"I hope you take this seriously... After all, you certainly need to be more outstanding than other little wizards." Just like that, Ian got the opportunity that came knocking at his door for special lessons.
To be honest.
Professor McGonagall actually doesn't particularly enjoy teaching little wizards extra knowledge, considering that learning the Transformation Technique requires a solid foundation; going overboard could easily lead to danger.
However, because she noticed some unbelievable aspects about Ian and considering his excellence in the Transformation Technique, she rigorously supervised Ian's learning for many days.
For Ian—
This absolutely counted as a painful yet joyful experience.
He lost some time brewing Magic Potions, but his Skill Level in Transformation Technique skyrocketed. Perhaps Professor McGonagall's power wasn't as immense as Albus Dumbledore's, but she was genuinely a master of the Transformation Technique, with exceptionally abundant teaching experience, more capable than Snape in addressing students' weaknesses.
With the meticulous and patient guidance of a professor like Professor McGonagall, it's not only the inherently gifted Ian who would progress swiftly; other little wizards would likely advance quickly as well.
"Leveled up!"
After several weeks of intensive study, Ian's Skill Level in the Transformation Technique remarkably improved, boosting the originally Level 6 Technique up another level.
[Transformation Technique (Level 7) 13/6400]
The enlightenment brought by the Magic upgrade dramatically enhanced Ian's skills, astonishing Professor McGonagall and making her increasingly aware that this little wizard truly had the qualifications.
"Hogwarts' choices never miss." Professor McGonagall gazed at the little wizard's glorious results, murmured to herself, and after a moment of melancholy and sentiment, solemnly promised to help Ian complete his learning of Animagus Transformation Technique. She had seen this talent in Ian's Transformation Technique.
"Thank you, Professor!"
Ian expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor McGonagall; she did not hold back despite him not being a Gryffindor student. These weeks of learning truly benefited him immensely.
Of course.
Regarding learning the Animagus Transformation Technique, Ian felt it was difficult to gain help from Professor McGonagall, as he was about to enter a new cycle.
That night.
It was the night before Christmas.
It was also the barrier preventing Ian from stepping into a new future.
Before time slipped away.
Ian was conversing with Dumbledore in the Headmaster's Office when he happened to encounter Snape, who finally reported the office explosion loss to the school after dragging his feet for several weeks.
Snape glanced at him.
Perhaps thinking that he was learning Magic with Dumbledore, so he didn't say much but advised him to be cautious of some hidden individuals in Hogwarts before leaving the office straight away.
"Where is our Professor of Alchemy?" Ian asked the question he was most concerned about, having noticed that Arthur King's presence was no longer visible on his Living Map.
"He has always been around, always fulfilling his duties." Albus Dumbledore's answer left Ian somewhat surprised. The little wizard quickly pulled out the Living Map and checked again.
Nothing.
Arthur King's name was nowhere to be found.
"He probably hides himself worrying you'd cause him trouble; your map is not infallible." Albus Dumbledore chuckled as he explained to Ian.
"Alright then."
Ian was well aware that whomever the person was, their accomplishments in Alchemy undoubtedly surpassed his own, knowing even Grindelwald could deceive his map.
The little wizard carefully put away the Living Map and shifted his attention to the report submitted by Snape.
"Didn't Professor Snape already make Professor Quirrell compensate once?" Ian approached Dumbledore, noticing the jaw-dropping figures on Snape's submitted report.
"What I took is not even a tenth of this!" Ian learned yet another lesson from his good uncle, realizing his good uncle not only got Quirrell but also turned around to take from Hogwarts School again.
No wonder it took so long to sort out before reporting the losses!
Turns out fake accounting was involved!
"Looks like our Professor Snape wants to make a fortune out of this." Albus Dumbledore appeared indifferent about it, as the people paying for these incidental losses were those board members.
To ensure their children get a true education, the board members could only grit their teeth to provide additional support. Otherwise, if all the materials were missing, not only would the little wizards learn nothing, but Snape could also enjoy a paid vacation—not even if Ian wouldn't restart the cycle, Dumbledore would turn a blind eye.
Snape became affluent.
The other professors at Hogwarts didn't lack Magic Potions anymore.
Is this not a win-win situation?
"It's a pity my good uncle no longer keeps his materials in the office. I searched all over Hogwarts and couldn't find where he hides his stuff!"
Ian looked at the hundreds of Magic Potions in his Money Bag, feeling quite regretful.
"You have taken on too many things." Albus Dumbledore stood in front of a Meditation Basin, extracting his memories into the basin.
"Isn't that your request?" Ian blinked, glancing at Dumbledore who had stored his memories and then handed the entire Meditation Basin to him.
"It doesn't necessarily have to be such a... tumultuous change." Albus Dumbledore's face twitched as he recalled the things the little wizard had done over these days.