Sweet Serenity

Chapter 14

-- Foolishness --

Still at the dining hall, actually I have no idea why I am still here. The doors opened again but this time a bit gently and a tall old man with shining silver locks approaches the teachers' table and sat down to have breakfast, 'right I can ask the headmaster about me staying for the Christmas break!', I thought. I slowly and nervously approach the teachers' table and smiled at Professor McGonagall when I walked pass by her seat.

I cleared my throat making the headmaster and potions master look at me, I don't want the other man's attention who is sitting beside the headmaster, "H-headmaster.. There is s-something I would l-like to discuss with you after breakfast, is that okay?"

Blue twinkling eyes looking into mine with a hint of curiosity, "Why of course, kindly wait for me here and we can walk to my office together.

I smiled at the kind headmaster and ignored the other man, greeting and smiling at the other professors as I walk back to my sit. I have noticed that students are getting few as Christmas is nearing, 'guess they're too excited to come back to their families', I sigh at the thought that made me frown a little bit. As my thoughts continue to be sad and remembering some terrifying childhood memories, my head starts to ache a bit. 

It is like there's something burning a whole in my mind, then I thought of one person who I know that can read other's mind, my head swiftly turns to his direction. I was right, that tall, dark haired brooding man was staring at me intensely, I glared back at him giving him a sign to get out of my mind.

A few minutes passed and I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder making me look at the person who wants my attention, the headmaster is smiling down at me motioning me to walk with him.

"Shall we?", he asks as he offers me his arm.

I gladly took it and we started to walk out of the dining hall. "Well what shall we be discussing about (Y/N).", he asks.

"Well headmaster... I-... I would like to stay here until the Christmas break is over.", I stuttered out and trying not to trip as we walk. It feels like my legs aren't cooperating with me because I know that he might reject my request and I will be forced to spend it with them.

My breath becomes unsteady as I wait for his answer but I am still trying to calm down and hope he will consider it, "Headmaster?"

"Is there a particular reason why you would not want to spend a special event in life with your family, my child?", his voice was raspy but soft as his eyes twinkles with curiosity and concern.

I sigh heavily making us stop walking and now we are in front of the statue that leads to his office, he mumbles 'Taffy' and the stairs are now leading us to a giant wooden door. He opens it telling me to come inside, "Please make yourself comfortable while I ready us some tea."

I nodded and sat on the couch in front of his desk patiently waiting for him to come back, if I really want to convince him to let me stay here, I have to be honest and tell him why I really don't want to go back. Touching my necklace, breathing deeply as I close my eyes... I am now calm. 

"So (Y/N), may I know the reason why you don't want to go home for Christmas?", a gentle voice appeared.

I watched the old tall headmaster elegantly stride to his desk while holding a tea tray, he carefully placed our cups on the desk and smiled at me as he pours tea with a wonderful aroma that made me smile and inhale it a couple a times before responding.

"Well you see.. uhh.. headmaster.. well.. it is not a nice and short story so I hope I will not bore you but here I go.", I say as I fold my long sleeves revealing some old scars and bruises.

"I wasn't loved at all there, Malfoy was right in some part. M-my 'father' beats me up every time he wanted to and forces me to duel with my 'brother' who wins every duel and as a punishment because I lost, he will hex me for hours.", I gulped and tried to drink my tea but my hands were shaky.

"So I hope you will reconsider my request, it will save me somehow from the beating at least for this break.", I added as I look down at my tea with a pained expression.

"I see... how long?", he asks with a frown.

"Since I was three years old.", I answered.

 "Very well then, you will stay here for Christmas break but I must warn you that there is something I would like in exchange for your request.", his eyes twinkles with mischief.

"I will do anything and I mean ANYTHING just to avoid going back there.", I almost shouted.

I don't care what it will be, I just want to be here instead of there getting beat up every day and starve. I am ready for what the headmaster wants in exchange, no matter what it is I will accept it. It's better to have do something for him, than going back 'home'.

A/N: What do you think, Professor Dumbledore will ask of her in exchange for her request? HMMMMMM.... U-U comment down what you think of.