Chapter Eleven: An Unexpected Ghost Hunt

The next morning, Pierrot's clue still buzzed in my mind like an annoying fly. "Seek the lady of wisdom," it said. My gut told me this had something to do with Ravenclaw, but I had no idea where to start.

Draco and Blaise were already up, chatting about the upcoming Quidditch tryouts.

I grabbed my bag, pretending to join their conversation, but my mind was elsewhere.

Breakfast was a blur, and before I knew it, we were heading to Transfiguration.

As we trudged through the halls, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Maybe it was my imagination, or maybe the portraits were just extra nosy today. Either way, it was unsettling.

In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall was demonstrating how to turn a matchstick into a needle when I finally zoned back in.

The matchstick shimmered and then turned into a shiny needle. "Now, who can tell me the primary incantation for this transformation?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room.

I half-raised my hand, not really wanting to draw attention but knowing the answer. "Ferro Veru," I muttered, hoping she'd pick someone else.

"Correct, Mr. Belmont," Professor McGonagall said, her sharp gaze settling on me. "Five points to Slytherin."

Draco smirked and nudged me. "Look at you, already earning points. Maybe you do have some use after all."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help feeling a bit proud. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't expect me to ace the whole class."

As McGonagall continued her demonstration, Hermione Granger's hand shot up, eager as always. "Professor, what happens if the spell backfires?"

"An excellent question, Miss Granger. If the spell is improperly cast, the matchstick might only partially transform, resulting in a splintered or malformed needle," she explained. "Which is why precision is key."

Next to me, Pansy Parkinson was whispering to Millicent Bulstrode. "I bet Potter couldn't even manage this spell," Pansy sneered.

I ignored her, focusing instead on practicing the spell in my mind. "Ferro Veru," I whispered, mimicking McGonagall's wand movement.

After the demonstration, we were paired up to practice.

I ended up with Neville Longbottom, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Hey, Neville," I said, trying to sound encouraging. "Ready to give it a go?"

Neville gulped but nodded. "Y-yeah, let's try."

We both pointed our wands at our matchsticks. "Ferro Veru!" I cast, and my matchstick shimmered before transforming into a slightly bent needle.

"Nice one," I said, grinning. "Your turn, Neville."

Neville hesitated, then cast the spell. His matchstick glowed but only transformed halfway, leaving it looking like a splintered toothpick. He groaned. "Great, a half-needle."

"Not bad for a first try," I reassured him. "Just needs a bit more practice."

Neville's shoulders drooped like he was trying to become one with the floor, eyes fixed on his half-transformed matchstick. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Professor McGonagall's mouth twitch up in what was almost a smile. "Remember, Mr. Longbottom, even the best wizards found challenges in their beginnings," she said. Her tone was stern, but not mean. The kind of stern that said she cared, but would rather wrestle a troll than admit it.

The class buzzed with whispers; some kids snickered, others just nodded, probably flashing back to their own magical mishaps. I glanced around, catching the mixed bag of sympathy and smirks, and clapped Neville on the back. "See? We all start somewhere. Next time, it'll be a full needle."

Neville managed a shaky grin, and I figured that was as good as a victory parade in the world of Neville Longbottom. And hey, if he could keep his spirits up in a room full of wizards and a stern professor, maybe there was hope for us yet.

As class wrapped up, Professor McGonagall called me over. "Mr. Belmont, a word, please."

I felt a spike of anxiety but nodded, approaching her desk. "Yes, Professor?"

"I noticed you were quite distracted earlier. Is something troubling you?"

I hesitated, then decided to keep my quest under wraps. "Just trying to keep up with everything, Professor. It's a lot to take in.

"She gave me a knowing look. "Hogwarts can be overwhelming at first.

Remember, you can always seek guidance when needed."

"Thank you, Professor," I said, feeling a bit relieved.

The library! Of course! Where else would a lady of wisdom hang out?After class, I made a beeline for the library, hoping no one would notice my sudden academic enthusiasm.

As soon as I was dismissed, I made a beeline for the library, hoping no one would notice my sudden burst of academic enthusiasm.

As I stepped inside, the smell of old parchment and ink filled the air.

I meandered through the library stacks, trying my best to look like I belonged among the wizards and witches who actually knew what they were doing. My goal was to blend in, not stick out.

After what felt like a century—or at least a couple of Math classes—I ended up in a dusty corner labeled "Hogwarts History." Bingo, the motherlode of ancient school secrets.

One book practically called out to me, like it had been waiting for some clueless first-year to pick it up: "The Life and Times of Rowena Ravenclaw." The book looked like it had been around since Rowena herself had been headmistress. I pulled it off the shelf, hoping it wasn't going to disintegrate in my hands, and plopped down in the nearest corner to dive in.

