Hogwarts Legacy: A Squib Tale

-Madelyn Brooks POV-

“Ah, there you are” said Professor Fig.
“Hello sir” said Alice. “You’ll be pleased to know that I worked on my defensive magic with Professor Hecat”
“And I worked on my anti-magic with Professor Hecat” I said. “She is a monster when it comes to training”
“So I hear” said Professor Fig proudly. “You must continue to work with her, and your other professors to improve your skills. That said, I don’t wish to postpone our visit to the library any longer. So, shall we proceed?”

“Fig, I have work for you, come” Professor Black stormed in, without knocking.
“Headmaster, I’m with 2 students, and my schedule is…” began Professor Fig.
But Professor Black interrupted him. “Your schedule will wait, indefinitely, as will your students. I would think that after all the trouble you caused me with Osric you would be eager to make amends. My office, five minutes”
When the door closed I broke my silence.
“What an ass” I said.
“That man is exasperating” sighed Professor Fig. “Unfortunately, our trip to the Restricted Section will have to wait a bit longer”
“But, Professor…” said Alice.
“We have no choice” said Professor Fig. “It would be unwise to provoke our illustrious headmaster further. I shall find you both when I’ve completed whatever toils I must endure”

“You’re not going to wait, are you?” I sighed when we left the room.
“Sebastian did say he went to the Restricted Section often” said Alice.
“And got detention for it” I said.
“Maddie, this is important” she said.
“I know” I sighed. “You go ask him, I think he has a crush on you”
“He does not!” she said in defence.
“Right…” I said. “Oh there he is! Ominis is with him”

“Good afternoon boys” I smiled.
“Is this the moment we’re getting an explanation for what happened in the Three Broomsticks?” asked Sebastian.
“Right… we did promise to tell you guys” I said. “I’m sorry, it totally slipped my mind with all the training and stuff”
“It’s all right” said Ominis. “We know it’s been a lot for you two”
“Don’t tell me you’re not curious, Ominis” said Sebastian. “Not many student shave Victor Rookwood’s attention. What was that all about?”
“Seems he’s working with Ranrok” said Alice. “And Ranrok is after something we found at Gringotts”

“Ranrok? And when were you two at Gringotts?” asked Sebastian.
“Sebastian, give them a second to explain” said Ominis.
“We should sit down for this” I sighed and we placed ourselves into the couches. “Now, Professor Fig, Alice and I ended up there after the dragon attack”
“It’s quite the tale, Fig had this Portkey…” began Alice.
“A Portkey?” interrupted Sebastian. “To Gringotts? I’m not sure I follow”
“Maybe you would if you weren’t interrupting them when they try to get to the point” said Ominis.
“It’s alright Ominis” said Alice. “We’re barely following ourselves, and we were there. Anyway, we ended up in an ancient vault where we found a map. That map leads to the Restricted Section”
“You can’t be serious” said Sebastian.
“Deadly serious” I sighed. “Professor Fig did ask us not to tell anyone. But you guys are our friends, you deserve to know what you’re getting into”
“We understand” said Ominis.

“Your secrets are safe with us” said Sebastian. “Whatever they are”
“Thank you, Sebastian” said Alice. “You mentioned being clever enough not to get caught in the Restricted Section”
“And I am” he said. “Meet me outside the Library tonight. I’m sorry, but Maddie, we need magic to get in there. And since you can’t use it”
“I can’t go with you” I said. “I understand”
“I’m really sorry” said Sebastian. “I wish there was another way”
“I said it is all right” I smiled. “I know I can’t do what you guys do. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that”
“We could continue our studying while they go into the Library” said Ominis. “You were very good with those potions”
“That’s sounds good” I smiled.
“Thank you, Ominis” said Alice. “I do promise to tell you everything, Maddie”
“I know” I said.

~

Ominis and I studied in my sister’s and my room. Since it was private and we could study peacefully.
“You’re nervous” he said.
“I hope everything is going well” I said. “They’ve been gone for a long time”
“They’ll be all right” said Ominis. “Sebastian may be an idiot, but he can be relied upon”
“I know” I said. “We trust you. But still…”
“You still don’t trust magic” he said.
“Yes” I said. “It’s just… I don’t know…”

Suddenly Alice barged in and scared us.
“Sebastian…” she said. “Peeves found us, he took the blame… Scribner said she’d go to the Headmaster!”
“Calm down, Alice” said Ominis. “She always says that. He’ll just get detention tonight. He’s not getting expelled or anything. He’ll be perfectly fine”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“If something were to happen, my family is close with the Black family” he said. “I’d manage to arrange something”
“See, everything is fine, Alice” I said.
“Okay” she said and took a deep breath. “I just feel so guilty, he got in trouble because of me”
“I should go” said Ominis. “It is getting late, don’t worry, Alice. I’m sure we’ll see Sebastian early in the morning”
“Okay, thank you, Ominis” said Alice.
“And thanks for studying with me” I smiled.

