Magic is a vast and complex field of study. Most people find it incredibly difficult to reach mastery in just one branch. Innovating and developing multiple disciplines simultaneously is something only a rare few truly powerful individuals can achieve.
And while Professor McGonagall was strong, she was not at that level.
When it came to alchemy, she could only say she had a basic grasp of it. Her primary focus had always been on Transfiguration, and she had never delved deeply into alchemy. In fact, she initially studied alchemy only to explore new possibilities for Transfiguration, hoping to directly create alchemical objects through transfiguration.
However, after little success, she did not pursue alchemy further.
Even so, her knowledge was more than enough to teach Roger the basics.
Professor McGonagall also had her own reasons for teaching Roger alchemy.
She had come to understand that Roger was an extremely stubborn person. He was willing to listen to advice, but once he deemed something to be right, no one could stop him—even if the path ahead was full of danger. He would move forward without hesitation, no matter the risks.
Minerva McGonagall had not forgotten their conversation outside the Leaky Cauldron.
Reversing time, seeking redemption from the river of time… Life was long, and who didn't have regrets?
From both a teacher's perspective and a personal one, Professor McGonagall hoped Roger would live well.
So she wanted to guide Roger onto a new path—using external objects for experimentation was far safer than using his own body.
Of course, learning alchemy wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight. It would take time.
After agreeing to set aside time for private lessons in alchemy, McGonagall and Roger left the Deputy Headmistress's office and headed for Hogwarts' spacious courtyard.
Madam Rolanda Hooch's flying class was about to begin.
By the time they arrived, most of the students were already gathered.
Hogwarts had always valued a teaching philosophy that catered to individual talents. Ordinary students took regular classes, while ambitious ones self-studied in the library and joined study clubs led by professors. Whether one aimed for the Ministry of Magic or a career in Quidditch, the school offered a bright future for all.
At the same time, Hogwarts also emphasized unity and competition. Although students were sorted into four houses, they were not completely separated. In fact, most classes were shared between two houses at a time to encourage interaction.
For example, today's flying lesson had Gryffindors and Slytherins together.
As expected, the two groups stood in their respective lines, subtly exchanging challenging glances. This kind of rivalry had long been the norm between the two houses.
However, when Roger arrived, both the Gryffindor lions and the Slytherin snakes instinctively flinched. The atmosphere quickly calmed.
Draco Malfoy, who had been glaring at Harry Potter ever since their unpleasant encounter on the train, averted his eyes and looked down at his broom.
After all, the last time he had gone too far in provoking Harry, he had been 'disciplined' by Roger.
…Wasn't a Seer only supposed to predict the future? How could he dig up people's pasts and expose their embarrassing secrets? That was just unfair!
Roger pretended not to notice the change in atmosphere and started conversing with Madam Hooch alongside Professor McGonagall.
Madam Hooch, who had a reserved and traditional personality, clearly disapproved of a first-year like Harry being chosen as the team Seeker. She frowned but did not openly object.
After all, one side was the Deputy Headmistress and a Seer, while the other was Britain's 'Boy Who Lived.' And she? She was just a flying instructor, teaching one of the least magical subjects at Hogwarts.
Everyone knew where she stood in this conversation.
. . .
Things progressed smoothly.
Harry was naturally talented at flying. With Roger's modifications to his physical abilities, he had become even more exceptional. With a little training, he was already at a level where he could compete in professional Quidditch leagues. Competing in Hogwarts' school matches was like sending a second-tier national team player to an amateur tournament.
After performing a series of advanced maneuvers under Roger's guidance, Harry had completely won over Madam Hooch.
Despite her initial dislike of favoritism and rule-breaking, she now looked at Harry as if he were a rising star.
"What a prodigy!" Madam Hooch was already fantasizing about Harry winning the Quidditch World Cup in the future.
Professor McGonagall was also pleased—this year, she wouldn't have to avoid Snape in embarrassment.
Roger, on the other hand, was excited to see what kind of interesting moments this year's Quidditch season would bring.
Seeing the expressions on their faces, Harry, who had just performed multiple high-difficulty flying techniques, knew he had secured his position on the team.
However, just as the four of them were in a good mood, an unexpected scene unfolded.
"I told you, I don't need your help!" Ron Weasley, covered in grass and dirt, got up from the ground.
"Hahahahaha!" Draco Malfoy burst into laughter, staring at the long, red mark on Ron's face where his broomstick had smacked him.
As a Malfoy, he had always despised the Weasleys, whom he considered a disgrace to pure-blood families. Seeing Ron humiliated only made him happier.
"I—" Hermione Granger furrowed her brows, wanting to say something.
Ron, however, was already fuming. He didn't even care about Draco's laughter. Instead, he turned red with anger and glared at Hermione.
"I've had enough of you! Always acting like you're better than everyone, always butting into things that aren't your business! No wonder you don't have any friends!"
He practically shouted the words.
As soon as he finished, Hermione's eyes turned red. Her breathing became erratic. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.
Hermione Granger had come from a Muggle family, completely unrelated to magic. One letter had thrown her into an unfamiliar world.
She was curious about the magical world, but also deeply afraid of it.
So she read books—studied obsessively—to prepare herself.
But the moment she arrived, she encountered Roger.
She realized that the magical knowledge she had painstakingly studied, the techniques that only elite wizards could grasp, were things that a naturally talented wizard like Roger could effortlessly master as a child.
That realization crushed her confidence.
It wasn't until she officially started at Hogwarts and saw that most students weren't as talented as Roger that she began to rebuild her self-esteem.
Even so, the sense of helplessness she felt in that first encounter never truly faded.
Meanwhile, Ron Weasley was another story.
Born into a large family, he had always been overlooked. He wanted to stand out, to be admired like a Quidditch captain.
But after coming to Hogwarts, he quickly realized he lacked the talent to achieve that dream.
And now, his best friend, Harry, was on track to become exactly the kind of person Ron wished he could be.
He was happy for Harry, but a deep bitterness filled his heart.
So, when he saw a chance to prove himself, he recklessly attempted some Quidditch maneuvers—only to fail spectacularly.
Hermione had tried to warn him, but he ignored her.
Now, humiliated and frustrated, he lashed out.
Professor McGonagall, noticing the escalating argument, prepared to step in—only to be stopped by Roger.
"I'll handle this, Professor," Roger said.
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