27

September 9, Hogwarts, Calder's room, early morning.

 It was morning twilight, only a small part of the sun's disk peeked over the horizon. It also partially illuminated Hogwarts Castle, as well as its surroundings.

 The castle itself was still immersed in the abyss of sleep, only occasionally, here and there, movements of the inhabitants of this castle were visible.

 Some carried out their duties in maintaining the castle, others carried out their own personal actions. For example - charging. But there are only a few of these in the entire castle, and this, I tell you, is very few.

 If you look into one of the rooms that was located in the second largest tower of the castle, you can see one of these people who symbolized this exception.

 Right at that moment he was performing a set of actions, which may seem very strange to an inexperienced viewer. Just look at the vertical splits and standing on one leg, but this is not enough. He also froze in this position for a good minute. Only a few knowledgeable on this topic can say: "This boy is performing a set of yoga movements."

 It's true that they too will be surprised, because the number of repetitions, as well as their complexity, is much higher than a 14-16 year old guy can do. And our hero looked exactly like this.

 If you switch your attention to the surrounding reality, you will notice a miracle; there is no other way to call it. The boy was surrounded by streams of light. Yes, yes, exactly flows. They were of different colors: red, green, blue. They all first circled around him, and then were absorbed by him. Some of the streams, only of a different color, namely black-brown, came out through the pores in his body and dissipated in the air.

 But everything comes to an end and this moment is no exception. In an instant, everything stopped - the streams disappeared, and the boy froze in one place.

*Sigh*

 One moment, and he began to dry out. No, not even like that, he began to shrink. His body became smaller, his face took on more childlike features, including childish plumpness. Also, the face became more... unsymmetrical or something? If before the boy was incredibly beautiful, now he was ordinary. Yes, just ordinary.

 Another moment and in the place of a teenager of 14-16 years old, stands an ordinary boy of 11 years old. And nothing said otherwise.

 Magic, what can I say?

The morning does not begin with coffee. Mine, at least, for sure. There is nothing better than a morning warm-up before the start of a busy day.

 Having finished warming up, I headed to the shower. On the way, once again thinking about my plan for today. The question on the agenda is: is it worth visiting the Room of Help today? There are both pros and cons to this.

 Pros - the opportunity to quickly gain knowledge, as well as testing your loved one.

 Cons – is it worth it? It's quite possible that I did show up somewhere that night. And I really don't want to attract unnecessary attention to myself. And without this, 30 % of the school's attention is on me. And for them to think that the boy genius was still a possible protégé of Flitwick - this could not go unnoticed by the students. Hog is a large village, if something starts to stand out from the overall picture, then at the same moment it begins to attract unnecessary attention.

 Okay I am, but where does the other 70% go? Well, it's quite simple: the boy who lived... Harry Potter, in person. He became a global figure in Hoag.

 The poor guy was not allowed to walk in the school corridors all week, and even the zealous attacks of Uzli number 6 did not really save the situation. Hmm, you won't envy him. Not only is there almost no personal time due to his fame, but the redhead also sucks out the remnants of it, I'm talking about time.

 Well, objectively speaking, he is better than me. We pray for the repose of his soul. Amen…

 Just kidding, but still I won't rush into the room headlong. When I have a chance, I will try to visit this, without a doubt, mysterious place. If it doesn't appear, well, I'll wait for another chance. Yes, it's a pity for the lost time, but I will try to make up for it in the future. Life is more precious.

 Having decided on a plan of action for myself, I headed to get ready for the couples. Today we have charms and potions. Exactly what is needed. The day promises to be interesting.

Sitting in the living room, in an easy chair in front of the fireplace, I waited for the rest of the first-timers to catch up. Another week, one more week and I won't have to do this. Then I will act as I want. This will probably be the best the department can offer. Singles - I adore you.

 Turning over the pages of the book of potions for the first year, I turned it over, by the way, for show, I had been wanting to read it in full for a long time, but the conspiracy is such, I felt our head girl, Miss Crystal, moving towards me.

 -It's a beautiful morning, don't you think? – Penelope began our conversation with a standard phrase.

 -Not as much as you, Miss Head of the Faculty. – I answered, while raising the corners of my lips in the semblance of a smile.

 -I see you are not only a little genius, but also a ladies' man, right? - said the headwoman, feigning slight embarrassment.

