Ok, another chapter of my summer project. Kylie, thanks for the notes, I
went back and changed any mistakes I made, except for the shock thing.
You'll find out why I did that in a few chapters, as well as some flaws
that the people have. I promise, none of the people in here are perfect, no
matter what they think (Draco.) Also, I know that I'm really not having any
of Harry's points of views, I may or may not in the next few chapters, but
I find Liz is a whole lot more willing to share her views as she's my
character. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter, I'll try and update again
soon. Please Review.
-Pentagon Merlin
The Reason CH 4: Meeting the Boss
"Are you Liz Riddle?" a tight lipped woman asked as Liz stepped off the train. Seeing her nod, the woman added, "My name is Minerva McGonagall. I'm the headmistress and transfiguration teacher here. Please come with me."
Liz followed the woman into a horseless carriage that took them up to the giant castle. She couldn't help but stare in awe. It was huge; daunting and huge. Professor McGonagall (a/n: I don't have the heart to call her Minerva just yet) got out of the carriage and walked briskly up the steps and into an immense entrance hall, into which Liz's entire house could easily have fit. From there, they took several stair cases, and several halls that Liz knew would be hard to remember later and ended at the base of a large gargoyle statue.
"Ding- dongs," Professor McGonagall said plainly. As the gargoyle began to move aside, she turned to Liz, "Professor Dumbledore is very fond of Muggle sweets. Please, don't be alarmed."
"I'm sure that by now that's impossible," Liz said, speaking for the first time since she had met the Professor. As they stepped aboard the moving staircase which reminded Liz of an escalator, Liz added, "Besides, the brilliant ones do seem to be a bit mad. It's just a consequence of being smart."
"Why, it would seem you were right, Ms. Riddle," a tall man said as he opened the door. As far as she could tell, he had to be at least 70, with wrinkles that had wrinkles, long white hair, and a beautiful long white beard. "I am Professor Albus Dumbledore. It is my honor to welcome you to Hogwarts. Please, come in."
"Thank you, sir. Actually, thank you for inviting me to teach here. I know my mom told you why I needed to come here, but I'm not sure if she told you everything," Liz stated.
"We all have secrets, and the right to them. I am aware that you have had certain..." he paused as if looking for the right word, "problems in your past, but I hope that is all behind you and that this will be a nourishing environment. As for why you're here, wizards meaning good in this world will always be welcomed within these walls. You are safe here from your father's reaches, as long as you are interested. I promise you that, Elizabeth."
"Actually, it's Liz. Um, sir, you are aware that you offered a job to a 15 year old, right?" Liz asked.
"Yes. I talked to your teachers. They seemed fully confident in your abilities, as well as you as a person. Besides, you will be 16 soon, so really I'm hiring a 16 year old. Now, let's see, there were several reasons I asked to see you in here. Of course, you will be required to teach classes and patrol the halls, as a teacher that is the general responsibilities that are placed on you. However I do have another request. There is a boy here who, for because of certain reasons, needs to be trained a bit more, how would you put this, diligently in the protection of oneself from the dark arts. I don't know what your feelings are towards your father, but he seems hell bent on wanting this young boy dead, and as this boy has inherited a knack for attracting trouble, I am requesting that you help him. He's been taught by others, but perhaps as you're more his age he'd be more willing to listen to you," Dubledore finished.
"Of course I can help. I'm willing to do anything possible to keep my father from hurting anyone," Liz said.
"Good, good. Also, after a long conversation with your mother, I've decided it may be best to house you with children your own age for at least a little while. I was thinking of putting you with the sixth year girls in one of the houses and letting you see through sixth and seventh year with them, and then moving into your own room. It will allow you to socialize more with children your own age, something you need. Are you alright with this?" seeing her nod, he continued, "Alright then. How we select which houses the first years are in is by putting this hat," he picked the sorting hat off one of the shelves," on top of their heads and letting it decide. We normally do this in a ceremony that will be starting soon, but as this is a special circumstance, I thought we'd do it in here. So if you will just stick it on top of your head, we'll let it decide."
"Well, well, well, I was wondering when you'd be showing up. Granted, I thought it would be years ago, but now is just as good," a voice within her head said.
"Ah, an enchanted talking wizard's cap. How quaint," Liz thought.
"Well, no need to be rude. Granted I should have expected it from your family, but what do we have here. Well, this is a first, a Slytherin who might do well elsewhere. Let's see, you're brilliant, loyal, you'd do well in either Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, but I don't think those are the best places for you. You have potential and could go far, but you may be too brave and daring. You're standing up to your family just being here. No, you wouldn't like any of those. Alright, let's put you in Gryffindor. If anything, you'll make excellent friends," it finished. "Gryffindor, Dumbledore," it said allowed.
