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Chapter 131: Finding Ghosts
"Sorry, William, it's getting late. I have to go take care of the plants."
After William and Adams chatted for a bit in the corridor, Adams hastily took his leave. "A batch of Chinese Chomping Cabbages from the East is heading, and they're in desperate need of water."
That's what Adams said; he was in such a hurry that he left quickly without waiting for William to respond.
'Chinese Chomping Cabbage?'
William scratched his head, recalling that this was one of the ingredients for brewing Skele-Gro.
'Why did I inexplicably think of hand-shredded cabbage?'
At this thought, he chuckled, then began to ponder this batch of Chinese Chomping Cabbages. The herbs grown within Hogwarts, apart from the particularly precious ones, could be used by professors simply by filing a report.
'If the potion doesn't expire, it's still more reliable than magic. Although theoretically, such severe injuries shouldn't occur, I think I should still brew some.'
Although an application for Skele-Gro would probably be approved, those with the ability to brew potions preferred to do it themselves for more complex concoctions, feeling more assured about both the shelf life and the potion's effectiveness.
Having thought these things through, William then began to ponder the wonderful idea that had just floated through his mind.
Finding ghosts.
Not a poltergeist like Peeves who stubbornly refused to leave, but the ghosts of former wizards, left behind by nearly a thousand years of Hogwarts history.
Compared to portraits, these ghosts could explore more places. Even the places explored by the Weasley Twins might not be as numerous as those explored by ghosts—ghosts can walk through walls, and most of the ghosts in this castle have been at Hogwarts longer than Dumbledore!
'I should have thought of it sooner—Professor Binns had severely limited my thinking. Not every ghost works like Professor Binns, just going between the classroom and the office every day.'
'I should go discuss it with Professor Binns and ask for a letter of introduction or a similar token. Those ghosts are all old-timers, and I'm still an outsider. If I just ask, they probably won't cooperate.'
Ghosts were different from portraits. Most portraits would show respect to professors, but those ghosts were sorted by House. For a wizard like William, who had no established lineage, the ghosts could ignore him if they wished—William had learned this on the first night of school.
'Other people look for ghosts late at night to build their courage. Am I looking for ghosts at dawn?'
'Wait,' William suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked at the completely dark window, remembering Adams, who had just rushed off. 'I really want to curse!'
—
In the brightly lit office, William knocked on the door, guided by the candlelight spilling from the crack underneath.
"Come in."
Professor Binns' voice came from inside. William pushed open the office door.
'So many books—'
Although he had been here many times, William still let out the same exclamation as before. In reality, only a minority were kept outside; the room at the back, which other professors used as a staff room, contained the vast majority. Probably because ghosts don't need to rest, Professor Binns had used all the back rooms for stacking books.
"Ah, Professor William—have more archives been completed?"
Professor Binns' characteristic voice rang out. He floated up from his seat, then asked with a worldview-shattering smile.
The smile didn't surprise William, but Professor Binns' speed truly startled him.
It was barely Saturday morning, and the extended archives that so many people prepared last week were already used up?
"Oh, sorry, Professor. Today is only Saturday; the written content can only be delivered on Monday."
Although students were exempted from Saturday detention, there shouldn't be much of a problem making them write a bit more on Sunday. Could that group of children really solve the case over the weekend?
"Monday? Alright, I'll just sort out the information on past headmasters these next two days. Albus's information can't be compiled yet, so I'll start with Armando Dippet for now."
Professor Binns scratched his hair, but nothing fell off.
"Armando Dippet?"
William asked curiously. Professor Binns glanced at William, his eyes showing doubt, then confusion, before he finally spoke with a reluctant tone.
"Armando Dippet, the former Headmaster, Albus's predecessor. After he retired due to certain circumstances in 1956, Albus Dumbledore became Headmaster."
"Due to certain circumstances?"
"That cannot be said. It involves Albus."
William, whose curiosity had just been piqued, felt like he was tormenting himself this early in the morning. Professor Binns had already told William the rules for compiling the school's history when they first discussed it.
The first rule, and the most important one.
