Knock, Knock, Knock (Rowena, Open)

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence bit her lip as she waited for the professor’s reply. She listened attentively and nodded respectful after hearing everything the founder said. Suddenly, she wished she was already older and wiser… The founder’s words comforted her already way too anxious mind and Prudence smiled. “Thank you, Professor. What you said is a lot of help for me.” Prudence said sincerely, grateful that she came to the professor. “I’ve been having problems with stressors, Professor. How do you deal with those?” Prudence suddenly asked the founder, hoping that by mimicking the professor’s technique, she would be able to calm herself down enough to ensure that her ability was not clouded.

Prudence found herself gaping at the Gryffindor student. Her mouth said “What?” but nothing came out. Prudence suddenly frowned. Maybe he decided to drop out because he had a disease that was apparently incurable. However, the ravenclaw knew, without knowing how she knew, that there was something more to it than just the disease. Her intuition told her that and that it was something personal. She found herself almost bold enough to ask about it… but she did not. Instead of intruding, she just eyed Professor Ravenclaw and wondered how she would react to this.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena gave Prue a warm, gentle smile. "I'm glad that I could help." she said. Rowena kept looking at Prue, trying to think of an adequate answer. She honestly wasn't quite sure how she dealt with stress and fatigue. "Well I guess I just find a way to protect my mind from unwanted thoughts and information. It is hard, though, because you find yourself constantly surrowned by unwanted things." Rowena frowned slightly, looking pensive for a moment. "However, when I want to relax or clear my mind, I just read a book. It usually helps." Rowena smiled, hoping that her words were helpful.

Rowena looked at Henry with her eyes wide opened. She was too shocked to say anything, so she remained silent for a couple of moments. She was confused, since she didn't see any reason for him, or anyone else, to drop out of school. "I...I..." she muttered, but then she paused, before starting again. "You've surprised me, Mr Cozart. I don't see any reason for you to do so. Especially since you're seventh year student with high grades. In two or three months you'll be finishing the school. What is so important that it can't wait for a couple of months?" Rowena sighed. "Even if I was to give you my consent, you would still have to talk to professor Gryffindor, he is the head of your house after all. However, I still don't see any reason for you to leave." Rowena frowned "Is there something else you'd like to tell me?" she asked with a worried frown.

[henrycozart]

Upon seeing their shocked faces, Henry could not help but think of taking back what he just said. Yes, he would be graduating in a couple of months, but he could not help but think of what would happen if he would not be able to find his estranged family on time? He just could not wait to start on his quest, he had everything ready. Yet, he could not help but think about the unfinished work that he would be leaving behind. He was quite shocked with the fact that he was doing well in school, despite the late night escapades he has been doing.

Henry then cleared his throat and looked defiantly at the founder and Prue. "I am sure of my decision, Madam Ravenclaw. It's not that I want to leave because of my disease...it's my family, madam. They need my help. I have to find them. My mother and my brother, they have been missing for almost six years. They disappeared a day after I was turned...by my own father," he then managed to say, his father's memory burned through his mind. He was angry at him for it not for his stupid intentions, he would have been a normal person.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence smiled at the professor for a while but turned serious as she listened to the founder’s advice. The young ravenclaw knew that Professor Rowena Ravenclaw was known for her intelligence and wisdom but now that she, herself, finally had a chance to talk to her outside the classroom, she understood why people knew her as someone full of wisdom. Once again, Prudence found herself nodding at the founder’s words. For a moment Prue looked thoughtful. “I won’t be able to make negative things go away but I can block them. Right.” Prudence said slowly, absorbing the meaning of the words. “I will remember that, Professor. Thank you.” Prudence smiled warmly at the professor, feeling enlightened for the first time since she became a seer.

Prudence was not shocked when Henry almost rendered the professor speechless. What he announced gave Prue quite a shock. He was already in seventh year… why not finish it? Prue kept her thoughts to herself as she observed the two. Upon hearing Henry’s reply, Prudence gave him a sympathetic look. Her desire to help him almost made her inquire about the details of his missing family members, but then, he was talking to the professor and Prudence knew it would be rude of her to interrupt.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena raised her eyebrows, looking at Henry. It wasn't the answer that she'd expected to hear. Actually she was even more shocked now. Rowena just nodded her head. "Oh, dear. I see, yes. Well, do you have any ideas, any leads on where they might be?" Rowena just sighed sadly. There were so many people who made their children something they weren't supposed to be, so many fathers who were bad influence on their sons. She felt sorry for poor Henry, but she still couldn't let him go.

