Chapter 33 - Pondering (1/2)

As the weeks went by, Rowan had only received one other letter from Moody subtly stating that he was begin watched. Possibly Death Eaters, but at the same time, Moody had made many enemies as an Auror. It was impossible to truly be certain unless Alastor caught the spies. And though the situation did make Rowan feel rather useless, however, the truth of the matter is that everything is out of her hands. No matter, how much she wanted to help, she is still just a child and needed to rely on Alastor Moody to fulfill his part. She could only hope that Moody and his two aides would be enough to at least deter part of Tom Riddle's plans.

Cranky, Rowan sighs as she pokes the food in front of her. ”What not to your liking poppet?” Wilkes cheerfully murmured from his seat.

Rowan ignores Wilkes for a moment before a brilliant idea comes to mind. ”Say Wilkes did anyone attend of your family attend Hogwarts in the 1940's?” Rowan innocently asked.

”Why ask?” Wilkes asked with some curiosity.

”Because Rowan is strange and particular about the strangest things,” Severus commented with a mouth full food.

”What he said,” Rowan chimed in agreement causing Severus to choke. Rowan none too gently pounds Severus on the back to help him breathe again.

Wilkes wrinkles his brows and says, ”Well, I'm the oldest child of my parents and they roughly attended Hogwarts back in 47 and 48 and graduated in the 50's, so I guess so.”

Rowan eyes flicker at the response with a resigned expression to suddenly shudder and think, ”Ick gross.” It was quite a nasty shock to realize the large age difference between Tom Riddle and Bellatrix. In the wizarding world, it wasn't that all that strange, but still, EW!

Wilkes thoughtfully interjects, ”Well, I guess that other than my dad, Uncle Roger also attended Hogwarts from 1938 to 1945. But why the sudden interest?”

”Well, I was just wondering as I've developed an interest in past members of the Slug Club. I thought it might be interesting to follow up with anyone who might have been there.”

”Well good luck with that,” Wilkes said as he got up. ”I've got to get back,” and promptly left.

”Just what are you planning?” Severus suspiciously said.

”Can't I just be curious about our past seniors?” Rowan innocently replied.

”No,” Severus flatly stated.

”Shows what you know,” Rowan said with a huff. ”I'm a woman of many talents!”

Severus snorts and says, ”We better get going, we wouldn't want to be late because of your delusions.”

Rowan makes a rude gesture behind Severus's back, who growls, ”I saw that!”

Rowan clicks her tongue against her mouth and gets up to follow him. The two of them head to Charms where she is a bit more distracted than usual. Afterward, Professor Flitwick gently asks that Rowan stay behind. Severus worriedly glances over at his twin who gestures to him to save her a seat in Professor Strives classroom.

Once Severus and the last of the class leaves, Professor Flitwick says, ”Is anything troubling you, Miss Prince? I noticed that you seemed rather absentminded today, unlike your usual self.”

Rowan grimly smiles and says, ”Thank you for your sincere concern, Professor, but I'm just stuck on a tricky puzzle that I can't seem to solve.”

”Oh, then why not explain what the problem is, perhaps, an attentive ear can be of aid,” Professor Flitwick suggested.