Chapter 2: Old Memories
A/N: Hi everyone! I hope Chapter 1 was a success! I'm still figuring out the process! Reviews are welcome!
Chapter 2: Old Memories
Athena was standing in Hogsmeade, filled with inhabitants scurrying in and out of shops, happily chattering. Her luggage still drifted in midair ahead of her while she glanced at the many familiar little shops, reviving old memories and the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia.
Anxiety chewed on her nerves while she wondered if she should pop into the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer, but she chose to rather walk faster to the gates to get the more important matters over with. Her strict German upbringing brought forth the German etiquette to be painfully promt.
Athena reached the magnificent iron gates with the winged boars that swung open when Argus Filch and his scrawny cat, Mrs. Norris, appeared and took her luggage from midair. "Good morning, young lady," the weary old man greeted her with a smirk that made her exceptionally uncomfortable. Even while she was at school here, she remembered how he gave her the creeps. She nodded in response out of respect, but made sure to keep out of his way in the future.
While contemplating over Filch and his strange cat who eyed her suspiciously coupled with a few hisses and hearing Filch's mumbling about the miserable job he had and the creatures of children who came to school here, her eyes drifted upwards at the castle in all it's glory like nearly 20 years ago.
Every single time it took her breath away, more now than ever due to her long absence. Its towers dominated the surrounding area majestically, like a proud lion and almost glowed in the autumn sun. Lost in awe, she barely heard the caretaker beckoning her towards the castle.
At the great oak doors, she could smell the wood oil the door was saturated in. Filch opened them and the Entrance Hall with its marble steps greeted her like an old friend in all its glory. It's been too long and she almost forgot the beauty of the school that she called home so many years ago.
She could almost see her and her friends walking to dinner or to their next class, laughing at each other's usual obnoxious jokes, oblivious to a cruel and dark, unforgiving world outside of these walls that nurtured them into adulthood.
So mesmerized by the flood of nostalgia, Athena didn't notice the bearded figure at the top of the marble stairs, beaming warmly at her.
"Miss Herrmann, welcome, my lady."
Athena's head shot up at the deep and calm voice, releasing her of her trance. She gave a warm smile at her old Headmaster. "Professor Dumbledore, forgive me for not noticing you," Athena heard Dumbledore chuckle while she began to climb the stairs to greet the aged man.
Out of a sudden, nearly at the top of the stairs, black spots invaded her vision, swimming at the edges of her sight. Her breathing hitched and was slightly labored from the minimal exertion. The blood left her head and legs, making them jelly-like and made her lean against the marble railing for support.
"My dear lady, are you quite alright?", Dumbledore's voice was laced with concern, yet it was calm. He had to assist Athena with the last few steps before she toppled over, which she was grateful for.
"Yes, forgive me for my unprofessional-", he cut her off with a wave of his hand. Dumbledore recalled Athena's chronic condition of severe low blood pressure since her childhood. It caused her to sometimes collapse without warning or from sudden exertion.
"I assure you that it wouldn't affect my work, Professor."
Dumbledore smiled kindly at her, his blue eyes twinkling. "Nonsense, my dear. It is not something you can control and as you can recall, even some of the teachers have physical restrictions, but it never refrains them from doing their jobs quite well," a silence followed and Athena smiled in embarrassment.
"Now, I would offer you a lemon drop in my office to clear your dizziness, if you would kindly follow me," Athena smiled at the man and released his arm to follow him. She silently cursed herself for showing weakness. No student or other teacher should know about this or her abilities would certainly be questioned and she really wanted and needed this job.
After Dumbledore beckoned her inside, she simply stared at how magnificent his office was. All the former Headmasters and Headmistresses stared at her from their portraits with interest.
"Sit down, my dear, do sit down, please," she obeyed and smiled at Fawkes blinking at her. "Do feel free to help yourself with a lemon drop. I'm sure you'll find it soothing for your spinning head," he pointed to a bowl on her left.
"Dankeschön, Herr Dumbledore."
Athena didn't realize that she just spoke German with Dumbledore and opened her mouth to apologize, but he only laughed.
"No matter, my dear. I do find it intriguing that you still parade a German accent when speaking English. It's quite unique," Athena cracked a slight grin, not sure if the man meant to speak his disapproval in the softest of words only known to Dumbledore or if it simply was a compliment.
As if he just read her mind, he responded with an amusing tone, "I assure you, I meant that as a compliment."
The sudden tension eased away just as fast as it came.
Her dizziness cleared entirely thanks to the lemon drops and she looked at Dumbledore behind his desk. "Feeling better?", she nodded in reply.
"Before I refer you to your quarters, let me comfort you again, I would not have approved your application for the position if I did not find you adequate to do it," his eyes twinkled again and smiled in a fatherly manner at her. Athena, assured and at ease, smiled and nodded.
"Besides, you were a Master Healer and, if I am not mistaken, is a much more demanding career that you performed flawlessly," Athena could feel the heat rising in her face as she suddenly felt so humble to be praised by such a prominent wizard and looked down at her hands in her lap.
"Also, it would be my pleasure to supply you with sufficient amounts of candy to clear the effects of your unfortunate condition," Athena chuckled loudly at the strange image of Dumbledore delivering boxes assorted with various types of candy to her quarters.
"Thank you, Professor," her voice was soft. Dumbledore nodded, clapped his hands once, stood up quite fast for a man of his age and walked around his desk.
"Now, your quarters are on the first floor and you class is right next to it. Feel free to raise any queries you might have," she frowned slightly and mentally formed a map of the castle in her head to find the location she once knew.
Thanking Dumbledore for his kind words and time, she stood up to leave.
"Before you leave; if you don't mind, there is a small arrangement in the Great Hall later this afternoon where the staff would like to welcome you," Athena smiled at the idea of meeting her former teachers again.
"I would like that, Professor," she replied. Dumbledore hummed in approval. "Very well. I can imagine you are tired and wish to unpack. You are free to go, my dear," she left his office and walked with a determined excitement in her bones. "New beginnings indeed," she whispered.