Charlotte Weasley

Chapter 32 - Professor Patterson

Britt, Quinn, and I rejoined the others on the stairs and walked down to dinner. The entire school went about their business solemnly after hearing the news that McGonnagal would be leaving at the end of the year, which wasn't even that far away. We took our spots on the Gryffindor bench and sat down. McGonnagall stood up at the head table. 

"I am sure you have all heard rumors today. And I won't say that they are all true but I also can't say that they are completely wrong," she paused, looking around the room and staring a few people in the eye, "I am indeed leaving at the end of this year. For personal matters so please do not ask and respect my privacy. But I do not want to ruin the meal with my business! As you all know Valentine's Day is just around the corner. This is NOT an excuse to stalk your 'true love', so please do not do that," she sighed, pursed her lips, and waved her hands, the plates filled with their food as usual and we dug in. The hall was soon filled again with chatter. 

"So, she actually told us! I thought for sure that she would never have!" Morgan said, her large blue eyes wide with shock. 

"Well she did.. No more rumors at least," Valerie stretched. 

"But why is she leaving?" I asked out loud. 

The others shook their heads, as unknowing as I myself am. "She said personal reasons so who knows what that means. Could be anything, really."

Valerie looked thoughtfully and spoke, "I wonder... Was she ever married?" 

Now that I thought about it, I had no idea if she had been. "No clue," I replied.

We returned to the dormitories and curled up next to the fire. Snow fell softly outside the window and we played wizard's chess and gossiped all evening.

"So, do you know of any new 'couples'?" Valerie asked. 

"Hmm, let me think," Lacey stretched back, leaning against the side of the couch, "Ooh, I think Daphne in third year got asked to Madame Pudifoot's for Valentine's day by Jamie, one of the Ravenclaw chasers."

Of course Lacey knew this, she knew every piece of gossip in the school.

We soon tired of gossiping about older students and headed up to bed. Once I was tucked into the covers I took out the Marauder's Map just to take a glance at it. Professor Patterson, the transfiguration teacher, was roaming around the seventh floor near the painting of the dancing trolls. Suddenly she dissapeared. I rubbed my eyes sure that I was seeing things. When I looked back down at the parchment, Professor Patterson's marker had indeed vanished. 

I slipped out of my bed and put on my invisibility cloak. Once I left the dormitories I padded down the cold stone floors with bare feet because it would make less sound.

I slowly made my way up the floors, continually checking the map to see where Flich was located. He was wandering somewhere on the third floor. 

When I finally reached the portrait there was no one there. I glanced behind the painting; no secret door and I checked all the corners for any secret levers or buttons. Nothing. I eventually gave up and went back down to the dormitories. 

The next day I told Britt about my suspicions about Professor Patterson but she shot down the thought as a ridiculous accusation. I agreed with her, at the time it seemed so plausible but now I think I just imagined Professor Patterson to be there. 

But the rest of day I couldn't help but keep my eyes out for her spiky blonde head. Britt noticed that I was continually peering around walls and squinting my eyes across rooms. 

"Charlotte you need to stop this! Professor Patterson is completely innocent. I mean seriously. This is getting out of hand!"

I glared at Britt. 

The rest of the day, I stayed away from Britt and hung out with Adora in the library. She was looking for books on Quidditch Theory, we had a game coming up soon and she thought that frying her brain with nonsense would somehow better our chances. 

I spent my time craning my neck around the bookshelf to see Professor Patterson who was talking to the librarian at the front desk. 

"I wonder what they are talking about.." I found myself muttering aloud. 

"Huh? Who?" Adora asked, not taking her eyes from her book.

I didn't respond but I continued staring. They were evidently talking about something important. Professor Patterson was bent over the counter and they spoke in hushed voices, glancing anxiously around. 

"Hmmm.."

"What?" Adora didn't even seem to really acknoledge what she was saying, she just muttered 'what' whenever I said something. 

"Nothing."

I stood up and walked close by the front desk under the pretense of looking at the books on the shelf a yard away. 

"Miss Weasley? Do you need anything?" Madame Pince said coldly. 

"Oh no, just looking at the books over here," I replied, smirking. 

"Those are children's literature," she frowned.

"Oh.. yeah. That's what I need. Lots and lots of it. Yup."

"Alright then.." Madame Pince turned back to Professor Patterson and they spoke in even lower voices than before.

I sighed. It was no use. 

I left the library and went down to dinner where Britt and the other girls were. 

"Figure anything else out about your "Professor Patterson is a murderous lunatic" theory?" Britt smirked.

"Nope!"

"Told ya," Britt said in an "I told you so" voice.

I glared at her again.

"I know something is fishy!"

Just then Professor Patterson came over to our table. 

"Okay girls, I need some help here. I am way over my head," I looked at Britt with an air of victory, "I have decided to plan a going away party for Professor McGonnagal," It was Britt's turn to give me a look, "And I really need some help. It is going to be in the Room of Requirement.."

Professor Patterson then went on to explain her entire plan to us so we could help finish it during dinner.  

We went upstairs and took Professor Patterson's instructions to get into the Room of Requirement. 

The only issue was that someone was already in there.

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Hmm wonder who it is *wink wink* Not saying!

Well how about that? Professor Patterson the murderous lunatic? Or party-planner. One of the two.

I don't when I will be able to update again so.. But sorry for the delay for this chapter.

❤ Rose

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