Chapter 351: Arrival at Mount Greylock
At the Hogwarts Christmas feast, everyone was eating with gusto—including Sean, who was preparing for a long journey.
Having finished his reading on the history of Ilvermorny Castle, Sean's focus naturally shifted to the intricate theory of the Undetectable Extension Charm. A new dilemma had presented itself: what kind of container should he choose for his focus?
Most wizards opted for something practical and portable, like a trunk. Newt Scamander and Professor Terra both favored cases. Other choices throughout history had been more eccentric: some wizards stitched the charm into the pockets of their robes, others into simple leather pouches; Mr. Weasley had even famously applied it to the boot of a flying Ford Anglia.
Sean knew he didn't need to rush. He had only just unlocked the charm on his system panel and had only recently received the rare materials from Professor Terra. However, Sean also knew his time was limited. He needed to master the construction of an Undetectable Extension Pouch as quickly as possible so he could move on to the next stage: creating artificial habitats and stable climates within a folded space.
This involved complex Weather-Working Charms and high-level Transfiguration. The undisputed master of that field was their illustrious Hufflepuff senior, Newt Scamander. The thought of potentially meeting Mr. Scamander at Ilvermorny and being unable to ask for his advice felt like a wasted opportunity.
Thus, the creation of an alchemical storage item became Sean's top priority. Even as the feast continued around him, he practiced the wand movements over a small matchbox:
[Alert: You have practiced the Undetectable Extension Charm at an Apprentice standard. Proficiency +3]
[Alert: You have practiced the Undetectable Extension Charm at an Apprentice standard. Proficiency +3]
...
[Undetectable Extension Charm: Entry (250/300)]
A week of focused effort was paying off. By dedicating his mental energy to a single spell, he had nearly "ground" the charm to the Adept level.
As the feast drew to a close and the students patted their comfortably rounded stomachs, Sean prepared to depart.
"See you tomorrow, Sean," Harry and Ron said, yawning as they bid him goodnight.
"I'll see you both after the Christmas holidays," Sean replied with a nod.
"What do you mean, after the holidays?" Ron asked, looking bewildered. But he was far too tired to press for an answer. He and an equally exhausted Harry shuffled off toward Gryffindor Tower.
They had a big night planned with the Hogwarts Kneazle Society. They needed a quick nap if they were going to make it to the "Christmas Kneazle" vigil. The rumor that the guardian might actually manifest on Christmas night was too exciting to ignore.
Arriving at the portrait hole, they found Sir Cadogan enjoying a festive dinner with a few painted monks, several former Headmasters, and his fat little grey pony. He pushed his visor up and hoisted a flagon of mead in their direction.
"Merry—hic—Christmas! The Fat Lady is three sheets to the wind, so I'm standing in. Password?"
"Scurvy cur," Ron muttered.
"And a fine evening to you too, sir!" Sir Cadogan bellowed, the portrait swinging forward to let them in.
High in the North Tower, near the Gryffindor dormitories, the door to the Alchemy Office creaked open.
Sean knew Professor Terra kept several offices throughout the castle, moving between them depending on the nature of her work. She was even rumored to be involved in the ongoing magical maintenance of the castle's ancient stones. But Sean had never been to this specific room.
It looked like a transit hub, similar to the ones found deep within the Ministry of Magic. There were at least five fireplaces lined up against the wall, each connected to the Floo Network and roaring with emerald-green flames. The walls and ceiling were crafted from rough-hewn stone, and circular lanterns emitting a soft green light hung from heavy chains.
In front of a particularly ornate hearth, a fire crackled, illuminating Professor Terra's joyful face.
"Come, my apprentice. Remember the trick to Floo travel? Speak clearly. The destination is Ilvermorny Castle—"
Terra grabbed Sean's hand and strode toward the fire. She snatched a handful of glittering powder from a jar on the mantel and tossed it into the flames.
The green fire surged, swallowing them both.
Ilvermorny Castle sat atop the highest peak of Mount Greylock in Massachusetts. Tonight, the mountain was a world of stark, brilliant white.
In the center of the snow-covered landscape stood a solitary stone hut. Suddenly, the long-cold fireplace inside the hut roared to life with green flames. Two weary wizards stepped out into the room.
After several transfers through various international magical hubs, Sean had finally arrived. He looked around, blinking.
Where is the castle?
He scanned the horizon, seeing nothing but snow-capped peaks and jagged rocks. He looked back and realized he had emerged from a very modest, somewhat cramped stone structure.
"The original stone cottage. Eugenia Herrera... she really did roll out the red carpet," Professor Terra remarked. She was busy examining the various runes and symbols carved into the stone walls.
"My apprentice, do you know where we are?" Terra asked. She seemed unable to resist the call of the ancient carvings. With a snap of her fingers, she transfigured a piece of loose stone into a soft cushion, which gently nudged Sean toward the center of the room.
"This is the cottage built by Isolt Sayre and her No-Maj husband, James Steward," Sean said after a moment's reflection.
This hut was the original form of Ilvermorny—the place where the two founders had first begun to teach.
"I don't recall that fact being common knowledge—remarkable intellect!"
A new voice rang out. Sean turned to see an elderly witch approaching. She had hair as white as moonlight, tied into a neat bun at the nape of her neck, with a few rebellious curls framing her face. She wore robes of striking blue and cranberry, giving her an air of regal authority.
"The illustrious Mr. Hermes has finally arrived at the castle that has been waiting for him," the woman said with a warm, slightly excited smile.
The Headmistress's enthusiasm caught Sean off guard; she stepped forward as if to take his hand. However, Professor Terra, who had finally looked away from the runes, stepped between them. A dangerous, protective light flickered in her eyes.
"Eugenia Herrera, stay at least three feet away from my apprentice."
Knowing the tradition of master alchemists being fiercely protective of their disciples, Headmistress Herrera actually took two steps back. Attempting to "poach" a star pupil from an alchemist of Terra's standing was a good way to start a magical feud. After all, Terra was recognized as the greatest living alchemist behind only Nicolas Flamel—a title that spoke not just to her intellect, but to her formidable combat ability in defending her work.
"Relax, Olivia. We've been friends for fifty years," Headmistress Herrera laughed.
"Yes, and in fifty years I've yet to see you produce a single qualified apprentice of your own," Terra retorted, her expression turning quite... peculiar.
The room went silent for a few beats before Headmistress Herrera gave Terra a helpless, mock-glaring look. "We needn't dwell on the past. You've arrived just in time; the statues are still awake..."
[End of Chapter 351]
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