Dinner time, most of the professors were present at the staff table, but Headmaster Dumbledore was notably absent. Scarlet felt a growing sense of nervousness as she finished her meal and made her way over to Professor McGonagall.

“Excuse me, Professor, I have some questions and I desperately need your advice. It’s about Animagus transformations.”

Professor McGonagall looked intrigued. “Have you finished your dinner? Very well, follow me.”

They soon settled in Professor McGonagall’s office. The Professor sat down and asked, “What would you like to inquire about? I know becoming an Animagus sounds exciting, but I must strongly advise against a first-year student attempting the ritual.”

“No, no,” Scarlet quickly clarified. “I’m not asking because I want to become an Animagus. It’s something else.” She hesitated before continuing. “I suppose you’ve heard from Professor Dumbledore or Professor Sprout that I inherited an ancient form of magic, and that I’ve been granted a room for physical training?”

“Yes, I’m aware,” Professor McGonagall replied, nodding. “Mr. Filch has also been informed, so he won’t report you for being out after curfew, provided you’re not out too late.”

“Well, I don’t think anyone’s told you exactly what kind of magic I’ve inherited,” Scarlet said cautiously, noticing the subtle nod from the professor to continue. “The magic I acquired is related to death and souls. For instance, if you’d permit me, I could guide all the ghosts in the school to the land of dead - the Shadowy Land, which is guarded by Scáthach, the warrior maiden. I can also identify souls. If you conjured an animal using Transfiguration, I could tell at a glance whether it’s a true living being with a soul, or just something created by magic.”

“Interesting magic,” Professor McGonagall said thoughtfully, clearly impressed. She had taken special note of Scarlet ever since sending her the acceptance letter and accompanying her on the school supply trip to Diagon Alley. This student had a clear mind, was well-prepared, and took control of situations when necessary. Professor McGonagall had initially thought Scarlet would be sorted into Ravenclaw or perhaps Slytherin, but Hufflepuff had been an unexpected yet fitting choice. Still, she couldn’t yet see how ancient soul magic related to the topic of their conversation.

“And I assume,” Professor McGonagall added, “You have something to ask - something involving Anigami, Transfiguration, and this magic you’ve inherited?”

“Well, yes...” Scarlet began slowly, choosing her words carefully. “I found a human soul inside a rat...I mean, this rat, it’s supposed to be a human, but somehow, he’s living as a rat - and for far longer than an average garden rat, considering it isn’t a magical creature.”

Professor McGonagall’s eyes widened, and she straightened up in her chair, “You mean to say...”

“An adult man disguised as a rat, and he’s been hiding for at least nine years,” Scarlet clarified. “And when I checked the Hogwarts yearbook, I realised that the soul looked exactly like Peter Pettigrew. It even has one less finger...”

Her voice grew quieter as she noticed Professor McGonagall’s expression becoming increasingly stern and serious.

“This is a bold accusation,” Professor McGonagall said softly, though her tone was edged with concern. “Are you prepared to guarantee the truth of this claim?”

“Yes, by the name of Queen Scáthach, I swear I’m telling the truth,” Scarlet responded solemnly. “I take full responsibility for my words.”

“Good,” Professor McGonagall said, her voice steady. “Now, where is this rat?”

“In Ron Weasley’s room,” Scarlet replied, noticing the flash of surprise that crossed the professor’s face. “The rat used to belong to Percy Weasley, but now it’s Ron Weasley’s pet. I noticed the odd when we met on the train, but I only recently found the time to investigate. I use the excuse of observing a rare, long-living rat to avoid raising suspicion...I just gave him back to Ron a few days ago.”

“A clever cover,” Professor McGonagall acknowledged as she stood. “Stay here. I’ll retrieve the rat, and we’ll take this directly to the headmaster.”

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

She left the office briskly before Scarlet could respond, clearly unsettled by the gravity of the situation.

Not long after, Professor McGonagall returned with the rat secured in a cage. Together, they made their way to the headmaster’s office.

This was the second time Scarlet had been in the headmaster’s office. The last time, she had been too nervous and focused on requesting a training room to notice much about her surroundings. Now, she took in the sight of the many portraits of past Headmasters hanging on the walls, all of them watching curiously as she and Professor McGonagall entered.

“Albus, this is a serious matter. We’ll have to skip the pleasantries,” Professor McGonagall said firmly, setting the cage down on an empty spot on the floor, “Please, take a look at this rat.”

