Chapter 290: Magical Creature Talent

Mid-rank alchemical creation, Xiang Xien guessed, was just like intermediate Transfiguration—it was alchemy that was more profound and difficult in a certain aspect.

If the transformation biscuits were not mid-rank, then the Magical Creature transformation biscuits, which had been upgraded by one level, very likely were.

Thinking of this, Xiang Xien's speed toward the caretaker's office on the first floor increased by more than a little.

On Christmas Day, the entire Hogwarts was decorated in a dazzling display—even though not many students remained to appreciate it.

Thick garlands of holly and mistletoe were hung in the corridors, and mysterious lights flickered inside every suit of armor. There were twelve Christmas trees in the Great Hall, with golden stars shining on them. A rich and alluring cooking aroma permeated the corridors, so thick that Xiang Xien felt a little nostalgic for the Christmas feast.

When he passed Luo En, he saw "Scabbers" poke its nose out of Luo En's pocket, sniffing the air full of hope.

Before long, he arrived at the caretaker's office. The affinity with Mrs. Norris had been stuck at the last point for a long time, as if this were a formidable threshold, and after crossing it, the connection between wizards and magical creatures would change significantly.

Regarding this difficulty, Xiang Xien guessed that cats and cats should be closer than cats and humans.

The aroma of meat stewing in a large pot drifted from the doorway of the caretaker's office. Mrs. Norris, who should have been out, was unusually staying indoors. Just as Xiang Xien was about to knock on the door, he heard Mr. Filch muttering to himself:

"Ah, Mrs. Norris, are you sure you want me to eat this? Of course, of course, I know..."

Xiang Xien roughly guessed what it was. He waited silently at the door, searching for "The Selection and Inspiration of Alchemy Materials." To make mid-rank alchemical creations, he had to consider better materials.

After hearing the cat's meow from the caretaker's office, Xiang Xien waited for a few more minutes, then knocked on the door.

"I'm in no mood to deal with you brats! You'd better get lost!"

Mr. Filch's voice was hoarse and trembling, carrying a sense of anger and lingering fear.

"Yes, the time has come, will he come? Mrs. Norris..."

"Clang, clang, clang—"

The door was knocked on again. The sound was stubborn but not noisy. Mr. Filch strode forward and quickly opened the door.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Filch."

Xiang Xien entered the office, holding some exquisitely packaged biscuits in his hand. And the moment Mrs. Norris saw him, she elegantly climbed onto his shoulder.

Xiang Xien stared at the caretaker's office; it was no longer dim, but filled with floating candles. A stained-glass window was snowing, and occasionally owls could be seen streaking across the gray-blue sky. Except for the smell of the pot of soup that made Mrs. Norris wrinkle her eyebrows, everything here was fine.

"O-of course, Merry Christmas, Mr. Green... it will be ready soon, drink some soup before you go..."

Mr. Filch said awkwardly, carefully took the small box, and went to stir the large pot of soup.

Xiang Xien flicked his wand, and a chair hopped over. Mrs. Norris purred and glanced at the pot of soup with disdain.

"Christmas is a time for reunion, isn't it, Mrs. Norris? Even if you hate certain smells, you will be tolerant..."

Xiang Xien whispered, and Mrs. Norris purred with satisfaction.

Mr. Filch had a good knack for boiling soup. The soup was steaming hot, warm enough for a winter night, like hiding in a quilt.

So when Xiang Xien went out with Mrs. Norris, both the person and the cat were breathing out white mist.

When they reached a deserted place, Xiang Xien took out a biscuit.

Soon, Mrs. Norris's pupils shrank sharply. She was so frightened that she jumped very high, and then tentatively let out a purr.

Xiang Xien could vaguely understand what Mrs. Norris meant, so he responded easily.

【You have gained the affinity of the magical creature Kneazle (Mrs. Norris) at the expert standard, affinity +50】

【Magical Creature Kneazle (Mrs. Norris): Slightly close (Apprentice level) (40/900)】

【A new magical creature domain title has been unlocked, please check】

【A new wizard talent has been unlocked, please check】

The animal form did not affect Xiang Xien's ability to check the panel at all. He looked over with anticipation:

【Title: Junior Magical Creature Affinitor】

【Slightly increases affinity for magical creatures, slightly increases understanding of magical creatures】

Affinity, understanding... these were all effects that were easy to understand.

It was within expectations. Xiang Xien adjusted his breathing and continued to look down,

【Wizard Xiang Xien, Magical Creature Talent: Light Purple (Junior Magical Creature Affinitor title has been added). Note: General wizards are green】

【Evaluation: You are naturally favored by magical creatures, you are a true talent in the magic branch of magical creature research, grasp your talent, and you will become a master of great importance in the path of magical creature research】

Although the evaluation did not give the reason why Xiang Xien's magical creature affinity was so high, Xiang Xien was still a little excited.

A high magical creature affinity was very important for Xiang Xien's subsequent magical creature transformation biscuit plan.

After saying goodbye to Mrs. Norris, it was almost time for curfew.

In the corridor, a black cat moved swiftly and lightly. Since unlocking Mrs. Norris's affinity, Xiang Xien's understanding of cats had deepened once again. Now, the time he could maintain his own transformation had increased, and he had more confidence in making magical creature biscuits.

Just as he was weaving between the armor and iron racks, rushing toward Ravenclaw Tower. On one side of the corridor, voices suddenly came. Even in the deep darkness, Xiang Xien could see that they were a few Hufflepuffs.

"Hannah—Merlin, have we been dizzy for so long just by drinking a tiny bit of mead next to the statue... what should we do..."

A Hufflepuff with deep, large eyes said tremblingly.

Xiang Xien knew mead; it was an alcoholic beverage made by diluting honey with water and fermenting it, which was very popular in the wizarding world.

Then it was understandable that the young wizard had tasted a little bit out of curiosity. When the cold wind blew, Xiang Xien thought and thought, and suddenly wanted to lick his own paws.

He quickly suppressed this strange instinct, knowing that the transformation time had been too long.

"Sally-Anne, have you forgotten? Those Gryffindors said, if you aren't caught night-walking, it isn't night-walking..."

Hannah was also trembling with fear, but when her friend asked, she pretended to be calm instead.

But accidents always come suddenly. A loud cat meow suddenly appeared in the distance.

The two Hufflepuffs screamed, almost sitting down against the wall. As Hufflepuffs, they had never night-walked before. ===== CHAPTER 291 =====