After All This Time

Expect the Unexpected

You were released from the hospital wing the next day. You contemplated whether or not you wanted to go to classes. Nothing spoke to you more than hiding under your blankets all day and doing absolutely fuck all.

You thought about what people would say. Surely, some would be sympathetic if you cowered in your room. But certainly, you also knew there would be people ready to feast on your vulnerability and weakness.

You came to Hogwarts to become someone. Someone who was more than who she was before.

You came to Hogwarts to forget your past, but you also came to make your parents proud. One shoe at a time, that's what you planned to do.

After putting yourself together as much as you could, you gathered your books and other necessary supplies and headed to your first class.

Nothing particularly memorable happened, though you did tune out most of your surroundings. Your focus was like a laser on your professors and lessons. Like before, time seemed meaningless. 

When you finally trudged into Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall pulled you to the side.

"My dear, you'll be skipping out on my class this morning," she explained.

Not having the energy to muster much out, you simply muttered a small, "What?"

McGonagall placed a comforting hand on your shoulder before going on. "Professor Dumbledore has requested you in his office. Don't worry about missing class. I won't take off any marks. Besides, you are doing rather splendidly. I'm not the least bit worried about your grades."

All you could do was nod your head yes. She leaned down to whisper the password to Dumbledore's office. She then squeezed your shoulder and passed off one last reassurance. "My heart is with you."

You gave her a small half-smile before departing.

You knew Dumbledore's office was on the third floor. The entrance was guarded by a giant, bronze statue of the most hideous looking gargoyle. Just looking at it made you feel uneasy, so you quickly supplied the password as to not look at it any longer.

"Cockroach clusters," you said with clarity.

The statue slid off to the left and, doing so, revealed nothing. There was just a rounded wall with no entrances. Trying to get a closer look, you stepped past where the statue was just a moment ago. In doing so, the floor started to rumble gently beneath you. Then, the once solid ground began to move upward in a spiral fashion. More and more steps of the stairs were revealed as you realized it was a magical, winding staircase.

You rode up what was roughly a flight of stairs before entering the lively room that was the Headmaster's office.

Portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses hung on almost every inch of wall. The room itself was circular and grand. Books were strewn about on bookshelves and tables. One of the shelves held the sorting hat. There were dozens of silver and gold instruments and unknown items that were buzzing and steaming. You were trying to take in the wonder of it all when Dumbledore's voice interrupted.

"Ah, hello. I'm so glad you came."

Puzzled, you said, "I thought I had to come?"

Dumbledore chuckled heartily. "While it is true that I did request you come by my office, you're at liberty to do what you want. I can't make you do anything." Seeing no reaction from you, he gestured towards a chair in front of his desk. "Please, sit."

As you did so, you sunk in immediately. This chair was the most comfortable chair you had ever sat on. Dumbledore had good taste.

"Tea?" he asked.