanted to throw her wand, but she still endured and kept trying.
After another failure, Hermione looked up and around.
Seeing that no one else had succeeded, she felt much better.
As she turned back, she met Xiao Deng's gaze.
Feeling as if her slacking off had been caught red-handed, a burst of shame and anger exploded in her heart.
"What are you looking at?"
Xiao Deng was full of relaxation and yawned.
"Watching a little beauty keep failing!"
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and lowered her head to fiddle with the match again.
Only her cheeks turned red, and it was unclear whether it was caused by the failure or some other reason.
After trying three more times, Hermione couldn't hold it in anymore.
Gritting her teeth, she whispered: "Can you take your eyes off me!"
"Your gaze is affecting me!"
"Your breathing is also affecting me!"
Xiao Deng spread his hands, looking innocent.
"You can't blame the toilet if you can't poop, right?"
"Besides, I haven't done anything."
The two's conversation also attracted the attention of Harry and Ron.
Ron, without thinking, immediately asked: "Xiao Deng, why aren't you doing it? Where is your match?"
Xiao Deng lazily straightened up.
"My match was thrown into the toilet by Hermione."
Hermione turned her head sharply to stare at Xiao Deng.
"Don't talk nonsense, you haven't tried once, and I haven't touched your match."
Harry opened his eyes wide.
"Xiao Deng, if you don't do the homework, Professor McGonagall will be angry."
These people's questions came one after another, endlessly.
"I can make the match stand up and walk; am I sick to keep practicing this low-level stuff?"
This made the little girl furious; she felt that Xiao Dengwas mocking her!
"Bang!"
Hermione directly slammed her match onto Xiao Deng's desk.
"If you're not sick, then walk two steps!"
"As you wish!"
Xiao Deng waved his wand, and a halo of light flickered.
The match that Hermione had slammed onto the table instantly stood up and turned into a matchstick figure.
The matchstick figure walked two steps on the table and came in front of Hermione.
"Walked two steps."
Hermione's mouth opened in shock, and her face gradually turned dark.
The matchstick figure's behavior was definitely instructed by Xiao Deng.
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng in dissatisfaction and crossed her arms in front of her chest, sulking.
Harry had wanted to ask for a long time, and since Hermione was interacting with him, he finally had the chance to ask.
"Xiao Deng, how did you do it, is there a trick to it?"
Hearing Harry's question, Xiao Deng was stunned.
Does this kind of thing still need a trick?
How could a young Wizard not learn Transfiguration no matter how stupid they are?
It was too easy for him, so he hadn't paid much attention.
Recalling his own state, what would he do if he couldn't do it?
"When you can't do it, concentrate first."
"Too many distracting thoughts will have some impact."
"Feel the flow of magic in your body and wand more."
"And another point is, work hard and practice more."
"I'm afraid only Hermione among you guys previewed the textbook, right?"
Harry and the others couldn't help but blush a little.
Xiao Deng was right; none of them had read the book.
After saying some official words, Xiao Deng didn't say anything else.
Hermione seemed indifferent, but actually, she was listening carefully to the experience Xiao Deng shared.
Concentrate, feel the magic?
But not long after, the bell for the end of class rang.
"Student Xiao Deng succeeded in the transformation, five points to Gryffindor, class dismissed."
As soon as Professor McGonagall left, Malfoy crowded over.
"As a Muggle, you have good luck."
As a pure-blood Wizard, raised in luxury, this must be the friendliest compliment he could think of.
Xiao Deng smiled; he was an adult, so he wouldn't lower himself to Malfoy's level.
"You flatter me; you are a pure-blood Wizard, so learning it must be effortless for you."
Malfoy nodded with satisfaction; Xiao Deng was the only Muggle-born Wizard he could speak to nicely.
"Do you want to go to the club and take a look together?"
Malfoy also looked at Harry when he said that.
Harry's heart skipped a beat; Xiao Deng had blocked him many times, avoiding conflict.
But Malfoy's personality really didn't mesh well, though he seemed completely unaware of it himself.
"Harry probably can't go."
Malfoy frowned and asked with some surprise: "Why?"
"He is a bit embarrassed to tell you, afraid you might misunderstand."
"With his reputation here, if he can't learn the new course, this face..."
Regarding the matter of face, Malfoy understood immediately.
