SWNOVELXO Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Professor McGonagall Lose Face
Chapter 132: Professor McGonagall Lose Face
"But ultimately, there's only one Basilisk. It seems that after expanding the pet space further, I'll have to save up some money, create an ecological environment, and then catch some Acromantulas to breed in my world."
Only in this way could he obtain a continuous supply of test subjects.
"With an ecological environment, there will also be a place to raise the magical creatures I catch. Even if the reproductive ability of ordinary magical creatures isn't as strong as that of Acromantulas, they can still breed."
Just imagining his suitcase not only having dragons and Shadow Fiends, but also a group of cute little spiders, plus centaurs, unicorns, merpeople, Thestrals, Graphorns...
His heart filled with anticipation.
So many magical creatures, constantly breeding and breeding again, his suitcase could be regarded as a truly meaningful small world!
"The first ecological environment to unlock must be a forest. As for deserts, grasslands, mountains, etc., those can come later."
After all, the forest's ecological environment was relatively complex. Besides trees, it naturally had various flowers and plants, and even small water resources could be opened up together.
And other ecological environments, whether deserts, grasslands, or mountains, even large lakes or small oceans, were too singular compared to forests.
Of course, this singularity referred to the ability to simultaneously accommodate various magical creatures.
"If only I could directly move the Forbidden Forest in, hmm—if I can become the Headmaster of Hogwarts in the future, this might not be impossible."
Although Dylan was only in his second year, it didn't prevent him from envisioning a bright future.
"And Ron's Scabbers, when the Ministry of Magic clears Sirius's name, it wouldn't be bad to have him as a test subject—I shouldn't have directly killed those dark wizards who tried to ambush me during the summer."
Thinking of this, Dylan couldn't help but sigh slightly.
Otherwise, he would still have a few adult wizards as test subjects now.
"What a pity."
Dylan raised his wand, and in an instant, a full fifty red beams of light shot out.
The next moment, in the cockroach breeding base he had circled with a spell, fifty little darlings were instantly hit by the Cruciatus Curse.
——————
[Message]: Congratulations on completing the refinement task for Crucio! [Message]: You have unlocked a new characteristic for Crucio—Pain Propagation!
——————
"Finally cast the Cruciatus Curse ten thousand times."
This was truly a laborious task, but fortunately, he also had the ability to cast spells in rapid succession. In fact, if you really counted, using the Cruciatus Curse on ten thousand living beings wasn't particularly troublesome.
It was just finding ten thousand living beings to cast the spell on that took him a lot of effort.
As everyone knew, a nest of cockroaches could produce many offspring, and one cockroach could produce several nests.
So, the moment those little ones were born, they basically died under Dylan's Cruciatus Curse and Sectumsempra.
Until the birth rate of the old cockroaches dropped after several batches, and the little cockroaches grew up, Dylan would deal with the old batch and continue the cycle, constantly creating and utilizing resources.
"Sometimes I think the refinement tasks given by this system are a bit exaggerated. How many wizards are there in all of England?"
"I've only unlocked three refinement tasks for my Cruciatus Curse, and it has already reached the point where I have to cast the spell on ten thousand living beings."
"So what about the last refinement opportunity? Will it be a hundred thousand? Even if I killed all the wizards in England, it wouldn't be enough."
Not to mention England, even if all the wizards in Europe were gathered and killed, it probably wouldn't fill this hole.
So the future refinement tasks would still have to rely more on the cockroach family.
Oh right, and the spider family.
Dylan looked at the new characteristic ability he had obtained.
——————
[Pain Propagation]: When you use the Cruciatus Curse, the unfortunate soul struck by your Crucio will transmit their agonizing pain to three enemies within a four-meter radius.
For a period of time afterward, the unfortunate trio near the initial victim will share the exquisite sensation of their hearts being ripped apart.
[Note]: Those infected cannot transmit the pain a second time.
——————
Looking at the description of this characteristic's ability, Dylan raised an eyebrow.
Did this mean that one of his spells could be used as four spells?
Dylan had originally thought that the pain would continue to spread indefinitely just by looking at the name of the characteristic, but he didn't expect it to only spread to the three people nearby.
