If a girl acts carefree during physical contact with you, is not annoying, but shows no shyness either—then she either sees you as an older brother… or a younger one.
Penelope Clearwater's personality is quiet, and her appearance matches that calmness. A girl like her would never treat boys like brothers casually. So, in reality, she simply sees Allen as a younger brother.
Allen is just a first-year student, barely eleven years old, while Penelope is already in her sixth year—a sixteen-year-old who will graduate in just two years. Naturally, she looks at Allen the way one would a younger sibling—at most, a cute and handsome little brother… who knows how to cook.
After saying goodbye to Penelope, Allen picked up his book and prepared to leave the kitchen.
But before leaving, Allen shared a few thoughts with Kelly, a house-elf, remarking that the house-elves at Hogwarts seemed to have excellent living conditions—and it was all thanks to Headmaster Dumbledore.
"Yes, Dumbledore is the most admirable person," Kelly sighed after hearing Allen's comment. "He is the most benevolent wizard."
Upon hearing that, Allen asked with a hint of curiosity, "How did the previous headmaster treat you?"
"Mr. Armando? He was also a wizard worthy of respect," Kelly replied. But his tone was noticeably less enthusiastic.
Allen didn't press further. He nodded politely, said his goodbyes, and headed off.
Today's first class was Transfiguration, and the classroom was located on the first floor of the castle, southeast side. Allen walked up the stairs, lost in thought and planning.
Kidnapping a house-elf is no small matter—it's a delicate and challenging operation. House-elves are fiercely loyal, and breaking that loyalty requires subtle influence over time.
But from his chat with Kelly, Allen sensed something interesting: the house-elves seemed to respect Dumbledore more than the previous headmaster, Armando Dippet. That observation gave Allen an idea.
If the house-elves were loyal to Hogwarts, then persuading them to leave would be extremely difficult. But if their loyalty was primarily to Dumbledore, then Allen saw an opportunity.
Because Dumbledore… might die in the future.
If Dumbledore dies, then those elves loyal to him would be without a master—at least for a while. Of course, Hogwarts wouldn't allow itself to go without house-elf service for long. The next headmaster would quickly restore order and bring them back to work.
So, who would be Dumbledore's successor?
Severus Snape—universally acknowledged as Dumbledore's killer!
Allen's eyes lit up.
If the storyline plays out that way, and Snape—a known Death Eater and widely considered a cold, heartless man—becomes headmaster, then there will surely be unrest among the house-elves. Those who had deep loyalty to Dumbledore might be thrown into disarray. How could they possibly serve someone like Snape?
That would be Allen's opportunity.
"What I need to do in the coming days," Allen thought, "is to spread the legend of Dumbledore's kindness among the house-elves—make them even more loyal to him!"
By the time Dumbledore dies, those elves will be heartbroken, and their trust in Hogwarts will be shaken. In that window of vulnerability, Allen could step in.
When Allen arrived at the Transfiguration classroom, only a few students were already seated, heads down, quietly reviewing their notes.
On the podium sat a conspicuous tabby cat, its striped tail lazily flicking back and forth as it scanned the classroom.
When Allen entered, the cat's gaze instantly locked onto him.
[Cat]
Hunting Level: 89
Special Abilities: Animagus
So this was the feline form of the legendary strict, elderly cat-lady professor.
Allen paused, then reached into his pocket and took out a small paper bag of candy. He pulled out a piece of his signature "biting cabbage" rock candy and casually approached the cat.
"Want some candy, Professor?" Allen asked, popping a piece into his own mouth.
The tabby cat widened its eyes, staring at Allen. The other students were stunned.
They had arrived early and seen the cat already on the podium. Being cautious first-years, they assumed it was just the professor's pet and didn't dare approach.
Who would've thought… the cat was the professor?
The tabby stared at Allen for a few more seconds, then leapt gracefully from the podium. Mid-air, the feline transformed into a stern-faced woman in a dark dress—Professor Minerva McGonagall herself.
The air grew tense. First-years held their breath. McGonagall was the Head of Gryffindor House and known to be one of the most serious professors at Hogwarts.
And this boy—Allen Cecil—had just… offered her candy?
Everyone expected a strict scolding.
But to their shock, Professor McGonagall accepted the candy with a complicated expression that seemed halfway between irritation and helplessness.
She had tasted Allen's candy before. The flavor was addictive. Embarrassingly, the moment she saw the candy bag, she had nearly drooled in cat form.
Thankfully, she transformed quickly. Cats aren't known for hiding their saliva well.
"Thank you very much for the candy, Mr. Cecil," Professor McGonagall said. Embarrassed by her own salivation and fearing it would start again, she popped the candy into her mouth immediately.
She actually ate it?!
The students stared in disbelief. Professor McGonagall… liked sweets?
"You're welcome, Professor," Allen replied calmly. "Unfortunately, since I've come to Hogwarts, it's been hard to source fresh ingredients. I'm afraid I won't be able to make more of this candy soon. Do you have any suggestions?"
Another gasp from the students.
Was he seriously negotiating with a professor? About candy ingredients? Was he trying to get himself punished?
Sure enough, Professor McGonagall frowned, candy still in her mouth.
"While we don't oppose students having hobbies, sometimes—"
Crunch.
She accidentally bit through the candy. The sweet, earthy aroma of rock sugar and tender cabbage filled her mouth.
"…Sometimes…" she paused, her voice trailing off.
She couldn't finish. The candy was genuinely good. Perhaps… it wouldn't be so bad if Allen made a few batches every now and then. Come to think of it, she had never seen this candy on the market before.
"Perhaps you can go speak with Professor Sprout," she said eventually. "I'll notify her of the matter. But the school's plants are not available for free use."
"I understand. I can trade the candies I make in exchange for the ingredients. I doubt Professor Sprout would refuse," Allen replied with a smile.
Trade rock candy for cabbage? Was that even a real exchange?
Hearing that, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but consider how she'd split the candy with Sprout if the deal worked out…
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