When the Skies Fall - A Hogwarts Legacy Novel

ִ ࣪𖤐 Chapter Four - Hogsmeade And Tea

Elowyn was ready to get a new wand. She remembered Professor Weasley mentioning Hogsmeade earlier, and sought out to find her to get permission to go. The girl had a pip in her step after making friends, her long pinkish locks bouncing as she skipped up the stairs in a long skirt and blouse.

"Elowyn, welcome," Professor Weasley greeted when she saw the girl. "I expect your first classes went well?"

Elowyn nodded feverishly.

"Fig must have taught you well. He continues to be reticent about the details of your journey here...some ruins? He mentioned only a few spells, Revelio and Lumos?"

"That's correct, Professor." She couldn't share too much about their journey after promising Fig she wouldn't.

"I see. Like trying to get a sonnet from a Streeler." Professor Weasley eyed her.

"Professor Weasley, if you don't mind me asking, why did I get my letter so much later than the other students here?"

Professor Weasley eyed her, pacing to the other side of the room. "Your neighbours talked enough about the strange child on the moors that it travelled around small wizarding circles, eventually reaching some of the faculty. It is unlike magical folk to suppress their children's talents today. Maybe years ago when we were persecuted, but we have such a connected network now that there is little need to hide ourselves. A few of the faculty couldn't imagine why they would stifle a pure-blood with clear magical ability. I grew concerned for you".

Elowyn sighed, "The letter came just in time. How lucky, in a way."

Professor Weasley looked deep in thought, perhaps wondering more about her. She ignored it, not pressing further, "I've asked professors to help hasten your progress with some extra assignments. In fact, Professor Ronen will meet you outside to assign you your first one. Now, regarding the trip to Hogsmeade I mentioned earlier...We've arranged to replace the supplies lost on your way here, including seeds, potion recipes and spellcrafts."

"Thank you, Professor."

"And Mr. Ollivander will connect you with the perfect wand. You've managed your classes well with a borrowed wand, but you'll find the magic you cast with your own wand to be far superior," Weasley reminded.

Natsai Onai had mentioned how she enjoyed moving from wandless magic to using a wand when she arrived at Hogwarts, and Elowyn's mom had daydreamed about the day her child would get a wand. Though an artificial channel, they seemed to refine magic better than wandless magic could.

Elowyn could no longer wait. "I'm so very eager to get to Hogsmeade."

"Very well. I'd like you to make your first visit to the village with a classmate. Help you get your bearings. Perhaps Sebastian Sallow or Natsai Onai? I've heard you have spent time with them."

Thinking back to the serious conversation she overheard him having with the new boy, Elowyn considered learning more about her suave duelling partner. She could meet with Natsai or Poppy sometime soon to grow their friendship, but there was still an air of mystery to Sebastian that she hoped to uncover prior to going to the duelling club. "I'd like to go with Sebastian."
             "Glad to hear it. Mr. Sallow is a capable young wizard and he knows the area. He'll keep you well clear of any of Victor Rookwood's undesirables en route."

The name was new to her, as was much in the new school.

"Rookwood?"

Professor Weasley nodded, "A rather unsavoury local. Best to avoid him and his associates–including his right hand of sorts, Theophilus Harlow–if you can. Finish Professor Ronen's first assignment, then you can meet Sebastian at the castle doors. No time to waste. The sooner you complete your work, the sooner you can enjoy a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks."