Chapter 23: A Frightening Demand
Professor Slughorn plopped down on a divan in the lounge of the Leaky Cauldron, gesturing to Mr. Norris to do the same. The timid muggle gave a nervous look around and gingerly sat down on an old wicker chair. It squealed and Norris screamed.
"Ho ho, they do that sometimes," Slughorn explained to his unaccustomed companion. Slughorn had spent the last week explaining the wizarding world to Norris, who had still not gotten over the initial shock of being attacked by Malfoy. The professor had shown Norris Diagon Alley and all its wonders, but the muggle could not help feeling a bit apprehensive, as this was all new to him and seemed unbelievable. He had patiently waited for Slughorn to tell him more information about his wife, but she hadn't been mentioned since their first meeting.
"Well, I suppose you'd like to hear more about your wife," Slughorn said.
"Indeed," Norris replied. Professor Slughorn sighed.
"Well, as I said before, she's been transformed into a cat by Death Eaters. Well, they tried to kill her but right as they tried to get her, she transformed. The spell went awry so she's been a cat for seventeen years. No one's been able to set her back, I'm afraid to admit."
"But where is she? Is she ok?"
"Oh, quite fine indeed! She's living at the school where I teach. I told you about it, remember? Hogwarts it's called. Well, very few know who she really is. She's currently owned by our caretaker, Argus Filch."
"Owned? My wife is owned?" Norris asked incredulously.
"Well, he thinks she's a cat, after all! I assure you, she's well taken care of and loved!"
"Well this is just absurd! I want her back! Now!" Norris was losing it.
"Erm, I don't think it will be very easy. You see, non-magic folk aren't allowed into Hogwarts grounds, and I don't think it's a very good to sneak Mrs. Norris out! Filch would be furious!" Slughorn was turning anxious.
"You will find a way and you will do it! I lost my factory because of you! I have nothing left! Nothing! You owe it to me!" Mr. Norris was leaning over Slughorn and shaking a fist in his face.
"Oh! Oh, alright! Ok! Of course Mr. Norris!" Slughorn was white in the face. He really had no courage when intimidated.
"Oh, hello Professor Slughorn," spoke a dreamy voice from behind. Mr. Norris backed off and Slughorn turned around.
"Ah, hello Miss Lovegood!" Slughorn said in a cheery yet nervous voice. "How was your summer?"
"Oh, it was splendid! Father and I went to Denmark to catch some crumple-horned snorkacks. We almost got one, but father's sneeze scared it away." Slughorn feigned a smile.
"Oh really? So, are you all set for school?"
"Actually, Luna will not be going back to school," a deeper yet equally dreamy voice said. Luna's father stepped out from behind her. Mr. Lovegood was a wispy man who wore purple and yellow striped robes. He had pale, scraggly blond hair just like his daughter.
"Oh? Why not?" Slughorn asked.
"Well, after Death Eaters breaking into the school and my little girl having to fight them? I'm not putting her in danger again. I don't want to lose my only family," Mr. Lovegood said in a less-dreamy voice.
"Er, I see. Well, good year then," Slughorn replied, getting up from his seat. The professor and Mr. Norris left the lounge, heading upstairs to their rooms. Slughorn's mind filled with ways he'd be able to get Mrs. Norris out without being caught, and he whimpered at the thought.