Ch 11

A/N: I would like to start off by saying a great big thank you to everyone who has stuck with me so far. This chapter is going to change everything again. Hope you like it, let me know.

…

Three years later

Victoria sat reading over the letter in her hands for what seemed like the thousandth time. She couldn't decide if she truly wanted to send it or not. It was true that it had always been a dream of her's. She shook her head reading over it again.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I hope this letter finds you well as we have not spoken in some time. I am still working at the Leaky Cauldron, as per your request. I know that you have been busy with Hogwarts business and I do not wish to take up too much of your time.

Although I am happy with my position at the Leaky Cauldron I am in need of a change. I was wondering if you possibly had a position open at Hogwarts. I am hoping for an apprenticeship with your mediwitch. I have always admired that occupation and truly believe that I would benefit from learning the trade.

I will understand if it is not possible at this time or if you wish for me to continue in my employment at the Leaky Cauldron. I do, however, wish for you to consider my request.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Victoria Knight

She wondered if it sounded too stuffy, but thought instead that it sounded professional. Heaving a sigh she got up from her seat and made it down the street to the post office.

As she made her way back to the flat she kept telling herself, 'The worst he can do is say no.' However, the knot in her stomach told her a different story.

…

It was sheer agony waiting for the owl back from Dumbledore. Victoria thought that she was truly going to go out of her mind. She didn't tell Remus about her decision to ask for the job, wanting to keep it to herself until she found out the answer. The only thing she could do was wait.

She had just come home from work that night when the owl arrived. It was a large barn owl with huge lamp-like eyes. She ran to the window tearing the letter out of the owl's beak who gave out a hoot in surprise, almost being pulled inside by her force. Ignoring the owl she ripped the letter open scanning it quickly.

Dear Miss Knight,

I was most pleased to hear from you. All is well here at Hogwarts. It is true that the business of the school is as bustling as ever. I am happy to hear that your employment at the Leaky Cauldron is to your liking. You have done exceedingly well in your post there over the last eleven years.

Although I do believe that you could continue to do well in your work there, I would like to offer you the position that you requested. Our mediwitch Poppy Pomfrey has recently lost her apprentice and is now shorthanded. I am pleased to hear of your affinity towards healing and hope that you will enjoy it as much as you believe.

I hope to hear back from you at your earliest convenience so that we can set up a meeting between you and Poppy before the school year begins on September 1.

Enjoy your summer,

Professor Albus Dumbledore

As she finished reading the letter Victoria let out a scream of exhilaration. Hastily she took out a piece of parchment and scribbled an answer. Handing it to the owl she watched as it left with her answer, saying that she could be there anytime it suited Madam Pomfrey.

She couldn't sit still knowing that what she'd wanted actually happened. Turning to her stereo she pointed her wand at it and a song from the Weird Sisters filled the room. As she was dancing around the flat in celebration she didn't notice as Remus trudged out of his room, looking like he'd just woken up. "Victoria," he yelled over the music, "what are you doing?"

"Remus!" she squealed running over to him and taking his hands, pulling him towards the middle of the floor to dance with her. "I got it! I got it!"

He cringed at a particularly loud note on the stereo and pointed his own wand at it turning it down, "What did you get?"

"I'm going to be working at Hogwarts!" She continued to dance around ignoring the fact that the music was all but gone. "I just got the owl back from Dumbledore. I'm going to be working with Madam Pomfrey! I can't believe it." As she said the last part she threw her arms around him.

Remus was stunned for a moment. He knew he should be happy for his friend, but was upset that she wouldn't be around. He pulled back from her, "Is this really what you want?"

"Are you kidding?! I have wanted to be either a Healer or an Auror ever since I can remember. This is my chance!" She turned the music back up a little.

He sat on the arm of the chair, still not sure what to think about it. "What… uh… what does this mean for the flat?"

"What?" She eyed him curiously.

"Well," he paused looking at the floor, "now that you won't be here are you going to keep the flat?"

She came over to him and took his hands again making him look at her, "Of course I am silly. This isn't only my flat anymore. I would never think of kicking you out like that. Besides I'll need a place to stay over the summer."

"But how…" He started, stopping when he was cut off by her.

"I'll send you some money each month to cover my expenses. It won't be any different than it is now." She answered his question before he had a chance to ask it.

Giving her a weak smile, "I am happy for you Victoria. I will miss you though."

She pulled him into another hug resting her head on his chest, "I'll miss you too. You're the only family I have here."

He chuckled lightly keeping her in his arms, "What am I going to do without my little sister?"

She laughed pulling back slightly to look up at him, "I'm only a week younger than you."

"That still makes you my little sister." He grinned back, showing the Marauder he once was.

Shaking her head she let go of him, "Okay, but just remember you can always come visit me. Anytime you want we can meet in Hogsmeade."

"I know, but it's not going to be the same. I won't have anyone to go book shopping with." He joked leaning back against the chair again.

"Oh enough of that now, this is a celebration! Come on Moony, let's dance!" She turned the music back up again and pulled him up.

…

The letter that Victoria had gotten back from Professor Dumbledore had indicated to arrive at Hogwarts on July 31st to get acquainted with everything before the students arrived the following day. That morning she picked up her trunk, which she'd only managed to finish packing five minutes prior, and headed out of her room. She took her beat up and battered broom out of the closet and put a weightless charm on the trunk before attaching it.

Remus plodded out of his room moments later, "All packed?"

"Yep." She smiled back at him chuckling at the obvious bed-head he had, "Got up early to see me off?"

