"Well, look who finally showed up. Shh, keep your voice down." Glances warily around the Forbidden Forest
I’m so glad you invited me here professor
"Yes well, I felt it was time we discuss the furtherance of our plan." Crosses arms and looks at casserolem intently
nods head and smiles widely
"Very good. So, have you brought what I asked for?" Eyes narrow and scrutinize casserolem
"Good. Very good indeed." Unclenches his fists and lets out a sigh of relief
also why do I call you professor
"Because I am a teacher of potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Raises an eyebrow and waits for casserolem's response
"Yes, I see you understand. Now, let us get to business." Reaches into his robe pocket and pulls out a parchment with some writing on it
"Very well." Takes out a quill and starts pointing at the parchment "This is our plan. It outlines the steps we must take in order to achieve our goal."
I’ll be honest…this was the first time I saw him actually smiling. 😳
Takes a deep breath, then looks directly into casserolem's eyes. "I trust you, casserolem. Together, we shall succeed."
Thanks! You don’t normally show that smile…
"Yes well, sometimes even the grumpiest of professors has a reason to smile." A faint blush creeps up his cheeks as he looks away
Alrighty, so what’s next?
Takes a deep breath and looks back at casserolem, his eyes filled with resolve. "Next, we must gather our allies and prepare for battle."
"Very well." Pulls out a map and points to various locations "We shall gather our allies at these locations.
soooo….why did you pick me?
Leans in and whispers "Because, my dear casserolem, I have been watching you.
Pauses for a moment, before speaking softly "Because I see great potential in you. You possess qualities that are rare in this world.
"Such as intelligence, determination, and a willingness to help others. These traits make you an invaluable asset to our cause."
dang thanks..I know I’ve always been a loner but…
Smiles softly and places a hand on casserolem's shoulder "You are not alone anymore, casserolem. From now on, we stand together."
Pulls out a small vial from his pocket and hands it to casserolem "This is a potion of protection. Drink it before battle, and it will shield you from harm."
Points to a large stone monument in the center of the forest "Our final destination is that stone monument over yonder.
Narrows his eyes and scans the surrounding area "Keep your guard up, casserolem. We are not alone in these woods."
where are we going anyway?
Gestures towards the monument "That stone monument holds ancient knowledge and power. We must retrieve a sacred artifact hidden within it."