 -Well, you praise me too much. What kind of genius am I? So, I went out for a walk. But seriously, I don't see anything brilliant in systematic and thorough preparation for classes. - Closing the book, I answered.

 -Maybe this is where your genius lies? I haven't heard this saying: "The basis of any success is 99% of work, as well as 1% of genius." I think – this saying totally comes to you. And what do you think? - she said, sitting down in the chair opposite. At the same time, he folded his hands in a house on his lap.

 What is she getting at? Why such a conversation? What is she interested in about me? I'm still a first-year student, my magical power is not the highest, about 20% less than Potter's. Not much knowledge. Something is wrong here. Only I can't understand what exactly.

 Pretending to be thoughtful, I replied:

 -Perhaps there is some truth in your fame, but only a share. I continue to claim that my "genius" is just ordinary work. Simple and clear.

 "Ha-ha," Crystal covered her mouth with her hand. -Everything is possible, maybe you're right. Well, okay, I won't insist. Better tell me - how do you like Hogwarts at night?

 As soon as the questions were asked, she stared at me intently.

 What? Where? How? Did she notice me? But I checked the room before leaving and entering. When did she notice me?

 Stop, leave the panicky thoughts. When I entered the room I was covered with a hood, which means she can't be one hundred percent sure. It's worth dancing for. I hope I can convince her of my innocence. I think due to my age she doesn't expect much. At least I think so.

 All these thoughts didn't take even a few seconds. Occlumency works wonders, and along with controlling the body through metamorphism, not a single drop of emotion was reflected on my face.

 -Hogwarts at night? If you're talking about the castle during admission, then yes. He's handsome. I think we've already talked about this, no? — Feigning slight thoughtfulness, as if trying to remember something, and surprise on my face, I answered her.

 "Come on," she waved her hand slightly, "there's no need to pretend, everyone here is our own." Well, what is he like? Is it true?

 And a slight expectation in the eyes. Hmmm, what kind of game is this on her part?

 *Sigh*

 "Yes, you're right, the castle is incredibly beautiful at night," the demons danced in her eyes, and her interest was directly felt on her skin. - It's a pity that I didn't see him. After all, I didn't walk around Hogwarts at night. I admit, I want it incredibly. But, alas and ah... - and a sad sigh at the end of my sentence. That's it, the picture is ready.

 How interesting it is to watch her. With each new phrase, the sparkle in her eyes became less and less. Until it completely disappeared. All that was left was a slight puzzlement in her eyes. After all, I didn't lie, but told the honest truth.

 I didn't walk, but moved towards my intended goal. Therefore, it is impossible to misunderstand my words, no matter how hard I try.

 Still, occlumens can sense lies on an intuitive level, but who knows, maybe Penelope is just that? Everything can be...

 "I see," she drawled, "it's sad." Well, let's go. Your classmates are already waiting for you. – she said getting up from her chair.

 Nodding at her in response, I followed her. Having gathered, we went with Anthony to the Great Hall.

 I am so tired of this "kindergarten" behavior. Roll calls, supervision, hand-holding, and so on and so forth. Well, nothing, a little more and no one else will be able to control my movement. At least I hope so...

As soon as the leaders left with the headman, the living room became much darker and more deserted. It was as if all the light and life had left her, only emptiness remained in their place.

 *Skrr*

 Only one figure could make this sound, because at the moment she was completely alone in the room. The gnashing of the teeth was so loud that it seemed as if she had ground them into dust, leaving nothing behind. If anyone had heard this sound, he would have imagined some kind of monster, and not the beautiful head of the faculty.

 Echoing this sound, the room became darker and darker. The large glass panes were covered with a cloudy film, and the fire in the hearth seemed to have gone out completely.

 "That's how it is," the phrase from her lips sounded mysterious and incredibly dull. Like an otherworldly voice. - That's how you decided to play. Well, let's see where this goes next. You're starting to interest me more and more, Calder Wilson. You can't get away from me.

 Tossing her mane of hair, she headed out.

 All this might seem like an illusion, but this statement was ruined by only one detail. The fire of obsession and madness in the eyes of the leaving girl.

 Only emptiness remained in the room, although it became much lighter after the girl's figure left...

 ***

 Time sped up again. The week has just begun and it's Friday.

 Within a week, autumn had come into its own even more. Birds can be seen less and less, grass and foliage lose their color, gradually dying. In order to later be reborn into a new one, only in its descendants.

