Legacy Darling

Chapter 9: Through the Looking Glass

Professor Weasley's office was cozy and warmly lit, with walls lined with ancient books and delicate magical trinkets that seemed to hum with hidden energy. She offered Winnie a steaming cup of tea, which Winnie accepted gratefully, wrapping her hands around it for warmth and comfort. The professor gestured for her to sit, and Winnie sank into a soft, plush chair, the weight of the day's events finally settling over her.

Professor Weasley settled into her chair opposite Winnie, her gaze both kind and inquisitive. "I'm glad to see you're settling in well here, Miss Hollowell, and it seems you've made some... strong friendships already." There was a slight, knowing smile on her face.

Winnie managed a small smile back. She could sense that this conversation was more than just a friendly check-in.

The professor took a gentle sip of her tea before setting the cup down with purpose. "Now, let's talk about you," she said, her tone more serious. "You're here under rather... unusual circumstances. That blue portal, as you described, is not something we see every day-if ever. I reached out to our colleagues at Ilvermorny, they are the American wizarding school, and they're just as bemused as we are. We don't understand why you were transported here instead of over there but both our schools are in agreement: whatever brought you here was no mistake."

Professor Weasley's words hung in the air, filling the room with a quiet intensity. "Perhaps," she continued thoughtfully, "it was fate, guiding you here for a reason. Hogwarts is your home now, Winifred"

Winnie took a slow, steadying breath, her mind whirling. Before she could fully process, Professor Weasley's tone shifted, growing even more intent.

"And now, I must ask about today's events at Hogsmeade." She leaned forward, her expression gentle but piercing. "It's not usual for a student to wield such arcane magic. You summoned something powerful. But don't be afraid," she assured her, her words almost melodic. "The journey of self-discovery is often filled with wonders beyond our wildest imaginations. With time, I believe you will come to understand these gifts-and why they lay dormant for so long."

Winnie felt a flicker of courage. She had so many questions, so many uncertainties, but Professor Weasley's calmness was reassuring. Just as she was about to respond, the door to the office flew open, slamming against the wall as an older man stumbled in. His silver hair was dishevelled, and he wore finely tailored robes in shades of blue and brown, a long blue scarf trailing over his shoulder. He was bleeding, his face and hands scratched, and he looked exhausted, his breaths ragged.

"Eleazar!" Professor Weasley's voice rang with surprise and concern. "What happened?"

The man staggered forward, barely able to keep his footing. His hand brushed against Winnie as he stumbled, and she quickly steadied him, her gaze catching the strange metal cylinder he clutched. It slipped from his hands as he stumbled, rolling across the floor before coming to a stop. It glowed with an iridescent blue light, its surface almost pulsing. Curious, Winnie instinctively reached down to pick it up. As her fingers closed around it, the cylinder clicked open, revealing a strange, delicate key nestled inside.

Eleazar's gaze snapped to her, his face a mixture of astonishment and intrigue. "How... did you open that?" he asked, his voice tinged with a kind of fascination she hadn't expected. He glanced at Professor Weasley, and both of them seemed to share a moment of silent realization.

"I... I just picked it up," Winnie stammered, her own surprise matching theirs.

Eleazar looked at her with an intensity that felt almost magnetic. He took a halting step toward her, clutching his side where the blood still seeped through his robes. "You must understand, this key-it belonged to my late wife, Miriam. She gave it to me for safekeeping... but we were ambushed," he said, voice breaking slightly. He turned face to Professor Weasley, "A dragon attacked us mid-flight. George... George didn't make it."