I'm not a coward, just shy (Hogwarts fanfic)

ch 8 - Puppets on a string

The months pasted quickly into October and I had been fairly busy with classes, homework, creating the first skiving snack box vomiting cure which had taking a month to brew which we did in the room of requirement which i had introduced Fred and George to and of course the Triwizard Tournament plans. I had been given the title of apprentice to Dumbledore as a cover for being near him during the games. However this also meant I would spend a lot of time in his office where I would do Homework, help Dumbledore with work which was simple enough for me to do and I even provided some background music for him on his requested. He seemed so peaceful when I played. He would lean his head back, close his eyes and watch some scene play out in his head I would never be able to see. I would often find myself spending half my day in Dumbledore's office which I didn't consider a bad thing because he was an amazing teacher. Anything I didn't understand would explain carefully and slowly. I had grown to see the man as the grandparent I had never had. A fountain of Knowledge and experience.

I had receive a lot of comments that I was getting special treatment or how I was being a snob or how amazing I must be receive such a status. Mr and Mrs Weasley were very proud even if it was a cover and even sent a card to me along with a warm knitted jumper for the colder months and a box of fudge, I had shared. I had also sent a letter to my dad and he had sent me a post card from Greece. It read.

'I couldn't be prouder, you take after your mother and they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. We will meet again, as soon as the heat dies down, they haven't caught me yet. Well done. Love Snuffles'.

I snorted at his use of the name I give him when I was out of it on medication for a fever. I smiled at the stack of post cards and letters. They had become so special to me. It's funny how something so meaningless to someone else could mean the world to someone else. I carefully put the cards inside my bedside table and straightened up my robes.

Today was the day that the other schools would arrive and I was to greet them along with Dumbledore. As I continued down the corridor the school seemed to buzz with expectation. Everyone heading in the same direction to line up outside the school to greet our new guest. I arrived by Professor McGonagall's side who looked quite excited for Professor McGonagall.

"Sorry, I am late Professor" I greeted.

"Nonsense your just on time, they should be arriving any moment."

"No there already here" Pointing at the clouds seconds before a Flying carried pulled by winged horses there coat a shimming gold. The Carriage landed with a bump on the grass, the giant horses galloping to a stop into front of the welcoming party. Beaubaxtons's carriage was the size or a small house and the horses were so big that Hagrid could probably have ridden one comfortable. Hagrid stepped front and opened the door. Madam Maxine was the open.

"Oh, Dumbledore, How lovely it is to see you again" She said in her thick French accent, Dumbledore kissed the top of her hand in greeting. "Miss McGonagall you are looking you. Mr Fleet-" She extended her hand to me. I took it, it dwarfed mine, and shook, bowing my head.

"Lovely to mine you again Madam Maxine, I hope you enjoy the tournament and your stay at Hogwarts" I said politely.

"I believe we will" She smiled, looking behind her where girls, in silken blue robes climbed for the carriage. There clothing was beautiful but I could them freezing to death in the months where it would get colder. I took a mental to note to inform Madam Maxine.

My head snapped too quickly to the lake, where the water was still and quite.

"Durmstrang is here" I informed Dumbledore. As the words left my mouth the water began to rippled and like a tree, a ship grow from the waters. I broke the surface scatting the mirror like surface. A ghost that returned from the deep which murdered so many of its kind. The once quite lake was now loud with voices and rushing water. The ship drifted across the watering, anchoring in deep enough waters, so no to damage the ship but still get to sure quickly . Smaller boats were lowered into the water, piled with boys build with muscles, all wearing heavy fur coats. This was not surprising because of the where Durmstrang is, in the middle of the Bulgarian mountains. Dumbledore smiled embracing Karkaroof like an old friend.