~

The next morning Alice ran to the breakfast table, where we saw an exhausted Sebastian.
“Sebastian!” she said and nearly hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re okay”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” he said smugly.
“Scribner and Peeves…” she began. “You took the fall for me”
“Well, now you owe me one” he said with a smile. “It’s fine, it was just cleaning the trophies room”
“Good morning Ominis” I said with a smile. “You just missed the fateful reunion”
“Good morning, Madelyn” he said. “I hear Alice already expressed her worries to Sebastian”
“Ha, ha” said Alice. “You laugh now, Maddie. But I know you would react the same with Ominis”
“Oh, shut up” I said.
“Well, I hear Professor Fig is back” said Alice. “We should go and tell him what I found”
“What did you find?” asked Sebastian.
“I promise to tell you everything later” said Alice. “We can’t talk about it here”
She pulled me with her so I quickly said goodbye to Ominis.

We were about to enter the room, when we heard Professor Sharp, the potions teacher, talk to Professor Fig.
“You cannot be serious” he said. “Goblins working with Rookwood? Makes no sense”
“It is rather unorthodox to say the least” said Professor Fig.
“We should go in” I whispered and we quietly entered the room.
“Unorthodox?” said Professor Sharp. “It’s inconceivable, it’s… ah Fig, you have visitors. I’ll see what I can find out”

Professor Sharp left the room and we walked to Professor Fig.
“Sir, I was able to search the Restricted Section while you were with Professor Black” said Alice. “It was a book we were after”
“What?” said Professor Fig. “That’s… wait… you accessed the Restricted Section? But how? Thinking on it, perhaps it’s best you spare me the details”
“Let’s just say I would’ve been in the way” I said.
“Fair enough” said Alice. “In fact, the book was below the Restricted Section, as it appeared on the map”
“I want to hear everything” said Professor Fig. “First, let’s have a look”

Professor Fig opened the book, and we soon found out some pages were missing…
“Oh dear” said Professor Fig. “Some of these pages seem to be missing. It appears someone has got to the book before us. Still, I will need time to study what remains. Perhaps we can still salvage something useful, though it may take some time. I wonder why it was here, below Hogwarts”
“I think I know” said Alice. “I saw two more memories where I found the book”
“Another Pensieve?” said Professor Fig. “Godric’s heart”
“The man we saw before, Percival Rackham, was a professor here” Alice explained. “The first memory showed him and three other professors using ancient magic to restore a hamlet from a drought”
“Miriam was right” said Professor Fig. “And the second memory?”
“In the second they were talking to a student who started as a fifth year, like Maddie and I did” said Alice. “She could see traces of magic too”

“Why those memories, though?” I asked.
“Perhaps this book will explain” said Professor Fig. “Now I’ll have to take it with me to London. The Headmaster has insisted that I speak directly to the Minister about George’s death”
“What are you going to tell them?” I asked.
“I don’t know how much I dare say” he said. “George tried to convince the Ministry about Ranrok, but to no avail. My instinct is to follow the path we are on for the moment and keep the details to ourselves until we know more”
“I understand” said Alice. “We’ll see what we can learn about the missing pages while you’re gone”
“Good” said Professor Fig. “Don’t neglect your studies. Your wandwork and anti-magic are improving by the day. But you’ll want to pay attention in Herbology and Potions. There’s more to magic than spell-casting”
“I can follow those classes as well, right?” I asked. “They don’t involve actual magic, now do they?”
“That’s right” said Professor Fig.
“Well, plenty to keep us occupied while you’re gone” I said.
“You’ve both done exceptionally well” he said. “I look forward to seeing all that you’ve accomplished when I return. Oh, and don’t neglect your friends. You may be surprised by how much you can learn from them as well”
“Not that they’d leave us alone after that troll attack” I whispered to Alice.

