"Come in."
Professor McGonagall's slightly weary voice came from inside the office.
Charlie pushed open the door and entered. Professor McGonagall was sitting behind her desk, holding a stack of parchment and looking as though she was grading assignments.
"Mr. White, have a seat." Professor McGonagall pointed to the chair opposite her.
Charlie obediently sat down. An incompetent ruler doesn't have to court death. Now that I've been called to the office, I'd better sit quietly and await my fate.
Professor McGonagall set down the parchment in her hands, removed her glasses, and rubbed her temples.
"Mr. White, I know Professor Snape's behavior today was indeed somewhat excessive."
Her tone was much gentler than Charlie had expected.
"But that isn't a reason for you to insult a professor."
Charlie nodded. "I know, Professor McGonagall. I admit I acted impulsively."
"Since you insulted a professor, I've decided to give you one month of detention." Professor McGonagall pursed her lips as she spoke.
"Every Wednesday and Friday evening this month, you are to report to my office."
Charlie grimaced. I'm doomed.
After announcing the punishment, Professor McGonagall's expression softened considerably.
She put her glasses back on and carefully examined Charlie.
"However, there's something I'm curious about." Professor McGonagall said, "How far have you progressed in Transfiguration?"
Professor McGonagall had already been very surprised by the Transfiguration talent Charlie displayed in his very first class.
Now she wanted to find out where he stood, so she could teach him according to his abilities.
Otherwise, using the same teaching methods for everyone would only hold back a genius.
Charlie was somewhat surprised. "You want to see?"
"Of course. I'm the Professor of Transfiguration, and I'm very interested in my students' abilities."
Charlie stood up and pulled out his Wand.
First, he waved his Wand toward the corner of the office. "Spider, Accio!"
A small spider flew from the corner into Charlie's hand.
Charlie waved his Wand again, and the small spider transformed into a button lying in his palm.
Although the button looked rather crude, it was indeed a complete button.
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened, her face filled with shock.
She slowly rose and walked over to Charlie, picking up the button to examine it closely.
"Merlin's plucked beard," Professor McGonagall murmured.
"You've only been at school for a week!"
Although the button was indeed rough, proving that Charlie's Transfiguration was not yet refined enough, that level was entirely sufficient to earn an O (Outstanding) on the first-year Final Exam.
That Accio just now had also been astonishing.
"No wonder you always zone out in class, and even doze off." Professor McGonagall suddenly understood.
"The material in class is too simple for you."
At that thought, a wave of guilt rose in Professor McGonagall's heart.
For a genius student like Charlie, she had not fulfilled the responsibility a teacher should have.
"Wait a moment, Mr. White."
Professor McGonagall walked to the bookcase and took a thick diary down from the top shelf.
The diary looked rather old. Its cover had yellowed slightly, but it had been well preserved.
"This is my Transfiguration Notes." Professor McGonagall handed the diary to Charlie.
"They contain my understanding and insights into Transfiguration over the years. I hope they'll be of some help to you."
Charlie accepted the diary, feeling its weight.
Although he didn't need this theoretical knowledge, Professor McGonagall's kindness warmed him.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Charlie said sincerely.
A gratified smile appeared on Professor McGonagall's face.
"Remember, talent is only one part of success. Hard work and character are equally important."
Charlie nodded. So is having a cheat.
"Good." Professor McGonagall nodded in satisfaction.
"Then that'll be all for today. Remember, report here at eight o'clock next Wednesday evening."
Charlie hugged the diary, said goodbye to Professor McGonagall, and left the office.
Watching Charlie's departing figure, Professor McGonagall's eyes were filled with admiration.
This child was not only exceptionally talented but also very polite. Professor Snape must have gone too far, which was why he had angered Charlie.
"It's just a pity that he isn't in Gryffindor House." Professor McGonagall sighed softly.
If Charlie were a Gryffindor student, she would have more chances to speak with him and guide him.
Still, this arrangement worked too. At least she could guide him through the opportunity provided by his detention.