Rowena gave Prue another encouraging smile. "That's right." she said with a small nod. "You're welcome, miss Campbell. Like I've said, I'm glad that I could help." Rowena smiled at Prue again, before she looked back at Henry. She wondered if Godric knew about the boy's problems and his missing family. For some reason she was sure that Godric would let his student drop out of school and go on some kind of a heroic mission. Rowena was worried that something might happen to Henry while away from Hogwarts and she would blame herself for not stopping him and keeping him safe for another couple of months at least.

[henrycozart]

Henry thought hard; he could not remember well the last time he had seen his mother and older brother. All he knew was that both of them saw what he did to his father, after he was turned. "I honestly do not have leads yet, professor. The last time I saw them was back when I was at home, when they saw me with the corpse of my father. Apparently, I killed him out of rage for what happened to me...I am not myself back then," he related, his voice shaking with fear and apprehension. "After that, my mother was constantly in tears and my brother became unstable...by that I mean, he had become twisted, something of the sort," he added.

Henry sank into his seat and closed his eyes. The ordeal was way too much for him. Bringing back memories of his past has always exhausted him, especially now that he was sick right now with lycantrophy. "My brother...has always been a kind person, but before he disappeared, his aura had become dark and he hit mom a lot. Then suddenly, they just disappeared...I am afraid of what my brother could do to mom," he finally said. "I am sorry for troubling you with my story. I know that even after I told you my story, you would still not grant me permission though," he then added, knowing that the story he just said was indeed disturbing.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence smiled at the professor. It was only then that she realized that Professor Ravenclaw was approachable. Suddenly she wished her mother was a teacher too so that she could ask for her advice or just talk to her in person whenever she wanted. All of a sudden, she could not help but perceive Helena Ravenclaw as someone lucky for having her mother in school with her.

Prudence, for a moment, was too shock to move. She was too shock to open her mouth to speak. She was even too shocked too breathe. Prudence did not feel good vibes come off him before but she did not exactly catch bad vibes, however, she could feel some sort of heaviness after he spoke. The feeling she had in Knockturn Alley suddenly hit her once more and this time it came in a form of psychic energy. Suddenly, Prudence began hearing voices of a man and a woman. The young Ravenclaw ended up screaming at the sound the woman was making. The woman seemed to be in pain, so much pain that she could not stop crying out for help. When the voices finally stopped, Prudence saw a flash of what had to be the most horrible scene she saw in her life. Not knowing how much time passed after everything that she perceived and totally forgetting about her location, she buried her face in her hands.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena took a deep breath, trying not to show how shocked she was. The more she heard of Henry's story, the more nervous she was getting. There was no way to help him, but she still felt sorry for the boy. People couldn't choose who they were or what kind of family they would get. Rowena gave Henry a sympathetic look and gently patted his hand, leaning forward. "It wasn't your fault. You were too young to deal with it." Rowena hoped that Henry knew she wouldn't judge him for something he had done when he hadn't been able to control himself. It seemed to be too much for the poor boy. Rowena took her wand and summoned a goblet full of water. She took it and offered it to Henry. "Drink this, you'll feel better. It's only water, but it should help."

Rowena sighed sadly as she listened the rest of the story. She wanted to know what made Henry want to go and look for his family now, six years after they had disappeared. "You are right." she slowly said. "I will not grant you permission to leave. You have waited for years and I don't see what difference two or three months would make." she said gently. "If you still want to leave, I guess you'll have to talk to Godric, he will probably allow you to leave and perhaps even help you in your quest. However, I am going to ask you to think things over again before you do anything."

Rowena turned to Prudence and froze in place when she saw the look on girl's face. Then she started to scream and Rowena took a deep breath, too scared and too shocked to do anything. She was obviously having another vision. When Prue stopped screaming and buried her face in her hands, Rowena gently spoke to her. "Miss Campbell? Prudence? Are you alright?"

[henrycozart]

Henry was surprised when the founder patted his hand. It had been years since he last told anyone his story and since it was a grim tale, he was not exactly the type who would like to share it with anyone. At that moment however, he felt that it was high time that the founders must know his circumstances. It was hard work for him trying to conceal for years his being a werewolf but now, he felt like he needed to come out of the open. He could not help but express his gratitude to the founder for being understanding of his plight. "I can't thank you enough for this, professor. Despite what I have done, you have not judged me at the slightest," he then said in gratitude as he took the goblet of water from her and took a sip.