~

We arrived just in time for Herbology.
“I knew we should’ve asked Ominis or Sebastian to guide us” I said out of breath. “This place is a maze”
“Are you okay?” laughed Sebastian.
“We got lost… 3 freaking times” I said.
“You’re still on time” said Ominis and laid his hand on my shoulder. “Professor Garlick has asked that you and I work together, if that’s all right. Since I can’t really see without my wand”
“Sure, I don’t mind” I smiled.

“Oh hello!” said Professor Garlick. “Class, please welcome the newest roses in our garden. We do look forward to growing together. How thrilling it is to have everyone back together again. This year will be filled with enchantment and excitement, but the most important thing cultivated in Herbology is knowledge. The prudent Herbologist is no more afraid of the Venomous Tentacula than the Bouncing Bulb”
“Those are actual real things?” I whispered to Ominis.
“Unfortunately” he said.
“Now then” she continued. “Today we will be acquainting ourselves with the mellifluous tuber known as the Mandrake Root. Let’s see if we can make our fibrous friends a bit more comfortable, shall we? First, let’s protect our ears”

Ominis was searching for the ear plugs.
“Here” I said, took his hand and put the plugs in his hand.
“You should take your gloves off” he said. “It’d be a shame to get them ruined”
“Right” I said and slowly took my gloves off.
“No one will mind if you accidentally touch them and for a moment take their magic away” he said. “It always comes back”
“What if one day I nullify their magic forever?” I asked.
“I think you’d need to concentrate really hard for that” he said. “You haven’t taken my magic away, or Alice’s for that matter”
“I know that…” I whispered and put the ear plugs in.
“Now, everyone grip these Mandrake by the tendrils and give it a firm tug” said Professor Garlick.

“Pull it out together?” he asked.
“On three?” I said. “One, two, three!”
We pulled the Mandrake out and it screamed so loud…
“Oh, my God!” I yelled.
The glass windows above us were shattering…
“Put it in the other pot, quickly!” said Ominis and I listened.
I quickly guided his hands to the new pot, so he could help me pat down the soil.
“The soil should envelop the root like a warm, dirty blanket, putting the Mandrake right at ease” said Professor Garlick. “Reparo!”
She repaired the glass windows.
“Well, that headache I’ll feel for hours” I said and sat down.
“Are you alright?” asked Ominis.
“Do you wizards have like better hearing protection or anything?” I sighed. “My ears are ringing”
“I’m very sorry about that” said Professor Garlick. “Yours was a bit mature I’m afraid. All right then, off you go. If the ringing doesn’t stop, please go see the school nurse. Ominis, do you mind checking up on her regularly?”
“I will, Professor” he said.
“My gloves” I said while I made my hands clean.
“Here they are” said Ominis and gave them to me.

“Hey Maddie” said Alice while I was talking with Ominis. “Natty says she wants to meet you and meet up in Lower Hogsfield”
“What for exactly?” I asked.
“I’m not sure” she said. “I doubt it’s something dangerous, I mean, this is Natty we’re talking about”
“Okay then” I said. “Let’s go”
“Be careful” said Ominis.

~

It was a long walk to Lower Hogsfield, but we made it in time.
“It’s good to see you my friend” said Natty. “This must be your sister, Maddie right?”
“Yeah, it’s very nice to meet you” I said. “I hear Alice beat you in summoners court”
“She is very good with her magic” said Natty.
“How are you, Natty?” asked Alice.
“I am well, thank you” said Natty. “I was there, and saw what happened with Rookwood and Harlow at the Three Broomsticks. I have been worried about you”
“We’re all right at the moment” said Alice.
“If you don’t mind my asking, why were they looking for you two?” asked Natty.
I looked at Alice and she nodded.