Professor Dumbledore noticed the tension in Professor McGonagall’s voice, so he kept his words brief and moved closer to examine the rat. “It’s not a particularly well-groomed rat, I must say. I don’t see anything unsual.”

“He’s an Animagus,” Professor McGonagall explained, “according to Ms. Hong.”

“I can assure you I’m telling the truth,” Scarlet added, though she was too nervous to notice that both professors seemed ready to respond. Without waiting, she stepped in front of the cage, raising her hand with her fingers forming a circle to frame the rat in her view.

Before either of the adults could intervene, Scarlet chanted her incantation, “In the name of Scáthach, Reveal!”

The rat let out a terrified shriek as its body began to shimmer and shift. First, its head transformed, followed by its torso, arms, and legs, like a rapid time-lapse of a blooming flower. In the blink of an eye, the rat had morphed into a man, breaking the cage apart as he collapsed onto the floor, his hands covering his eyes.

Before the man could move, Scarlet cast another enchantment, binding him in place. A gleaming circle gravitational force surrounded him, pinning him to the spot with a heavy weight.

“Peter Pettigrew, you’re alive,” Professor McGonagall said sternly, pointing her wand at him. Scarlet stepped back, giving the professor full control. “Since you’ve been hiding all these years, I suspect there’s more to the story of the twelve Muggles’ deaths and you confrontation with Sirius Black?”

Professor Dumbledore remained silent for a moment, processing the scene before turning to Scarlet, “Ms. Hong, I’m sorry you had to be involved in this.”

“Well, I’m fine with it,” Scarlet replied. “Though I imagine the Weasleys might be traumatised...considering the rat pretended to be their pet for nearly nine years.”

Scarlet noticed a flicker of shock in Professor Dumbledore’s eyes before adding, “I think I should leave now. I trust Hogwarts can handle this?”

“Indeed, we will,” Professor Dumbledore confirmed with a nod, “Fifty points to Hufflepuff, for your brave actions. And by the way, your charms – ancient magic – are quite impressive.”

“Thanks.” Scarlet politely left the room and headed toward the Great Hall; dinner hadn’t finished yet, so she figured she could grab something for a midnight snack. While she usually settled for cookies, sometimes she craved something more substantial, like fried chicken. To her surprise, her special meals – prepared according to her own recipes - were a hit with her housemates. As a result, all four House tables occasionally featured Asian cuisine. Rice ball, in particular, were a favourite since they were easy to carry, much like sandwiches, making them popular with students on the go.

As soon as she entered the hall, Ron hurried over to her side. “Professor McGonagall borrowed Scabbers. Do you know anything about it?”

He looked puzzled. “Is she interested in finding out why Scabbers has lived so long, too?”

“Well...” Scarlet hesitated, searching for a reasonable explanation. “You’ll find out soon enough. Don’t worry - she’ll take good care of Scabbers.”

“To be honest, I don’t mind,” Ron shrugged. “By the way, do you have any paid tasks you need help with?”

“Yes, but it’s book research – specifically history,” Scarlet replied, watching Ron’s enthusiasm deflate. “I don’t mind giving you the task, but it has to follow my format, and I won’t accept a shoddy report. Are you still interested?”

“Anything but history.” Ron groaned, looking hopeful. “Isn’t there some other type of research you need?”

“Well...” Scarlet glanced toward the Forbidden Forest, “How about magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest? I’d like a general overview of what’s out there - brief description of the creatures. You seem to be on good terms with the gamekeeper, right? Twenty Galleons for the report. It needs to be at least fifty pages, with pictures and illustrations allowed, and a reference list. Those don’t count toward the fifty pages. Hand it in by this time next week. How does that sound?”

Ron gritted his teeth. “...Yeah, sounds good.”

“You don’t have to --”

“I must,” Ron cut her off. “If I don’t, I’ll never save enough for a broomstick. It’s a better offer than anything else I’ve heard.”

“Anything else?”

“Fred and George,” Ron explained. “They’ve been trying to save for years, but nothing’s really worked out. I bet I have more Galleons than them now!” He looked proud of himself, so Scarlet chose not to burst his bubbles. Instead, she excused herself politely and went back to packing up her midnight snack.

Now, two problems left, Scarlet thought, I can handle them one at a time once Peter Pettigrew case is resolved and Professor Dumbledore proves reliable. It’s not that I don’t trust him...but politics can be messy, especially with this Ministry. Who know what could happen?

Oh yeah, where’s Harry? She mused. I haven’t seen much of him outside of class...He’s been living in Hermione’s vent, but not showing up around me...He seems happy, though - so maybe that’s a good thing?