The Herbology Assistant

Chapter Fifty Two

Harry listened intently to what his professor was saying to him and as he finished he took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and then placed them back upon his nose. 

"I apologize if bored you." She said. 

"Quite the opposite." He replied. "I never realized..."

"What's that?" She pushed. 

"Your heritage? I suppose. Why wouldn't Dumbledore have you teaching an actual class rather than just a study period or doing assistant work? You'd be an incredible defense teacher."  He said. 

"I appreciate that, Harry. I really do. Dumbledore thinks I would benefit giving extra help to all of the classes rather than just one specific class. I was also unsure of how long I would be residing here." She said. 

"What do you mean? You're leaving?" He asked. 

"I will do anything to protect my loved ones and when the time comes I will do just that." She replied as she toyed with her ring. 

"What is the ring for?" Harry asked. 

"It helps me see the past, present, and future." She said. 

"Is that how we're going to see what I need to do?"

"Precisely." 

"How are you going to show me?" He asked. 

"Through mind projection. It's painless. Might take your breath away, but nothing damaging." She spoke. 

"Let's see then." Harry gestured for her to try it and so she did. She brought the ring up to her eyes and immediately was drawn to a stag constellation. 

She was able to skim past most of his life and began to slow down after his name was called by Albus. She passed their present and watched the first task before breaking away. 

"Dragons?" Harry huffed. 

"Seems like it." She also was trying to catch her breath.

"Can we see more. Professor... your nose is bleeding." He pointed it out and instinctively her hand went to her nose and then looked at her fingers which were red. 

"That's all for tonight Harry. I can't push too much, it makes me ill." She said while closing her eyes. 

"But what do I do now?" He asked. 

"Well you saw yourself flying a broom. I reckon that's where you need to start." She said. 

 "I'm not allowed a broom."

"You're allowed a wand," She said while she got to her feet. "Learn the summoning spell. Ask Hermione and Ron for help. Help will always be given to those who ask."

"Will you help me?" He asked. 

"Haven't I just proven that?" She asked back. 

"Er- well yes. But I meant training wise." He said. 

"Of course, you can always ask Moody too." She suggested. 

"He's kind of odd. Don't ya think?"

"Well, yes. But he's a well known auror." She told him. "It's late Harry. Let me walk you back."

The two of them walked in the corridor silently, but Clarice had an unusual feeling that someone was following them. 

"Stop." She said and put her hand in front of Harry. "Don't move or make a sound."

He stood still as she closed her eyes to listen for any thoughts amongst them that were not their own. 

"I know you're there." She called out and a figure rounded the corner.