Ethan inherently possessed a range of exceptional talents—dual learning enhancements, rewarded wizarding talent, dual dark magic affinity, and enhancements in potion-making. Now, with newly acquired boosts in reasoning, spellcasting, and alchemy, his stack of BUFFs could only be described as overwhelming.
The randomly obtained talent, Fire Affinity, was particularly impressive. It enhanced both the control and power of fire spells, scaling further with one's depth of understanding. While this world didn't officially categorize magic by elements, elemental spells certainly existed—especially fire-based ones like Fiendfyre, the Fire Shield Charm, and Fiery Path.
Ethan was particularly struck by Grindelwald's fire manipulation, which was not only destructive but also artistically beautiful.
Thanks to Peak Forest's Kirin for the generous support with three monthly tickets! Much appreciated!
Chapter 23: Who Could Refuse This?
(Seeking Fresh Flowers and Reviews)
The next day, just after seven o'clock, Ethan woke up early—already accustomed to the schedule. He pulled out the timetable that had come with his luggage the day before and noted how relaxed the Hogwarts curriculum actually was.
There were eight subjects in total: Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Flying, History of Magic, and Astronomy. Of these, Flying, History of Magic, and Astronomy only met once a week. The remaining subjects had two lessons weekly.
Each lesson lasted an hour, with a half-hour break in between. Only Potions was a double period. Morning classes ran from nine to eleven-thirty, and afternoon classes from one-thirty to four. Astronomy took place on Wednesday evenings.
All four Houses attended class together. With only around seventy first-years, there was no issue with space. If the Houses had separate classes, each subject would require one professor to handle seven years, split into fourteen batches—clearly an unreasonable load. Professors were also often Heads of House, with numerous administrative responsibilities. On top of that, they had to prepare lessons, grade assignments, and oversee exams.
Under such a schedule, even oxen couldn't keep up.
This morning's schedule had just one class—Transfiguration, starting at nine. Still early.
His three roommates were still fast asleep. Ethan let them be, freshened up, and left the dormitory.
"Good morning, Senior!" he greeted upon entering the common room.
Penelope was there, along with a few other older students, each diligently reading.
"Morning, Ethan. Settling in okay in the Ravenclaw dorm?" she asked with a smile.
"It's alright. I'm not picky about beds," Ethan replied, taking a seat beside her. Glancing at her book, he noticed, Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5.
"It's only half-past seven. Come on, let me take you to breakfast," Penelope offered as she stood and stretched—her figure revealing the healthy development of a well-nourished sixteen-year-old.
"You got up early just to study?" Ethan asked curiously, following her.
"I was up at six. That's not too early, is it?" she replied, then added, "I have to take my O.W.L.s this year. I want to get 'Outstanding' in all subjects. No room for slacking."
"You'll definitely be fine, Senior," Ethan said sincerely. Being a Ravenclaw prefect already spoke volumes of her abilities. O.W.L.s—the Ordinary Wizarding Levels—were taken in the fifth year and influenced future coursework. The N.E.W.T.s, taken in the seventh year, determined post-graduation prospects. Only top scores could land a position in the Ministry of Magic.
"It's not too hard, but never mind," Penelope said, her expression dimming slightly. Exams were no issue for her; other challenges were harder to overcome. To increase her post-graduation opportunities, she had to strive for an impeccable record.
Ethan understood what she left unsaid. The stratification of the wizarding society was far more rigid than that of Muggles.
Soon, they reached the Great Hall—used for meals, assemblies, and celebrations. Breakfast was simple compared to last night's feast: milk, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, bread, ham, eggs, bacon—all self-service.
"There are 142 staircases at Hogwarts," Penelope explained, "and some shift. You might aim for the third floor and end up on the fifth. First-years are often late because of this."
"It's still early. Want me to show you around?"
"Sure, thank you, Senior!"
Ethan was thrilled. Knowing his way around Hogwarts would certainly help with his nighttime explorations.
Of course, there's no such thing as free kindness. Penelope's enthusiasm came partly because of Ethan's rare Hat Stall status. In conversation, she discovered Ethan was handsome, pleasant to talk to, and enjoyable company—despite being a bit young. She had begun to treat him with sincere friendliness.
