Diggory Is More Than A Loser (book 3)

9- Check Up

The next morning Celia ate breakfast with her roommates, and although they talked about trivial things like their hair and the weather, Celia kind of liked it.
Thinking about the situation that the world was in, only made her anxious, so it was nice to think about something else, other than Voldemort, for a change.
Her lessons that day helped her get back into a normal routine.
But since she had missed so many lessons the year before, she had a lot to catch up on, if she wanted to pass all her NEWTs.
That evening Dumbledore summoned her to a meeting in his office, which didn't surprise Celia, as she'd had a hunch that he would want to check up on her, on her first day back.

After knocking on the headmaster's door, Celia entered his office and made her way over to his desk.
"Ah, Miss Diggory, please take a seat" said Dumbledore, as he gestured to the chair opposite him.
Now that she was a lot closer to him, she could get a better look at his hand, which was black, and looked almost dead.
"Professor, I know you said in your opening speech last night, that it was nothing to worry about. But what happened to your hand?" Asked Celia, as she sat down.

"I won't lie to you Miss Diggory, for lying to someone who's been through so much, seems wrong... I wasn't quite quick enough to avoid one of Voldemort's curses, so I ended up injuring my hand. But enough about me, how are you doing?" Questioned Dumbledore.
"I'm O.K" answered Celia.
"How are you finding being back at Hogwarts, after everything that happened last year?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Walking through the doors was hard. In fact everything has been hard since I came back. But I'm getting through it. Spending time here over the summer definitely helped"
"That is good to hear. I was worried that being back here, surrounded by your fellow students, would be triggering for you"
"It is, but don't worry, I have no intention of self-harming any time soon".

"I am glad you are doing so well. But I think it would be best if you continue to see your therapist, even if you feel fine" admitted Dumbledore.
"I agree. I don't think I can give up Vanessa just yet" replied Celia.
"It's been arranged for you to see her every Saturday afternoon for the rest of term, in a private room above the Hog's Head. I know it's not the best place to meet her, but we felt that you wouldn't want her to come onto school grounds, in case your classmates saw her"
"No, I don't want the whole school knowing that I'm seeing a therapist. I'm not embarrassed or anything, I just don't want the whole world knowing that I'm a mess. My best friends know, and I want it to stay between us".

"The teachers here all know what you have been through, and they will support you" informed Dumbledore.
"Does Professor Slughorn know, even though he wasn't here last year?" Quizzed Celia.
"He is not as informed as everyone else. But he does know that you had a hard year" answered Dumbledore.
"O.K. I was just worried that he might bring it up during one of his Slug Club meetings that he wants me to attend"
"All members of staff have been given strict instructions, not to let other students know of your troubles"
"Good".

"I know we have seen a lot of each other recently, but I regret to inform you, that I'm going to be rather absent in the coming months" revealed Dumbledore.
"Why is that Professor?" Asked Celia.
"Someone has to find a way to defeat Voldemort. And unfortunately I can't do that hidden inside the castle" informed Dumbledore.
"I thought the prophecy said that Harry has to be the one to defeat him"
"I didn't realise Harry had told you about the prophecy. But you are quite right, in the end, Harry must be the one to destroy him. However, that doesn't mean I can't help him do it"
"I'm glad that you are going to help him. Because placing the fate of the world in the hands of a 16 year old, seems pretty reckless".

"I will help Harry as much as I can. But unfortunately that means I won't be able to be here to check on you very often. Which is why I want you to know that you can go to any member of staff for help in my absence, and they will help you. Professor McGonagall is particularly concerned about you, even though you aren't in her house. So, while I'm away I want you to talk to her instead of me" insisted Dumbledore.
"You don't have to worry about me Professor, while you're off trying to defeat Voldemort. I'm O.K, really. With Umbridge gone, I won't end up in a bad place, like I was last year" reassured Celia.

"Healing mental scars takes a lot longer than physical ones" Dumbledore said softly.
"I know. And although I'm not as cheery as some of my classmates, I'm doing well, considering everything I've been through. I even made up with my roommates, so I must be in a good place, if I'm able to be around them" admitted Celia.
"That is good news. I just want you to take things slowly, and not try to force yourself to get better" replied Dumbledore.
"Don't worry, I know that it's going to take a long time for me to fully recover".

"Alright then, I've kept you long enough. It's time you returned to your common room, as I'm sure you have homework to do" admitted Dumbledore.
"Loads. The teachers keep setting me more homework than everyone else, to help make up for all the stuff I missed last year, while I was having a breakdown" sighed Celia, as she pushed herself out of her seat.
"They just want you to catch up with your classmates, so that you will pass all your NEWTs" replied Dumbledore.
"Yeah, I know. It doesn't make doing homework any more fun though"
"No, I don't expect it does... Anyway, goodnight Miss Diggory, and good luck with your studies"
"Thank you, Professor, and goodnight".