Tuesday, January 1st, 1991, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry officially began the new term.
In the morning, Karl returned the Marauder's Map to the Weasley Brothers, receiving their enthusiastic bear hugs in return.
"Your Christmas gift was absolutely fantastic! We love it!"
"That's right! We'll definitely use it to create the best magical items!"
Watching the two brothers hurry away, Karl could only hope their magical creations wouldn't be tested on him.
The first class of the new term was Herbology Class, where Professor Sprout taught everyone about Devil's Snare.
Karl was very familiar with the stuff, having helped fertilize it several times during the holidays.
Perhaps because of this, after asking him a question, Professor Sprout awarded him five points.
Indeed, hard work pays off.
Flush with this initial success, Karl began to get carried away, even fantasizing about earning points in Potion Class as well.
After all, he had already finished reading *Advanced Potion-Making* from the Restricted Section. While his practical skills were lacking, he felt confident in his theoretical knowledge.
Unfortunately, Professor Snape simply ignored Karl, not even glancing in his direction.
Sigh! What a shame!
The only downside of receiving extra tutoring from Professor McGonagall was probably that he could no longer earn points in Transfiguration Class.
Because Karl's learning pace had far surpassed that of his fellow first-year Little wizards, Professor McGonagall, much like Professor Snape, ignored him when asking questions.
But thankfully, Professor Flitwick in Charms Class was never stingy with awarding points.
The first-year Little wizards had now begun learning the Mending Charm, and everyone had mixed feelings about this spell.
The good side was naturally that once learned, they wouldn't have to worry about their belongings breaking, as they could repair them.
The bad side was also exactly that—it felt like they could no longer use broken items as an excuse to ask for new ones.
"Now, everyone can try to mend the broken teapot in front of you. Remember the key points of the spellcasting; don't rush."
Professor Flitwick, standing atop a stack of books, directed the Little wizards to begin practicing.
The Mending Charm was absolutely the spell Karl had used the most. Whenever he went to the Room of Requirement to play with fire, he would always set aside time to repeatedly torture practice dummies with the Severing Charm and the Mending Charm.
Under Professor Flitwick's expectant gaze, Karl pointed his wand at the shattered teapot, instantly restoring it to its original state.
"My goodness! An outstanding Mending Charm! Mr. O'Loughlin's performance is excellent!"
"I shall award five points to Hufflepuff! No! Ten points!"
Karl: ~(￣▽￣)~
Ah! That feels good!
...
Days passed one by one. The Little wizards, who had thoroughly enjoyed their holidays, gradually settled back into their routines.
Hogwarts soon returned to its previous state—attending classes, studying, resting after school—simple yet fulfilling.
If there was any other change in the new term, it was that Karl's time on the Quidditch Pitch had greatly increased.
Cedric was like Iron Man struck by Thor—bursting with energy and vitality.
Not only did he train hard himself, but he also often dragged Karl along to practice flying techniques.
"Big bro! I'm not on the team! Why do I have to come too?"
After another session of flying around like a headless fly, Karl finally couldn't hold back his complaint.
"Because I'm studying and researching you."
"Huh? Me?"
Karl widened his eyes in disbelief. Studying and researching his flying? Was the plan to laugh the opponents to death?
Cedric stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Because I've discovered that your flying style—completely irregular movement, unpredictable changes of direction, constantly varying speed and altitude—might be applicable in matches."
"Especially for a Seeker. Perhaps this move could be used to confuse opponents, like the Wronski Feint."
Karl:...
How to put it? His feelings were indescribable.
He couldn't tell if the guy was being serious or just mocking him.
Cedric suddenly slapped his thigh, "If it works, I plan to name it the Karl Movement!"
Karl: (▔,▔)
"Well... let's not call it a 'movement' for me. How about letting Brown have the movement?"
"Huh?" Cedric was utterly confused, "Who's Brown?"
"That's not important. Actually, I think 'Diggory Movement' sounds pretty good too."
Cedric flatly refused, "How could that be? You're the inventor. I merely proposed the idea of incorporating it into matches."
Karl patted his shoulder, "It doesn't matter. Just promise me that if you end up making a fool of yourself in the future, don't drag me into it."
After saying this, Karl threw his broomstick into Cedric's arms and took off running.
Learn flying? Learn my foot!
To hell with broomsticks! I'm going to ride Thunderbirds and Dragons in the future!
...
In the first Defense Against the Dark Arts Class after the term began, Elvis Heller began teaching everyone the treatment methods for Werewolf bites.
As for how to identify werewolves and kill them, that wouldn't be taught until the third year.
After class, the Hufflepuffs filed out of the classroom. Karl had only taken a few steps when Heller called out to him.
"Mr. O'Loughlin, long time no see. I'm truly delighted to see you."
"Thank you, Professor. The feeling is mutual."
Karl turned to look at Heller. The other's face still wore that stiff smile.
He examined Karl with a surprised look, "I must say, you've surprised me."
"Hmm? What are you referring to?"
Karl speculated internally. This guy was probably talking about how he hadn't been corrupted by Lord Voldemort's Horcrux and had instead burned it to ashes with Fiendfyre.
It seemed he knew how to enter the Room of Requirement and had already gone to check.
"It's not important. Although you cost me an option, you've also shown me your value."
Heller spoke in a strange, almost poetic tone, "Mr. O'Loughlin, do you believe in gods?"
Karl: (⊙_⊙)
What kind of development was this now? When did you, a Dark Wizard, change professions?
The sea of bitterness has no shore, turn back and you'll find the land. Abandon the Dark Arts and immediately convert to god?
But looking at the other's fanatical expression, he really did seem like an extremist fanatic.
"Professor, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying. Gods? Do you mean God?"
Looking at Karl's innocent, harmless, and utterly confused face, Heller shook his head with a smile.
"It doesn't matter, Mr. O'Loughlin. You are quite remarkable. You are already worthy of receiving a god's favor and compassion."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than he turned and walked away.
This chuunibyou-esque speech made Karl feel like he was seeing Pain, who called himself a god and shouted about carrying a bag of rice up several floors.
Regardless of whether this guy was being deliberately mysterious, Karl believed this was no ordinary situation. A heavy-handed approach was necessary.
He felt embarrassed troubling the old man with his own affairs, but Heller, this unstable element, was also a hidden danger to Hogwarts.
He had originally planned to play along slowly, but now this guy was coming to cause trouble again.
Then he'd just flip the table. After all, Karl now had a story that could hold up under scrutiny.
I'm going to report this to Headmaster Dumbledore!
Expose Professor Heller for his secret dealings!