'When compiling school history, do not get involved with matters concerning the current Headmaster. When compiling magical history, do not get involved with matters concerning the current government.'
William could understand this kind of statement, similar to not writing contemporary history, but he desperately wanted to get the gossip on Armando Dippet, the previous Headmaster. *Don't you know it's agonizing when you only tell half the story, Professor?*
"Are you planning to hide something from Headmaster Armando Dippet's history?"
"Of course not. After Professor McGonagall takes office as Headmistress, all matters concerning Headmaster Armando Dippet can be recorded. Compiling history books requires patience, Professor William."
...
It was beyond doubt that Professor McGonagall would become Headmistress, but William still felt that Professor Binns' definition of patience didn't mean waiting for approval, but rather that he simply intended to outlive the Headmaster before recording the history.
Anyway, ghosts don't die. Without a doubt, Professor Binns would win in the end.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Professor William?"
"I'd like to ask the other ghosts something, but I'm not familiar with the ghosts of each House, Professor Binns. Could you introduce them to me?"
William saw a faint hesitation appear on Professor Binns' translucent face—it seemed the professor was wavering between compiling history books and wasting time on William, an outsider.
In the end, he received a note swiftly written by the professor.
—
As the only ghost with a professorship among a bunch of unemployed, wandering spirits, Professor Binns held considerable authority.
Although, from what William had gathered since arriving at the school, Professor Binns' class was considered the most unpopular, this did not affect his prestige among the other ghosts.
At first, William thought Professor Binns was just placating him, but almost every uncooperative ghost would, after seeing that note, more or less show him some respect and chat for a few moments.
'*Yawn...*'
After another conversation ended, William found the after-effects of waking up early had arrived.
He simply found an empty classroom and laid his head down on a desk.
'So the most troublesome part isn't asking the ghosts, but finding them. Where did they all go so early in the morning?'
'I'll lie down for a bit, then go look again. I still have to prepare for the banquet tonight... *Huu...*'
PS: Writing is so slow, so slow, so slow… I'm going to sleep first… This cold is so uncomfortable, so just this one chapter.
(end of chapter)
"Sorry, William, it's getting late. I have to go take care of the plants."
After William and Adams chatted for a bit in the corridor, Adams hastily took his leave. "A batch of Chinese Chomping Cabbages from the East is heading, and they're in desperate need of water."
That's what Adams said; he was in such a hurry that he left quickly without waiting for William to respond.
'Chinese Chomping Cabbage?'
William scratched his head, recalling that this was one of the ingredients for brewing Skele-Gro.
'Why did I inexplicably think of hand-shredded cabbage?'
At this thought, he chuckled, then began to ponder this batch of Chinese Chomping Cabbages. The herbs grown within Hogwarts, apart from the particularly precious ones, could be used by professors simply by filing a report.
'If the potion doesn't expire, it's still more reliable than magic. Although theoretically, such severe injuries shouldn't occur, I think I should still brew some.'
Although an application for Skele-Gro would probably be approved, those with the ability to brew potions preferred to do it themselves for more complex concoctions, feeling more assured about both the shelf life and the potion's effectiveness.
Having thought these things through, William then began to ponder the wonderful idea that had just floated through his mind.
Finding ghosts.
Not a poltergeist like Peeves who stubbornly refused to leave, but the ghosts of former wizards, left behind by nearly a thousand years of Hogwarts history.
Compared to portraits, these ghosts could explore more places. Even the places explored by the Weasley Twins might not be as numerous as those explored by ghosts—ghosts can walk through walls, and most of the ghosts in this castle have been at Hogwarts longer than Dumbledore!
'I should have thought of it sooner—Professor Binns had severely limited my thinking. Not every ghost works like Professor Binns, just going between the classroom and the office every day.'
'I should go discuss it with Professor Binns and ask for a letter of introduction or a similar token. Those ghosts are all old-timers, and I'm still an outsider. If I just ask, they probably won't cooperate.'
Ghosts were different from portraits. Most portraits would show respect to professors, but those ghosts were sorted by House. For a wizard like William, who had no established lineage, the ghosts could ignore him if they wished—William had learned this on the first night of school.
