Chapter Three

Valerie apparated back to the Burrow as soon as she had found a quiet area of Platform 9 3/4. She had promised Uncle and Aunt Weasley when she arrived that she would take Ron and Ginny to the station, thus receiving not only their appreciation for saving them the trouble, but also Ron's and Ginny's for preventing certain embarrassment at still being accompanied by their parents.

Valerie smiled as she made a final check that all her belongings were ready for transport, then fixed her hair and put on her robes over the outfit she was wearing. Now she was ready to go. Unfortunately, she was going to have to use the Floo Network. Her good mood vanished as she approached the fireplace and eyed the container of floo powder. It was terribly inconvenient for Hogwart's to place anti-apparating spells on the area, but she could understand the necessity of protecting the students, especially at this time.

Not only was the Boy who Lived attending the school, but Professor Dumbledore, one of the most respected wizards in the world, was Headmaster. Voldemort's two greatest enemies housed in one school. Valerie had already contemplated the wisdom of that arrangement, and then mentally shrugged her shoulders and assured herself that the Ministry of Magic knew what they were doing. Besides, since she had to move her trunks to the school it was the easiest way to travel with her things.

Any other time Valerie would have avoided the process. She loved to fly and had been Seeker on her house team at school. Valerie was also licensed to apparate and was a registered Animagus. Her animal form was sometimes convenient for traveling. She had chosen a kestrel as her form, a bird of prey. As a result Flooing had always been a last resort, as it made her feel dizzy and nauseous for a few minutes after she had gone through the network.

Mentally shaking herself for her distaste at such a common mode of transportation, Valerie gathered her resolve and took a pinch of power in her fingertips, throwing it into the fire and murmuring, as she stepped through the portal. The room in which she found herself was apparently the faculty lounge, a large airy room with several comfortable chairs near the fireplace and a huge wooden table suitable for staff conferences placed at the other end.

An older wizard with long snowy white hair and beard was currently occupying one of the chairs and was looking at her through the spectacles resting at the end of his nose in apparent interest. He rose slowly to his feet and approached her, saying Greetings, Professor Shorelake. I am Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwart's. I am pleased to welcome you to our staff and hope that you will remain with us for a long time.

Valerie smiled at his cordial tone and pleasant greeting. Thank you for your consideration for the position Headmaster. I am pleased to join the staff here and to make your acquaintance.

Well, now that the formalities are over, shall we move your things to your new quarters? I am afraid that we had to put you in the dungeons, as all of the other rooms are currently occupied. Still, I believe you will find your quarters quite nice once you have made them your own.

Dumbledore offered her his arm and Valerie accepted, levitating her trunks behind her as they moved through the hallways. He continued There are a few things that must be taken care of before the banquet and the Sorting in the Great Hall when the students arrive tonight. First, after you have unpacked your things, you must be sorted by the Sorting Hat as well. You see, most of our professors attended Hogwart's as a young witch or wizard and already have a House affiliation. Since you attended American schools, it is necessary for us to discover which group you should be assigned to mentor. After that has been taken care of, I will introduce you to your colleagues. One of the other professors will have time to give you a short tour of the castle before the feast.

Dumbledore stopped in front of a door and said blue fairy! The door swung open to reveal a large living room area with furniture in neutral colors, with a door on the far side leading into a bedroom and another to a bathroom. You may change the password to your quarters if you please, and may redecorate however you choose. Many of our teachers like to use their house colors for inspiration. I will leave you now to get acquainted with your surroundings, but will return in an hour so that you can be sorted and introduced to the rest of the staff. Dumbledore walked to the door.

Thank you Headmaster Valerie said, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

Please my dear, call me Albus. No need for formality here. And with that statement Albus winked and shut the door behind him.