The next morning, something felt noticeably different about Adam.
Anthony noticed it first during breakfast.
Then Terry noticed it during Charms class.
By lunchtime, nearly everyone in the study group had realized the same thing— Adam was smiling far more than usual.
Not a loud or exaggerated smile.
Just a faint, satisfied expression that never seemed to leave his face.
It looked as though he had encountered something genuinely wonderful.
Anthony finally leaned closer during lunch.
“Alright,” he whispered seriously, “what happened to you?” Adam looked up from his food innocently.
“What do you mean?” “You’ve been smiling all day,” Terry added suspiciously.
“That kind of smile only appears when someone is hiding something.” Michael narrowed his eyes dramatically.
“Did you secretly invent another spell?” “No.” “Did Professor Flitwick promote you again?” “No.” “Did Foufou finally decide to come back and live with you properly?” Adam paused briefly.
“…That one hurts a little.” Ever since discovering the girls’ dormitories, Foufou had essentially abandoned him emotionally.
Anthony crossed his arms.
“Then what is it?” Adam simply waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s nothing.” Naturally, he had no intention of telling them the truth.
Last night’s system draw had rewarded him with something extraordinary: Occlumency.
Adam had wanted to learn Occlumency and Legilimency for a very long time.
Unlike simple beginner spells such as Levitation Charms or Unlocking Charms, those two branches of magic were deeply connected to the mind itself.
One mistake could potentially damage a wizard’s thoughts, memories, or mental stability.
Back at the Garden Spire, Lance and Ecter allowed Adam to study harmless spells freely.
But when it came to dangerous mental magic?
They refused completely.
And honestly, Adam understood why.
Without proper guidance, practicing mind magic recklessly was extremely dangerous.
Even Adam himself had only dared to study theoretical concepts previously.
But now— The System had directly granted him Occlumency through the lottery draw.
How could he possibly not feel excited?
‘Next, I need to raise its proficiency as quickly as possible,’ Adam thought quietly.
Unfortunately, system rewards didn’t automatically grant maximum mastery.
The newly acquired Occlumency skill hadn’t even reached Level One proficiency yet.
Which meant— Adam still needed to practice constantly.
Or somehow draw the same skill again through future lotteries.
Thinking about the lottery system again, Adam quietly checked his remaining points.
Only sixty points remained.
Not even enough for another draw.
Adam sighed inwardly.
“So in the end…” His gaze slowly drifted toward Anthony and the others sitting nearby.
“…I still need all of you.” Anthony suddenly shivered.
“…Why do I feel like someone just targeted me?” Terry looked around nervously.
“Wait, I felt that too.” Adam smiled pleasantly.
“Nothing’s wrong.” The others immediately became even more suspicious.
After dinner, students gradually gathered inside the newly cleaned fifth-floor classroom.
The atmosphere felt lively and comfortable.
Several floating candles illuminated the room warmly, while stacks of books rested neatly across the desks.
Anthony and Terry arrived first.
Then Michael.
Soon afterward, several Ravenclaw students entered together while discussing homework problems.
Adam stood near the front of the classroom, organizing parchment and notes.
Terry glanced around curiously.
“Adam,” he asked, “there were plenty of empty classrooms in Hogwarts.” “Why did you specifically choose this one?” Adam’s fingers brushed lightly against one of the desks nearby.
Someone long ago had carved the initials “L + N” into the wood.
A faint smile appeared in his eyes.
“No special reason,” he answered calmly.
“I just thought this classroom felt nice.” That was technically true.
Though perhaps not the entire truth.
More importantly— The room was secluded.
Quiet.
And far away from most wandering students.
Perfect for concentrated study.
Anthony nodded approvingly.
“It really is peaceful here.” The moment he finished speaking— The classroom door suddenly opened.
Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas hurried inside.
But they weren’t alone.
Three familiar figures followed directly behind them.
Harry Potter.
Hermione Granger.
And Ron Weasley.
Anthony blinked.
Terry looked surprised.
Even Adam raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Harry?
Hermione?
Ron?” Harry smiled awkwardly.
Before he could speak, Seamus and Dean suddenly bowed apologetically toward Adam.
“Sorry!” Adam looked confused.
“…For what exactly?” Seamus scratched his head nervously.
“Well…” Before he could explain, Hermione stepped forward immediately.
“It’s not their fault,” she said quickly.
“I overheard Seamus and Dean talking about the study group yesterday evening.” “And I asked if I could join.” Harry instantly raised his hand.
“Me too.” Then he elbowed Ron.
