#20 Drawn to Black

Nothing struck out to her now, either.

It was easier to see, given that it wasn't the middle of the night this time, but it still just looked like a room full of cases and trophies. Some investigating would be required -- and her vision provided the clues Saoirse needed to guide her.

The wandlight improved her view of the room quite impressively, yet surely that wasn't the purpose of it being shown in her vision? The light shone over the silver and gold surfaces of various trophies, plaques, and an assortment of precious items.

When it seemed a bit hopeless to figure out why a lit wand was needed, something shimmered out of the corner of her eye when the beam of her wandlight touched it. It was a spot of the floor, by a heavy-looking case of various Quidditch alumni memorabilia. It was a silver Hogwarts crest, built into the floor and was immaculate.

When her wandlight made contact, it shimmered brightly -- but whatever purpose it hid, remained secret.

The pale potion seeped into the stone, tracing a bright glow around the edge of the crest. Then it faded, and for a moment it seemed as if she'd picked the wrong potion or there was nothing to reveal.

Engraved words slowly formed through the stone, circling around the crest:


That was her clue. Not particularly helpful, unless she knew Latin -- but most students at Hogwarts had a way of figuring that out on their own without needing a trip to the library or track someone down. Once Saorise had figured out what it said, she'd know how to proceed.

The door to the Trophy Room banged open, revealing Filch himself. At least the crest was normal again, and the words gone.

'What are you up to?' Filch barked angrily, striding to see what was going on. Nothing was disturbed or broken, so he had nothing to punish her for apart from being out of bounds. He eyed the empty potion vial suspiciously. 'Get out of here. Go on.'

He had half a mind to drag her off to a Professor, but there was nothing to report. As much as he wished to see every student punished for being where they shouldn't be, it happened far more times than he'd dare admit. He needed more, and she had nothing else to show for her mischief.

So Saoirse got off lucky... this time. She hadn't heard the end of it though, as surely there would be further consequences later on if Filch decided to pursue the matter. He shot her a glare, guarding the Trophy Room door -- fully intent to make sure she well and truly left the area after being told to.