Passionate Professors || Sebastian Sallow

Part 1 | Ch. 15 - Astronomy Tower

Now that the school year was fast approaching, I picked up the pace of getting everything ready for September. I was just about done with my lesson plans, a perfect excuse to visit the Headmaster's office and try to get more insight into the secretive conversation that I overheard the other day between him and Sebastian.

My classroom had come together nicely. I continued to add decorations and tweak the floor plan making it more open and inviting. Instead of the wooden desks facing forward to the podium like Professor Hecat had it, they faced inward, toward what would be the dueling stage when we needed it. Envisioning my ideal class, it would be part lecture, part demonstration. I had planned to show the students more practical magic, much like my predecessor. It was important that they could defend themselves against the darkness out in the Wizarding World, but I truly hoped they'd never have to.

Not able to resist my curiosity and longer, and needing to know more about this Wiggenweld investigation, I set out towards the Headmaster's office.

As I reached the stone Griffin guarding the steps, I realized I had forgotten the password. Wait, did I ever learn it? Before I could formulate a plan, the statue lurched forward and started swirling up the chamber. I quickly hopped on and waited for it to reach the top. Garreth must've been the reason for the Griffin's sudden movement, because he was standing right at the entryway, the movement of the stairs ceasing.

"Hi Gianna, I was actually just leaving." He backed up, letting me into the opulent office.

"Hi. I just wanted to show you the progress on my lessons, figured you'd like to see them." I asserted, pulling the books out of my bag.

"Oh, that's not necessary. I trust you'll get them done in time." He hurried me along, his hand gently motioning towards the doorway. "I really do have to get going, special Ministry business." His eyes reflected the inevitable stress that was running through his mind.

"You know, I am curious about that. The investigation." I expressed, hoping my piqued interest would get him to spill.

"You know I can't talk about it." He said sternly, shaking his head, his orange hair flying about.

"I won't tell anyone, you can trust me. Besides, I might be able to help. I talked to and bought from a lot of potion vendors in the Scottish Highlands when I was an Auror." I reminded him, "I could have some insight." I was proud of my quick thinking, especially since I didn't expect him not to spill the information.

He thought for a moment, eyes darting around the circular office. The portraits of previous Headmasters bustled about in their frames, as if we we didn't exist in their world. A painting of a tired old man hung in a golden frame next to a shelf, books and parchment strewn across. The man sat in an armchair as he whittled a piece of wood with a sharp knife. He made eye contact with me before going back to his project.

"Okay, I can fill you in on some details I guess," he whispered, careful to make sure no one was listening even though we were alone. "But not here. I'll meet you at the Astronomy Tower in ten minutes." He was practically pushing me out the door and down the spiral stairs before I could say another word.

I walked briskly through the castle, checking over my shoulder every so often just in case someone was following me. While I shouldn't have had anything to worry about, my recent run in with Sebastian after his heated conversation with Garreth in the corridors left me feeling on edge.

The heat from the summer sun hit my face as I finished the trek up the winding stairs. Out of breath, I leaned against a pillar, huffing heavily until my heart rate regulated.

I rolled up my sleeves, fidgeting with a white button. As I waited alone on the highest tower at Hogwarts, something dawned on me. I thought back to Sebastian and I's conversation we had in the Undercroft.