The next day, Aiden woke up in his own bed. Of course, he didn't transform like some werewolf because he had already grown dragon horns permanently.
His two roommates groggily finished washing up, and they were about to begin Ravenclaw's first third-year classes.
This year, Ravenclaw's Monday was particularly packed, with three classes crammed into the morning.
The first class was Ancient Runes. Aiden dragged his two reluctant roommates to the classroom.
Since it was an elective course, only Ravenclaw students were present.
The Ancient Runes professor, Bathsheda Babbling, was a stern middle-aged witch who seemed quite intimidating.
"I don't know how much you understand about Ancient Runes, but I must tell you that the runes in your textbooks are basically just decorative pictures," Professor Babbling said, tapping the blackboard with her pointer.
"Since you're just being introduced to Ancient Runes at your age, this stage of teaching will mainly focus on memorizing the meanings of the runes clearly."
Hearing this, Aiden began to slack off with a clear conscience. He took out a book on mind research and started reading.
Professor Babbling was speaking enthusiastically at the podium. Actually, aside from the boring character and meaning lessons, this professor was quite good at telling stories.
Then, Aiden's behavior of listening to stories while reading was discovered.
"Mr. Prewett, please answer what this symbol means," Professor Babbling said, her stern gaze locking onto Aiden.
A large rune was written in the center of the blackboard, and Professor Babbling pointed at it with her pointer.
"Professor, this rune has meanings of water, emotion, intuition, and flow," Aiden replied, ignoring Ethan beside him, who was frantically writing the interpretation on paper.
"Oh, then tell us what scenarios this rune is generally used in," Professor Babbling pressed further.
"Well, professor, this rune is generally used in alchemical matrices where magical power needs to be purified and magical connections made. Of course, sometimes we can also rely on this rune to sense or intercept foreign magical power."
Aiden was very skilled in using runes and easily gave practical examples.
"Wait, the surname Prewett... alchemy... I see." A flash of understanding appeared in Professor Babbling's eyes.
"It seems you already have your own research in alchemy, so why waste time attending such basic courses? Oh, I know—you want to earn easy credits. That's not a problem, but correspondingly, your final exam difficulty will be significantly higher than others."
Professor Babbling made her decision with a slight smile.
"Of course, professor," Aiden said, bowing slightly.
"Sit down, Mr. Prewett," Professor Babbling nodded approvingly.
Ravenclaw's first class of the term passed under the curious stares of other young wizards.
Next was Transfiguration. Since there were no exams last year due to the Chamber of Secrets incident, Professor McGonagall required students to demonstrate what they'd learned the previous year in the first class.
She asked the young wizards to perform partial transfiguration of objects and transformation of living things into inanimate objects.
The Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students completed these tasks competently.
After class, Aiden approached Professor McGonagall in her office.
"Aiden, what can I do for you?" Professor McGonagall asked, looking up from her papers.
"Professor, I want to try becoming an Animagus," Aiden stated his request directly.
"Aiden, are you really sure you're prepared for this?" Professor McGonagall removed her glasses and looked at him seriously.
"Yes, professor," Aiden said with conviction.
"Well, Aiden, regarding this matter, we need to consult the headmaster." Professor McGonagall thought for a while, clearly uncertain. She explained, "I previously received a letter from Remus. He told me he saw your Patronus was a dragon on the train."
"Yes, professor, but what's the problem with that?" Aiden asked in confusion.
"Legend says that Patronuses are closely connected to our Animagus forms. We can't be completely certain of this claim, but if it's true, this means you want to attempt magical creature transformation."
Professor McGonagall stood up and pulled an ancient, leather-bound book from the bookshelf, handing it to Aiden.
"You can learn about this knowledge in advance, but you are absolutely forbidden from conducting experiments privately. Otherwise, you won't learn Animagus knowledge from me."
Her warning was firm and serious.
"Of course, professor," Aiden said, bowing his head in promise.
"Alright, go to your next class. I need to contact the headmaster," Professor McGonagall said, dismissing him.
Leaving Professor McGonagall's office, Aiden headed to the third class—Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures.
As the first students in the school to experience the new professor's inaugural lesson, the young wizards were full of anticipation for the course.
"It seems everyone is quite enthusiastic about magical creatures, right, Professor Hagrid?" Aiden said, emphasizing the title with a teasing grin.
"Oh, don't... don't do that, Aiden. You're making me uncomfortable," Hagrid said, shivering despite his massive frame.
"Hahaha!" Aiden laughed loudly and casually opened The Monster Book of Monsters.
"Oh, Aiden, don't!" Hagrid saw Aiden open it directly without stroking the spine and hurried to stop him.
The Monster Book was about to open its mouth to bite when its small eyes met a pair of beautiful heterochromatic eyes, and then it immediately quieted down.
"This book is quite interesting," Aiden observed calmly.
"Can... can it be done like that?" Hagrid was stunned.
Soon other young wizards wanted to imitate Aiden's method, but Hagrid hurried to stop them.
All the young wizards opened their books correctly under Hagrid's careful guidance. Good children, please don't imitate Aiden.
"Alright, for your first class, I'll teach you about Hippogriffs," Hagrid announced, clapping his hands.
As if providing entrance music, more than a dozen Hippogriffs of various colors walked majestically into the clearing.
"You should know that these beautiful creatures are very proud. Please don't be rude to them," Hagrid said, turning back expectantly. "Who's first?"
Everyone stepped back in unison, leaving Ethan exposed at the front.
"Brave lad! I remember you're Aiden's roommate. What's your name again?" Hagrid asked with an encouraging smile.
Ethan turned back and found everyone had already retreated behind him, then shot Aiden a look that clearly said, 'You're dead.'
"I'm Ethan Beckett, professor," Ethan introduced himself reluctantly.
"Well, good, Ethan. You need to let it act first. Out of politeness, bow to it. If it bows back, you can touch it. If not, please wait a bit longer," Hagrid instructed in his booming voice.
Ethan carefully bowed to a brown Hippogriff. After a tense moment, the Hippogriff also lowered its head gracefully.
"Well done! Now you can ride it," Hagrid said, lifting Ethan onto the creature's back.
With a gentle pat on the Hippogriff's rump, it took flight with Ethan clinging to its neck.
Other young wizards watched with obvious envy, especially the Hufflepuff students, whose eyes were practically shining with excitement.
"Alright, everyone try it!" Hagrid began guiding other young wizards to interact with the Hippogriffs.
When it was Aiden's turn, however, the surrounding Hippogriffs refused to approach him no matter what he did.
"Oh, what's happening? Aiden, did you use some kind of animal repellent?" Hagrid asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"Maybe they just don't like me. It's fine, Hagrid," Aiden said with a casual shrug.
Soon the class ended, and the young wizards returning to the castle excitedly discussed the day's experiences.
"Oh, isn't this our Mr. Prewett who couldn't ride the Hippogriff?" Ethan teased, still glowing from his successful flight.
"Oh, isn't this our brave gentleman of Ravenclaw?" Aiden retorted smoothly.
"Aiden, you're done for! I helped you so much in Ancient Runes class, and this is how you repay me?" Ethan said, pouncing with mock claws extended.
"Hey, you can't catch me!" Aiden laughed, dodging away.
The two chased and played in the corridor, their laughter echoing through the stone halls as other students watched with amusement.
(TL NOTE: Unfortunately, my LOTR: Playing Minecraft in Middle-earth book was mistakenly flagged as spam on Webnovel and removed. I'll re-upload it under a different title by tomorrow at the latest. Thank you for your patience!)