#4 Hunting Hathmore, Lion's Den

The door was answered by Professor Rivera, who raised an eyebrow at the Ravenclaw boy. Hathmore's voice was heard somewhere nearby and she nodded, stepping aside to allow Gerald view of the man himself. He was over by a cloak wardrobe, inspecting the inside corners of it while a spell made the cloaks impervious to him so they weren't an annoyance.

'We could probably still track it,' he said to Rivera, who got out her wand to inspect as well. He stood and headed to the door, stepping outside the staff room into the corridor with Gerald. He shut the door behind himself, then held out his hand for the silver key.

'Any injuries?' Hathmore glanced the boy over, noticing some clothing tears. 'Part of the task is to treat any, if you have them.' He then waved his wand and Gerald's clothes looked as good as new again. He'd be surprised if the boy didn't have at least a few bruises forming though, since he was a first year and that book was certainly a nasty piece of work.

Professor Hathmore handed Gerald some general medical supplies - mainly tony jars of balm similar to what Madam Pomfrey gave him earlier after the bee attack. He waited until the boy had properly treated any scratches or bruises, then answered him.

'Experience.' Hathmore shrugged. 'There's is never any waste in  furthering your experience and education, to better combat what may confront you. Cursed objects are a much bigger problem and danger than many believe. It's something the Ministry spends a lot of time dealing with. More time than they'd admit, of course.'

He put the key away in his pocket.

'There doesn't always need to be a reason, though,' he added. 'Sometimes, to train for the sake of training can have many benefits. Now you know what to do if confronted with a cursed object like that. In any case, you have completed your task. I have a final one for you, if you wish to join me in the Forbidden Forest? I will, of course, teach you a spell that you'd find quite useful.'

He checked the time and sighed. 'Not this afternoon, of course. Perhaps in the morning - or any other time when you're free. I'm sure you'll find the venture quire educational. I believe you're ready for it now, so I do hope you'll choose to assist me when we have the time to do so.' Hathmore nodded. 'Is there anything else you need, or shall we conclude this for today?'