Hidden In These Walls

CHAPTER NINE

Professor McGonagall always had an eye out for her students, whether you had graduated or not, she was there. Many people over the years have spoken highly of her, young and old. There was one time when I was in my third year, I knew this boy who was so scared of everything around him, and while others picked on him, McGonagall looked into it. Later that year we found out that he was taken from his home by the Department of Child Endangerment and his parents were investigated by the Bureau of Misuse of Magic Against Children.

It turned out McGonagall took it upon herself to look into the situation, and began gathering information and evidence all year before turning it all in. That kid now graduated and has become one of my best friends, Jonathan Wittly, and he went into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. From the last letter, he sent me earlier that summer, I knew he was doing quite well for himself.

I guess now it was my turn to have help from the Professor, she had taken me to a cabin not too far from Hogsmeade and told me that I could stay there as long as I liked. All she asked was for me to keep up with the place and not let it get trashed. Not that I would have done so either way. So here I was now, sitting in front of the fire, unwinding on the nearby twin-sized bed, gazing up at the ceiling as my toes and fingertips began to warm up.

So much had happened so quickly. I needed to gather my bearings and figure out my game plan from there. There was no time at this point to wonder how this all happened, even with my mind wishing to process it all, I had to stop it. I sat up on the bed, seeing the dog's head poking up at the top, resting his jaw on the mattress. He stared up at me whining gently. I sighed, and began to pat his head, "It's alright... It's going to be okay, boy..."

The dog's tail began to thump on the floor as he leaned his head into my hand. What a sweetie. Then it hit me, I could write to Moody. I sprang up off the bed, "That's it!" I rushed over to the desk across the room, thankfully Professor McGonagall was kind enough to leave some parchment and ink, and said it would come in handy.

I sat down and began to write to the two of them;

Dear Moody, I hope this letter finds you well. I myself am in a bit of a pickle since the whole World Cup ordeal. I find myself anxious about every small thing. Every knock. Is this what being an Auror entails? There's a part of me that asks myself if so, why did you never tell me?

Then again I cannot hold that against you. If I were to have a student fresh at the age of 20 I wouldn't want to scare them away from the job and deter them from their dreams either. So, secretly I thank you. Speaking of I am concerned for you. I've been worried about your safety. That you are safe and sound. Not that you cannot handle yourself, but with everything that happened... It's been weighing on my mind.

I feel like a coward, like I should have persisted on staying. And don't worry I know what you would say, 'Don't be stupid, I told you to leave, and if you stayed it would have been a bloody nuisance.' I will not disclose the details of where I am, but I wanted to let you know I am safe and sound. I did just as you told and found someone I feel quite safe with, who has provided me with a place to stay for the time being.

I have even made a new friend along with it! A black dog I found wandering around where I landed. He's a sweet dog and has kept me in good company these past two days.

Anyway, I won't bother you with anything else. Please write back to me as soon as you possibly can.

Kind Regards,

O. Emerson

I folded it and placed the parchment into an envelope, closed it up, and sent it off with my owl. Professor McGonagall really did think of everything, even sent for my own, Brimsly. I sighed and leaned back in my seat. Now what... I heard the dog whine once more, padding over, and placing his head on my lap.

"What is it, buddy?" I asked gently looking down at him, patting his head. At that moment my stomach began to growl. She thought of everything, but one thing, food. I sighed and stood up, "Alright, let's go find something..."

The dog and I wandered out of the cabin and down the steep hill sloping to Hogsmeade. The little village at this point was glowing as the sun began to set behind the trees and hills. Casting out a reddish-golden glow, it provided at least enough light for the two of us to see where we were headed.

I sighed deeply as we made our way down the earthed path. It wouldn't take long to make it there, as I could see clearly the Three Broomsticks sign from where we were, that barely swung in the cool wind. That might be a good place to look first since everyone around was so rude and aggravated.

I walked up to the front door, and the same man was outside, repairing something, I couldn't see what it was exactly, by the door. He glanced over and did a double take, his face turned white as a sheet. He quickly moved out of the way and held the door open for me with his cap in his hand. I smiled and thanked him quietly, and in I walked, with a low growling dog right behind me.

"It's okay boy," I muttered back to him, "Come on!" The dog panted, perking up, and immediately stuck to my side. I couldn't help but giggle at him, "Good boy," I whispered and rubbed the top of his head. I gazed around, it was quite empty, much emptier than I had ever seen it, and at the bar, standing behind it with her head down reading something, was Madam Rosmerta. Her head shot up as the door closed behind me.

"Ah, Hello! Welcome to Three Broomsticks!" She grinned and came around the side, "How–" Her smile somehow brightened more, "Ozwald? Is that you?" I nodded, my tensed shoulders relaxed. She wrapped her arms around me, engulfing me in a safe, warm hug, "Oh dear, it's lovely to see you!"

"It's lovely to see you too, Madam Rosmerta!" She pulled back and her eyes widened, "My goodness you've certainly changed! You look quite well!" Then it clicked, "You were the lad that came in with Minerva the other night?"

I nodded, beaming from ear to ear, "I am," I looked down, "And I hope you don't mind but I've brought a friend!"

She awed and scratched beneath his chin, "My goodness what a handsome boy! What's his name?" I hadn't even thought about that... He didn't have a collar. He just showed up. Even thinking about giving him a name, it made me feel odd, like it wasn't my place to do so. It was probably why I hadn't even thought about giving him one, "I'm not sure... I never thought about a name for him," She chuckled and rubbed his head some more, "Well, that's alright, it'll come naturally!"

"I hope you are right... Madam Rosmerta..." I began to fidget with my fingers, "I hate to ask, but is there a way I can possibly work for some food for the both of us..."

She frowned, "Love, why would you need to work for food?" Oh, this felt so embarrassing, "Is everything alright?"

"I'm so sorry... I want to explain, but I've been ordered not to... It's for my internship as an Auror..." She hummed and nodded. I felt awful that I couldn't just come out and tell her what was happening, but I wasn't going to go against Moody's orders, and I didn't know at this point who to completely trust except for McGonagall.

"Don't worry love, go and have a seat, I'll get you some food," Somehow she understood, without a second thought to it. I took a moment to realize what had happened and I stuttered a thank you to her, and made my way over to my booth. That night we wouldn't eat like a kings, but we would definitely eat plenty.