Chapter 17: Training

Alex and Harper were now walking out of their Herbology class late in the afternoon. They learned about Mandrakes, much to Harper's excitement. She really was enjoying the lesson as she volunteered to pull the mandrake off its pot. Three pot in a row to be precise. Alex, on the hand, stood by her and watched. As usual, she decided not to do the 'dirty' work. Even though it's related to magic, she doesn't want to.

Due to the extraordinary interest on the mandrake courtesy of Harper, Professor Sprout awarded Gryffindor with thirty points. "That was brilliant Harper, I never I would ever meet someone who have quite an interest on Herbology other than Neville," Hermione keep up to Harper and Alex as the class dismissed.

"Well, thank you, Hermione," Harper replied, smiling widely. "You know, I use plants not only for foods and medicines. I also use them as decorations! Want to see my new collection of corks earrings?"

"Um…" Hermione slight smiled. She slowly stepped away and said, "Maybe some other time then. See you two later!" She walked off, fast.

"She sure want to get somewhere fast," Alex suspiciously said. "What you think she's going to?"

"Oh, Alex, if you really read the book, you will know about the "friendship" going on between her and the Bulgarian Bon bon…" Harper explained.

"Bulgarian Bon what?"

Harper sighed. "You know the guy from Durmstrang? The one who walked by Randy when they got here?"

Alex shrugged. "Is that important?"

Harper replied, "Course it's important."

Alex shrugged again. Then a student, maybe from the first year batch, came running towards them. "Alex Russo?"

"Yes." Alex replied. The first year student was catching his breath before he say more. Taking out a piece of note, he handed it to Alex and added, "Prof. Dumbeldore wishes to see you."

"Alex what did you do?" Harper alarmingly spat out. She looked at her friend suspiciously, thinking that Alex had done something wrong. Well, don't blame Harper. Do you actually believe that Alex would never do anything evil? That's a laughing matter. Before Alex could answer her friend, she told the first year to walk away.

"Harper, why is it that everything that way beyond the ordinary would be because of me?" Alex let out. "Beside he's not only calling me, you're in for the fun too." In the piece of notes, it was written; Alex and Harper please meet me in my office immediately. There's a matter we need to discuss.

"Professor Dumbeldore want to see me too? Why? I didn't do anything horrible. " Harper gasped. "This got to be a mistake, no, you framed me in! I knew it!"

"Just go, Harper, come on we don't have time." Alex stated. She grabbed Harper by the arm and they both marched across the yard to the castle entrance. Moments later, they were now walking the stoned hallway where Dumbeldore's office was. Looks like that Harper and Alex weren't the only one who got called. Justin and Max were also there standing by the huge eagle statue. "Okay, why are you here?"

"Dumbeldore called us… how about you?" Justin replied.

"Dumbeldore called us too." Harper spoke out.

"What you think he wants from us?" Alex asked. Justin shrugged. The stone statue began to turned creating an earth-shaking-like sound and then at the spot as the statue move up a spiral stair appeared from underneath.

"Cool!" Max let out, amazed by what he witnessed. Immediately, he went up the spiral steps followed by Harper, who also seemed amazed. Soon after, Alex and Justin followed shortly. "Guys! Come on, this way!" Max hollered. The others followed him into a room. It was Dumbeldore's office. It was filled with portraits stuck to the wall. Up the small steps, there was a huge bulky desk and a throne-like chair. There was even a stairs which lead up to another floor just above the desk.

"Alas! You all here!"

Dumbeldore descended from the stairs and greeted them. "I thought you all got lost finding my office. Licorice snaps?"

"Um, Professor, why do you want to meet us?" Justin asked while Max helped himself to the bowlful of black licorice. "Is there something wrong? And if there are, I apologize, Alex can be a menace at times sir."

"Justin!" Alex called out her brother, startled by his sudden accusation.

"Come on, like you would be an angel at these times…" Justin said, giving her a serious look. Alex squint her eyes and shook her head.

"Now, now, children, patience now!" Dumbelodre lightly rose up his hand. "No needs to make a fuss here, you all are not in any trouble at all. I want to check how you all adapt to Hogwarts. And from how I see and hear, you all perfectly fitted in just well."

"Then why do you need us sir?" Alex asked. Dumbeldore peered through his half-moon spectacles and beamed. "I would like to begin your training so you will be able to get back home. Aren't that what we're here for?"

They nodded.

"Let's begin!" Dumbeldore beamed. "Wands out now!"