 Nothing significant happened in a week. I never managed to get into the rescue room. There were reasons for this.

 The first and main reason was the sharp increase in attention to me from other students. Too often I began to catch the glances of other children. Either they'll look around the corner, or they'll just stare in the corridor.

 Also, representatives of my faculty began to approach me more often. At meals, in the living room or anywhere else. And it would be fine if this was justified by at least something, but no. I didn't accomplish anything worthwhile this week, I was the same as before.

 I also started seeing our Head Girl, Miss Crystal, more often. Apparently my answer didn't convince her. Well, it's sad, but it's also not the end.

 It seems that over these years of waiting, everyone had become fed up with Potter, and when he appeared on the verge of direct visibility, they stopped washing his bones after about a week.

 I'm a completely new person. Muggle-born, but more or less knowledgeable in magic. I'm not an aristocrat, but I know quite a lot about them and know my way around their circle. No matter how this week, representatives of completely different faculties approached me. Including the green-silver faculty, namely Draco Malfoy.

 I admit, as soon as he approached me, I couldn't think of 1000 and 1 reasons for him to contact me. But everything turned out to be much more prosaic - he was just trying to show me the place.

Walking into potions class after lunch, I wandered through the palaces of my mind, thinking through plans, creating new questions and ideas, there were even times when I could solve them right away. At the same time, I occasionally exchanged words with Neville

 "Wilson," a proud and arrogant voice sounded. -Can you give me a minute of your, no doubt, precious time.

 Turning to the owner of this voice, I saw the one whose image popped up in my head - the Silver Prince of Slytherin, Draco Malfoy in person. Platinum blond, slicked hair, thin figure, dressed without a doubt in the most expensive clothes. He stood surrounded by his vassals, looking at me with righteous anger in his eyes. Only lightning is missing.

 - How can I help you, Mister Malfoy? – I answered him in a completely dry voice. At that moment, Beans himself could have envied me. My voice was so dry.

 - Not for you, but for you, Wilson. Didn't your Muggle mother teach you any manners? – he answered with laziness and obvious arrogance.

 -Why, she taught me. It's just that you yourself began to address yourself as "you", and since we are in a neutral zone, where everyone is equal by definition, then please comply. It's not for you to judge me, Mister Malfoy, not for you. – I'm sure that at that moment my face was just asking for a brick, even more than Snape's face when he scolds the Vultures.

 - Do you think you're very smart, Wilson? Know your place, muggleblood. You are nobody in our world, so sit lower than the grass, quieter than water and don't stick your head out. Do you understand me? – Draco spat out these words with disgust, while standing almost close to me. His vassals also stood next to me. Did they decide to crush you with a mass?

 - I will take note, Mr. Malfoy. And now please leave my so disgusting company. What if you become infected with something? – I answered, smiling at him sarcastically.

 -I warned you.

 And so he was. He left with his head held high.

 I'll keep Draco in mind, I'll keep it in mind.

In general, this is the only thing that was worth any attention. The rest of the week was monotonous, although, please note, it was not boring. Magic is fraught with so many secrets that have not been revealed to me that I am afraid that I will not live long enough to unravel them.

 At the moment, I, along with my classmates, were in a Charms lesson. This was the last couple of the day. After that, you will need to finally try to get into the rescue room. I've put it off for too long.

 The sound of a bell sounded. The pairing is over. All the children breathed a sigh of relief. No wonder, even though the professor is the best of the best, but the classes are without magic, and simple lectures with warm-up exercises for the hands are not what the children entering Hog expected.

 - Great, lesson is over. Homework, like last time - wrist training and an essay, only on the next topic. Did everyone understand everything? - An almost synchronous nod from the Ravens and Badgers was not long in coming. - That's wonderful, you can be free.

 A small crowd formed at the door, everyone rushed to leave. Well, as usual, I'll wait until the passage is clear. Why rush? Plus, I think, this will increase my chance of hiding from prying eyes.

 Having collected my things, I was heading towards the exit when I had to stop. And all because of one thrown phrase:

 -Calder, can you stay for a few minutes? Don't be afraid, it won't take long. I warned the elders, they won't lose you, believe me. – a serious voice, with only a tiny bit of an eternal smile, stopped me in the doorway.

 What did I say about visiting the rescue room? Apparently I'm not destined to get there today.

 And why did my plans fall through the cracks again? Is this a curse? Or is it luck turned inside out?