Whispers of the Dove / R.L & S.B

🌼~°8°~🌼

<<<<Willow>>>>

The sharp sound of frantic knocking pulled me from my thoughts. When I opened the door, Professor McGonagall stood there, breathless and stressed, her lips drawn into a tight line.

"Sirius Black," she said, her voice as clipped as ever but filled with urgency. "He's in the castle. He tore through the painting guarding Gryffindor Tower."

Her words hit like a jinx to the chest. Before I could process them, she turned on her heel, her robes sweeping behind her as she marched down the corridor.

I hurried after her, my heart pounding. By the time we reached the Great Hall, students were already pouring in, their chatter a blend of fear and speculation. Dumbledore and the other professors stood just outside, deep in discussion.

"We need to act quickly," Dumbledore was saying, his tone calm but commanding. "Each of you will take a section of the castle. Alone. We must cover more ground this way."

I felt a knot of unease settle in my stomach at the thought of patrolling alone, but before I could voice it, Remus stepped forward.

"Headmaster," he said, his voice tight, "Professor Langley should check on the first-years first. I noticed a few of them were hysterical—crying, panicking. They need comfort."

Comfort? I blinked, caught off guard. I wasn't exactly known for my nurturing skills. If anything, I'd have been the last person anyone would send to console children. But Dumbledore nodded in agreement.

"An excellent suggestion," he said. "Willow, please see to the younger students."

I could only nod, unsure of what else to say. As I made my way into the Great Hall, the house tables had already been moved aside, leaving the vast space open for students to sleep. Prefects bustled about, laying out sleeping bags while trying to keep their housemates calm.

In one corner, I noticed Harry, Hermione, Ron, and their friends gathered, whispering in hushed tones. Across the hall, the first-years Remus had mentioned were huddled together, their wide eyes filled with fear. But they weren't alone.

Luna Lovegood was sitting cross-legged in the center of the group, her voice dreamy but soothing as she spun an elaborate tale about nargles and how they could ward off bad dreams. Cedric Diggory knelt beside her, offering quiet reassurances, while Cho Chang handed out warm blankets.

I lingered for a moment, watching as the older students effortlessly comforted the younger ones. They didn't need me. The scene tugged at something in my chest, but I wasn't sure if it was relief or inadequacy.

Turning on my heel, I made my way back toward the door. My designated area needed checking, and standing idle here wouldn't do anyone any good.

As I stepped outside, I caught sight of Remus speaking with Dumbledore. They were talking in low, urgent tones, and though I couldn't make out all of their conversation, a fragment reached my ears.

"...He can't find her, you hear me?" Remus was saying, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. "Let me go with her."

Dumbledore's reply was measured, but his gaze flicked toward me. "Remus, cover the Astronomy Tower. I'll see to it."

Remus hesitated, his jaw tight as his eyes briefly met mine. Then, reluctantly, he turned and walked away, his posture tense.

I approached Dumbledore, my confusion evident. "Albus," I said, "what's going on? Wasn't I supposed to check the Astronomy Tower?"

Dumbledore's expression softened, his eyes twinkling with that maddening calm. "I have a better idea," he said. "The castle grounds need to be searched, and you're uniquely suited for the task."