"Knowledge is meant to be found, Mr. Acton. Just ensure you return everything you borrow on time and in good condition."
James hurried toward the nearest glowing section, following the golden lights like breadcrumbs. He found himself in an area he hadn't explored before, shelves dedicated to magical construction and architectural theory.
Books glowed at varying intensities. James pulled the brightest ones first: Foundations of Magical Architecture by Ignatia Danes, Ancient Building Techniques in Wizarding Britain by Wendel Weasley, The Castle That Grew: A Study of Hogwarts Through the Centuries by Baldrick Archibald.
He moved to another section where more books glowed. Several were in Old English, their aged leather bindings cracked and worn. James pulled those carefully, recognizing their potential value. Old texts often contained knowledge that had been simplified or lost in modern translations.
Þe Craeft of Castel-Maecung (The Craft of Castle-Making) looked promising. So did Wyrcende Stanas: Runelore in Bylding (Working Stones: Runelore in Building).
He also grabbed a dictionary of Old English magical terms. His ability to read Early Modern English was solid, but Old English was significantly more challenging. The dictionary would help him parse the more archaic texts.
By the time he'd gathered everything, James was carrying a stack of nearly fifteen books. He made his way back to Madam Pince's desk just as the golden glow from Libris Revelio began to fade.
The librarian examined his selections with a critical eye. "Ambitious reading list, Mr. Acton. Some of these texts are quite advanced."
"I'm researching magical architecture for a personal project," James explained, which was true enough.
"Very well." She began the checkout process, her quill scratching notes in the lending register. "Standard two-week borrowing period. The Old English texts are rare, so I expect exceptional care."
"Of course, Madam Pince."
She finished the checkout procedure and levitated the stack of books into a neat pile. "There you are. Don't let your enthusiasm interfere with your actual coursework, Mr. Acton."
"I won't," James promised, though his coursework was essentially complete already. He collected the books, arranged them carefully in his bag with a quick featherlight charm, and left the library.
By the time he reached the Great Hall, dinner was nearly over. Only a few stragglers remained at the house tables, finishing their meals or chatting quietly. James slid into a seat at the Ravenclaw table and quickly filled his plate with whatever was left. Roasted chicken, some vegetables, a roll.
Terry Boot was sitting a few seats away, working on what looked like Charms homework. He looked up when James sat down.
"Where've you been all day?" Terry asked. "I didn't see you at lunch either."
"Library," James said between bites. "Research project."
"On a Saturday?" Terry shook his head in amazement. "You're dedicated. Hey, since you're here, can you help me with this Charms essay? I'm not sure I understand the difference between permanent and semi-permanent enchantments."
James swallowed his food and considered the question. "Permanent enchantments use anchor charms to bind the magic to an object or location indefinitely. They only fail if the object is destroyed or if someone deliberately breaks the enchantment. Semi-permanent enchantments fade over time, though that time can be extended through regular maintenance or by using higher-quality anchor points."
"Oh." Terry scribbled notes quickly. "That makes more sense than how the textbook explained it. Thanks."
"No problem. The textbook sometimes over-complicates things."
They chatted amicably for a few more minutes while James finished eating. Terry was pleasant company, asking genuine questions and actually listening to the answers rather than just looking for someone to complete his homework for him.
When dinner ended, James excused himself and headed back to Ravenclaw Tower. He answered the eagle knocker's riddle on automatic, barely registering the question or his response.
The common room was moderately populated with students enjoying their Saturday evening. Some were studying, others playing games or chatting. James ignored them all and went straight to the bathroom, wanting to wash up and change before settling in for a long night of reading.
The bathroom was busy but not crowded. James claimed a sink, brushed his teeth, washed his face, and changed into comfortable pajamas and his warm jumper. By the time he returned to his room, it was past eight o'clock.
James locked his door, cast a mild silencing charm so he wouldn't be disturbed by noise from the corridor, and settled into his comfortable chair.
He arranged his borrowed books in order of priority. The Old English texts first, since they were likely to contain the oldest and potentially most useful information. Then the more modern architectural theory books. Finally, the historical analysis of Hogwarts itself.
James pulled the first book closer and opened it carefully, mindful of its age.
Þe Craeft of Castel-Maecung began with a dedication written in elaborate script. The Old English was challenging, requiring frequent reference to his dictionary, but James could make out the general meaning. The author was documenting traditional methods of castle construction using both mundane techniques and magical enhancements.
He settled in to read, his eidetic memory capturing every word, every diagram, and every theoretical principle. The hours passed unnoticed as he lost himself in ancient knowledge, in the craft of building that had been refined over centuries.
Around him, the castle quieted as students went to bed. The sounds from the corridor faded to nothing. But James kept reading, determined to finish all fifteen books tonight so he could return to the library tomorrow for further research.
The mystery of Hogwarts' construction was beginning to take shape in his mind. Pieces were falling into place, connections forming between different magical traditions and architectural techniques.
He had a long night ahead of him.
But James Acton had never been afraid of hard work, especially when the reward was understanding a mystery that had eluded witches and wizards for a thousand years.
The castle could keep its secrets. For now.