3. Comfort, Consolation, and Curiosity
Dumbledore guided Evangeline up through the castle. It had been many years since she'd been here, and she took the time to reacquaint herself with the wonders of Hogwarts, greeting several of the suits of armor and paintings that she remembered from her student days. The staircases only shifted once on their trip up to the Headmaster's office, so only one little detour was made from the most direct route. That took them past the library, and Evangeline took a moment to peek in the door and take a sniff of the distinctive scent of dust and parchment, which carried her even more strongly back to her days as a student in this magical school. It really felt like coming home to be here again.
The trip up through the school in the comforting presence of its Headmaster did a lot to set Evangeline's pounding heart to rest. Before she knew it, Dumbledore had her comfortably seated in an easy chair in a cozy corner of his impressive office. As he took a seat next to her, he offered her tea and sweet buns, saying that she looked like she hadn't eaten in awhile. She accepted gratefully because he was correct, despite the nervous churning in her stomach, she found she was extremely hungry. After eating and drinking, she thanked him for his thoughtfulness and told him that she did feel better.
Sensing that it was time to get down to business, Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "Now, how can I help you, Evangeline?"
Evangeline sighed hesitantly. "Now that I'm here, I'm not sure just where to begin. I'm an artist/art restorer, and I specialize in animating paintings. I have a small shop in Diagon Alley, and until last night I had a studio/cottage in the village of Upper Cadmium. Yesterday was a long day, but when I finally got home, I found I couldn't settle down enough to go to bed. So I got dressed and went for a walk, to try to relax and wind down. I hadn't gone far when I realized that I was being followed. When I tried to see who might be behind me, I caught a glimpse of four large figures in robes and masks. They looked just like the creatures that had killed my mother all those years ago. I was terribly frightened. They chased me all through the village, firing spells and hexes at me. Finally I managed to elude them, but when I doubled back, I found my house had been completely destroyed. By this point I was shaking with fear. All I could think of was that if these were really Death Eaters on the prowl again, this had to mean that the Dark Lord had somehow returned."
Memory of last night reared up ugly and menacing, causing a shiver to run through her. She turned frightened eyes to Dumbledore. "Please, feel free to jump in here, and tell me not to be ridiculous. I'd really like to hear how foolish that notion is right now."
Dumbledore sighed and regarded her seriously. "I really wish I could reassure you, Evangeline, but the truth is that the Dark Lord has indeed been returned to power and is once more gathering his followers around him. This hasn't been generally known, because Fudge and his ministry people don't want to believe it, and are refusing to do anything to warn people of the danger. They mistakenly believe that if they simply pretend the danger doesn't exist then he won't return. This is utter folly, of course, but so far I simply cannot get Fudge to change his mind and see reason about this."
Evangeline began to rub her arms as if suddenly cold and rocked back and forth in her seat. "This is what I was afraid of. What am I going to do now, Professor? I can't go home. I have no home to go back to. What if he sends them after me again, like he did my mother?"
Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair and placed a comforting hand on Evangeline's arm. "My dear, why do you think the Dark Lord is interested in you? You seem to have a specific reason that you're afraid."
Evangeline raised a pale face to his and whispered in a small voice, "Yes, there is a reason. My mother told me I should never tell anyone because it could be very dangerous if the wrong person found out about it. I don't think the Death Eaters who were after me knew my secret, but it's the only reason I can think of that they might've been sent after me." She stared earnestly into his eyes. "If I tell you, you must promise me that you'll keep me safe. It could be very dangerous for everyone if I'm caught."
Dumbledore patted her arm again and smiled soothingly, "I'll do the very best I can, Evangeline."
And with that, she had to be content.
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Severus Snape sat alone at the head table, glaring out over an empty dining hall, and stabbing viciously at his food. His movements were jerky with impatience as his mind whirled with questions. Who was this Winthrop woman and what did she have to do with Death Eaters? She certainly didn't look familiar, and he couldn't remember anyone ever mentioning her name before, either here or at a gathering of the followers of the Dark Lord. His mood was totally destroying any chance he had of enjoying his meal.
Still. He paused in his movements. The name Winthrop was vaguely familiar. Not Evangeline though, something else, something unusual. He shook his head in annoyance. The memory wouldn't come, lost as it was in the turbulent chaos of his subconscious mind. Perhaps he could think of it later. Perhaps it had no connection to this woman at all. Perhaps Albus would enlighten him once he'd spoken to her. Perhaps he wouldn't actually die of curiosity despite the way he felt at the moment. A mocking smile twisted his lips; he wasn't Minerva McGonagall, after all. He had nothing to fear from curiosity. So he chewed his food untasted, glared at an empty room, and waited. For what else was there to do?
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Albus Dumbledore opened a door and ushered Evangeline Winthrop into a large pleasant room with plenty of sunshine streaming through the tall windows. The walls were a soft rose color, and one wall was filled with an enormous green and white marble fireplace topped by a mantle with a golden clock on it. The drapes were a gold and white brocade, which was echoed in the coverings of the two wing chairs that flanked the fireplace. A large table was set underneath the windows, and a soft rug graced the floor. It was a warm, welcoming room attached to an equally comfortable bedroom and bath.
Evangeline smiled in surprised delight. "This is for me? It's lovely."
Always pleased to deliver happy surprises, Dumbledore smiled in response. "Yes, my dear, if you think you can do the necessary work of cleaning and restoring our paintings here then these can, indeed, be your chambers while you must stay with us. If you find you need additional space once you begin, just let me know, and it'll be provided for you."
"Thank you. I'm sure this'll be fine. I'm afraid I'll need to make a trip into town though, to shop for some items that I'll need. I wasn't able to rescue anything from the wreak of my cottage, not even a change of clothes." She stared ruefully down at her torn and dirty jeans.
"That won't be a problem, Evangeline. I'll have the house elves provide you with a temporary change of clothing while your clothes are being cleaned and repaired. After you've had a chance to rest and change, I'll arrange an escort for you into Hogsmeade where you can purchase whatever you require."
She sighed with relief and smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Professor. I would dearly love to take a long bath in a warm tub and soak the stiffness out of my muscles. It's been a very exhausting night, and I could use a little rest."
"Good, I'll have some clothes sent up for you immediately. You take your time and get as much rest as you need, just come downstairs when you're ready to go into town. And Evangeline, try not to worry. Things will work out all right. You'll see." With a final comforting pat on the arm, Professor Dumbledore left her alone to get acquainted with her new home.