An Unrequited Love (S. Snape)

Chapter Five: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Dumbledore’s arm is linked uncomfortably within mine, and ignoring his gaze, I stare away from him, allowing him to spin us into oblivion. Well-practiced through Apparating, I don’t even stumble when we land firmly in the village of Hogsmeade, the streets busy with bustling visitors and shoppers.

I shift my bags comfortably around me before the two of us head towards the tall, intimidating castle that looms a fair distance away. Even from the vast gap, I can tell that the castle with highlights of sunlight, and darkened crevices of shadows is large. Battlements lift high into the sky, and the separated towers stand proud over what I can only assume is a large field of grass.

“That would be Hogwarts,” Dumbledore explains, as if I didn’t already realize this. “Built in the early Middle Ages, it was founded by the four founders: Godric Gryffind—“

“Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin,” I recite, rolling my eyes vaguely. “I know. I’ve done my research; I’ve wanted to go to this school for years. I think I deserve this more than most of the students that go there now. I bet they take their education for granted.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll give both them and the teachers a run for their money,” Dumbledore smiles, not looking in the least alarmed by my sudden outburst. “How would you like a grand tour?”

“I think I can find my way around,” I answer, though give him the kindest smile I can muster. “Thank you, anyway.”

“Of course … of course.”

The walk up the dirt path is silent, and in minutes we reach the Hogwarts Gates. Already, I can sense the strong remnants of magic, and watching Dumbledore raise his wand and utter soft, almost songlike chanting, the gates open.

The two of us step through, and now on the earth of the property of Hogwarts, I can’t help but feel excitement careen through me, and do everything in my power not to jump with joy. Knowing that past Death Eaters have gone to this school, that the Dark Lord has gone to this school, and that even my biological parents have gone to this school, a richness of the history and sudden feeling of belonging to something new only makes me that much more overjoyed.

The castle feels more intimidating as we grow closer. There’s something almost menacing about the tall fortifications, and the forest that looms from afar appears dark and oppressing. Looking around, I spot a lake of calm waters, and promising ripples. I’m even more amazed when a series of tentacles break through the surface, and a giant squid waves lazily towards us.

“That’s the Black Lake,” Dumbledore explains. “And that there is one of our many nearby inhabitants — the giant squid.”

“So, what other creatures live in the lake?”

“Only merpeople and grindylows, besides the squid,” Dumbledore says softly. “In the forest there are many more monsters, but students are forbidden within the woods — understood?”

“What all lives in them?” I ask, now even more curious.

“Everything ranging from centaurs, to werewolves, to giant acromantula,” he shrugs. “The odd time a unicorn, as well. There’s no telling what you’ll find in there — but be sure that things usually find you before you find them.”

The dire warning hit me quite directly, but I still stared towards the menacing woodland with both interest and a small inkling of fear. Off in the distance to our left, a tall pitch was raised, where I could only assume Quidditch games took place.

“I’ve never been to a Quidditch game,” I muse aloud. “How many do you have?”

“Depending on how the teams are going, each team plays against another, and depending on the winners, at the end of the year whichever team has the most points wins the Quidditch Cup.”