After leaving the Slytherin Common Room, Ian didn't choose to join the class halfway. He checked the time, first brewed some potions in the Room of Requirement, and then went straight to the Great Hall.
Lunchtime came quickly.
Sunlight poured through the stained glass windows, casting golden rays that danced on the long tables and gleamed on the silverware, wrapping the ancient and solemn place in a warm golden veil.
Although the hot season hadn't yet passed, thanks to the outstanding and enthusiastic Professor of Alchemy, Nicolas Flamel, Hogwarts was equipped with its own "air conditioning" system.
No one knew where the energy came from.
People only realized that as long as they were within the castle of Hogwarts, they no longer had to sweat profusely and could enjoy the coolness of autumn and winter even in the hot summer.
This was indeed a situation everyone was happy to see. At the very least, Hogwarts students no longer had almost no appetite when eating in the sweltering summer heat.
Of course.
Because they witnessed many innovations by the House-Elves during breakfast, the little wizards were still unforgettable at noon, so many were quite cautious when choosing food.
The House-Elves were obviously determined to go all the way on the path of innovation.
Although lunch ideas were a bit strange, the taste was definitely much better than at breakfast. Ian sat down while guessing if a professor had given some feedback in the kitchen—perhaps even in a physical manner, after all, the improvement speed of the House-Elves was a bit too fast.
"This pineapple pizza is not bad."
Ian sat at the Ravenclaw long table, leisurely enjoying his lunch. William was mixing cherry dumplings with salad dressing, while Michael was munching on chicken legs that tasted like duck thighs.
The House-Elves were clearly exploring in all directions. For these foods that seemed dark in pairing, the two roommates actually gave quite good reviews.
"Who on earth took that diary?"
While eating, Ian was thinking, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the entire hall, but he had already quietly used the {Thought Perception} ability.
Through Ian's training and research, he now had full control over this Extraordinary Trait, allowing him to sense the emotional fluctuations and shallow thoughts of people around him without touching their minds.
Although without using Legilimency, he couldn't deeply read specific thoughts, it was enough for him to detect unusual emotional changes or hidden intentions.
Of course, the first to observe was his own long table. Even though Malfoy's diary was lost in the Slytherin Common Room, the person who took the diary was not necessarily limited to Slytherin students. Perhaps most people couldn't wander freely like Ian, but there were many ways to enter other house common rooms.
At the Ravenclaw long table.
The students were having a lively discussion over a plate of color-changing salad.
"Look, it's changing from green to purple!" a student exclaimed.
"This indicates its nutritional components are changing," said another student, pushing up glasses that clearly belonged to a strong intellect. "Obviously, the House-Elves added extract of Chameleon Grass!"
He accurately identified the production process of this salad.
"Well, it is indeed Chameleon Grass, which can adjust itself according to the nutrients we lack. It truly is a genius food design!" Such are the students of Ravenclaw College.
They are nothing like students from other houses who would only marvel at the magical nature of the food.
At the Gryffindor long table.
Their evaluation of the color-changing salad consisted of only two phrases, "Oh my god," and "Holy cow," clearly indicating some Chinese students within the house.
"I don't like eating greens, but..."
Ron was staring in dismay at a plate of self-twisting spaghetti.
"Can this thing I got really be eaten?"
Having lost his pet, Ron was low-spirited all day, poking the plate of noodles, which suddenly curled up like a snake around his fork.
Neville couldn't help but laugh.
While Hermione seriously explained.
"This should be the magical version of 'living noodles.' It feels chewier than regular noodles." She was obviously giving an unscientific explanation based on her personal feelings.
Miss Beaver's need to show off was as strong as Ian had previously assessed.
Arising from inferiority and sensitivity.
She was eager to prove she was still excellent. However, Ron didn't care about this, feeling aggrieved again as he ate the noodles, he put down his utensils and spoke with determined conviction.
"Scabbers must have been stolen by Harry Potter!" In his heart, Ron couldn't forget his pet rat, though it was unclear why he made this judgment.
"Even though my family says that boy is a hero, a great person, he is a Slytherin. I think there must be a terrifying side under his mask!"
He was supposed to be a loyal friend of Harry Potter, but because he missed their initial meeting, they didn't connect, and surprisingly developed such a strong prejudice against Harry Potter.
Maybe it also had to do with Harry Potter going to the house he least liked.