"If Harry has any questions, just come to me; my father is a School Governor!"
"What about you?"
Xiao Deng spread his hands, looking helpless.
"Professor McGonagall wants to see me about something; you know, the matter with Filch is a bit troublesome."
Malfoy showed an expression of realization; that was indeed a bit troublesome.
"If you can't handle it, come to me!"
After saying that, he left the classroom with his little followers.
As soon as Malfoy left, Ron blurted out.
"He is so stuck up!"
Xiao Deng shook his head helplessly.
"Malfoy is actually okay if you get along with him properly."
"There is no need to make an enemy for no reason."
Just as they were talking, a cry of surprise came from behind.
"I succeeded!"
Chapter 16: For the Sake of Hogwarts, You Must Be Wronged
Xiao Deng looked back; a bright, shining needle lay on the table.
He smiled slightly and patted Hermione on her little head.
"Great job!"
Hermione swatted Xiao Deng's hand away and said, "Don't touch my head!"
But the little bit of smugness on her face couldn't be hidden.
Xiao Deng said with a serious expression, "You two go back first; I need to find the Principal."
After turning a few corners, he arrived at Dumbledore's office.
"Knock, knock~"
"Come in!"
Xiao Deng entered the office, where other Professors were present.
Xiao Deng looked straight ahead and bowed naturally.
"Principal, Professor, I'm here."
Dumbledore smiled kindly.
"Sit down quickly."
"I've gathered everyone today to discuss Filch's issue."
"Mr. Hehuan is the only young Wizard on the scene who had contact with Filch."
"He was also the first to realize the hidden dangers behind this matter."
"I specifically invited him to assist us in making a decision."
After Dumbledore finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the office.
Seeing that no one was speaking, Filch became a bit anxious.
"Professors, I feel this is a very big problem and must be handled seriously."
"If they can set up a dung pit in the bathroom today, they'll dare to use magic to blow up the school tomorrow!"
"Where does this put the dignity of the school and the Professors?"
"I dare say it was definitely the Weasley Brothers who did it."
"I have torture instruments in my room; as long as we interrogate them strictly..."
Filch stopped halfway and glanced at Xiao Deng.
"Evidence—won't we have it once we interrogate them!"
Hearing this, Xiao Deng couldn't help but chuckle.
Everyone else's gaze turned towards him.
Xiao Deng composed himself, straightened his expression, and stood up.
"Mr. Filch, first of all, I want to clarify that I mean no disrespect to you."
"But..."
"Interrogate? Who do you think he is? You still want to interrogate them?"
"His surname is 'Weasley'!"
"Do you have the guts to go to the front door of their family home and say that?"
"Not to mention further away, just inside the school, how many 'Weasleys' are there?"
"What about in ten or twenty years?"
Once these words were spoken, the eyes of the people at the table instantly became much more serious.
But Xiao Deng did not stop his output.
"Taking a step back, according to your idea, it is possible to interrogate young Wizards."
"If something happens, do you dare to interrogate Malfoy?"
"Mr. Filch, look at me!"
"Do you dare? His father is a school governor, right?"
Filch trembled, not knowing how to answer, and Xiao Deng finally dropped the last straw.
"You hesitated with the powerful ones, so let's switch to a lone fighter: Harry Potter!"
As soon as Xiao Deng said the name, he felt a sharp gaze sweep over him.
Xiao Deng shifted his position and glanced over without leaving a trace.
"Snape?"
"What does he have to do with Harry?"
He thought to himself, but his mouth didn't stop.
"He is all alone; his parents are gone."
"But have you thought about when you want the newspapers to publish the news about 'Abusing The Chosen One'?"
"Can you bear this charge?"
"Or who do you want to bear it?"
"Dumble..."
"No! I didn't!"
Filch had long been sweating profusely from Xiao Deng's words.
He didn't even dare let Xiao Deng finish speaking when he mentioned the Principal, and immediately denied it loudly.
Dumbledore was his only backer; if Dumbledore didn't stand on his side either, he would be finished!
"Whether you did it or not isn't important; what's important is whether the outside world thinks Hogwarts did!"
Xiao Deng had explained it very clearly, and the atmosphere in the office had changed from indifferent to serious.
Xiao Deng returned to his seat, and the office fell into silence.
After a long while, a Professor finally spoke.
