Making a Choice

"Good evening, gentlemen."

Loren greeted them cheerfully with a smile, then swept his gaze around the walls of the Round Hall and easily spotted a wooden staircase leading up to the circular Terrace.

Hermione, equally delighted, stepped forward beside him.

The Terrace above was spacious with an unobstructed view. It had originally been reserved for professors and students to watch the Sorting Ceremony, offering a clear view of the enormous Gordian Knot and the details atop several statues. Three professors were standing there now: Dumbledore, Snape, and Ilvermorny's Fontana.

Pickley and Nancy, back at Ilvermorny once more, took their time climbing the wooden staircase. They examined the carvings on the railings on either side, their eyes carrying a hint of nostalgia.

Professor Snape still wore that expressionless, icy face, as though everyone present owed him several thousand Galleons.

Dumbledore stared at the enormous Gordian Knot below, his blue eyes gleaming with eagerness. Loren was certain Old Dumbledore genuinely wanted to go down and try it himself. If someone photographed it and sold it to the newspapers, they would soon be reading a front-page headline about Hogwarts's current headmaster enrolling at Ilvermorny.

"The last Hogwarts exchange visit was far too rushed. The Goblet of Fire Triwizard Tournament claimed all my attention, and it was only much later that I truly came to understand how outstanding you are..."

Aegilbert Fontana chuckled. Standing on his own school grounds, the familiar surroundings gave him ample confidence as he kept talking. "My dear children, won't you reconsider my invitation?"

Loren paused in thought before asking solemnly, "We've already studied at Hogwarts for six years. Professor, what reason do you have to persuade us to suddenly transfer schools?"

"Ilvermorny has an independent Alchemy research center, and we are also exploring Muggle technology. Look at these electric