Violet Summer: The Philosopher's Stone

Chapter 21: The First Teaching

 The silence hung heavy, tainted with an unsettling tension. Toni's father, with his piercing dark violet eyes, seemed to cast a shadow upon her, evoking a sense of foreboding akin to the Dark Lord himself. His shades, cradled in his hand. His presence at Hogwarts could only mean that something of utmost importance had compelled him to make such a journey. The possibilities raced through Toni's mind, but the true reason for his arrival remained a mere speculation.

Her heart pounded with an anxious rhythm as she pondered the cause of her father's unexpected appearance. Could it be related to her detentions, or had word of the Philosopher's Stone reached him? Perhaps it stemmed from her failure to write him a letter, or maybe it extended beyond the castle walls, hinting at a dire situation involving her grandfather that could result in her immediate departure from Hogwarts. Such a prospect was the last thing she desired. She had yearned for the freedom and escape that Hogwarts offered since she was young, and now, at the beginning of her journey, she fervently hoped that her father's presence did not signal an abrupt end to it all.

"Mathias, I would like to express my gratitude for your presence at Hogwarts. Dumbledore sends his apologies for not being able to meet with you personally, as he was called to the Ministry for urgent matters. He has requested that I discuss Antonia's progress in her first year with you," Professor McGonagall addressed Toni's father.

Mathias's gaze shifted away from Toni for the first time since she entered the room. He greeted McGonagall with a warm smile. "There is no need to apologize, Minerva. I am accustomed to dealing with urgent business on short notice, which is why I am here."

"Very well," McGonagall replied, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness as she adjusted her robes and took a seat behind her desk. "Please, Miss Rothley, have a seat."

Toni felt a mix of awkwardness and relief as she glanced between her father and McGonagall. She was grateful that her father's visit was at Dumbledore's request and not due to any disciplinary issue, the Philosopher's Stone, or misbehavior of any kind. However, her nerves were still on edge, knowing that McGonagall was about to discuss her progress. She took a deep breath, hoping that the meeting would be swift so that she could join Harry, Hermione, and Ron in their plan to bypass the three-headed dog and protect the stone, along with her friends.

"The progress report on your daughter, as expected from a Rothley, reveals her remarkable advancement in her first-year classes. She has achieved exceptional grades, excellent attendance, and numerous professors have praised her dedication to class projects," McGonagall shared. Toni glanced at her father, but he remained unmoved by the report. McGonagall noticed this change in atmosphere and placed the parchment down, clasping her hands on the desk. "I understand that this information may not be of great surprise or relevance to your immediate concerns."

"Immediate concerns?" Toni asked aloud, her father glancing at her before returning his attention to McGonagall.

"Wolfe and I were already aware that her academic performance would be outstanding, given her Rothley lineage and her commitment to learning magic," he began. "However, I need to know how she has been faring outside the confines of regulated class charms and spells."

"Professor Snape's report should shed some light on that matter," McGonagall replied. She rummaged through a stack of parchments, eventually selecting one and handing it to Mathias. Toni observed her father's focused expression as he carefully read through the document.

"It appears that Professor Snape has been helping you harness the power of the Violet Summer," he muttered. McGonagall remained silent, and Toni's eyes darted between them. Her father finally tore his gaze away from the report and met McGonagall's eyes. "It would have been appreciated if Snape had been present during this meeting."