Ron, who was busy examining the classroom walls curiously, jumped slightly.
“Huh?” Harry elbowed him again.
“Oh—right.
Me too.” Adam instantly understood the situation.
Hermione clearly joined because she genuinely loved studying.
Harry likely came because he considered Adam a friend and wanted to support the group.
As for Ron… Ron probably came because Harry and Hermione came.
Simple as that.
Adam looked toward Seamus and Dean reassuringly.
“There’s no need to apologize.” Then he turned toward the Gryffindor trio.
“When we created this study group, we agreed that anyone who genuinely wants to learn and improve is welcome.” He extended his hand toward Harry and Hermione.
“You’re welcome to join us.” Anthony immediately began clapping.
Michael followed enthusiastically.
Soon the entire room applauded warmly.
Hermione’s eyes widened slightly.
For a moment, she looked genuinely touched.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Then she added quickly: “And thank you, everyone.” Even Ron looked pleasantly surprised by the warm reception.
The five Gryffindors quickly found seats among the others.
The atmosphere inside the classroom became noticeably livelier.
Adam clapped his hands once to regain everyone’s attention.
“Alright,” he said calmly, “let’s officially begin the first meeting of our study—” BANG!
The classroom door suddenly burst open again.
Three figures strode inside arrogantly.
“Well, well,” a familiar voice sneered loudly.
“What exactly is happening here?” Draco Malfoy stood in the doorway with Crabbe and Goyle looming behind him.
Malfoy’s pale face carried an expression full of smug satisfaction.
“I knew it,” he announced dramatically.
“A secret gathering.” “I should report all of you immediately.” Harry instantly stood up.
“Malfoy?!” Ron groaned loudly.
“Oh brilliant.
This ferret showed up.” Malfoy ignored him completely.
Instead, his eyes swept across the room until they landed on Adam near the front.
“You actually dared to—” Before Malfoy could continue accusing them of something ridiculous, Adam interrupted smoothly.
“All activities in this classroom have already received Professor McGonagall’s approval.” Malfoy stopped speaking.
Adam continued calmly.
“We are violating no school rules.” “So unless you have another reason for being here…” Adam’s hand lightly touched his wand.
“…I suggest you leave.” The room immediately became tense.
Crabbe cracked his knuckles.
Goyle looked eager for violence.
Harry instinctively reached for his wand.
Even Hermione sat up straighter nervously.
Meanwhile, Malfoy silently stared at Adam.
Unlike many students, Malfoy knew quite a bit about him already.
Everyone in first-year Hogwarts knew Adam’s reputation by now.
Top student.
Professor favorite.
Flitwick’s assistant.
And frighteningly talented.
More importantly— Even Malfoy himself had once received guidance from Adam during Charms class.
After several seconds of silence, Malfoy suddenly raised a hand.
“Wait.” Everyone blinked.
Malfoy straightened his robes elegantly.
“I distinctly heard you say that any Hogwarts student who wishes to learn may join this study group.” Adam narrowed his eyes slightly.
“…Correct.” Malfoy smiled smugly.
“Excellent.” “Then we’d like to join.” Complete silence filled the classroom.
Even Crabbe and Goyle looked stunned.
The two clearly arrived expecting intimidation, threats, or a fight.
Instead, Malfoy suddenly applied for membership.
Ron looked horrified.
Harry looked confused.
Hermione looked deeply suspicious.
Anthony nearly dropped his textbook.
Crabbe leaned closer to Goyle and whispered: “Was this part of the plan?” Goyle whispered back: “I don’t think he had a plan.” Malfoy ignored both of them entirely.
He simply kept staring at Adam.
“What?” he asked coolly.
“Are you planning to go back on your own words already?” Several students immediately looked toward Adam.
The atmosphere became strangely tense.
After all— Rejecting Malfoy now would directly contradict the principles Adam established moments earlier.
But allowing him inside might create endless trouble.
Adam remained silent briefly.
Then— He smiled.
“Of course not.” He shook his head calmly.
“I always stand by my words.” Then he gestured toward several empty seats near the back.
“The three of you may sit down.” Harry stared at Adam in disbelief.
Ron looked like he wanted to object loudly.
Hermione narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, Malfoy’s expression shifted slightly.
Perhaps even he hadn’t expected Adam to accept so easily.
Still, Draco quickly recovered his composure.
With a proud nod, he led Crabbe and Goyle into the classroom.
And just like that— The first official meeting of the study group suddenly became far more complicated than anyone expected.
Give me more motivation!