Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 53 Attention

The badger cubs were very happy.

Despite consistently finishing last in the College Cup, they secured first place thanks to the other three colleges having their points deducted by 150. This is something that hasn't happened in decades.

Of course, the Hufflepuffs were well aware that their lead was only temporary. For one thing, based on past experience, when Slytherins fell behind, Professor Snape would frantically add points. Don't underestimate 150 points; it would only take a month at most. And the Ravenclaws, those point-adding maniacs, could probably do it even faster if they really got serious.

Only in Gryffindor, if no one cheats, will the rule continue until the end of the term, and it might even decrease.

Dozens of people went to the school hospital, but it didn't significantly disrupt normal school life. Madam Pomfrey's methods were very clever; the young wizards were discharged one after another within two days.

These were all magical injuries, which are the easiest to treat. A healing spell and a potion were the right remedy. If Madam Pomfrey hadn't insisted on observing them for a day or two, someone would have been discharged that very day.

After about five or six days, the eaglets were released by Madam Pomfrey. That evening, a grand celebration party was held in the Ravenclaw common room. The upperclassmen brought back a large amount of butterbeer and sweets from Hogsmeade, and Ike also brought many delicacies from the kitchen.

Roger and Stuart were surrounded by the hawks, who raised their hands and cheered loudly, accepting everyone's praise. Delicious butterbeers were served to them one after another, magical fireworks bloomed overhead, and Ike even used Transfiguration to conjure a dazzling disco ball that spun in the center of the lounge's roof. Accompanied by Penelope's treasured dance music vinyl records, the magical school was transformed into a nightclub in the blink of an eye.

As the only witch participating in the battle, Qiu received the most enthusiastic cheers from the eaglets, surrounded by her roommates and younger witches, smiling brightly.

Stuart, Terry, Michael, and Anthony completely let loose, swaying their bodies to the rhythm with Roger, their glasses filled with butterbeer, the foam spilling out with each movement, making the atmosphere even more lively.

"Come on, Ike! How could we leave you out!" Roger shoved a whole glass of butterbeer into Ike's hand, shouting, "You're the best!"

Ike took the cup, danced with Roger and the others for a while, then quietly withdrew from the middle of the dance floor. Leaning back on his usual sofa, watching the group of lively little eagles, Ike felt a sense of relaxation he had never experienced before.

For decades, Ravenclaws have almost never participated in brawls of this scale. The young hawks prefer to use their intelligence to embarrass others rather than resort to violence. But ultimately, they're all teenagers; who isn't hot-blooded and impulsive?

This chaotic battle between the three houses gave Ravenclaw a real chance to shine, which is why this party happened.

The party didn't end until late into the night, leaving the common room a mess. Ike first took Michael and Anthony back to their dorms before picking up Stuart and Terry. As for Roger, his roommates had already helped him back.

Butterbeer is still alcohol, and drinking too much of it can lead to intoxication.

The next morning, when Ike woke up, Stuart and Terry were still snoring like logs. Quietly emerging from the room, he found it spotless and clean, a far cry from the mess of the previous night.

House-elves never disappoint when it comes to cleaning.

After a delicious breakfast in the auditorium, Ike returned to his usual seat in the library and picked up a book titled "An Explanation of Ancient Magic Runes" to read.

A short while later, a paper airplane landed on the table under Mrs. Pince's death stare. Opening it, it was an invitation from Professor Flitwick.

The dean has invited us; we must not delay.

After completing the borrowing procedures at Mrs. Pince's, Ike carried the books straight to the eighth floor.

Professor Flitwick's office was on the eighth floor of the castle, right between the Room of Requirement and the Headmaster's office. Pushing open the door, one found it filled with books and parchment, very much in the Ravenclaw style.

"Mr. Stradl, please sit down. Would you like some small cakes?" Professor Flitwick beckoned Ike over, took a plate of six small cream cakes from his desk drawer, and pushed it in front of Ike.

"Thank you, Professor Flitwick," Ike replied with a smile, picking one up and taking a bite. It was sweet and soft.

"This is my family's secret recipe. I dare say that you can only find such delicious little cakes here in all of Hogwarts." Professor Flitwick squinted as he watched Ike quickly devour one, then pushed the plate back a little. "One more, please?"

"No, I just had breakfast." Ike rubbed his stomach. "I'm a little full."

Professor Flitwick waved his hand, and a piece of parchment flew out from nowhere and folded itself into a box, while the remaining small cakes jumped into it one after another.

"Then take it home and eat it. I remember Mr. Akre really liked it. Sharing food with friends is wonderful, isn't it?"

"Of course." Ike took the box and placed it on the book, then hesitated for a moment before asking, "Professor Flitwick, why did you call me here...?"

"Don't be nervous, we're just chatting." Professor Flitwick produced two more cups of lemon tea. "Come to think of it, this is the first time we've chatted like this."

Ike nodded without replying. Professor Flitwick continued, "Mr. Streid, I see you've changed a lot this year; you seem to be getting along very well with your friends."

"Sorry, Professor, the department deducted the money..."

"No need to apologize, House grades aren't important. Ravenclaw never needs grades to prove anything." Professor Flitwick took a sip of his lemon tea, wincing at the sourness. "Many young wizards get one thing wrong: Sorting only indicates that a certain trait is more prominent in a person, it doesn't define them completely."

"Ravenclaws can also have courage, find like-minded people, and achieve great things. I even recall some repeating a grade because of poor academic performance..."

"Perhaps the saying 'superior intelligence is the greatest wealth of mankind' is too deeply ingrained, but Ravenclaw is no bookworm, Mr. Stradler..."

"We can be more courageous than Gryffindor, more ambitious than Slytherin, and more loyal and honest than Hufflepuff..."

"We just overthink things; actually, we're not that different from each other."

Professor Flitwick put down his cup, his expression slightly serious.

"Mr. Streid, I'm actually glad you stood up for your friend; at least it's better than you going it alone last semester..."

"Don't let magic change you, take control of magic..."

Ike nodded and replied, "I understand, Professor Flitwick."

"Of course, I have no doubt about that. You are the most talented young wizard I have seen in all these years," Professor Flitwick replied with a smile.

"However, sometimes it's better to slow down a little..."

(End of this chapter)