Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaa brothers and computers, confound them both……………………
Requiem For a sinner
Chapter 9
Albus Dumbledore Set his tea cup in it's saucer with a loud clang. A chip broke off and fell to the table. Albus frowned but left it where it was. Minerva Mcgonnigal nervously drummed her fingers on the arm chair. Tension was thick in the air as both teachers awaited the arrival of Charlotte Wildsmith form St. Mungo's Hospital.
Finally it came, a light rap at Professor Dumbldore's office door.
" Enter." Beckoned Dumbledore.
Charlotte Wildsmith strode into the office, hair matted , red cheeks and soaked through with rain. With a Polite nod toward the professors and the mumbling of a quick drying enchantment she took a seat nearest to the fire.
" How was your trip?" Asked Dumbledore offering Charlotte a cup of tea, which she gratefully accepted.
She tipped the cup to her lips and took a long draught of the scalding hot beverage, emptying it. " Abominable." She replied as she refilled her cup. " But you did not bring me here to discuss petty trivialities such as the weather."
Minerva's eyebrows shot up. " I see you have let to learn Patients Professor Wildsmith."
" It is as much of a virtue as some would have you believe professor." Answered Charlotte.
Dumbledore shifted in his chair. " How is Professor Snape?"
Charlotte felt her heart drop. " His madness grows worse by the day. He is no longer professor Snape Albus. He is only a shadow of the man he used to be."
" And the doctors, have they found nothing that might help him form his present condition?" Asked Minerva.
Charlotte shook her head. " His condition Minerva, it is not one that can be cured by modern magic, or science for that matter. It is no ordinary malady. The dark magic runs deep….."
In the fire light Dumbledore's eyes took on a new shine. " And what of the old Magic Charlotte, what have you discovered ton that front."
A small smile flicked across her lips. " In time I believe I can discover away to use my power to help him. I just need time. Unfortunately that seems to be something we lack at the moment."
Albus smiled Knowingly. " The gifts Asha provides will reveal themselves in due time. Sure she will see our need of the Professor during the time ahead…."
" She- I will not let him die." Charlotte spoke with determination in a voice that was not quite hers.
" Indeed." replied Minerva.
Silence fell once more in the office. All three sat quietly drinking their tea, thinking to themselves.
It was Charlotte who finally ended it. " I need a copy of my class schedules."
" Are you sure you can handle this?" Asked Mcgonnigal.
Charlotte fought to keep the anger out of her voice. " I am stronger than you think Minerva. I am in control."
" It isn't a matter of control my dear child." spoke Mcgonnigal. " Your condition isn't something that can be controlled through will power. It is as you said. Dark magic flows deep. No longer how hard or long you fight him, the Dark Lord will always be with you-"
Professor Dumbledore interrupted " It isn't that we don't trust you Charlotte. But every parent of the school is aware of your history. You will be under close scrutiny during you tenure as potions master here. The moment you feel you can handle-"
" I will come to you and beg you to find a replacement." Charlotte interrupted. " Please you two, I can do this, pleas just let me teach."
Minerva smiled and handed her the class schedule. " You have double potions with Slytherin and Gryffindor tomorrow, you should go to bed, you'll need all your energy for that one. "
Charlotte grinned and left the office.
" She can do this Minerva." Dumbledore assured her.
" There is no doubt in my mind she can. She's just like her mother, that one."