The morning in the Hogwarts Great Hall proceeded with the bustling normality of a Saturday. Virtus and Cedric were sitting at the Hufflepuff table, the deep blue book resting between them. Cedric couldn't take his eyes off the binding.
"It's really beautiful," he commented, running a finger over the gold-stamped Snitch on the spine. "Do you think we could read it together later?"
"Of course," Virtus nodded with an enthusiasm that wasn't feigned. The idea of sharing his "work" with his first friend gave him a strange thrill.
At that very moment, a choked sound and a sudden silence from the staff table made dozens of heads, including theirs, turn towards it. They saw Professor McGonagall, her teacup flying to the floor as she spat out her tea with a lack of composure as shocking as seeing a unicorn wallow in mud. Most of the Hufflepuffs, with their practical approach to life, after a moment of surprise, shrugged and returned to their heaping plates of food. Food was, after all, the most important thing.
Well, I expected a reaction, but not that much drama, thought Virtus, suppressing a smile.
It was then that a message appeared, floating before his eyes in a bluish transparency only he could see, accompanied by a soft ding.
[+80 Impact Points received from Minerva McGonagall]
So this is what it feels like, he thought, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. Collecting points is simpler than I thought.
The tension at the staff table seemed to subside, and Virtus and Cedric resumed their conversation, discussing their schedules. Indeed, as Professor Sprout had told them, they shared almost all classes with Ravenclaw, having only History of Magic with Slytherin and Flying with Gryffindor.
But the Great Hall wasn't done surprising them. A new commotion, louder this time, erupted when McGonagall sprang to her feet and almost hit Headmaster Dumbledore in the face with the book. The shock was general. And then, to top it all off, Professor Flitwick's laughter echoed through the hall.
Before Virtus, notifications appeared in rapid succession, silent to all but him.
[+120 Impact Points received from Minerva McGonagall]
[+50 Impact Points received from Albus Dumbledore]
[Host, for future notifications regarding beings with extensive names, only the first name and surname will be displayed.]
[+20 Impact Points received from Filius Flitwick]
Interesting, Virtus analyzed mentally. McGonagall is the most affected, Flitwick finds it amusing, and Dumbledore... Dumbledore is just beginning to grasp the depth of the problem.
The effect in the Great Hall was immediate. Every student who had a copy of the book, upon seeing the reactions of two Heads of House and the Headmaster, felt that this volume was much more than a simple story. Some opened it right there, their eyes scanning the pages with renewed avidity. Others clustered around the fortunate owners, whispering and speculating. And the rest decided to read it in a quiet place later. The buzz of conversation rose, a river of gossip and curiosity that filled the vast hall.
Virtus watched it all with an inner smile. The chaos he had sown was beginning to sprout. And the best part...
With these points, I can do my first Gacha pull tonight.
He turned to Cedric, whose gaze was still fixed on the door through which the professors had exited.
"Hey,what do you think about going to read it together by the lake? We could spend the day there."
The proposal snapped Cedric out of his thoughts.
"Great idea!"he said, perking up instantly. Then his expression turned conspiratorial. "I heard we can ask the elves for a picnic basket. A prefect, the one with the vibrant pink hair, told me they prepare custom baskets for those who want to eat outside."
"Really?" asked Virtus, genuinely interested.
"Yes. We just have to find the kitchens."
Determined, they approached the mentioned Hufflepuff prefect, whose hair shifted from bubblegum pink to electric fuchsia as she laughed with her friends.
"Tonks?"called Cedric.
The girl, Nymphadora (don't call me that or I'll hex you) Tonks, turned with a wide smile.
"Yeah!Hey, what do you need, little ones?"
"We were looking for the kitchens," explained Virtus.
"Ah, that's easy!" said Tonks enthusiastically. "They're right next to our common room. Look for the painting of the fruit bowl. Don't tickle the pear, just stroke it gently until it laughs. The door will open!"
"Thank you," they said in unison.
"No problem! Have a good picnic!" Tonks shouted after them as they walked away.
With that final shout from Tonks, Virtus and Cedric left the Great Hall, heading for the kitchens.