Chapter 4 - A Matter of Trust
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When the staircase arrived at the top, Raven approached a large wooden door. Snape stood several feet behind her, waiting and watching. She closed her eyes to compose herself. After she ensured that her emotions were in check, she raised her hand and knocked softly three times.
A muffled voice sounded through the door. "Please come in, Miss Roth, I am expecting you." At this, she pulled the heavy latch and leaned into the door, which swung open just enough to allow her entry. Raven stepped through cautiously. She listened to the door opening as Professor Snape followed her in.
She was inside a huge room full of strange knick knacks and whirring objects. There was a desk near the back of the room in front of an immense stained glass window, and bookshelves lined the circular room. Oddly enough, only one bookshelf was devoted to books, while the rest adorned unique and mysterious, magical bric-a-brac.
The desk, although one of the largest Raven had ever seen, was covered in papers, books, and even more whizzing, buzzing, even spinning items. Candlesticks stood around, and even free-floating candles were everywhere, casting flickering shadows around the already-bright room.
And there stood Dumbledore.
Raven bowed her head in respect to this grand wizard, who had so kindly offered her his assistance and hospitality. "Headmaster Dumbledore," she said as greeting.
The elderly man smiled at her through half-moon glasses that rested on his crooked nose. "Welcome, my dear. And welcome to Hogwarts. I trust you had a pleasant journey here?" He approached her, and Raven raised her head.
"Indeed, sir. Again I thank you for your generosity and understanding in this matter," she answered as he put a bony hand on her shoulder and guided her to a seat in front of his desk.
As the Headmaster returned behind his desk, he held a crystal bowl out to Raven, who was sitting across from him. "Can I offer you a lemon drop?"
She shook her head politely. "Thank you, no. But could you tell me what those creatures were that pulled the carriages here?" Her curiosity was overwhelming, as she had never seen magical animals before. But Raven didn't expect to see the look of sadness that crossed the old wizard's features. She turned to look at Snape, who was still standing in the back of the room. His eyes held expressions of surprise.
"They happen to be thestrals, my dear," Dumbledore stated forlornly. "Only those who have had the misfortune to witness death are able to see them."
Raven ducked her head in shame and embarrassment. "Oh," she said shortly.
They were silent for a moment before the Headmaster changed the subject. "Well, Miss Roth, we have some things to cover before I attend the festivities in the Great Hall. Would you care to lower your hood?"
She hesitated.
"It's necessary so you can be Sorted, my dear."
"I thought I wouldn't be."
"It's handy to know...just in case," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling.
"Severus," Dumbledore said to the lone figure in the background, "would you retrieve the Sorting Hat from my closet? It should be there by now." The professor bowed and left the room. "Miss Roth, I feel it would be beneficial if a few of the staff members are informed about you. Will you trust my judgment?"
She felt a lead weight settle on her chest. Raven squeezed her eyes shut to stamp out the momentary panic. She was a very private person, and it pained her to allow more than trusted confidants to know everything about her. "Yes," she whispered.
Albus Dumbledore smiled softly. "Thank you."
Severus Snape reentered the room, carrying an old, wrinkled wizard hat.
"Now, would you please lower your hood?"
A look of emotional pain crossed her shadowed face, and her eyes were clamped tightly closed. Raven battled internally for control of will. This was an invasion of privacy, and she fought hard not to run. What would they think of her? No. She couldn't do this. Her eyes opened and locked with Dumbledore's, and instinctively she knew. She knew that he could be trusted.
And then slowly, she reached up and pulled her hood down.
