At lunchtime, Ravenclaw students kept introducing themselves to Allen. The clever Ravenclaws all knew that anyone who could complete Transfiguration in such a short time had to be exceptionally strong.
After the brief lunch break, Allen and the others headed up to the fourth floor. The Charms Class classroom was in the corridor on the left. Unsurprisingly, they saw the school caretaker Filch and his cat—Mrs. Norris. The corridor on the right side of the fourth floor was off-limits. Allen still remembered Dumbledore mentioning it at the start-of-term feast: "I must tell you all that anyone who does not wish to meet with an accident and suffer a painful death should avoid the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor and the one beside the library."
No one wanted detention, so everyone obediently turned left and waited for Professor Flitwick to begin class.
Professor Flitwick was astonishingly small. During class, he had to stand atop a stack of books just to reach the lectern. He took out the register and called roll. When he read Harry's name, he let out an excited shriek and toppled out of sight. Allen did not think it was anything to laugh at. He believed Professor Flitwick was certainly not so excited because Harry Potter had defeated Voldemort or because he was some savior. Professor Flitwick had studied Charms for many years, after all, while Harry was the only person in history to survive the Unforgivable Curse—Avada Kedavra. Such a mysterious and powerful incantation had failed on Harry and even rebounded upon its caster. That phenomenon was the true reason Professor Flitwick had lost his composure.
Although Allen already possessed the Encyclopedia of Spells, he still listened closely to Professor Flitwick's explanations and took careful notes. Knowing how to cast an incantation was certainly important, but understanding the principles behind it was even more fascinating.
"Ten points to Allen, for your precise casting movements." Even with a simple basic incantation, Allen was still the first and best to complete it. Professor Flitwick looked at Allen with an unbelievably kind expression. Ravenclaw had been suppressed by Slytherin and Gryffindor for far too long, but this year, Allen's excellence far surpassed that of the other young wizards.
In the following Herbology Class, Allen relied on his photographic memory and his ability to memorize the textbook thoroughly to answer Professor Sprout's questions perfectly, earning another ten points for Ravenclaw. The Ravenclaw students quickly grew used to it and took pride in it. They secretly gave Allen a nickname: "Score Controller."
Allen's later performance proved that he truly deserved the title. Perhaps it was thanks to his powerful magic; even in Flying Class, he was the first to successfully summon his broomstick. It was said that among the first-years, only Gryffindor's Harry could compare to him. Although Allen felt that flying through the sky on a broomstick was nowhere near as comfortable as flying on an airplane in his previous life, this was practically a private jet. He could take off whenever he wished, dive or circle at will. That kind of thrill was something riding on an airplane could never offer.
Even in the most terrifying Potions class, Allen's answers left Professor Snape with nothing to criticize. When brewing potions, Allen's precise knife work was far beyond the reach of the other students. Even Professor Snape could not have done it faster or better than Allen. There was only one point: Allen followed the textbook instructions precisely. In terms of brewing time and the final potion's texture, his work naturally could not compare with Master Potioneer Snape's.
"Allen, it took you so long to finish your Bruise Healing Paste that by the time it is done, the bruise will probably have healed on its own! Adding some mint will make the paste more comfortable and improve its scent... Use the handle of your silver knife to press it; that will release the juices more easily." With a stern face, Professor Snape criticized Allen, the first student to finish the Bruise Healing Paste, until he was utterly speechless.
"Why doesn't Snape think about it? Who would make paste after getting injured? You prepare it in advance!" Edward muttered indignantly.
"Edward, it's Professor Snape! The professor is a good man." Allen helped Edward cut up the ingredients.
"You did so well, but he did not give you a single point!" Edward was still furious.
"Look, if I follow what he said, won't your paste turn out better?" Allen tossed the sliced ingredients into the cauldron. The paste immediately turned a luminous green and gave off a fresh minty fragrance.
"That shows I truly have room for improvement. Professor Snape is an excellent teacher because he conscientiously teaches us his skills. He deserves our respect." Allen looked at the dumbfounded Edward and explained softly.
"You make a lot of sense." Edward looked at Allen with admiration. Not everyone could see past the surface to the essence beneath.
"I am pleased to see that the host has not become arrogant. Timed mission: within three months, the host must read all Potions-related books in the library excluding the Restricted Section. Reward upon completion: one volume of Master Potioneer's Insights."
Three months seemed like a long time, but after meals, sleep, and classes were taken into account, Allen felt he truly did not have much time. The task was not merely to find all the Potions books, but to read every one of them. Still, Master Potioneer's Insights... If he could obtain it and fully understand it, the doors of Potions would open to him.
"Allen, what are you thinking about? Class is over." Edward hurriedly packed his things and snapped Allen out of his thoughts. "Even though what you said makes sense, I still do not want to stay here any longer. Dinner is about to start, too. Tonight, I have to sit next to the milk pudding. Yesterday, I only got three pieces."
It was truly unbelievable that Edward, a boy, liked sweets. But Allen immediately answered Edward's call and quickened his pace. It was not just for the sake of food; more importantly, if he finished eating early, he could go to the library to read.
After quickly finishing dinner, Allen was actually the first student to arrive at the library. Madam Pince gave him an unusually friendly look. Good students were always likable, and intelligent, talented students willing to study hard were even more impressive.
Less than an hour later, Allen was extremely glad he had made that decision. The library soon filled with a large crowd of students busy doing homework and searching for information. The secluded, quiet single seats Allen had chosen were quickly claimed.
Allen first completed his homework at top speed, then brought over a huge stack of Potions books. Using his photographic memory, he rapidly flipped through them. Understanding them was not important for now; what mattered was finishing them first.
Allen was surprised to discover that the Scholar System had unlocked a bookshelf function. Every book Allen finished reading would appear on the bookshelf.
"Ha! My eyes have become a scanner. This is practically building a library in my consciousness—a library I can carry with me." Allen patted the books in satisfaction and continued immersing himself in the sea of books.
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