Hat Stalls were rare. Among them, Peter Pettigrew posthumously earned the Order of Merlin, First Class. The other two were even more prestigious: Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. (Some sources claimed Flitwick struggled between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw before ultimately choosing the latter, the opposite of McGonagall.)
With comparable talent, Ethan might one day achieve similar status. Professors held great authority in the wizarding world, and few alumni dared disrespect them.
Penelope's motivations weren't solely opportunistic. As a Muggle-born, she'd had a senior who helped her when she was new. That girl—also Muggle-born—graduated two years ago, only to face constant rejection from the Ministry and major wizarding corporations. After a stint as a temp worker in Hogsmeade, she left the magical world altogether.
Penelope visited her that summer and found her working as a bakery cashier. Not yet twenty, lacking a Muggle education or skills, and unable to use magic—her future was bleak. Though she had adjusted to Muggle life and even found a boyfriend, Penelope didn't want to follow in her footsteps. She wanted to change her fate.
"Don't walk close to the walls on this staircase, or you might end up on a random floor," Penelope instructed. "Also, no running. If you do, the stairs might shift—or even drop a step and make you fall."
"Got it. Thanks, Senior!"
With his enhanced memory, Ethan could recall everything with ease—including the quirks of Hogwarts' staircases.
"Alright, it's almost class time. I need to get to the Charms room."
Watching her leave, Ethan turned and headed for the Transfiguration classroom.
Though it was Penelope's duty as a prefect to help first-years, Ethan knew she was going above and beyond—and he didn't mind. Effort always deserves a return. She was simply investing early.
Besides, who could refuse a warm-hearted senior with flowing wavy hair?
Thank you to Boss, Follow the Wind, and Unlimited Imagination 2002 for the monthly tickets!
Chapter 24: Entrapment
Ethan entered the Transfiguration classroom on the second floor. On the podium, a tabby cat lay silently. A ring of markings around its eyes resembled Professor McGonagall's glasses.
Ethan quickly averted his gaze and took his seat.
His roommates were chatting nearby and greeted him as he arrived.
"Ethan! We couldn't find you this morning—where'd you go?"
"Exploring Hogwarts with a senior schoolmate," he answered, sitting beside Michael.
"Penelope?" Terry guessed instantly.
Given how she treated Ethan yesterday, it was an easy deduction.
"Yeah."
"Man, lucky you," Terry said, clearly envious.
By now, all the Ravenclaws were present. Ethan had been the last to arrive. The classroom was almost full, though Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were still missing a few students.
His eyes met Cassandra's—but she quickly turned away. She was sitting alone among the Slytherins.
Hermione, on the other hand, was chatting amicably with her desk mate—likely her roommate.
While casually observing, Ethan noticed one Hufflepuff girl acting strangely. His interest piqued.
The girl, Croissant Pullman, carefully approached the podium, one hand in her pocket, holding something. Ethan saw her pull out a dried fish.
Classic Hufflepuff—carrying snacks.
Holding the fish in one hand, she crept toward the cat, her other hand poised to pet it once it started eating. She clearly missed her pet Maine Coon back home—part Kneazle, and not allowed at Hogwarts.
Just as she neared the cat—about 20 cm away—another group of Hufflepuffs entered.
One girl rushed forward and grabbed Croissant's hand, pulling her back just in time.
She had warned her friends that McGonagall might test them by taking her Animagus form, based on stories from her Gryffindor sister.
Sure enough, the tabby cat's eyes glinted as it turned toward the girl.
So that's what this was—Professor McGonagall's trap, ruined by Croissant's friend.
The bell rang. Still, Professor McGonagall hadn't appeared. But nobody dared fool around, remembering her stern demeanor from the day before.
Ten minutes passed. Whispers began to spread. Some students speculated she might be on a date.
Ethan almost choked. That was dangerous talk!
Suddenly, the door burst open. Ron and Harry entered, faces filled with relief when they saw no teacher.
"If McGonagall knew we were late—imagine her ugly face!" Ron whispered to Harry.
Ethan wanted to slap his forehead. Seriously?
At that moment, the tabby cat jumped from the podium, mid-air shifting and twisting—transforming into Professor McGonagall herself.
Ron's relieved smile froze instantly.