"At the end of the day, this matter is essentially just a prank."
"It's not like the Dark... You-Know-Who has returned, so why make such a big fuss?"
Professor McGonagall nodded slightly.
"That may be true, and ordinary mistakes are indeed harmless."
"The problem lies in the way Mr. Filch handles problems."
She then recounted the ins and outs of the matter and fully explained Xiao Deng's point.
Many Professors nodded slightly, agreeing with Xiao Deng's point of view.
A prank is a prank after all; it's not a big problem.
At most, it shows that the young Wizard is naughty; it's not like that person has returned.
But if parents complain collectively, that is no small matter.
Before You-Know-Who defeats us, the complaints will have already shut down Hogwarts.
That would be the biggest joke in the world!
Filch is still too impulsive, just like his torture instruments.
Looking at the big picture, what Xiao Deng said is indeed the case.
Filch's thin self-esteem naturally felt extremely humiliated, and his gaze towards Xiao Deng couldn't help but carry a hint of ferocity.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. What's wrong with you, old man? You hate everyone you see!
Since that's the case, let me add some spice for you.
"Mr. Filch, please don't look at me with those eyes; I am also doing this for Hogwarts."
"Let's look at it from another angle!"
"Even if I threw Professor Snape's floral underpants onto the Principal's face."
Xiao Deng paused, then spread his hands.
"I'm afraid the Principal wouldn't make things difficult for me."
"People still need to learn from the Principal!"
Dumbledore's expression remained unchanged, but Professor McGonagall lowered her head and pursed her lips.
A flat voice, seemingly devoid of emotion, suddenly rang out.
"Mr. Hehuan, where would I get floral underpants?"
"If not floral, then what are they?" Xiao Deng asked, speeding up his speech.
"Mine are black..."
He stopped halfway, realizing he had just fallen into Xiao Deng's speed trap.
Although seeing Snape get deflated was fun, the underpants were on his own face.
Dumbledore still had no expression at this moment.
Professor McGonagall opposite him could no longer control her mouth, and Xiao Deng naturally noticed.
"Professor McGonagall, what are you laughing at?"
Professor McGonagall, who was named by Xiao Deng, was stunned for a moment.
The smile on her lips hadn't faded yet, and she was caught red-handed.
"Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall told me about this."
Snape's face, usually as still as an ancient well, couldn't help but twitch.
"So that's how it is. Professor McGonagall, thank you so much for caring about my private life."
Professor McGonagall could no longer laugh and looked at Xiao Deng seriously.
"Oh, Mr. Hehuan, please don't talk nonsense; I never said such things!"
"Severus, don't believe him easily; I would definitely not do such a thing!"
Smiles do not disappear; they only transfer.
Dumbledore watched Professor McGonagall, who was explaining in a fluster, the corners of his mouth rising as he smiled and interrupted the two.
"You two can discuss what the underpants are in private. Mr. Hehuan, is there anything else you want to say?"
Both of their faces stiffened, they looked at each other, and tacitly stopped talking.
Xiao Deng bowed slightly and replied, "Just two last things."
He then looked at Filch, who was sitting to the side.
"Look, I've made so many jokes, and no Professor is holding a grudge or wants to teach me a lesson."
"And there will be no other punishment for me."
Filch's face looked a bit ugly, but he was helpless.
Because Dumbledore hadn't said a single word about his opinion on this matter.
Only after everyone's opinions were unified did Dumbledore clear his throat.
The sound in the office disappeared immediately.
"It seems everyone's opinions are unified."
He turned to look at Filch and spoke slowly:
"For the big picture, for Hogwarts, you must be wronged for a while."
Chapter 17: Foundation Establishment
"If there's nothing else, you may leave."
"Xiao Deng and Professor McGonagall, please stay."
The others left Dumbledore's office one after another.
Only Xiao Deng and Professor McGonagall remained.
"I heard from Professor McGonagall that you have already finished learning all the textbooks. Is that true?"
Xiao Deng waved his hand and showed a gentle smile.
"Professor McGonagall is exaggerating; I have only finished reading them."
Dumbledore's face twitched; what was the difference between that and finishing them?
If one didn't know anything, it would be hard to get through even half a page of the textbook.
Being able to read to the end meant that, at the very least, he had understood everything.
