Chapter 127: Progress, Meeting, Surprise

Seeing the faint bronze color appearing on the Transfiguration text, despite being mentally exhausted, Ciel still showed joy on his face. Continuing to practice like this, it probably wouldn't take long for Transfiguration to advance to the Bronze tier. And given Transfiguration's importance in the field of magic, the qualitative change brought by Bronze-tier Transfiguration might be much more obvious than other spell advancements. Thinking this, Ciel's spirits lifted. The fatigue in his mind seemed to vanish completely. Replaced by full energy. "Shadow, continue!" But Shadow Thorns was now lying limply on the ground without strength. Its shadow danced pitifully. "Tired..." Ciel looked at Shadow's exhausted appearance and showed a helpless expression. Forget it. Let it rest for a while. Child labor still needed protection... after all, he wasn't a demon. In a few more months, when Shadow had grown a bit, then he'd make it work like an ox or horse. For now, give it a happy childhood. Then his gaze fell on several empty plots of land in the little greenhouse. Since the special nutrients in the little greenhouse could only temporarily support Shadow, this one Shadow Thorns that had awakened Ancient Shadow Magic, Ciel wouldn't wait any longer. Better one bird in hand than ten in the bush. He'd steadily plant a batch of ordinary Shadow Thorns. Though they couldn't provide Ancient Shadow Magic-related rewards, just the Gold-tier Shadow Enhancement and the Silver-tier Tearing Wounds were already extremely precious. Then Ciel headed toward Professor Sprout's office, planning to get several more Shadow Thorns roots for cultivation. But when he arrived at her office, he let out a light sound. "Aunt isn't here?" He checked the time. Though it was still early for young wizards, with many still not awake, for both agricultural students from his past life and Herbologists of this life, they should have been up by now. You must know plants also had their routines. Dawn was the perfect time to tend to plants. Professor Sprout couldn't possibly still be sleeping. After asking the Hufflepuff house-elves, Ciel showed some surprise. "Went to an emergency meeting? Several Heads of House and mandatory subject professors all went?" His face was full of confusion. "What's so urgent?" At this time, in a conference room, all the professors' faces looked unpleasant. "The Board of Governors called an emergency meeting first thing in the morning. Just to conduct some Hogwarts Academic Review? We have to provide seven years of all teaching materials, including graduation rates, enrollment rates, and all sorts of messy laboratory usage reports?" Even Snape, who had a decent relationship with Lucius Malfoy, spoke with a dark expression. "If you noble gentlemen have nothing better to do, you can go landscape the Forbidden Forest. Tile the bottom of the Black Lake. Don't make trouble for us." The Board members were quite offended. Their faces also looked unpleasant. All eyes turned to Lucius Malfoy, who was leading them. This was Lucius who had summoned them. At this moment, Lucius's expression showed no emotion whatsoever. He simply took out a report. "Professors, please don't misunderstand. The Board has no intention of interfering with Hogwarts' normal teaching order. It's just that the hearing incident last time is well-known to everyone. Though that was a misunderstanding, we Board members unanimously believe such things shouldn't happen again." "But at the last Hogwarts meeting, the matter of giving young Mr. Sprout use of the little greenhouse was mentioned. I represented the Board in opposing this at the time, while Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Sprout used the reason that such precedent existed before and still passed this decision. But I looked through years of records, especially the backgrounds of students who obtained little greenhouse usage rights, and found this matter might still have some problems." Then Lucius read the report's contents. "The last student to use the little greenhouse did so after independently publishing multiple quality papers and releasing a top journal paper, finally receiving this honor in the second semester of the fifth year. He didn't disappoint this honor either. During his year using the little greenhouse, he consecutively achieved two major results." "Looking further back, almost every student who obtained little greenhouse qualifications was in similar situations. Their grades were generally fourth or fifth year, having already demonstrated stability in Herbology while proving they could continue high-quality output after obtaining the little greenhouse. In other words, sustainable production of quality academic results is the prerequisite for obtaining the little greenhouse." Lucius methodically tapped the table with his finger. "So from this perspective, young Mr. Sprout currently seems unable to prove his sustained output ability. He's still too young, still too unstable. Therefore, we Board members wanted to convene such a meeting. The purpose is to more clearly understand Hogwarts' academic system and achievements and objectively and rationally examine the usage of public teaching resources at Hogwarts. So the Board can provide targeted subsidies and better help students develop academically. I trust the professors won't refuse? Oh right, for well-known reasons, Defense Against the Dark Arts won't be needed. What do you say, Dumbledore?" Professor Sprout's face was full of anger. This was clearly using Ciel's use of the little greenhouse as an excuse to cause trouble. Even expanding it to all subjects at Hogwarts. The other professors' expressions were equally unpleasant. Examine public teaching resources? Clearly understand academic systems and achievements? Nice words. But wasn't this just making trouble for them? Could it even be said to be giving them a warning? The anger in Snape's eyes flashed and disappeared, replaced by thoughtful consideration. He understood Lucius Malfoy well. This person was used to going with the wind. Though often imperious, he never offended people he