Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 74: Lady Lorris
Hermione had a wonderful birthday, that much is certain.

When her family members' faces appeared before her, she was so moved she almost cried.

Sheehan and Justin tactfully gave way, remaining outside the classroom. Sheehan looked at his book, while Justin nervously spoke at length.

After a while, they heard Hermione's low voice calling them inside.

Hermione's parents' faces were practically overflowing with tenderness, praising Justin until he blushed, and of course, Sheehan was equally affected.

Hermione opened the gift under the watchful eyes of the Grangers.

Justin's gift was some moon charts and astronomical instruments, which would help little Granger, who was currently working on his astronomy homework.

Sheehan gave her his own notes—even Hermione would admit that Sheehan's notes would be a lifesaver for any young wizard on the weekend.

Its systematic, scientific, and engaging nature is unmatched by those dry, dull, and vague books.

Not to mention this nearly complete history of magic, which is widely circulated among young wizards.

In the dead of night, a note suddenly appeared at the top of the notebook.
Hermione paused, carefully observing her sleeping roommate before beginning to check.

I want to say, Hermione, no matter how others evaluate you, your value will never change because of it.

I know you realize this, but please allow me to say it again.

—Your friend: Sheehan Green

This almost made Hermione's eyes redden, as she had been feeling down lately.

Spending special time together obviously brings people together, and in any case, the three young wizards in this classroom became even closer.

This also made Justin and Hermione realize that Sheehan seemed to be busier than ever.

He left early and returned late, exhausting himself as soon as he entered the lounge, then drank some strange potions, and then exhausted himself again.

In contrast, his Polymorph and Levitation spells became increasingly powerful.

Justin witnessed Sheehan make the chairs in the classroom float and turn a small pebble into a little stone man holding a sharp weapon, although it could only take two steps.

During Transfiguration class, Sheen transformed his desk into half a wild boar with sharp tusks. Although Sheen collapsed onto the chair within two seconds, it completely terrified the Slytherins passing by outside the classroom.

Gore couldn't even imagine how terrible it would be to be hit by this wild boar, so Theodore, who was already in solitary confinement and had been notified by him, silently gave up his thoughts of revenge.

He didn't think his dancing spell could compare to the Pig Charge.

……

It was a bright and sunny Saturday.

The owl continued to bring many letters. Justin received an envelope with a gold border. He carefully tore it open and found a message from Mrs. Finley:

Dear Justin:
I saw those memorable moments in your letters, my dear. I am most pleased that you have made such good friends.

Like I said, cherish them—after all, those who are gentle and right always struggle to survive, because this world is neither right nor gentle.

—Forever proud of you: Liliana

Justin carefully put away the letter, then turned his gaze to the figure enveloped by owls.

He recalled the conversation he had in front of the fireplace.

“Sheen, I mean, there’s a fireplace here, and it even has a Floo powder dispenser, if you…”

"I have no one to contact."

After hearing what Sheen said, he went back to practicing Transfiguration.

……

The hall was bustling with noise; the young wizards always loved coming here, perhaps because of the warm fireplace, or perhaps because it was so lively.

In short, this place is full of little wizards eating snacks, playing games, having enthusiastic discussions, or doing their homework.

"Hermione, did you notice?"

Justin's voice was somewhat low.

“Aside from that letter from…, it seems that Sheen has never received any letters.”

Hermione paused, then waved her wand to cast a silent spell:

“Of course I know… so…” Both of them saw the heaviness on each other’s faces.

……

After reaching the [Expert] stage of the Levitation Spell, Sheen was soon interrupted by something unexpected.

Before reaching the "Expert" level, he gained 3 proficiency points by practicing spells at the "Beginner" level. However, after reaching the "Expert" level with the Levitation Spell, the proficiency increase became a paltry 1, and the proficiency increase at the "Expert" level became 3.

However, the increase in proficiency for the [Expert] standard remains at 50.

He could sense that he was gaining less and less insight from practicing the spell with low standards.

He felt that the low-standard practice was too superficial, and there were too many areas he needed to improve. His insights were also fragmented and sparse.

This also motivated him to master more advanced spell techniques and climb to higher levels.

But this made his time extremely tight.

In order to master the expert-level levitation spell within the week, he significantly reduced the time he spent in the cellar and the transfiguration office.

Upon learning of Neville's return and that Bruce was often in the greenhouse, he even asked Professor Sprout for a few days off.

Saturday afternoon.

Sheen walked out of the Transfiguration office, his face pale. He had pushed himself to the limit these past few days.

It has also been very effective:
[Name: Sheehan Green]

[Proficiency]

[Summoning Charm: Beginner Level (3/900)]

【Clear Water Like a Spring Mantra: Beginner Level (2/900)】

[Levitation Spell: Expert Level (1200/3000)]

The standard for practicing the Levitation Spell at the expert level was no longer sufficient, and Sheen began to ponder how to reach the expert level.

He reviewed his Charms class notes and suddenly came across Professor Flitwick's words:

But I would say, if you can get the feather spinning, why not try it on that little table?

Once you've barely mastered the spells needed for first grade, you'll discover that there are still mysterious, silent spells waiting for you—

You can never have too much knowledge!

"A silent spell?"

Sheen muttered to himself.

Compared to the difficulties Sheen faced in the realm of spells, he also found the realm of potions to be equally challenging.

Professor Snape is getting increasingly strict—

He offered significantly more guidance, and his mockery noticeably decreased.

This led to a very bad result.

When Sheen emerged from the cellar after completing the [Expert] level anti-swelling potion...
Sheehan cheered himself up once again; he had survived Professor Snape's hellish training once more!
That's amazing!

In those rigorous and demanding instructions, Sheen didn't even have time to test his guesses about the potion's emotions.

However, looking around, Sheen sighed—he had memorized all the school rules and ended up going on a nighttime stroll.

Misfortune never comes singly.

As he stepped out of the cellar, a soft meow suddenly came from near his neck, drowning out the owl's cooing.

He looked down and saw two bright yellow eyes that shone like lamps.

—It is Mrs. Lorris.

Although she was both spirited and adorable, Sheen, who always followed school rules, felt mostly goodwill towards her.

But today, everything is different.

(End of this chapter)