A breeze slipped through the stained-glass windows as Sean sipped pumpkin juice that Justin had somehow gotten his hands on.
A few wispy clouds floated across the sky like white flowers in an oil painting, and the sunlight warmed his skin, cozy and comforting.
[Sleep grants spirits, ghosts, and fetches freedom of movement, unhindered by distance.
It allows instant connection between people far apart, sometimes in a half-conversational state.]
This was from Professor McGonagall's notes on the ancient concept of a "fetch." Understanding it was key to transforming the "self" into a "living creature."
If mastered deeply, a wizard might even learn to become an Animagus, as described in Intermediate Transfiguration. Though being an Animagus might not be all that practical, Sean was still intrigued by the unique experience.
As for dreams and fetches, Sean had a sudden realization. In Goblet of Fire, Harry had a dream about Cho Chang, Cedric, and his Firebolt. Later, the dream shifted—Harry's body transformed into a snake.
This might tie to McGonagall's note:
[Those unaware they possess a fetch interpret what they see as a dream, but those who know understand they aren't dreaming—they've manifested a fetch.]
Harry, Voldemort, and Nagini were connected as fetches, which is why Dumbledore later told Harry he'd been keeping an eye on Nagini for a long time.
Magic, after centuries of development, was never simple. Sometimes it felt like deciphering a cryptic tome. Without a qualified guide, young wizards would struggle to grasp it.
If McGonagall hadn't shared her notes, Sean would've been stuck in the library, hoping to stumble upon such advanced knowledge by sheer luck.
Take James and Sirius—they'd mastered becoming Animagi and even taught Peter Pettigrew. This showed that in the wizarding world, hands-on mentorship was always the most effective way to learn.
Leaves rustled outside the window, and the breeze sneaked through the cracks, only to be chased off by the roaring flames in the fireplace. Sean noticed Justin nudging Neville to pass a piece of parchment with a Levitation Charm.
Neville's face was red with focus, not daring to lose concentration. Only when the parchment landed did he let out a long, relieved breath.
A genuine burst of joy lit up Neville's face as excited voices rang out beside him.
"Brilliant job, Neville!" Justin cheered.
"Your left-hand gesture could be a bit bigger—I mean, that's huge progress, Neville," Sean added.
Sean picked up the parchment from the edge of the wooden table. The handwriting seemed to glow warmly in the firelight:
[Oh, Sean, I've been meaning to ask you for ages.
When can we chat about Chocolate Frog cards again? Or maybe the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall?
You know what those toads in the Potions classroom cabinet remind me of?
That Chocolate Frog you helped me catch.
Want to check out the Hogwarts kitchens?
Just you, me, and Hermione.
Okay, Sean, I know you're busy, but it's not just the amazing magic that needs you—it's us, too.]
Sean froze for a moment. He glanced up to see Justin and Hermione looking at him. Hermione peeked over her book, her eyes just visible, while Justin gave him a warm, genuine smile.
"House-elves?!" Hermione exclaimed as they walked from the Great Hall toward the kitchens. "You mean the ones who can perform magic without wands, usually found in old wizarding families' fancy estates?"
"Yep," Justin said, his own curiosity piqued by Hermione's excitement. "You're really into them, huh?"
"Of course!" Hermione pulled out Hogwarts: A History from her bag and pointed to a passage. "There's a whole group of house-elves living at Hogwarts, but I've never seen them. They usually hide from wizards, so—"
Her nose tilted upward. "Are you sure you've found them?"
"If—this is what I think it is," Justin said, lightly tickling the pear in the painting. It squirmed, giggling, and transformed into a gleaming golden door handle.
"The 'Never Go Hungry' Club welcomes you—go on, Hermione, open the door."
Hermione glanced nervously at Sean and Justin. Justin gestured for her to go ahead, and Sean gave a quiet nod.
With a creak, the door opened, revealing a vast chamber. The ceiling wasn't as high as the Great Hall's, but it was just as grand. Four long wooden tables—identical to the ones for the four Houses upstairs—were neatly aligned, ensuring the house-elves could send food up to the right spots.
A massive fireplace roared with flames that danced year-round, copper cauldrons hanging above, big enough to stew soup for a hundred people.
But the real magic was everywhere, happening all at once.
"Switching Spells, Levitation Charms, and tons of food-related magic—all wandless and silent," Hermione said, her eyes wide as she scribbled furiously with her quill. "So this is the Hogwarts kitchen."
"The food that just appears—is that the house-elves sending it up?" Sean asked softly.
"You got it," Justin said, not surprised. "Oh, Sean, you can ask them for anything you want to eat. By the way, for some reason, the house-elves seem to really like you—"
A tiny, bony house-elf approached Sean. It had bat-like ears, eyes as big and round as tennis balls, and a long, flat nose. It seemed to have been nudged forward by the others to speak for them.
"Welcome, welcome, Mr. Green! Would you like something to eat?" it squeaked.
Sean blinked, confused. "Uh, do you know me?"
"Of course, Mr. Sean Green! We've been hoping you'd visit," the elf said, twisting its hands nervously, its words puzzling Sean.
"Can I know your name?" Sean asked gently, holding off on other questions.
"Oh! Oh! It's my honor!" The elf, dressed in tattered rags, spoke in a high-pitched voice. "I'm Ella, Mr. Green."
"Ella? Nice to meet you. Can I ask—why do you know me?" Sean said.
Sean couldn't imagine why the house-elves would notice him, just like he never thought he'd be popular among first-year wizards.
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