Chapter 355: A Christmas Gathering
This was a most unusual Christmas gathering.
Not long after Professor McGonagall's arrival, a cold-faced Severus Snape also materialized within the emerald flames of the hearth. He cast a look of profound distaste around the room—despite it being warm, well-lit, and perfectly equipped for brewing—before giving his robes a sharp, dramatic flick and sitting down with a dark scowl.
A Christmas tree stood in the corner, the star at its peak radiating a warm, golden glow. Outside, the snow fell in a fine, silent powder. Under Professor McGonagall's strict instructions, Sean had been bundled up until he was practically a ball of wool, wearing a thick hand-knitted sweater, a heavy overcoat, a scarf, and a pair of small gloves.
On the table beside him lay a leather-bound journal that Headmistress Isolt seemed to have left behind intentionally. It contained the early chronicles of Ilvermorny. As Sean watched, his Quick-Quotes Quill scratched away at a copy, while his Blunt Brooch read the text aloud in a clear, measured voice:
"Isolt's early childhood was idyllic and beautiful, filled with the love of her parents. The family often worked in secret to aid their No-Maj neighbors, using magic to heal both the people and their livestock.
Isolt Sayre's mother, Rionach Sayre, was born into the Gaunt family—a pure-blood line descended from Salazar Slytherin himself. However, Rionach did not share the bigoted views of her kin, choosing instead to befriend the non-magical community. Isolt's father, William Sayre, was a direct descendant of the famous Irish witch Morrigan, an Animagus who could take the form of a crow. Consequently, William gave his daughter the nickname 'Morrigan,' for even as a child, she possessed a singular affinity for the natural world..."
The broadcast-like voice of the brooch blended with the crisp crunch-crunch of Snowy pacing across the snow-dusted windowsill and the low murmur of Professor McGonagall's conversation.
"Which House did they place you in?" McGonagall asked.
"Horned Serpent, Professor," Sean replied.
"I see... Olivia told me that Ilvermorny has a rare occurrence where all four statues petition for a student at once."
"Yes, Professor. I chose the Serpent."
"An excellent choice..."
Sean continued his dinner, responding politely to the Professor's queries. It was a strange sensation; despite seeing them daily at Hogwarts, he rarely had the opportunity to share a formal meal with his teachers.
The Christmas tree was decorated with a variety of magical trinkets, ranging from shimmering holly berries to tiny enchanted cats that meowed rhythmically. The flowerpots in the room had been charmed to sing carols the moment the fireplace was lit. Hearing a terracotta pot belt out "O Come, All Ye Faithful" was an exercise in the absurd—especially since the pots only seemed to know half the lyrics.
Professor Snape had already been forced to stand up several times to yank a garden gnome out of the larger pots. The gnomes had hidden inside and were "assisting" the carols by shouting crude, foul-mouthed insults whenever the flowerpots paused for breath.
McGonagall and Sean watched in silence as Snape hauled a particularly stubborn gnome out by its heels and tossed it into the snowy darkness outside. The gnome spared a piteous look for Sean before scurrying away, sobbing under the weight of Snape's murderous glare.
This Christmas, the snow was perfect, and the company was even better. The snow tapped at the windows, and wizards stepped out of fireplaces.
The arrival of dawn meant it was time for Sean to get to work.
He needed to finalize his mastery of the Undetectable Extension Charm and find a Wampus Cat—a task he hoped Headmistress Isolt might assist him with. Furthermore, he was intensely curious about the "Final Death of Ghosts" she had mentioned. He wondered where the phantom Headmistress had drifted off to; tracking the path of a ghost was more difficult than predicting how many points Snape would take from Harry on a Tuesday.
More importantly, Sean had classes to attend.
Even during the Christmas break, Ilvermorny offered a variety of elective courses. The students could choose to study or spend their days playing; the professors didn't teach heavy theory, but rather organized what amounted to high-level magical games.
According to the introductory pamphlet the Horned Serpent Prefect had given him, Sean felt his choice of House had been the right one. The students here were remarkably helpful.
"How lovely..."
A dreamy, echoing voice spoke as Sean rose from his bed. It was Isolt.
"No matter the time or place, home is the foundation of love," she said with a soft smile.
Sean paused, his hand halfway to a textbook. How could she tell what I was thinking?
"I know you are curious about many things, child. Why not attend the Care of Magical Creatures class today? I believe you will find our returning 'Old Professor' to be quite stimulating. As for the Final Death... come find me when the sun sets. The story is better suited for the dark."
With a wave of her hand, Isolt ushered him out the door. The moment Sean stepped out, the Stone Cottage vanished behind him. It was a localized concealment charm; he knew it would reappear the moment he returned.
At Hogwarts, Care of Magical Creatures was a third-year elective. At Ilvermorny, however, it seemed to be open to everyone, a tradition stemming from the school's founders.
As he walked the snowy path, Sean recalled a passage from his notes:
[After Isolt befriended the Pukwudgie named William, he began to introduce her to the various magical beasts of the region. Together they embarked on countless adventures, battling Hidebehinds, observing the hunting patterns of Snallygasters, and watching newborn Wampus Cats play in the first light of dawn. A great Horned Serpent lived in a nearby creek; Isolt was fascinated by it, and the creature returned her affection...]
Sean's quill moved across his parchment as he walked, tracing the runic arrays Professor Terra had taught him. His constant study had yielded a new breakthrough:
Title: High-Tier Alchemist
[Provides a massive increase in sensitivity toward alchemical magic, significantly boosts alchemical talent, and grants a high level of mastery over magical rituals.]
In the art of Alchemy, he was moving faster than ever. He estimated that within three days, he would have a working prototype for the Wampus Biscuit.
By the time Sean entered the main castle, he was dressed in the Ilvermorny uniform. The robes were a striking blue and cranberry—colors representing James Steward's favorite cranberry pie and Isolt's childhood dream of Ravenclaw. The cloak was fastened with a golden Gordian Knot, a replica of the brooch Isolt had found in the ruins of the original cottage.
Unbeknownst to Sean, he was wearing a piece of living history. He made his way toward the grounds, eager to meet the legendary "Hufflepuff Senior"—Master Newt Scamander, who would now be nearly ninety years old.
[End of Chapter 355]
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