“They want something that Professor Fig, Alice and I found at Gringotts” I said.
“When were you at Gringotts?” asked Natty.
“Just before we came to Hogwarts” said Alice. “It’s why we were late to the Sorting Ceremony. A Portkey brought us there after the dragon attacked our carriage”
“What on earth?” said Natty.
“There’s one more thing, it’s a bit odd if I’m honest” said Alice. “Professor Fig says I have a rare connection to a powerful form of ancient magic. Maddie can see it as well”

“Sebastian and Ominis are going to be so angry you told Natty first” I sighed.
“We’ll tell them when we get back” said Alice.
“Ancient magic? What does that mean?” asked Natty.
“We’re still learning” said Alice. “But we can see traces of it, and I’ve cast magic I can’t otherwise explain”
“It’s how she blew up the troll” I said. “It is a lot to absorb”
“It is” agreed Natty. “And I will have more questions. For now, it is safe to say that Rookwood and Harlow are a threat to us three, to all of us. Which is why I wanted to speak to you two. Everyone has been talking about you defending Hogsmeade from the troll attack. And I shall never forget watching Sirona stand up to Rookwood and Harlow in the Three Broomsticks or forget Rookwood’s face when Maddie took away his magic. The three of you have inspired me to take a stand of my own”

“What sort of stand?” asked Alice.
“Men like Rookwood and Harlow are the reason my mother and I left Matabeleland” said Natty. “I am not going to sit by and watch them destroy my new home”
“Rookwood and Harlow are a dangerous pair on their own” said Alice. “And you should know that Rookwood is in league with Ranrok”
“I had heard they were seen in Hogsmeade together” said Natty. “All the more reason they must be stopped. Rumour has it that Theophilus Harlow runs Rookwood’s day-to-day operations. Taking him down would cripple Rookwood’s entire enterprise”
“That may be true, but shouldn’t Officer Singer handle someone like Harlow?” asked Alice.
“I spoke with her” said Natty. “She was polite, but perhaps understandably would not discuss details with a student. I overheard some of Rookwood’s lot talking about a massive poaching operation that Harlow is planning”
“Poachers?!” I said. “They’re going to hurt those beautiful magical beasts?”
“I heard you were like Poppy Sweeting, a huge fan of magical beasts” laughed Natty. “It’s also why I asked you to be here. I was thinking that we could investigate a bit. Try to get the evidence that Officer Singer needs”
“All right” said Alice. “But how?”
“I am going to watch and listen” said Natty. “Find out precisely what Harlow is up to. I shall reach out when I know more. In the meantime, remember, I am here if you need me”
“Thank you, Natty” said Alice.
“We should probably get back now” I said. “I think if we stay out longer, Sebastian and Ominis would go searching for us. And we need to tell them what we told Natty. They are our friends, they fought with us. They deserve to know”
“You’re right” said Alice.

~

We got back into the castle and saw Ominis and Sebastian wait for us in an empty common room.
“You’re back!” said Sebastian and I sat down next to Ominis.
“I’m glad you’ve returned safely” he said.
“Ali and I need to tell you guys something” I said. “You are our friends and you deserve to know everything”
We told them everything that we told Natty.
“Let me check if I understood it” said Ominis. “You can both see traces of ancient magic, but only Alice can use it? I wonder why Madelyn can see it if she can’t use it”
“It’s probably because we’re twins or something” said Alice. “Maddie can’t use magic, but she can see it. Unlike Muggles”

“This is crazy” said Sebastian. “So this is also why Rookwood and Ranrok are after you? Is this how Ranrok got his power?”
“We can see a dark glow around his armour” I said. “Just like with the trolls at Hogsmeade. We don’t know why or how. But he is somehow using ancient magic”
“I’m just glad it doesn’t work on you, Maddie” said Alice and grabbed my hand. “He blasted at us in Gringotts, both me and Professor Fig were hurt. I’m just glad Ranrok can’t hurt my baby sister”
“I’m literally two minutes younger than you” I sighed.
“Which makes you the baby” she said and I rolled my eyes.
“We know it is a lot to take in” said Alice. “And we’d understand if you don’t want to be friends with us anymore. Because we don’t want you guys to get involved in it”
“Not friends?” said Sebastian in disbelief.
“We’re not going anywhere” said Ominis and grabbed my hand. “We’re already in it. And even if we weren’t, you two are our friends. We got your backs”
“Exactly” said Sebastian. “You didn’t seriously think that this would change our opinion on you two?”
“We’ve known each other only for a few days” I said.
“But we know you” said Ominis. “I think I speak for both me and Sebastian, but I feel like we’ve known each other for longer than a few days”

I began to cry, much to everyone’s surprise.
“Why are you crying?” asked Ominis.
“I’m sorry” I cried. “I… I just never had any friends before besides Alice. To hear you guys say this… it warms my heart”
“You are so emotional” said Alice, but she began to cry as well.
Maybe we were overreacting, but we didn’t know why. But feeling people we can rely on by our side, it is more than we could’ve asked for.
“I don’t know if this is really something to cry about” said Sebastian.
“Don’t mock their feelings” said Ominis. “It’s okay to cry”
“Thank you” I whispered.

