Hogwarts' portraits are the pinnacle of magical realism. They're filled with the memories and emotions of their subjects, and the figures inside can move between frames, chat with the living, drink, sing, or even scream at the top of their lungs. But these talkative portraits don't usually transform from wizards or knights into animals.
Ron's vision went dark for a second when an owl in one of the portraits started quizzing them.
"Young wizard! Foolish young wizard! The enemy of the snake—yes, who is the enemy of the snake?"
To Ron and Harry's surprise, Hermione and Justin actually started thinking it over seriously.
They racked their brains until a slip of parchment slid under the door. Justin picked it up and said, "It's a stag. In symbolic history, the stag is 'the snake's enemy, driving it from its burrow and killing it.'"
The owl gave a distinctly human-like look of disdain. "Borrowed wisdom is still wisdom, but always borrowing…"
Before it could finish, it froze, and a door materialized out of nowhere.
Harry and Ron reassured themselves it was just like Ravenclaw's quirky door knocker. They were buzzing with excitement—no wonder no one could find this secret group! It was guarded by an owl!
But they were also a bit worried. "Mr. Fenwick, what happens if we can't answer the question?" they asked, their voices cautious.
"No worries, you can still get in," Justin explained patiently.
"What?!" Harry and Ron exclaimed. Then what was all that fuss about?
"Don't you think answering questions is fun?" Hermione asked, tilting her chin up.
Harry and Ron shook their heads like rattles.
As they talked, they stepped into the room. It was almost as big as the Gryffindor common room, with two wooden tables and a crackling fireplace. The floor was covered with cozy rugs, and glowing pumpkin lanterns added a warm touch. Neat rows of plants lined the walls, countless candles floated in the air, and a plush sofa sat in the middle, surrounded by a few individual desks.
The desks had movable wooden panels, likely a product of some Transfiguration magic. How did they know? Because as soon as they walked in, one desk's panel slowly lowered.
It was Sean.
He gave them a gentle nod and a warm smile.
Harry and Ron hurriedly nodded back, feeling like they'd never truly known Hogwarts. How could a room like this exist, and they'd had no clue?
Suddenly, a sharp voice made Harry and Ron jump. "Button up your cloak properly! It's all crooked, like a fried-up flour stick!"
Harry whipped around in panic, only to lock eyes with a mirror after a moment of disbelief.
"It's… like the mirror at my house," Ron whispered, coming to his senses. He was talking about the one on the Weasley's kitchen mantel at the Burrow. Same kind of alchemical creation.
Harry nodded, dazed. At this point, even if Professor Snape popped out of a cabinet, he wouldn't be shocked.
"Harry… Ron…" Neville came jogging over, clutching a pair of scissors. "I'm so glad to see you guys here… I wanted to tell you before, but I didn't dare…"
"It's okay, Neville," Harry said, touched. He totally got why Neville kept it secret. If he had a hideout like this, he wouldn't tell anyone either.
Well… except Ron and Hermione… and Sean and Justin… oh, and Neville too…
Harry chuckled to himself—everyone he'd think to tell was already here.
"Alright, I'm ready to learn some amazing magic," Ron said, stumbling over his words. Harry nodded eagerly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked, baffled.
"You know, the magic Sean used on Neville to make him smarter," Ron said, a mix of embarrassment and hope in his voice.
"Seriously, Harry, Ron, do you think Sean's Merlin or something? There's no such spell!" Justin said, laughing so hard he held his forehead.
"Idiots!" Hermione added, torn between amusement and exasperation.
"But—how did Neville—" Harry started, flustered.
"It was Neville's own hard work," Justin said, calming his laughter. "We just helped out a bit—mostly Sean."
He pointed to a wooden rack by the entrance. Ron's eyes lit up like gold. Green's Notes! A complete, thick stack of them! He'd never thought he'd see the day when a thicker book was better, but Green's Notes weren't like those boring textbooks—they were easy to understand!
"You can write your questions on the parchment at the back of the notes," Justin explained. "Sean answers them in the morning. So, any branches of magic you're struggling with?"
Justin was doing well in pretty much every subject, almost catching up to Hermione. Hufflepuff jokingly called him "Little Hermione," their top student.
"Uh…" Harry and Ron mumbled.
"Got it," Justin said, his tone suggesting, This might be trouble, but we'll manage. "Green's Notes will cover most of your questions. For anything else, ask me or Neville about Herbology, Hermione for Charms or Transfiguration, and if you're still stuck, catch Sean in the Great Hall. Oh, and find a time to test your spell proficiency with Sean—when he's free and in a good mood."
He emphasized that last part.
"Any other questions?"
Harry and Ron were floored and shook their heads.
Two new desks had appeared in the room, already set up by Justin. Harry and Ron sat down, thrilled, eyeing the steaming honey-lemon tea on their desks, the shelves stuffed with Green's Notes, and the assortment of sweets on a small wooden table. They exchanged a look, eyes sparkling with excitement.
This is awesome!
Even after the fire had been burning for a while, Harry and Ron could hardly believe they'd stumbled into this secret room. A sign by the door revealed its name: The Gifted Hope Room.
A bit later, as mealtime approached, Harry and Ron cautiously nudged Justin. "Mr. Fenwick, what's our club called? Any rules?"
Justin blinked. Their little group—him, Sean, Hermione, and Neville—didn't usually do anything unexpected. Hermione was always off on her own, Neville was earnest but shy, and no one would spill the room's secrets or bring in outsiders without permission. But now, with Harry and Ron here…
"We need to talk it over! Everyone!" Justin called out. Sean had already left the Hope Room.
"Sean's not joining?" Harry asked, confused.
"Oh, Sean's not bound by the rules," Justin said, glancing at Hermione and Neville. "He can do anything."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Sean's not like you lot," she said. Neville nodded shyly but firmly.