Permission Slip - #5

The door was answered by Professor Archerose, who had books under arm and was apparently on his way out of the staffroom so Grace had caught him in good time.

'Miss Babineaux,' he said, stepping into the corridor. 'Is there something I can help you with, or would you like me to fetch someone?' Archerose adjusted his books, which were related to the outlawing of dragon breeding through history.

'Ah, you must mean An Advanced Translation of Ancient Languages - that's by Rowena Ravenclaw herself, if I'm not mistaken.' Professor Archerose considered her request, amused by her phrasing. He could hardly deny someone a chance to expand their reading horizons, though that book was an especially specific and unusual request. It just so happened that he was also rather familiar with that book.

'I'm afraid that book won't give you much in regards to the founders themselves, as it's more of an in-depth study of the oldest and most magical languages,' he said. 'I'm not sure how educative it would be to you, unless you have something to translate or are studying that particularly rare branch of magical learning?'

Archerose gave her a skeptical look, yet not a disagreeable one. He wasn't refusing or accepting her request, yet wanted to understand what benefit the book could possibly have for a first year.

Professor Archerose contemplated what she said, nodding that it was a genuine enough and well thought-out, though as former student himself he was sure there was more to it. Nevertheless, he saw no reason to deny her the permission. After all, Madam Pince didn't exactly leave students (particularly first years) to just freely browse the Restricted Section. A book on translating ancient languages was rather above Grace's learning, yet what was the harm really?

'Very well.' Archerose summoned some parchment and enchanted it to hover while he wrote the note then signed it. 'Here you go. I do wish you luck. Ancient languages is a complex yet rewarding course of study, and I do hope you find what you're looking for.' He gave her the Professor's Note, with an encouraging smile, then headed off along the corridor.

If there was anything else she needed, Grace could knock on the staff room door again or simply chase after him.