𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨 | Marauders Era

𝐈. 𝐈𝐈𝐈

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February 14, 1973. Wednesday

The Forbidden Forest

2nd year, 2nd term

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‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ In the hush of the early morning, just before classes started, Elora took slow steps toward the Forbidden Forest.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ With her Gryffindor scarf tightly wrapped around her neck and a small lantern to light her way—since the trees of the forest could cover even the brightest of lights from the sun. Elora ventured deeper into the woods.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Today, she was to meet Professor Kettleburn—also a close friend of her parents—in his secluded cottage nestled within the heart of the forest. It was unusual, but he had invited her for tea to discuss her future regarding the Care of Magical Creatures, or in this case, dragonology.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Finally, she arrived at the clearing where Professor Kettleburn's cottage stood. The aroma of morning dew mixed with the earthy scent of the forest, creating a calm environment to distract her from the creatures within.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The students of Hogwarts would regularly visit his cottage as well since, of course, they would also have classes in the same place.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ With a steadying breath, Elora knocked on the cottage door, eager to begin her meeting with the esteemed professor.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ "Ah, Valerie, darling, sit, sit! Your parents sent me a letter a few days ago about the sanctuary. Has it been going well?" There stood Professor Silvanus Kettleburn. His left eye was covered with a bandage, while his right remained slightly scarred from an incident that she had no clue about. His white hair stood on his head messily due to the bandage, but it always seemed that he did really like the hairstyle either way.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The professor led her into the cottage. Multiple desks sat around the room. As she entered, she noticed one of the tables had 2 cups of tea ready, one with chocolate beside it. The inside of the cottage flourished with plants, books, and images of magical creatures on the walls.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ As Professor Kettleburn settled across from her after she sat down, Elora continued the conversation.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ "Mum said it's been going well. Some of the caretakers have been a bit harsh, though. She's been thinking of firing them on Friday." she said with a pout.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ "Merlin, really? Will you be taking over for them then? While your parents find new ones?" He asked.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Elora laughed as she nodded. "I wish, professor!" she said, taking a bite of the chocolate that was sitting beside her tea. 

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ "As much as I want to, mum and dad want me to be more than a caretaker for dragons. I understand that, of course. But I want to do something during the summer other than studying."

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The two continued their conversation, hopping from topics ranging from which part of the ministry Elora would be working for to what she would be doing for the summer. Elora would ask the professor questions, and he would answer with excitement. Only the girl didn't realise how much time had passed before Kettleburn reminded her.