A/N: If this was canon and made into a film ca. 2002, I could see Jake Lloyd playing Kellen. He might be a little on the short side, but Rupert Grint isn't all that tall, and Ron is similarly gangly in the books. Him, or Erik Knudsen.
Kellen, Hermione, Harry, and Ron took their seats at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall.
Kellen was about to take a bite into a chicken drumstick when Colin Creevey ran up to him and started asking a hundred different questions.
"Hi, roommate! Sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you earlier today. I hope you enjoyed your castle tour and had a good visit with Professor Dumbledore. What was his office like? I see you got your Hogwarts robes finally. I was wondering when you were going to wear them."
Harry rolled his eyes, but Kellen smiled at his roommate.
"Hello Colin. It was an eventful day, for sure. I enjoyed my tour, thanks. Hagrid was the tour guide today and I think I got to see every part of the castle, at least the parts that I'm supposed to see. The Headmaster's office is full of books and knickknacks. I also saw..."
"Kellen! You're not seriously going to answer all of his questions, are you?" Hermione asked with an arched eyebrow.
"I don't see the harm. He's curious, and I already promised him last night that I'd answer whatever questions he had," Kellen replied.
"If you give a mouse a cookie... and Colin is a hungry mouse," retorted Hermione.
"He'll want some milk. And I don't mind giving him some," said Kellen.
"Your funeral," Hermione replied under her breath.
Kellen turned to Colin. "Sorry, Colin, you were saying?"
Colin shrugged. "I don't remember anymore, I guess it wasn't that important. I guess I'll talk to you later then."
"You're welcome," Hermione told Kellen.
"Uh, thanks? Colin really was not bothering me, for what it's worth," Kellen replied.
Harry leaned next to Kellen. "He's a pest. He kept wanting to take my picture to show his family, and likes to follow me around - even quidditch practice. It gets old," he said in a low voice.
"He seems like a nice kid, but why would he want your picture? That seems a little random," Kellen replied.
"Because he defeated The Dark Lord twice, and made seeker for the Gryffindor quidditch team as a firstie... Harry Potter is kind of a big deal in the wizarding world," said Ron. "Harry, go show Kellen your scar."
Harry pulled his bangs back slightly to give Kellen a better view of his scar.
"Um, Harry? Mind if I... uhh... touch it?"
Harry shrugged. "Ok." Kellen leaned over and gently placed his index and middle finger on Harry's lightning bolt-shaped scar and slowly ran his fingers over it.
"I've never seen anything quite like that. Does the scar cause you discomfort? I didn't make it hurt did I?"
"It depends," Harry said. He smiled. "No, you didn't. There has to be some really dark magic for it to burn up."
"I know touching your scar seems weird, but Aspies are very tactile people," Kellen said. "It's sometimes how we explore new and different things."
"What's tactile mean?" Ron asked.
"It means that he has a heightened sense of touch, Ron," said Hermione.
"Oh," replied Ron in a I-should-have-known-that tone.
"So Kellen, I know you live on a farm with sheep and dogs. Do you have any other animals - livestock, pets, or otherwise?" Harry asked.
"Just the sheep and dogs, and a few horses, unless you count my younger brother Wyatt," Kellen said with a laugh.
"Is he your only brother?" Ron asked.
"Yes, he's my only sibling, period. He's ten," replied Kellen.
"Do you suspect he's Muggle or a wizard?" Hermione asked.
"I don't think he's wizard material. He wouldn't know how to hold a wand, much less use it. Now, if you give him a hockey stick, he might as well be a wizard. His dream is to become a professional ice hockey player someday."
"Did you play hockey growing up, Kellen?" Hermione asked.
"A little, but I'm not that great at it. I preferred wrestling."
"I see," replied Hermione. "I'm an only child myself. It's nice to have all the attention to myself, but I wouldn't have been opposed to having a little sister."
"Harry is an only child from what I gather, right?" Kellen asked.
"He is," replied Hermione. "He grew up with a cousin but they have never gotten along."
"Yeah, I remember Harry mentioning his awful relatives." He looked at Harry apologetically. "No offense meant, Harry."
Harry grinned. "None taken."
"And how many siblings do you have, Ron? I know you have a few."
