Chapter 170: Magical Creature Talent
An 'Intermediate' alchemical creation, Sean guessed, was akin to Intermediate Transfiguration – a step up in complexity and difficulty.
If the Transfiguration Biscuit wasn't considered 'Intermediate,' then perhaps a Magical Creature Transfiguration Biscuit, which was a tier higher, would qualify.
With this thought in mind, Sean hastened his pace towards the Caretaker's office on the ground floor.
It was Christmas Day, and the entire castle was decked out in festive splendor – though few students remained to appreciate it.
Thick ribbons of holly and mistletoe draped the corridors, and mysterious lights twinkled from within every suit of armour. Twelve towering Christmas trees stood in the Great Hall, adorned with glittering golden stars. A rich, tantalizing aroma of cooking food permeated the hallways, making Sean momentarily nostalgic for the Christmas feast.
As he passed Ron, he saw Scabbers poking his nose out of Ron's pocket, sniffing hopefully at the air.
Sean soon arrived at the Caretaker's office. His affinity with Mrs. Norris had been stuck at the threshold of the next level for a long time. It felt like a significant barrier; once crossed, the bond between wizard and magical creature would fundamentally change.
Sean suspected that cats simply understood other cats better than they understood humans.
The scent of a hearty stew wafted from the office. Mrs. Norris, who should have been out prowling, had uncharacteristically remained inside. Just as Sean was about to knock, he heard Mr. Filch muttering to himself.
"Ah, my sweet... are you sure you want me to eat this? Of course, of course, I know..."
Sean had a pretty good idea what was happening. He waited quietly by the door, pulling out The Selection and Enlightenment of Alchemical Materials. To create an Intermediate alchemical item, he needed to consider superior materials.
After hearing a distinct meow from inside, Sean waited a few more minutes before knocking.
"I've no time for you brats! Go away!" Filch's voice was raspy and trembling, tinged with anger and lingering fear.
"Yes, it's time... will he come? My sweet..."
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocks came again, persistent but polite. Filch strode across the room and yanked the door open.
"Happy Christmas, Mr. Filch."
Sean entered the office, holding a box of exquisitely wrapped biscuits. Mrs. Norris, upon seeing him, elegantly leaped onto his shoulder.
The office was no longer dim. Floating candles filled the room with light. An enchanted window displayed a snowy scene, with the occasional owl flitting across a grey-blue sky. Apart from the smell of the stew, which made Mrs. Norris wrinkle her nose, everything was perfect.
"Of... of course, Happy Christmas, Mr. Green... It's almost ready... have some soup before you go..." Filch stammered, carefully accepting the small box before turning back to stir his cauldron.
Sean waved his wand, and a chair hopped over to him. Mrs. Norris purred, shooting a disdainful glance at the stew.
"Christmas is a time for togetherness, isn't it, Mrs. Norris? Even if you dislike certain smells, one can be tolerant..." Sean whispered. Mrs. Norris purred in agreement.
Filch was surprisingly skilled at making stew. The broth was piping hot, as comforting on a winter's night as burrowing under a thick quilt.
When Sean left with Mrs. Norris, both boy and cat were breathing out clouds of white steam.
Finding a secluded spot, Sean took out a biscuit.
Mrs. Norris's pupils constricted. She leaped high into the air in surprise, then let out a tentative purr.
Sean found he could vaguely understand her meaning. He responded easily.
[You have gained the affection of the Kneazle-part Magical Beast (Mrs. Norris) to the Expert standard. Proficiency +50]
[Magical Beast Affinity: Kneazle (Mrs. Norris): Slightly Friendly (Apprentice) (40/900)]
[A new Title in the field of Magical Creatures has been unlocked. Please view.]
[A new Wizarding Talent has been discovered. Please view.]
His animal form didn't hinder his ability to check the Panel. He opened it with anticipation.
[Title: Novice Beast Whisperer]
[Effect: Slightly increases affinity with Magical Creatures. Slightly increases understanding of Magical Creatures.]
Affinity, understanding... these effects were straightforward enough.
It was expected. Sean took a breath and read on.
[Wizard: Sean Green]
[Magical Creature Talent: Light Violet (Epic)]
Boosted by Title: Novice Beast Whisperer. Note: Average wizarding talent is Green (Uncommon).
[Evaluation: You are naturally favoured by magical creatures. You are a true talent in the field of Magizoology. seize your gift, and you will become a master of great renown in the study of magical beasts.]
Although the evaluation didn't explain why his affinity was so high, Sean was thrilled.
High affinity with magical creatures was crucial for his planned series of Magical Creature Transfiguration Biscuits.
After bidding Mrs. Norris farewell, curfew was approaching.
In the corridor, a black cat moved with swift, light steps. Unlocking the affinity with Mrs. Norris had deepened Sean's understanding of felines. He could now maintain his transformation for longer, and he felt much more confident about creating the magical creature biscuits.
As he navigated through the suits of armour and iron stands towards Ravenclaw Tower, voices drifted from a side corridor. Even in the deep darkness, Sean's cat eyes could see they were Hufflepuffs.
"Hannah—Merlin's beard, we only had a tiny sip of mead by the statue, how are we still dizzy... what do we do..." a Hufflepuff with large, dark eyes trembled.
Sean knew mead—honey wine, fermented and popular in the wizarding world.
A small sip causing dizziness in young wizards was understandable. A cold breeze blew past. As Sean pondered this, he felt a sudden urge to lick his paw.
He quickly suppressed the instinct, realizing he had been transformed for too long.
"Sally-Anne, don't you remember? The Gryffindors say it's not breaking the rules if you don't get caught..." Hannah said, shaking with fear herself but trying to act brave for her friend.
But accidents always happen suddenly. A loud meow echoed from the distance.
The two Hufflepuffs screamed, nearly collapsing against the wall. As Hufflepuffs, they had never been out after curfew before.
(End of Chapter)
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