Hogwarts Emerald

The day after the incident, Eda appeared especially diligent.

She actively raised her hand to answer questions in class, hoping to earn back some of the points that had been deducted. However, since Snape's comment about the "know-it-all," the professors had significantly reduced the number of questions they directed at her.

Eda was always able to answer the professors' questions well, earning points for Gryffindor through this method. Thus, since the start of term, Gryffindor had been leading the race for the House Cup... until yesterday...

Asking Eda questions was almost equivalent to giving Gryffindor points, which could be seen as aiding her House. Of course, the professors were not so petty; this was merely Eda's internal complaint.

On the contrary, every professor liked Eda, except for Snape.

Especially Professor Flitwick, who genuinely liked Eda. After every Charms class, Eda always brought some questions to ask him, and Professor Flitwick would always answer her thoroughly and patiently.

The small-statured Head of Ravenclaw, Professor Flitwick, had often complained about the Sorting Hat.

He believed that the Sorting Hat made a biased decision by placing Eda in Gryffindor.

In his opinion, the intelligent and studious Eda rightfully belonged in Ravenclaw, the house that symbolized wisdom.

Well, this incident also served to show Professor Flitwick that placing Eda in Gryffindor was indeed the right decision, proving that there was no bias at play. This spared Eda from seeing Professor Flitwick, who was so upset by the supposed mistake, constantly jumping up and down to bang on the table.

Generous as always, Professor Flitwick awarded Eda two points for her impressive Levitation Charm.

One point was a classroom reward, while the other came from Professor Flitwick's personal affection for her.

In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Eda earned points by answering a question about Red Caps.

Professor Benedict Foley, a former Slytherin, awarded her one point.

Privately, Eda vowed never to say again that Professor Foley's smile looked like that of a foolish heir from a wealthy family.

After a busy day, Eda managed to earn a total of three points, which she felt was pitifully inadequate compared to her efforts.

...

Let us now fast-forward to 6:50 PM, as Esmeralda Twist's first-ever detention is about to begin.

Eda had thought this would be both her first and last detention of her school career. Little did she know, over the next six-plus years at Hogwarts, detentions would become a routine part of her life.

May Merlin have mercy on poor Miss Twist!

Professor McGonagall's office was located along a corridor on the second floor of the castle. Eda had been pacing back and forth in front of the office door for fifteen minutes.

Nervous and uneasy were the perfect words to describe her current state of mind.

At two minutes to seven, the weak, pitiful, and helpless Eda finally stopped her anxious pacing.

No matter what difficulties you encounter, don't be afraid; face them with a smile.

The best way to overcome fear is to confront it!

Whether you stick your head out or pull it back, it's the same.

Go for it!

Summoning all her courage, Eda stood in front of the office door and reached out to knock.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

"Come in!" Professor McGonagall's voice came through the door.

Pushing the door open, Eda carefully walked in and said to Professor McGonagall, "Professor, I'm here for detention."

She kept her head down, maintaining a remorseful posture, hoping for leniency.

"Sit here and wait for me," Professor McGonagall pointed to a stool, indicating for Eda to sit, and then walked to a hidden door in the office, opened it, and went inside.

After Professor McGonagall left, Eda sat on the stool and observed the office.

The small office allowed the fire in the fireplace to warm the room efficiently.

Books on the shelves were arranged alphabetically, and other items were neatly organized, just like McGonagall herself!

After a while, Professor McGonagall returned, holding some parchment.

She placed the parchment in front of Eda and said, "Read through these. You can leave once you've finished."

Having said that, Professor McGonagall returned to her desk to continue grading students' assignments.

Eda scratched the back of her head in confusion.

From what the Weasley twins had told her, detention was supposed to be a terrifying experience, and they had described it with such vivid detail that she had believed them without question.

However, the current situation seemed quite different from what they had described!

Looking at the pile of parchment, Eda realized it wasn't filled with scary stories meant to frighten children but articles related to Transfiguration.

This wasn't detention at all; it was more like a special tutoring session from Professor McGonagall!

Could it be that beating up the Slytherins was the right thing to do?

But McGonagall couldn't directly praise her and had to encourage her in a different way?

Eda speculated in her mind.

Holding the parchment, Eda began to focus on the text.

The theories on these sheets weren't overly complex but slightly more advanced than her textbook material. They were extensions of the first-year curriculum.

Eda concentrated on reading the parchment, and these theories helped resolve some of her recent doubts.

