when the pain is too much to bear (Fantastic Beast OC tome 1)

Hogwarts, here I come !

Norbert asked me to look after one of his little protégés. I thought of choosing Pickle, the niffleur, but he's not the most practical for all that shiny obsession. I end up offering to look after Pakito, one of his botrucs, although Pickett will be jealous.

Our whole group went to the station, and a portoloin was taken from me. The idea of leaving my friends is hard, very hard. They're happy for me, but I'm going to miss them so much! No more lunch with Thomas, no more evenings with Leta and Theseus... I've already said my temporary goodbyes to everyone except them. I hug Leta and Theseus for a long time, before saying goodbye to Thomas and stepping aside. It is hard to let go of that hug. I'd see them again on my days off, but not every day.

— Go and shine! Go and inspire future generations! he said, smiling his perfect smile.

— In six months?

— I know you can do it! You're going to be with Emily, the Knowles sisters back together at Hogwarts.

— Yes! I'm going to miss you!

— "We will miss you too, but maybe next time we can meet at Hogwarts. He said moved. We'll talk in letters.

— Yes, we will. See you next time, Thom's," I said, feeling a bit courageous. See you next time, Leta, Theseus.

— Until next time!

I said my last goodbyes before heading up the hall towards Hogwarts. I arrived outside Hogwarts, the same emotion as the first time taking hold of me.

Headmaster Dippet welcomed me.

— Mademoiselle Knowles, pleasure to have you as new teacher.

— Thank you for the opportunity, Headmaster.

— We are colleagues, as such, you don't need to be this formal, without student. This is Armando.

— Noted, I am unable to say it.

— I'll let you get settled in. Your sister has offered to show you to your rooms. Your timetable is there. You have the day to yourself.

— Thank you so much!

I saw Emily in the distance, waiting. I smiled at her discreetly.

— See you tonight, Miss.

— See you this evening.

The director left, returning to the castle.

— Emily !" I said to her, my sister joining me, running.

I ran towards her.

— I missed you!

— I missed you too!

— Six months together at Hogwarts! she jump with joy.

— Yes !

Together, they put her things down, it's strange to be back in the castle, full of memories mixing with new ones, the past, the present.

— Miss Knowles!

exclaimed Professor Dumbledore, my former metamorphosis teacher.

— Professor.

— You don't need to be formal. Albus, please.

— You get used to it," whispers to me my sister.

— I still have to get used to it.

— You're not a pupil any more.

— I realise that, it's ingrained in the habit.

— Welcome to the other side of the desk.

— Thank you !

I left my sister to went to my new quarters. I made a bed for Pickle, the best I could. I wrote a letter to Thomas first, telling him about the arrival, the strangeness of being able to call our teachers by their first names, and my first lesson tomorrow. Then I wrote to Theseus and Leta.

I went out, determined to see the common room first, a nostalgia to fill before filling the teacher's boots. I smiled the whole way, nothing changed but me. I breathed in the good old days, typing in the password. The wall opened; my heart filled with happiness. I walked in, I was a student again, the magic present as never before. Immediately at ease and soothed, I smiled at the portrait of our founder. All the plants create the perfect atmosphere. This room makes you want to smile and settle down in an armchair with a book or a friend.

At this time of day, all the students are in class. I went round the plants, checking to see how they were doing. On the way out, I passed some pupils, second or third years in their uniforms.

— Are you a new teacher? I heard.

— Yes. Professor Knowles. I'm replacing Mrs Caldert.

— She smile at me. See you tomorrow, Professor.

I smile, it's odd. Besides, I should go into the dungeons. I admire the room. Even dark, it was always one of my favourite places. I've found my schedule. Tomorrow I start with the fourth years and I've got the list of past and recommended progressions for all the classes. Brilliant !

I decided on the programme for the next classes and practised, even if it's not very effective in an empty room. Next stop, the library for documentation. Finally, the staff room. It's never been inside, so there's a real feeling of being forbidden!

I opened the door and introduced myself to myformer teachers, who greeted me warmly but with Merlin's beard, this isstrange. Classical atmosphere and decor, armchairs, books, timetable,parchments, ....