The Sibylline Code; A Harry Potter Next Generation Fanfiction

22: Tea with the Tiger.

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CHAPTER 22- Tea with the Tiger

Rose and Felix jumped, but Albus and Lena seemed fixated on getting out, and so didn't bat an eyelid. We hear him rummage through something, presumably looking for his key, when Albus gestures to get our attention.

"We'll go in there." Albus mouthed, motioning to the room at the back, the one where all the equipment was kept. A bit like a broom cupboard, only it was for planet models.

"You hide and get out without him noticing, then turn back and tell him you've found...I dunno-peeves or a run away elf- just try to lead Scroggins away from us so we can leave."

Lena gave him a sceptical look.
"So we're just supposed to stand here while, you people go hide?!" Lena whisper shouted indignantly.

I've always admired people with the ability to whisper shout. A talent I am yet to acquire...

Despite my distinct urge to applaud her, I grab Lena's hand before Professor Scroggins enters and finds us in a not so subtly hidden.

"Let's just do it!" I whisper back , and Lena pulls a grumpy face but allows me to pull her away form the centre of the room.

Albus gives me an appreciative nod he and Felix proceed to pull Rose away into the storeroom, while Lena and I crouch down behind the door, ready to escape.

Slowly, the boys and Rose shut the door on the store cupboard, and only Lena and I's short breaths can be heard.
Scroggin's had seemed to have found his key and inserted it into the lock.
My breath instantly picks up, as I start doubting our entire flimsy plan.

What if he looks behind the door when he comes in? Or shuts it so we can't leave subtly? Or opens the store cupboard...? Or if he-

"Professor Scroggins!"

I gasp as the key in the lock falls loudly on the stone floor, making both Lena and I jump.
"Professor McGonagall," he replies curtly, in his silky annoying voice that makes me want to gag.
I hear her feet come to a stop, probably in front of him.

My previous elation, at the relief at the interruption of us being caught, is suddenly deflated at the realisation that we could be caught by not only one, but now two teachers...

"I hear there was some trouble? Something about Peeves and a parade of houselves?" her tone was no friendlier than an angry tiger. And even then, I'd rather be having tea with the tiger...

I started to wonder...why on earth was McGonagall this mad? Surely Peeves wasn't that bad? I mean he only sent a few plates flying...and set loose and angry mob or house elves...and caused havoc in the corridor...but otherwise...not too bad...

Professor Scroggin's voice pulled me out of my frankly more fascinating thoughts, but I listened to him all the same.

"Ah yes." He recalled so casually, you'd have thought they were discussing their lunch choices...not an angry swarm of miniature green bat like elves chasing a deranged colourful ghost that wasn't a ghost...
"-peeves causing trouble as usual. But it's fine, I took care of it."

There was a deafening silence, where one can literally envision the image of McGonagall sucking a breath and her nostrils flaring, at the idea that he could have possibly managed this on his own. Even I personally, was starting to wonder how on earth he had calmed the situation. It looked pretty chaotic to me...

"Oh. Well if that's the case then that's all. Although we do wish that all Peeves related issues were made known to Mr Filch." She replies finally, as though this level of civility was pushing her to the limit.