Dark Wizard Collector: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 39

Next, I was at Professor McGonagall's office window tapping urgently with my beak. The woman opened the glass and I was able to enter.

"Minerva," I greeted her.

The expression upon her face was unsurprised by my transformation from a raven into a woman again.

"I wanted to apologize to you about yesterday's fiasco at the Three Broomsticks. It was very foolish and childish of me to consume such copious amounts of alcohol, and encourage you to join in my tom-foolery. Can you forgive me for being a bad influence upon you?"

"Hello Mae, yes, I forgive you. You are young, but that does not justify such behavior. Please, know that I am not disappointed in you. I am actually very glad that you have recognized your mistake, and it is my own fault that I allowed myself to be carried away as well. Furthermore, my advice to you would be to make an apology to the Headmaster, for it is he who runs this school that your actions reflect." The dark haired woman's stern gaze softened, "We did have fun though."

A smile lit my face, and I did not know how to respond.

Minerva came over to me and clasped my hands in hers. "Let's try not to amuse ourselves while we are on duty. I would love to go out some other time when we aren't busy."

My lips opened to speak but a weak laugh came out instead, then I found my words. "I would like that very much."

Minerva's glittering eyes smiled larger than the little smile dancing on her lips.

"Well, I better go talk to Headmaster Dumbledore then."

The words I spoke were kept and Headmaster Dumbledore was very forgiving for my mistake. In short, the aged wizard seemed undaunted by my actions. "However," Dumbledore called as I reached for the handle of his office door. "I would ask you to be more careful. You are doing a fantastic job keeping order among the students, but I warned all the faculty and staff, there seems to be something amiss in the castle."

"Thank you sir, the students are very well behaved already, I feel very lucky for working with such exceptional young witches and wizards. Yet, I do not understand your warning." I replied looking back at the bright blue eyes veiled by half-moon spectacles.

"Earlier this morning a Hogwarts messenger owl was discovered dead in the Owlery. Professor Busterforth examined the poor creature and diagnosed its cause of death."

"Should I be more attentive to unwarranted practicing of magic among the students?" I queried with a genuine sense of anxiety.

"Miss Zeria, someone used the Killing Curse on the owl and I believe the students here are not advanced enough to successfully use such dark magic."

"What must I do to keep the students safe from whomever used such an Unforgiveable Curse?"

"That, Miss Zeria, is something you must answer yourself. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to report to the Ministry of Magic that one of our owls has passed away."

A lump caught halfway in my throat like a dry mouthful swallowed too quickly. With a nod, I spun on my heel and quitted the Headmaster's office. Inside my mind, I argued with my better sense. Maera you needed to do what you did in order locate Avenger.

No, Maven. I did not need to kill an innocent owl because he insulted us.

Well, it serves the creature right. Do you want control, or would you rather let yourself be ruled by others? Get a hold of your senses, Maera; and stop being such a jelly.

A scoff at myself ended the argument as I hurried to the Staff Room.