~

A week had passed. A week of hellish training with Professor Hecat… but also a week of laughter with my friends. I was beginning to get used to Hogwarts, not that I’d ever tell Alice.
But, our friends made it bearable.
Ominis had been helping me catch up to everyone, so that I’d have less problems in class.
And then it was time for our first Potions class.
I took a seat next to Ominis at the potions table.
“Potions is one of the most challenging and hazardous subjects taught at this school” started Professor Sharp. “As fifth-years, you will be required to reach new heights of both discipline and intellect”
He stopped to look at me and I felt my blood boil.

Ominis grabbed my hand under the table and calmed me down, it was a habit we created, because a lot of people and some teachers had a problem with a Squib going to a wizarding school.
“You will begin this term by brewing a Wiggenweld Potion” Professor Sharp continued. “Miss Brooks. Can you tell me why this particular potion might come in handy?”
“Of course” I said smugly. “The Wiggenweld Potion can be used to sterilise and even heal some injuries. Unfortunately not all injuries”
Professor Sharp was shocked, as were most of the students. Sebastian, Alice and Ominis were smiling proudly.
“Correct” said Professor Sharp in the end. “Points for Slytherin. Before today’s class is completed, each of you will have brewed a Wiggenweld Potion of your own. You never know when you might need it. Please begin”

“You taught me this potion last week” I whispered. “I’ll show him not to mess with a Squib”
“I like your confidence” chuckled Ominis.
“Use a strong even motion when crushing your ingredients” said Professor Sharp. “And please be meticulous when adding powder to your potions. One errant sneeze could be disastrous”
Professor Sharp came to check my potion first, of course…
“Let’s see if you’re as good as potion making as in answering questions, Miss Brooks” he said with a sharp tone, he looked at my potion. “This is perfectly made. Who helped you?”
“Actually, sir” said Ominis. “Madelyn brewed this potion all on her own, following the instructions”
“That’s not possible” said Professor Sharp.
“Why is that?” I asked. “I mean, you don’t have to use magic to make potions, am I right? So if you follow the instructions, what could go wrong?”

Professor Sharp walked away without saying anything.
“Thank you, Ominis” I said.
“What? I said nothing but the truth” he smiled.
I saw him praise my sister and I sighed.
“Why are some people so prejudiced?” I said.
“Well, you should never meet my family” he said. “They’d kill you for even breathing the same air.
“Are you serious?” I asked. “Thank God you’re not like your family”
“Could you help me by handing the ingredients?” he asked.
“Of course!” I said.
I was helping Ominis with his potion, when suddenly we heard a loud explosion.
“That damned Garreth Weasley again” said Ominis with a sigh.
“Wealsey? As in Professor Weasley?” I asked.
“She’s his aunt” he said. “Could you hand me the spoon?”
“Here you go” I took his hand and placed the spoon in it. “It looks good!”
“It does?” he sounded surprised. “Now that’s a first time”
“Miss Brooks” said Professor Sharp. “A word please”
“Just stir a few more times” I whispered to Ominis. “Then it’s ready”

My sister walked back to her potion station and smiled at me.
“Miss Brooks” said Professor Sharp. “I apologise for my harsh words earlier. I was a bit sceptic, knowing potions isn’t an easy thing to master and we’re already in our fifth year. And because I assumed you weren’t around magic before this. Your sister told me that was not the case, since both of your parents were wizards. I was prejudiced, you have a rare talent for potions, I was surprised. And you managed to help Mr Gaunt with his potion, by only guiding him with your words. That is actually his first potion that came out right. Consider me impressed. I look forward to see how you grow”
“Thank you, sir” I said and left his table.
“So, what did he want?” asked Ominis, I quickly helped him put the potion in a container, before he spilled it all over his table. “Thank you, our hard work was almost ruined”
“He wanted to apologise” I said. “He even said he was being prejudiced”
“Now that is a surprise” said Ominis.

~

Our next class was Defence Against the Dark arts, with Professor Hecat…
“Are you scared of her?” whispered Ominis.
“You didn’t go through her training” I whispered back. “It was hell on earth, I tell you. I still have a bruise from our training yesterday. I swear, I thought her friend she brought to help me train physically, would kill me!”
“Now, is this must be my kindred soul” said a girl from Hufflepuff.
“Madelyn, this is Poppy Sweeting” said Ominis.
“Oh! You’re the girl who also thinks animals are better than humans!” I said with a big smile.
“They are, aren’t they?” said Poppy.

