Wade did not leave Professor Flitwick's office until lunchtime.
He checked the timetable and found that Professor McGonagall had a short stretch of free time before four in the afternoon. After lunch, he took his notebook and headed for her office.
The notebook contained questions about Transfiguration that Wade had accumulated.
But clearing up those doubts was secondary. More importantly, Wade wanted to ask—could he still get a Time-Turner this term?
The corridor was quiet. Nearly every classroom was in session, so Wade simply cast a Silencing Charm on his shoes as well, making his footsteps so faint they were almost inaudible.
After turning a corner, Professor McGonagall's office was not far ahead, but Wade stopped.
Voices drifted from the corridor ahead.
"...I'm truly very grateful that you allowed me to consult the student registry, Professor McGonagall."
Percy spoke politely but distantly. "It will be of great help to my work."
Professor McGonagall stood with her back perfectly straight, her hands folded before her, and said calmly:
"This is in cooperation with the Ministry of Magic's work."
"But if I remember correctly, your stated reason for consulting it was 'for the safety of students, to ensure that children with magical talent—especially those from non-pure-blood families—receive the education they deserve in a timely manner'?"
"Of course." Percy nodded. "Considering Ilvermorny's past record..."
He went on at length for five minutes before stopping. Then Professor McGonagall said in an even tone:
"You needn't explain that to me. You already emphasized your reasons at the start-of-term feast."
"But since that is your purpose, I will not give you the family registration records of students who have already enrolled normally."
"After all... it is all for the students' safety. I presume you understand?"
Percy's expression stiffened slightly. After a while, he reluctantly nodded and