A Second Chance

3.

The large wooden door loomed above her head as she stood in place, waiting for permission to enter the Headmasters office. Her plain black school robes were freshly ironed and set to perfection. She was ready.

Today was the day Bonita was finally going to be sorted into a House. She hadn't slept a wink last night, rather opting to practice the few spells she knew. Lumos, Wingardium Leviosa, Aguamenti. She giggled to herself more times than she could count when she filled her glass cup with water over and over again, then being given a large bucket to dump the water in by Madam Pomfrey.

She made a mental note to be sure to get the Matron something nice for taking such good care of her.

"Come in, Miss Lunelli." Dumbledore's voice called from inside. "No need to stand there bouncing on your heels."

Bonita pushed the large door open and closed it before turning to see professor Dumbledore, sitting with a large smile undeath that insanely long beard of his. However, Bonita stopped in her tracks.

Four pairs of eyes stared at her as she entered. Her eyes swept over them and she could feel the anxiety bubble up within her chest. She accepted everything over the past week, or so she thought. She felt a flurry of emotions as she looked at their faces.

"Hello, professors." Bonita kept her head held high as she greeted the room.

She had already decided to accept everything that came her way, meeting them all was just a part of that acceptance. Now she only need act like a first year student, aged eleven, and make everyone believe she was as normal as she would allow. She didn't plan on being labeled as 'miss boring'.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce our final student." Dumbledore stood from his chair. "Miss Bonita Lunelli. Miss Lunelli, these are the Professors in charge of each House here at Hogwarts."

"On your left you have the Charms Professor and Ravenclaw Head of House, Professor Flitwick." He motioned towards the stout man.

Flitwick stepped forward and gave a small smile as he lowered head slightly before stepping back in place.

"Herbology Professor and Head of Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout."

The robust woman was dressed head to toe in all manner of autumn colors. She gave Bonita a warm smile and lifted her hand to give a small wave in greeting.

"Transfigurations Professor and Head of Gryffindor as well as Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall."

McGonagall stepped forward, "Good to finally have you here, Miss Lunelli."

"My apologies, Professor." Bonita offered an awkward half smile.

"Oh dear, no worries. You're here now." McGonagall said as she returned to her spot beside Sprout.

Bonita nodded, her gaze drifting slowly to the other side of the office where the last professor stood.

How had she not noticed him before and only now?

His dark black hair fell to his shoulders, a few black strands falling in front of his pale face. Deep, onyx colored eyes pierced through her gaze as he watched her stare at him. He was unmoving, almost like a statue dressed in black robes.

"And here," Dumbledore continued. "we have our new Potions Master and Head of Slytherin house, Professor Snape."

Bonita straightened her shoulders as she took a step forward. Her body bent slightly at the waist in a small bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, professors."

"Come, take a seat." McGonagall spoke, gesturing to the wooden stool that stood small in the room.

She took her seat, her eyes fixated on Dumbledore as she watched him pick up a tattered hat.