"What does that have to do with me? Just like the House of Black or the Lestrange family—all you Slytherin people are the same. I still remember my mother being insulted and scorned by her sister Bellatrix just because my father is a Muggle wizard. Aren't you the ones who look down on wizards with Muggle connections the most?" Tonks spoke quite impolitely, clearly showing her disdain for pure-blood families.
"Then you should thank me. I was the one who sent the Lestrange family to Azkaban. And didn't you know? I myself am a Muggle-born wizard. Your prejudice is actually no different from the prejudice many pure-blood wizards inherently possess." Alan chuckled softly. It was the first time he had boasted about this to anyone.
"Are you telling the truth?" Tonks looked at him with a hint of suspicion, then pouted. "Then why is your House so different? Everyone acts so prim and proper, like high-and-mighty nobles, not at all relaxed."
"They weren't like this a year ago. And I don't think self-discipline and etiquette represent nobility. I merely hold them to the same standards I hold myself to," Alan said with a slight smile, stroking the Kneazle in his hands.
"You mean you're the one who made them like this?" Tonks tilted her head, glancing at the people training nearby, somewhat puzzled as to why they maintained such strange postures. "I don't believe it. Why would they listen to you so readily?"
"Because they have no choice..." Alan chuckled, then followed Tonks' gaze to the few people practicing their stances. With a sharp beep, he blew a loud whistle.
Upon hearing the signal, the group immediately abandoned their positions. Despite their aching bodies, they lined up and ran toward Alan.
"Chief!" Led by Jenny, the six students stood in a line. Although their faces were covered in sweat and they were panting, they stood ramrod straight, respectfully bowing their heads to Alan to report.
"Your horse stance training for today ends here. Remember not to forget your extended training before bed tonight. Now, objective: Hogwarts Castle. Run forward!" Alan's expression was serious as he commanded.
"Yes, Chief!" A clear look of relief appeared in their eyes. After responding with full vigor, they turned and ran uniformly toward the castle.
Tonks, standing nearby, saw that these Slytherin students were so obedient under Alan's command and couldn't help but believe him.
"Let's go, it's almost time for dinner. I'll treat you to a meal, and we can talk while we eat." Instead of continuing to persuade Tonks, he simply walked toward the hut with the cat in his arms.
Tonks' interest was piqued when she heard there was food. With a big leap, she nimbly jumped down from the railing and excitedly followed behind Alan. When she turned behind the house, she saw an outdoor kitchen built with a wooden shed against one wall. The most prominent feature was a brick stove with a large iron pot. On the stone counter sat a massive log chopping block, and on one side were various jars and bottles she had never seen before.
As her gaze moved past the outdoor kitchen, she saw a long, rectangular stone barbecue grill. The iron grate on top was very clean, but faint charred marks hinted at frequent use.
"Do you know how to cook? If so, come help." Alan pointed to the grill.
"I'm a Hufflepuff! Don't look down on me because I'm young; my cooking skills are definitely better than yours," Tonks said indignantly, her hair instantly turning fiery red.
Alan smiled noncommittally, then lifted his chin and gestured toward the stove. "That's good. Today we're having charcoal-grilled pork ribs. You help me boil the water first; I'll handle the ribs."
With that, Alan took out a large cut of Tebo Warthog ribs from his spatial ring and dropped it onto the counter with a thud. Tonks' eyes widened at the sight of such a large portion, but she still looked at Alan with some confusion. "What are you boiling water for? Can't you just marinate it and grill it?"
"Boiling it through first before grilling makes the meat more tender," Alan explained casually, then pulled out his wand and began to arrange the utensils and seasonings.
"First, poke holes on both sides of the ribs to help them absorb flavor, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano, rubbing it in evenly. Then, stew it with onions, garlic, bay leaves, and fresh thyme for thirty minutes before grilling it over the fire. This way, both the texture and flavor are unexpectedly good."
Alan used a cutting spell to divide the ribs into several portions and was about to start poking holes when he noticed Tonks staring at him, drooling. "What are you spacing out for? Start a fire and boil the water."
"Oh..." Tonks had momentarily forgotten to act after hearing Alan's description.
"From what you're saying, you seem very familiar with cooking. Do you cook often?" Tonks asked curiously while helping.
"I've been cooking less myself lately, but I'm still quite particular about food. The kitchens here were all built by me. If you're interested in cooking, you can borrow them anytime, as long as you clear it with Hagrid," Alan said, skillfully preparing the ribs.
Tonks pouted noncommittally. *This guy must be trying to lure me with this. I wonder what he actually needs my help with, to be so solicitous.*
"By the way, why did you call me over? What exactly do you want me to help you with? For the sake of good food, if it's not too difficult, I don't mind helping," Tonks said, testing him.
"Actually, I don't need you to do anything practical. I'm just curious about your Metamorphmagus ability and want to research this special talent with you," Alan replied with a smile, seeing that Tonks had relented.
"Metamorphmagus? This is my innate magical talent. Even I don't understand how it works, just like some people are naturally good at the Levitation Charm. Can this really be researched?" Tonks frowned slightly.
*You are the person who is naturally good at the Levitation Charm,* Alan thought. "That's because you don't understand the essence of magic deeply enough. Many innate magical talents can find answers in incantations."
"So what do you want to do?" Tonks looked at him, somewhat bewildered.
"First, draw some blood. Then, figure out the direction of the magic flow and the principle of its occurrence—to see if it's a physical issue or if it's a special bloodline magic," Alan said casually.