Walking down these corridors again puts my nerves at ease as I make my way to McGonagall's office. Anyone who fought in the Battle of Hogwarts would find it hard to believe that it could ever look this nice again, but my second home is as it always was when I stayed here. Though my schoolwork was hardly anything to brag about, it's the only place I've ever felt adequate. It is the only place I am of value. With that thought, I step a little lighter as I approach the headmaster's entrance, where my interview is to be held. Professor McGonagall is coming out now to greet me. Only- hold on- she's walked right by me!
"Professor!" She looks startled. "Longbottom! Oh yes, the interview. I'd nearly forgotten. Problems with the centaurs, you see. I told Hagrid asking them to be part of a lesson would be a bad idea. Anyway, have a seat in my office. I'll be there shortly. The password is 'honeysuckle.' "
As I try to make myself comfortable, I run through what I have to say once more. I have a whole speech planned out as to why I'm best for the job. How Professor Sprout is getting on a bit and could use the help. And Herbology has always been my strong suit. And I know no one really takes me very seriously, but it was me who got the DA together in my last year. I helped get Harry here when he was searching for the horcrux. And then it was me who killed Nagini. I know I had help with everything, but surely it must count for something.
When McGonagall comes back, she looks stern. I can tell this is going to be a hard sell. But if she could just understand-
"You realize Professor Sprout is still teaching?" Under her harsh gaze, I feel about six inches tall. I forgot how she can have that effect on me.
"I do. But. Well, she's getting on a bit. And I just thought-"
"I'm sorry, Longbottom. But it would just be… illogical." Her gaze is softer as she says this. But it only makes me feel even smaller; I don't want to be pitied.
"S-sorry to have wasted your time then." I leave quickly, wanting to get away from this sinking feeling. She didn't even give me a chance to explain. She knew what her answer would be, yet she still had me come down here and make a fool of myself. Suddenly, everything I have accomplished these past years seems insignificant. I wanted so desperately to be more than what I am that I exaggerated my memories. Maybe I only helped with the DA because Ginny was there. And Aberforth is the one who let them in. I only killed Nagini because she was distracted and I happened to have the sword of Gryffindor. As these thoughts flood my brain, my steps echo in my ears. I look up and realize where I am. Then I start pacing.
"I need to be better. I need to be better. I need to be better."
I know it's ridiculous to think the Room of Requirement could possibly help me with this. There are some things even this marvelous room can't fix. When I lift my head I am expecting to see a cold, stone wall. But there is a door. It's one of the more strange doors the room has ever presented to me, but there it is.
Blue. With words on it. "Police Box." And though I never knew it could happen, a man sticks his head out, already in my room.