Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 120 Crook Hill

Once the weekend was over, the Christmas holidays officially began. Although the Hogwarts Express sent off a group of students who chose to go home for the holidays, there were so many students left at school that it was no different from any other day.

Ike knew very well that the so-called plot had actually changed. With so many people attending the Christmas dinner, Professor Trelawney would certainly not make that prediction about "thirteen".

If there's anything to regret so far, it's that Ike still hasn't seen the divination level in the Waste Notebook system. Even though divination is at level 4, frankly, prophetic divination is much more appealing.

"Maybe he really doesn't have the talent?" Ike thought to himself.

On the 24th, Professor Flitwick was summoned by Professor Flitwick to help decorate the castle. He helped with this task every year, but this was the first time he'd been called away so early in the morning. It wasn't much; with his magical skill, hanging up decorations was no big deal.

On Christmas Day, Ike was woken up very early by Stewart and Terry. Even Michael and Anthony came over, and the four of them were carrying a huge pile of gifts, ready to open them.

We didn't have this opportunity before, but now it's time to compete.

Similar to last year, Ike's gift wasn't much different, and he was the first to lose. Stuart received a Christmas sweater from his mother, one of those bright red ones with reindeer patterns, which made him completely speechless. Michael and Anthony weren't much better, but theirs were still much better than Stuart's.

Terry stood out from the crowd, his two-year-old Nimbus 2000 earning him a good dose of Stuart's envious and jealous glances. Even after two years, this thing was still quite expensive.

Of course, it can't compare to the latest fire crossbow bolts.

The common room was bustling with activity. Penelope, who stayed on campus, led a group of little witches in decorating it quite nicely, and contributed a large amount of candy, desserts, and drinks. Professor Flitwick also offered his special little cakes. When Ike and the others came out, they were occupying the sofa, laughing and joking, having a great time.

After exchanging greetings, they naturally blended in. Stewart and Anthony chatted casually with Cho and the other Quidditch players, while Terry, thanks to Nimbus 2000, also joined in.

But the consequences were severe. Under the coercion of his two bad friends, Stewart and Anthony, the right to use the broom was forcibly transferred to Ravenclaw's Seeker, Cho.

Qiu was a little embarrassed, but even Terry, who was being coerced, kept asking her to be modest, so she agreed to use the broom during the competition.

After all, her comet broom was really too old.

"We'll win the Quidditch Championship!" Stewart shouted, for a good broom makes a huge difference to a Seeker. But his joy was short-lived. When everyone arrived at the Great Hall and saw the brand-new Firebolt in Harry's hand, Stewart's spirits sank.

"It's alright, the difference between the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolt is much smaller than that between the Comet and the Firebolt."

Patting Stuart on the shoulder, Ike walked to the side and quietly sat down at the Ravenclaw table, beginning his breakfast in silence.

"You're avoiding me." A moment later, Hermione sat down next to her, holding a cat with a face that looked like it had been slapped with a frying pan.

"I didn't," Ike denied outright.

"Impossible!" Hermione said with a look that said, "I've seen right through you." "Don't forget, we have three classes together, and you left right after each one."

"This isn't my fault, and it's the same for you. After all... we both have to take two or three classes at the same time."

"You clearly saw me last time with those three brooms!"

"Are you sure you want me to greet you then?" Ike handed over a sandwich, his eyes sweeping over the most crowded part of the Gryffindor table. "There was someone else who shouldn't have been there back then."

"Besides, Professor McGonagall is right next to you. Are you sure you want her to know about this?"

"You!" Hermione was speechless for a moment, not knowing what to say, and took a big bite out of the sandwich.

"I need your help with something."

"Can I refuse?" Ike replied.

"No way! I haven't forgotten that stun spell you slapped on my head at the end of last semester!"

Hermione clearly brought up old grievances, and Ike could only nod helplessly before accepting the equally bewildered big-faced cat with a blank expression.

"Take care of Crookshanks for me for a while. I don't know who else would help me besides you." Hermione looked a little dejected. "It always likes to catch that stupid rat Ron. I've told it so many times, but it doesn't work. As soon as it can't see him, it will definitely go after that stupid teacher..."

"Ron and I have argued many times, and I've explained many times that Crookshanks would never hurt that stupid mouse; it was just curious..."

"No wonder..." Ike suddenly muttered to himself.

"Huh? No wonder what?" Hermione asked, interrupted.

"No wonder you sent me cat food for Christmas. You used to send me books and quill pens." Ike petted the cat, and it felt surprisingly nice.

Hermione felt a little embarrassed by what was said, so she picked up a glass of milk and took a sip to cover up her awkwardness.

"That's my cup," Ike said while petting the cat. "I just drank from it."

"Ahem!"

She quickly put down the cup; Hermione's ears were a little red, but they were hidden by her thick hair.

Perhaps her cough was a bit too loud, or perhaps Crookshan's snoring was too...that, which made Jimmy, who had been hiding in Ike's collar, crawl out.

Jimmy has rarely come out since November, perhaps because the weather is too cold; it was like this last year too.

"Long time no see, Jimmy!" Hermione reached out her hand, and Jimmy naturally crawled over, looking at Crookshanks, who was sprawled out like a cat pancake, with some confusion.

"I...I'm going back. Take good care of it!" he said, then gave a fierce look.

Then, he left with Jimmy.

"Oh...ah?" At first, Ike didn't react, but when he did, Crookshan scratched his hand with his paw again, and he came to his senses and started using the eighteen ways of petting a cat again.

"Snoring...snoring..."

Listening to Crookshank's comfortable purring, Ike was momentarily lost in thought. He remembered that it used to be like this; whenever he ate at home, his long-haired Persian cat of the same color would lie on his lap and purr like that.

Moreover, that cat was much better looking than Crookshank; at least its face wasn't flat.

Although its name is also Crook Mountain.

I asked the editor today, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, it should be released this Friday.

So, if it's released, will it be ten chapters?

Can I ask for another round of votes?

(End of this chapter)