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This is me playing a modpack, and this... this is its crafting table recipe. Emmm, I'm not sure if I should say what I'm thinking.
"In that case, let them go."
Kasen left the headmaster's office, and those words were Dumbledore's answer.
In response, he implicitly gave Dumbledore a slowly raised middle finger.
Let them be—typical of Dumbledore's personality. Go with the flow. Kasenhis had no objections to that approach.
No objections, indeed. However, that didn't mean he couldn't have his own thoughts, his own little plans.
Dumbledore could handle the grand strategy. Kasenhis respected the wisdom that came with the man's century-plus of life. He wouldn't argue with that.
But within a certain range, Kasenhis figured he could enact some harmless, small-scale operations. And if those actions just so happened to trip up Quirrell on his path of mischief, all the better!
Even Dumbledore couldn't stop that kind of thing!
The last physical attack caused devastating damage to Quirrell. With Madam Pomfrey's healing skills, Quirrell had only needed a week before being discharged from the hospital wing.
But this time, Kasenhis decided to up the ante.
Unfortunately, now wasn't the time.
Kasenhis was busy organizing his seventh-year students for the European Alchemy Association's evening banquet. Their research on iron golems had yielded results even earlier than the fourth-years' work on the enchanting table.
Every wizard listed as a co-author on the research paper had been invited to tomorrow night's awards ceremony, which doubled as a banquet in their honor.
By Black Lake at dusk, Kasenhis stood wearing a light blue wizard's robe, shimmering with magical ripples that mimicked the surface of water. He meticulously inspected the appearance of the dozen or so seventh-year students before him, even though they were no longer children.
"Casley, where's your brooch? And your sleeve—there's a loose thread. Please pull it off! After tonight's banquet, we're taking a group photo together. That photo will appear in the next issue of Alchemy Journal and The Daily Prophet. Show some care, please."
As he spoke, a graceful and elegant brooch appeared in his hand. He handed it to Casley.
"Ah, yes, Professor!" Casley hurriedly pulled off the loose thread and took the brooch with both hands, pinning it to her chest.
"Marce, your shoes—look at them. Dull and lifeless. Is that acceptable?"
"...And Wright, your collar. If you think it's uncomfortable the way it is, just flip it out. Your shirt and jacket can absolutely work like that. Has no one ever told you?"
After fine-tuning the students' outfits, Kasenhis glanced at his watch, then raised his head and continued speaking.
"It's unfortunate that you're already in your seventh year. If time weren't so tight, I would have let you work on a project with more substantial value. But you're running out of time."
"I could only provide the iron golem—a somewhat rudimentary alchemical creation—as your seventh-year gift. However, your names, which you personally signed on this thesis, might make your futures much smoother."
"Since I've only had one year to teach you, this is the best I can do to make it up to you. Now, take a deep breath. In one minute, you'll be heading to the Ministry of Magic's banquet hall. There, the leading scholars of alchemy, reporters from The Daily Prophet, and high-ranking Ministry officials will all be waiting for you."
"Pull yourselves together, ladies and gentlemen, for your own futures!"
Kasenhis said solemnly.
"We will, Professor," replied one student. It was unclear whether it was due to hearing how much effort Kasenhis had put into their futures or the regret of only encountering such a professor in their seventh year, but their voice carried a rare hint of a sob.
"Casley, control your emotions. For the sake of making a good impression later, do you need to touch up your makeup?" Kasenhis asked, stepping over to the young witch and offering her a handkerchief.
Casley shook her head as she wiped her tears, discreetly pocketing the handkerchief.
"...As long as you're happy," Kasenhis said with a resigned shrug after witnessing the scene.
Soon, the time came. Kasenhis pulled out a pouch filled with Portkeys that had been delivered to him in advance.
"One for each of you. Ladies and gentlemen, watch your demeanor. This term is almost over. I can no longer teach you much more, but fortunately, I can still guide you through this evening... or perhaps, ensure your success, so to speak."
Kasenhis distributed the Portkeys one by one. When he handed one to Casley, the sentimental young witch suddenly gave him a spontaneous hug.
"Alright, alright, I hope this makes you happy," Kasenhis said, patting her on the back in a comforting manner.
"I will do my best, Professor," Casley replied.
Soon, everyone had a Portkey in hand. As the designated time arrived, they all, including Kasenhis, felt the strange pull of spatial magic, transporting them to a grand and luxurious venue.
Thanks to the power of the Ender Pearl he had infused within himself, Kasenhis had teleported countless times in his office within just a few minutes—far more than most would in a lifetime.
Thus, when he appeared at the venue, he immediately regained his composure, his posture immaculate.
The students who had accompanied him didn't share his level of poise but remembered Kasenhis's advice: Maintain decorum, maintain elegance.
Thankfully, none of them embarrassed themselves—they were doing great.
Before long, Kasenhis noticed several reporters with magical cameras slung around their necks approaching.
He instinctively gestured to the students standing behind him to gather.
Soon enough, a perfectly arranged group photo was captured by one of the reporters' cameras.
"Damn! Excellent photography skills!" Kasenhis remarked as he examined the dynamic photo captured by the reporter. Ensuring that everyone maintained their composure, with no closed eyes, yawns, or dazed expressions, he genuinely extended his hand for a handshake with the reporter.
"Professor, what should we do next?" a student subtly appeared at Kasenhis's right rear and asked in a low voice.
"Remain composed, observe the situation, think of yourself as an established teacher when they ask questions... conquer them with confidence!"
...
The Next Day...
Kasenhis looked at the front page of the latest Daily Prophet, where a clear photo of him and his students was prominently displayed.
The headline was crafted with impeccable elegance, showering both Kasenhis and his students with praise.
The overly flattering words of admiration even made Kasenhis blush slightly.
"Ehehe.. Well... this is a bit embarrassing."
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Kasen making waves in the wizarding world! Let's go!
(づ￣ 3￣)づRead ahead:
P@treon: Dragonel