-Alice Brooks POV-

“What did you do?” I asked to Ominis. “I’ve never seen Maddie so excited in her life”
“She just met Poppy Sweeting” answered Ominis. “They’re talking about magical beasts and how animals are better than humans. I believe Poppy is going to teach Madelyn about magical beasts, by the sound of it”
“Good” I said. “I’m happy, I was beginning to get worried”
“Worried?” he asked.
“I basically dragged Maddie with me to Hogwarts” I said. “She had an option to go to a music school, for Muggles. But I begged her to come with me”
“Madelyn plays music?” he sounded surprised.
“Yes, haven’t you noticed when she’s studying she’s always humming?” I asked and he nodded. “She plays the guitar and writes beautiful songs. She hasn’t had the chance to play her instrument here, since her guitar was destroyed in the dragon attack. We haven’t found a music store in Hogsmeade. So I’m happy that she has found something else she is excited about”

“We do have a music classroom” said Ominis.
“We do?” I said. “Where?”
“In the Bell Tower” he said. “I don’t know if they have a guitar, but you could ask the music teacher. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have someone join who can play music”
“That’s a great idea, Ominis. I think you should show it to her” I said and smiled. “Thank you, for looking out for my sister”
“I enjoy her company” he said and smiled softly. “Did you know she never uses the word see to me? She does it so naturally, it shocked me in the beginning”
“That’s Maddie for you” I said. “She’s emphatic to others and doesn’t want to make them feel uncomfortable. I just wish she’d let others do the same… she always adapts to others, but does not let others adapt to her. I think you’re the first person besides me who has actually asked her what she wants to do and adapt to her”
“People are stupid” he suddenly said and I chuckled. “I mean, Madelyn has such a kind soul. I can’t help to be drawn to it”
“Ominis…” I said. “Are you…”
But before I could finish my sentence Professor Hecat started the class.

After class I noticed Maddie still talking with a big smile on her face to Poppy.
Ominis was walking behind them and joined the conversation.
‘Does he have a crush on Maddie? Though I suppose both of them wouldn’t notice it even it was written in front of their faces…’
“You seem lost in thought, Miss Brooks” said Professor Hecat, I had to stay behind to learn a new spell.
“I’m sorry, I’m just happy for my sister” I said. “I’m glad she’s starting to fit in”
“Your sister is indeed a very hard worker, just like yourself actually” she said. “You both have improved so much in just a week”
“Thank you, Professor” I said. “I did complete all the assignments you had given me”

~

-Madelyn Brooks POV-

A few days later

Poppy had introduced me to Highwing, Hippogriffs are magnificent creatures…
I even met one I named Milo. He allowed me to take care of him.
I even attended a magical beasts class, and it immediately became my favourite class.
“Eh is everyone seeing that that statue suddenly has a note in its mouth?” I said when we were walking down the clocktower yard.
“That’s strange” said Sebastian and took the note.
“What does it say?” asked Ominis.
“You’ll never believe this” said Sebastian. “It’s from Black’s house-elf. Here”

I read the note with my sister.
‘Scrope knows about that book you found. Is it missing something? Scrope does not believe it is safe to speak out in the open. Scrope has left another note, across the bridge among the circle of rocks. Take care. Tell no one about this’
“If he didn’t want anyone to find this, he should have just given it to us” I sighed.
“It is about that book you found in the restricted section” said Ominis. “If we want to find out what all of this is about, we should follow it”
“What if it’s a trap?” I asked. “Professor Black seems up to that sort of things”
“No” said Ominis. “He doesn’t have time for traps for students”
“Ominis is right” said Alice. “We should follow it. I mean, there’s four of us. Even if it is a trap, there’s safety in numbers, right?”
“You’re right” I said. “We really need to find out what this Ancient Magic is we keep seeing, what those memories were about”
“Well then. Let’s go” said Sebastian.

