Chapter 74 Who would review with eyes like this?
Aaron Gaius looked at Professor Quirrell, who was stammering, and countless grass-mud horses galloped through his mind.
He had thought today would be a fresh start, where he could develop steadily and discreetly as usual, but he didn't expect the fright to come so suddenly.
Professor Quirrell's invitation? Don't be ridiculous, this was ninety-nine percent Lord Voldemort's doing.
Refuse this invitation, he must refuse it.
The Dark Lord's methods were not something a mere Advanced Magician like him could imagine; going to meet him alone would be like a lamb to the slaughter.
"Mr. Gaius," Professor Quirrell called softly, "Could you come for a moment?"
"Professor, I'm afraid I must apologize," Aaron Gaius said sincerely and regretfully, "I have to go to Professor Snape's for some guidance today, which was arranged yesterday."
Quirrell was stunned for a moment. "Then how about tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow won't work either. I have to ask Professor McGonagall for guidance on advanced Transfiguration, which is also scheduled."
"Then the day after tomorrow? Surely you'll be free the day after tomorrow?" Professor Quirrell gritted his teeth, struggling. He didn't believe Aaron Gaius could refuse again. Even if there were appointments, it should be his Defense Against the Dark Arts Class's turn!
"This... I'm afraid that won't work either." Aaron Gaius shook his head. "For some reason, Professor Dumbledorespecifically asked to see me. I need to spend some time dealing with this matter, and it just so happens to be the day after tomorrow."
"Principal Dumbledore?" Professor Quirrell frowned.
Aaron Gaius noticed the fleeting apprehension in his eyes and let out a heavy sigh of relief in his heart. It was good that he was afraid.
"I don't know why he's looking for me. I guess Hagrid told him about what happened in the Forbidden Forest," Aaron Gaius said, deliberately glancing at Abey, his eyes full of worry.
Seeing this, Quirrell felt much more at ease.
He understood Hagrid. He probably told Dumbledore about Aaron Gaius raising a magical creature.
This was a big deal, and it was perfectly normal for the Principal to be concerned.
"Alright! Since the Principal is looking for you, it's not convenient for me to compete with him for your time.
But if you have time, you must come to me. Your talent is exceptionally good, but you still need a little practice. I will personally guide you."
"Really?" Aaron Gaius acted particularly delighted. "Don't worry, Professor, if I can find the time, I will definitely go."
"Mm! You can go back now!"
Aaron Gaius nodded and left the classroom as usual.
His back was already drenched in cold sweat, but to avoid showing any flaws, he acted completely normal, not even changing the rhythm of his breathing.
After turning a corner, Aaron Gaius leaned weakly against the wall, taking several deep breaths before barely calming himself down.
He had finally gotten through it. It was too thrilling. He had to give himself a hundred likes for his quick thinking.
With Dumbledore's authority, Professor Quirrell would likely not invite him for a long time, as expected.
And indeed, just as he had anticipated, after all the students had left the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class classroom, Professor Quirrell quickly closed the classroom door, his face turning particularly sinister. He was a completely different person compared to his meek demeanor during class.
"Master, Aaron Gaius will probably be quite busy these next two days. We might not have a chance to invite him."
"It's alright, there will be a chance." A very hoarse voice came from the back of Professor Quirrell's head. "This was a whim anyway.
I want to subdue him, and my current ghastly appearance isn't suitable to appear before him. I just wanted to understand his talent up close."
"Master." Professor Quirrell hesitated. "With all due respect, Dumbledore has already noticed him. What do you think we should do...?"
"Hmph! I know that old man too well. He has always maintained a vigilance towards Slytherin.
Aaron Gaius's emotional intelligence far surpasses his peers. More contact with that old man might not be a bad thing.
When I return, this prejudice might play an unexpected role."
"Master is wise."
"However, Dumbledore will definitely pay more attention to this young Wizard in the future, so some plans will have to be temporarily suspended.
If Aaron Gaius comes to you, just teach him a few spells and send him away.
Before successfully obtaining the Philosopher's Stone, we cannot alert the enemy or create complications."
"Yes, Master."
After their conversation, Professor Quirrell instantly reverted to his frail appearance, slowly walking out of the classroom like someone recovering from a serious illness... Early June, Library.
There was only one day left until the final exams. Draco was hunched over his desk, rapidly writing down key knowledge points, with a pile of thick textbooks and notes in front of him.
His two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, were reviewing at another table.
Although they didn't like to study, this was the final exam, a test that teachers and parents alike took very seriously.
If they failed, their parents would surely skin them alive when they got home.