But it didn't matter, anyway, he had another characteristic—Spell Chain!
If the number of people who wanted to be his enemy was large and relatively scattered, Dylan not only wouldn't be afraid, but would actually be quite excited!
He could directly raise his hand and throw out fifty spells, and with one infecting three, it could definitely cause a large area of damage instantly!
In this way, he wouldn't be afraid of individual attacks, and even if others wanted to gang up on him, he wouldn't be afraid anymore!
No matter how many people came, he would take down as many as came!
"The Cruciatus Curse still has one last opportunity to unlock a refinement characteristic, but since the third task already requires me to cast the spell on ten thousand living beings to complete, I should wait on the last one and refine the other spells first."
The max-level spells he currently possessed were already quite numerous, even by the standards of an adult wizard.
Therefore, besides the Cruciatus Curse, he had many other spells that he could add characteristics to.
Dylan glanced at his panel.
———————
[Name]: Dylan Hawkwood [Magic]: Fiendfyre, Cheering Charm, Confundus Charm, Soul Devouring Whisper, Corporeal Severance, Shadow Mist Flight, Necromantic Return, Avis Oppugno, Sectumsempra, Legilimens, Crucio, Imperio, Reanimation, Parasitic Possession, Spell Filth Bloom, Knickerbocker Glory, Bat-Bogey Hex, Avada Kedavra, Rictusempra, Occlumency—
[Traits]: Quick Meditation, Spell Chain ×50, Pet Ability Domination
[Items]: Shadow Ring, Pet Space Suitcase, Pregnancy Sweets—
[Money]: 564781 Galleons, 1500000 Pounds—
[Pets]: Coal (Shadow Fiend), Norbert (Norwegian Ridgeback)
——————————
"Counting carefully, I have almost twenty max-level spells."
Dylan was quite satisfied with his current achievements.
Besides the max-level spells he obtained directly from achievements, Dylan himself had also mastered several, totaling nineteen.
And he had many other spells whose proficiency had already reached level eight or even nine, just one step away from reaching max level!
"Next, I can consider doing some slightly more normal spell refinement tasks, especially Transfiguration. My proficiency has already reached level nine."
"I estimate that once I master Animagus, I can master the single spell of Transfiguration to max level."
"And the Flying Charm, as well as other attack spells, but the progress of the Unforgivable Curses cannot be completely left behind. Both Imperio and Avada Kedavra must keep up."
Thinking this way, Dylan felt another headache coming on.
Busy, too busy!
Dylan was so busy that he wished he could split every minute into two!
"I wonder if it's possible for my Killing Curse to directly evolve into the Avada Italian Killing Cannon through spell refinement, but looking at the development trend of the Cruciatus Curse, I think it's possible."
After coming out of the suitcase, it was already quite late.
Dylan washed up and lay in bed.
"Professor McGonagall's birthday is also coming up soon. I remember it's October 4th, right? Professor Flitwick's birthday isn't much later than Professor McGonagall's, it seems to be the 17th of the same month."
These birthday gifts also had to be prepared in advance.
There was less than a week left until October.
No matter how busy Dylan was, he wouldn't forget this.
"But what gift should I give? The gift can't be too bad, nor can it be too good, otherwise, if the gift I send out directly outshines the gift I gave Professor Snape, heaven knows what that tsundere freak will do."
But one thing was certain—Professor Snape might not give him any good looks for the entire semester!
Until the next January!
At that time, Dylan would have to rack his brains to think about what better gift to give Professor Snape.
But this might make Professor McGonagall and the others jealous...
"Sigh, keeping everyone happy is really a skill! Why can't these professors be considerate of my hard work and just tell me what they want? If the price is right, I'll just throw money at it. If the price is too expensive—I'll grit my teeth and throw money at it anyway."
Dylan shook his head, intending to think about it again tomorrow morning. He hugged the fully grown Coal, who still occupied a large space in his arms, and slowly fell asleep.
...
The next day was still a busy one—but there was still a chance to steal a moment of leisure.
