Chapter 90

Wind blew in through the colored window, and Wizard Sean drank pumpkin juice that Jia Jia Siting had somehow produced.

Thin clouds drifted across the sky like white flowers in a painting, and the sunlight warmed his skin.

Sleep grants freedom to spirits, ghosts, and doubles; distance imposes no barrier.

Those far apart may establish instant communication, sometimes appearing as a half-conversation.

This is Professor McGonagall’s note on the ancient concept of “doubles”; understanding this aids the transformation of “self” into “living being.”

Should one master it deeply, a wizard might learn Animagus transformation, as introduced in Intermediate Transfiguration.

Though Animagus transformation may offer little practical help, Wizard Sean still looked forward to this unique experience.

Regarding dreams and doubles, Wizard Sean felt a dawning insight: in the original text of the Triwizard Cup, Harry had a dream.

In it appeared Cho Chang, Cedric, and his Firebolt.

Later, “the dream transformed…” Harry’s body changed into a snake.

This may be what the note meant:

【Those unaware they possess a double interpret what they see as a dream; those who know clearly understand they did not dream—they produced a double.】

Harry and Voldemort, and Nagini, were mutual doubles; Dumbledore later told Harry he had long observed Nagini.

Indeed, after so much development, magic was never simple—it could be as impenetrable as an ancient scripture.

Without a qualified Making Guide, young wizards struggled to comprehend it.

Had Professor McGonagall not given Wizard Sean her notes, he could only chance upon such deep knowledge by searching the library.

Just as James and Sirius, after mastering Animagus, taught Peter Pettigrew the same.

This proved that direct, hands-on teaching remained efficient in the magical world.

Leaves rustled outside the window, wind slipped through cracks, then fled from the roaring fire in the hearth.

Wizard Sean noticed Jia Jia Siting had used a Levitation Charm to send a parchment to Neville—

Neville’s face flushed red; he dared not blink for a moment, and only sighed deeply once the parchment landed.

Then genuine joy rose in Mr. Longbottom’s heart as he heard a delighted voice beside him:

“Excellent work, Neville!”

“Your left-hand gesture needs to be even larger—though, frankly, that’s a tremendous improvement, Neville.”

…

Wizard Sean took the parchment from the front of the wooden table; the ink seemed warm in the firelight:

【Oh—Wizard Sean, I’ve wanted to ask you for a long time. [28] When can we talk again about Chocolate Frog cards? Or the changing ceiling of the Great Hall? [29] Do you know what those toads in the Potions cupboard remind me of? [30] The Chocolate Frog you helped me catch. [31] Would you like to see the kitchens of Hogwarts? [32] Just you, me, and Hermione. [33] All right, Wizard Sean, I know you’re busy, [34] but I want you to know: it’s not just the magic that needs you—there’s also us.】

When can we talk about Chocolate Frog cards again? Or the ever-changing ceiling of the Great Hall at Hogwarts?

Do you know what those toads in the potions classroom cabinet remind me of?

It was the Chocolate Frog you helped me catch.

Do you want to see the kitchens at Hogwarts?

Just you, me, and Hermione.

Alright, Wizard Sean, I know you’re busy,

but I want you to know that it’s not just the magical things that need you—there’s also us.

Wizard Sean paused slightly; he saw Jia Jia Siting and Hermione both looking at him—Hermione’s eyes peered from behind her book, Jia Jia Siting smiling warmly at him.

…

“House-elves?!”

Walking from the Great Hall toward the kitchens, Hermione blurted out in surprise,

“Those ancient magical beings, found in the households of refined wizarding families, who perform magic without wands?”

“Yes,”

Jia Jia Siting, responding to Hermione’s excited question, showed equal curiosity,

“Hermione, are you fascinated by them?”

“Of course,”

Hermione pulled out Hogwarts: A History from her bag, pointed to the text, and said to Wizard Sean and Jia Jia Siting,

“Hogwarts is home to a group of house-elves, yet I’ve never seen them… They’re said to hide from wizards, so—”

She lifted her nose high,

“Are you certain you’ve found them?”

“If… these are them—”

Jia Jia Siting gently scratched the green pear in the drawing; it wriggled, giggled, then transformed into a golden door knocker.

“The Never-Hungry Club welcomes you here… So, go ahead, Hermione—open the door.”

Hermione, nervous, looked to Wizard Sean and Jia Jia Siting; Jia Jia Siting gestured with a “after you,” and Wizard Sean nodded silently.

With a creak,

the first thing that met her eyes was the ceiling—lower than the Great Hall above, yet no smaller.

Four long wooden tables—identical to the four house tables upstairs—were neatly arranged to allow elves to precisely deliver food to each house.

A massive hearth burned with ever-cheerful flames, above which hung copper cauldrons capable of simmering soups for hundreds at once. But most astonishing was the magic everywhere—ongoing, simultaneous.

“Apparition Charms, Levitation Charms, countless food spells—all performed silently, without wands… So this is Hogwarts’ kitchen.”

Hermione scanned the room in excitement, her quill scribbling furiously.

“The food that suddenly appeared—was it sent by house-elves?”

Wizard Sean asked softly.

“You guessed it.”

Jia Jia Siting wasn’t surprised,

“Oh, Wizard Sean, you can ask them for anything you want to eat. By the way, for some reason, the elves seem to really like you…”

At that moment, a thin, tiny elf approached Wizard Sean.

It had bat-like ears, bulging eyes the size of tennis balls, and a long, flat nose.

It had been pushed forward, evidently chosen by the other elves to inquire about the students’ purpose.

“Welcome, welcome, Mr. Green. Would you like something to eat?”

Wizard Sean was puzzled,

“Hmm… Do you know me?”

“Of course, Mr. Wizard Sean Green. We’ve been waiting for you.”

It fidgeted, speaking words Wizard Sean couldn’t understand.

“May I know your name?”

Wizard Sean didn’t immediately ask his question; he spoke softly.

“Oh! Oh! It’s my honor.”

The elf, dressed in tattered clothes, spoke in a thin voice,

“I am Ila, Mr. Green.”

“Ila? All right. May I ask you a question? How… do you know me?”

Wizard Sean didn’t think he should attract the elves’ attention, just as he didn’t believe he was popular among first-year students.