Only The Beginning

The Third Trial

A letter sat on her desk in the Room of Requirement bearing the initials of Professor Fig,

Olive,

Hello my dear, it has been a while since I've seen you, I'm sure you're busy with your studies. Professor Fitzgerald has returned to her portrait in the Map Chamber and asked for your presence at your earliest convenience. Come and see me once you're finished.

E.F.

She felt a pang of guilt in her stomach as she read his words, she hadn't been by his office in quite some time and clearly, he too had noticed.

The dungeons of the castle were cold and damp as she walked through the winding corridors down to the map chamber, students barely paying her any mind as she passed them. Professors Rackham, Rookwood and Fitzgerald were all awaiting her arrival, the chamber was filled with light chatter as the portraits spoke to one another.

"Ah, there you are," Professor Fitzgerald called to her, stopping her conversation "Welcome back."

"It's good to see you professor, though I wish I had better news. Ranrok's lot are searching for something, another repository perhaps. They've built massive drills to help move things along."

Professor Fitzgerald's face scrunched into one of concern, "This is worse than I expected."

"Are these repositories anything like the one I found at Rookwood castle?"

"The very same. We are quickly running out of time, turn to the map behind you, it will show you where the next trial is." The map below the glass floor began to illuminate before gathering at one point.

"It's Hogwarts." Olive looked back at the portrait; Niamh smiled and nodded her head.

"I'm sure you know I was headmistress in my time, and my portrait still hangs in that office. I watched Professor Black learn of you and your late development. I will admit I wondered about you."

"Wait- Is the next trial in the headmaster's office?" Olive asked in disbelief, there was no way she would get past Professor Black.

Niamh hesitated for a moment, "Yes... It is. I had hoped that when this moment came, there would be a professor who I could trust to help in this situation, however, that self-centered man will be no use. You will need to access that office when he is not around."

Olive felt her stomach drop, how on earth would she get Professor Black away from his office for long enough. "I suppose I'll need to get creative."

"You'll do well to get there quickly; I'll await your arrival in my portrait."

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Olive's feet felt heavy as she trudged up to Professor Fig's office, the man in question sitting behind his desk, taking notes from a tome. "Professor, I've found the location of the last trial." She said grimly.

Professor Fig looked up, his face etched with concern. "Where is it, Olive?"

Olive hesitated before speaking. "It's in the headmaster's office, sir."

Fig's eyes widened with shock. "Professor Black's office? This complicates things. He's unlikely to cooperate."

Olive nodded, frustration bubbling up. "Niamh suggested we access the office when he's not around, but I have no idea how to manage that."

Professor Fig sighed deeply, rubbing his temples in thought. "We might need a diversion. Something significant enough to lure him away from the office..."