Challenges

Hogwarts Open Day: Herbology - Unicorns

Staring out at the lake as dawn approached the man waited for his first appointment of the day. He sat on his favourite rock, mulling over the events for the day as he waited. The answer to a question suddenly popped into his mind, he made a quick mental note to send an owl to his friend Nicholas. As the sun rose over the lake he stood up, hands crossed in front of him, as if greeting someone unseen. Suddenly 3 green heads broke the surface. Dumbledore knelt down to greet them, a screechy wailing sound emerging from his mouth. One of the mermaids nodded their approval as they three took seats among the rocks.

Albus sat back down on his rock to begin his lesson. He spent the next hour repeating the sentences of the others attempting to learn their language. It was difficult although made easier as one of the mermaids spoke some English, though not much. This exchange of knowledge was vital for the work he hoped to do in the future. As the hour drew to a close they said goodbye and parted ways.

Watching as they dove below the surface, Albus imagined for what seemed like the billionth time what it would be like to be a mermaid. Perhaps a simpler life would have ensued. He turned from the lake and walked a few paces into the forest, disapparating on the spot. He journeyed down the road to his next destination thinking about her again. The feeling of regret and loss that always came with her was soon upon him.

~P~

"Albus," she giggled, "Where are you brother?"

Her head swivelled around as she sought him out. He gave it a few more seconds and then burst from his hiding place, sweeping her up and spinning around. He tickled her making a roaring sound has he did so. Her giggles roused the attention of her other brother, Aberforth, as he came screaming into the room joining in the fun.

"Stop it! Stop it!" she giggled

"We are Dragons we shall eat you for our brunch!" screamed Aberforth. They let go of Ariana and tumbled onto the floor giggling. Their mother put her head around the door.

"Children, not so loud please. Your father is resting."

"Yes mum," they chorused. As soon as she was gone Ariana jumped onto Albus' lap.

"Sometimes I wish I was a mermaid," she mused.

"What?" Aberforth scoffed. "Why would you want to be an ugly, manky thing!"

"They are NOT!" She shouted, sticking out her tongue. Aberforth left the room laughing. "Do you think I'm crazy, Al?"

"No far from it, Ari," he promised. "Being a mermaid would be incredible, I agree. Although I don't think I'd want to have worms coming out of my head."

She giggled as he pulled a face.

"I wish I could speak mermish," she yawned dreamily.

With a twinkle in his eye he scooped her up. "Time for bed my lady," he exclaimed.

She giggled as he ran from the room carrying her like a damsel in distress.

~P~

A tear stole down his cheek as the memory came back to him. It was a happier time, his family still together, no cares in the world. Most of all he remembered her laugh. Her beautiful, earth-moving laugh and what he'd give to hear it, one last time.