Chapter 83: Knightly Courage
Minerva McGonagall didn't answer directly. Her gaze travelled past the gleaming silver instruments, past Fawkes dozing quietly on his perch, past the rows of portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses, finally settling on the ancient stone wall beyond her desk. There, a small wizard was hesitantly approaching the entrance.
The Headmaster's office was on the eighth floor. The climb alone had left Sean breathless. He stood before the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance, waiting for it to demand the password. But before he could even catch his breath, the gargoyle simply leaped aside.
Sean stared, utterly bewildered, as the wall behind it split in two, revealing a spiral staircase slowly ascending. Where was the password? Sherbet Lemon? Fizzing Whizzbee? Cockroach Cluster? Had Dumbledore forgotten to tell him because… there wasn't one? Right then. Sean adapted quickly and stepped onto the moving stairs.
As the staircase rumbled upwards, a mix of anticipation and anxiety churned within him. Wait a minute, he thought suddenly, this moving staircase… isn't it basically a wizarding elevator?
His mind wandered. The wizarding world often seemed strangely anachronistic. At a time when Muggles had telephones, the Ministry still relied on paper aeroplanes. It wasn't a limitation of magic, but of mindset – a deep-seated disdain for Muggles and their 'primitive' science.
Lost in these musings, Sean arrived before a gleaming oak door with a griffin-shaped brass knocker. Before he could raise his hand, the door swung silently inwards.
Minerva McGonagall discreetly lowered her wand, ignoring the increasingly benevolent twinkle in the bright blue eyes behind the half-moon spectacles watching her.
The Headmaster's office was a stunning circular room, remarkably spacious yet undeniably cozy. Strange, whirring silver instruments spun and puffed on spindly tables.
"Mr. Sean Green." A portrait of a beautiful witch with long, silver ringlets greeted him warmly.
"Headmistress Derwent," Sean paused, bowing slightly. He recognized her instantly – Dilys Derwent, a renowned Healer at St. Mungo's before becoming Headmistress of Hogwarts. Her portrait remained an active participant in school affairs, widely regarded as one of Hogwarts's most esteemed leaders. She had even assisted Dumbledore in researching Blood Curses, pointing out their fundamental difference from Animagus transformations. Powerful wizards truly excel at Transfiguration, Sean noted. Her portrait had reportedly wept with joy upon Voldemort's defeat. A truly great Headmistress.
"Hmph—disturbing my rest—for some unknown Ravenclaw—" a sneering voice interrupted. Sean looked up to see the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, the Headmaster infamous for unifying the four houses (mostly through mutual dislike of him, admittedly). Not even Voldemort had managed that.
At Black's disgruntled comment, the other portraits stirred from their slumber, murmuring amongst themselves, some curious, some stern. None immediately contradicted Black, though Headmistress Derwent frowned deeply.
Outside the office, however, the atmosphere was far less restrained.
"Madam, you know how hard young Green has worked!" Sir Cadogan exclaimed, having somehow managed to remount his pony. His armour gleamed, his too-long sword was buckled at his side, and despite the grass stains on his knees, he radiated righteous indignation. "Those portraits, especially that selfish fool Black! If he dares utter any nonsensical drivel that might sway the decision—Madam! A knight cannot stand idly by!"
"Farewell!" the knight cried, charging headfirst into a nearby painting depicting several sinister-looking monks. "Farewell, my comrades! Should you require a noble heart and mighty thews, call upon Sir Cadogan!"
"Oh, my dear Sir Knight—" Lady Violet murmured, her painted eyes glistening. Beside her, the Fat Lady, overcome with emotion, shouted, "Sir Cadogan! Remember to kick him soundly in the head with your boots!"
Inside the Headmaster's office, faced with the arrogant former Headmaster, Sean simply gave a noncommittal "Mm."
"—Impudent brat! I propose—" Black began, but was abruptly cut short as Sir Cadogan, bellowing a war cry, burst from the monk painting like an enraged bull, tackling Black clean out of his frame. The pony, exhibiting surprising strength, continued to ram Black's portrait until it crashed against the far wall.
"Behold, young Green! This is the path of knightly courage!"
Sean stared, dumbfounded. The office fell silent, the murmuring portraits stunned by the sudden violence. How did he even get in here? Portraits weren't supposed to travel between floors! Only Dumbledore seemed entirely unfazed, his smile never wavering.
"What is the meaning of this!" Professor McGonagall leaped to her feet, furious. With a sharp wave of her wand, the portrait containing Sir Cadogan enthusiastically pummeling the bewildered Phineas Nigellus Black was levitated out of the office.
"Ten centuries of wisdom cannot be contained by mere office walls! And these," the knight roared as he was carried away, still punching, "are fists honed by ten centuries of battle! Taste my righteous fury! Big Cat! Even if you banish me to the troll tapestry! I shall battle this fool in the depths of Hades!"
"A truly valiant knight," Headmistress Derwent remarked admiringly.
Sean started to follow McGonagall out, but heard Dumbledore's soft whisper: "Stay put, child." He obediently waited. The Professor will handle it… At least Sir Cadogan's efforts weren't in vain.
The interruption was as sudden as it was brief. Sean saw Dumbledore twinkle, and understanding dawned. He walked over to the pile of elegant, floating letters McGonagall had placed on the desk earlier.
Professor McGonagall returned moments later, her composure restored. A stern-faced portrait wizard announced loudly, "The special scholarship review meeting for Mr. Sean Green will now officially commence!"
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