Hard Working Penelope

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Dumbledore, having abandoned the questioning, elicited a sigh of relief from Ethan. After maintaining politeness with Dumbledore for a while, Ethan contentedly returned to the office. In contrast to the previous world, the villagers who paid for completed tasks were unaware of the significantly increased payments.

On the morning of the new term, the auditorium buzzed with excitement as little wizards shared their Christmas holiday stories and the latest jokes from the Weasleys. Molly Weasley, resembling a lioness, stormed into the school hall, delivering a stern lecture to her three sons—Ron, George, and Fred—who were enjoying breakfast.

"You three! I believe you've lost your mind. Ron, how could you poison your classmates? Who on earth gave you the audacity? I'm certain you'll turn into a criminal if you continue like this. It's challenging enough being a Ministry of Magic employee, let alone having to deal with your antics" Ron's ears suffered once more, though the physical pain paled in comparison to the torment in his heart.

Mrs. Weasley instructed him to publicly apologize to Goyle and Crabbe. Malfoy seized the opportunity, positioning himself between Crabbe and Goyle, observing Ron's apology. However, Malfoy refrained from taunting Ron, cautious due to Mrs. Weasley's proximity. Despite being a child, Malfoy felt a tinge of apprehension in the face of the formidable Mrs. Weasley.

Crabbe and Goyle, unfamiliar with such a scenario, awkwardly accepted Ron's apology. Mrs. Weasley, observing the scene, exclaimed, "Look at the mess you've caused. Ron, they haven't recovered from the effects of the potion"

Laughter erupted in the auditorium, even causing Professor McGonagall on the professor's chair to chuckle, albeit trying to maintain composure.

Hermione and Harry blushed, staring down at their breakfast plates. Although Mrs. Weasley didn't address them directly, Ron's rebuke resonated with them, considering their involvement in the plan. Ginny and Percy wisely opted to skip breakfast altogether.

In the end, Professor McGonagall intervened to bring the charade involving Mrs. Weasley, Ron, and the Weasley twins to a close. Ethan, seated in the professor's chair, observed the entire spectacle, thinking it would serve as a lasting lesson for Ron, Harry, and Hermione. After all, this time they had truly crossed a line. Following breakfast, Ethan returned to his office to delve into the study of magical seals.

Not long after, a knock on the office door notified the arrival of Hermione and Penelope. Ethan welcomed them in, and Penelope, brimming with excitement, couldn't wait to share her discovery. After obtaining Ethan's approval, Penelope took a deep breath, calming her excitement before demonstrating her skills.

With slender fingers tracing a seal in the air, an invisible shockwave of "Aard" erupted from Penelope's palm, propelling a kettle on Ethan's desk into the air. Rising from his seat, an elated expression graced Penelope's face, marking the success of her casting.

"Bravo, Penelope! Your talent in Signs is truly exceptional. Ravenclaw is fortunate to have such a gifted and intelligent student," praised Ethan, acknowledging Penelope's achievement and feeling a pleasant surprise at her magical prowess.

Penelope, much like Hermione, was a diligent and motivated student. Being a few years older than Hermione, Penelope had a broader perspective, acutely aware of the gap between herself and her pure-blood classmates. Ambitious and serving as a Ravenclaw prefect, Penelope aspired to more than a mundane career after graduation and had recognized the value behind becoming an assistant when Professor Ethan issued the recruitment notice.

Her diligent efforts paid off, leading to her selection as an assistant. In her spare time, Penelope delved deeper into the Signs, and now, her hard work had borne fruit.

"Outstanding job, Penelope!"

Ethan applauded her success. While Hermione congratulated Penelope, a tinge of bitterness lingered in her heart. Like Penelope, Hermione had practiced signs in her free time since becoming an assistant. However, her focus on uncovering the Slytherin heir had caused her to neglect sign practice. Discovering Penelope's surpassing progress, especially after realizing the time spent on the heir search had been in vain, left Hermione feeling somewhat disheartened.

"Perhaps we should celebrate," suggested Ethan with a mysterious smile. He turned, and retrieved two small goblets and a bottle of East wine from his cabinet, adding, "Don't mention this to your Dean." With a playful wink, he implied a shared secret celebration.

Penelope's face lit up with excitement, an experience of breaking school rules with a professor that she had never encountered before. Hermione felt a bit conflicted, but she didn't voice any objections. East wine, known for its exclusivity and high cost, matured in the renowned cellars of Corvo Bianco. The wine carried a robust smoky aroma, proving to be a delightful surprise for first-time tasters.

Ethan swiftly poured three glasses and handed small goblets to Penelope and Hermione.

"To Penelope," Ethan proposed a toast, and the three glasses clinked, producing a crisp sound. Both Penelope and Hermione, after sipping a small amount of the red wine, blushed. Ethan, cautious with the two young witches, limited them to just a glass.

The day was unsuitable for further Sign research. Ethan decided to give the two witches a break and summoned Pippi, the house elf, to bring snacks and drinks. With a large glass of Butterbeer, Penelope and Hermione visibly relaxed.

Hermione, delightedly, once again laid eyes on the cockroach cluster, a peculiar candy she liked but felt embarrassed to buy in front of other students. The small party provided an opportunity for indulgence.

Following the gathering, Hermione hastened to the library, feeling the pressure of competition. Recognizing her falling behind, she borrowed a substantial stack of books before making her way back to the Gryffindor lounge with difficulty.