Hermione stared at Draco as if she'd seen a ghost. In the past, he would either stubbornly claim it was just luck or make up some excuse.
His humble yet insightful words today made him seem like a completely different person.
Professor McGonagall gazed at Draco, nodded very solemnly, and said, "Very good."
That's perfect.
Remember what you said today.
"You have seen the vastness of the ocean, which is a gift; but to know how to revere its depth and to be willing to build it from the very foundation beneath your feet—that is wisdom."
"Many wizards possess the former, yet are defeated by the lack of the latter."
Her gaze slowly swept across the entire class; her words were clearly not just directed at Draco, but also seemed to be a warning to all the restless students.
Finally, Professor McGonagall's gaze returned to Draco:
"Talent comes with responsibility, Draco. Not only a responsibility to yourself, but also to this ancient discipline."
"Your performance today has not only brought honor to Gryffindor, but also earned you an opportunity."
Draco's heart skipped a beat. Was he going to be given extra lessons? No way!
"Starting next week, set aside time after class for your foundation... which needs a more suitable 'solidification' plan."
Just as I expected.
Draco paused for a moment, then blurted out instinctively, "Huh?"
Professor McGonagall asked in an unquestionable tone, "What, any objection?"
Draco immediately composed himself and asked, "Professor, when did it begin?"
"Starting tonight," Professor McGonagall said succinctly.
"Professor, I'm afraid there's a problem. I'm going to be evaluated by Professor Flitwick tonight," Draco replied immediately.
These words immediately caused a stir in the classroom.
The Ravenclaw hawks whispered amongst themselves, " Professor Flitwick's assessment isn't something anyone can just casually participate in."
At this moment, their gazes toward Draco held an added layer of awe, as if his talent was utterly overwhelming to everyone else.
Lavender nudged Parvati's arm and clicked his tongue:
"My goodness, Professor McGonagall wants to tutor him individually, and Professor Flitwick also wants to evaluate him. Is Draco being targeted by both of those professors?"
Hearing Lavender's astonishment, Neville's eyes lit up like tiny flames.
He looked proud and was convinced that Draco was a god-like figure, otherwise why would the professors be so eager to value him?
The Draco were dumbfounded. Didn't you know the truth? Why are you spouting nonsense?
It's clear that Professor Flitwick's assessment indicated only four people knew the truth: Hermione, Professor McGonagall, Harry, and Ron.
They knew that Professor Flitwick was merely assessing the dangers of the Peeves- chantment.
That wasn't some high-level talent certification test; it was just that a few days ago, Peeves played a trick on Draco, and the Banishing Charm he casually unleashed was too terrifying.
That's why Dumbledore had Professor Flitwick arrange this assessment—to confirm the limits of Draco's control over such dangerous spells, rather than to reward him.
This truth, like a silent pebble, sank to the bottom of each of the four people's hearts, and none of them had the intention of revealing it.
Ron had weighed the matter in his mind a million times, and he couldn't wait to expose the truth in public that " Malfoy was not valued by Professor Flitwick at all, but just had caused trouble and needed to be evaluated."
Then he saw Draco humiliated, but he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
He glanced at the students in the classroom who looked at him with adoration, and then recalled Professor McGonagall's solemn declaration that "talent means responsibility."
If the truth were revealed now, it would not only embarrass Draco, but also make Gryffindor's honor seem tainted, and even Professor McGonagall's high regard would become a joke.
Moreover, his inherent pride wouldn't allow him to do something like sabotaging someone behind their back.
Even if the opponent is Draco, he would rather win fair and square in magic than try to regain his reputation by exposing such trivial matters.
In the end, he just glared at me fiercely, swallowed the truth back down, and let out a cold snort that few people could hear.
Harry would definitely not.
Hermione watched Draco being praised by everyone, and instead of exposing him, she found it somewhat amusing.
Professor McGonagall paused for a moment upon hearing this, as if recalling the minor incident from yesterday.
"So it was something to do with Flitwick. I hadn't considered that."
She hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Draco: "In that case, you'll go and have your evaluation with Professor Flitwick today. Come to my office at 7 p. m. after the next class. Don't be late."
Finally, he added with a reminder: " Flitwick's assessment should also be taken seriously. Spells and Transfiguration are inherently connected; the mastery of magic always leads to the same goal, albeit through different paths."
Draco laughed and said, "I'm afraid it won't work in the next class either."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Neville's voice suddenly broke out, and he asked in surprise, "No way, Draco, does Professor Sprout also have something to discuss with you?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a low commotion erupted in the classroom once again.
Everyone's eyes were filled with the astonishment of "Just as I thought."
Even Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick had to provide individual tutoring, let alone Professor Sprout.
The Ravenclaw eagles quickly memorized the new melon, their hearts now filled with nothing but admiration.
Ron's face darkened further; his heart ached with bitterness, and he felt that the world was simply unreasonable.
Hermione paused for a moment, then helplessly rubbed her forehead, looking at Neville with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
This kid certainly has bold ideas, but by sheer coincidence, he hit the nail on the head regarding everyone's thoughts.
Professor McGonagall's gaze softened at Neville's words, and she looked at me, teasingly asking, "What, did Professor Sprout assign you a 'task' too?"
Draco quickly waved his hand, reminding him helplessly, "No, Professor, you forgot, I still have to clean the Trophy Room for three weeks straight."
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent in awe, and even the commotion paused for a moment.
The admiration on everyone's faces instantly turned into astonishment.
Even a genius like Draco was punished by having to clean the showroom?
Professor McGonagall was taken aback by what she heard. She raised her hand and lightly tapped her forehead before suddenly remembering the little thing from earlier.
A hint of apology flashed in her eyes, but she quickly straightened her face, though she couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips, "I forgot about that. Look at my memory."
She hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind. "Alright, it will be postponed until you finish cleaning. Come to my office after you've finished."
Then he added a professorial, stern admonition.
"Sweeping is fine, but you can't neglect your homework and tutoring. If I find you're being perfunctory, you'll be punished with double the sweeping and tutoring."
Draco's heart skipped a beat; he immediately realized he had miscalculated.
He had originally intended to use the excuse of having to sweep as punishment to soften the professor's heart and exempt him from the task, but now he had instead gotten himself into the fixed schedule of after-school tutoring.