CHAPTER TWO: Meeting with Dumbledore

Mystyk and Hagrid arrived at Hogwarts shortly before the evening meal. Hagrid is happy that they made it before everybody has gathered around the Great Hall for supper. That will give Mystyk ample time to get settled in her "house" and meet with Hogwarts's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbledore will be the one who'll tell ya everything ya need ta know, Mystyk. He's a nice man, an' he too will tell ya which house ye'll be staying at." Hagrid explained as they made their way to the boats waiting to take them across the river to Hogwarts castle.

"I'm scared, Hagrid." Mystyk confided in him.

"Don't be scared, lass. Professor Dumbledore is a good man. Now, just enjoy tha boat ride and we'll be at the castle soon." he assured her.

The river trip to the castle didn't take that long. Mystyk enjoyed it very much, seeing the castle all lit-up from the river. Hagrid told her that since this is her first time--and first year at Hogwarts technically--she should be treated like a first year student. The boat trip is a tradition for first year students at Hogwarts, at least that's what Hagrid told her during their long train ride at the Hogwarts Express.

"Now Mystyk, I will take you to Professor Dumbledore's office now. He's been waiting for us to arrive." Hagrid told her as soon as the hit the docks and she was escorted out of the boat by her companion.

Mystyk followed Hagrid up into the castle, noting that every painting moved and greeted her. She inched closer to Hagrid the first time she saw one of the paintings moved and he chuckled at her, patting her shoulder and reassuring her that it's alright.

"They're not going to harm ya, Mystyk. If yer lost around tha castle, just ask one of 'em and they'll be able to help ya." he informed her.

"Wow, that's a relief. I think from the size of this castle, I'll be needing a whole lot of people telling me which direction to take and whatnot." Mystyk mumbled under her breath as she followed Hagrid up the stairs.

Finally they reached their destination. Mystyk was led in to the private office of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Hagrid bid her farewell at the doors and a chirpy "See you in the Great Hall, Mystyk." before leaving her alone with Professor Dumbledore.

"Ah, Mystyk Rydel." Albus Dumbledore rose from behind his desk and rounded it to shake hands with the newest student at Horwarts. "It's so nice to finally meet you." he enthused. "I'm sure you have lots of questions you wanted answered, but first things first, Ms. Rydel. I want you to explain to you that since you arrived five years later into Hogwarts, there will be a lot of catching up to do for you. Arriving three weeks into the new school year didn't help much either."

"I'm--I'm sorry about that, Professor." Mystyk apologized, "I--I didn't know about this school or my background until...well, until Hagrid showed at my aunt and uncle's house." she explained.

"Yes, yes." Professor Dumbledore led her to the chair across from his desk and he went back to sit behind it, watching her from over the rim of his half-moon specs. "But you're here now and you're as confused as when Hagrid showed up at your aunt and uncle's place, am I right?"

Mystyk nodded.

Professor Dumbledore placed his elbows on his desk and lacked his fingers together, watching the young girl carefully, "You are a very special child, Mystyk Rydel, hence the first name given to you. You hold a very special role in the witchcraft and wizardry world. Gertude Wiles made very sure that you were kept well away from Hogwarts at all cost--and for a very good reason of course." he began, his lips slowly forming a reassuring smile.

Mystyk was at a loss for words. In no time at all did Professor Dumbledore filled Mystyk in, telling her what he meant by his opening speech, answering her most pressing of questions, but avoiding the most relevant of all (she wants to know what special role does she play in the world of witchcraft and wizardry) and finally she was given the chance to try out the Sorting Hat and be sorted to her house.

What transpired in Professor Dumbledore's office from the moment Mystyk Rydel entered it until she left with with the gallant Headmaster remained a secret, but the news of a new girl--a late arrival at Hogwarts--soon traveled and everyone could hardly wait to catch a glimpse of the much talked about newcomer.