Ron grinned. "There's Bill, then Charlie, then Percy - you might know him as a Gryffindor Prefect, then there's the twins Fred and George, then me, and finally little Ginny. She's going to Hogwarts next year."
"That is a lot of birthdays to remember," said Kellen. Ron could only nod in agreement.
"Oh, you never told me how your tour went today, Kellen. Did you enjoy it?" Harry asked.
"It was great. Hagrid served as the tour guide. I think he made it longer than it needed to be, as I think he just enjoyed the company that Hermione and I provided. I like him a lot, and his treacle fudge is darn tasty."
Ron made a face. "You... actually like what Hagrid makes? I never thought I'd ever meet anyone that could stomach his victuals."
"Darn tasty," replied Kellen. "It kind of reminds me of back home a little bit."
"To each their own," Ron replied.
"Do you have your schedule for tomorrow?" Harry asked Kellen.
"I think so, it's in my room. I looked over it earlier and noticed that you don't have a mandatory physical education class. We do at Ilvermorny. Before class starts - usually around 6 in the morning - we usually either go for a 5 kilometer run, or do a bunch of calisthenics. 'Sound body, sound mind' is their mantra."
Ron had a puzzled look on his face. "Cali-whaaat?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Calisthenics, Ronald. Push-ups, jumping jacks, that sort of thing."
"Gotcha," said Ron. "No, that isn't mandatory here. And I don't like working out."
"Is that a class-class, or a forced activity?" Harry asked.
"It's more of a forced activity," Kellen replied. "But we have to take a physical test at the end of the year. A couple of trustees oversee us - trustees are basically our version of prefects - and if they find that students aren't pulling their weight then they get thrown into a remedial program. And that is really, really embarrassing because they will deprive students of sweet treats until they get back into shape."
"I imagine that you never had to participate in the remedial program, Kellen," said Hermione. "You look like you're in terrific shape. You have to be in good shape to rough up Malfoy like that."
"No, thankfully. It was still my lowest grade. Got a 96 percent," replied Kellen. "I was hoping for at least a 98. If that asshole Flynn Replogle didn't push me over during the running portion, I would have gotten that 98. Cost me 7 seconds off my run time. I'm still mad about that."
"I'd be disappointed with a 96 too," admitted Hermione. "Maybe not so much in physical education, but even then I'd still find it unacceptable."
"Here it comes," sighed Ron. "Battle of the brains."
"She's brainier," said Kellen.
"He's brainier," said Hermione, at the exact same time.
Ron threw his hands up in the in exasperation.
"I'll settle this. You're both ridiculously smart, and that should be good enough," he said. "I will have to start bringing a dictionary whenever I'm around you two."
"I've already memorized the dictionary," said Kellen.
"You're starting to sound like Hermione, Kellen," said Ron. "I was hoping you were above showing off."
Kellen gave Ron a deadpan look. "I wasn't serious, Ron."
"Well, how was I supposed to know? If you told me that you memorized every book in the library - including the restricted section - I'd probably believe you."
"Who says I haven't?" Kellen asked with a smirk.
"I say, because were in the library together today, and you didn't so much as lift a single book or scroll," said Hermione. She smiled. "Though you probably could memorize them all if you really wanted to."
"I did read a lot of the library's books back at Ilvermorny if that means anything," said Kellen. "I am particularly fascinated with books concerning wizarding law."
"Do you see yourself being a member of the Wizengamot?" Hermione asked. "You have the goods to be Chief Warlock. Maybe the youngest ever."
"I'd have to obtain British citizenship for that, but yes, that is what I would like to do," replied Kellen.
"Would you like to stay in Great Britain long-term?" Hermione asked.
"Maybe? I haven't really thought much about it. I could get used to it, though 'peanut spread and compote sandwiches' doesn't roll off the tongue like PB & J." Kellen chortled.
"What's PB & J?" asked Ron.
"Peanut butter and jelly," Hermione said. "It's a sandwich they have in the States. Professor McGonagall gave them to us for lunch today. I told Kellen that she must really like him to serve us that."
"How did you like it?" Harry asked.
"Delicious," said Kellen. "Just like back home. Peanut butter was extra smooth, grape jelly was divine, and she even had it cut into two triangles - exactly the way I like mine."
"It was edible," said Hermione. "Not my favorite but certainly a step up from Hagrid's cooking."
