The Lost Prophecy | Year One

The Shrieking Shack

As the first day of classes came to an end, Jack found himself wandering around the grand staircase in a desperate attempt to make his way up the stairs. He was supposed to be in the Headmaster's office half an hour ago, but he had barely managed to sneak past his friends. Scarlett had dragged him away from the group, insisting that she had to check out the Quidditch pitch before the Flying classes.

Scarlett was about to ask one of the portraits about the location of Dumbledore's office when she saw Professor McGonagall talking to Jack, who looked rather flushed. McGonagall turned around at the sound of her approaching footsteps and looked at her curiously, "Miss. Selwyn, what are you doing here?"

"Accompanying Jack to the Headmaster's office, Professor," Scarlett replied, shifting her gaze to Jack, who was frantically shaking his head, indicating her to keep quiet.

"Not today, Miss. Selwyn. I suggest you go back to your common room. You can meet Mr. Lupin once he returns," she said firmly, "Follow me, Mr. Lupin," she added sharply, leaving no room for any argument. Jack sent her a reassuring smile before hurrying off the stairs along with Professor McGonagall. He walked through a couple of halls before they stopped in front of a large gargoyle.

"Sherbet Lemon," McGonagall said, and Jack watched as the gargoyle sprang to life, and moved aside revealing a spiral staircase. As he stepped onto it, the staircase rose up and moved around in a circular movement. Jack stared at it in wonder. It was just like a muggle lift, only this one had a ghastly old gargoyle guarding the entrance instead of a sour human trapped in a job they despised. McGonagall knocked on the oak door once she stepped off it, and she ushered him into the room as soon as the door opened.

"Thank you for escorting Mr. Lupin, Professor," Dumbledore smiled, as Jack walked into the room.

"Hope you've had a good day, Jack. Professor Flitwick tells me your wand work is impeccable," he remarked, getting up from his desk. Jack smiled nervously at the man, "Thank you, Headmaster."

"I believe you haven't had the chance to explore the grounds yet, am I correct?" Dumbledore asked.

Jack nodded slowly.

"Very well, follow me," Dumbledore mused. He picked up a couple of yellow-coloured sweets from a bowl that Jack couldn't recognise.

"Would you care for a sherbet lemon?"

Jack didn't dare ask what they were. Not wanting to upset the Headmaster, he politely took one from the bowl. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Professor McGonagall's give the old man a stern look.

"My dear Professor, would you care to join us for a stroll?"

McGonagall looked at Dumbledore, "I'm afraid I cannot. I have to grade assignments, Headmaster. But, before you go, as the Head of Gryffindor, there are certain things I wish to inform Mr. Lupin," she spoke looking at Dumbledore who chuckled at the sternness in her voice.

 "Of course, Professor. Please escort Mr. Lupin to the grounds once you're through with your conversation." With that, Dumbledore popped the sherbet lemons into his mouth and walked out of the room slightly humming to himself.

Jack looked at McGonagall questioningly, "There's no need to worry, Mr. Lupin. I just wanted to inform you of a few precautionary measures we have taken to ensure that you are safe during the full moon."

She motioned for him to take a seat and continued, "First and foremost, you must have noticed that you do not share your dorm with your peers. I want to make it very clear that the reason behind that decision was not to seclude you from the others. It was rather coincidental. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I took it upon myself to make certain arrangements for you."