Drop in the Ocean

“Professor Flitwick!” the three of them shouted as Professor Flitwick just got out of the Charms classroom and about to enter the faculty lounge.

“What is it Celeni, Joyce and Oliver?”

“It’s about the Blynx…” Celeni breathlessly explained.

“Oh yes, and the case must be dropped because there’s someone else terrorizing the school.”

“BUT WE NEED TO TALK TO DUMBLEDORE!”

“Alright, what is this all about?”

“Ethan Bloom… OUR Ethan Bloom… was kidnapped.”

“Kidnapped was he…” and Professor Flitwick’s little body fell on the floor.

“Oh great… now we have another case. Let’s bring him to the Hospital Wing and I’ll ask Prof McGonagall if she could help us.” Oliver said.

“Alright.” Joyce said.

So they brought Professor Flitwick to the Hospital Wing. They went to the Deputy Headmistress’s office and Oliver was the one who knocked.

“Yes, who is it?”

“It’s Oliver Wood Professor.”

The frail but firm woman stepped out of the door. She was still in her tight bun and well pressed robes.

“Wood, if you’re going to convince me to resume Quidditch season this year, might as well return to the Common Room and accomplish reviewing for your O.W.L.s, just like everyone else! I told you enough. It’s too dangerous! And I believe you’ve charmed these Ravenclaw players to go with your boycott too? It’s surprising to see Miss Christensen and Miss Cadogan to be out of their studying arena and fight for Quidditch…”

“No Professor, it’s not about Quidditch at all. Please don’t be harsh to Wood. It’s about Ethan.” Celeni hastily explained.

“Yes, Professor Flitwick became unconscious when we mentioned that he got kidnapped.” Joyce said right off before she could cut Celeni.

“Oh my good scarlet phoenix! Some dark force in Hogwarts? But it’s impossible. The grounds are well off especially with the attacks going on!” McGonagall exclaimed.

“Well, they had accomplices I believe that gets them into the Forbidden Forest. That was when we saw the two guys… Crabbe and Goyle. That’s why we need to speak with Dumbledore.” Oliver added.

“But I’m afraid… Dumbledore is away. I will send him an owl right away to look after this case. I will alert all the teachers to secure the external vicinity of our school. First petrifying attacks and now this. What would Crabbe and Goyle possibly want from Ethan?” the Professor said with an array of confusion in her face.

“We’ve heard one of their conversations. Lucius Malfoy is in the grounds of Hogwarts.”

“Lucius Malfoy?! Draco Malfoy’s father? Hm… he seems to have easy access to the grounds because of his son. Like last time, he was easily able to deliver all those Nimbus Two Thousand and One by himself.” McGonagall said. “Very well… go along now. Let the grown wizards handle this one and focus on doing well on your O.W.L. that I must add, we might delay and you’ll have to take next year where all troubles are gone.”

So the three went away.

“This is a scandalizing year for the dark force. I wonder what Death Eaters are up to.” Oliver remarked after leaving the office.

“OH MY MORGANA!!!! I remember! Hey Joyce, do you remember when we bought Obi in that Owl Emporium?” Celeni asked.

“Well, yes, he was quite a happy owl.” Joyce said.

“I hope you remembered that he had this ugly mark on the bottom of his left wing. It’s like a skull thing. I tried asking the salesperson what that was…”

“…And she just said it was just a dirty mark that you could remove with Mrs Skower’s Magical Purpose Cleaner that she was selling!” Joyce continued.

“I forgot to tell you… it didn’t work. That blonde woman was a lying git. Plus I’m extremely curious why she wanted to know that I studied in Hogwarts.” Celeni concluded.

“Hm… what if that Owl was originally Lucius Malfoy’s? That woman could have deliberately sold it without his knowledge and now he wants it back because of it has valuable information! When did you buy the Owl?” Oliver asked.

“Last summer… I remember they were also putting a banner on Flourish an Blotts about Magical Me’s autograph session on the following month.”

“Which makes utter sense! The breed of the Owl you have is quite rare right? It only trusts its present owner, which makes it utterly impossible for Malfoy to claim it now that it trust you Celeni!” Joyce exclaimed.

“That is so right!” Celeni replied. Now they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.

“Well, you might not know but this is Gryffindor’s entrance to our tower. It’s good bye for now. Will do something about this tomorrow.” Oliver said.

“Don’t say goodbye Oliver, say good night.” Joyce said and gave Oliver a kiss on the cheek.

“Alright then good night.” Oliver said.

“Thanks for the help.” Celeni said.

As the two best friends were walking towards their own tower, Celeni had tears on her eyes.

“Oh Celeni, you don’t have to worry about Ethan. Or your Owl. Just be calm. We could resolve this.” Joyce said.

“It’s not about that. I’m crying half-half tears. Tears of Joyce, I mean, joy and tears of fear. I miss Ethan so much. I hope he’s fine. And I’m so happy that your friendship with Oliver bloomed. And it’s because of me.” Celeni ended with a snotty sobbish chuckle.

“Aw… that’s alright Celeni. I’m so glad you’re my friend. So far this has been one of the most mysterious yet adventurous year in Hogwarts.”