And judging by his performance during the Filch incident, it shouldn't just be about understanding.
Xiao Deng did not know that his method of hiding his true abilities had already been mostly figured out by Dumbledore.
However, Dumbledore did not expose Xiao Deng.
"You are a genius, and geniuses should have the treatment of a genius."
"In the future, if you have any questions, you can come directly to ask me."
Dumbledore had his reasons for saying this.
Although the Professors were stronger and had more solid foundations.
If Xiao Deng had already mastered all the magic in the textbooks, there was probably nothing left to teach him within the curriculum.
The only difference would likely be a matter of proficiency.
But judging by Professor McGonagall's description, this child cast spells casually, not looking like a novice at all.
Once it reached this level, it escalated to an understanding of the logic of magic.
This wasn't something that could be solved by just practicing a few more times.
With such talent, could there be an additional backup option for the plan?
Wait and see; it remains to be observed!
"If there is nothing else, you may go back."
After leaving Dumbledore's office, Professor McGonagalllooked at Xiao Deng with feigned reproach.
"Remember to be clear when giving examples; next time, it would be fun if you said Severus the Old Bat."
Xiao Deng's curiosity was piqued.
"What would happen if I said it?"
Professor McGonagall raised the corners of her mouth while looking at Xiao Deng.
"He would put you in detention! Tee-hee~"
Xiao Deng's face darkened; so she was enjoying her own joke!
Professor McGonagall felt much better and left with a light step.
Xiao Deng walked in the direction of the Dormitory.
He didn't know if the little girl had returned to the Dormitory yet; he still wanted to cultivate their relationship.
But he didn't run into Hermione along the way.
As soon as he entered the Dormitory, several roommates crowded around him.
"Xiao Deng, your talent is just too good!"
Xiao Deng showed a gentle smile.
"You are just starting; with effort, you will all succeed."
"I'm going to the Library later; is anyone coming with me?"
Ron made a long face: "You're going to study again!"
Harry looked at Xiao Deng with starry eyes as he replied to Ron.
"Isn't this what we should do? Otherwise, how would effort seem normal?"
Seamus stood at the very back and spoke softly.
"Um, Xiao Deng, I'll go with you; I need to look up some information."
Ron, looking utterly defeated, lay directly on the bed.
"Today's Transfiguration Class was already enough for me to handle; I'd better rest."
Harry also nodded in full agreement.
It seems the Child of Destiny hasn't prepared for battle yet.
The good times in life are not many.
Xiao Deng nodded slightly and didn't force anyone.
This also showed something from the side: the problems in this world were not yet urgent.
He still had time to do other things and make plans.
On the way to the Library, Xiao Deng was considering one thing.
He had already exposed a part of himself to Dumbledore; although he didn't say it explicitly, he must have known.
Was he too close to Harry?
What if the old guy used him as a babysitter?
These were the least of his concerns; clearly, Dumbledoredefinitely had his own plans.
If he ended up on the list, it wouldn't be up to him to decide anymore.
He thought for a long time but couldn't come up with any good solutions.
After all, he still needed to live at Hogwarts; his cultivation and safety needed to be guaranteed here.
The Muggle world had restrictions everywhere!
Strength, in the final analysis, is still strength.
If his level was high enough, he wouldn't need to consider so much at all.
Not long after, they arrived at the Library; he and Seamuswere looking for information in different areas, so they had to separate.
Xiao Deng needed to look up more History of Magic and magic theory, as well as magic spells.
This was to cover up the signs of his cultivation.
When emergencies happened, he would be able to find a suitable excuse to muddle through.
And Xiao Deng's way of reading was very plain and unadorned.
He opened the book and scanned it directly with his divine sense, which made his efficiency extremely high.
Things that others would take a week, a few months, or even several years to finish researching, he could scan through several books in just a few minutes.
Fortunately, he found a corner with no one around; otherwise, he really could have scared people.
Xiao Deng looked at the sky; it was about time, and he needed an opportunity to be alone.
After finding Seamus, he told him he was tired of reading and would go back first.
Seamus readily agreed, but Xiao Deng was not going back to the Dormitory.
After winding around, he arrived at the Forbidden Forest.
Xiao Deng had his divine sense scanning, so he naturally avoided that big guy.
There were many existences in the Forbidden Forest that could threaten young Wizards.
