#287 - Stubborn Tonks (asking for monthly ticket recommendation)

“That has nothing to do with me. People like the Black family, the Lestrange family, all you Slytherins are the same. I still remember my mother telling me how that sister of hers, Bella, insulted and despised my father for being a Muggle wizard. Aren't you the ones who look down on wizards with Muggle connections the most?” Tonks spoke rather impolitely, showing her disgust for pure-blood families.

“Then you should thank me. I was the one who sent the Lestranges to Azkaban. And didn’t you know? I myself am a Muggle-born wizard. Your prejudice isn’t much different from the inherent prejudice of many pure-blood wizards.” Anduin smiled lightly. It was the first time he had boasted about this to someone.

“Are you serious?” Tonks looked at him with some suspicion, then curled her lip. “Then why is your House so different? Everyone acts like a high and mighty aristocrat, so stiff and unnatural.”

“They weren't like this a year ago, and I don't think self-discipline and courtesy represent nobility. I just hold them to the same standards I hold myself.” Anduin stroked the Kneazle in his arms and smiled slightly.

“You mean, you made them like this?” Tonks tilted her head and glanced at the people training nearby, wondering why these guys had to maintain such strange postures. “I don’t believe it. Why would they listen to you so much?”

“Because they have no choice…” Anduin chuckled, then followed Tonks’ gaze to the few people standing in a horse stance, and then ‘beeped’ and blew a loud whistle.

Hearing the signal, the few people quickly stopped their stance, ignoring the soreness all over their bodies, and rushed to Anduin's side in formation.

“Chief!” The 6 people, led by Jenny, stood in a row. Although their faces were sweaty and they were panting, they still stood straight and respectfully bowed to Anduin.

“You can stop your horse stance training for today. Remember to do extra training before bed tonight. Now, target Hogwarts Castle, forward march!” Anduin said sternly, giving the order in a strict voice.

“Yes, Chief!” A hint of relief was evident in their eyes, and they responded with great enthusiasm before turning and running towards the castle in an orderly manner.

Tonks, seeing these Slytherin students being so obedient to Anduin's orders, was a little more convinced by his words.

“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 trying to persuade Tonks, he hugged the cat and walked towards the cottage.

Hearing that there was something to eat, Tonks was immediately interested. With a great leap, she nimbly jumped off the railing and followed eagerly behind Anduin.

When she turned to the back of the house, she saw an outdoor kitchen with a wooden shed built against the wall. The most striking thing inside was a brick stove with a large iron pot on it. Next to it, on a stone countertop, was a huge wooden cutting board of the same shape, with various jars and bottles she had never seen before on one side.

When her eyes passed the outdoor kitchen, there was also a long, stone-built barbecue grill, with a clean iron mesh on top, but the faint scorched lines on it showed that it was frequently used.

“Can you cook? If so, come and help.” Anduin pointed to the barbecue grill in front of him.

“I’m a Hufflepuff, don’t underestimate me because I’m small, my skills are definitely better than yours.” Tonks’ hair turned fiery red with a whoosh, and she said indignantly.

Anduin smiled noncommittally, then raised his chin towards the stove. “That’s good. Today we’re having grilled pork chops. First, help me boil the water, and I’ll prepare the pork chops.”

With that, Anduin took out a large piece of Terbo Hog pork chop from his space ring and threw it onto the stove with a bang.

Tonks’ eyes widened when she saw such a large piece of pork chop, but she still looked at Anduin with some doubt. “What do you need boiling water for? Isn’t it enough to marinate it and grill it?”

“Boiling it first before grilling will make the meat more tender.” Anduin casually explained, then took out his wand to direct the kitchen utensils and seasonings, busying himself with the preparations, while explaining to her.

“First, poke holes on both sides of the ribs to facilitate the flavor, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano powder, spread evenly on both sides, then stew with onions, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and fresh thyme for 30 minutes, and then grill over the fire. The taste and flavor will be unexpectedly good.”

Anduin used a cutting spell to divide the large ribs into several portions, and was about to poke holes when he found Tonks swallowing and staring at him blankly. “What are you waiting for? Light the fire and boil the water.”

“Oh…” Tonks had just been drooling over Anduin’s description and had forgotten to move.

“From what you said, you seem to be very familiar with cooking. Do you cook often?” Tonks asked curiously while helping.

“I haven’t been cooking myself as much lately, but I’m still quite picky about food. I built this kitchen myself. If you’re interested in cooking, you can borrow it anytime, just say hello to Hagrid.” Anduin said distractedly while skillfully preparing the ribs.

Tonks curled her lip noncommittally when she heard this. This guy must be trying to tempt me with this. I wonder what he wants me to help him with, being so attentive.

“By the way, what exactly did you call me here to help you with? For the sake of the food, if it’s not too difficult, I don’t mind helping.” Tonks decided to test him first.

“Actually, I don’t need you to do anything practical. I’m just curious about your Metamorphmagus ability and want to research and develop this special ability with you.” Anduin smiled as he answered, seeing that Tonks had relented.

“Metamorphmagus? This is my natural magical talent. Even I don’t understand what’s going on. It’s like some people are naturally good at the Levitation Charm. Can this also be researched?” Tonks frowned slightly, asking with some confusion.

I am the one you said is good at the Levitation Charm, Anduin said sarcastically in his heart. “That’s because you don’t have a deep understanding of the essence of magic. Many natural magical talents can find answers in runes.”

“Then what do you want to do?” Tonks looked at him somewhat blankly.

“Let’s draw some blood first, then figure out the direction of the magic flow and the principle of occurrence, to see if it’s a physical problem, or if it’s a special bloodline magic.” Anduin said casually.