My Hogwarts has a serious problem.

Chapter 3.003. Professor McGonagall, please increase the intensity!

"It may sound harsh, but I have to say that your adoptive father doesn't seem very responsible. He doesn't seem to... understand the current situation." Professor McGonagall frowned as she came to her senses.

Lynn shrugged and looked at her helplessly: "But the result is the same. You may not know much about my situation. To be honest, I didn't have a very pleasant life in the orphanage before, so my current adoptive father is someone I found myself."

He legally became my guardian, granting me ample freedom until I reach adulthood and promising to fully cooperate with all my decisions, only needing to sign where required. In return, I would guarantee to pay him a certain amount after I am entitled to inherit my parents' estate.

Simply put, our adoption relationship was purely a monetary transaction.

Lynn was telling the truth, but the process was certainly not that simple. After all, money alone is definitely not enough for a child of a few years old to make a deal with an adult.

In addition, he also used some underhanded methods, which are not worth mentioning to outsiders.

As Lynn recounted his story, Professor McGonagall's expression gradually softened.

She's not really heartless; she's just cold on the outside but warm on the inside—a common trait among felines.

"Poor child, your situation is indeed somewhat special." Professor McGonagall had already imagined how young Lynn had to navigate the dark and treacherous world of adults, ultimately relying on cold, hard money to gain his freedom.

She dared not think too deeply about the hardships and difficulties she had encountered.

She thought for a moment, then continued.

Before heading to Hogwarts, you'll need to go to Diagon Alley to buy school supplies and textbooks. Although it's not as dangerous as Knockturn Alley, I think it's best to have an adult accompany you.

So after a while, Hogwarts will send another professor to help you with your pre-enrollment preparations. After that, be sure to keep an eye out for the letters delivered by owls.

"No problem, Professor."

Lynn naturally had no objection to this. Although he was unlikely to run into any problems going to Diagon Alley alone, it would certainly be better to have someone familiar with the magical world accompany him.

Moreover, the professors at Hogwarts are all excellent teachers; even Snape only has some flaws in his personality.

It's definitely not a bad thing to become a familiar face in advance.

Having said all that needed to be said, Professor McGonagall didn't linger; she had to go to the next Muggle freshman's home for orientation.

Before leaving, she gave Lynn a rare smile.

"It's clear, Belloc, that you are a child of noble character, wit, and courage. Hogwarts awaits your arrival."

Lynn scratched his head shyly, and was about to say something modest when that familiar voice suddenly rang in his mind again.

[You have received sincere praise from Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall. Transfiguration talent +1, Transfiguration effect +1.]

At the same time, Lynn felt that his body seemed to have undergone some changes, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what those changes were.

However, one thing is certain: this is a positive change.

Lynn's expression changed instantly, and he looked eagerly at Professor McGonagall, who was preparing to Apparate away.

"Then see you at Hogwarts..."

"Wait, Professor! Quick, praise me again!"

"..."

Professor McGonagall stopped in surprise, her hand poised to wave her wand, wondering if there was something wrong with her ears.

Although Westerners are generally more outgoing, they are not this shameless. McGonagall looked at Lynn with a strange gaze, as if trying to see through his skin to see if it was as thick as the walls of Hogwarts Castle.

"Professor, as you know, I'm an orphan." Lynn looked at her expectantly, putting on her best acting skills.

"I have lived under orders and harsh treatment since I was a child. Even my adoptive father who adopted me is only after my parents' inheritance. So I have never heard anyone praise me. Your praise just now almost made me cry."

As Lynn spoke, she began to sob softly, as if she were truly moved to tears.

"Perhaps my request is a bit unreasonable, but could you please praise me one more time?"

Professor McGonagall is no fool; she's lived to a ripe old age.

She looked at Lynn, whose acting was phenomenal, with suspicion, feeling that something was off.

Seeing that the performance had no effect, Lynn had no choice but to intensify his efforts.

He wiped away the few tears he had managed to squeeze out from the corner of his eye and sighed.

"Alright, Professor, I was being presumptuous. Someone like me really has no merits or strengths, and doesn't even deserve praise from teachers..."

"Cough cough cough."

When Lynn said that, Professor McGonagall felt a little guilty, after all, he was only an 11-year-old child, a time when he needed recognition from others.

"Don't belittle yourself, Belloc, you...you..."

Having known each other for so short a time, Professor McGonagall couldn't think of any other words of praise besides the two words she had just uttered.

Lynn had to give her a subtle hint.

"Look at me, I'm not bad-looking, and I even managed to find myself an adoptive father. How filial I am..."

Professor McGonagall struggled for a long time before finally managing to utter a sentence.

"You are a good boy."

The next moment, the voice rang in Lynn's mind again.

[You received a reluctant "good guy" card from Transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall; nothing happened.]

Lynn, who was in high spirits just a second ago, turned green the next second.

I've gone all out, and this is the result?

Professor McGonagall, who had lied, was now feeling unwell.

"It's getting late, Mr. Belloc, I must leave."

"Take care, Professor."

"..."

After Professor McGonagall left, Lynn summoned the system in his head and saw his current attribute panel.

Name: Lynn Bellock

Title: None

[Magic Index: 2]

[Free points: 0]

[Magical Talents: Polymorph 3, General Spells 2, Offensive and Defensive Spells 2, Dark Magic 5, Potions 2, Alchemy 2, Herbalism 2, Ancient Runes 2, Divination 0...]

[Main Quest: Head to Hogwarts; Reward: Silence Your Mind.]

[Limited-time mission: 1. Obtain a magic wand. Reward: Magic Power Index +1. Countdown: 30 days.]

[2. Successfully cast the first spell. Reward: 1 Free Point. 40-day countdown.]

[Note: There is no penalty for failing a timed task.]

Lynn studied his attribute panel for a long time, even skipping dinner, and roughly figured out some of the tricks of the trade.

Aside from Polymorph, Divination, and Dark Magic, his other magical talents are all 2, with a maximum of 10. In other words, 2 is roughly the talent level of a normal wizard.

The reason Transfiguration is at level 3 is because Professor McGonagall's praise just now gave him a +1 point from the system.

Lynn's divination skill score of 0 is understandable, since this kind of mystical ability is purely based on talent; you either have it or you don't, and there's basically no way to cultivate it later in life.

What he couldn't understand the most was his talent for dark magic.

What's with starting with 5 points?

So he was born to be a villain?

Lynn's face darkened; she felt that her kind nature had been questioned.

As for the main quests and limited-time quests below, there's not much to say.

Going to Hogwarts is almost a done deal, and Occlumency, the magic he needs most right now, is practically a free gift.

The next two timed missions were not difficult either, but he didn't know when the professor who was supposed to take him to Diagon Alley would arrive.

If the other party hasn't arrived by the time the mission ends, Lynn will try to find them himself. Although he doesn't even know the approximate location of the Leaky Cauldron, there's always a way.

Please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)