Jo could feel the sun on her face as she waited on the worn park bench, legs dangling and eyes musing on the vibrating feline on her lap. Kolya's rumbling purrs always seemed to soothe the pricks of anxiety that made her magic tingle.
"Should be 'ere soon," she murmured, scratching his chin and glancing around the empty, overgrown park.
It was then, a quiet crack distantly sounded behind her, prompting Jo to cautiously peer over her shoulder. She squinted under the bright sun, blinking rapidly as Professor McGonagall soon stepped into her vision looking just as prim and stern as she remembered. Though, Jo realised in dredging alarm, not as old as her actress. Her heart rate picked up slightly at the uncertainty, and she rose to her feet with Kolya sunning himself in her arms.
"Good morning, Professor," she uttered politely with a small smile, hiding the scant tremble of her hands in Kolya's fur.
"Good morning, Miss Bevan," Professor McGonagall returned, her gaze briefly flicking to Kolya and her stern countenance softened imperceptibly. "I do believe I have yet to thank you for bringing these pressing concerns to our and the Ministry's attention."
"I should rather thank you for acknowledging them, Professor," her gaze darted away uncomfortably, blinking to the dandelion next to her feet. "Especially after my accusations."
"Well-warranted accusations, I assure you," clipped Professor McGonagall crisply. "Now, are you prepared?" She added, elegantly offering her elbow.
"Hold tight," Jo reminded herself, taking comfort in Kolya's weight pressing against her tight chest and mentally prepared herself for the inevitable vulnerability soon to strike her.
Jo ground her teeth and swallowed down the acrid substance burning in her mouth. She screwed her eyes shut, ears ringing from the cacophonous din of the Leaky Cauldron.
Thank fuck she had Kolya with her. Her mother never really understood the flashbacks.