While many portraits considered their existence to be a boring one, Albus Dumbledore knew that this was not so in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the past…oh, he'd long stopped counting…years, Albus had seen any number of faces, familiar and otherwise, come through those doors. There always seemed to be professors and students who needed discipline or encouragement.
There were quiet times, of course, when the numerous former headmasters snoozed or chatted amongst themselves. This day, however, was not a quiet one. A hum of excitement filled the room, and all the portraits buzzed with speculation over what the next Hogwarts Headmaster would bring to the position.
Some scoffed at the youthfulness of the new man…he was only in his 60s, for Merlin's sake! Others wondered aloud if it was wise to have a Slytherin as Hogwarts head. (A sallow-faced, hook nosed man gave a derisive snort at that opinion.) And still more wondered if it was best to introduce a new headmaster during the winter holidays. (The most recent head's untimely death had left the position filled by the capable deputy headmistress during most of the school's first term. The board, however, had been so excited that its chosen candidate had agreed to the position that they wished him to start as soon as possible.)
Albus took no part in this discussion. He simply waited serenely in his portrait to welcome the new headmaster. When the door creaked slowly open, he knew he wouldn't have to wait much longer.
The wizard walked tentatively in the room…where he was met by a standing ovation from all, or at least most, of the previous headmasters. Albus noted with pleasure that a glint of pride and maybe even a hint of embarrassment filled the bright green eyes of the man who came further into the room and spoke a few quiet words of gratitude.
With a single wave of his wand, the new headmaster filled the room with light and a good number of personal touches. Dumbeldore approved of the décor, and he didn't stop his own smile as he noted the numerous framed family photos that now graced the sturdy desk in the center of the room.
He then dared a curious look into a neighboring portrait. He could have sworn he saw a smile on the face of the greasy haired man who was staring out at a well used, but properly cared for potions supply.
'Time does indeed change things,' Albus thought.
Clearing his throat, he spoke aloud for the first time. "Welcome, Headmaster Potter. We are very pleased and humbled to have you here."
Albus Severus Potter nodded reverently to the wizard and then turned towards another familiar portrait. Again he bowed his head in deference, and he was almost surprised when the man returned the courtesy.
This time, Dumbledore was sure he'd seen smiles on both wizards' faces. With a satisfied sigh, he lowered himself into the overstuffed chair that had been so conveniently painted at his side. He would rest now. Hogwarts was in good hands.
All was well.
Author's LAST note: Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed. I still own nothing but the mistakes. Let me know what you think!