It seemed McGonagall had carefully prepared this material, not just thrown it out to occupy her time.

Reading through the material wasn't difficult for Eda.

Some parts she didn't understand or hadn't encountered yet were accompanied by clear annotations, which were evidently written by Professor McGonagall herself.

Having finished grading the assignments on her desk, Professor McGonagall poured herself a glass of water and then another, placing it in front of Eda.

Standing behind Eda, she watched with satisfaction as Eda read and pondered the material intently.

This punishment could actually be seen as a form of protection from Professor McGonagall.

Avery, who was beaten up for his insults, was still lying in the hospital wing.

If the person who attacked him didn't face any punishment, it would provide Cody Avery or his parents with an excellent excuse to cause trouble.

Alone, Eda would be at a significant disadvantage against an old magical family, a situation McGonagall did not want to see.

When the incident happened, McGonagall, concerned as she was, hadn't thought of this immediately; it was Snape who reminded her.

This prompted McGonagall to impose detention as a punishment.

Since she didn't really intend to punish Eda, she didn't actually make her serve detention or perform labor.

Whether Snape was genuinely concerned or simply dissatisfied with the lack of punishment remains unknown.

Time passed slowly, and Eda finally finished reading all the parchment. She had to admit, the extra lesson was quite beneficial!

"Professor, I've finished reading," Eda said, handing the neatly organized parchment back to Professor McGonagall. In fact, she had read the content twice. Although her reading speed wasn't as fast as quantum speed-reading, the system's assistance made her quite efficient.

"Do you understand it?" Professor McGonagall asked as she took the parchment and stored it in a drawer.

"I understand it, Professor," Eda replied, keeping her head down, not daring to look at McGonagall.

Ever since the orphanage, McGonagall had always taken good care of her.

Eda was afraid of seeing disappointment on McGonagall's face.

Professor McGonagall then asked a few questions, which were all related to the first-year textbook and the content Eda had just read. Eda answered fluently and even offered some of her own insights on these topics.

Professor McGonagall affirmed some of Eda's ideas while dismissing some unrealistic and fanciful notions.

The two of them, one older and one younger, discussed Transfiguration for a long time. Professor McGonagall's expertise in the subject was undeniable—after all, she was a genius who had been able to discuss Transfiguration theory with Dumbledore as a teenager.

She always managed to address Eda's doubts from different angles and cited related knowledge to help Eda deepen her understanding.

This private lesson was immensely beneficial for Eda, and to think this was only the first day—there were still fourteen days of detention ahead!

This personalized, tutor-like session is so valuable that half a month wouldn't be enough!

Avery, where are you? Come out so I can hit you again; I want an extended sentence!

Eda silently prayed.

"Relatively speaking, Transfiguration is more precise and complex, and thus, casting Transfiguration spells requires strict adherence to its principles..." Professor McGonagall answered another of Eda's questions before glancing at the clock. Noticing that it was already past nine o'clock, she decided to end today's supplementary lesson—no, detention.

"That's all for today. It's very late, so go back and get some rest," said Professor McGonagall.

"Okay, Professor, thank you very much!"

Eda replied.

"I'm sorry about what happened today. I'll find a way to earn back the points we lost."

Eda thought it best to apologize to Professor McGonagall, but only for the point deduction. As for hitting Avery, there was nothing wrong with that—except for getting caught.

"I understand that you acted impulsively because the Weasley brothers were insulted," Professor McGonagall said, waving her hand to indicate that Eda shouldn't worry too much. "It's good that you value your friends, but your choice of action was wrong."

"I'll be more careful the next time we fight, Professor." 

Hearing this, Professor McGonagall gave Eda a stern look. Eda's survival instincts kicked in, and she quickly waved her hands. "There won't be a next time, Professor."

"I hope you will interact with more of your classmates and not limit yourself to the Weasley brothers and your two roommates," Professor McGonagall said. "Today, they helped you out, and I think that's a good start."

"Starting tomorrow, I'll try to communicate more with my classmates," Eda said. Since she had said it, she would do it, just like completing a task. She could help her classmates, but she wouldn't cause a scene like today without considering the consequences.

A person's heart is limited and can't hold everyone. Fred and George had been good to her, so naturally, she would try her best to repay them.

"Go ahead, get some rest, and don't wander around the castle. I don't want to have to retrieve you from Filch in the middle of the night."

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12 Advance Chapters- Patreon.com/Dragonel