A/N: Ok, I'm just going to keep loading these as I come up with them. I want to offer you guys a chance to get into the story. Review if you want
Disclaimer: see previous 2 chapters.
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Chapter 3: Dumbledore
Gandalf strode ahead of Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas. He knew the others were back there, too, but they were all crammed under the boy's invisibility cloak. Harry had told him that, if they encountered anyone to say they were looking for Headmaster Dubblemore…Bumblebore…something like that. As he pondered that, he received a message from the elf. "Harry says to go left, and keep going until we reach a painting of a plump lady."
Gandalf nodded to show he'd heard the elf, then bore left. He almost ran into a person coming around the corner the other way. The woman he'd almost collided with had a very stern look, which seemed like it never left her face, the way it sat there so naturally. A hint of curiosity was evident too, however, then she inquired, "Pardon me, can I help you find anything?"
The wizard responded, "Yes, I'm looking for Headmaster…" What's the name?? he thought.
Luckily, he didn't have to remember. "Head master Dumbledore? Right this way, please." The aged lady swished past, leading them in the opposite direction. Gandalf had no choice but to follow her.
* * *
Great, Harry thought, scowling, count on McGonagall to be prowling the halls at one in the morning.
Up ahead, Professor McGonagall was inquiring as to the visitors' names and their business. Gandalf gladly introduced all of the visible people and said that, though peaceful, their business was between Dumbledore and themselves. Fortunately, the Transfiguration professor asked no more. Harry didn't know if the wise old wizard knew anything about their customs and it was obvious he knew nothing about this world, so it was best to give out as little information as possible, lest it be wrong.
Professor McGonagall stopped in front of the gargoyle, muttered the password, and watched with a bit of confusion as Gandalf jumped in fright when the gargoyle moved. Must not be used to moving stone, she thought. She motioned them through the portal that the gargoyle had been guarding, noticing that Legolas kept quite a large space between himself and the man in front of him…Aragorn, that was his name. Perhaps he doesn't like being behind him…I know I wouldn't. That man looks like he hasn't bathed in years! She covered her thoughts with a small smile, then turned and continued her rounds.
The real reason Legolas maintained space between himself and Aragorn was not that the man stunk or was too grimy. Although, if that slimy greasy human gets too near my glorious hair, there'll be hell to pay. No, his real reason was that he feared that the gargoyle, not being able to see his companions under the invisibility cloak, would jump back in place too soon and perhaps crush them. His suspicions were confirmed when, immediately after he'd crossed through the portal, the gargoyle leapt back into position.
They made their way up the stairs and came to a wooden door. Gandalf knocked firmly with his staff and, upon hearing a 'come in' from within, pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The moment Harry and his invisible companions were inside, he threw off the cloak and stepped up beside Gandalf. He admired the old wizard from the mysterious place Middle Earth. Perhaps he just reminded Harry of Dumbledore, or maybe it was just the way his ancient eyes held more knowledge than Harry could ever hope to claim to know. Or maybe it was just that hat.
Dumbledore, in his nightcap no less, came out from behind his desk and faced the old and young wizards. "Harry? What…"
Harry interrupted his Headmaster, something he had never dared to do before. "Professor Dumbledore, this is the wizard Gandalf and his companions, two men, an elf…" Harry searched for the others, but realized they were having troubles getting out from under the ensnaring invisibility cloak. He went to help them and finished his statement, "…a dwarf and four 'hobbits'. They are here because of me. I, erm…..overheard Professor Snape muttering about the attack to himself. I spent three hours in the library before I found a spell that would bring the people that could help us most. It brought them. Beyond that, I don't know much else."
The Headmaster smiled at his young student, a glint of amusement in his eyes, and said, "I'd expect no more. Perhaps we should let them tell their story."
One of the hobbits (Pippin, Harry thought) leapt forward and said, "Let us tell it!"
And so it began.