Chapter 174: Hanging at the Dungeon Door
A piece of bad news disrupted Sean's plans: Professor Terra was gone.
"Professor Terra is a busy woman, shuttling between multiple wizarding schools... It's more normal not to see her," the Weasleys had echoed in his mind.
It seemed finding the professor anytime soon was unlikely.
Sean was left to tackle Ancient Runes and material selection on his own.
Or perhaps, he mused, the twins might have a way?
Their notes on Runes had been invaluable—precise, meaningful, devoid of the usual waffle.
In the corridor, a figure riding a pony flashed past. Around the corner where the knight disappeared, a tall figure emerged.
Sean was about to enter the main corridor when an unexpected witch appeared before him.
"Mr. Green, a pleasure to see you."
The tall prefect was polite, perhaps a touch too enthusiastic.
"Prefect Clearwater," Sean nodded. He was starting to think this corridor was cursed; he got intercepted here every time.
"Oh, The Selection and Enlightenment of Alchemical Materials? Studying ancient Alchemy? That's sixth-year material," Penelope Clearwater noted, glancing at his notebook, her smile brightening.
"Ravenclaw has many students taking Ancient Runes as an elective. Perhaps we could be of assistance?"
Sean shook his head. Her intentions were transparent, and she didn't seem interested in hiding them.
"I imagine your notes are comprehensive, but listen. Ravenclaw has a 'Magical Society.' Yes, a club. Filled with wizards like you who love to delve deep into magic..."
She watched his reaction closely. He looked mildly interested, but not much.
"We have extensive notes on Ancient Runes—annotations from students deciphering those obscure texts. Simple, easy to understand, and professor-verified. Very reliable."
Sean's eyes lit up slightly.
"Including notes left by Ravenclaws from many years ago."
Sean began to reconsider.
"All yours. And if you need to find Professor Bathsheda Babbling, we have ways... All we ask is that you play for Ravenclaw three times—no, twice would be enough!"
Penelope spoke faster. Sean felt his first problem—runes and materials—might not be a problem anymore.
He always believed in the vastness of magic. Even if no one had succeeded in what he was attempting, it didn't mean no one had failed. After all, wizards ate Venomous Tentacula on dares and got put on Chocolate Frog cards for it.
Magic wasn't always straightforward, but there was always something to be gleaned between the lines.
Sean wavered.
If the "Magical Society" notes were truly useful, he should offer something in return.
Penelope Clearwater smirked slightly. They had been watching Sean for a while. Especially with the Weasleys being so indiscreet, finding out about Sean's Alchemy studies wasn't hard.
More importantly, she had just struck a deal with... someone.
"I think..."
The prefect's offer was tempting. He just disliked Quidditch for the time waste and potential injury. But playing once or twice as a temporary substitute wouldn't be an issue; his health was much improved.
Equivalent exchange. Sean respected that.
"Don't be so quick to refuse... Actually, I heard Professor McGonagall loves Quidditch. Rumor has it she attends every single match."
Penelope lowered her voice, stopping there.
"I apologize for overhearing certain things. If you're angry, I'm sure I'll be in trouble. But this is something that must be done, trouble or not.
"Sean, we need you. The Ravenclaw Quidditch team needs you, the whole house needs you. This is our best chance."
She looked at him earnestly.
"In Merlin's name, no one else heard. I don't know why you aren't Sean McGonagall, but if you don't want it known, no one else ever will."
Penelope Clearwater was a smart witch. She faced her desires and bound herself with a somewhat uncommon moral code. Though her shrewdness could be offensive, Ravenclaws respected her. At least she put everything on the table.
The wind whistled through the corridor. The Christmas banners swayed overhead. The portraits flickered in the torchlight.
Penelope held her breath. The young wizard was thinking.
Hearing McGonagall's name had caused a flicker of reaction, but he had quickly returned to calm.
"So sad! To hear such shameful scheming!"
A voice interrupted them. Sean instantly recognized Sir Cadogan.
The knight sounded solemn and proper, but he looked a mess. He was currently being dragged into his frame by his pony, his legs scraping across the painted ground with a raspy sound.
"You should be ashamed, witch!"
Legs dragging, hugging the pony's neck, his deep voice carried the cadence of ancient chivalry, though the visual was less than dignified.
Penelope lowered her head slightly. "I apologize."
"That is not how love is used, my lady," the knight said, lowering his head to wink at Sean.
"You should do something first, to atone for your mistake. I think you've done your duty for your House's honor. Now you should express your apology."
Sean then saw the prefect pull a stack of notebooks from her bag. She had clearly come prepared.
"Sir Cadogan, you are correct."
Penelope handed the notes to Sean.
"Whether you join us or not, Ravenclaw will always support you. If you want to find Professor Babbling or decide to fight for Ravenclaw, contact me anytime."
She smiled, a genuine, warm smile this time. Then she tilted her head, made a zipping motion across her lips, and walked away.
Sean had actually... already agreed moments ago.
As for Professor McGonagall, she had originally intended to announce the news... but considering Professor Snape's lack of enthusiasm, she had happily let nature take its course.
A short while later.
Corner of the corridor.
"Sir Knight, will this really work?" Penelope paced, her elegance replaced by anxiety.
"I know young Green better than anyone at Hogwarts!" Sir Cadogan declared confidently.
"I hope so." Penelope paced a bit more, then left.
The knight hummed a little tune.
"Of course, the Big Cat would be willing to go public, but keeping it quiet is the real protection, isn't it, Severus?
"To think of seeing young Green flying freely! Ha! The Big Cat must be as excited as I am!
"And I solved a problem in the process. Oh, young Green, if you knew, how would you thank me? I certainly don't want to end up hanging outside the dungeon..."
(End of Chapter)
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