Chapter 34 - 1st Cog (1/2)
A few days later, Rowan takes up Professor Flitwick's offer. When Professor Flitwick asked her reason for not asking Professor Slughorn, given that she was researching past students of the Slug Club. To which, Rowan stoutly replied, that she would never get anything done with Professor Slughorn constantly looking over her shoulder and boasting about his past students. Professor Flitwick did not question her response and effectively did indeed write her a permission slip to grant her access to the student's archives which contained information including articles from previously graduated students while their stay at Hogwarts.
The moment class is over Rowan bolts from the classroom to the dismay of Severus. She makes her way to the enormous library as a dark-haired woman with suspicious eyes gazes down her nose at her. Rowan's eyes widen in recognition of the prickly librarian, Madam Irma Pince. ”Are you lost?” Madam Pince pointedly asked.
”No, Madam Pince, I came here looking for the Hogwarts Archives,” Rowan quickly said as Madam Pince was infamous for having a short temper.
”I see,” Madam Pince unhappily said as she gently shut the book before her. Madam Pince quietly and most pointedly says, ”A fair warning, should you rip, tear, shred, bend, fold, deface, disfigure, smear, smudge, throw, drop, or in any other manner damage, mistreat, or show lack of respect towards any book, the consequences will be as awful as it is within my power to make them.”
”Understood, Madam Pince,” Rowan hastily replied.
”There is no food or eating allowed in the library. Including, no talking, laughing, whispering, sneezing, scurrying around, running or any type of behavior that may damage the books is that understood?” Madam Pince coldly said. ”Also, there is no taking the books out of the library without a permission slip as this is not a lending library!”
Rowan numbly nods her head as Madam Pince pointedly threatened. ”And should you attempt to steal a book,” Madam Pince's nostrils flared in emphasis, ”You shall not like the deadly consequences.”
”Yes, Madam Pince,” Rowan obediently chimed.
”Excellent, now exactly, what archives are you in need of?” Madam Pince briskly asked.
”Well, I've recently become fascinated with Professor's Slughorn's, Slug Club. I was wondering if I could possibly see articles on previously graduated seniors,” Rowan hurriedly replied.
”Excellent, I shall direct you personally,” Madam Pince said as she led Rowan deeper into the library. It was interesting to note that some of the books seemed to be moving on their own. And if she recalled, the Hogwarts folklore, some of the books were said to have minds of their own and even capable of speech, and most definitely are able to defend themselves.
The archives were not in the forbidden section, but in a corner of the library next to the rest of the regular books. Students simply weren't allowed access to them given their evil prankish nature. Only those with permission were allowed access to them and the library could tell. If anyone else tried to touch the archives, the books were enchanted to begin to scream.
”The archives are in chronological order,” Madam Pince sniffed as she pointed to a stack of neatly bound books.
Rowan slightly wilts at the number of books on the shelves and faintly murmurs, ”Understood.”
Madam Pince briskly turns away as Rowan rolls up her sleeves and begins with 1938, the year that Tom Riddle started Hogwarts. She carefully takes notes of the Slytherin students in that year including those in the years above. Before she knows it, Madam Pince appears to warn Rowan that it is closing time. Madam Pince falters in surprise at seeing the carefully taking notes of Rowan as she intently studies the articles before her.
Madam Pince unusually coughs quite gently and says, ”It is time for the library to close.”
Rowan rubs her tired eyes and says, ”Sorry, Madam Pince, I made a mess, let me clean up first before I go.”
”It's fine,” Madam Pince said as with a wave of her wand the bound books neatly rise and return to their shelves.
”Thank you,” Rowan tiredly said as she carefully put her notes and things away.
”You are most welcome anytime, Miss Prince,” Madam Pince truthfully said.
”Really?” Rowan said in disbelief.
”Of course, it is a rare pleasure to find someone who treats books well,” Madam Pince said. Rowan nodded her head in tired thanks and back down to the Slytherin common room area to rest.
Rowan tiredly yawns as she passes through the door and suddenly paused mid-yawn at finding the common room area filled with not just 7th-year seniors, but members of a few other years as well. Rowan tactfully nods her head to them in an apology and says, ”Sorry, I'll be quickly on my way now.”
Rowan hastily moves to walk past them, when Narcissa coldly says, ”No, let Rowan Prince hear as well and just might learn a thing or two.”
”Miss Prince, please have a seat,” Lucius Malfoy politely said, although his tone betrayed him. It wasn't a suggestion, but an order.
Rowan tactfully takes an empty seat at the edge of the circle as Narcissa coldly says, ”And why are you running in so late?”
”I was at the library,” Rowan truthfully replied.