Mid-level alchemy creations, Sean figured, were like intermediate Transfiguration—more advanced, trickier, and requiring a deeper understanding. If transforming a regular biscuit wasn't mid-level, then a magical creature transformation biscuit, a step up, just might be.
With that thought, Sean quickened their pace toward the caretaker's office on the first floor.
It was Christmas Day, and Hogwarts was decked out in dazzling splendor, even if only a handful of students stayed to see it. The corridors were strung with garlands of holly and mistletoe, and every suit of armor flickered with mysterious lights. The Great Hall boasted twelve sparkling Christmas trees, each adorned with golden stars. The rich, mouthwatering aroma of cooking wafted through the halls, so thick that Sean felt a pang of nostalgia for the Christmas feast.
Passing by Ron, Sean noticed Scabbers poking his nose out of Ron's pocket, sniffing the air hopefully.
Soon, Sean reached the caretaker's office. Their bond with Mrs. Norris had been stuck at the final hurdle for a while, as if crossing it would forge a profound connection between wizard and magical creature.
Sean had a theory: cats probably got along better with other cats than with humans.
The scent of simmering stew floated from the caretaker's office. Unusually, Mrs. Norris hadn't ventured out, and as Sean raised a hand to knock, they overheard Mr. Filch muttering, "Oh, Mrs. Norris, are you sure I should eat this? Of course, of course, I know—"
Sean had a hunch about what was going on. They waited quietly, pulling out The Selection and Inspiration of Alchemical Materials. To craft a mid-level alchemical creation, they'd need top-notch ingredients.
After hearing a meow from inside, Sean waited a few more minutes before knocking.
"I don't have time for you brats! You'd better scram!" Filch's voice was hoarse and shaky, tinged with anger and lingering fear.
"Yes, it's time. Will he show up, Mrs. Norris—?"
Knock, knock, knock.
The persistent but gentle knocking came again. Filch stormed over and flung the door open.
"Merry Christmas, Mr. Filch," Sean said, stepping inside with a handful of neatly wrapped biscuits. The moment Mrs. Norris saw them, she gracefully leaped onto their shoulder.
Sean glanced around the office. It wasn't gloomy anymore, lit by floating candles. A stained-glass window showed snow falling outside, with the occasional owl gliding across the gray-blue sky. Aside from the stew's aroma, which made Mrs. Norris wrinkle her nose, everything felt cozy.
"Of—of course, Merry Christmas, Mr. Green," Filch stammered, awkwardly accepting the small box of biscuits. "It'll be ready soon. Stay for some stew before you go."
He shuffled off to stir the bubbling cauldron.
Sean waved their wand, and a chair hopped over cheerfully. Mrs. Norris purred, casting a disdainful glance at the stew.
"Christmas is about togetherness, right, Mrs. Norris? Even if you hate certain smells, you put up with them," Sean whispered.
Mrs. Norris gave a satisfied purr.
Filch had a knack for brewing hearty stew, its steaming warmth perfect for a winter night, like snuggling into a cozy blanket. When Sean and Mrs. Norris stepped outside, both were puffing out misty breaths.
In a secluded spot, Sean pulled out a biscuit.
Mrs. Norris's pupils shrank to slits. Startled, she leaped high, then cautiously purred, testing the waters.
Sean could vaguely understand her meaning and responded easily.
[You've earned the affection of the magical creature Kneazle (Mrs. Norris) at an expert level. Affection +50]
[Magical Creature Kneazle (Mrs. Norris): Slightly Affectionate (Apprentice Level) (40/900)]
[A new magical creature domain title has been unlocked. Please review.]
[A new wizard talent has been unlocked. Please review.]
Even in animal form, Sean could check their status. With anticipation, they looked:
[Title: Junior Magical Creature Affinist]
[Slightly increases affinity with magical creatures and understanding of them.]
Affinity and understanding—straightforward effects, just as expected. Sean took a steadying breath and read on:
[Wizard Sean, Magical Creature Talent: Pale Purple (Junior Magical Creature Affinist title applied). Note: Most wizards are Green.]
[Evaluation: You're naturally favored by magical creatures. You're a true talent in the magical branch of creature studies. Seize this gift, and you could become a pivotal figure in magical creature research.]
Though the evaluation didn't explain why Sean's affinity was so high, they felt a spark of excitement. A strong connection to magical creatures was crucial for their plan to create magical creature transformation biscuits.
After bidding Mrs. Norris farewell, curfew was approaching.
In the corridor, a black cat—Sean in disguise—moved swiftly and silently. Since unlocking Mrs. Norris's affection, Sean's understanding of cats had deepened. They could maintain their transformation longer now and felt more confident about crafting those magical creature biscuits.
As they darted between suits of armor and racks toward Ravenclaw Tower, voices echoed from one side of the dark corridor. Even in the dimness, Sean could make out a few Hufflepuffs.
"Hannah—Merlin's beard, we only had a tiny bit of mead by the statue, and we've been woozy this long? What do we do?" a Hufflepuff with deep, soulful eyes said, trembling.
Sean knew mead—a popular wizarding drink made from diluted honey fermented into alcohol. It wasn't surprising that curious young witches might sneak a sip. As a cold breeze swept through, Sean paused, suddenly fighting the urge to lick their paw.
They quickly shook off the strange instinct, realizing they'd been in cat form too long.
"Sally-Anne, didn't you hear the Gryffindors? If you don't get caught, it's not really sneaking out," Hannah said, her voice shaky but trying to sound brave for her friend.
But trouble always comes unexpectedly. A loud meow echoed from down the hall.
The two Hufflepuffs yelped, nearly collapsing against the wall in fright. As Hufflepuffs, they'd never snuck out at night before.
---