A mid-tier alchemical construct, Sean guessed, was like intermediate Transfiguration—alchemy that is deeper and harder at a certain point.
If the ordinary transformation biscuit didn't count as mid-tier, then the upgraded magical creature transformation biscuit likely would.
With that thought, he quickened his pace toward the first-floor caretaker's office.
On Christmas Day, all of Hogwarts glittered with decorations—though few students remained to admire them.
Thick garlands of holly and mistletoe were strung across the corridors; mysterious lights winked inside every suit of armour. Twelve full Christmas trees stood in the Hall, golden stars gleaming on their branches. The warm, tempting aroma of cooking filled the passageways—so rich that Sean felt a twinge of longing for the Christmas feast again.
Passing Ron, he saw Scabbers poke his nose out of Ron's pocket and sniff the air hopefully.
In no time, he reached the caretaker's office. Mrs. Norris's "affinity" had been stuck at the final point for ages—as if a daunting threshold lay there; once crossed, the bond between wizard and magical creature would change dramatically.
Sean guessed that cat-to-cat would be closer than cat-to-human.
A hearty stew-scent wafted at the office door. Though she usually prowled outside, Mrs. Norris had unusually stayed in. Sean was about to knock when he heard Mr. Filch muttering:
"Ah, my lady—are you sure I should eat this? Of course, of course, I know—"
Sean could guess what that meant. He waited quietly and pulled out Selection and Illumination of Alchemical Materials. If he wanted to craft a mid-tier construct, he had to consider finer ingredients.
After a meow from inside, he waited a few more minutes, then knocked.
"I've no mind to deal with you little brats! Best be off!" Filch's voice was hoarse and shaking, edged with anger and the aftertaste of alarm.
"Yes, it's time—will he come, my lady—?"
Knock, knock, knock.
Another rap—stubborn but not loud. Filch strode over and opened the door quickly.
"Merry Christmas, Mr. Filch."
Sean stepped in, carrying elegantly wrapped biscuits. At the sight of him, Mrs. Norris sprang gracefully onto his shoulder.
He looked around: the office was no longer dim—floating candles filled the space with light. Snow drifted at a stained-glass window; now and then an owl crossed the grey-blue sky. Aside from the stew-smell that made Mrs. Norris wrinkle her nose, everything felt right.
"O—of course. Merry Christmas, Mr. Green… all right then, just finish your soup before you go—" Filch said awkwardly, taking the little box with care before returning to stir the pot.
Sean flicked his wand; a chair came hopping over. Mrs. Norris purred, casting the cauldron a disdainful glance.
"Christmas is a time for togetherness, isn't it, my lady? Even if you dislike certain smells, you can be forgiving—" Sean murmured, and she purred in satisfaction.
Filch had a knack for hearty stews; the broth steamed hot—warm as a blanket on a winter night.
So when Sean left with Mrs. Norris, both wizard and cat were breathing little puffs of white.
In a quiet corner, Sean took out a biscuit.
At once Mrs. Norris's pupils shrank; she leapt high in alarm, then ventured a testing purr.
Sean could dimly catch her meaning, and answered lightly.
[You gained affinity with Magical Creature—Kneazle (Mrs. Norris) at an Expert standard. Affinity +50]
[Magical Creature—Kneazle (Mrs. Norris): Slightly Close (Apprentice) (40/900)]
[A new Magical Creatures domain title has been unlocked. View]
[A new wizard aptitude has been unlocked. View]
His animal form did nothing to stop him reading the panel. Expectant, he looked:
[Title: Junior Magical Creatures Affinitizer]
[Slightly increases affinity with magical creatures; slightly increases understanding of magical creatures]
Affinity and insight: straightforward effects.
As expected, Sean steadied his breath and read on: [Wizard Sean — Magical Creatures Aptitude: Lilac (boosted by Junior Affinitizer). Note: average wizard is Green]
[Evaluation: You are naturally favored by magical creatures; you truly have talent in the magical-creature branch of magic. Use your gift well and you will become an indispensable master in this field.]
Though the appraisal didn't give a reason for such a high affinity, Sean was nonetheless excited.
A higher creatures-affinity would be crucial for his future magical-creature biscuit plans.
After saying goodbye to Mrs. Norris, curfew was near.
In the corridor, a black cat moved swift and light. Since unlocking affinity with Mrs. Norris, Sean's grasp of "cat" had deepened again. He could hold the form longer and felt more confident about crafting the magical-creature biscuits.
As he wove past suits of armour and iron stands toward Ravenclaw Tower, voices came from one side of the corridor. Even in the deep dark, he could see several Hufflepuffs.
"Hannah—Merlin, did we really get woozy this long from just a sip of mead by the statue? What do we do—" a Hufflepuff with deep-set eyes whispered, shaking.
Sean knew mead—honey cut with water and fermented into alcohol; very popular in the wizarding world. A curious first-year tasting a little—believable enough. The cold wind brushed by; Sean caught himself wanting to lick his paws.
He forced down the odd impulse—he'd been transformed too long.
"Sally-Anne, did you forget? Those Gryffindors said, if you're not caught, it's not 'night wandering'—" Hannah whispered, trying to sound steady though she was trembling too.
But surprises arrive suddenly. A loud meow rang from afar.
Both Hufflepuffs squeaked, nearly sliding down the wall. Being Hufflepuffs, they'd never done a nighttime wander before.