Professor Dumbledore's office was a magical users paradise. Every shelf, corner and closet was stuffed with the most amazing objects Willow had ever laid eyes on. Even though she had no clue as to what half the stuff was supposed to do, she was positive Giles would. If given the opportunity to explore, she was sure the Watcher would be like a child in a candy shop. Walking around, cautious not to touch anything, Willow eww and aww'd at each new find.
When the giant of a man, who called himself Hadgrid, showed her to the office, she sat herself in the chair in front of the large desk to wait. Still sore over her parents betrayal, she steamed until her curiosity got the best of her. Telling herself not to pry, soon she was unable to sit still. It was like the objects around the room were just begging her to investigate. Silently giving her permission to explore to her heart's delight.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." A warm voice greeted her from behind, making her squeal in surprise and spin around. Unfortunately, her elbow hit a large glass globe. Watching in horror, as the priceless object headed for the ground. In that split second she experienced something she couldn't believe. The globe stopped motionless in midair.
"What the?" Looking at the glass object, Willow gulped before looking at the man standing a few feet away. For the second time within seconds she'd been caught by surprise. He was the picture of what every child would imagine a wizard to be. Tall, regal, with a long white beard the same color of his hair. His pale blue eyes spoke volumes of the type of man he was. Kind. Gentle. Patient. But looking deeper, she could see power. Intelligence. A force to be reckoned with.
"Would you be so kind as to grab my honesty ball for me?" His clear blue orbs twinkled in amusement toward Willow's gaping expression.
"I-I am so sorry. I can be so clumsy sometimes. Well most of the time. There is an occasional instance I'm not. But usually..." Feeling her cheeks warm with her runaway mouth, Willow snapped her jaw shut.
With unsure hands, she wrapped her hands around the delicate looking glass ball. Immediately the ball began to glow. A dark cloud appeared in the center of the orb, until it filled with swirling blue and purple. Watching in wonder as the colors bled to a deep royal blue before the globe cleared again.
"It was my fault. I shouldn't have startled you." The object secured in her hands. Willow looked uncertain as to what she should do next. "You can just set it on the stand there." Holding her breath, she carefully set it on the cherry wood circular table.
"I am Professor Dumbledore. And you Miss Potter are a sight for sore eyes." Indicating for her to sit, Willow marveled how at ease he put her. "We feared the worst after your parents disappearance a fifteen years ago."
"Yes I heard." Unable to keep her feelings from her tone. Making her feel a little ungrateful. Here she was, living in a dream come true. No story, or Hollywood production could capture the magical sensation of Hogwarts. The castle was immense from the outside. Even larger when she walked through the front hall.
"A little put out with your parents?" Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Understandable. No one likes to be lied to. But sometimes being the keeper of the secret can take it's toll. Lying to a loved one, whether it's for their own good, or of the keepers. It can hurt just as much."
Not wanting to debate the issue, Willow stayed silent. His words rang true she supposed. But they were talking about her parents.
"But enough of that. Welcome to Hogwarts. On that topic, you first must be sorted so you can find your room tonight." Standing slowly, Dumbledore walked over to a well worn leather hat. "This is the Sorting Hat. It will place you in your destined house."
"House?"
"There are four. Ravenclaw. Gryffindor. Hufflepuff and Slytherin. After the founders of the school." Strolling to her side, he carefully placed the item atop her head.
Willow waited a few minutes, when there was movement from above. "Ah, another Potter." A dry voice rasped. "Just like your cousin Harry, you are brave. Loyal, like you other cousin Ron Weasly. There's only one place just right for you. GRYFFINDOR!"
Removing the hat, Dumbledore nodded his approval. "Splendid. I believe it's a perfect fit."
Not really sure being placed in Gryffindor was truly a good thing, Willow decided to rely on the older man's pleasure. "I know I'm behind... really behind."
"I won't lie to Miss Potter. This summer is going to be a busy one for you. There are quiet a few subjects to catch up on. But with determination and dedication I am positive you'll find yourself with the fifth years by the time the next term begins."
Willow's face fell slightly. "Fifth years?"
