An Attempt

Professor Flitwick wanted to see him? Sean looked at the note strangely.

It was only the first day of school, and he had not done anything noteworthy. Why did the professor want him? Could it be because of yesterday's Sorting Hat?

The fact that Newmontgard had a duplicate of the Sorting Hat was indeed a huge secret, but the Sorting Hat had revealed it itself. Sean had even imagined all sorts of secret deals between the two headmasters.

Had the Sorting Hat given itself away, and Professor Flitwick wanted to warn him again so he would not spread it around?

After all, the tangled grudges and romances between two old men were enough to make anyone a little excited just thinking about them.

After letting his imagination run wild for a while, Sean followed the address on the note and hurried to Professor Flitwick's office.

"Come in." After Sean knocked a few times, Professor Flitwick's shrill voice came from inside.

He pushed open the door. Professor Flitwick's office was unexpectedly spacious. Besides books on all kinds of charms, several wands were displayed along the walls. Most peculiar of all, the room had many windows—around ten of them—overlooking the castle's West Tower.

The diminutive Charms professor sat behind his desk, with only his head visible. Beside him stood a silver-haired girl, staring expressionlessly at Sean as he entered.

Come to think of it, he still did not know this upperclassman's name.

Puzzled, Sean gave a slight bow. "Good evening, Professor Flitwick. May I ask why you wanted to see me?"

"Oh, Mr. Wallerup, you're here." Professor Flitwick hopped down from his chair and walked to the front of his desk. "Do you remember yesterday's Sorting Ceremony?"

"Of course, Professor." A flash of understanding crossed Sean's face. It really was about that.

Professor Flitwick stroked his walrus mustache. After considering his words for a moment, he said, "Mr. Wallerup, your situation is extremely rare. Throughout Hogwarts' history, people in circumstances like yours generally receive a secret."

"Then, Professor, I..."

"Don't be in such a hurry." Professor Flitwick waved a hand at him. "This seems to be one of the Sorting Hat's traits, or perhaps... its personality? Even the headmaster does not fully understand it. At the same time, the professors will not demand that students surrender such secrets. We all believe that preserving the mystery of Hogwarts Castle is one expression of this school's educational philosophy."

Sean wore a rather strange expression. Going by Professor Flitwick's meaning, did the Sorting Hat just blurt out a secret whenever it talked with someone for too long?

A born blabbermouth, huh...

Professor Flitwick continued, "In any case, the secrets the Sorting Hat reveals will not endanger Hogwarts itself. Besides, we encourage students to explore Hogwarts. I imagine that secret must have given you quite a shock, didn't it?" He winked at Sean.

Sean nodded. Newmontgard having a duplicate of the Sorting Hat had indeed shocked him.

He had been wondering why Newmontgard's acceptance letter had arrived right after Hogwarts' letter. Thinking about it now, Dumbledore and Grindelwald had most likely reached some unknown agreement.

"Then why did you want to see me, Professor?" Sean asked.

"Oh, mainly to tell you about this, so you would not feel too pressured. In the past, some students had spent every day in anxious fear over it, worrying for seven whole years. But it seems you don't need any guidance from me."

Sean smiled and thanked Professor Flitwick for his concern.

He truly was not worried at all. Mainly because he had plenty of other secrets hidden away.

"On the other hand," Professor Flitwick said, looking at the silver-haired girl who had not spoken all this time, "Miss Ollivander is preparing to establish a club, and she needs an assistant. Mr. Wallerup, would you like to give it a try?"

"Me?" Sean pointed at himself in confusion.

"Yes." This time, it was not Professor Flitwick. The girl stepped forward and spoke.

Sean's expression turned strange. He had only just started school and could barely cast any charms. Moreover, he had only met her once. Why had she sought him out so abruptly?

And Professor Flitwick had actually helped explain it for her?

Strange...

Stephanie's delicate face remained utterly still. In a voice devoid of much emotion, she introduced herself. "Stephanie Ollivander. I am preparing a new club. Would you be willing to be my assistant?"

What a direct girl... Sean considered his words and avoided her gaze before slowly replying, "Hello, Miss Ollivander. I don't quite understand. We aren't familiar with each other, and today is the first day of school. I'm only a first-year..."

Stephanie's voice was crisp and ethereal. "The club is only an idea for now. I merely made a suggestion. As for why I chose you, I naturally have my reasons."

That explained nothing... Just as Sean was about to continue, Professor Flitwick waved them both off.

"Miss Ollivander, convincing Mr. Wallerup is your job. Once you have settled the club, come apply to me again."

Stephanie nodded. After thanking him, she left the office.

What was that all about... Still confused, Sean could only offer his thanks as well before leaving the office.

When he reached the corridor, Sean saw Stephanie waiting for him beneath a tapestry.

"Would you mind returning to the Common Room together?"

"Of course not." Sean had always been polite toward strangers who bore him no ill will, even if this little upperclassman was somewhat odd.

After the two had gone some distance away, Flitwick let out a sigh of relief in the office behind the closed door.

Two bookshelves slowly slid apart, and the stone wall revealed between them twisted before turning into a hidden door.

The wooden door opened, and an old wizard with white hair and a white beard stepped out.

"Filius, I just had some of the toffee in your room. You don't mind, do you?" Dumbledore said with a beaming smile.

"If you like, you can take that whole bag of toffee, Albus."

"Oh, a little now and then is enough. Eating it all the time gets rather tiresome." Dumbledore maintained his smile.

"But why make up an excuse to call Wallerup here and have him meet Ollivander?" Professor Flitwick paced anxiously in place for a while. "Merlin's Beard, the Sorting Hat has never been this much of a blabbermouth. Grindelwald must have done it, Albus!"

Dumbledore adjusted his Glasses and leisurely began inspecting the Charms professor's collection.

"Stay calm, Filius. This is an attempt."

"An attempt?!" Professor Flitwick's mustache bristled. "Sean Wallop is one of those seven children, while Stephanie Ollivander is from Germany!"