Since it was a holiday and there was no after-class tutoring from any professor today.
Although Dylan still had many books waiting for him to read, taking a little time to think about what birthday gifts he should give the professors was still possible.
"Maybe I can give Professor McGonagall a handmade Transfiguration research journal—it would be best if I could also add some Quidditch elements to it."
Dylan stroked his chin, considering the feasibility of this gift.
Of course, the so-called handmade gift was naturally a gift "hurriedly made with the wand in hand."
—As a wizard, magic was his own handicraft!
After another round of racking his brains.
Dylan confirmed Professor McGonagall's birthday gift and also decided what to give Professor Flitwick.
"Doesn't Professor Flitwick like conducting music? Then I'll give him a magical music box. He can see the sheet music himself and also listen to it as a music box usually."
"Anyway, there are many songs that I vaguely remember. Making them with magic, although it won't be too complete, it's still good as a demo."
Dylan thought Professor Flitwick would like this gift.
—Whether it was Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick, Dylan felt that neither of them were the type to show off gifts to Professor Snape.
Therefore, he didn't need to worry too much that improving the quality of the gifts he made would attract Professor Snape's jealousy.
—Professor Snape wasn't actually that petty.
Having made up his mind, Dylan started to work.
So in the following time.
Dylan attended classes, read books, did experiments, secretly went to the Little Forbidden Forest with Hagrid, maintained a certain frequency of potion brewing, and sought answers from professors when he encountered certain problems... all while making birthday gifts for the two professors.
Fortunately, both Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall postponed his after-class tutoring, which gave Dylan more time to do other things.
"Hey, are you still preparing gifts for the professors?"
In the Gryffindor common room, Hermione noticed Dylan in the corner and couldn't help but walk over.
Dylan nodded slightly.
He was currently crafting the Transfiguration journal for Professor McGonagall.
The journal itself was simple to make, but he wanted Professor McGonagall to see a miniature Quidditch pitch as soon as she opened it.
Professor McGonagall could even use Transfiguration to simulate the Quidditch match process on it.
"Very meticulous work."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Hermione smiled, her eyes narrowed slightly, and sat down beside Dylan, holding several thick magic books.
"The magical world jigsaw puzzle you gave me was very interesting. I've already finished it."
Hearing Hermione's words, Dylan paused slightly in his work and looked back at her.
"You finished it so quickly? That puzzle was quite complicated."
What Hermione was talking about was the birthday gift Dylan had given her not long ago.
Coincidentally, Hermione's birthday was in September, after school had started, so Dylan's gift could be given in person, unlike Harry's, which had to be mailed.
"I haven't been reading much lately; I've been working on that puzzle the whole time."
Hermione's eyes sparkled, and perhaps because of the heat, her cheeks were slightly flushed.
"Every piece of the map I put together revealed a three-dimensional wonder, and it also explained many places in the magical world to me. It felt more memorable than reading a book."
"I guessed you might be interested in it. I'm glad you liked it."
The corners of Hermione's mouth turned up slightly. "Ron has been quite gloomy lately because you haven't given him a birthday present."
Dylan shrugged, refocusing his attention on the journal in front of him.
"There's nothing I can do about that. We had just met then, and I didn't know his birthday before. Later, when we became familiar, I asked around for all of your birthdays, but I didn't expect his birthday to have already passed in March—and he didn't tell me."
Dylan snorted softly. "I should be the one wondering if he doesn't consider me a friend, not even wanting to tell me when his birthday was."
The smile on Hermione's lips didn't fade as her fingers gently caressed the edge of a page. "You're right. If he had made his birthday clear beforehand, wouldn't we all have been able to give him a gift?"
Speaking of this, Hermione paused, then suddenly said, "Speaking of him, Dylan, your birthday is also in March, right?"
Dylan nodded. "Yes, March 18th, a month after Ron's."
Hermione pressed, "Why didn't you say anything when it was your birthday back then?"
Dylan shook his head, seemingly nonchalant. "On my birthday, I gave my mother a gift. As for me—I don't really care whether I celebrate my birthday or not."
Counting his previous and current lives, he was already several decades old, and he really didn't feel there was anything special about birthdays.