"I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired. Been a long day. I can't wait to change into some comfortable PJ's," said Kellen.
"I hear you," said Harry. "Oh, this Saturday is Halloween Feast. You won't want to miss it."
"I can't wait, Harry," replied Kellen.
The four friends had just finished dinner and made their way to the Gryffindor dormitory.
Kellen went to his room and changed into a maroon Minnesota Golden Gopher pajama set. He opened up a bag of books that his parents sent with him and picked out 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells, one of the earliest examples of science fiction. He did not recall ever reading that one, so tonight would be as good a night as any to start reading it. He headed to the common room and found a large soft chair under a rather dimly-lit lamp - just bright enough to read a book but not bright enough to illuminate a large area.
"Hiya Kellen, whatcha reading?" came a sweet voice from the other side of the room. Hermione was already in her night clothes, a simple purple nightgown and matching slippers.
She cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, you have got to be kidding. Is that a squirrel on your pajamas?"
Kellen gave her a bit of an eye roll. "Hello Hermione. It's a gopher. The mascot of my father's no-maj alma mater, he has a degree in agricultural engineering."
"I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I'm not very familiar with schools in the States. So what are you reading?"
Kellen showed her the cover of the novel. "I've never read that one," said Hermione. "Do you like it?"
"I just started it tonight. I'll let you read it when I'm finished, if you'd like. It's not a long book so it should be sometime tonight. This chair is pretty roomy, it's big enough to seat two if you want to sit next to me," replied Kellen. "I have some more no-maj reading material if you don't want to wait. My parents gave me quite a few novels if you want me to bring the bag out here."
Hermione started giggling. "Did you say 'bayg'? Oh my goodness!"
Kellen did not look amused. "Yes, Hermione, I know I have a really goofy accent. You want me to bring the books out here or not?"
Hermione kept giggling. "I'm so sorry, Kellen. I know I'll get used to the way you talk soon enough. Your accent is cute, I promise! It's just the little sayings and differences in pronunciation that make me think 'did he really just say that?' Oh, and be a dear and bring out those books, please."
Kellen shook his head and muttered something about "silly English girls" under his breath as he got up from his seat and went to his room. He came back with a medium sized backpack and handed it to Hermione. "Knock yourself out," he said as he went back to the seat by the lamp.
"So, where are Harry and Ron?" Kellen asked as Hermione opened the pack.
"I'm pretty sure they're playing Wizard's Chess in their room. Ron's got Harry hooked," Hermione answered.
"I'm a bit of a chess geek myself. I'll have to play them sometime," mused Kellen.
Hermione carefully went through the books in the bag. Many of the books were classic American novels - A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court, Tarzan of the Apes, The Last of the Mohicans... and then near the bottom of the bag she found a book that really interested her.
The Beetle by Richard Marsh
"Have you read this, Kellen?" she asked, waving the book in front of him.
Kellen looked up. "Uhhh... yeah, a couple of years ago I think. It was published in the same year as Dracula, and actually outsold it at first. It's a horror novel so if you scare easily, you might want to try a different book. I would even argue that it's scarier than Dracula."
Hermione smiled. "I'll take my chances. Move over, Grimseth."
Kellen scooted over on the big chair to give Hermione some room. "Comfortable?" Kellen asked. Hermione nodded.
"Don't say I didn't warn you, Hermione," Kellen admonished.
Hermione gave Kellen a reassuring look. "I'll be fine, Kellen. It's just a book."
Kellen shrugged. "Alright. Well, if you're anything like me when it comes to books, you'll get lost in it quickly. Assuming that you'll fall asleep reading it, good night."
Hermione giggled. "I do tend to get lost in a good book rather quickly. Good night, Kellen," she said, giving him a gentle peck on the forehead.
Slightly over an hour later, Kellen finished his book, and looked to his right - Hermione was fast asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. She had already laid the book on the table next to her, and from what Kellen could tell, she got about a quarter of the way through it as the book was still open, but upside down.
She looked so sweet and peaceful, he thought. He felt responsible for her in case she woke up screaming in the middle of the night, he couldn't just leave her alone like that. He set his book aside and within a few minutes, drifted off to sleep with an enormous grin of satisfaction on his face.
Several hours later, Kellen stretched as he woke up. He tried to stifle a yawn, and saw that Hermione was still out. He pulled out his wand. "Tempus," he whispered.