“Seriously?” I said when we walked over the bridge. “Why is it so sketchy made? Can’t you guys build a straight bridge?”
“It has been around for hundreds of years” said Ominis.
“Please tell me it is checked regularly” I said. “On second thought, I already know the answer to that one… I don’t need to hear it”
We finally reached the end of the long bridge and I saw the note.
“Okay that note is pretty high” I said.
Sebastian and Alice tried ‘Accio’ but it didn’t budge.
“You guys” I said and they looked at me. “You don’t need magic for everything, you know. Ominis or Sebastian, please lift me up so I can grab that”
“I’ll do it” said Ominis, I guided him where he should stand so I could reach it. “You ready?”
“Go for it” I smiled, he lifted me up like it was nothing… I grabbed the note and he safely put me down.

‘Oh God, his face is so close’
I was so glad it was dark outside, otherwise Alice would’ve teased me about my stupid red face.
I read the note out loud: “Almost there. Head for the pumpkins, just down from the stone circle. Look inside one of them. You may be able to help poor, broken-hearted Scrope”
“I know where that is” said Sebastian.
“Why all of this trouble when he could’ve just talked to us?” I sighed.

We arrived at the pumpkin place, Alice casted Revelio and destroyed one of the pumpkins to reveal the note.
“You can grab that one” I said, looking at all the pumpkin goo.
“The young Slytherins must be exceptionally curios by now. Meet Scrope at the water’s edge, by the broken docks” read Alice. “Down to the water’s edge. Hmm… this really had better not be a trick”
We arrived and there was no one, until suddenly a house-elf with one ear appeared.
“Oh my God!” I tried not to yell. “Why do people keep doing that?”
“Thank you for coming all this way” said Scrope. “I did not expect you to bring others”
“If you wanted that, you shouldn’t have left the note in an open place” I said. “Everyone could have gotten to it”
“I shall remember that” he said. “The name’s Scrope. Scrope serves the Headmaster. Been in the Black family for years. Apologies for the abundance of notes. Scrope wanted to be sure you weren’t followed”

“What’s this all about?” asked Alice. “Your notes mentioned the book I found in the Restricted Section”
“Scrope can tell you more in exchange for your help” he said. “But no one – especially the Headmaster – can know”
“Happy to help” said Alice. “Especially if you can shed light on the book”
“This better be worth it” said Sebastian.
“Scrope is grateful” said Scrope. “Scrope’s late mistress Apollonia Black – may she rest in peace – was a student at Hogwarts over fifty years ago. Before she died, she spoke with passion of pages ripped from a book. Scrope suspects she took them to her private grotto. She was delirious at the end, poor thing. Mistook belladonna for elderberries. Scrope tried to warn her”
“She was always delirious” whispered Ominis in my ear.

“I’m sorry to hear that” said Alice. “But… how do you benefit if we find the pages?”
“Scrope believes that a treasured Black family ring is also in the grotto” said Scrope. “Scrope wishes to give it to the Headmaster. Apollonia forbade Scrope from entering the grotto long ago. Scrope continues to honour her wishes. Scrope would not dare ask a student form help. But when Scrope learned you two were looking for those pages. Scrope thought you might also find the ring”
“Hang on a second” I said. “How did you know we found a book and that it’s missing pages?”
“Scrope and the other house-elves are good at staying out of sight” he answered. “Scrope hears and sees many things in the castle. Scrope knows how to keep secrets”
“Well, that’s not creepy at all” I said. “One more question. How did you hurt your ear?”
“The Blacks have a tradition of decapitating their house-elves when their service is no longer required” he said. “One day, dear Apollonia was understandably frustrated with Scrope and got a bit too eager with a cleaver. Scrope was able to convince the sweet girl of his value and now views this small injury as a reminder of her good heart”

‘Her good heart?! What the hell’
“You’re right” I whispered to Ominis. “She does sound like a lunatic”
“Well, it seems like this may help us all” said Alice. “We shall do it”
“Scrope is relieved” said Scrope. “Scrope hoped the young Slytherins would be willing to help. Take this toast to the grotto just down the coast. Place it on the pedestal there. Good luck. Scrope will wait right here for you. Best of luck finding your pages and the ring”
“Well, no time like the present” said Sebastian and we walked down the coast.
“What the hell is wrong with that Black family?” I asked. “A small injury?! Decapitating?! That is not normal, that’s barbaric”
“That is unfortunately the way of many pure-blood families” said Ominis. “My family does the same with our house-elves”

