❝happiness can be found in the darkest of times‚ if one only remembers to turn on the light❞
- Albus Dumbledore
Cover by voidxriddle
I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS, ALL RIGHTS TO J.K. ROWLING
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There was no doubt that Hermione was worried sick when two of her best friends weren't sitting across from her. As Harry and I walked into the Great Hall many eyes scavenged us.
"Where have you been?" Hermione said as Harry and I settled into our seats. "What happened to your face?" Both Ron and Hermione leaned in closer to examine Harry's face.
"Later." Was all he said as he held the wet cloth to his face. "Malfoy is what happened." I said as I looked closer towards Harry's injuries, examining his face.
"What did we miss?" Harry said trying to quickly change the subject. "The Sorting Hat says we ought to be brave and strong in these trouble times. Easy for it to say, though." Ron sighed looking a bit uneasy.
As Uncle stepped up to the podium the hall grew quiet as everyone drew their eyes upon him.
"Very best of evenings to you all. First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn. Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post as Potions Master. Meanwhile, the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be taken by Professor Snape. As you know, each and every one of you were searched upon your arrival here tonight. And you have the right to know why." I could feel the uneasiness within his voice. "Once, there was a young man. Like you, he sat in this very hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept under it's roof. You see, to all the world, a student like any other. His name; Tom Riddle."
Harry tensed at his words and I grabbed his hand to ease his thoughts.
"Today of course, is known all over the world by another name. Which is why as I stand, looking out upon you all tonight, I'm reminded of a sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute, perhaps dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, that greatest weapon is you." I let out a breath that I was holding in as he closed his speech. I definitely needed to visit his study after this, I noted.
"Just something to think about. Now off to bed, pip pip!"
"That was cheerful." Ron said as everyone began to stand from their seats. Hermione and I locked eyes and I could tell she was trying to calm my nerves.
As we walked out of the doors I stopped as they went towards the tower. They stopped to look towards me, asking me what I was doing. " I'm going to go speak with Uncle, I'll catch up in the common room."
Hermione and Ron nodded but Harry stared a bit longer towards me. "I'll meet you after." I said this time directly towards him. He walked backwards nodding slightly as he kept my gaze.
As Uncle had said, dark forces could be trying to penetrate this castle at any moment, and I could tell being separated from Harry only increased his anxiety.
I approached the statue and mumbled the words to activate the staircase. "Acid Pops." I began to quickly climb the stairs as I approached his office. As I peeped inside, I noticed McGonagall and Uncle who seemed to be deep in conversation.
Wanting to make myself known I knocked lightly on the cobblestone. Both their heads snapped my way. "Ariana my dear come in. Minerva we will discuss this in a bit." She nodded, knowing that my Uncle and I needed to talk. I walked over to his desk and sat on the chair in front of him.
"Uncle, I need you to be honest with me. Are we safe here?" I could tell my words were troublesome to him. "Myself and the staff assure you we are doing everything to make this castle impenetrable, Ariana." I knew what he was saying was true, but to be completely honest I was more worried for him. I stood from my seat and walked closer to him.
"And are you, Uncle, taking care of yourself. You look quite exhausted." It was true, the bags under his eyes were growing a dark purple. He smiled sheepishly. "No need to worry about me my dear."
"But I do. You're truly one of the only people I have left besides Aberfourth. I can't lose you." Admitting it out loud was absolutely terrifying. He now stood from his chair and approached me, grasping my shoulders lightly to calm my nerves.
"No need to think the worst my niece, no matter the outcome I will always be with you." I took a shaky breath in, trying to hold back tears as my mind raced with the endless possibilities. Seeing this he pulled me into an embrace. I was taken back at first but hugged him deeper as I closed my eyes, remembering this moment.
He pulled away and patted my cheek which was close to pooling with tears. "You are so much like your mother." Now I was really holding back the tears as he brought up the distant memory of her. There were so many questions that I had of her and my mysterious father. I truly had little to no information on either of them, scared to ask especially during this untold time.
"I wish I knew her." I said quietly under my breath. My uncle tensed slightly at my words, and I always questioned if I was being told the truth of my heritage. Although it bothered me most nights I knew that whatever I was being told was simply for my own good.
"Now it's getting late little one, I suggest you head off to bed." I nodded my head and walked towards the door. "Thank you Uncle, I love you." I think he was taken back at first by the affection but he smiled slightly, "And I you, my dear girl."
As I walked down the stairs McGonagall was waiting for our meeting to be over. I smiled at her as she walked back up to his office swiftly.
Millions of thoughts clouded my headed as I walked towards the tower. Did I want to indulge in searching my true heritage and reopen the wounds that were barely healing? Although I truly did not know my father or mother, I knew that no matter what, I was a Dumbledore.
•••
Hello everyone! So after a bit more research and trying to get back into writing this book, I realized that some of the timelines do not add up. Although as much as I would love to ignore it, I need to have it correct or else it's going to drive me bonkers. I have a few tricks up my sleeve and I'm excited to continue this book! Stay with me as I continue to update, thank you for all your amazing support!