"Well, now isn't that a surprise. However, we really must get going. The feast will be starting soon, and you do need to be introduced to the rest of the school. The password into the Gryffindor quarters is Boomerang for the moment. Go with the rest of the Gryffindors at the end of the feast and up to the 6th year's girl dormitory. Now, your office and classroom is down that hall and to the right. The password to your office is Bush, I thought it was appropriate, and only you are allowed to change it, from here until the time you leave us, hopefully that won't be soon. Now, here we have the Great Hall. This is where all the meals are served. The teacher's lounge is up that staircase and to the left. Now, if you'll come with me," Dumbledore said, leading her down between two long tables of students and up to the head table, pointing out a spot for her to sit. With that, the sorting of the first years commenced.
It went from Albert, Rob (Ravenclaw) to Tree, Lilia (Slytherin) to Washinkaw, Mark (Gryffindor.) As Mark went and sat down with the rest of the Gryffindors, Dumbledore stood up. "I shall make this short as I'm sure we're all anxious to get to our good feat. I mean feast. So, a few announcements: first, as fun as Weasley's Wizard Weases are, the following items from their shop have been added to Mr. Filches' list of restricted items: portable swamps, canary creams, and doom and gloom clouds. While the rest of the items are allowed, it is requested that you use discretion. Secondly, because of Voldemort's return, we strongly encourage you to stay inside after dark, although I assure you, you are perfectly safe while on Hogwarts' grounds. Third, for all first years, and a reminder to the rest of you, the forest on the edge of the property is strictly off limits, unless you are with a teacher. And speaking of teachers, the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has been taken up by Liz Riddle. If you would please stand, thank you dear," as he said this, the few people who had been whispering among themselves went dead silent, and mouths dropped open all over the great hall. A pin could be heard dropping, if someone was so inclined to drop one.
"Right, yes, good," Professor Dumbledore muttered. "Now, I'm sure that all of those open mouths are desperately awaiting food, so I guess with a final word, the feast shall begin. Supercalafragalisticexpealodocious." Liz couldn't help but stifle a giggle at the headmaster's last word, but with that, piles upon piles of food appeared on all the plates, and her giggle was quickly replaced by a growl of hunger from her stomach, and she quickly dug in.
Alright, cheers. That's the fourth chapter. I'm sorry if you see it as short, but hopefully I'll update again soon and maybe with a longer chapter. The rain here is putting me in the mood for writing. Thank you to all you lovely people who have reviewed, I only wish there were more of you to thank. If you haven't figured out what that means, review.
The Reason CH 4: Meeting the Boss
"Are you Liz Riddle?" a tight lipped woman asked as Liz stepped off the train. Seeing her nod, the woman added, "My name is Minerva McGonagall. I'm the headmistress and transfiguration teacher here. Please come with me."
Liz followed the woman into a horseless carriage that took them up to the giant castle. She couldn't help but stare in awe. It was huge; daunting and huge. Professor McGonagall (a/n: I don't have the heart to call her Minerva just yet) got out of the carriage and walked briskly up the steps and into an immense entrance hall, into which Liz's entire house could easily have fit. From there, they took several stair cases, and several halls that Liz knew would be hard to remember later and ended at the base of a large gargoyle statue.
"Ding- dongs," Professor McGonagall said plainly. As the gargoyle began to move aside, she turned to Liz, "Professor Dumbledore is very fond of Muggle sweets. Please, don't be alarmed."
"I'm sure that by now that's impossible," Liz said, speaking for the first time since she had met the Professor. As they stepped aboard the moving staircase which reminded Liz of an escalator, Liz added, "Besides, the brilliant ones do seem to be a bit mad. It's just a consequence of being smart."
"Why, it would seem you were right, Ms. Riddle," a tall man said as he opened the door. As far as she could tell, he had to be at least 70, with wrinkles that had wrinkles, long white hair, and a beautiful long white beard. "I am Professor Albus Dumbledore. It is my honor to welcome you to Hogwarts. Please, come in."
"Thank you, sir. Actually, thank you for inviting me to teach here. I know my mom told you why I needed to come here, but I'm not sure if she told you everything," Liz stated.
"We all have secrets, and the right to them. I am aware that you have had certain..." he paused as if looking for the right word, "problems in your past, but I hope that is all behind you and that this will be a nourishing environment. As for why you're here, wizards meaning good in this world will always be welcomed within these walls. You are safe here from your father's reaches, as long as you are interested. I promise you that, Elizabeth."
"Actually, it's Liz. Um, sir, you are aware that you offered a job to a 15 year old, right?" Liz asked.
