Chapter 247 - Crossdressers (1/2)
With a yawn, Rowan listened to Professor Flitwick say in Gobbledegook, ”Exams this year are to be held on the finer art of contracts. Please properly study the Gringotts banking laws as they will be on the final exam.”
Rowan hides a smile as she knew exactly what he meant. Goblins stick exactly to the written worded contract, EXACTLY. And most importantly, always read and recheck every single clause. Because a goblin lawyer will always attempt to sneak in an extra line if they can.
The bell rings not long after as they all begin to gather their things. ”How are you doing, Xeno?” Rowan asked as she eyed the normally cheerful blond Ravenclaw who looked rather pale and worn.
Turning his slightly blue cross-eyed gaze at her, Xeno says, ”I think, I might have to drop a class next year. But that's fine, I'll just drop, Care of Magical Creatures and keep Divination.”
”Might be for the best,” Rowan said as Pandora at her side nodded.
”I think I might do the same thing for our fifth year,” Pandora confessed.
”Well, that's still two more years away,” Rowan said, before waving goodbye to the two Ravenclaws.
Heading over to the Library, Rowan sat at her usual spot, before pulling out the letter she'd received this morning. Not having had a chance to open it yet, she had instantly recognized the seal as belonging to the Black family crest of two gray hounds on either side of a decorated shield and the small toto underneath, Tourjours Pur, meaning, ”Always Pure.”
Breaking the seal, Rowan quickly begins to read a simple letter that states, ”Hog's Head. Blue Rose.”
Frowning, Rowan wonders, why did Alphard need to so urgently meet with her? But still, it must be important enough for him to be willing to take such a risk. It seems as though he'd be under a Polyjuice Juice potion as such she must search for someone wearing a blue rose. However, the next Hogsmeade outing wouldn't be for several weeks more. The urgent topic would have to wait until then.
Making sure to shred the letter, Rowan puts the crumbled remnants to toss into the fireplace later. About to start working she once more feels a pair of unseen eyes on the back of her neck. Trying not to stiffen, she seems to act as though she's changed her mind and begins to pack up again. The feeling slowly goes away but given that Lupin was off in the study hall with Severus and Terry, and she was all alone. She quickly thinks it is best she joins them as the rest of the marauders were at quidditch practice.
One or two corridors outside of the Library, Rowan pauses and reaches for her wand. Whirling around without warning, she shouts, ”Langlock!” Instantly the buff boy, Rosier clutches his throat unable to speak as his tongue has been glued to the top of his mouth.
Dropping to her feet, Rowan rolls back up as stinging curses just miss the spots, where she'd been previously standing and where she had dropped to the floor. ”Tarantallegra!” The jinx instantly hit Evan Avery causing him to let out a howl as he began to dance uncontrollably.
A stinging hex just misses Rowan, but a spark or two still managed to land on her shoulder and cheek causing them to sting. ”I told you, you'd regret your decision,” Damien Mulciber squeaked awkwardly in embarrassment, before rapidly advancing towards her and firing another hex.
”Oh yes, so very brave,” Rowan sneered as she threw a hex right back as he rolled to the side. Professor Adric's DADA class had trained them a little too well. And given that the two of them had been partners for an entire semester, they knew each other's moves and spells rather well.
”The fact that you need two aides to gain the upper hand against me,” Rowan snickered causing the handsome golden-haired Mulciber to clench his teeth in anger.
”I didn't need their help,” Mulciber snapped between breaths. ”Rather the two of them have a bone to pick with you as well, Prince.”