"Though it's not pleasant to say, I have to admit your adoptive father doesn't seem very responsible. He appears to… not quite grasp the current situation," Professor McGonagall said, her brows furrowing as she regained her composure.
Leo spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "But the result is the same. You might not fully understand my situation, Professor, but to be honest, my life at the orphanage wasn't exactly pleasant. So, my current adoptive father is actually someone I hired. He became my guardian through legal channels, gave me the freedom I needed until I come of age, and promised to cooperate with my decisions only needing to sign papers when necessary. In return, I ensure he receives a steady allowance until I inherit my parents' estate."
He paused, his voice calm yet carrying weight. "Simply put, our adoption is nothing more than a financial transaction."
Everything Leo said was true, though he carefully left out certain details. After all, a deal between a child and an adult couldn't be sealed with money alone. He had used other tricks too clever ones that weren't suitable for outsiders to hear.
As she listened, McGonagall's stern expression softened. Beneath her strict, almost feline composure lay a heart that wasn't as cold as she liked to appear.
"Poor child," she murmured, "your situation is indeed… unusual."
In her mind's eye, she imagined the boy navigating the shadows of the adult world, forced to deal with greedy, foul-tempered guardians, until the only escape left to him was bargaining with money for freedom. The thought made her chest ache. She dared not imagine all the hardships this child must have endured.
After a thoughtful silence, she continued gently, "Before you begin at Hogwarts, you'll need to go to Diagon Alley for supplies. Though not as dangerous as Knockturn Alley, it's still no place for a boy alone. Hogwarts will send another professor to accompany you. Watch for an owl-delivered letter in the coming days."
"No problem, Professor," Leo replied easily. He could manage Diagon Alley on his own if he had to, but truth be told, a guide from the wizarding world wasn't something he would refuse. Besides, every Hogwarts professor was a master of their craft even Snape's foul temper was only a matter of personality. Getting to know them early could only work in his favour.
With her duty done, McGonagall prepared to leave for her next visit to another Muggle-born student. But before she stepped away, she gave Leo something rare: a warm smile.
"I can tell, Turner you are a child of noble character, intelligent and brave. Hogwarts awaits your arrival."
Leo scratched the back of his head shyly, about to give a modest reply, when suddenly a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
[You have received sincere praise from Professor of Transfiguration Minerva McGonagall. Transfiguration Talent +1, Transfiguration Effect +1.]
At the same time, he felt something stir inside him something subtle yet undeniably good.
His eyes lit up. "Wait Professor!" he called as she raised her wand to Apparate. "Quick, quick praise me again!"
McGonagall froze, startled. Surely her ears had deceived her. Western children were expressive, yes, but this level of shamelessness was unheard of. She turned, staring at him as though trying to gauge whether his skin was as thick as the walls of Hogwarts itself.
"Professor," Leo pressed, eyes glistening with mock sorrow, "you know I'm an orphan. I've lived under strict orders and harsh criticism my whole life. Even my adoptive father only wants my inheritance. I've… I've never been praised before. What you said just now nearly brought me to tears."
His voice trembled, and he even managed a soft sob.
McGonagall's lips pressed into a thin line. She had lived long enough to know when a child was trying to manipulate her. Yet, despite her suspicion, she couldn't entirely dismiss the sight of his tear-streaked face.
Seeing his act wasn't working, Leo went further. He wiped away his squeezed-out tears and sighed. "I'm sorry, Professor. I was being unreasonable. After all, someone like me has no merits, no strengths not even the right to be praised by a teacher…"
"Cough, cough—" McGonagall cleared her throat, uncomfortable. He was, after all, just an eleven-year-old boy. And eleven-year-olds needed recognition. "Don't belittle yourself, Turner, you… you…"
She struggled. Apart from the heartfelt words she had already spoken, what more could she say?
Leo subtly nudged her along. "You see, I'm not bad-looking, and I even found my own adoptive father. Isn't that… rather filial?"
Her lips twitched. After a long pause, she finally forced something out. "You are… a good child."
[You have received a disingenuous 'Good Person' card from Professor of Transfiguration Minerva McGonagall. Nothing happened.]
Leo's fleeting joy collapsed in an instant. His face turned green. I sacrificed my dignity for this?!
Meanwhile, McGonagall, having uttered what she herself considered a hollow compliment, felt uneasy all over.
"It's getting late, Mr. Turner," she said quickly, "I must leave."
"Safe travels, Professor."
"…"
When she was gone, Leo summoned the system panel in his mind.
[Name: Leo Turner]
[Title: None]
[Magic Power Index: 2]
[Free Points: 0]
[Magic Talents: Transfiguration 3, General Charms 2, Offensive/Defensive Charms 2, Dark Arts 5, Potions 2, Alchemy 2, Herbology 2, Ancient Runes 2, Divination 0…]
[Main Quest: Go to Hogwarts. Reward: Occlude your mind.]
[Timed Quests: 1. Obtain a wand. Reward: Magic Power Index +1. Countdown: 30 days.]
[2. Successfully cast your first spell. Reward: 1 Free Point. Countdown: 40 days.]
[Note: No penalty for failing timed quests.]
Leo stared at the glowing text for a long time, even skipping dinner as he pieced together the logic of the system.
Most of his talents stood at a base level of 2 normal for any wizard. Transfiguration had risen to 3 thanks to McGonagall's praise. Divination sat at 0, which made sense; such a gift was innate, not cultivated. But his Dark Arts talent… that stood at 5.
His brows furrowed. What kind of cruel joke is this? Born with a knack for villainy?
A shadow passed over his face as if his very character were being questioned.
Still, the quests reassured him. Hogwarts awaited. Occlumency a shield for the mind was practically in his grasp. And with his talents slowly revealing themselves, one thing became clear:
This journey was only just beginning.