Chapter 704 - Rachel Grimond Ⅱ (1/2)
Putting the chairs back, Rowan shoos the last of the first years out with Rachel Grimond happily following the two Slytherin first-year boys to the Great Hall. The instant they are gone, Severus asks, ”So what happened?”
”She was getting bullied by three second-year Gryffindor girls,” Rowan replied with a frown. ”I'm worried that there might be other transfer students in the same position. It's difficult to know with so many first-year students this year, and I think we're mostly okay on that front as we daily check-up on them. But I'm worried if this problem will escalate into the higher years.”
Severus tiredly rubs the back of his neck and says, ”Well, Slughorn isn't the best candidate to go to.”
”No, he's not,” Rowan said with a sigh. ”But I'll be having a word with Professor Babbling this evening regarding the three girls' detentions. And then, I'll see what I can come up with.”
Severus glances at his twin sister and pointedly says, ”Just don't take too much on your plate, Rowan. We're already dealing with enough as it is.”
”I know, I know,” Rowan sighed. ”I'm not planning to resolve the problem on my own as it is feasibly impossible to do so, I would have to-.”
Rowan paused as suddenly the epiphany hit her. She couldn't be in multiple places at a time, but what if each transfer student had a Prefect of their own. She hurriedly thinks things through, before hurrying away from the classroom without a single word leaving Severus glaring after her.
Hurrying to the dungeons, Rowan knocks on the closed door to Professor Slughorn's quarters. The door opens some moments later to reveal the pudgy bulk of Professor Slughorn wearing his usual tweed suits. Slughorn's gooseberry-colored eyes glimmer with surprise, as he says, ”Prefect Prince, what can I do for you this evening?”
”I was wondering if I could have a private word with you, Professor,” Rowan calmly said.
”Of course!” Slughorn said. ”I always have time to hear to one of my best pupils.”
Rowan's face stiffens, before making sure her polite mask is back in place. Once inside, Slughorn takes a seat at his desk where his vast collection of photographs behind him are in the middle of chatting or moving. Lowering his large bulk into his thick velvet armchair he rests his feet on the small velvet pouffe peeking out from under his desk.
”What can I help you with, Prefect Prince?” Slughorn self-importantly asked.
”I would like to receive permission to gather all of the 5th, 6th, and 7th years this evening for a private meeting,” Rowan instantly replied.
”For what?” Slughorn shrewdly asked. ”I doubt it can be for a study session, Miss Prince, it is not that time of the year yet.”