New MOD

"Good day, ma'am. What did you need me for?"

Li Wei politely greeted Professor McGonagall, then knowingly asked the obvious question.

"Mr. Lee Wickens," Professor McGonagall called him by name.

Dumbledore's words surfaced in her mind unbidden. Combined with what she had just overheard, her eyes could not help but reveal affection and pity as she said gently:

"I believe you have already received your invitation letter!"

"I am Professor McGonagall from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I received your reply last night."

"I came at your invitation to explain the enrollment process, take you through the formalities, and purchase your school supplies!"

"That's wonderful!"

Although Li Wei had already expected it, when those words came directly from Professor McGonagall's mouth, he could not help letting out the cheer expected of a child his age.

Professor McGonagall smiled warmly and fondly at the sight. Though she had witnessed similar scenes countless times throughout her career,

every time she saw those lovely children cheering with joy at the chance to learn magic, she still felt heartfelt delight and deep pride.

Magic truly was the greatest miracle in the world!

Just as Li Wei was about to continue speaking with Professor McGonagall before leaving with her, someone had to come along and spoil the mood!

"What magic? What kind of scam is this?!"

"This Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry isn't some circus, is it?!"

"Let me tell you, Li Wei is not going to any Hogwarts whatever academy! Leave this place at once, or don't blame me for calling the police on you!"

Mrs. Lisa immediately flew into a rage. She had thought some wealthy benefactor had come to make a donation; she could even understand if someone had come to adopt a child.

Though she would never give up Lee Wickens, her little money tree, this excuse about learning magic was simply too ridiculous!

Were scammers making money that easily these days? Couldn't they at least come up with a better excuse?

"Mrs. Lisa, people should not make rash judgments about things they do not understand!"

Hearing Mrs. Lisa's extremely rude words, Professor McGonagall immediately resumed a stern expression and said without concealment:

"And I heard everything you said to Mr. Lee Wickens earlier!"

"Oh, Merlin! I can scarcely believe that London's charitable community has an orphanage director as profit-driven as you. You are a disgrace to London, England!"

"Now please be quiet and stop interfering with my work, all right?!"

As she spoke, Li Wei saw Professor McGonagall flick her wand. Mrs. Lisa became like a mute, stammering and struggling, yet unable to utter a word.

Was this magic?

Was it silent casting, or the Tongue-Tying Curse?

Li Wei's eyes lit up. Memories of possible spells suddenly surfaced in his mind, something even he had not expected.

The mist of the Fantasy MOD System appeared before him on its own, churning as a new line of text emerged:

[Magical spell detected. Spell MOD loading...]

[Loading complete. Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the Spell MOD!]

Li Wei had not expected the system to activate so suddenly. He nervously looked at Professor McGonagall, only to find that she paid no attention to the swirling mist before him.

Instead, noticing his anxious gaze, she smiled gently and reassured him:

"Don't worry. I haven't turned her into a mute. I have merely temporarily prevented her from speaking. She can no longer stop you from embarking on your journey to learn magic!"

"Mr. Wickens, you truly are very kind!"

"Even after she said such awful things to you and even tried to stop you from attending Hogwarts, you still worried about her. You really are a kind-hearted child!"

As Professor McGonagall spoke, she affectionately patted Li Wei's head and explained:

"What I cast just now was the Tongue-Tying Curse. The incantation is Muffliato. Once you enter Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you will have the chance to learn it..."

Professor McGonagall and Li Wei chatted as they walked deeper into the orphanage.

Mrs. Lisa and the other caretakers all retreated to one side in terror, looking at Professor McGonagall and Li Wei as though they were freaks.

Seeing this, Professor McGonagall frowned slightly. After thinking for a moment, she flicked her wand again and recited the spell:

"Obliviate!"

Only the children of the orphanage, though somewhat timid, remembered how Li Wei had always looked after them and bravely stepped forward to ask:

"Big Brother Li Wei, has someone adopted you? Are you leaving?"

Li Wei sighed inwardly, glanced at Professor McGonagall, then nodded to the orphans.

"Yes, but it isn't adoption. I'm going somewhere farther away to study!"

"The food cart in the courtyard will be yours from now on. Learn to support yourselves. You cannot always rely on others!"

"Take care of yourselves and earn your own living. Only then can you eat your fill, stay warm, and survive in a city like London!"

Though the orphans were still reluctant to see him go, they obediently nodded and moved aside to clear the way.

Professor McGonagall looked deeply at Li Wei. She had not expected such a young child to speak words so heavy yet so true.

But when she recalled Mrs. Lisa's earlier attitude, Professor McGonagall began to understand. She saw through everything and made sense of it all.

She felt even more affection for Li Wei. He certainly would not, and could not, return to this orphanage in the future. Should I...

The two entered Li Wei's humble but tidy room. Li Wei quickly packed his belongings into a worn-out backpack, then showed off his telekinesis before Professor McGonagall by retrieving the pounds he had saved.

"Professor McGonagall, I actually realized long ago that I was different from other people!"

"But I never imagined that I was a young wizard, and that I could go to Hogwarts to learn magic!"

"This is the money I saved. I can take care of myself!"

Li Wei spoke with determination. In Professor McGonagall's eyes, he was a good child who was independent and self-reliant, someone who had retained admirable qualities despite growing up amid poverty and oppression.

"Good," Professor McGonagall said, nodding in relief. Remembering Dumbledore's words, she now felt even more guilty.

She should not have made assumptions merely because Li Wei had come from Wu's Orphanage. This child cared for others, protected the young, was independent and self-reliant, and had a kind heart. He was absolutely not like the Dark Lord. They were different.

She believed that a young wizard like Li Wei, no matter which house he was sorted into, would become a kind and upright person after receiving an education at Hogwarts.

"Come, child. I will take you away by magical means, but you may feel a little uncomfortable in a moment!"

Without realizing it, Professor McGonagall had changed how she addressed Li Wei. Preparing to Apparate and teleport away directly, she warned him in advance.

"Okay, Professor. I understand!"

Li Wei took a deep breath. As though preparing to endure some pain, he answered with a resolute gaze.