As long as he didn't go too deep, most of these posed no threat to Xiao Deng.
As soon as Xiao Deng entered the forest, the air temperature dropped by several degrees.
"I have to say, it looks quite intimidating."
After walking inside for a while, only after century-old trees began to appear did Xiao Deng slow his pace.
"If I advance, there is a high probability that it will attract some heavenly tribulation."
"I don't know if the old guys inside will overthink it if they see the phenomenon."
Immediately, he found a flat piece of terrain and Xiao Dengsat cross-legged.
The energy accumulated in his body was long enough for him to establish his foundation.
As soon as he released control, the spiritual energy in his body traveled through his meridians like a storm.
He adjusted his state and went directly to impact the Foundation Establishment.
But the obstacles he imagined did not appear; he crossed the threshold of Foundation Establishment directly and very smoothly.
What puzzled Xiao Deng even more was that apart from his cultivation level, nothing else happened.
The sky was cloudless, not looking at all like there would be a heavenly tribulation.
He walked two steps on the ground, and there was still no movement.
This made Xiao Deng's heart surge; if there was no heavenly tribulation, then wouldn't it be...
He could advance at any time without having to watch the time or pick a location!
However, after walking two steps, his footsteps paused, and his face darkened.
He suddenly thought of what Hermione said in class.
He shook his head and turned around, no longer thinking about this matter, which was like Merlin's smelly socks.
It seems there is Old Bat's class tomorrow; it's time to learn about him.
According to age, this Old Bat should be seeing Harry for the first time.
His attitude towards Harry was a bit strange and awkward.
But it was absolutely certain that he was paying attention to Harry's movements.
Should he ask Dumbledore? He definitely knew more than he did.
After thinking for a while, he dismissed this idea.
Dumbledore was currently an uncertain bomb.
Who knows when he might arrange something for him.
Being arranged together with the Child of Destiny was naturally not a good job.
Let's just play it by ear in class tomorrow!
Chapter 18: Questioning Snape in Public
The night passed without incident, and today was Snape's class.
This cold-faced Professor made many young Wizards afraid to be late, so they sat in their seats early.
"Bang!"
The classroom door was suddenly pushed open.
Before the young Wizards could see who it was, all that greeted them was the trailing edge of a flowing black robe.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched; Professor McGonagall's description was truly vivid!
Heh, Old Bat!
His style was completely different from Professor McGonagall's, but he also had ways to keep the classroom in perfect order.
"You are here to learn the art of Potion making."
"There will be no foolish wand waving, only precise science and strict technique."
...
Xiao Deng opened his spiritual sense fully and scanned Snape.
Sure enough, although this man was speaking, his attention was constantly on Harry.
"I can teach you how to boost your prestige, brew glory, and even prevent death."
"But, only if you are not the dunderheads I usually encounter."
If you translate the meaning behind those words, why does it sound so much like what someone else once said?
The group of friends, led by Hermione, all glanced at Xiao Deng.
They wouldn't be birds of a feather, would they?
Harry's attention was also on Xiao Deng, when a voice caught him off guard.
"Mr. Potter!"
Harry snapped back to reality and looked at this expressionless Professor.
"If I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood, what would I get?"
Harry was flustered; he had no idea, but he couldn't remain silent.
"I don't know, Professor!"
Snape sneered.
"It seems that fame isn't everything!"
"Five points from Gryffindor."
Just as Snape turned around, a gentle voice rang out.
"A Draught of Living Death!"
Snape's footsteps halted; he slowly turned back and looked at the young Wizard who had spoken.
Snape stared straight at Xiao Deng, his tone calm.
"Mr. Hehuan, your reputation has been quite loud lately."
There was still no fluctuation in Snape's eyes.
"I'll ask you one more question. If you answer it, I won't hold you accountable for disrupting the class."
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"
Xiao Deng straightened his Wizard robes, looked up, and revealed a gentle smile.
"They are just different names for the same thing."
Snape didn't speak, but the moment he turned, he cast a subtle glance at Harry.
"Professor, wait!"
Snape turned back around, remaining silent.
"I won't take much of your time; I'd like to ask one question."
Snape faced Xiao Deng directly.
"Speak!"
"Asphodel is a type of lily, and the language of lilies is regret."
"Wormwood represents absence!"
