Chapter 109: Fanged Geranium
The Fanged Geranium was a vine-like plant with sensory perception, known for emitting a soft, squeaking sound. Currently, several were nestled in Neville's seedling box, squeaking faintly. Perhaps Neville had been a bit too generous with the fertilizer, as they suddenly began to writhe uncomfortably, sending him into a panic. He immediately dove for Sean's notes. Though all four of them helped in the greenhouses, only Sean recorded every single detail with meticulous precision.
"Green's Notes," as they had come to be known, were the gold standard among the first-years.
"I'm telling you, everything you can think of is in there," a Gryffindor had recently proclaimed in the common room. "And everything you can't think of is in there too. If you still don't get it, you just haven't read them carefully enough."
For some reason, not even the Slytherins argued the point.
"Muffliato!" Sean quickly cast as Neville fumbled, his wand hand shaking. The Geraniums' agitated squeaks instantly dulled to a faint vibration, allowing Neville to remember the correct procedure for over-fertilization.
[You have practiced the Silencing Charm once to the Adept standard. Proficiency +10]
[Silencing Charm: Novice (700/900)]
Recalling the plant's normal volume, Sean estimated the Novice-level charm reduced sound by about eighty percent – a significant improvement from the Apprentice level, and practically silent for quieter noises. Of course, the effectiveness of any spell wasn't perfectly consistent; magic was subjective, its strength fluctuating with the caster's state. (Tom Riddle, facing Harry's increasingly powerful Expelliarmus, could certainly attest to that.)
The room settled back into its usual routine. Hermione began patiently quizzing Neville on Charms theory. In a few minutes, Neville would reciprocate by tending to the various plants on Hermione's desk. The room was now filled with greenery, and Neville had hung a small, neatly lettered tag on each pot—Sean's, Hermione's, Justin's—marking their growth cycles, though he was the one who cared for them all.
Sean, as usual, practiced for hours until the Hogwarts bells chimed, signaling the next period.
[You have practiced the Silencing Charm once to the Adept standard. Proficiency +10]
[You have practiced the Silencing Charm once to the Adept standard. Proficiency +10]
...
[Silencing Charm: Adept (10/3000)]
He put his wand away, satisfied, and briefly reviewed Professor Flitwick's notes.
The Great Hall.
The enchanted ceiling was a dreary grey, threatening rain, but the hall itself remained warm and dry. The four friends, emerging from their hidden classroom, habitually made their way to their usual spot at the far end of the Ravenclaw table. A massive, rough-hewn honey-stone fireplace dominated the wall here, radiating a comforting warmth. The Fat Friar sometimes drifted through it on his way to the Hufflepuff table.
Their corner was quieter than the boisterous Gryffindor section, less prone to the bragging and posturing of the Slytherins, and safe from the "food riots" that occasionally broke out among the Hufflepuffs. The Ravenclaws generally kept to themselves.
But this wasn't why the four sat here. They sat here because it was, inexplicably, where the kitchen elves sent the largest servings of pudding – a guaranteed way to attract one Sean Green.
Today, however, even the Ravenclaw table was buzzing. A large crowd was gathered around the noticeboard.
HOGSMEADE WEEKEND
At the end of October, on Hallowe'en weekend, third-year students and above will be permitted to visit the village of Hogsmeade. Please note: a signed permission form from a parent or guardian is required.
"Our first Hogsmeade weekend!" Fred Weasley exclaimed, high-fiving George. "End of October. Hallowe'en!"
"Brilliant!" George cheered. "I need to stock up at Zonko's. Running dangerously low on Stink Pellets."
"Third-year…" a first-year nearby muttered, his excitement deflating as he slumped into a chair.
"We'll get to go in third year," his friend consoled him. "What's Hogsmeade, anyway?"
"You don't know? It's the only all-wizarding village in Britain! They say the pub was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion! And the Shrieking Shack—it's the most haunted building in the country—"
Of course, there were also the "unimpressed" veterans.
"Everyone makes a big fuss about Hogsmeade," a Gryffindor prefect was saying loudly, "but honestly, it's not all that. My brother says the sweetshop's decent, but Zonko's is just dangerous. The Shrieking Shack is worth a look, I suppose. But aside from that, you're not missing much."
The entire hall was abuzz with talk of the village. Even Justin and Hermione couldn't help but join in the speculation.
Sean remained focused, his mind still working through the theory of the Disillusionment Charm. Suddenly, he felt a flicker of inspiration, and his Quick-Quotes Quill began to dash across his notebook.
He didn't notice the three Hufflepuff-scarfed figures watching him from across the hall.
"Well, Bruce? What's the plan?" Leon asked, already sensing his friend's brewing scheme.
"Oh, Leon, it's brilliant…" Bruce slung his arms around Leon and Pister, pulling them into a conspiratorial huddle.
In the hidden room.
"Disillusionment!" Sean intoned, tracing a wide arc and tapping himself on the head.
[You have practiced the Disillusionment Charm once to the Apprentice standard. Proficiency +1]
The familiar, icy-cold sensation of a raw egg breaking over him trickled down his body. He felt himself blend into the background, just as he had in Flitwick's office, becoming transparent. But the effect wasn't complete. At the Apprentice level, it was more camouflage than true invisibility, a subtle shimmering distortion in the air. It was a far cry from Flitwick's perfect concealment, which had erased even his shadow. That had been like a true Invisibility Cloak.
Still, the Disillusionment Charm was functional. He figured 'Adept' level would be more than sufficient.
He also noted, with some amusement, that the charm seemed to work best when he felt like he was sneaking around—much like Harry using his cloak. Of course, the precise incantation and wand movement were still essential; emotion just amplified the intent.
In the corner, the Fanged Geraniums, now properly fertilized, swayed gently in the draft, their squeaking silenced.
Sean's plans had changed again. He needed to reconsider which three Charms to grind to Expert level.
(End of Chapter)
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