She had been having dreams, more and more like real life than anything, and real life was falling apart. Twice this week She had the dream that she was in an infirmary of a strange place, and twice she seemed to see the world shimmer at the edges. The very color seemed to be draining from the real world. Every day seemed foggier and foggier, until fantasy and reality were impossible to separate. Finally, when she was walking in
the school hallway one day, she just collapsed. Except-
-she actually woke up! She sat up suddenly in the infirmary from her dreams, feeling slightly dizzy and very confused. Blinking, she realized there was a figure standing at the end of her bed, a tall, silver haired figure.
"DUMBLEDORE?" Leslie screamed, clapping her hands to my mouth. This couldn't be a dream, could it? Who would dream of waking up? Surely it was, though, this couldn't be real!
"I see by your surprised face you have forgotten me," he said pleasantly. "How have you fared Miss Mei?" Before she could answer, he continued, "And Miss Kuller, Miss Seery, Miss Gage?"
Leslie realized, sitting around her, were Amy, Emilia, and Greta. This must be a dream, they were all thinking, but how? It seems so real! I can see and smell and feel everything! This is no ordinary dream!
"Contrary to what you might believe, this is not a dream." He gave no time for any of the girls to respond, not that they could form any sort of comprehensible response anyway.
"Please stay silent a little longer while I explain this strange circumstance. Two years ago, the four of you came to Hogwarts, just as the third year students are now here. You received your schooling in the-"
"But we couldn't have!" Greta protested, a little late (it took her some time to absorb this unbelievable fact). "We- we're muggle born! And we go to a muggle school! Plus, -"
"If you would please let me finish," Dumbledore said calmly, blue eyes twinkling. "The story gets more interesting. Now, where was I? Ah, yes. You received your schooling in the first year same as everyone else, and I must say; you were all exceptionally good students. And certainly unusual too, a four-way friendship with one in each house. Unheard of! That matter besides, the f—"
"We were all in a different house?" Amy interrupted.
"Miss Kuller," Dumbledore retorted, and fell silent.
"Sorry," Amy replied sheepishly, "but does that mean… were we still… friends?"
"Yes," he said swiftly. "Please, classes will start soon, and I must give you a full account before you are off. The four of you can sort out your issues later!" Seeing the headmaster's now slightly impatient face, they shut up. "That matter aside," Dumbledore continued briskly, "the first major event in this retelling of life at Hogwarts was at the end of the second year. You will know from your memory, I think, a certain Harry Potter series? No questions for now please, ladies. Professor Lockhart had the defense against the dark arts position, you will remember. This was also the time during which the chamber of secrets had been opened. Unfortunately, during a succession of events, you four realized an important secret of professor Lockhart's. And… I will not defend his behavior, but he cast a powerful memory charm on all of you, so strong, it erased your entire lifetime of memories."
"HIM!" Leslie shouted, unable to control herself.
"Just a moment longer, the story is almost finished," Dumbledore cut in. " We didn't try to break the charm, for fear it would destroy your minds, so a fake memory was implanted. In other words, you have lived your entire life again in the few months there was no school. As it is known, though, magic cannot be learned through dreams or false memories, so you have 'lived' the life of a muggle until now. However, as you have now woken up, you are free to amuse yourselves as you wish until school starts, officially, in five hours. I suggest you re-explore the castle, re-acquaint yourselves with old friends, and re-learn lessons with teachers. Thank you ladies. I'll leave you to talk amongst yourselves now."
We were still staring in astonishment.
"Oh! I almost forgot," he turned back to us with a mysterious smile, " your secret is safe. Nobody knows but me and I am but a barmy old headmaster. I am not discouraging midnight adventures either. Good day, ladies!" He said with a charming wink as he swept out of the room.
All four girls looked around at each other, then their eyes fell upon Amy, whose face was turning red then, blue.
"Amy! What's wrong? Breathe!" Leslie yelled.
"I'm trying not to scream," whispered Amy. Greta then exploded with excitement.
"It's all real then! We're all witches! OMG!" Leslie was the one to bring order to the group again.
"Now that we have an answer, we need to figure some things out. Like, wait… where's Emilia?" The other two girls went into a panic.
"Would you guys SHUT UP?" came a voice from the hallway. "I'm right here! We've got some exploring to do, and less than 5 hours to do it!"
