For several weeks, Headmistress Laurel had put off meeting with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. In her heart she knew it was not because of why they were there that had her uncomfortable, but more the fact that if she gave in to what they were asking it would mean she believed what was being rumored all over the Wizarding World. Since the end of the Triwizarding Tournament at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had openly blamed the death of one of his students on You-Know-Who, and claimed that he had once again returned. When Diane Laurel had first heard the rumors, she had brushed it aside and put it in her head that is was all impossible—at least she hoped it was. Now, after the many acts of vandalism and destruction that had occurred the past few weeks by the Death Eaters who relished the Mark of You-Know-Who, she could no longer simply ignore it all as an impossibility.
When she first heard from Dumbledore she had been surprised, then relieved when he told her what he had planned. Now, as she waited in her office at the North American School of Magic, she began to realize the implications of what might happen in the coming years. There was a knock at her office door. She called out a nervous, “Come in,” and rose to greet her distinguished guests.
Professor Dumbledore looked down his crescent shaped spectacles at Headmistress Laurel and smiled, his eyes twinkling merrily. “Hello Headmistress, I am grateful that you found time to see us.”
Headmistress Laurel smiled tensely and nodded. Professor McGonagall took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the Headmistress’ desk and asked, “You know why we are here?”
The younger woman nodded hesitantly. “I have the papers here already signed. I just don’t understand why you would want to do this, especially now. Wouldn’t it be more dangerous to have the student at Hogwarts if the stories are true?”
Dumbledore gave her a wise look. “It is better to have the child close at hand and under my protection should Voldemort,” he smiled apologetically as Headmistress Laurel winced, “decide to regain the child to his ranks. The Ministry has allowed this one action, and I find it rather urgent that it be done right away, before anyone can do anything to stop it.”
“Well, it is all said and done really. All that is need is your signature Professor Dumbledore, then it is complete. Hogwarts will have a new addition to the school. It is a relief for me really.”
“Because of the recent events at Hogwarts?” Professor McGonagall asked.
The Headmistress shook her head. “No. Since the young one’s arrival two years ago, the campus has been tense, to say the least.”
Professor McGonagall looked slightly worried. “Was there any trouble caused by—”
Headmistress Laurel’s face filled with a quick denial. “Oh no, no, that is not it. The trouble was not necessarily caused by the youngster, more like a few riots and fights because of the presence of someone with such...fearful, origins. It has quieted down a lot since then, and the student, for the most part, is a loner. Grades are also not a problem, as the child is in the top 5% of the class. I am just relieved that I no longer have to be in charge of—” Laurel put a hand over her mouth, as the implications of what she was about to say suddenly came to her. “Not that you will have any problems I am sure. I did not mean that I was glad you now had this unsavory task.”
Dumbledore inclined his head. “No need to apologize Headmistress. We understand the feelings of yourself and your staff. However, the child deserves the protection I can give, and I plan to make sure our new addition to Hogwarts feels at home.”
Headmistress Laurel smiled. “Yes, I am sure you—“ She was interrupted by a knock at the door of her office. “Oh, this must be it. I sent my secretary to bring the child here to meet you. Come in,” she said to the door.
The door creaked open slowly, and a shadow ran over the doorway. Headmistress Laurel smiled a little uncertainly at the doorway’s inhabitant. “Hello. This is Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in England. It seems you are to be transferred to the school for the rest of your school history.” Her proclamation was met with tense silence.
Hoping to lighten the mood, Professor Dumbledore turned toward the door, and smiled. “Hello child. I am the Headmaster at Hogwarts, and this is Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, head of Gryffindor House, and Professor of Transfiguration. We are here to take you to our great school. Welcome to the Hogwarts’ Family!”
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