Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 73: The Fireplace

"Mudblood...what does that mean?"

In the corridor, the figures of the three young wizards cast three fleeting shadows at the burning torches.

Outside the glass window, a thin layer of mist shrouded the pale pink and indigo sky, and the birdsong outside was always very loud whenever the sunset appeared.

"do not know."

Justin answered honestly.

Hermione gave him a helpless look:
"I wasn't asking about you, Sheen, you know that?"

"A highly discriminatory term used in the wizarding world to refer to Muggle wizards."

Sheen said.

"How strong?"

Justin suddenly asked.

There is nothing stronger.

Sheen added.

"I understand, Sheen."

Justin suddenly paused, then turned around abruptly.

Sheehan heard him mutter something: "Going to Eton next year would be good too. My mother would be so proud of me."

Then Sheehan and Hermione quietly pulled him back.

"There's no need to go anymore."

Sheen said softly.

His words always had an effect; Justin stopped abruptly and asked thoughtfully:

"Is it because of Professor Snape?"

His voice seemed to have become a little softer, perhaps because they were talking about Professor Snape.

"Ah."

Sheehan could hardly imagine Professor Snape's insane rage towards those Slytherins who had broken all of his inviolable rules.

So he quickly pulled Hermione and Justin away.

After all, compared to the petty squabbles among the six young wizards, Professor Snape's private handling was clearly far more terrifying.

Hogwarts has rules, but if something isn't recorded, then the rules become empty and useless.

Their presence at the scene not only affected Professor Snape's performance, but also ultimately led to them being held accountable.

But if they leave, then this matter will be forcibly turned into a private matter for Slytherin by a certain Potions Master.

……

A torrential downpour began outside the window, and the sky was as black as ink, but inside the classroom it was bright and airy, with magic lanterns illuminating the space and three cups of hot milk on a small wooden table.

Hermione was clearly downcast as she scribbled a letter.

Out of a sense of boundaries, Justin kept some distance from her and then moved closer to Sheehan.

At this moment, Sheen was still organizing his plans:
Whether I can earn a scholarship depends on this last week or so.

First, master the Levitation Charm to Expert level, then learn the Smoke Charm, Knockback Charm, and finally the three spells you should learn in the first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class...

This should allow me to achieve an excellent grade in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and the enormous sum of Galleons should be enough to last me for at least a few years.

After writing this paragraph, Sheen continued:

“I should note that Hogwarts is not always safe.”

The prejudice and discrimination against pure-blood wizards have always existed; if it weren't for this, the two generations of Dark Lords wouldn't have had so many followers. I need to master some more powerful magic.

When it comes to powerful magic, Sheen's first thought is Transfiguration.

Why not black magic?
Think about it: an orphan, fond of dark magic, and possessing a certain level of influence...

Okay, Sheen doesn't want to think about it anymore.

Transfiguration.

Sheen wrote these words at the very top of the plan.

There are many powerful spells in the magical world, among which black magic is generally recognized as the most destructive.

In addition, there is the elegant and profound Transfiguration. In the battle of the Ministry of Magic, Principal Dumbledore almost used Transfiguration to defeat Tom head-on.

In the original story, Headmaster Dumbledore brought the golden wizard statues to life, protecting Harry, defeating Bellatrix, and even having some of the golden statues join the fight against Voldemort, blocking a Killing Curse. Sheehan believes that truly powerful transfiguration can transform various objects into powerful allies to help defeat opponents in battle—in other words, giving them life.

At the same time, it also perfectly matches Sheen's own talents.

The shorthand quill scribbled down Sheen's schedule in the notebook, as he devoted all his time to liver polymorphism and spells.

Even the time spent brewing potions and going to the greenhouse has decreased.

"Oh--"

Sheen heard a suppressed laugh, turned around and saw Justin grinning foolishly at a piece of paper.

His laughter made Hermione blush, and she wished she could bury her head in the letter.

“Oh, Sheen, we have to be careful not to get caught... This is yours.”

Justin seemed to snap out of his daze, glanced cautiously at Hermione, and placed a note in Sheehan's hand.

I want to say thank you for your help, Sheen.

"Make sure we don't get caught."

Before Justin could finish speaking, he saw Hermione leave the classroom with a flushed face, and the door slammed shut behind her.

"Discovered."

Sheen finishes off the enemy.

"So, how are you going to apologize using this method?"

Sheehan glanced at Justin and said.

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you,"

Justin looked confident.

"Don't worry, my father taught me a hundred methods, and they all work..."

He then gently pushed open the door and confirmed that the little witch had gone far away.

"Remember? Hogwarts has many doors, and they won't open for you if you don't politely ask them to open, or if you poke the exact right spot."

Some doors aren't real doors at all; they're just sturdy walls that look like doors.

He walked to a spot and then said:

"lard (pork fat)"

A moment later, a door shaped like a burning flame suddenly appeared, then disappeared, revealing a fireplace with flames burning.

The firelight from the fireplace illuminated seven plush armchairs, in front of which Justin stood with a proud expression.

A room within a room?
Sheen looked at the suddenly appearing room, as if he remembered something.
But time has dampened the letter paper of memory, dissolving the familiar handwriting of Sheen, leaving only a blurry and mottled watermark.

"That's what Mr. Owl told me... Of course, a fireplace isn't very useful, but what if it's connected to the Floo Powder Network?"

Justin said proudly, his heavy eye bags also lightening a bit.

Floo Powder is a common way for wizards to travel. In addition to traveling, users can also put any part of their body into the flames of Floo Powder (such as their head).
This way, you can talk to people without having to physically reach your destination.

What could be more delightful than seeing family on your birthday in a faraway place? If there is, it's having friends by your side!

Justin seemed very excited.

"You... have worked hard for this for a long time, haven't you?"

Sheen was silent for a moment, then his voice became more turbulent.

"Actually, no, it was all thanks to my mother's wizard friend and the owl messenger. You know, I was only responsible for contacting Hermione's parents and..."

Justin paused for a moment, then quickly replied.

“You did a great job, Justin. Hermione will be very happy.”

Firelight flickered in Sheen's emerald green eyes.

"You should rest now. Leave the rest to me."

"……Um."

Justin suddenly fell silent, then sincerely agreed.

He knew what Sheen was talking about; contacting people in faraway places wasn't easy, and someone would have to be by the fireplace on Thursday, or the surprise might turn into an awkward situation.

Seeing how exhausted he looked, Sheen thought he should go back and get a good night's sleep.

(End of this chapter)