#20 - Conversation With The Grey Lady

It took a moment for MJ to see her and they ended up staring at each other for a second.

"I'm really sorry to disturb you." It was only polite to say so and MJ did feel bad, even if she wasn't sure what ghosts really did to fill their days. It must have been rather lonely while people lived their lives around you.

Did she at least have friends amongst the other ghosts?

"My name is MJ Birdwhistle, I'm a first year in Ravenclaw house. Can I ask your name?" It would be weird to talk to this lady ghost and not even know her name. In her head, MJ only ever called her The Grey Lady or Lady Ghost or Ravenclaw Ghost! Surely she had a name!

She gave her spectral companion a shy smile and hoped she wouldn't mind sticking around so MJ had time to ask what she needed to ask.

"Oh wow, you have the same name as our Found—" She didn't even finish the sentence as she gasped, eyes widening.

"Wait, are you Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter?" MJ's excitement grew but she didn't want to jump to conclusions - she would wait for Helena to confirm the connection between her and Rowena before she'd pass on the message.

In the meanwhile, she would answer the ghost's question.

"I'm on a quest! I'm looking for Rowena Ravenclaw's Artefact room and Professor Archerose suggested I would find someone who'd have knowledge of it. I thought of you almost immediately, being our house ghost. I had hoped you'd know where to find it."

She couldn't help her child-like eagerness as she waited for Helena's answer.

At the confirmation, MJ nodded, "I have a message for you, from your mother then."

The ghost floated closer but MJ didn't feel afraid or worried. She smiled, glad that Helena felt comfortable enough to come closer to her.

"When I entered into a room, there were two vials and the voice of Ravenclaw to guide me. She explained that I had a choice to make and she had a final message for you. She said 'And if you ever see my daughter, tell her all is forgiven in the end, for knowledge and understanding are rarely equals.'" She hoped this wouldn't upset Helena.

She hoped the words would be a comfort to the ghost and she would gain something from the message.

In turn, MJ had a new riddle to solve.

Repeating the words to herself, a frown creasing her brows together for a moment. It seemed like Helena was waiting for MJ to answer but she didn't feel under pressure. MJ puzzled over the statement a few more times, delighting in the challenge.

She felt like Bilbo Baggins, facing off against Gollum - only Helena was a much nicer than Gollum for sure. She'd have a nicer time puzzling over riddles with Helena...

Aha! Riddles!

"Is it... A riddle?" MJ asked, "The answer to your statement, I mean?"

Her frown faded and she smiled again, "Thank you for your help, Helena!"