Chapter 6:
Taken several quotes from the HP books here… see if you can find a few.
Somewhere deep inside Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry there sat a cosy set of rooms, overlooking the southern-most side of the castle.
Guarded by a grouchy gargoyle was the entrance to the part of the rooms accessible to the public, providing one had the password that is; Normally a sweet of some kind. This week the password happened to be Chewits. A muggle treat enjoyed by the muggle population of Britain. Coming in many flavours and forms. The most common being packets of Strawberry and Blackcurrant flavour sweets. Though many people would beg to differ that the sour apple flavour X-treme chewits are far more popular with the young muggles of today. However that is a debate for another time.
When the password (This week: Chewits. See above ) was spoken the gargoyle was forcibly moved aside, revealing a slowly rotating stairwell leading to a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby, tattered wizard's hat -- the Sorting Hat.
Hidden to all but the current presiding Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts was the remainder of the Headmaster's suite. A suite linked to the Headmasters office by a password-protected door, concealed by an ancient form of the Fidelius charm linked to the current presiding Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts. In the event of the current Head of the School's death the suite would become visible but would remain locked until the next Head bonded with the castle.
The suite was not as luxurious as one might imagine. A private study/ library adjourned from the main living area, which consisted of a large fireplace, 2 comfortable leather armchairs and a matching three-seater sofa. Branching off from this main living area was a modest sized bedroom commanding an excellent view of the school grounds. This window was naturally facing southwards but with a flick of the wand it could be reoriented to show another part of the school grounds.
The bedroom featured a grand wardrobe, another plush armchair, a small but ornate oak desk with matching high-backed chair, a small sectioned off bathroom and the final key item, a huge four poster bed engraved with the Hogwarts crest and sporting the four distinctive house mascot emblems.
And in this bed lay Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot (Sp), Defeater of The Dark Lord Grindlewald, key researcher of the twelve uses of Dragon Blood and current residing Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
He was tall, thin, and very old, judging by the silver of his hair and beard, which were both long enough to tuck into his belt. He was wearing long elegant purple robes, covered in runic patterns, swirls, images of stars and moons and if one looked closely enough, a small cluster of yellow smiley faces. On his head he ore a matching nightcap, though sadly no yellow smiley faces could be found upon it. His blue eyes were light, bright, and sparkling behind half-moon spectacles, which he still wore even at night, kept on his face by a simple sticking charm and reinforced with an unbreakable charm. His nose was very long and crooked, as though it had been broken at least twice, his wizened face showing signs of age. Oh and how could we forget? On his feet a pair of woollen socks snuggled tightly into the skin of his feet. Crudely decorated with what at first looked like a woolly sheep on stilts. However if you examined them closely you would be able to make out a portrait of the Headmaster himself, though he would still insist that it was the former. These socks were courtesy of Dobby. A Christmas present he had been more than delighted to receive and wore them far more than any other pair he possessed.
Currently the headmaster was snoozing, dreaming dreams of a far away magical island, one free from the threat of Dark Lords and Deatheaters. One where fluffy bunnies hopped from tree to tree, and birds chirp atop candy-cane perches. And where nymphs…
Suddenly a shrill alarm sounded from within his office. Albus Dumbledore woke mid-snore and was suddenly alert. Pausing only to grab his wand from the nightstand he made his way into his office. Loud voices echoed around the circular chamber. As he entered the portraits ceased their arguing and sat alert in their frames, waiting for the headmaster to speak. When it was evident that he was waiting for one of them to inform him of the situation, an ancient man with a long silver beard just longer then Dumbledore's own spoke up
"We have a problem, Headmaster."
Albus sighed, "Yes I'm aware of that. What caused the disturbance?"
"Something has breached the wards, the defenses recognize the threat as magical in origin, most likely some kind of dangerous magical creature and have taken measures to reinforce the wards. However Hogwarts has detected a foreign presence within the grounds and as a precaution has sealed herself. Nothing is getting in, and nothing is getting out." Phineas said snidely.
Albus sat down in his chair and sipped a warm cup of coca that had appeared o nhis desk. Merlin bless those house elves.
"Could this be Voldemort's doing?"
"We doubt it. Hogwarts would have informed us if she had detected any malicious intent." Evarard spoke up
Albus froze, Cup suspended halfway from his open mouth . "I thought you said it was a dangerous beast? Why would Hogwarts seal herself if it meant no harm?"
"Beasts. She detected at least two, more likely three. And I have my suspicions."
"I have them too Meldrad. Are you thinking…"
"Yes I think I am, Headmaster. As shown by Hogwart's refusal tio provide us with anymore information. And the fact that all the windows and doors in the castle are sealed. I believe Hogwarts intends to keep us inside, for what purpose I do not know."
Albus sighed wearily and stood and made his way over to the large office window.
"Show the intruders" he commanded. However the window wouldn't budge
"Show the intruders" He repeated.. The Image in the window suddenly flickered and went dead. Albus turned away and sat back down at his desk. Pouring himself another mug of coco.
Why would Hogwarts lock me inside my own office? No one else is inside the castle except…
"Miss Granger! Quick head over to …."
"Afraid not sir" The portrait of Armando Dippet cut him off "We are locked inside our frame. All we can hope is that the young Miss is locked safely inside the tower…"