Hogwarts: Proficiency Panel

Chapter 519 520: Back to School

As memories of the past surfaced, Professor McGonagall's lips trembled, but she

chose to remain silent.

"I thought... we were of one mind regarding the boy," Snape murmured, his voice

sounding uncharacteristically strained.

"I am taking him with me today," McGonagall said, bypassing his sentiment and

moving straight to her requirement.

"Meaningless social entanglements. You are making him soft," Snape sneered, his

face clouding over.

"I believe the exact opposite is true," McGonagall countered.

"Hmph."

Snape didn't push further; he had made his point. Sean was a brilliant wizard,

but he was always surrounded by "dunderheads" like Potter—brawny, impulsive, and

simple-minded. If Sean was going to Hogsmeade, it was best he avoided that boy.

Everyone knew that Sirius Black, the high-profile fugitive and the Dark Lord's

right hand, was looking for one thing only.

"You should know about the safe house," McGonagall said suddenly as she turned

to leave.

"What?" Snape paused.

"He has a Portkey. It leads to a residence protected by the Fidelius Charm."

Snape was silent for a long moment. "...And the Secret Keeper? Me?"

"You and I both," McGonagall nodded slowly.

"Heh... what else have you lot given him? An unregistered Portkey, a hidden safe

house... why not give him an unregistered wand while you're at it? Then he could

truly become a criminal the Ministry would never catch."

Snape meant it as a biting sarcasm, but McGonagall's expression suddenly turned

awkward.

"Don't tell me..."

Snape froze in shock. He had never imagined that someone had already done

exactly what he was suggesting.

"It isn't quite what you think..." McGonagall looked as though the words were

stuck in her throat.

"I'm not sure I want to hear the rest," Snape muttered. He had very little

respect for Ministry laws himself, but he was starting to feel a genuine

curiosity about the more mysterious members of the McGonagall clan. He had

assumed they were all as stiff and rule-abiding as his former teacher.

Interesting... very interesting... Snape suppressed a smirk.

An unregistered Animagus, carrying an unregistered Portkey, an untraceable wand,

and a secret safe house... Snape realized that unless Sean intentionally walked

into a trap, there was almost nothing in the world that could truly threaten

him.

Then, his smirk vanished. He remembered that the "brat" had a knack for walking

directly into danger.

As Snape's mood soured, Sean sat in the next room, quietly touching the Portkey

and the spare wand in his bag. Grandpa Marcus was a legendary Auror for a

reason—he knew exactly how to acquire "extralegal" equipment.

Sean realized he had a very solid escape plan if things ever went south.

Sean spent the final week of summer at the McGonagall estate. This meant that to

return to Hogwarts, his best option was the Hogwarts Express. Professor

McGonagall seemed to enjoy the idea of him taking the train with the other

students—socializing with friends his own age.

During his week at the farm, Sean noticed something peculiar: the number of

animals was steadily decreasing. If Sean's gaze lingered on a particular

creature for more than ten seconds, the next time he saw it, it would be

simmering in a large pot in the kitchen.

Grandpa Marcus was a spirited old wizard who took great pleasure in helping

Minerva teach Sean the Patronus Charm.

Surprisingly, all three of them shared the same form for their Patronus: a cat.

Professor McGonagall's Patronus was high-born and elegant. Sean's was vivid and

solid. Marcus's Patronus, however, was exceptionally... round. It floated in the

air looking more like a fat dog than a feline.

McGonagall teased him about it more than once. The old wizard would simply puff

out his chest and grumble about how "he was lean in his youth," and "why

shouldn't a Patronus age with its master?" or "being fat makes it a better

shield."

Under the combined tutelage of a Master of Transfiguration and a veteran Auror,

Sean mastered the corporeal Patronus, bringing his proficiency up to

[Proficient].

As for Fiendfyre, he was at the final stretch. Within the first three days of

the new term, he would officially become a Master of the Dark Arts.

"Do you wish to visit Hogsmeade this year?"

On the morning of September 1st, as they prepared to head to King's Cross,

Professor McGonagall looked up from her newspaper and asked the question.

Sean looked at her gentle gaze and didn't answer right away. McGonagall seemed

to understand his hesitation; she smiled and rose from her chair. "Come along,

child. It's time to go. Back to Hogwarts."

Grandpa Marcus and the younger McGonagall kin saw them off. Even as they reached

Platform 9¾, Marcus's advice was still ringing in Sean's ears.

"Sirius Black... I know he's out there. Be careful, boy, but don't live in fear.

We'll catch him. More importantly, enjoy yourself. A life lived with vitality is

the only kind worth having."

In the blink of an eye, Sean and Professor McGonagall passed through the solid

barrier and onto the platform.

The Hogwarts Express—a magnificent, scarlet steam engine—sat huffing clouds of

white smoke. The platform was a sea of wizards and witches saying goodbye to

their children.

The Weasley family, along with Harry, Hermione, and Justin, appeared through the

barrier moments later.

"Oh, Professor McGonagall! What an honor—are you escorting the first years?

Wait! Sean! Dear boy, is that you?"

Mrs. Weasley hurried over, looking surprised to see Sean with the Professor

again—it had been the same when he visited the Burrow. She couldn't quite figure

out the connection. After all, the boy's name was Sean Green, not Sean

McGonagall.

"Mrs. Weasley," Sean said warmly.

"It's so good to see you!" Mrs. Weasley pulled him into one of her signature

bear hugs.

Professor McGonagall watched with a slight frown, which left Mrs. Weasley

looking a bit confused.

"Sean!"

Justin, Hermione, and Harry ran over to join them. Ron was the last to arrive,

his eyes fixed on Percy, who had just spotted someone in the crowd.

"Look at that," Ron whispered, nudging the others.

They followed his gaze to where Percy was standing. "Ah, Penelope!" Percy called

out, smoothing his hair, his face turning a bright shade of pink.

The group shared a silent look and turned away to hide their snickering. Mrs.

Weasley flushed slightly, feeling the awkwardness of the situation with a

Professor standing right there.

Nearby, Percy marched toward a girl with long, curly hair, puffing out his chest

so she could get a clear view of his shiny Head Boy badge.

"Right, well... come on, children. The train's about to leave," Mrs. Weasley

said hurriedly.

She kissed each of her children in turn, followed by Hermione, Justin, and

Harry. When she moved toward Sean, however, Professor McGonagall stepped in.

"Forgive me, Mrs. Weasley, but he must board immediately," McGonagall said, her face a mask of professional indifference.

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