One Body...Two lives...A Harry Potter Romance/Mystery

Chapter 17

Recap:

Removing the hat from my head, she placed it on a shelf farther in the back and turned to me, a brightness finally reaching her eyes. "I imagine you're in a hurry to get the news out to a friend." she added, spying a glance from over her glasses.

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"Now, if you'll follow me, I'll try to make this as quick as possible for the both of us." she walked on passed me, ushering for me to follow her through the double doors and back down the winding staircase.

I kept close behind, and would have stayed closer if I didn't think it would probably freak her out.

Last thing I wanted was to get lost in these never-ending hallways. I mean, they may not be some alleyway, but with all the shifting staircases, I didn't want to think of the day my claustrophobia that would surely kick in the second I misplaced myself.

As we walked through the castle, the narrow hallways widened until we stepped into this grand one that was attached to a pair of wide, ceiling high, double doors.

She paused in our journey, and explained that this was the Great Hall in which everyone had been gathered in not too long before, and was where I would go to for my daily meals.

She continued on with little things like this throughout the walk to my new house, turning it into a little tour.

Before I knew it, she came to another stop, this time in front of a painting. As if there weren't enough paintings to cover every wall of this castle.

This one was much larger that most, depicting a woman just as large as it. I wondered if it was called "The Fat Lady Finally Sings.", for when we walked up to it, that's all she did as we waited patiently for her to stop.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I entered through the porthole next. I didn't know what the inside looked like, and for all I knew, harry could've been standing right on the other side, capable of seeing me with the first step I took.

Stopping short inside the door, I took a moment to become 'the salamander', as I liked to call it, once again.

Now, I know I probably could have just taken a peep around the corner, but its fun being all ninja-y every once in a while. Besides, if I was being confined to this wand, I might as well get some fun out while I still can.

Walking around the corner, I stopped short of myself, nearly running into someone's back. Quietly backing up on my tiptoes, I looked around for a sense of directions, and instantly knew I was going to adjust very well to my temporary home.

Nothing says "Welcome" like a plush couch to curl up on in front of the fireplace; and all the colors, it reminded me of my favorite season: fall.

Now, if only there was a pile of leaves ready in the corner to jump into, I'd be happy just to live down here, privacy or not.

Looking around at the rest of the room, I noticed the matching staircases on either side of the room. Even though I assumed those led to the dorms I was temporarily held back, not sure where to go.

They should seriously think about putting labels around this place, like "Girls" above one staircase and "Boys over the other or "Look out, the stairs are switching out beneath your very own feet. Have a nice death."

At least I'll be prepared and can die with a smile knowing I didn't pee my pants because it got scared out of me. Damn, now I really have to use the bathroom and I have no idea where to go...

Not knowing what to do, I figured the smartest route would be to watch and wait.

Leaning back against the wall, I tried to think non-pee thoughts, though I'm not sure what kind of thoughts those would be exactly if there was such a thing, and waited.