When Ian emerged from the Headmaster's office, it was almost dusk.
The constant, ever-present feeling of crisis that had haunted him for so long had long since become a thorn deeply embedded in his heart.
But now, whether it was studying magic or preparing supplies, he had done his best to ensure he was fully prepared and foolproof.
At this moment, the tension in his body began to ease, and he felt a wave of long-lost freedom and comfort.
Ian strolled along the shore of the Black Lake under the setting sun, watching as the glittering castle and Hagrid's hut, with wisps of smoke rising from it in the distance, appeared before him.
It was as if he had returned to the joy of his childhood—chanting spells with chopsticks, flying around the house on a broom, and waiting by the window for his owl.
Twenty years had passed like a dream, and he was no longer the child who had once been overjoyed by the sound of the train's whistle.
…
Completely relaxed, Ian could now clearly feel the magic within him stirring and surging.
Generally, a wizard experiences a magical awakening only once in their life—the moment they first tap into their magic.
After undergoing the baptism of the soul, Ian seemed to have broken free from the shackles that had long held him back. A steady stream of magic flowed through him.
Although he had no direct reference, Ian had a clear sense in that moment that the magical power he had accumulated might not be inferior to that of an ordinary adult wizard.
…
Ian returned to the dormitory after it was completely dark. At that moment, Ivy and Andre were playing Wizard's Chess at the round table.
Ivy looked up at Ian and joked, "Hey! You're back so late again, busy man. I really don't understand what you do all day. Apart from attending classes and sleeping, I hardly ever see you."
"Hahaha, of course I'm looking for a place to practice magic. After all, if I don't work hard, the best I can possibly get in my fifth-year OWLs is 12 E's," Ian explained with a smile.
"Dude, there's really no need for you to be so crazy. Only people who aspire to work in the Ministry of Magic care about these transcripts. If you don't want to work in the Ministry, then the transcripts are just waste paper," Andre chimed in, taking the opportunity to express his views.
Ian was secretly amused by his roommates' misunderstanding.
Creating the image of someone who cares about grades and works hard can save you a lot of unnecessary trouble and social interactions, both in the eyes of professors and students.
At that moment, Ian smiled helplessly, saying that he would reduce the pressure of studying. Then he asked, "By the way, Ivy, do you know where Hogsmeade sells ingredients? I plan to go shopping this weekend to relax."
"Oh my god, you finally figured it out? I thought you didn't know that we can actually have a rest on weekends! Ingredients? You went to Hogsmeade just to buy ingredients? ...Come on, we are Ravenclaws, not Hufflepuffs who are good at cooking. But I haven't found a store that sells ingredients in Hogsmeade."
In response to Ian's strange question, Ivy shrugged and said he didn't know.
Andre looked at Ian with disbelief and suddenly said, "Instead of going to Hogsmeade to buy them, why don't you go to the kitchen and take a look?"
This statement made Ian pause. He suddenly realized that he had been bound by conventional thinking.
His adult way of thinking had led him to want to go out and buy everything himself, forgetting that he could simply get ingredients from the kitchen. Even if the quantity he needed was large, he could always pay with Galleons.
"Ha, Andre, you're right, I actually forgot about the kitchen. Thank you for reminding me."
Ian found that there was truly nothing to worry about. The last problem was also solved completely. He just had to wait for Dumbledore's infinitely extending backpack tomorrow.
He didn't plan to continue practicing magic obsessively in the future. He still understood the importance of balancing relaxation and focus.
Besides, he had already learned most of the magic that could be easily mastered in a short time, and there was no need to rush into advanced spells or those that required professors' guidance.
On this ordinary Friday evening, Ian also asked Andre for advice on how to play Wizard's Chess and Gobstones. The game lasted until dusk, and the three of them went to the Great Hall for dinner together.