"A Draught of Living Death has the effect of inducing deep sleep."
"Are you unable to sleep at night and need a sleeping draught to do so?"
"Whose life were you absent from, and what regrets do you have?"
The classroom immediately became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Even Malfoy looked at Xiao Deng with a hint of worry in his eyes.
Buddy, you are a true Gryffindor!
I wouldn't dare speak to this Old Bat like that.
He is not a Professor with a good temper.
Snape's expression was dazed for a moment; at that moment, he really wanted to look at Harry.
But he held back, and in an instant, he returned to his usual appearance.
"You certainly fit the nature of Gryffindor."
"But don't get stabbed silly by Gryffindor's sword."
"Asking such off-the-wall questions."
With a flick of his robe, he turned and returned to the podium.
"Mr. Hehuan, for disrupting class discipline and asking irrelevant questions, ten points from you."
Malfoy breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Fortunately, it was just a point deduction; Gryffindor has plenty of points anyway.
Xiao Deng didn't continue to provoke the Old Bat.
There were already some signs; it was highly likely to be the grudges of the previous generation again.
In most cases, the younger generation cannot untangle these cross-generational issues.
Let it be!
However, he still had to pay a visit to Dumbledore to get some peace of mind.
Otherwise, having him hovering in front of his eyes every day would be so creepy!
He was brave enough to talk back to the Heavenly Dao, even.
But he wasn't stupid; it was best to take precautions.
Perhaps he had been stimulated, or perhaps he felt once was enough.
The Old Bat's original intention of giving Harry a hard time when he entered the room vanished; after Xiao Dengfinished asking, he didn't bother Harry again.
Likewise, he didn't pay attention to Xiao Deng either.
Xiao Deng sat back in his seat and immediately felt a resentful gaze.
It was the gaze of the overachieving Hermione.
"It's all your fault for talking nonsense! I wanted to answer questions to earn points!"
"Now, not only did I not earn points, but points were deducted!"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, just reached down and squeezed Hermione's little hand.
Hermione blushed, shook off Xiao Deng's hand, ignored him, and focused on the class.
What Snape taught was relatively basic, and Xiao Dengalready knew how to use it.
So this class was still a bit boring.
What if he found the Old Bat and learned deeper Potionknowledge from him?
With that foul temper, he would probably be rejected!
No, he still had to find Dumbledore; no matter how long he thought about it, he couldn't get around him.
Forget it, I'll go find him later!
Snape's class finally ended, and he left with big strides, his robe swirling, without looking back.
Harry scratched his head and said embarrassedly: "Sorry, I got you in trouble."
Xiao Deng waved his hand to indicate it was nothing.
After confirming that Snape had left, Hermione tugged at Xiao Deng's clothes.
"You shouldn't have just interrupted the Professor like that."
"He can deduct your points, what can you do?"
This young master can do it for several days! Do you believe me?
If it were you, it would be several days plus three seconds.
Ron leaned over with a bitter face.
"He specifically asked Harry; how would Harry, a freshman, know?"
"If he knew everything, would he still need to come to Hogwarts to learn things?"
"Besides, Xiao Deng was just trying to help Harry."
Hermione held up her index finger in front of her eyes.
"But you really were arguing with the Professor."
"And Xiao Deng asked him back, what was the point of that?"
"I'm telling you this for your own good!"
Xiao Deng finally realized that what was originally well-intentioned words became twisted when they came out of Hermione's mouth.
Ron immediately covered his face.
"Oh my goodness! I'm at Hogwarts!"
"I can even hear the same tone and wording as my mother!"
"But..."
Before Hermione could say anything more, she was interrupted by Xiao Deng, who took hold of her little hand that was gesturing.
"My dear, I know you mean well."
"The thing has already happened, there's no way to change it, so let it go."
"Harry already knows he was wrong."
Harry:???
Perhaps Ron didn't want to hear Hermione nagging, so he immediately interrupted the two.
"That's enough, let's go eat first!"
"If the dining hall stops serving food later, you'll regret that more than clashing with the Professor."
Harry watched the two of them being so sharp-tongued that he couldn't get a word in, and couldn't help but look at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng gave Harry a reassuring look.
With Xiao Deng acting as a mediator, the few of them didn't end up having a full-blown argument.
Instead, they went to the dining hall together to eat.