January Ends

That day, everyone had a wonderful time.

Luna, Susan, and Astoria even each managed to "abduct" a little Bowtruckle and take it away as a pet. The other girls showed varying degrees of envy and clamored for Skylar to bring them here again next time.

Beautiful ladies always deserved a little extra favor.

"Of course," Skylar said. "You all did quite well today. Perhaps you just need a little more time and patience. After coming here a few more times, I think you'll all gain companions of your own."

"These little fellows are absolutely worth taking the time to bond with," Skylar said seriously. "They aren't merely pets meant for companionship... If you sincerely treat them as partners, they can become capable assistants in your daily lives. They have a natural connection with trees, so with one of them, you'll never have to worry about getting lost in the woods—"

"Their small, nimble fingers can also be used to pick locks. If you come across a magically sealed door that cannot be opened with the Unlocking Charm, they can produce unexpected results. Magic won't fool them."

After that, Skylar threw himself back into magical research.

After returning from Druella's funeral, he found that his list of things to research had suddenly gained many new spells.

From last term through the period before this term began, he had already left quite a few research projects unfinished. For instance, the Human Restoration Charm, which could restore a Werewolf to human form; the Cosmetic Potion he had wanted to develop from the Tugwood Family's potion notes, one that could preserve youthful looks; and the breeding of Pygmy Puffs...

After this term began, he had first painstakingly completed the defensive spell Gods' Protection, then finished studying Human Transfiguration. But afterward, he found inspiration for