Hermione paused, then couldn't help but purse her lips. "This is the anniversary of your arrival in this world; you should treat it well—at least I should give you a gift to express my feelings—I mean, ours."
Dylan blinked, the magic power emanating from the tip of his wand carefully tracing the journal. "I'll accept your sentiment for now~ Then I'm really looking forward to what gift you'll give me next year."
Although Dylan didn't look at Hermione at all, a glint couldn't help but flash in her eyes. Her tone was slightly raised. "Don't worry, I can start preparing your gift now!"
Dylan was amused. "It's only just October, and my birthday is a full five months away. Why don't you think about what to give me for Christmas first?"
Hermione was slightly stunned, blinked twice, but nodded seriously. "Okay, I'll think about it carefully!"
At this moment, the light at the tip of Dylan's wand flickered and then slowly went out.
A look of joy appeared on Dylan's face, and he straightened up. "Finally done!"
Hermione looked over curiously. The cover of the Transfiguration journal Dylan had made was made of soft, dark brown leather. Opening the first page, the one Dylan had currently opened, a Quidditch pitch was outlined in gold ink.
The wooden stands on the field were neatly arranged, just like the real thing. Different House symbols were drawn on the fluttering banners, and the Golden Snitch, Bludgers, and the three Quidditch hoops were all lifelike.
Dylan waved his wand lightly, using the Transfiguration Charm.
"Swish"
A flash of light passed, and the originally still Quidditch pitch seemed to come to life instantly.
The players on it rode their brooms, flying swiftly across the field, chasing the path of the Golden Snitch.
Hermione opened her eyes wide with some surprise. "This ability is a bit similar to the map you gave me."
Dylan didn't deny it. "Although I bought that jigsaw map, I also slightly modified it with magic."
"Alright, tomorrow is Professor McGonagall's birthday. It's good that today is a day off, otherwise I might not have finished in time."
Dylan breathed a slight sigh of relief.
This journal seemed simple to make, but he had added spells to almost every page in various details, allowing Professor McGonagall to receive surprises at any time when she flipped through it—this was definitely a big project.
Especially the Quidditch pitch, Dylan had specially found a diagram of a Quidditch pitch and personally drew it with his wand, stroke by stroke.
—In a way, this could also be considered hand-drawn by him.
"I've also prepared a gift for Professor McGonagall, but compared to yours, mine is much simpler." Hermione held a stack of books, her expression somewhat complicated. "I wonder if Professor McGonagall will dislike it."
"How could that be? A gift is originally a token of appreciation. The thought counts, whether the gift is big or small, Professor McGonagall will definitely be happy."
Dylan looked at Hermione in surprise. "And if your gift is too valuable, Professor McGonagall might even decline to accept it."
Hermione thought for a moment, feeling that what Dylan said made sense, and nodded. "I bet Ron and Harry haven't prepared a gift for Professor McGonagall."
Dylan smiled. "Then you're wrong this time. Not only have they prepared one, but like me, it's also handmade."
Hermione blinked, asking curiously, "Really? I've never heard them mention it. Do you know what gifts they're going to give Professor McGonagall?"
Dylan gave a mysterious smile and lowered his voice. "Harry is going to give Professor McGonagall a troll doll that he transfigured, and Ron's is a three-headed dog."
Hermione was stunned, her eyes widening. "Dolls? Transfigured by them?—Are you sure their Transfiguration Charm can support them doing that?"
"Even if it can—why a three-headed dog and a troll? The implications don't seem very good..."
"Hahaha~"
Dylan laughed. "The implications are indeed a bit terrible. I tried to dissuade them, but they wanted to transfigure other dolls, but they haven't seen many things. The three-headed dog and the troll are rare creatures they've seen that are relatively powerful and don't have too high Transfiguration requirements."
Hermione was even more puzzled. "If it's about being powerful—Arno, I mean Norbert, even Coal, wouldn't they work?"
Dylan shrugged. "If it were Norbert, how would they explain having seen it? As for Coal—have you forgotten Professor McGonagall's Animagus form?"
