Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 170: The Talents of Magical Beasts

Sheen guessed that intermediate alchemical creation, like intermediate transmutation, was a more advanced and difficult form of alchemy in a certain aspect.

If the Transformers Cookie isn't mid-tier, then the Fantastic Beasts Transformers Cookie, which is a level above it, is very likely.

With that in mind, Sheen sped up his journey to the administrator's office on the first floor considerably.

On Christmas Day, the entire Hogwarts was decorated with dazzling lights—although few students stayed to admire it.

A thick ribbon of holly and mistletoe was strung along the corridor, and mysterious lights flickered inside each suit of armor. Twelve Christmas trees stood in the hall, their branches adorned with glittering golden stars. A rich, enticing aroma of cooking filled the corridor, making Sheen slightly nostalgic for the Christmas dinner.

As he passed Ron, he saw "Spotty" sticking its nose out of Ron's pocket and sniffing the air hopefully.

Before long, he arrived at the administrator's office. His affinity with the lady had been stuck at the very last point for a long time, as if it were a formidable threshold that, once crossed, would drastically change the relationship between wizards and magical creatures.

Regarding this difficulty, Sheen guessed that cats are probably closer to each other than cats are to humans.

The aroma of stewing meat wafted from outside the administrator's office. Mrs. Lorris, who was supposed to be out, unusually remained inside. Just as Sheehan was about to knock, he heard Mr. Filch muttering to himself:
"Oh, madam, are you sure you want me to eat this? Of course, of course, I know..."

Sheen had a rough idea of ​​what it was. He waited silently at the door, pulling out "The Selection and Inspiration of Alchemical Materials." To create intermediate-level alchemical artifacts, he needed to consider even better materials.

After hearing a cat meowing coming from the administrator's office, Sheen waited a few more minutes before knocking on the door.

"I have no time to deal with you brats! You'd better get lost!"

Mr. Filch's voice was hoarse and trembling, filled with anger and lingering fear.

"Yes, it's time. Will he come, Madam...?"

"Dang Dang Dang——"

There was another knock on the door, the sound persistent but not noisy. Mr. Filch strode forward and quickly opened the door.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Filch."

Sheehan entered the office, carrying some beautifully packaged cookies. The moment Mrs. Lorris saw him, she gracefully climbed onto his shoulder.

Sheen gazed at the administrator's office, no longer dimly lit, now filled with floating candlelight. Snow was drifting through a stained-glass window, and occasionally an owl could be seen gliding across the grey-blue sky. Apart from the smell of the large pot of soup that made Mrs. Lorris frown, everything was fine.

"Of course, Merry Christmas, Mr. Green... It'll be ready soon, have some soup before you go..."

After speaking awkwardly, Mr. Filch carefully took the small box and went to stir the large pot of soup.

Sheen waved his wand, and a chair bounced over. The lady snorted and glanced disdainfully at the large pot of soup.

"Christmas is a time for family reunions, isn't it, madam? Even if you dislike certain smells, you can still be tolerant..."

Sheen whispered something, and the lady snored contentedly.

Mr. Filch had a knack for making big pots of soup, the broth steaming hot, warming you up like a blanket on a winter night.

So when Sheen took Mrs. Lorris out, both of them were exhaling white mist.

When they reached a secluded spot, Sheen took out a cookie.

Mrs. Lorris's pupils suddenly contracted, and she jumped high in fright, then tentatively let out a snoring sound. Sheehan vaguely understood what she meant, so he responded easily.

[You have gained the favor of the magical cat Lizi (Mrs. Lorris) by using your expert standards, affinity +50]

[Fantastic Beasts Cat Slang (Mrs. Lorris): Slightly Affine (Apprentice Level) (40/900)]

A new title in the Fantastic Beasts realm has been unlocked. Please check it out.

A new wizard talent has been unlocked, please check it out.

The animal form did not hinder Sheen from viewing the panel, and he looked at it with anticipation:
[Title: Junior Magical Creature Affinity]

[Slightly increases affinity with magical creatures, and slightly increases understanding of magical creatures]

Affinity, understanding... these are all effects that are easy to understand.

As expected, Sheen adjusted his breathing and continued reading.

[Wizard Sheen, Magical Creature Talent: Pale Purple (Blessed with the title of Junior Magical Creature Affinity). Note: Normal wizards have Green.]

[Evaluation: You are naturally favored by magical creatures. You are a true talent in the magical branch of magical creature research. Make the most of your talent, and you will become a pivotal master in the field of magical creature research.]

Although the review did not explain why Shinn had such a high affinity for magical creatures, Shinn was still somewhat excited.

A high affinity for magical creatures is crucial for Sheen's future magical creature transformation cookie project.

After saying goodbye to Mrs. Lorris, it was almost curfew time.

In the corridor, a black cat moved swiftly and lightly. Since unlocking Mrs. Lorris's affection, Sheen's understanding of cats has deepened once again. Now he can maintain his transformation time for longer and has more confidence in making magical animal cookies.

Just as he was weaving through the armor and iron frames on his way to Ravenclaw Tower, voices suddenly came from one side of the corridor. Even in the deep darkness, Sheen could make out that they were several Hufflepuffs.

"Hannah—Merlin, we only had a tiny bit of mead by the statue, and we're already dizzy for this long... What are we going to do..."

"A Hufflepuff with deep, large eyes said, trembling."

Sheen knew about mead, an alcoholic beverage made by diluting honey with water and fermenting it to produce alcohol, which was very popular in the magical world.

So it's understandable that the little wizard tasted a tiny bit out of curiosity. As the cold wind blew by, Sheen pondered for a moment, then suddenly felt like licking his paw.

He quickly suppressed this strange instinct, knowing that the transformation had taken too long.

“Sarian, have you forgotten? Those Gryffindors said that if a night stroll isn’t discovered, it’s not a night stroll…”

Hannah herself was trembling with fear, but when her friends asked her about it, she managed to put on a brave face.

But accidents always happen suddenly; a loud meow suddenly came from afar.

The two Hufflepuffs screamed, nearly collapsing against the wall in fright, as they had never gone out at night before.

(End of this chapter)