Disclaimer :I do not own any of the characters that pertain to JK Rowlings work. Also I know that this story may seem similar to another posted to HIPPI3KAT94- that is my other account that I created when I could not remember the log in to this one. Hope you enjoy! Thank you for taking the time to read and review!
Chapter One
I shook as I clambered up the stone steps leading to the Grand Entrance Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Where I was to teach. Albus Dumbledore had written to me a month prior asking me to fill the post. Mom and Dad had seen me off at the airport, teary eyed, but proud. It was a fresh start for me. But, of course I was nervous.
Robed in hues of the night sky and snow-bearded, he stood atop of the Grand Entrance Hall staircase. Beside him a stern bespectacled woman in emerald. As I climbed the staircase, only almost tripping once, the great wizard descended to greet me.
"Ms. Lang, at last. I trust your travels were smooth. I've never ridden a plane myself, but I am intrigued by them," Albus Dumbledore said with cheer, taking my hand and leading me up the stairs.
"They were fine, thank you. I'm not particularly fond of them, to be honest. Brooms or portkeys are much more efficient. Planes make me claustrophobic," I said.
"Well I am delighted you were able to come at such short notice, and so far from home."
"I am honored that you had even thought of me for the position," I thanked.
"Your work in the Dark Arts laws in the States was most inspiring. I think you will do quite well here, in fact."
We had reached the top of the stairs where the stern woman stood patiently. She didn't look quite as stern anymore, a small curve of a smile could be found.
"This is my headmistress, Professor McGonagall," Professor Dumbledore gestured in her direction.
"How do you do?" I said, with the slight inclination to curtsy.
"Very well, dear. Its a pleasure to meet you," she said taking my hand warmly.
"Any questions you may have, you may direct them to myself or Professor McGonagall. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything. I want you to feel comfortable here," Dumbledore added.
"Thank you, sir," I stumbled over my words.
"If you would kindly follow me, I will show you to your bed chambers," Professor McGonagall motioned toward the corridor to the right.
I followed her sweeping robes down the passage and approached what McGonagall said were "The Great Stairs. They do move a bit so you must watch your step."
I held onto the railing with each step as I looked down the stairwell I noticed that there was a great distance to fall below if I were to miss a step.
"Are you afraid of heights, Professor Lang?"
"I'm not so much afraid of heights as I am of falling from a great height."
"One extraordinary attribute about Hogwarts, is that it teaches one to overcome their greatest fears. As a professor, I feel sometimes that this place taught me more about myself than it did when I was a student here."
Professor McGonagall lead me to the third floor and down a long corridor where we reached a portrait of a rather elderly bearded man in tattered robes smoking a pipe and reading Utopia by Thomas More.
"Good evening, Monsieur Gustave. I have brought you your new tenant. This is Professor Allyson Lang, she will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
The elderly man set down his book, and looked at us sharply.
"Good evening, Madame. I am Gustavé Baudelaire, your humble servant. I hope that my humble abode suits your fancy. The password for the time being will be 'Utopie'."
And the portrait swung open. We stepped into a rather large living space that was encumbered by a large comfy sofa that sat in front of a large fireplace. Above the mantle was an empty portrait in which I assumed was Gustavé's. The walls were built into the high ceiling, completely shelved with books. As I gazed at the magnificence of his collection, Gustavé took his place above the mantle.
"I will let you settle in and become acquainted. It seems like you may have someone interested in your book club, Monsieur," McGonagall smirked before she took her leave.
It took me a moment to break my stare and observe the rest of the room. All of the other walls were covered with a variety of other portraits and tapestries. There was a large oak desk directly by the large paned window that over looked the south side of the castle. The room broke off to the right to the bed, a king size four poster. The posts to the bed had orchids carved into them and the headboard was one large carved orchid. The bedding was a soft olive color with bold gold floral embroidery.
Candles and candelabras were abundant on each surface and there were two reading lamps that hung above the bed.
Tucked into the corner by the bed was a door which I assumed lead to the lavatory.
"Do you like it?"
"Like it? Its incredible, Monsieur. Now about that book club..."
"Later perhaps. Let's get you unpacked, I want time with you later and you better bring some wine. Good wine. Not that American swill," he teased.
"Oh, you can count on it."
"So you're French, obviously? Correct?"
"Ouì, Monsieur. My great-grandmother was born in Brussels."
"Finally, Dumbl-ee-dore has come to his senses! Hiring a french girl who reads! Finally! Not one of my previous tenants were even slightly interested in my book club. Readers, they say they are. Now let's get you settled in."
With a flick of his wand from inside the portrait, my suitcase opened and it's contents flew from its opening and zoomed around in the air until they found their proper spot. My clothes hung themselves and family pictures found a respective home on an available surface. My toiletries tiptoed to the bathroom. My own collection of books shelved themselves on a spare shelf.
"You're lucky I only had enough space for ten, otherwise I'd be needing another shelf."
"I have no doubt that you'll continue to collect while you're here. There's a bookstore in Hogsmeade."
"Don't tell me that. I'll spend all of my money there."