Hermione said, "But Coal is a Shadow Fiend, not a house cat. Even if you were to describe it, it should be a lynx."
Dylan shrugged again. "Anyway, that's what Ron and Harry think. There's nothing I can do. If they want to give them, let them."
Hermione slapped her forehead. "I always feel like their gifts will make Professor McGonagall lose face in front of Professor Snape—he will definitely laugh at Professor McGonagall!"
"Won't!"
Ron's voice suddenly rang out.
Immediately afterward, his figure appeared beside Dylan and Hermione.
Harry also walked over.
Seeing the two arrive, Dylan raised an eyebrow. "Quidditch practice is over?"
Harry nodded lightly. "Wood let us off early today."
Ron interjected, "I feel like my Transfiguration proficiency has gone up a level just from making that three-headed dog model doll! Professor McGonagall will definitely notice, and she'll definitely like my gift!"
"—And Professor Snape definitely won't laugh at it!"
Harry was clearly thinking the same thing. "Trolls are ugly, but they're not that easy to transfigure, and I'm not just transfiguring a troll; I'm transfiguring the scene of Dylan attacking a troll—not just a simple troll doll!"
Hermione was somewhat surprised. "Isn't that kind of Transfiguration quite difficult? And you have to maintain it all the time. Are you sure that after you give the gift, the model won't just sit in Professor McGonagall's office for a while and then turn back into a puddle of mud?"
Ron curled his lip. "We transfigured it from stone! Not mud!"
Harry chuckled. "I don't think so. Ron's and my Transfiguration Charms should be passable now."
Seeing that the two of them seemed to have a strange confidence and persistence, Hermione pursed her lips. "Then good luck to you."
Dylan, who was beside them, put away the Transfiguration magic journal he had made for Professor McGonagall, raised an eyebrow slightly at Hermione, and then shrugged.
See? You can't persuade the determination of a young man, so it's better to respect their fate~
The group didn't stay in the common room any longer and went to the dining hall for a meal together.
Today was Saturday, and Professor McGonagall's birthday was on Sunday.
After eating, Harry and Ron probably hadn't completely finished their dolls yet and hurriedly returned to their dormitory to work on their Transfiguration Charms.
Dylan and Hermione went to the library together to return the few forbidden books they had and borrowed a few new ones.
He didn't know if it was because he had come too many times in this short month, almost once a week, but Madam Pince's gaze towards him was a bit off.
However, fortunately, the other party seemed to be a very polite person and had never asked Dylan anything unnecessary.
It was just that Dylan was afraid she would tell the other professors about this, so he would explain a little to himself when borrowing books.
For example—
"Madam Pince, I've come to return the books."
Madam Pince looked at him, her gaze indifferent, her posture elegant.
While she verified the authenticity of Lockhart's signature on the slip he placed in front of her,
Dylan took the opportunity to say, "The books here don't seem very interesting, but Professor Lockhart insisted that I study a few so he could tutor me. Do you have any recommendations?"
Madam Pince raised her eyes. "You can also refuse. Reading too many books here will affect your mind."
Dylan looked quite helpless. "I know, but Professor Lockhart—you know him. The professor insisted, and I couldn't refuse."
Madam Pince frowned slightly. "Do you need me to say something to Professor Dumbledore for you?"
Dylan had a hint of gratitude on his face but shook his head. "Thank you, but no need. The other professors didn't object to me studying this part either, so I'll continue."
Madam Pince then nodded lightly. "In that case, go in and put the books away."
Dylan smiled. "Okay, Madam, thank you for your kindness."
He also elegantly walked into the restricted section, then turned back, winked at Hermione, and went deeper into it.
Hermione didn't follow him in. One reason was that she didn't want to tear off the signed slip she had waited in line for and give it to someone else.
Another reason was that she didn't have much interest in forbidden books.
The professors said that the contents recorded in forbidden books were all evil rituals and dark magic.
Repeated use might distort one's mind, and there was an even greater possibility of accidentally turning oneself into an ugly monster.
—Those dark wizards were all quite ugly.
Hermione didn't want to become like them.
(End of chapter)
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