Obliviate [Drarry - english]

Chapter 05

So as not to break with the traditions of his student days, Harry arrived several minutes late at Hogwarts. He lost a little more time admiring the castle, which had regained its splendour after the war.

He knew the corridors by heart, and for a moment he felt like he was 11 again.

In fact, the pupils had the same reaction as in his day. Because he was late, he had arrived just in between classes. The corridors were blackened by robes, colours were mixing and the hubbub was incessant. Harry took a deep breath, rediscovering the smell of stone, parchment and quill.

Nick Quasi-Sans-Tête let out an exclamation of joy when he saw him, and hurried over to greet him.

-Harry Potter! What a pleasure! It seems like ages ago!

-Nick. How are you?

Harry smiled slightly. The ghost hadn't changed, which pushed him further back into his memories.

-Did you manage to get into the club?

-No, they won't. They categorically refuse!

The ghost set off again, now angry, passing through the students who were too busy admiring the saviour of the wizarding world. The crowd around him was getting tighter. He could hear the murmurs around him. Of exclamation, of fear, of legends and rumours...

Despite the hubbub, a voice rang out.

-Everyone to class. Immediately.

Harry turned his head, as he had done many years before, frightened. The crowd dispersed quickly, without a few curious glances at the saviour.

-Neville !

Immediately, the former Gryffindor relaxed and hugged Harry.

-I'm so pleased to see you! When I heard about your accident, I was so worried! But I haven't been able to get away, and with Luna and the baby it's been so complicated...

-Neville, it's all right, don't worry. I wasn't really expecting flowers from all the Hogwarts alumni. How's the baby? And Luna? I see her magazine's still going strong.

-Yes, she is! She's more overwhelmed than ever. But fortunately, the Headmistress is very understanding and I can go home as soon as my duties here are finished. You'll have to come by sometime, we'd love that.

-As soon as I can, I promise.

The two friends separated at the entrance to the office. Looking up, Harry was pleasantly surprised to discover, not the golden griffin, but a giant panther. He smiled gently, before saying the password that was provided in the letter.

The panther rose, revealing a staircase, which went up on its own once Harry had reached the first steps.

The office had changed too. Tidier, plainer and quieter. The Headmistress rose to her feet as her guest arrived.

-Harry! Harry! What a pleasure to see you again, and on your feet.

-Miss! I missed Hogwarts.

With a nod, she indicated the armchairs that were waiting by the fireplace, along with two cups of tea and some biscuits. They sat down in the hushed atmosphere of the office. There was a calm silence. Harry took the opportunity to recharge his batteries and relax a little. Fatigue suddenly invaded all his limbs. He realised that since the beginning of this story, he had had little time to enjoy peace and quiet, a hot drink and a friend.

-How are you feeling, Harry? Are you getting any rest?

-Yes, but it's a bit strange. Everyone around me seems so old. I feel like I've got a whole lifetime to learn.