"Yes. I talked to your teachers. They seemed fully confident in your abilities, as well as you as a person. Besides, you will be 16 soon, so really I'm hiring a 16 year old. Now, let's see, there were several reasons I asked to see you in here. Of course, you will be required to teach classes and patrol the halls, as a teacher that is the general responsibilities that are placed on you. However I do have another request. There is a boy here who, for because of certain reasons, needs to be trained a bit more, how would you put this, diligently in the protection of oneself from the dark arts. I don't know what your feelings are towards your father, but he seems hell bent on wanting this young boy dead, and as this boy has inherited a knack for attracting trouble, I am requesting that you help him. He's been taught by others, but perhaps as you're more his age he'd be more willing to listen to you," Dubledore finished.
"Of course I can help. I'm willing to do anything possible to keep my father from hurting anyone," Liz said.
"Good, good. Also, after a long conversation with your mother, I've decided it may be best to house you with children your own age for at least a little while. I was thinking of putting you with the sixth year girls in one of the houses and letting you see through sixth and seventh year with them, and then moving into your own room. It will allow you to socialize more with children your own age, something you need. Are you alright with this?" seeing her nod, he continued, "Alright then. How we select which houses the first years are in is by putting this hat," he picked the sorting hat off one of the shelves," on top of their heads and letting it decide. We normally do this in a ceremony that will be starting soon, but as this is a special circumstance, I thought we'd do it in here. So if you will just stick it on top of your head, we'll let it decide."
"Well, well, well, I was wondering when you'd be showing up. Granted, I thought it would be years ago, but now is just as good," a voice within her head said.
"Ah, an enchanted talking wizard's cap. How quaint," Liz thought.
"Well, no need to be rude. Granted I should have expected it from your family, but what do we have here. Well, this is a first, a Slytherin who might do well elsewhere. Let's see, you're brilliant, loyal, you'd do well in either Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, but I don't think those are the best places for you. You have potential and could go far, but you may be too brave and daring. You're standing up to your family just being here. No, you wouldn't like any of those. Alright, let's put you in Gryffindor. If anything, you'll make excellent friends," it finished. "Gryffindor, Dumbledore," it said allowed.
"Well, now isn't that a surprise. However, we really must get going. The feast will be starting soon, and you do need to be introduced to the rest of the school. The password into the Gryffindor quarters is Boomerang for the moment. Go with the rest of the Gryffindors at the end of the feast and up to the 6th year's girl dormitory. Now, your office and classroom is down that hall and to the right. The password to your office is Bush, I thought it was appropriate, and only you are allowed to change it, from here until the time you leave us, hopefully that won't be soon. Now, here we have the Great Hall. This is where all the meals are served. The teacher's lounge is up that staircase and to the left. Now, if you'll come with me," Dumbledore said, leading her down between two long tables of students and up to the head table, pointing out a spot for her to sit. With that, the sorting of the first years commenced.
It went from Albert, Rob (Ravenclaw) to Tree, Lilia (Slytherin) to Washinkaw, Mark (Gryffindor.) As Mark went and sat down with the rest of the Gryffindors, Dumbledore stood up. "I shall make this short as I'm sure we're all anxious to get to our good feat. I mean feast. So, a few announcements: first, as fun as Weasley's Wizard Weases are, the following items from their shop have been added to Mr. Filches' list of restricted items: portable swamps, canary creams, and doom and gloom clouds. While the rest of the items are allowed, it is requested that you use discretion. Secondly, because of Voldemort's return, we strongly encourage you to stay inside after dark, although I assure you, you are perfectly safe while on Hogwarts' grounds. Third, for all first years, and a reminder to the rest of you, the forest on the edge of the property is strictly off limits, unless you are with a teacher. And speaking of teachers, the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has been taken up by Liz Riddle. If you would please stand, thank you dear," as he said this, the few people who had been whispering among themselves went dead silent, and mouths dropped open all over the great hall. A pin could be heard dropping, if someone was so inclined to drop one.
"Right, yes, good," Professor Dumbledore muttered. "Now, I'm sure that all of those open mouths are desperately awaiting food, so I guess with a final word, the feast shall begin. Supercalafragalisticexpealodocious." Liz couldn't help but stifle a giggle at the headmaster's last word, but with that, piles upon piles of food appeared on all the plates, and her giggle was quickly replaced by a growl of hunger from her stomach, and she quickly dug in.
Alright, cheers. That's the fourth chapter. I'm sorry if you see it as short, but hopefully I'll update again soon and maybe with a longer chapter. The rain here is putting me in the mood for writing. Thank you to all you lovely people who have reviewed, I only wish there were more of you to thank. If you haven't figured out what that means, review.