'Other people look for ghosts late at night to build their courage. Am I looking for ghosts at dawn?'
'Wait,' William suddenly realized something was wrong. He looked at the completely dark window, remembering Adams, who had just rushed off. 'I really want to curse!'
—
In the brightly lit office, William knocked on the door, guided by the candlelight spilling from the crack underneath.
"Come in."
Professor Binns' voice came from inside. William pushed open the office door.
'So many books—'
Although he had been here many times, William still let out the same exclamation as before. In reality, only a minority were kept outside; the room at the back, which other professors used as a staff room, contained the vast majority. Probably because ghosts don't need to rest, Professor Binns had used all the back rooms for stacking books.
"Ah, Professor William—have more archives been completed?"
Professor Binns' characteristic voice rang out. He floated up from his seat, then asked with a worldview-shattering smile.
The smile didn't surprise William, but Professor Binns' speed truly startled him.
It was barely Saturday morning, and the extended archives that so many people prepared last week were already used up?
"Oh, sorry, Professor. Today is only Saturday; the written content can only be delivered on Monday."
Although students were exempted from Saturday detention, there shouldn't be much of a problem making them write a bit more on Sunday. Could that group of children really solve the case over the weekend?
"Monday? Alright, I'll just sort out the information on past headmasters these next two days. Albus's information can't be compiled yet, so I'll start with Armando Dippet for now."
Professor Binns scratched his hair, but nothing fell off.
"Armando Dippet?"
William asked curiously. Professor Binns glanced at William, his eyes showing doubt, then confusion, before he finally spoke with a reluctant tone.
"Armando Dippet, the former Headmaster, Albus's predecessor. After he retired due to certain circumstances in 1956, Albus Dumbledore became Headmaster."
"Due to certain circumstances?"
"That cannot be said. It involves Albus."
William, whose curiosity had just been piqued, felt like he was tormenting himself this early in the morning. Professor Binns had already told William the rules for compiling the school's history when they first discussed it.
The first rule, and the most important one.
'When compiling school history, do not get involved with matters concerning the current Headmaster. When compiling magical history, do not get involved with matters concerning the current government.'
William could understand this kind of statement, similar to not writing contemporary history, but he desperately wanted to get the gossip on Armando Dippet, the previous Headmaster. *Don't you know it's agonizing when you only tell half the story, Professor?*
"Are you planning to hide something from Headmaster Armando Dippet's history?"
"Of course not. After Professor McGonagall takes office as Headmistress, all matters concerning Headmaster Armando Dippet can be recorded. Compiling history books requires patience, Professor William."
...
It was beyond doubt that Professor McGonagall would become Headmistress, but William still felt that Professor Binns' definition of patience didn't mean waiting for approval, but rather that he simply intended to outlive the Headmaster before recording the history.
Anyway, ghosts don't die. Without a doubt, Professor Binns would win in the end.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Professor William?"
"I'd like to ask the other ghosts something, but I'm not familiar with the ghosts of each House, Professor Binns. Could you introduce them to me?"
William saw a faint hesitation appear on Professor Binns' translucent face—it seemed the professor was wavering between compiling history books and wasting time on William, an outsider.
In the end, he received a note swiftly written by the professor.
—
As the only ghost with a professorship among a bunch of unemployed, wandering spirits, Professor Binns held considerable authority.
Although, from what William had gathered since arriving at the school, Professor Binns' class was considered the most unpopular, this did not affect his prestige among the other ghosts.
At first, William thought Professor Binns was just placating him, but almost every uncooperative ghost would, after seeing that note, more or less show him some respect and chat for a few moments.
'*Yawn...*'
After another conversation ended, William found the after-effects of waking up early had arrived.
He simply found an empty classroom and laid his head down on a desk.
'So the most troublesome part isn't asking the ghosts, but finding them. Where did they all go so early in the morning?'
'I'll lie down for a bit, then go look again. I still have to prepare for the banquet tonight... *Huu...*'
PS: Writing is so slow, so slow, so slow… I'm going to sleep first… This cold is so uncomfortable, so just this one chapter.
(end of chapter)