Compared to the bustling activity there, Aaron Gaius's side was quite the opposite.
On his table, there was only an ordinary forbidden book, a sleeping Saint Dragon, and a glass of iced fruit juice.
Others were there to review, he was purely there to watch others review, and it felt... quite good.
"You can't do it this way. The most important thing before an exam is to relax your mind.
Going into the exam with a tired body, your results will be predictable."
"That's absolutely right." Crabbe nodded in agreement. "I feel like my efficiency right now is even worse than usual!"
"But that's better than nothing at all!" Draco said, exasperated. Crabbe and Goyle's enthusiasm for studying was purely driven by him.
If it weren't for him, these two guys would never have lasted this long; it would be good enough if they weren't eating in bed.
"But what about our state tomorrow?" Goyle asked.
"Look at them." Draco pointed his pen at the Gryffindor trio not far away.
Similarly, with one top student leading two weak students, Harry and Ron, under Hermione's urging, were much more serious than Crabbe and Goyle.
"I can't lose to Granger, and you can't lose to Potter and Weasley, understand?"
"Boss, this..."
"Hmm?"
"This is too easy." Crabbe saw Draco's gaze and quickly corrected himself: "We can't compare to Granger, but Weasley and Potter... their usual study attitude is obvious to all. Even if they cram at the last minute, they won't be able to catch up to us."
"That's not necessarily true." Aaron Gaius shrugged. "How does that saying go? Luck is also a part of strength.
Their luck has always been very good, which is something you can't compare to."
Crabbe and Goyle exchanged glances, smiled wryly, and continued to flip through their textbooks.
"Why are you so calm?" Draco asked curiously. "Aaron Gaius, I know you're good at studying, but this is the final exam after all. Aren't you a bit too relaxed?
It's one thing to openly read a forbidden book in the common area, but isn't this bottle of juice too much? Aren't you afraid Madam Pince will criticize you?"
"Heh heh! The Librarian has certain authority here. I only brought the drink in with her permission."
"What? There's such a thing? How did you do it?"
"It's very simple. Promise not to disturb other students and not to dirty the books.
The most, most, most important thing is..."
"Is what?"
"It's to get along well with the Librarian." Aaron Gaius said profoundly, "I gave Madam Pince a gift at Christmas and Easter respectively.
Perhaps I'm the only student in all of Hogwarts who understands the difficulties of her job as a Librarian.
This glass of juice is a reward, a matter of human relations, a reciprocal exchange!"
Draco's mouth twitched, then he gave a thumbs up. "You're amazing."
"Keep it low-key, low-key.
This kind of thing is easy to say but not so pleasant to hear!"
"Then don't you need to review?"
"Look into my eyes." Aaron Gaius pointed solemnly at his own eyes and asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"
"Hmm... quite beautiful." Draco replied tentatively.
"Superficial. Although they are indeed quite beautiful, that's not the point.
The point is, these are eyes that never forget what they see."
Hiss! Draco was stunned for a moment, then after realizing what he meant, he sharply inhaled a cold breath. "Are you saying... you only need to read these books once?"
"Pretty much! If it were a Muggle exam, I could just lie down and do nothing.
However, this is a Wizard's exam, and many classes require hands-on operation.
Fortunately, my magic talent and practical skills are both good, so getting a high score casually is not a problem."
"Why don't I have that talent?" Draco said enviously.
"You'll have to ask your parents about that." Aaron Gaius said proudly, "In short, with this kind of talent, who still reads textbooks?
You are here to review, but I am purely for entertainment."
Draco smiled bitterly and shook his head, then refocused his attention on his textbooks.
Some people are favored by heaven, naturally superior to others.
He envied such people, but he wasn't jealous, let alone when that person was one of his few good friends.
What was more important now was tomorrow's exam. Hermione Granger was his opponent.
Although the chances of winning were slim, he still had to try. Malfoy didn't lack that much courage.
Just as he was silently cheering himself on, he suddenly saw Granger walking over. He subconsciously thought it was anxiety causing him to hallucinate.
But after rubbing his eyes, he realized he hadn't been mistaken. "Granger, what are you doing here? You're disturbing my studying. You're not welcome here."
"I'm looking for him." Hermione shifted her gaze to Aaron Gaius. "Are you free? There's something I want to discuss with you."
"No!" Draco immediately said. "Aaron Gaius wouldn't welcome you either."
Aaron Gaius spread his hands, pointing to his book. "I still have to entertain myself, no, study?"
"It's very important." Hermione emphasized. "This is even more important than tomorrow's exam."