The next day.
Outside the Hogwarts Headmaster's Office.
Ian emerged from the office early in the morning, looking utterly listless, as though his body had been severely drained and he had no strength left. It was a sign that a wizard's magic was extremely depleted.
It did not mean that a wizard could no longer cast magic, but magical exhaustion made spells extremely difficult to cast and control. Sometimes, it could even turn wizards into a real Seamus, explosive genius and all.
Of course, Ian was nowhere near losing control to that extent. What bothered him most was the feeling of having pulled an all-nighter, then still having to force himself awake for class the next day.
In the Great Hall.
At the tables laden with all kinds of food, the Young Wizards all noticed that something was off about Ian. Quite a few Ravenclaw Young Wizards, and even some upperclassmen, whispered among themselves about his condition.
"Little Professor didn't teach us last night either. What's with those sunken cheeks and that low energy?"
"Simple. He's in love. My brother looked just like that when he was dating someone. Sometimes I think the world is so unfair. My sister's complexion was rosy when she fell in love."
"I bet some little bitch used Love Potion on him."
"Huh? Why didn't you tell me there was a method like that sooner? Damn it, if you know about it, you must have secretly used it yourself already. You're the real little bitch!"
"Stop talking! Eat this! This is good!"
"Don't steal my cream cake!"
Everything was unfolding just as Ian remembered it, aside from the rumors people had manufactured about him ahead of time. Most things differed from the timeline he had experienced only in minor details. Of course, the differences