Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

Chapter 11

The next morning, Jolicia awoke to a beautiful, sunny day. She lay there and recalled the events of the night before. Laying her hand on her cheek, she discovered that it only hurt a little.

"Poppy is definitely good at what she does. I bet there's hardly a bruise, either, just as she said." Jo thought.

 She stretched her arms above her head and yawned, wondering what time it was. She looked at her bedside clock, blinked to try and focus her eyes, and then lay back down with a groan.

"Shit, shit, shit!" she exclaimed. "It's 11:00, I was supposed to meet with Dumbledore at 10:00. He is going to fire my ass before I even say one word in a classroom. I've never been late on the job before and it seems that's all I am here - late."

She hopped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Peering at herself in the mirror, she saw that indeed, there was no bruise, just a little red mark on the side of her face. She also realized that she was still wearing the same clothes from last night. She found this very odd indeed. Why would she not have changed into her nightgown? Just then, there was a knock at her door. She gingerly opened it, expecting to find a raving mad Dumbledore with a pink slip in his hand.

"Dobby is sorry to bother you, Professor. We are all wondering, how you are feeling this morning?" Dobby asked timidly.

"Dobby am I ever glad to see it's you. I am feeling better, a little confused and late, but on the whole, much better," replied Jo.

Dobby smiled and said, "Dobby is instructed by Professor Dumbledore to give you this letter. Dobby is to wait for your answer."

Her heart sunk as she took the letter from his hand. Jolicia took a deep breath and opened it.

The letter said:

Dearest Jolicia,

I hope this letter finds you feeling better than you did last night. Severus explained that the potions Poppy gave you would cause you to sleep for quite awhile in order to allow your body to heal. Don't fret about our 10:00 appointment. Come to my office whenever you are ready. The password is "peppermint humbug".

Please let me know if you not are up to it. If this is the case, we can meet tomorrow. Dobby will assist you with anything you may require.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Jolicia sighed with relief, "Dobby, I could kiss you for bringing me such good news. I was sure that I was going to be fired."

"Never would the Headmaster do such a thing, Professor," said Dobby blushing. "Dobby knows you are too valuable to the school to be fired."

"Thank you again, Dobby. That makes me feel a lot better. Please tell the Headmaster that I will happily meet with him after I pull myself together. Also, could you do me a favor?" Jo inquired.

"Dobby would be most happy to do anything for you, Professor. How may Dobby help you?"

"I am starving. Do you think you could round me up a little breakfast and some coffee? I'll eat after my shower."

"Dobby will have it ready and waiting for you," he said with a smile. He bowed and left.

The shower felt wonderful. She let the warm water pour over her as she thought more about yesterday. There were so many things she didn't understand. Who had caused her to be sent astray? Why was Snape pissed off with her? How did she come to sleep in her clothes last night?  Hopefully, Dumbledore could, at the very least, tell her about Snape. The rest of it, well, time would tell.