He then merely nodded when the founder told him that he would not be granted permission, given that he only needed a few more months and he would be able to do whatever he wanted. "I understand professor. I will wait. I have to admit I am not ready to face the risk of my brother's wrath," he then said. Suddenly, he then heard Prue scream and he was horrified for she seemed to be in pain. When she buried her face in her hands, Henry was too shocked to say anything. He then rose from his seat and cautiously approached her. "What did you see?" was the first question that rolled from his mouth.

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence’s mind replayed the last images she saw before it all ended and her mind was totally in shambles as she tried to process everything she just heard and saw. The fact she managed to see a vision shocked her. For her to see something with the sun up had to mean something, and she knew it can’t be good. Upon hearing the familiar voice of Professor Ravenclaw, she realized she wasn’t alone. “I- I’m fine Professor.” She said politely in a shaky voice, her gaze focused at the professor. She let out a breath, feeling her heart beat slow down a little.

Prudence heard Henry’s movements and her gaze quickly landed on him, following his movements. She watched him approach her and her heart beat started going crazy again. Realizing how much Henry resembled the killer after having just seen him briefly in a vision, she did not like being near him. His question made her assess the scene she saw. “I heard swift motions being made with... something wooden, a man’s laughter and a woman screaming, crying for help… then suddenly the voices were gone and I saw a young man in his twenties gloating over a kill. The body was mangled, torn to pieces and beyond recognition. The killer, he looks so much like you.” Prudence struggled to explain, looking at Henry.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena gave Henry another encouraging smile as she watched him drink from the goblet of water which she had summoned. She understood how stressful and hard it was for him to tell her his sad story. Rowena had alway been a rather tolerant person with an inquisitive mind, who never judged people. It would be rather hypocritical, given the fact that she loved and protected a dark wizard and a murderer. Rowena just shrugged. "It wasn't your fault." she repeated. "If you judge other people for what they've done at some point of their lives, you can't be considered wise or pure, but a mere hypocrite. We have all made mistakes, larger or smaller ones." Rowena just shrugged again. No matter how intelligent or wise people considered her, the fact that she had made many mistakes in her life couldn't be denied. Salazar referred to them as her stupidity. Rowena referred to them as experience. "I am glad that you are willing to wait." she said with a small smile.

Rowena simply observed Prue's strange behaviour. To be honest, she was actually rather excited to witness a seer having a vision. Rowena sometimes behaved almost childishly in her hunger for knowledge and learning. She kept looking at Prue, waiting for her comments. Henry approached the younger Ravenclaw student and Rowena just tilted her head to the side, her gaze still focused on Prue. She nodded her head at Prue's response. The girl didn't look as if she was fine, she actually seemed rather shaken by the event. Rowena remained silent, listening to Prue's explanation and description of her vision. She sighed heavily, looking from Prue to Henry. "Oh, dear." she whispered, almost certain that Prue had seen Henry's brother and perhaps his entire family. Rowena frowned, but didn't say anything.

[henrycozart]

Upon hearing the founder’s words, Henry nodded fervently at her. He was glad that she understood his predicament. Although a part of him kind of wondered whether she was really just sympathetic to murderers in nature; he then decided to push the scandalous thought off his mind. “I know that killing someone is a mortal sin, professor,” he said slowly, as though he was afraid of forgetting what he had to say. “I know you’ll be shocked with what I am about to say but even though I was not myself back then, I have never regretted killing my father. It’s his fault that this misfortune has happened to our family because of his selfish intentions,” he added, smiling, although his face looked pained by the thought. He knew that both ladies were glad by his decision to wait until school ends. “My brother is a skilled hunter and I am only second best when it comes to his skill. I am sure he is seeking out a chance to kill me out in the open,” he then answered in response.

Henry listened intently as Prue recounted her strange and bizarre vision. While she was in the middle of recounting her vision, he could not help but feel nauseous as detail upon detail of brutality was unraveled. What made him go weak however was the fact that the two people she had seen were a man and a woman…unmistakably, it was his mother and older brother whom she had seen? When she finished by telling him that there was a man in his twenties who was gloating over his kill and a body torn, mangled and could not be recognized is seen on the background, he felt himself keel over because he had gone weak. And what made him shed tears was the fact that the man looked just like him. “My brother…how could he do this to mom? What did she do to him to make him kill her…like a wild animal?” he then said, as he sat down on the floor, with tears streaming down his face. Even a strong willed man like him could go weak in the knees when he is confronted by such a tragedy.

