Disclaimer: This is fan fiction and therefore I do not own Harry Potter or any part of the complex world JK Rowling has created.
Chapter 3:
So here I am, standing outside the gates of Hogwarts, looking up at the age-old school that has seen so much. All I can do is look up in awe. This school has so much power attached to it. It's as if power vibrates from the walls and standing here, outside the gates, I can still feel it. What I would have given to have been able to attend this school! To meet kids my own age. To actually have friends. Maybe even a boyfriend? Of course, it would have been impossible. For starters, registration with the ministry would have been required, something I still have not done. Plus, there is the small point that the Wizarding World does not even know I exist!!
I guess that's why all I can do is stare. I have been waiting here (under an invisibility charm, of course) for about an hour. I have been meaning to walk through these gates and into the castle, but my legs have apparently lost the will to move. I am afraid. There are not many times I have said that in my life. But as I stand here, with Dumbeldore as my only hope, thoughts of him rejecting me, not believing me and handing me over to the ministry, send shivers racing down my spine.
For the past two years I have been living in the muggle world, hiding from Voldemort and my mother, and training so that when I do meet them, I at least have a fighting chance. But the war is still raging and the Aurors continually lose. If I do not help them now, it will be too late. I actually like this world, despite the unfortunate hand it has dealt me, and I do not want to see it fall into His hands. If Dumbeldore believes me, I think I can be of some use. I have hundreds of spells that I have created, which they can use. I know every single death eater and their strength and weaknesses – or at least I did two years ago. I know Azkaban like the back of my hand. The Aurors can reclaim it – rescue their prisoners! But if Dumbeldore does not believe me, then I do not know what to do. Fighting one war is hard enough. Fighting in between both sides would be suicide.
But I have hope. Dumbeldore is lenient. Is that right word? No. He believes in people. Or at least he wants to. To a certain extent I agree with him. Most people would think my mother is a monster, incapable of love. But as her daughter, I have seen her soft spots. And I have no doubt that she once loved me. And is love not a cherished human characteristic? Yes, I believe Dumbeldore has a point. You may not always see it, but people can be good – or at least do good deeds occasionally. Of course, unlike Dumbeldore, I do not think these people will ever give into that good aspect in their life. Once someone turns toward the darkness, it is too hard to come back. They have to want it. I mean really really want it. And you can't just do it on your own. You need help – family, friends. Unfortunately by the time people like that want to come back, they have driven away everyone who ever once cared for them and it is too late!
But I never succumbed to the dark side. Yes I have medalled in it. In fact I am well versed in dark magic and its many artefacts. But, unlike my mother and most death eaters, I never gave into it, completely and wholly. Which is why I think, or at least hope, that Dumbeldore will believe my story.
And so it is time. My legs, numb from standing still for so long, slowly (and a little painfully) start to move. I undo my invisibility charm, unsure if it will hold once I pass into Dumbeldore's wards. As I open the gates, a gust of wind comes flying against me, forcing me to move even slower. I hope this is not a bad omen. The wind passes and I am through. I can see the lake and the forest from here – both beautiful sights. On any other day I would love to come and reveal in their magnificence. But today, my heart rate is increasing and my breathing is erratic and there is no time for such pleasures. I stand still. Technically I am visible. If someone were to look through their windows, they would see me. How much time would I have before curses would be fired at me? Where would I run to? I finally let go of the breath I didn't realise I was holding and continue walking towards the castle. I can't believe my luck. I am standing right outside the doors and nothing has happened. Admittedly I have come to Hogwarts when there are no students. Perhaps there are no professors as well? Oh my god – what if Dumbeldore isn't here either? I never thought about it. I just always assumed he would be here!!
I open the doors and step inside. If I thought, standing outside the gates, that I could feel the ancient power of the castle before, it is nothing compared to standing inside. I am overwhelmed with the ancient vibes I can feel. It's as though I have stepped back in time. Not because of what I see, but because of what I feel. I shake off the trance like state I am in and continue on my mission. To my left there is a board with the four house names in it. Gryffindor is filled with the most rubies, closely followed by Slytherin. It must be the leader board I once heard Draco talk about. Despite his declarations, I'm guessing Gryffindor won.
Oh, how badly I just want to explore this castle. What I could discover that normal kids wouldn't!! The Chamber of Secrets for one – of course I know where that it, so it's not really discovering. But everything else! Secret passageways, more hidden chambers, invisible rooms. I can just imagine it!
"Eris?"
I nearly jump out of my skin. Of course I should have realised he would be here. In fact I knew he would be. I was just hoping not to run into him yet. As I turn around, I can see his face contorted with what I assume is confusion mixed with surprise and a little bit of suspicion.
"Hello Severus".
A/N: So i hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and had a great new year! This is the third chapter. Please review and tell me what you honestly think about the story, characters etc. It really is appreciated :)