Chapter 350: The Transfer Student
Sean did not yet know that the gifting of hand-knitted sweaters would become a unique, enduring tradition among them for many years to come.
By the time the snow had completely blanketed the beech trees, Sean could still see the broad leaves shivering off their white crusts. The Hogwarts Express was preparing to depart with a great, wheezing whistle, and Sean, Harry, and Ron had come down to the platform to see Justin and the others off.
They walked in a single-file line across the lawn, leaving a shallow trench in the fine, crystalline snow. Socks and the hems of cloaks were soon sodden and frozen stiff. The Forbidden Forest looked truly enchanted, every branch shimmering with silver frost, while Hagrid's hut resembled a cake heavily dusted with powdered sugar.
"All the waters of the world eventually reunite; the Arctic Ocean and the Nile shall mingle within the damp clouds. This ancient and beautiful metaphor makes the moment of parting feel almost sacred..."
Justin was murmuring words that Harry and Ron couldn't quite wrap their heads around. He gave a final, vigorous wave before disappearing into the crowd of students boarding the train.
"Goodbye!"
Hermione was much more direct. She looked as though she wanted to match Justin's eloquence with some profound observation of her own, but realized she lacked his specific brand of philosophical depth. She settled for a huffy "Goodbye" instead. However, after taking only two steps, she looked back with a flicker of regret—she hated leaving her friends with a cross face.
But before she could pause, Professor McGonagall was already ushering them toward Hogsmeade Station with no room for delay.
"Honestly, I only realize I'm going to miss her once she's actually gone," Ron said, his boots leaving deep impressions in the snow as they turned back toward the castle. He turned the corners of his mouth down and spread his hands in a gesture of resignation. Harry nodded in silent agreement.
In the distance, plumes of white steam billowed into the air. Closer to home, Hogwarts Castle stood like a giant confectionary. Sean didn't see it; his attention was entirely consumed by the book in his hands: An Evaluation of European Magical Education.
It contained detailed profiles of Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy. Tucked into the back, almost as an afterthought, was a section on Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although Sean didn't know for certain if he would be going, his habit of thorough preparation demanded he learn everything he could.
Outside the Alchemy Office.
Sean knocked on the heavy door.
"Come in, my apprentice. As you suspected, we depart as soon as the feast concludes."
Inside the office, Professor Terra was attending to a trunk. It appeared to be a simple, ancient wooden chest, yet it was currently "eating" the Professor's entire workstation, piece by piece. Sean watched, unblinking.
"Want to learn how?" Terra asked, a small smile playing on her lips. "We shall have plenty of time for lessons."
Sean hadn't expected her to actually secure a visit to Ilvermorny. From her relaxed demeanor, it seemed she had accomplished the feat with very little effort.
"I understand, Professor," Sean nodded. He picked up his book to leave, but Terra's voice drifted after him.
"You've been researching Ilvermorny, I see. That is good. Tell me, my apprentice, what have you gathered so far?"
With a casual snap of her fingers, a wooden chair skittered across the floor and positioned itself behind Sean.
"Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Sean began, his voice echoing in the room. "Like Hogwarts, it is situated within a castle. And like Hogwarts, it is protected by numerous powerful charms that render it invisible to No-Majs—that is the American term for non-magical folk. It only reveals itself through the surrounding mountain mists...
"One of its founders was a No-Maj. Because of this, Ilvermorny is recognized as one of the most inclusive and democratic magical institutions in the world. It was forged in the fires of conflict; the founders had to survive a brutal battle against Gormlaith Gaunt to ensure her pure-blood fanaticism wouldn't destroy the school before it truly began."
"In truth, blood purity is a meaningless concept," Professor Terra noted with a satisfied nod. She didn't tell Sean that seventy years ago, she herself had leaned toward the pure-blood doctrine... it had only taken one brilliant, curious young wizard standing before her to shatter decades of prejudice.
Of course, she wasn't exactly a champion for "Muggle-born rights" now, either. If she had to label her philosophy... she was a "Sean-ist."
"Your research is thorough. I have only one thing to add," Terra continued. "When a student enters Ilvermorny, they are first led into a Great Hall with a circular floor. There, they stand before four enormous wooden carvings representing the four houses. These enchanted statues consider the student and decide if they want them for their own house.
"The reactions vary: the crystal in the Horned Serpent's forehead will glow; the Wampus Cat will let out a roar; the Thunderbird will flap its wings; and the Pukwudgie will raise its bow and arrow."
Terra watched Sean with interest. Entering Ilvermorny was a prerequisite for what was to come. She was genuinely curious to see where the statues would place her apprentice.
As Terra finished her explanation, Sean found the corresponding chapter in his book. The Hogwarts bells began to toll, signaling the start of the Christmas feast.
Sean followed Professor Terra down to the Great Hall. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout, and Flitwick were already seated at the High Table, along with Mr. Filch. The caretaker had shed his usual brown overcoat in favor of an ancient, moldy-looking tuxedo.
There were quite a few students remaining, and they were all huddled together at the center of the tables. Sean kept his book open, reading as he ate. Professor Terra had informed him that he would be entering Ilvermorny under the guise of a "transfer student."
"The illustrious Mr. Hermes, visiting Ilvermorny as a student... Eugenia Herrera will be grinning in her sleep tonight," Terra had remarked.
Sean wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. He suspected the Headmistress of Ilvermorny was a shrewd woman. Technically, he would be a student there... though how long that status would last was anyone's guess. The "transfer student" label reminded him of a certain legendary figure from his past life's gaming memories.
As Sean tucked into his third serving of Christmas pudding, he focused on the description of the Houses:
The faculty of Ilvermorny generally hold that: The Horned Serpent represents the mind of a witch or wizard and favors scholars; the Wampus Cat represents the body and favors warriors; the Thunderbird represents the soul and favors adventurers; and the Pukwudgie represents the heart and favors healers.
In rare instances, more than one statue will signify a desire to claim a student. In such cases, the student has the right to choose. In even rarer cases—occurring perhaps once a decade—all four houses will petition for the same student. Seraphina Picquery, the President of MACUSA from 1920 to 1928, was one such student. She eventually chose Horned Serpent. All recorded cases of a 'Four-Way Choice' indicate that the wizard in question is destined for extraordinary things.
[End of Chapter 350]
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