"Only one year behind. But I think you will find being placed with your cousins in the same house, and the same year will be beneficial." Leafing through a stack of parchment on his desk, Willow waited patiently until Dumbledore found what he sought for. "Ah, here are the subjects Professor McGonagoll will be going over with you. I apologize none of the other teachers will be available to assist. But there's been a situation they are looking into. Was your mother able to acquire the items you'll be needing. Broom, Cauldron, Pet and books?"
"Yes." Remembering the large amount of 'luggage' she had to push through the London station, Willow nodded vigorously.
"Because of unfortunate circumstances, the Wandmaker is by appointment only. But I did request for him to come here in two days. I have to say he's pretty excited about having another Potter to supply a wand to. When I last heard from him, he was already rummaging through his stock for the perfect wand."
Okay she was getting excited, Willow thought grimly. She had wanted to stay loyal to her friends back home. Not get excited by all the changes in her life. But how could she? Magic. Her newest obsession over the last few years, was right at her fingertips. Talk of cauldrons, flying brooms and wands was giving her goosebumps.
"Well it's getting late. Hagrid is right outside the door to show you to your quarters. Miss McGonagoll will be by tomorrow to show you to the main hall for breakfast, then will give you a tour. Bring your first year books and broomstick. I apologize, but a new teacher has arrived tonight and is in need of my assistance. Once again it is a real pleasure having you here. I expect wonderful things from you."
And like that her first meeting with the wizened wizard was over. With a parting smile, Willow stood and headed for the door. "Oh and Willow?"
Stopping and turning back to the headmaster, Willow waited for him to continue.
"The enchanted forest is strictly off limits. I understand you are used to dangerous monsters. But I am afraid the forest is too dangerous for any of our students. Also the lowest parts of the dungeon are, for the time being, also forbidden."
Lower dungeon? Willow had no clue as to why anyone would want to wonder somewhere that sounded as creepy as that. "No problem."
"Good. See you at breakfast."
~~*~~
"So how is our new teacher adjusting?" Walking slowly into the dimly lit room, Dumbledore was cautious not to make any sudden moves. But with each step he took, the growl rumbling from the chained man grew.
"Aside from trying to break from his bonds, and trying to attack me?" Snape drawled. "He's fine I suppose."
"Wonderful." Walking closer, Dumbledore spoke calmly to the fierce man. "Angel, I'm Professor Dumbledore. You're safe here at Hogwarts." The only response, was the loud thrashing against chains. "Angel I know somewhere inside you understand what I am saying. We have brought you back from the hell dimension. We both know you didn't belong there."
It was strange. The more the older wizard spoke, in his calm hushed tone. The calmer the chained man became. His growls lessened. His wild, disoriented gaze focused.
"You are needed here in our time of need. Young children and young adults are in desperate need of your assistance. I know everything right now is very confusing for you. But in time things will clear."
"You don't really think he'll snap out of it do you?" Snape questioned, his voice creating more growls from Angel. "Not even the strongest of mind have been known to survive the hell dimension."
"I think you will find Angel is full of surprises." Dumbledore answered patiently as if he were speaking to one of his young charges, much to Snape's chagrin. Turning his dark gaze back to the new arrival, he watched as Angel stopped his thrashing and began to sniff the air.
The man's huge form strained at his constraints. His nose flared, eyes darted about, making him look like an animal pursuing a familiar scent. Soon his eyes locked on Dumbledore's form and his body stilled. Angel's brows drew together, then lowered. Lips pinched, as he looked to be struggling with a thought. "W-W..."
"Yes Angel?" Dumbledore asked.
"W-Will." Licking his lips, his voice sounded rough with misuse, Angel took a deep breath. "Willow."
"Ahh. I did just get back from seeing your friend. Her scent is probably still with me." Clearly pleased with Angel's slow progress Dumbledore's eyes gleamed.
"Willow." Angel repeated.
"She'll be attending Hogwarts this term." Dumbledore explained as if he were carrying on a conversation with the other man. "Will have to study through the holiday to catch up, but I'm sure she'll have no problems."
"Willow." Like a broken record, Angel kept using her name as the only form of communication.
"Well, he is just full of surprises." Snape arched a brow in mockery. "He and Hagrid will get along famously."
Angel's head swung back around to the Black Arts teacher. A low growl spilled from his lips. "Willow, mine."