After leaving the office, Charlie's stomach growled loudly.
Dinner had ended long ago. There probably wasn't even a ghost in the Great Hall by now.
All he could do was pray that his two good roommates, Ernie and Justin, had saved some food for him.
When he pushed open the door to the Hufflepuff Common Room, Ernie was playing Wizard Chess with Justin.
Charlie walked over to them with an expectant look on his face, staring at them hopefully.
Ernie glanced up at him, utterly baffled.
"What happened to you? Are you constipated?"
Justin also looked Charlie up and down. As if he had thought of something, he shuddered, his face filled with disgust.
Bro, what are you thinking?
Charlie immediately deflated and collapsed onto the sofa beside them.
"It's nothing. I'm just hungry. Do you have anything to eat?"
Ernie smiled mysteriously and set down the chess piece in his hand.
"As a Hufflepuff student, how could we possibly lack food?"
He beckoned to Charlie. "Come with me."
Charlie followed Ernie out of the common room, puzzled.
Ernie stopped in front of a still-life painting of fruit and gently scratched the pear in the painting.
Something magical happened. The pear actually turned into a green door handle.
Ernie pushed the door open and went inside, with Charlie following curiously.
The scene behind the door made Charlie's eyes widen.
There was a whole world inside: a massive kitchen with a very high ceiling and gleaming copper pots and basins hanging from the walls.
A group of creatures no taller than Charlie's waist bustled back and forth inside.
The creatures had pointed ears and tennis-ball-sized eyes. They wore clothes made from tea towels of various colors.
If not for their clothes, they looked very much like the Goblin Charlie had seen in Gringotts.
"These are House-elves," Ernie explained.
"They're responsible for Hogwarts' daily cleaning, as well as all the cooking."
When the House-elves saw a young wizard enter, they put down their work and eagerly swarmed over.
"Does the young wizard need anything?"
"Billy is delighted to serve you!"
"Are you hungry? We can make anything!"
The overlapping voices left Charlie flustered.
"I didn't eat dinner, so I'm a little hungry."
The House-elf named Billy immediately stepped forward.
"What would you like to eat? Anything is fine! British, French, Italian, or Chinese?"
Charlie was somewhat surprised.
"You have Chinese food too? Then I'd like a Manchu Han Imperial Feast."
He had expected the House-elves to wonder what a Manchu Han Imperial Feast was, but instead, Billy asked:
"Manchu Han Imperial Feast! Which dish would you like?"
Charlie froze. "You can make it?"
Billy proudly puffed out his chest.
"Of course! A Chinese exchange student once left us a complete recipe book. That wizard said that a chef who could make a Manchu Han Imperial Feast was a true chef!"
Charlie swallowed.
"Then I'd like duck."
"One Eight Treasure Wild Duck!"
The House-elves shouted in unison, then immediately got to work.
Charlie looked at the Chinese cookware in the kitchen and felt a strong sense of incongruity.
In less than twenty minutes, aided by magic, a fragrant Eight Treasure Wild Duck was brought out.
The duck's skin had been roasted golden brown, and its belly was stuffed with glutinous rice, shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, and various other ingredients. The aroma alone was enough to whet anyone's appetite.
"Do you need anything else?" the House-elves asked expectantly.
"Some rice and soup, too," Charlie said without holding back.
Soon, steaming rice and sweet pumpkin soup were brought out as well.
Ernie watched from the side, drooling.
"I just had dinner, but this smells incredible."
"Come and eat," Charlie invited him.
"There's no way I can finish such a big duck by myself."
The two sat down and began enjoying this unexpected late-night meal.
Charlie tore off a piece of duck leg and put it in his mouth. He was instantly conquered by its savory flavor.
"It's delicious!" Ernie praised it enthusiastically.
"I never knew Chinese food could be this good!"
Charlie smiled.
"There's so much delicious Chinese food. I wonder if the House-elves can make all of it."
Billy proudly said from the side:
"Billy and his companions can make any food you can imagine, as long as you can describe it."
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