I flipped through the pages at record speed, hunting for any tidbit that wasn't the usual professor spiel about Rowena's wisdom and how she loved her tiara a little too much. I needed the juicy stuff, the secrets that were Hogwarts-worthy. But all I got were the hits—the greatest hits of Rowena Ravenclaw, same as they ever were, with no secret passages or magical footnotes popping out. It was just her, her diadem, and a bunch of stuff I could've recited in my sleep.

I snapped the book shut, maybe a little louder than I intended. "Great, that was about as helpful as a chocolate teapot," I muttered under my breath. No hidden clues, no mysterious maps, nothing but old stories and ancient history. Back to square one, but at least I knew where the Hogwarts History section was now—that had to count for something, right?

Frustrated and needing a break, I decided to clear my head. I wandered through the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts, letting my thoughts drift. The stone walls and dim lighting didn't do much for my mood, but at least I was moving. After a while, I found myself in a part of the castle that felt distinctly different—a heavy, old gold vibe, like walking into a bank vault without the money. I was about to turn around when the door in front of me creaked open, and out stepped Caitlyn Ollivander.

"Arthur! Fancy seeing you here," Caitlyn said, her eyes lighting up.

"Hey, Caitlyn," I replied, trying to play it cool despite having zero clue where I was. "Just exploring... or more like getting hopelessly lost."

Caitlyn nodded with a knowing smile, "Hogwarts can really knock you sideways, huh? Feels like you're the main event at a Weird Sisters concert with all these whispers and stares. How about a break from the fan club? I was just about to visit an old friend of mine—Hagrid. You know, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds? Big guy, even bigger heart—seriously, you can't miss him. Loves all creatures big and small. And magical. Mostly magical."

"Nope, haven't had the pleasure," I said, grateful for a reason to escape the endless maze of stone walls and eerie portraits.

"Great, he's just the person to lighten up your second day," Caitlyn said as she led the way. We exited the castle, and the air shifted from the dusty, ancient smell of magic and old stones to the fresh, earthy scent of the outdoors.

Following Caitlyn felt like shadowing a local who knew all the best hidden spots in a tourist trap. As we walked, I found myself relaxing. Caitlyn had a way of making everything seem less daunting.

"So, how's your first day been?" she asked.

"Crazy," I admitted. "And it's only getting crazier. I've got this… thing I'm trying to figure out."

"Anything I can help with?" she offered.

"Yeah, found this weird riddle," I confessed, pulling out the crumpled parchment from my pocket.

"It's all about seeking knowledge or something like that."

Caitlyn glanced around and then leaned closer, lowering her voice. "You know, there's someone who might help, but it's kind of top secret. Ever heard of the Grey Lady?"

I shook my head. Not ringing any bells.

"She's the ghost of Ravenclaw House. Most people just go about their day, you know, giving her space. But she's... well, she's got all the insider info on Ravenclaw history." Caitlyn paused, her expression serious. "I shouldn't really know this stuff, but you seem like you can handle it."

"The ghost of Ravenclaw House, huh? And she just wanders around here?" I asked, my interest piqued despite the whole talking-to-a-ghost part.

"Yeah, but she's not like Moaning Myrtle or anything. She keeps to herself, mostly in the library or near the Ravenclaw Tower. Very mysterious, all cloak and dagger," Caitlyn said, waving her hands like she was casting a spell.

"Sounds like my kind of guide," I mused, imagining a ghost lurking around dusty shelves, guarding her secrets."Let's see if we can track her down later. She might be your ticket to solving that clue,"

Caitlyn kept the conversation after tbat light, pointing out a few landmarks as we walked.

"That's the Quidditch pitch over there. You'll be flying in no time, I bet. And just wait until you see a game—Hogwarts matches are something else!"

Before long, a quaint wooden cabin came into view, nestled on the edge of what looked like an ominously thick forest.

"And that's Hagrid's hut," Caitlyn announced. As if on cue, the door opened, and out stepped a figure so large he could've been mistaken for a small giant.

"Oi, Caitlyn! Who's this with yeh?" boomed a voice that could probably scare off a troll.

"This is Arthur, the new Slytherin that's been turning heads," Caitlyn replied, her tone making it sound like I had pulled a sword from a stone rather than just survived my first week at Hogwarts.

Hagrid's eyes twinkled with curiosity as he looked me over. "Well, step right in! Don't just stand there catching flies!" He waved a hand the size of a dinner plate, beckoning us inside.

