In the corridors of Hogwarts.
Professor McGonagall hurried toward the Headmaster's Office.
A gargoyle stood at the entrance to the Headmaster's Office. Many such gargoyles existed throughout Hogwarts Castle, but the one at the office entrance was particularly eye-catching.
"Sherbet Lemon."
It was a peculiar password used only while Dumbledore was Headmaster. When the gargoyle sprang aside, Professor McGonagall hurried up the stairs leading to the Headmaster's Office.
"Minerva, the new Young Wizards haven't caused you any trouble, have they?" Dumbledore had his head lowered as he read an ancient book concerning the Deathly Hallows.
"No trouble, but I am rather shaken right now." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, her expression grave. Standing before the Headmaster's desk, her voice was filled with complicated emotions.
"Oh? What happened?"
Dumbledore looked up, curiosity appearing in his eyes behind his spectacles.
"That child from the Snape family, during Transfiguration today..." Professor McGonagall told Dumbledore about what had happened while teaching Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff that day.
"I have never seen such exaggerated progress. It was as though he had crossed several years of learning all at once, accomplishing things that even many upper-year students had failed to do."
Her voice still carried a deep sense of disbelief, as though Ian's previous performance was still vividly etched in her mind.
"This only proves that your teaching has been remarkably effective. Isn't that something worth being happy about? I'm even a little envious that you will soon have such an outstanding Transfiguration teaching assistant."
"Professor Snape will certainly be jealous of you." Dumbledore wore a calm and unperturbed smile, in stark contrast to the concern on Professor McGonagall's face.
"I have always hoped that a remarkably gifted Young Wizard might become my assistant, but his talent is no longer merely remarkable. It is somewhat frightening."
Professor