It was just a few minutes before six in the morning. The sun was just peeking, but perhaps he and Hermione could spend a few minutes together before they had to get ready for breakfast. He gently shook Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione blinked her eyes, and she saw Kellen's smiling face. "Good morning, sleepyhead," Kellen said. "Would you like to watch the sunrise with me? We have a few minutes before we need to get ready."
She smiled at Kellen. "I'd be delighted." The two of them went to the east side of the room and stood behind a large floor-to-ceiling window. Off in the horizon, fluffy clouds were highlighted by vibrant shades of purple and pink, and below that, a glowing yellow orb hung low.
"How did you sleep last night, Hermione? Kellen asked.
"I slept alright, I guess. I don't even remember falling asleep," Hermione responded.
"How was the book? No nightmares I take it?" Kellen asked with a sly grin.
Hermione gave Kellen a funny look. "I don't think you've read a right scary novel."
Kellen shrugged. "I've begged my parents to let me read Stephen King, but they would never let me read his works."
Hermione giggled. "What your parents don't know, won't hurt them."
This time, Kellen returned the funny look. "You strike me as goody-goody, Hermione. You don't have a rebellious bone in your body."
Hermione gave Kellen a playful swat. "I may look sweet and innocent, but you'd be shocked at how many school rules I've broken. But you had better get used to that, if you're going to be friends with Harry and Ron. They can be quite incorrigible sometimes."
"So how do you like being the voice of reason of the outfit? I'm sure that you've bailed them out a time or two," Kellen asked.
"I have bailed them out a time or two," Hermione said with a note of pride. "That said, they aren't the only ones who are hell-bent on breaking the rules, I've had some ideas of my own and they were just along for the ride."
"I'm not exactly Mister by-the-book either," Kellen stated glibly. "I've bent and outright broken a few rules myself back at Ilvermorny. And I'll do the same here if the cause is worth fighting for."
"What you did to Malfoy yesterday was probably a fortnight's worth of detention if someone on the faculty caught you," said Hermione. She smirked at Kellen. "I love that you're sweet, but I enjoy seeing a little spice in you from time to time."
"What's a fortnight?" Kellen asked facetiously, mimicking Ron.
"Prat," Hermione replied with a giggle.
Kellen looked at Hermione, and smiled warmly. "The sunrise. It's gorgeous this morning."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, it certainly is."
Kellen smile broadened. "I like you, Hermione Granger. You're as pretty as the sunrise."
Hermione blushed. "And I like you, Kellen Grimseth." She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Kellen in a warm, gentle hug. "I like you just the way you are," she whispered softly.
Kellen felt himself slowly melting in Hermione's gentle embrace after hearing those amazing words, the words he'd been longing to hear.
About a half hour later, Kellen and Hermione met at the Great Hall with their fellow Gryffindors at the breakfast table. Harry and Ron were not far behind them and joined them shortly thereafter.
"So, what did you two lovebirds do last night?" asked Ron as he dug a spoon into his bowl of porridge.
Kellen and Hermione looked at each other, and then looked at Ron. "Oh, for Merlin's sake, Ron," Hermione sighed. "Kellen and I are not dating."
"We fell asleep reading novels from the no-maj world if you must know," Kellen clarified. "We didn't snog or anything."
Harry chimed in. "Oh, that's nice. What did you read?"
"I read The Time Machine by H.G. Wells," replied Kellen.
"I was reading The Beetle by Richard Marsh," answered Hermione. "And to think, Mister Grimseth here thought it was actually scary."
Kellen rolled his eyes as he took a bite out a crispy piece of bacon.
"So, are you ready for class, Kellen? It's a big day for you," Harry asked.
"Darn tootin' I am," answered Kellen with a strong Minnesota inflection. Harry and Ron looked at each other, bewildered at what Kellen just said. Hermione just giggled.
Ron shook his head at Hermione. "We've got to do something about that accent of his. And I thought Hagrid sounded funny."
Hermione smiled at Kellen, and then turned to Ron and Harry. "There's nothing wrong with how Kellen talks. Minnesotan does sound a little strange to our Received ears, but it's really no more foreign than Scouser or an Irish brogue."
Kellen chuckled. "I may speak with a silly accent, but for gosh darn sure don't listen with one." All four friends doubled over with laughter.