Stepping into Hagrid's hut felt like entering a cozy, oversized log cabin. It was filled with all sorts of oddities—giant rock cakes, a crossbow that looked like it could take down a dragon, and what I was pretty sure was a bucket-sized teacup.

"Have a seat, have a seat!" Hagrid boomed, clearing a stack of what appeared to be singing kettle hats from a pair of chairs.

As we sat, the chairs gave a small groan, as if complaining about the day's work. "Tea? Or perhaps a taste of today's brew?" Hagrid offered, gesturing toward a steaming pot that emitted occasional sparks and puffs of violet smoke.

"Just tea, thanks," I replied, eyeing the pot warily.

"So, what brings you two young 'uns to my humble abode?" Hagrid poured what looked like tar but smelled like flowers into cups and handed us one each.

"Arthur's on a bit of a quest," Caitlyn explained, flashing me a grin. "He's got a riddle to solve, something about seeking the lady of wisdom."

My eyes widened slightly. I hadn't expected her to reveal that much, but it looked like Hagrid was the kind of guy who could keep a secret.

"Ah, that'd be Ravenclaw, I'd bet," Hagrid said, nodding thoughtfully. "Smart lot, they are. Always got their noses in books."

"That's what I thought," I said, sipping my tea and trying not to grimace at the strong flavor. "I was hoping the library would help, but I hit a dead end."

"Books are great, but they don't have all the answers," Hagrid mused, stroking his beard. "You know, sometimes talking to the right creature or... ghost, might open doors that books can't."

Caitlyn leaned forward. "We thought the Grey Lady might help, but approaching a ghost isn't exactly straightforward."

"Aye, the Grey Lady," Hagrid nodded, his eyes lighting up with a mix of respect and caution. "She's wise and mighty secretive. If yeh want to catch her attention, yeh might try offering something of interest. Ghosts like her, they value knowledge—maybe a lost tale or a forgotten piece of history. Something that shows yeh respect her wisdom."

"Thanks, Hagrid. Any idea where I might find something like that?" I asked, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Hagrid chuckled, reaching into a box beside him and pulling out a small, dusty book. "Might be yeh start with this. It's an old diary from a Hogwarts student long gone—got tales in there not even the professors remember now."

He handed me the book, its cover faded and edges frayed. "Just be mindful, Arthur. Treat her with respect, and she might just help yeh."

We chatted for a while longer, Hagrid sharing stories about his various magical creatures and Caitlyn filling me in on some Hogwarts gossip. It was a welcome break from the intensity of my first few days.

As we thanked Hagrid and got up to leave, he handed me a small, luminous stone. "And take this. It's a light gem—glows brighter as yeh get closer to what yeh seek. Could come in handy, especially with your quest."

"Thanks, Hagrid," I said, pocketing the gem and feeling its warmth against my hand.

"Good luck, Arthur," Hagrid said as we stepped outside. "An' remember, Hogwarts has a way of revealin' its secrets to those who seek 'em."

Caitlyn and I made our way back towards the castle, the evening sky casting long shadows across the grounds. "Feel better now?" she asked.

"Yeah," I admitted. "Hagrid's hut is like a haven. And tge gem... pretty cool."

"Glad to hear it," Caitlyn said. "Now, ready to meet a ghost?" she asked with a grin

"Absolutely," I replied, my spirits lifted. "Let's go find some answers."

As we entered the dimly lit halls of the castle, I couldn't help but feel that no matter what Hogwarts threw at me, with a bit of luck and some good company, I might just make it through unscathed. Maybe even solve a mystery or two. But first, I had to find a ghost who wasn't fond of company and convince her that I was worth talking to. No pressure, right?

Just another day at Hogwarts, I thought, adjusting the weight of the books under my arm. As we turned a corner, Caitlyn elbowed me gently, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Think of it this way, Arthur. How many first years get to say they started their Hogwarts career on a ghost hunt? You're already ahead of the game."

I had to smile at that. "Yeah, and how many first years get lost on their second day, talk to ancient spirits, and get homework help from a ghost?" I shot back.

"Only the best ones," she said with a laugh, and we continued down the hallway, our footsteps echoing in the quiet.

The castle might have been vast and filled with secrets, but at that moment, it felt a bit smaller, a bit more conquerable. And as we walked, I realized something important — no matter how tough the riddle or how secretive the ghost, I wasn't alone in this. With friends like Caitlyn and magical items from Hagrid tucked in my pocket, maybe, just maybe, I could face anything.

Even a ghost of a chance seemed worth taking. After all, this was Hogwarts. If you couldn't chase a few legends here, where could you?