At the end of the lesson, Professor McGonagall assigned each of them a ten-inch essay on the basic theory of Transfiguration.
Except Allen, of course.
After class, Draco looked a little deflated, because his matchstick had barely changed.
Allen felt as though he were looking at a white peacock with even its tail drooping. With a helpless smile, he pulled a chocolate ball from his pocket as if by magic and handed it to Draco, finally restoring a little energy to the little platinum peacock.
After swallowing the chocolate, Draco gave a soft huff. "I'll definitely do better than you in Potions Class this afternoon! I've been learning to brew potions since I was five!"
Allen smiled. He, too, thought he might not be particularly good at brewing potions.
What a Crown Prince needed was mostly theoretical knowledge, and he was still young. Edward had never allowed him to take part in chemistry experiments; all he could do was watch while wrapped in protective clothing!
He had absolutely no idea how good his practical skills were.
After hearing this, Draco did indeed look much happier.
"Mr. Cornwall!" Professor McGonagall beckoned to him from the front of the classroom.
"Draco, go ahead to the Great Hall!" Allen said. "I think I'll be a while."
"I'll save you a seat," Draco said, stuffing his books back into his bag.
It was already eleven, and the students were ravenous after a whole morning of practice. Before long, nearly all of them had left.
Standing beside the teacher's desk, Professor McGonagall said to Allen, "Mr. Cornwall, before term began, Headmaster Dumbledore specifically called us together to give us a few instructions, and he made particular mention of you."
Seeing a hint of surprise on Allen's face, she smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Don't be nervous, child. In fact, Albus asked us to pay you extra attention-because your genius requires more nurturing. I didn't believe it at first, but now I wholeheartedly agree."
She took out several booklets, cast a copying spell, and handed the copies to Allen. "These contain some of my insights into Transfiguration. I hope you'll study them carefully.
"You don't need to write the Transfiguration essay. I'll give you a special assignment instead-an essay on your insights into magical theory.
"Yes, yes!"
Professor McGonagall saw that Allen wanted to say something but was hesitating, and said at once,
"It's a very broad topic. You could say it's easy to write about, or you could say it's very difficult. Don't put yourself under any pressure. Simply write down your own thoughts."
"Merlin! I can hardly wait to teach you more. Unfortunately, the start of term is a busy time, and Albus also said we should let you get acquainted with all your classes first. He'll probably speak with you this weekend.
"We'll start private lessons next week! What do you think, Mr. Cornwall?"
The stern witch looked rather expectant, though she also wondered whether this was a little rushed-young witches and wizards were always so lively, and rarely showed much enthusiasm for books.
Allen had no intention of declining and responded eagerly,
"It would be an honor, Professor! I know you're exceptionally skilled at Transfiguration. I tried turning my teacup into a mouse at home, but unfortunately, my mice never move."
He let a little frustration show at just the right moment, and his enthusiasm for learning made Professor McGonagall chuckle.
"Oh, that's something we teach in seventh year. Being able to make a teacup look like a mouse is already very impressive!"
"Before fifth year, students are tasked with learning to turn animals into objects, such as turning a mouse into a snuffbox!"
Professor McGonagall led him toward the hall, talking as they walked.
"As for turning objects into animals that can move, that's taught in the upper years-only then do students have the necessary degree of control over their magic!"
Professor McGonagall held his shoulder and said sternly,
"So, Mr. Cornwall! Don't attempt those spells rashly. They could cause you to lose control of your magic and hurt yourself."
Allen nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Professor! If I want to try any of that advanced Transfiguration, I'll come to you for guidance!"
Even a pampered young gentleman knew how to protect himself, let alone a Crown Prince who bore responsibility for an entire nation.
Professor McGonagall nodded in approval and led Allen into the Hogwarts hall.
The little Gryffindor lions stared at their Head of House in astonishment-even the wrinkles on the witch's face seemed less pronounced. She was in an extraordinarily good mood!
They hurried to ask their friends about it and soon uncovered the whole story.
The young Muggle-born witches and wizards puffed out their chests proudly, and before long, word of Allen's talent in Transfiguration had spread throughout Hogwarts.
The older Slytherin snakes soon heard about it from the younger students as well.
A talent for Transfiguration was nothing extraordinary; every year had students who shone in different subjects. But successfully performing a transformation with a nonverbal spell showed a truly startling degree of control over magic.
The older students exchanged glances. When Allen took his seat, they set aside a little of their aloofness and were no longer quite so icy.
They were still watching and waiting, but they would not alienate him completely.
Taking advantage of his position, the Prefect sat down beside Allen and nodded approvingly. "Mr. Cornwall! I hear you earned Slytherin fifteen points in your very first lesson. Very well done!"
Allen inclined his head slightly, his smile courteous. "As a member of Slytherin, it's only what I should do."
"Excellent!" the Prefect praised him. "Keep it up. Slytherin respects the strong! As long as you're strong enough, there will always be a place for you here!"
Allen smiled faintly and raised his cup toward the young Muggle-born witches and wizards at the other three long tables. "Thank you for the advice," he said quietly.
He would have to find a time to meet these young Muggle-born witches and wizards.
Children of this age thought in simple terms: a friend's friend was a friend, and an enemy's friend was an enemy-everything was black or white, friend or foe.
They did not know how to understand differing opinions, and with that innocent cruelty of theirs, they often did things like bullying their schoolmates.
These young Muggle-born witches and wizards were happy about his achievements, and there was nothing wrong with that.
But with Slytherin practically the common enemy of Hogwarts, they would inevitably be ostracized by some people in their own houses.
-That was certainly not the outcome he wanted to bring about.
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