"Thanks, kids. I would tell you to stay out of trouble from now on, but honestly, I don't mind the extra help," Alex said with a grin as she released three students from detention. It was Thursday evening, her second week of teaching at Hogwarts. Professor Snape had left her in charge of detention with orders to work the students until they dropped. Alex had interpreted that as an opportunity to do a little experiment she had thought of earlier in the week.
The students had groaned at first, but given the choice between brewing potions or scrubbing the dungeon floor, they had opted to help her brew potions. The fact that the floor had to be scrubbed by hand, with no magic, had certainly influenced their decision. Not to mention the scrub brushes that Snape had left for their use would really be more accurately described as toothbrushes. Really old toothbrushes with the bristles worn down to nubs. Sadistic, that's what he is, Alex chuckled to herself.
Detention was over but there was still work to be done. She carefully bottled and labeled each batch of brew and cleaned the cauldrons. Alex took special care to put everything back just as the potions master had left it. She wasn't supposed to be doing any experiments. Hell, if Snape has his way, I'll probably get fired tomorrow, she thought. She pushed the idea out of her mind. Alex looked around the room, making sure nothing was out of place. It's only ten-thirty. I'll just type up my notes into a nice little report. Shouldn't take long. Ought to check my email, too.
Two hours later, she noticed the time. And I have to teach a class first thing tomorrow morning. I am so stupid. Before leaving the laboratory, she took one last look around. Oh, yeah, can't forget the floor. Alex waved her wand in an arc, indicating the entire room. "Scourgify !" Whoa, she thought, swaying slightly. That took a lot out of me. I really am tired.
She extinguished the torches with a word and left the dungeons. Halfway back to her quarters, Alex ran into trouble. Damn. These stairs were not here before. Ok, don't panic. Just take a left here. No problem. A short time later, she reached another errant staircase. Two in one night ? I must be cursed. She wasn't sure which way to go. She started down the passageway to her left, but everything looked unfamiliar. Tracing her steps back, she went up the stairs and tried going to the right.
It seemed like hours had passed. The castle was silent, all the occupants long since asleep. Even the portrait frames were empty. Alex wished for anyone, even Argus Filch, to come along and help her out of her predicament. She had found her way to a section of the castle that she was certain she'd never been in before. Alex tried tracing her steps back. She only succeeded in becoming more frustrated and confused as the minutes passed. The hallway ended at a circular stone staircase, apparently part of a tower. I don't remember any tower.
Well, here goes nothing. Alex started down the tower stairs. A few minutes later she stepped out into a familiar hallway. The potions lab ! It's right down here on the left. She sagged against the wall, relieved, yet annoyed with herself. I've been wandering around for forty-five minutes. She started down the hallway. Ok, let's try this again. Ten minutes later, she stopped and stared around her, completely disoriented. Maybe it was because most of the torches had gone out and the corridors were cloaked in shadow. Or maybe it was just because she was tired. Or maybe I'm a total moron. Whatever the reason, she was utterly lost yet again.
Alex retraced her steps back to the potions lab, fearing all the while that she wouldn't be able to find it a second time. She slumped into her chair and rested her head on her desk. She was trembling. Well, at least I found my way back here, she thought, trying to look on the bright side. I'll just stay here until morning, teach my class, and then go back to my rooms. She could feel her throat tightening, tears welling up in her eyes. Oh gods, who am I kidding. I'm an idiot. I can't handle this job. I'm too stupid to even find my way back to my apartment. She tried to shut off the flow of negative thoughts, but it was too late. Snape is gonna get me fired anyway. Why did I ever think I could deal with this. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Alex rested her head on her arms and gave in to despair.