Hermione was the first to recover. "Oh, Kellen. I couldn't help but notice that The Beetle novel you let me read was distinctly printed with British grammar. Perhaps your mum's parents bought it here some decades ago?"
"That sounds right. That copy was printed in the late 1950s, which was several years before they came over to the States," replied Kellen.
"Why did they emigrate to the States, if I may ask?" asked Hermione.
"They were college professors. They got a job offer to teach Western European literature at the University of Chicago in the early 1960s. They just retired a few years ago," replied Kellen.
Hermione's face broke into a radiant smile. "The apple doesn't fall too far, then, does it?"
"I suppose not," Kellen replied with a silly grin.
The four Gryffindors wrapped up their breakfast and made their way to their first morning class - Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"So, how's Defense Against the Dark Arts treating you guys?" Kellen asked.
"Between you and me, you're probably more qualified to teach than Professor Not-Smart, err, Lockhart," answered Ron.
"He's completely unfit for the position," agreed Harry. "But unfortunately someone has to teach it, and it's not a position many are interested in. He's the only one that expressed any interest when it opened up. How was Defense for you back at Ilvermorny?"
"Terrific," Kellen replied. "I had a hundred and seventy three percent before I left Ilvermorny. I was on pace to break the school's record for highest mark for any class in Ilvermorny history."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "A hundred and seventy three percent?" She shook her head. "I know you're gifted, but you must have been snogging the professor to get marks that high."
Kellen threw her a cockeyed grin. "Nope, besides, he's not my type."
"Kellen, you really need to hang out with Harry and myself more, and less with Hermione. I think she's starting to make you aware of how obscenely smart you are," Ron quipped.
"I'd always be down for a game of wizard's chess, Ron. Name the time and place, and I'll be happy to smoke ya," Kellen said.
Ron grinned slyly at Kellen. "I may not be the bookworm that you or Hermione are, but when it comes to Wizard's Chess, I'm the rightful champion. Maybe tonight after dinner?"
Kellen nodded. "Works for me, Ron. Be there, or be square."
The four friends took their seats in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Professor Gilderoy Lockhart strutted in the classroom in his usual gaudy purple regalia. He quickly took attendance and then spotted Kellen.
"Ahh, our new student, Kellen Grimseth, fresh from Ilvermorny. I'm so pleased to meet you," he said, reaching over to shake Kellen's hand.
He grinned like a Cheshire Cat. "I hope you have had an opportunity to at least skim through the course texts, young man. Let me quiz you."
He cleared his throat.
"First question. No help from Miss Granger, please," winking at Hermione.
"First question. What is my favorite color?"
"Lilac," answered Kellen, almost instantly.
Professor Lockhart nodded in approval. "That was just a warm-up, Mister Grimseth. Maybe something a little tougher?" He paused for a moment. "What is my secret ambition?"
Kellen didn't skip a beat. "To rid the world of evil and market your own brand of hair care products."
"Very good, my boy. Two for two. A real challenge here. "What is my ring size, and what kind of stone is embedded in it?"
Kellen just blinked. "Eleven and a half, and there is no stone. The prongs are empty, but once it held a Phoenix flint."
Professor Lockhart looked at his ring. "Great Scott," he said. "You are a sharp one, Mister Grimseth. It looks like Miss Granger has some worthy competition. Ten points to Gryffindor!"
Ron and Harry clapped Kellen heartily on the back.
"Most impressive, indeed. And that last one wasn't even in the texts! How on earth did you know?" Professor Lockhart asked in astonishment.
"It was nothing but simple observation, Professor," answered Kellen.
Professor Lockhart pointed toward Hermione. "Miss Granger, I'm afraid you have your work cut out for you, my dear."
The remainder of the class period was largely spent by Professor Lockhart talking about himself and how great he thought he was. Ron and Harry spent more time rolling their eyes than taking notes. Even Kellen had to fight thoughts of cracking open one of his no-maj novels.
When the professor finally dismissed the class, he pulled Kellen aside. "Mister Grimseth, a word please?"
"Yes, Professor?" Kellen asked. He waved to Hermione, Harry, and Ron. "Don't worry about me, this won't take long. I'll see you in Charms in a few."
"Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall mentioned to me that you were the brightest student at Ilvermorny in a generation. I just had to see for myself how... gifted you are. Let's just say that their assessment of your abilities did not do you enough credit. Not even the esteemed Miss Granger possesses your almost inconceivable level of intelligence. Why, you must have an intelligence quotient of nearly two hundred. And you likely have a photographic memory as well. Tell me, my boy, have you always felt different from everyone else?"
Kellen sighed. "You're not far off, sir, about a hundred eighty five. And yes, I do have an eidetic memory. But to be honest, Professor, I don't really feel comfortable talking about my intelligence. I know I'm smart, sure, but I don't like rubbing it in to make people feel inferior."
Professor Lockhart smiled. "I understand, lad, but you didn't really answer my question. Do you feel... different?"
Kellen nodded. "Very well. Yes, I have felt different, and not always in a good way."
Professor Lockhart's face took on a more serious expression. "How so, Kellen? You don't mind if I call you Kellen, right?"
Kellen smiled slightly. "I don't mind, sir. Did they not mention to you that I have Asperger Syndrome?"
Professor Lockhart smiled sadly, and shook his head. "I don't recall, son. They may have mentioned it, but I sort of tuned out any... potentially negative qualities they brought up."
Kellen cocked an eyebrow. "But it is who and what I am, Professor. I know I have heightened intelligence, but I am shy, awkward, and have difficulty expressing my emotions. That makes it hard for me to have a social life. And because of that, I may never experience true love. Sometimes I truly wish to have a normal level of intelligence just so I can act normally and experience things the way everyone else does." Kellen's eyes started to mist.
Professor Lockhart nodded. "I'm sorry, my boy. I truly am. You deserve better than that. But hey, at the end of the day, you still have your smarts, and that counts for something right?" He looked at the time on the clock on his desk. "Oh, I didn't mean to keep you this long. Thanks for staying a bit, I just had to see the Boy Genius in person. I'll see you next class, Kellen!"
"See you next class, Professor," breathed Kellen as he headed for the class exit.
He had less than eight minutes to get to Charms, so Kellen found a bench to set down his school bag. He slipped off his penny loafers, and took out some old Nike running shoes. He sprinted as fast as he could to get to Professor Flitwick's classroom and made it with about about two minutes to spare.
"Goodness, Kellen, you look like you've run a marathon," said Hermione.
"Might as well be a marathon. I thought Professor Lockhart was going to keep me there forever," Kellen panted. He then took his running shoes off and put his penny loafers back on as discreetly as he could.
"What did he have to say, if you don't mind my asking?" prodded Hermione.
"Can I talk to you about it later? In private? Please?" Kellen pleaded.
Hermione nodded. "Sure, Kellen."
"Thank you, Hermione. I appreciate that," Kellen said with a grin.
At that moment, the diminutive Professor Flitwick entered the classroom. "Ahh, good morning class. We have a new pupil today. Would you please join me in welcoming Mister Grimseth from Ilvermorny today?" He initiated a polite round of applause for Kellen.
"Now, Mister Grimseth, would you care to demonstrate a spell for us? From what I've heard about you, you were quite the advanced student at Ilvermorny."
Kellen shrugged. "I don't know, sir, I don't want to make a mess or anything."
Professor Flitwick smiled. "I appreciate your humility, Mister Grimseth, but I've been told so much about your prowess at Ilvermorny. I'm sure the class would like to see for themselves how supremely talented you are."
Kellen smirked. "Very well, Professor. If you insist."
He shot Draco Malfoy a look. Malfoy suddenly felt a knot in his stomach as Kellen drew his wand.
Kellen swished his wand in a general sigmoid pattern, then cried out "Arachnus deimos!"
A bright green scorpion the size of a grown man's hand appeared on Malfoy's desk. Malfoy screamed in shock.
Kellen chuckled, then swished his wand again. "Finite!" The frightening scorpion vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
The whole class applauded, including Professor Flitwick himself, while Malfoy's brow dripped with massive beads of sweat.
The short-statured professor lauded Kellen. "Marvelous, Mister Grimseth! Marvelous indeed! Five points to Gryffindor!"
If any Gryffindor students had any doubts about Kellen or his capabilities, they were fully quashed by now. Kellen had just earned their house fifteen points in one morning without breaking a sweat. Gryffindor was well on its way to securing its second consecutive House Cup.