"I couldn't let you go without saying goodbye." He ran a hand through his hair realizing that it probably looked a mess.

"That's right. I would never forgive you." She joked pulling him into a tight hug.

He laughed, "Right. I'll see you on the first Hogsmeade weekend."

"You know it." She pulled back from him picking up her broom, "Well don't want to be late for the first day."

"You'll be brilliant." He smiled trying to hide how much it hurt to lose his friend.

"Thanks Remus. I'll see you soon." She stepped out of the flat. She knew if she stayed any longer that the tears would start. This was what she wanted, but she hadn't realized how hard it was going to be to leave her friend. As she pushed off the ground she took one last look back. She knew she'd be back there, but it was the end of an era. There was a whole new beginning waiting for her at Hogwarts.

…

When Victoria arrived at Hogwarts it was around 10. She wanted time to get to know not only where she would be working and who she would be working with, but she especially wanted to get a layout of the castle. Seeing it from Hogsmeade and seeing it up close were two completely different things. She had been told to come to the hospital wing, on the first floor, as soon as she got there.

Making her way up to the first floor proved to be more problematic than she'd initially expected. Victoria hadn't figured on the moving staircases and almost wound up going the wrong way. The one thing that Dumbledore's letter failed to tell her was where on the first floor to find the hospital wing. After finding the Charms and History of Magic classrooms by accident she was ready to give up. Finding herself in front of another door she knocked and heard someone from within call her inside.

Upon opening the door Victoria immediately knew that she'd again found the wrong room. The room that she now stood in was decorated in tartan plaid, with a large desk. There was a fireplace on one wall and a window that looked out over the Quidditch pitch. She realized that the person whom had called to her was sitting behind the desk. The woman had on a robe of the same tartan, making her blend into her background. Her square glasses glinted in the light from the window, making it impossible to see her eyes. Her black hair was pulled back into a bun so severely that it looked nearly painful. The woman looked at Victoria suspiciously. "Can I help you?" she asked revealing a Scottish brogue.

"Um… I'm looking for the hospital wing." Victoria answered sheepishly, and then felt she needed to explain. "I'm the new apprentice."

"Ah, I'm sure Poppy will be waiting for you." The older woman said rising. "Follow me." She led Victoria back out of the room and down another corridor.

"I'm Victoria by the way, Victoria Knight." She said following the woman.

"Professor Minerva McGonagall, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss Knight." McGonagall continued walking on.

"Please call me Victoria. What do you teach Professor?" Victoria asked struggling to keep up with the fast pace McGonagall had set.

"I teach Transfiguration." She said stopping in front of a set of double doors. "If there is anything I can do for you, I'll be down the hall. I wish you luck, Victoria."

Victoria smiled, "Thank you Professor."

Victoria watched as McGonagall hurried back down the corridor. There was something about the older woman, she couldn't put her finger on it, but she looked familiar.

Opening the door Victoria was expecting to be bombarded with the scent of disinfectant, but was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't there. Walking through the doors she saw many beds lined up with curtains separating them. On one wall was another door which was open. Not seeing anyone in the room Victoria walked towards the door. Inside she saw a slender woman in burgundy robes standing in front of a shelf covered with various potions. Her graying hair was hidden by a white covering.

Victoria knocked on the door before speaking, "Madam Pomfrey?"

The woman's head shot up as she heard her name. She smiled at the younger woman, "You must be Victoria. Please call me Poppy. It's nice to meet you."

Victoria smiled back, "You as well."

"Did you have any problems finding your way? Professor Dumbledore usually forgets to give directions. He forgets, not everyone knows their way around the castle."

Victoria gave her a sheepish look, "I did get a little lost at first. I accidentally found Professor McGonagall's office and she helped me out."

Poppy smiled, "Well I'm glad Minerva could help you. How about we get started?"

"Sounds great!" Victoria put her trunk and broom down and followed Poppy.

…

Victoria's first day at Hogwarts went by in a blur. It felt like she'd just met Minerva and Poppy and then her day was over. She thought, mistakenly, that she'd have time to get to know the castle a bit before bed, but by the time she was done with Poppy it was already late. Knowing she'd have to be up early, something she wasn't used to since she'd been working late for 11 years now, she chose to head for her room.

It was a small room just to the side of the main hospital room. There was a portrait of a healer, looking a lot like Poppy in a burgundy robe and a white hair covering, in front of her room. After setting up her password, Serendipity, she stepped into the small room. It had ice blue curtains, which matched her robes perfectly, and mismatched furniture. It reminded her of her flat and she smiled at the thought. She got ready for bed and just before climbing into bed, took out the tiny diary from her trunk.

January 1, 1959

I know it was foolish of me to chicken out but I couldn't help it. I know I said I was going to talk to him, but I just can't. What would happen if I suddenly poured my heart out to him and he told me that he didn't feel anything for me? I am still his student and have to see him every day. There's just no way around it. Last night was New Year's Eve, another time for celebration, but I didn't feel like celebrating. They had a party for everyone that had stayed for the holidays down in the Great Hall, but I chose not to go. I was too afraid of running into him there. It's bad enough that I have to see him during meal times; I didn't think I could stand it at the party. Especially at the stroke of 12 when everyone would be kissing and I wouldn't be able to kiss who I wanted. Maybe this year will be my time. Maybe I'll actually get the courage to do something about my situation. That's it this year will be different.

Victoria smiled reading the last few lines. She couldn't agree more, this year will certainly be different.