Eric barely ate his dinner, picking occasionally at the vegetables, and foregoing the exceptional roast. The afternoon's events left his appetite wanting. Luna seemed determined to keep his company. Dorian was also there, asking if he was feeling well. Naomi was watching from the other side of the table, flanked on either side by an emptiness that suggested that the other Ravenclaws just couldn't get used to her.
The fact was, having so many people around who wanted to do something for him was annoyingly welcome. It was one of those times when he felt the strong urge to hide somewhere, hoping desperately to be found.
All students were supposed to return to their dormitories after dinner, yet Eric remained in the hallways, periodically pacing back and forth in front of the gargoyle that defended the entrance to Dumbledore's office. He couldn't put into action what he wanted to do, because he couldn't find the right words to say. Until he had them, he doubted that talking to anyone would improve matters.
"If you're expecting it to jump into the hallway, I doubt it will comply." Naomi's sarcastic tone resonated through the hallway. "However, if it does, I'm willing to help you subdue it."
Eric stared blankly at her several seconds before breaking into an uncontrolled laugh. "If it really was a proper gargoyle, I doubt either of us would last very long."
"Very true, Master Sable. I am pleased that you are learning something of use in our school." Professor Dumbledore's soft voice was nevertheless extremely startling, as it came from an alcove which was previously empty, in which no one should have been able to get into without his noticing. "However, as you seem so intent on stalking my gatekeeper, I expect you have something on your mind." Without words or dramatic gestures, Dumbledore commanded the gargoyle aside, allowing the staircase to his office to unfold. Gesturing to them both, he led Eric and Naomi into his office.
The headmaster's portraits were asleep again. Eric wondered if they ever were awake at all. The outer chamber included a stand where Fawkes, the Professor's phoenix, perched limply, feathers dropping from him and turning to ash in the plate below. A small table commanded the outer room, a silver serving set with hot tea laid out properly upon it. "Miss Naomi, if you could serve yourself, young Eric and I need to have a little talk."
Eric followed the Professor into the back office, where he slowly passed around his desk and into a large padded chair. "In all the years you've been with us, you've never done anything without at least a small purpose. I expect a larger one directs your attention to my office."
"Professor, I don't exactly know how to begin." However, begin he did, and he went on for a quarter of an hour describing every event of notice since the year began; the voices, the map of the school ( though leaving out particular details about how he learned what he knew ), Gilderoy Lockhart's apparent ineptness, his dreams, and finally this afternoon's dueling class and the circumstances that ended it. "Worst of all, sir, he spoke to the snake, and I understood him."
Dumbledore appeared most interested. "Indeed – so, did he encourage the snake to attack?"
"No, sir, he pacified it; but everyone's said that he's a parselmouth. If I understood him, does that mean I'm a parselmouth too?"
Dumbledore rose slowly from his chair. "Yes, my boy, I do believe it does. However, being able to speak parseltongue is no different than any other ability. The fact that dark wizards fancy the skill and that it is more common in dark wizard families gives the talent an unfortunate reputation, but the talent is no more good or evil than any other."
The Headmaster moved to the archway that opened to the outer office. "Do you see that young lady? Born from non-magical parents, found in a place she never chose to be, she has nonetheless come to dominate her class with a combination of resolve and intimidation. These abilities would normally put her into Slytherin house, but there is something inside her that laid a different path before her." Eric winced at Dumbledore's words, remembering the hand he had to play in that. "Instead of a house where her abilities would be most directed towards personal gain, she's surrounded by other students who accept her standoffishness, even if they don't entirely welcome it. She's allowed to be herself, which I believe she pursues with her all, and is the best for all concerned."
Dumbledore patted Eric's shoulder as he stepped towards the arch. "You could learn a great deal from her. I'm glad we had this talk, for you have told me much that I needed to know. Now, let us join your friend in having some tea and cakes, and then I will walk you both back to your dormitory."