Chapter 187: Advanced Alchemical Creation
Neville returned.
He stumbled into the Room of Hope first thing in the morning. Gryffindors didn't even have class that morning, but he was back as soon as dawn broke.
He clutched a brand new wand, drawing the attention of both Sean and Justin.
Justin smiled and nodded, giving Neville a thumbs-up. He had noticed something in the greenhouse long ago. Neville didn't lack talent; his talent simply seemed... suppressed.
"M... morning," Neville murmured.
He then busied himself watering and checking on his plants.
After quite a while, he hesitantly approached Sean's desk.
The transfigured desk shrank back slightly. Sean looked at Neville calmly.
"S... Sean, I'm afraid to use it..." Neville stammered, then seemed to lose all his courage, hanging his head.
"When you rushed out of this room, Neville, you were brave enough. It's okay to be slow. I hope you always know that you can be afraid and brave at the same time. People with fear can still set off on a journey," Sean said gently. Neville was brave at heart, but he needed encouragement more than anyone.
"I mean, do you want to redo your spell proficiency test?"
Neville began to adapt to his new wand. His performance exceeded everyone's expectations; his talent for Charms nearly rivaled Harry's.
Sean watched silently, recalling Professor Trelawney's prophecy: The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...
The prophecy could refer to two boys: Harry and Neville. Surprisingly, both proved to be effective counters to Voldemort.
Truly magical.
Then Sean left. It was Monday. Ravenclaw had double Potions in the morning and History of Magic in the afternoon.
History of Magic was less a class and more like a book club for Ravenclaws. The Green's Notes series had expanded, spawning editions like Complete Guide to the Middle Ages and The Era of Merlin. Students bought different volumes to read together. Professor Binns didn't mind the chatter; in fact, he seemed pleased with the improved homework quality. Though whether a ghost could feel pleasure was debatable, the homework load had returned to normal.
Now, Sean and Justin headed to Potions.
Harry and Ron sat gratefully by the fire in the common room, reading Flying with the Cannons for the third time. They would rather face a troll than attend Potions immediately after Christmas.
They weren't playing chess. Their Weird Wizard's Chess sets were currently asleep. Yes, some pieces had sleep cycles, making the young wizards feel like they were commanding real armies. Fortunately, the pieces didn't need to eat... except for the Queen, who liked to "eat" (fall in love with) other pieces on the battlefield.
Hermione watched them sternly. "Even if you don't want to study Potions, you could do something more productive."
"Like what?" Harry asked, eyes fixed on Joey Jenkins of the Cannons hitting a Bludger towards a Ballycastle Bats Chaser.
Harry and Ron still harbored doubts about Sean's judgment regarding Snape. Snape simply didn't seem like a good person. He would invent rules just to confiscate Harry's books.
But trusting Sean, they suppressed their suspicion of Snape, only to be filled with fear of the unknown enemy. They desperately needed distractions, even if it was just reading about Quidditch.
Outside the Room of Hope, sleet fell relentlessly.
A postcard rested on Justin's Potions book. It depicted the McGonagall cottage, one of many photos Marcus McGonagall had sent Sean. Sean had gifted it to Justin.
Potions class ended in the usual storm of Snape's temper.
Sean immediately went looking for Mrs. Norris. Having familiarized himself sufficiently with Kneazles, his Magical Creature Biscuit series was finally nearing success.
He was curious: would this be considered an Advanced Alchemical Creation?
[Next Tier: Create six Expert-level Intermediate Alchemical items and twelve Adept-level Alchemical items to unlock the Expert Alchemy Title.]
A new title meant stronger talents.
He had already experienced the advantages of special magical ritual perception. Designing a new alchemical ritual and succeeding on the first try...
He dared to imagine: perhaps he truly could rival Master Nicolas Flamel.
January arrived. Hogwarts grew colder and damper.
In the gloomy January chill, no one wanted to spend two hours outside on the grounds. Except for the Room of Hope members. Sean's fire salamanders created a bonfire, and more salamanders would pop out periodically.
Harry and Ron collected wood and leaves to keep the fire going, and the fire-loving lizards darted happily through the crackling flames.
Sean often disappeared for long stretches during this week. Students reported sightings of the legendary Lucky Black Cat.
Corridor.
It took Sean a week to raise his affinity with Mrs. Norris to within ten points of the next level.
The corridor was drafty, but cats had fur. Though even fur had its limits. Mrs. Norris was now wearing a little sweater.
Two cats sped across the long stone floor. After some demonstrations from Professor McGonagall, Sean's control over his Animagus form had improved.
The black cat could now keep pace with Mrs. Norris. She had gained a little weight recently and spent her days patrolling the castle, catching students daring enough to break curfew.
Due to the popularity of the Weird Wizard's Chess and Transfiguration Biscuits, a small number of students were using the biscuits for bold nocturnal adventures.
However, lacking their own will in animal form, they were often rounded up by Mrs. Norris and delivered to Filch's office.
Sean knew what waking up there must be like. probably similar to Harry waking up to find Snape standing over his bed.
(End of Chapter)
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