After Aris finished speaking, an awkward silence filled the room.
Little Luna's eyes sparkled as she looked at Professor McGonagall with the same curiosity and eagerness. She clearly wanted to know the answer to Aris' question, just as much as he did.
Xie Nuo, however, froze in place, slightly dumbfounded.
What is the nature of magic?
Was this truly something an eleven-year-old should ponder? Even many wizards who had graduated from Hogwarts likely never considered such a question.
He himself had never seriously thought about it.
To him, magic was simply a talent, an innate ability, not a subject to overanalyze.
"Child… perhaps I misheard," Professor McGonagall said, her brow furrowed. "You asked… the nature of magic?"
"Yes, Professor!" Aris nodded earnestly.
"I only discovered yesterday that I am a wizard, so I'm curious about magic!"
His expression was completely serious. There was no teasing, no joking—only a genuine thirst for knowledge.
Even Professor McGonagall couldn't ignore that.
"Listen, child… you are still very young." She frowned slightly, her tone turning thoughtful. "Once you arrive at Hogwarts and learn to control your magic, you'll understand the true power of magic. Then, it will be the right time to explore such profound questions."
She gave him a small, measured smile.
"There really is no need to think so deeply about it right now. Don't you agree?"
To her, exposing a young wizard to such abstract concepts too early could be risky. The path to understanding magic's essence is fraught with setbacks that could easily discourage a novice.
Even if she herself knew the answer, it would be far too complex for Aris at this stage.
Yet, she had to admit—she was impressed by his curiosity.
Unlike the mischievous Gryffindors who spent their days seeking trouble, this boy's eagerness to learn was pure and earnest.
"I feel…" Aris lowered his head, as if contemplating her words carefully.
When he lifted his gaze again, he saw the usually stern professor watching him, her expression softened with a mixture of relief and faint unease.
Perhaps now, other young wizards could step back… but not Aris.
Because the system reward had not been granted yet.
"Professor… you don't know the answer, do you?"
Her mouth twitched involuntarily.
"Of course I—" she began, but quickly realized she had no way to continue.
The study of magic's true nature is a lifelong pursuit, one that even the most famous wizards cannot claim to fully understand.
And yet, here she was—a Hogwarts professor—expected to answer this question for an inquisitive eleven-year-old.
She froze.
Do I just admit I don't know?
But how could she preserve her dignity in front of this boy if she did?
"Is my question too complicated… did it stump the professor?" Aris asked innocently.
There was no malice in his voice, only a childlike curiosity. Yet, for Professor McGonagall, it cut sharply, a hint of irony woven in that she couldn't ignore.
Xie Nuo's expression shifted. He pressed a hand to his forehead, groaning silently.
Is this boy truly young and naive, or is he doing this on purpose?
Questioning a professor so directly…
Does he even plan to attend Hogwarts?
After all, McGonagall was the Deputy Headmistress. If she were offended, Aris' admission could be in jeopardy.
"Professor McGonagall… please don't be angry. I assure you, Aris meant no offense," Xie Nuo quickly interjected, giving Aris a subtle wink.
"..."
Professor McGonagall felt a tightness in her chest.
Aris nodded quickly, understanding her reaction.
"I didn't mean to offend you," he said softly, "I just wanted an answer. If you can't answer now, it's fine. You can tell me when I get to school!"
"Aris!" Xie Nuo groaned silently, exasperated.
"Enough of that!" Professor McGonagall suddenly straightened, fixing Aris with a firm gaze.
"Being studious is commendable, and this is not your fault. But you must not be so bold as to question a professor in such a manner."
She softened slightly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"This is too profound a subject for someone your age. When you arrive at Hogwarts, I will give you a proper answer. I promise you."
Aris' eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Really," she replied, tilting her head and averting her gaze for a moment.
Looking into his bright, curious eyes, a pang of guilt touched her heart. She knew that fully answering his question would take far more time than she had. But to maintain her dignity as a professor, she had no choice but to make a promise.
At worst, I can consult Headmaster Dumbledore later, she thought. He will surely know more than I do. And if all else fails, the library must hold some answer… somewhere.
"Professor, I have another question!" Aris' voice rang out again, just as McGonagall was lost in thought.
Her chest tightened once more.