“Oh, do we have to walk through that water?” I whined.
“It’s just a short walk” said Alice.
“Besides, we know a warming up spell” said Sebastian.
“Hello? Anti-magic Squib here” I said.
“Right… that’s a drawback of that I suppose” he said. “I’m sorry”
“It’s fine” I said. “I’ll just bite through it”
But the water was so bloody cold!
When we got out of the water, I was freezing. They all warmed themselves up with that spell.
Ominis took off his sweater and gave it to me.
“But you’ll be cold” I said, but he pushed it in my hands.
“It’s fine” he said. “I’ll just keep using the spell. You need it more than I do”
“Thank you, Ominis” I said and put it on.
It smelled like him… and it was warm from that spell.
“Better?” he asked and I hid my face in the sweater.
“Yes, a lot better” I said. “Thank you, Ominis”
I heard my sister giggle softly behind us, together with Sebastian.
I looked at her and she knew that I would laugh at her too if something like this ever happened to her.

“Watch out! Dugbogs” said Sebastian.
Ominis protected me from the slimy Dugbogs, and by the time they were all defeated, it was beginning to look like morning… Luckily it was Saturday, so there was no curfew or anything.
We had to swim into the grotto…
“I’ll dry the sweater when we come out” said Ominis. “So you’ll keep warm”
We got out of it and I gave the sweater back to Ominis so he could dry it with magic and so it’d be warm to put back on.
“Thanks” I said and pulled it quickly over my head again.
“Now, why would we need a piece of toast?” asked Alice. “I suppose that’s where it goes”
She placed it on the pedestal and an opening appeared.
“That’s totally not creepy…” I whispered.

We entered the room and suddenly a ghost appeared.
“Could it be? A visitor?” he said, but he was decapitated.
“Oh my God!” I said. “He is holding his head”
But the ghost simply put it back on his neck.
“I think I’m going to vomit” I said.
“Please don’t, I am sorry for scaring you” said the ghost. “The name’s Richard Jackdaw. I was a student just like you guys about a century ago. How in the world did you find this place?”
“A house-elf named Scrope sent us” said Alice. “Said I might find a Black family ring here”
“Ah, sorry to say, I sold the ring a long time ago” said Jackdaw. “Poor Scrope. Still holds a candle for Apollonia I reckon. Can’t say I blame him, I stole all these treasures just to impress her. Alas, to no avail. I thought a secret map I pilfered from Peeves would pique her interest, but she simply rolled her eyes. ‘What would I want with yellowed, old pages torn from a book?’ Not my finest moment”

“We’d like to have those pages, if you don’t mind” said Alice.
“They’re not here” he said. “I thought if Apollonia wasn’t interested in the map on the pages, perhaps it would lead to something that would intrigue her. So I followed the map, to what I can only describe as an enchanted cave of some kind. And you see what happened next. Here’s an idea, why don’t you meet me at the edge of the Forbidden Forest and I’ll show you where to find the pages?”
“I think we can guess how you died” said Sebastian. “But who did it to you?”
“I was having a look around when I suddenly sensed a refreshing breeze” Jackdaw explained. “After that, I felt, well, light-headed. That’s all I remember. Hence, if you do visit the cave, be prepared. I can’t tell you what for specifically, but you guys seem a perceptive sort. Beware a light breeze”
“I suppose if that’s the only way for us to get those pages” said Alice. “We’ll meet you at the forest”
“I’m sure the pages are still tucked in my waistcoat” he said. “If you don’t mind the sight of a… well, my decapitated skeleton, they’re yours for the taking”
“We should go back to Scrope first” I said. “Then we can talk about the pages and how to retrieve them”
Alice knew what I was suggesting and she nodded.
‘We can’t just let the boys come with us… it could be dangerous…’

We returned to Scrope and I was grateful for Ominis’s sweater. It was getting colder since we were nearing October.
“Hello Scrope” said Alice. “Thanks to you, we were able to enter Apollonia’s grotto. The toast was the key. We met a ghost there – Richard Jackdaw – who’s agreed to lead us to the pages we’ve been looking for”
Scrope scuffed at the name. “That boy was never good enough for Apollonia” he said. “What of the Black family ring?”
“I’m sorry to say that Jackdaw sold it long ago” said Alice.
“Sad news indeed” he said. “Scrope shall need to think of another way to impress the Headmaster. Scrope takes some consolation in knowing the young Slytherins found what they needed”
“We did” I said. “Thank you again, Scrope. You’re a credit to house-elves”