shouldn't offend to death. Let alone now offending so many Hogwarts professors at once. If there were profits to be made, that would be one thing. But the problem was, what was Lucius plotting by doing this? What benefit was worth Lucius suddenly doing this, making everyone unhappy? Dumbledore at the meeting site had a calm expression. His blue pupils gazed at Lucius. As if he could see the trembling beneath his calm exterior. And the deep fear in his heart. After a moment, Dumbledore spoke. "Very well. I'll urge the professors to prepare the materials as completely as possible. But you're asking for too many materials. I'm afraid we'll need at least a week to complete them." With these words, Lucius visibly relaxed. He had a feeling of relief. He quickly said, "No rush, no rush." Then, as if afraid Dumbledore might change his mind, Lucius hurriedly left the conference room with the Board members. At this time, in the conference room, the atmosphere was quite tense. Quirrell was first to break the silence. He stammered to Dumbledore. "Dum... Dumbledore Headmaster... I, I feel somewhat unwell." Dumbledore forced a smile. Still in the mood to joke. "Oh, of course. Your body hasn't recovered yet and still needs good care. Yet so early in the morning you were called to this meeting by Lucius and the others. I'll make them pay your medical expenses. Go rest quickly." Quirrell left with a grateful expression. After leaving, his lips curved into a smile. This way, for the next week or so, he wouldn't have to outwit those night-patrolling professors and could focus on searching for unicorns. The Board could even cause trouble for that damned little Hufflepuff. Let him vent his frustration. Thinking this, Quirrell, who had been depressed for so long, immediately felt comfortable. Even Voldemort's voice in his mind carried more satisfaction. "This Lucius is quite capable of handling affairs. Later, I won't reward him openly. But I'll secretly reward him with something. And you, Quirrell, if you obtain the Philosopher's Stone, I'll properly reward your contributions." Quirrell's expression became fervent. Even his originally weak steps became somewhat stronger. He quickly headed toward the Forbidden Forest. Taking advantage of the professors being distracted by Lucius's troubles, he'd seize the time to investigate unicorn traces. After Quirrell left, in the conference room, Professor Sprout looked at Dumbledore with a displeased expression. "Dumbledore, why agree to their unreasonable demands? My Ciel has legendary potential... what right does he have to point fingers at my boy? Lucius Malfoy, if he dares trouble Ciel, I'll stick Fanged Geraniums on his head!" Seeing Professor Sprout like this, Dumbledore smiled wryly. Since finding Ciel as family, the normally gentlest Professor Sprout now acted like a protective mother hen. He quickly spoke. "Don't worry, Pomona. This so-called academic review is probably just an excuse Lucius found. He probably just wants to give us some troublesome work so we won't be too idle. Probably even he himself isn't very willing to do this. After some time, going through the motions, this matter will fade away, and the little greenhouse usage rights will still be Ciel's." Hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Professor Sprout finally calmed down. The other Heads of House also showed thoughtful expressions. "Dumbledore, you mean..." Dumbledore waved his hand. "Everyone just needs to understand in their hearts. Since certain people want to trouble us, let them. Endure for a few days, put on a show. Alright, meeting dismissed. Everyone prepare for this so-called academic review." The Heads of House nodded one after another. But even so, when leaving the conference room, they all carried depressed expressions. Already busy beyond belief, now they had to deal with a perfunctory academic review. What was all this about? Professor Sprout returned to her office huffily. Then she saw Ciel sitting there waiting for her. She quickly forced out a smile. "Ciel. Coming to my office so early today?" But he naturally noticed her depression. He asked with concern. "Aunt. What happened today? I heard you went to a meeting... what meeting required such an early start?" Professor Sprout shook her head. If it was really as Dumbledore said, with deeper waters behind this matter, it was better Ciel didn't know. She waved and smiled. "Nothing much. Dumbledore got confused and wanted to hold weekly meetings. So we cornered him in the conference room and gave him a good scolding." After speaking, Professor Sprout quickly changed the subject. "Ciel, is there something you need?" He naturally saw her intention to change topics. But since Professor Sprout didn't want to discuss it, he temporarily suppressed his desire to get to the bottom of things. Ciel followed her lead and mentioned his purpose. "Aunt. I'd like several more Shadow Thorns roots." Professor Sprout first nodded reflexively. "Anything you want..." The next moment, she suddenly paused. "Hm? Shadow Thorns roots?" She looked at Ciel with uncertainty. "Ciel. You can use the Disillusionment Charm now?" He shook his head. "No." Professor Sprout was stunned. "If you can't use the Disillusionment Charm, how did you cultivate Shadow Thorns roots?" Ciel said matter-of-factly. "I have a new method." Professor Sprout was even more surprised. She'd been a bit busy these past few days and hadn't paid attention to academic journals. Which Herbology master had made some breakthrough in the Whomping Willow project? A new cultivation method had appeared for the Shadow Thorns sub-project? This would be sensational news. How hadn't she heard about it? She asked curiously. "Where did you find this new method? Which journal? Which Herbology master's breakthrough?" Ciel hesitated for a moment. "It probably hasn't been published in journals yet. It's not some Herbology master's breakthrough either." He pointed to himself. "I created it myself last week." Professor Sprout's expression suddenly froze. Her eyes also widened suddenly. "???" [Chapter Complete] *** Want more? 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