#8 | Time Not Accounted For

Anjay had never gotten a good read on Hathmore. The DADA Professor didn't seem overly impressed with him, which had always slightly offended Anjay as he felt he was particularly adept in the subject Hathmore taught. Shouldn't that earn him some brownie points, or at the very least some respect?

"Good morning, Professor," Anjay was polite without being overly enthusiastic or warm. "I'd like to have a word with Professor Archerose if he's around. I know he's not teaching lessons at present." He stepped back and smiled, hoping to receive a positive response.

Anjay was glad that the door shut. He looked Archerose over, slightly worried about the man's health as he steadied himself after a stumble. He had always been one of Anjay's favorite professors- probably in no small part due to the fact that he was one of the odd students who counted History of Magic as one of his favorite subjects.

"Good morning, Sir," Anjay greeted with all the friendliness missing from his interaction with Hathmore. "I wanted to ask... well, it seems silly in a way. I'm almost embarrassed to bring it up, but... I was in Rickard's office yesterday and the Sorting Hat spoke to me. Mentioned all sorts of crazy things... about Godric Gryffindor and secrets. Secrets that had been left behind."

Anjay shuffled his feet and looked down. It was a rare moment of insecurity on display from a boy who had been taught to project confidence at all times. "I almost got the impression the Hat wanted me to uncover these secrets. Or at least look for them. Do you know anything about what the Hat was speaking of?" It was long winded, and uncharacteristic for Anjay, but it was earnest.

Talking to Archerose was like talking with someone who was simultaneously an old friend and a wizened sage. He was able to talk about big and lofty topics without coming across as pedantic or out of his mind. He knew the Professor would be the right person to ask. It was a huge relief to have his question taken seriously.

"The time of the Founders," Anjay answered bluntly. He thought it had been obvious from the things he'd just said, but apparently it wasn't. Or maybe the Professor was forcing him to be more specific? Anjay's gut told him the latter was closer to reality, but he couldn't imagine a reason why Archerose would make a game out of this subject.

Anjay tore through his memory to see if the Hat had mentioned anything more specific. "Artifacts," his lips moved as soon as that part of their conversation came back to him. "Yes, the Hat said that Godric Gryffindor left artifacts around the castle and that I might be the one to help solve the mystery."

Now he was excited, any earlier trace of trepidation or embarrassment long gone from his voice. There were answers to be found, he was sure of it, and Archerose was going to help him along the way.