Beyond the mountains, there are taller mountains; behind every capable person, there is someone even more capable.
Cheating is often a one-sided affair, if everyone joined in, it would just become a contest of whose hacks are more advanced.
Clearly, when it came to shamelessness, Allen had to admit defeat.
While he was still making excuses for himself, the other party had already broken through moral boundaries beyond imagination.
So, at this moment, when the other's young-adult "I believe in your potential" gaze met him, Allen could only bow to it, on this point, the other was an undisputed senior.
Heroes recognize heroes. And so, a cheerful exchange began, of course, the backdrop of a seemingly poisoned and unconscious Professor Lockhart needed no further mention.
Since neither of them possessed much of a thing called integrity, they made a simple oath: whoever lies will have their wand snapped.
Simple, effective, unless a major emotional upheaval occurs, no wizard would ever willingly give up their wand.
For people who loved bending rules like them, this oath was extremely effective. If you weren't planning to follow the rules, why bother with loopholes at all? Just break the rule outright.
"So, I'll go first, why did you attack this rather decent professor?" Professor Xue asked, voicing the question that had puzzled him most. He simply couldn't imagine why a student would assault a professor both skilled and honorable.
A tricky question, to be sure. Allen had no easy explanation, but who made that oath?
As expected, his answer sent Professor Xue into a fit of laughter:
"Hahaha, good heavens! I never thought Hogwarts had such naive students. You're utterly unworthy of your own methods! And what a poor soul that professor is, teaching someone like you, I don't know if he's lucky or unlucky!"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Allen retorted, exasperated. "Now it's my turn, why are you even at Mahoutokoro?"
"Oh, that's simple. The domestic economy isn't very friendly to an old man like me, so I came over to earn a little construction money."
"Construction money?"
"See those buildings? My monthly wage is one brick per month, special permission from past headmasters."
…Big shot, do you need help?
Mahoutokoro's buildings are made of mutton fat jade! One brick as a salary, this professor actually said it out loud!!!
"Alright, my turn, what house at Hogwarts? How old are you?"
"Hufflepuff, fourth-year student."
"Hufflepuff?" The professor's eyes widened slightly. "Ah, if I remember correctly, you all are rather skilled in cooking? The young ones these days are ruthless… just a fourth-year and you could hold your own against an old man like me?"
Our house excels in cooking? Apologies, this middle-aged man pretending to be old… these days, aren't elementary students all about 'I'm the boss,' and college students 'I'm precious' anyway?
"And you, Professor Xue?"
"I… I'm probably over 170 years old. Time doesn't spare anyone."
Wait, what?
Over 170? Are you kidding me?
Even Dumbledore, a top-tier wizard, had completely white hair and beard by the age of 111.
One hundred seventy, ha! Who do you think you are? Nicolas Flamel with immortality?
Sensing the look in Allen's eyes, the professor added, "I'm half-blood, with the blood of a Jiaolong dragon."
Allen responded with nothing but a look of disdain.
A 170-year-old with a special bloodline… and he's bullying a kid under fifteen? Really?
Of course, Allen ignored the fact that he himself had some cheats in his favor.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
Information exchanged quickly and efficiently, both had obtained plenty of valuable intelligence.
After completing their final magical transaction, they shook hands in mutual respect and departed, leaving the unconscious Professor Lockhart behind. Allen set a spell to trigger shortly after, ensuring that a student would arrive in time to rescue the professor from his watery predicament.
Allen then found a secluded corner, activated a magical immunity shield, and unleashed Soraka's ultimate ability, indeed, he had been affected by a hidden spell that made him laugh uncontrollably.
He flipped the professor the finger as he headed off, you shameless bastard!!!
Meanwhile, Professor Xue, adorned with a head full of blooming flowers, joked with students about his new decoration, earning applause. Little did they know, his mind was silently repeating: "Shameless, vile, despicable little bastard!!!"
Perhaps… this was what a friendship spanning generations felt like.
About an hour later, the camp received unfortunate news: the day's star, Defense Against the Dark Arts professor from Hogwarts, Mr. Lockhart, had accidentally ingested a poisonous mushroom resembling common fungi during dinner.
Although students discovered him in time, the treatment was delayed. Professor Lockhart had to undergo a lengthy recovery. All headmasters and herbology professors emphasized that students must refrain from casually picking wild plants during picnics.
The news caused quite a stir among the girls, so much so that on that day, the price to send a bouquet via owl rose by three sickles.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
In the Hufflepuff common room, Allen and several classmates were rushing to prepare bouquets, demand far exceeded supply!
Even Allen hadn't expected such a profitable opportunity. Unfortunately, he couldn't make chocolate, or he might have earned even more.
With a bit of magic, seeds sprouted rapidly, especially when sufficient nutrients were provided, requiring even less energy.
Without Allen's in-house business, the poor owls would've been exhausted!
Thanks to the booming business, most Hufflepuffs didn't mind helping package bouquets during free time for pocket money, Allen even offered them internal prices.
Overall, everyone was very happy.
Except for a few Hufflepuffs insisting on hunting wild animals, they were overruled, and the professor strictly forbade group expeditions.
A sad story, though Allen would never admit it.
He heard Professor Lockhart was in high spirits recently and decided to visit him amidst his busy schedule. For some reason, he now thought Professor Lockhart was super handsome!