HR Chapter 73 Historical Prelude! Him and His Disciples!

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The world was as capricious as a Niffler's loyalty.

Ian had envisioned his triumph— navigating Ravenclaw's trials, deciphering ancient puzzles, claiming the Founder's legacy, and rising as Ravenclaw's prodigal heir— but it never came to pass. Instead, he found himself confronted by a Sentient Bronze Eagle Door-Knocker, burdened with centuries of petty grievances.

"In the long river of history, why did you choose Lady Ravenclaw as your teacher?" The bronze eagle head clung to its grudge from when Ian had outwitted it at the start of the school year.

"Because the facts are already set in stone. The House I was sorted into is Ravenclaw. The moment I removed the Sorting Hat, I became a student of Rowena Ravenclaw," Ian attempted to explain the theory of causality to the obstinate bronze eagle.

The door remained firmly shut.

"That makes sense, but it's not enough," The bronze eagle head insisted, clearly enjoying its role as gatekeeper.

"Lady Ravenclaw embodies the light of wisdom, a brilliant beacon guiding me through the vast universe of knowledge."

"Still not enough."

"She possesses a fair and selfless heart, respecting the unique qualities of every student."

"Still not enough."

"By following Lady Ravenclaw, I can better understand myself and uncover my hidden talents and potential."

"Still not enough."

The bronze eagle head was even more vindictive than Ian himself.

"Hiss~"

Ian inhaled sharply. It was as if, across a millennium, he had come to grasp Lady Ravenclaw's pettiness. Enchanted artifacts often reflect the traits of their creators.

"Because… she led me here… to meet you? To bask in your… exceptional charm?" Ian, desperate, resorted to some rather cheesy flattery.

The bronze eagle head remained silent.

"Click~"

The door swung open, and no further words were needed.

Even though he wouldn't have to sleep in the hallway tonight, Ian still felt no joy. What kind of year is this? Am I truly the fool who's flirting with a bronze eagle head?

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Ian felt that the bronze eagle head of his House had lost its marbles. He hurried into the common room, where numerous Ravenclaw witches and wizards of all ages were gathered around the limited number of long tables, poring over their studies.

Unlike other Houses, the Ravenclaw common room boasted its own small library, though most of the tomes were related to their school subjects.

"Hi, Ian."

Cho Chang, who was selecting books from the shelves, spotted Ian as he entered.

Ian waved back at her.

"Do you want some insider info about tomorrow's Defense Against the Dark Arts class?" Cho Chang leaned in conspiratorially, holding a book titled "Magical Creatures And Where To Find Them."

Ian chuckled, "For the first class, they can't possibly have us face a Troll, right?"

Though he was a new student at Hogwarts, in the past two days, he had already learned how unreliable the so-called insider information at Hogwarts could be.

"Of course not! It's Irish Leprechauns. Someone saw their cages in Professor Ehrlich's office." Cho Chang patted the book in her hand.

"Everyone is scrambling to find ways to deal with them, hoping to earn points for the House tomorrow. No one wants those little wizards from Gryffindor to steal the spotlight."

Cho Chang lowered her voice and added, "Well, everyone also wants to shine themselves. You earned points for the House today, and the Prefects even praised you specially tonight."

Unexpectedly, he had missed a social moment.

Ian felt a twinge of regret.

"Where are the Prefects? Where are the Prefects? Next time they praise me, I hope they choose a time when I'm present, thank you." Ian couldn't find the two Prefects.

But he did attract the attention of other younger wizards.

"It's Prince! Blimey, your performance in Potions class today was brilliant! Even Snape couldn't touch you. Do you have time to teach us how to brew the Boil Cure Potion?"

"Yeah, yeah! Your Boil Cure Potion seems even better than the ones sold in shops. My elder sister, who always gets boils, goes through so many bottles every year."

"Shut it! You numpty! Even if Mum comes! I'm going to get you today!"

...

Several first-year wizards who had attended class with him earlier now eagerly struck up a conversation with Ian. In Ravenclaw House, as long as your academic performance was good, you would earn the admiration and respect of your peers. 

There might be competition among everyone.

But clever folk chose to learn from the cleverer ones, rather than treating them as oddities.

"Of course, no problem. I'll definitely have time." Ian, with Snape's "Advanced Potion-Making" tucked under his arm, just wanted to return to his dormitory and study diligently.

Michael and William weren't in the common room; they must be secretly working hard to improve, and who knows when they might catch up to me!

Feeling a strong sense of urgency, Ian quickened his pace.

However.

At that moment.

"At home, my mum told me that learning always comes at a cost. Can I subscribe to your future Potions class notes for one gold Galleon?"

Perhaps knowing Ian's background and being financially well-off, the young wizard cautiously probed, inadvertently opening a Pandora's box.

"I only have five silver Sickles."

"I have seven silver Sickles, and my mum will send me more pocket money next month."

"Money can't buy knowledge, but I have five boxes of Chocolate Frogs. I just want to learn the standard ratio for the Boil Cure Potion."

"I've already spent all my pocket money, but I can steal my elder sister's pocket money... Ah, elder sister, why are you hitting me? You only like saving money and never spend it anyway."

...

Seven or eight first-year Ravenclaw wizards gathered in the corridor leading to the dormitories, and even the older students couldn't help but look up with interest.

Before these older students could express their own interest.

"We're all friends here, and there's no time like the present. I have time today. Come on, let me give you an extra tutoring session. Just give me one silver Sickle, and it'll be fine."

Ian stopped, turned around, and walked back to the common room.

He should have discovered this business opportunity sooner.

No matter where you are, tutoring is a lucrative venture. Quickly scanning the coins the young wizards produced, Ian opted for a pay-per-session model for steady income.

Monthly card, weekly card, daily card... none are as good as pay-per-session. Those who understand, understand.

"Just one silver Sickle? Blimey! I'm ashamed for ever being jealous of you!"

"Thank you, thank you! You're such a good person!"

"What should I do? I only have Chocolate Frogs..."

...

Ian collected one silver Sickle from each person, and a box of Chocolate Frogs from a slightly embarrassed boy, promising him that he could attend his lectures five times in the future.

"To be honest, my whole family are Potions Masters. High-quality potion making run in our veins." Ian's words made the eager older students sit back down.

"It's just the Boil Cure Potion. Tomorrow, I can explain the details of other potions, breaking them down and explaining them thoroughly. Tomorrow, it'll still just be one silver Sickle!"

"Don't worry, since I've taken your money, I will definitely take responsibility for teaching you all. It's not just about passing; I want everyone to excel in Potions class!"

The fire in the fireplace crackled.

The details of potion-making began to unfold.

This was clearly just the beginning.

On a night in the new semester at Hogwarts.

Ian Prince and his earliest followers.

For the first time.

Gathered together.

...

(End of Chapter)