Muggled

1. Ginger

In the foggy clouds hovering above the Black lake, there it was, majestic as always, Hogwarts – the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It hasn't been that long since Isabella Peterson left the gates of the school after she successfully graduated. Yet she entered the premises again, but now in a different role, as an assistant for the Care for Magical Creatures. It has been great honor. Despite the fact she's been a proud Ravenclaw, Isabella possessed some qualities of the Hufflepuff House. She's been hard-working and loyal. Yet, oftentimes she could not avoid messy incidents and causing - what McGonagall would call – indescribable chaos. It was her love and dedication for caring and nurturing every creature she has stumbled upon, which softened even McGonagall's heart to finally welcome her as a part of the Hogwarts teacher board. However, when it came to discipline and school rules, it was the same old McGonagall she has remembered from her school times, an authority no one shall mess with.

          Today, Isabella was strictly emphasized to not be late for the dinner. Hogwarts was expecting a special guest, but Dippet did not want to spoil the surprise even to his colleagues. Although Isabella suspected that Minerva sure must know who so special is coming to visit, but for some reason she didn't want to tell her. Maybe it had something to do with the latest incidents of missing creatures. At least that's what popped into Isabella's head. But soon she let it go, as she got lost in more pleasant thoughts. 

          She enjoyed her walks through the forest very much. Watching fireflies flying around and lighting up even the darkest corner made her feel relaxed and forget about all the troubles. At least for a while. Every now and then a flock of mischief fairies almost knocked her out of her feet as they were playing around. Evening was warm, but the air smelled of coming rain. Isabella wanted to gather fresh ginger for her tea before the rain starts pouring, but she did not even get to her secret spot when the loud thunder followed by cold raindrops ruined all her plans. Suddenly her eyelashes wide-opened and her gaze was struck by realisation – she is supposed to be at Hogwarts dinner, welcoming super important guest! She rushed back to the Tree House, which has been her home since she started working at Hogwarts. As quickly as she could, Isabella changed her clothes; passing by the mirror checked her hair. However the tapping sound of the rain falling on the roof brought her back to reality, and she knew that any adjustments to her appearance are not worth a while. 

          She stood outside and the whistling sound echoed through the pouring rain. It did not take long, when a majestic creature appeared in front of the tree house - a hippogriff. Isabella jumped on his back and the creature took off breaking through heavy rain as it headed towards the castle. Her clothes were soaked in rain and she could feel her hair sticking to her wet face as the raindrops poured on her head without a mercy. She could use the drying spell as soon as she gets inside. She was just hoping not to meet anyone before she could put herself together and look like a decent human being. Jack – the hippogriff - landed on the schoolyard; he let Isabella quickly pet him and reward him with a dead mouse and then disappeared into the darkness. 

          Isabella rushed to the door and she managed to sneak in just before it closed. She did not realise, she has just bumped into Professor McGonagall talking to someone. They both turned around and stared at a young woman, all wet, trying to at least pull her hair away from her face. Isabella looked from one to another. McGonagall was giving her a look full of disappointment on the one hand; on the other hand a tall young man with messy ginger hair, clinging to a suitcase and dressed in fine coat was trying to avoid her shocked gaze. Her gut feeling was telling her she has already met this man, but she could not recall who he was. He looked surprised. In addition, there was this mysterious spark in his eyes, and suddenly it hit her. It must be...

"Miss Peterson! There you are!" McGonagall interrupted her thoughts. 

Isabella knew this look and she was sure to expect at least a very unpleasant lecture about her improper behaviour after the dinner. But she knew her former professor too well to tell, that she will proceed with the officialities first.