[Prudence Campbell]

After struggling to explain to Henry everything that she experienced, she moved on to decoding it all for herself. Why, of all nights, die Henry chose to talk to the professor that night? She believed that everything happens for a reason. Prudence was almost one hundred percent sure that their sudden meeting had purpose. Probably she was destined to help Henry with his life’s problems. Maybe they met up inside Professor Ravenclaw’s office so that they would have someone wise and intelligent to shed light to all their questions. Maybe the vision was also the professor’s concern... a possible threat to the school perhaps? Upon hearing the professor whisper something, Prudence turned to her and gave her a look a troubled and shocked person would give you.

Prudence watched Henry go from mega scary to someone vulnerable and hug-worthy. His words, however, shocked her so much. Prudence found herself frozen in place with only her brain working. The murderer she saw in her vision was none other than the murderer in Knockturn Alley, the one who was after her. Prudence shivered as the pieces fit together. Without knowing how she managed to do it, she finally walked toward Henry and extended her hand toward his right shoulder and gave him gentle pats awkwardly. “I heard a woman cry for help but I never saw who the woman was… We can’t be sure that it was your mother. We can’t be sure of the victim’s gender either. All I’m sure of as of at the moment is that...” Prudence trailed off, bit her lip and looked to Professor Ravenclaw for help. And, suddenly she found herself wondering if the professor was informed by the Auror Alto about the murder she witnessed in Knockturn Alley. “The murderer in my vision is probably the most wanted criminal right now, Peter the Ripper.” Prudence finished.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena tilted her head to the side, observing Henry as he nodded to her. She sighed, before replying to his words. “Muggles consider magic a mortal sin.” She said gently. “And there are many other things that we do almost every single day which can also be consider sinful. Does that make all of us bad persons? I don’t know. However, your sins are probably no worse than the others’.” Rowena just sighed again, thinking about his words. Henry’s father was an evil man who had got what he’d deserved. He had probably done the right thing by killing the man. Rowena thought about her husband and his murdered. She probably couldn’t cast the killing curse herself, but she would most certainly want the person dead. However, she didn’t want to say her thought out loud. Rowena gave him another small sympathetic smile. “No, I understand the way you feel about it.” She stopped before saying something she wasn’t supposed to. Rowena just nodded her head. “And that is why it is important for you to stay in Hogwarts for as long as you can.” Rowena knew what it was like to know that there was someone out there trying to kill you.

Rowena looked at Prue, shocked. She had actually thought about her vision as of a lead to Henry’s family. However, it didn’t have to be true; she could have made a mistake and even if she had been right in the first place, she would never have told it to Henry. It would only make him feel even more worried and troubled. “Visions always hide a secret message in them; they can be interpreted in different ways. It doesn’t have to be your family that she saw.” Rowena looked at Prue with her eyes wide opened. She was rather shocked with her words. “Are you sure, miss Campbell?” she asked.

[henrycozart]

Henry had already forgotten what remorse feels like. He has long adapted this behavior ever since he killed his father and every time he went out hunting in either human or in wolf form; he would kill the wild animals without any hint of it. That is why when he heard what the founder has to say, he just smiled as though he had gone mad. “I understand professor. At some point though before I was turned, I loved my father like any son should. However, I saw through his intentions and I could not be mistaken; he was not the father I once knew. He gave himself up to his evil intentions and suddenly, I have forgotten what it feels to have remorse over killing him,” he said seriously, looking at both ladies. “But if I have the power to turn back time, I wish I could have just found out why he became like that and that would have saved the both of us,” he then added, sadness now etched on his face.

Henry then forced himself to think about his estranged brother. He could not believe that the instability on his mind had already made him into someone sinister and evil. He realized that Peter must have already known or have heard what their father said about him having the wolf blood running through his veins. However, that would never justify the fact that he definitely killed someone, if not lots of people. If he wanted to kill him, why did he have to play with other people’s lives? He then looked at founder and then Prue and realized that he was acting like a child and not a man. He then stood up and said, “You’re right professor, maybe I was too agitated to even think that maybe her vision may have another meaning to it.” He then realized that he always gets too emotional whenever the issue with his family was always brought up. Henry however looked at Prue when she mentioned that the killer she has seen in her was Peter the Ripper. There was no mistaking it, his older brother Peter has indeed went over to the side of evil and has now become a wanted killer. Henry then sat back on the chair, pondering his next move.