Chapter 5: I promise.

"THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!" I screeched. I must've looked crazy to Dumbledore while I was jumping up and down with the Sorting Hat still on my head. (It was laughing!)

"I see you are happy with the House you're a part of now," Dumbledore commented, a glint in his eyes.

"Oh, yes sir! I mean, Professor," I beamed as I took off the Sorting Hat," I'm just glad I'm not in Slytherin. I mean, if I am, I'd have to do things a lot differently."

"In what way would you be different?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll be meaner? Or at least, I'll be more tolerant of meanness. But I'm not like that. So thank God I'm in Gryffindor."

Dumbledore paced the room for a while. On the other hand, I was standing there with a huge grin on my face. I was giddy like a school girl. Wait, I was a school girl! A HOGWARTS school girl. I swear it can't get any better than that. I tugged at my hair and daydreamed about watching Quidditch and going to Hogsmeade when Professor Dumbledore sat back in his chair. This time, he leaned forward a little, and had a slight frown on his face.

"How do you know about the different Houses?"

My body tensed all over. I was avoiding this, but in my previous nervousness and excitement I had blabbed on about things I should've known nothing about. Dumbledore had trusted me so far, so I guess he deserved to know the truth. But then again, would he believe me? If anyone told me that the life I live is not real, I wouldn't believe them. I wouldn't want to believe them.

"Professor…how can I say this… I read about everything."

Dumbledore leaned in even closer. He couldn't help it. He was hooked. I felt conscious and looked at my thumbs. Well, here goes. I sat back on my chair.

"Where I'm from, a lady named JK Rowling wrote novels about an orphaned boy…well, it's the Harry Potter series…" I looked up from my thumbs. Dumbledore was no longer looking at me but closing his eyes. Oh, what I would have given to be read his mind at that moment.

"Go on."

"It's about Harry getting into the school, his life, friends, his experiences…battling Voldemort…" I then covered my mouth.

"It's alright. Or did you know that already and just forget?"

I couldn't help but notice a slight bitterness in his voice. But I could tell he didn't like feeling this way because he grimaced.

"I apologize," he smiled mournfully, "what you are saying is very far-fetched. I could not help but feel a little upset about it. I hope you understand. But somehow, I couldn't just ignore what you are saying. However, considering the fact that you appeared out of nowhere, it is clear that you are not a normal witch. So, whether I like it or not…I believe you."

"Thank you," I said, "And I'm sorry too. If I could do it over again I would spare you the information, really. But, it's not like I'm the most knowledgeable person here. I only know some things that Harry knows. The stuff is pretty sensitive and private but I won't do anything you don't want me to. I promise."

Dumbledore must've known I was sincere so he smiled.

"Thank you, child."

"I just got carried away. I've always dreamed of this place. Being here right now…it just made me lose my head!" I laughed, "It's just so awesome here. I'll be careful not to tell anyone else. Really."

"I trust that you will, Ms. Enicola."

"But sir, I just realized, I can't pay tuition. I have no money!"

"I'm sure we can get you some sponsors."

"Why would anyone do that? I mean, I'm 5 years behind the people my age," I gasped and then realized how embarrassing my situation was. Why couldn't this have happened when I was 11?

"Once people know that you are from another world, they will do anything to get you on their side. To be perfectly honest, they will be intimidated. They will be a little afraid . This does not happen often, you see."

"So… to make me be nice to them, they will be willing to finance my education?" I asked, my eyes growing wide.

"Yes. And I will arrange a special curriculum just for you. Don't worry, you won't have to take classes with First Years. That would be too awkward. But first, we have to get you some sponsors."

"Are you gonna send out newsletters or something?" I asked.

"No. We will approach some people ourselves."

"What? I mean, are you certain that is what we should do?" I asked nervously.

"I'm sure if anyone is capable of helping you, they would like to meet you first. However, you need proper clothes," he said and waved his wand. A folded white shirt, a navy blue plaid skirt, a light blue-grey angora sweater, a pair of tube socks and a red shoebox appeared on my lap. I admired the sweater and opened the shoebox. Pretty black Mary Janes. I smiled.

"Wow! Nice choices, sir," I grinned.

"Some girls took a survey once and tried to change the uniforms into this. They didn't succeed, obviously. But they left these with me, in case I change my mind. They thought I could 'help the future generations'. Anyway, a prefect will show you the way to the bathrooms so you can get changed. Then, meet me at the Entrance Hall."

"Yes sir!" I got up, and headed towards the door. But I stopped and turned around.

"You're not afraid of me, are you, sir? I mean, you shouldn't be, really."

"I am not afraid of you. Remember that any sort of help that I give you is given from my heart."

My heart rejoiced at this and melted at the same time.

"Thank you, sir."

"You are welcome, little miss."

I smiled at this. I took one last look at the cheerful circular room and went out the door.