Falling back in Chaos
Chapter Three
HP belongs to JK Rowling. Italics are quotes from her books. Some new characters created for my use in the story, and may be children of some of Rowling's characters.
Rose stood outside the portrait of the Fat Lady.
After her sorting, Dumbledore had helped her create a story for her use. She was now known as Rose Lewis, an orphan because her parents had tragically died due to bad cases of Dragon Pox. She knew about magic because she had been sent to live with an aunt whom she couldn't stay with for much longer, as her aunt was getting senile in her old age.
Dumbledore had then walked her back to the Hospital Wing, after obtaining what looked to be extremely outdated textbooks for her use. He had also kindly transfigured her robes and muggle clothes to match the styles of the other students'. Rose had almost broken down I relief to find that her trunk had made the trip with her.
A voice broke through Rose's thoughts, and her eyes flew open at its owner.
"Professor Dumbledore asked me to introduce you to the other students. I presume you are Rose Lewis?"
Minerva McGonagall's hair wasn't the chalky grey-white color Rose was used to. What was most different however, were her eyes. Normally, the resilient woman had a hard look in her eyes, laced with a deep sorrow and grief only war could cause. While she still looked just as commanding as before, her eyes had a humorous spirit, and her prideful aura was strong and unwavering. Rose blinked.
"Yes I'm Rose, Miss."
"You may call me Professor McGonagall. Welcome to the Gryffindor House. The password changes every two weeks, and the current one is Felix Felicis. If you can't remember what it is, Bill Weasley is our sixth-year prefect, and is in charge of the passwords this year." McGonagall stated, directing Rose's attention toward The Fat Lady.
Rose felt a pang in her chest at the mention of her Uncle Bill. He wouldn't have a clue who she was, and if she remembered correctly, Uncle Charlie and Uncle Percy would be in Hogwarts also.
"Felix Felicis!" McGonagall commanded. The portrait swung open, and Rose silently followed the austere Professor into the Common Room.
Curious eyes from every angle of the room strained to see Rose. She could feel every inch of her flushing, including the tips of her ears, and cursed her father for passing that particular trait to her.
"Would every please welcome Rose Lewis? She arrived late due to transportation issues, and will join the first years. Try not to… overwhelm her." McGonagall said, eyeing a group of boys by the fireplace, before sweeping out of the room. Rose looked at her feet, willing herself to have the courage to look up, but too afraid that she would see another familiar face.
"Rose Lewis? Hello, I'm Amalia Bronwyn. I'm a first year too."
Rose looked up to see a shock of black hair and a round, friendly face looking at her. She timidly smiled, her nerves very blatant.
A petite girl who looked to be a first year also approached Rose. She had pin-straight brown hair that was cut very short, only just reaching past her ears. As she reached Rose, she hesitantly smiled.
"My name is Linda Peltier."
"Hello Amalia, Linda. I'm Rose. Do you know where the dormitories are? I should probably get settled."
Amalie immediately answered. "It's up those stairs, first door on the right! Would you like us to come along?"
"No!" Rose said quickly, flushing at her obvious impatience. She paused, "Thanks for the help though. See you two in the morning."
Amalia and Linda exchanged glances, then smiled at her, saying their goodnights.
Rose quickly walked to the dormitory, trying to be as small as possible. When she got to the door, she let out a gasp of air, relieved that she had managed to make it so far.
There were five beds forming a U-shape around the room. The one on the very right looked untouched, and Rose raced over to her trunk. Carefully, she started to unpack her clothing, perturbed by some of the older fashions Headmaster Dumbledore had transfigured. As she reached the bottom layer, she stifled a gasp. Her photo book had a note on it. It stated:
Rose,
Please be careful with this. I know you would rather
not burn it, so refer to the book Achievements in Charming.
I am sure you will find it to be rather interesting.
Good luck on your first day,
Albus Dumbledore
Rose dumbly stared at the note, until she grasped the Headmaster's message; she needed to find that book as soon as possible. She took the album and tucked it under her mattress. As she clambered into bed, the events of the day hit her, and she began to sob. Curling into herself, she managed to keep so as not to disturb anyone, and fell asleep with tracks down her face.
She dreamed of her mother.
She dreamed of their history; or what was her future.
The last words her mum said repeatedly flashed through her mind.
" If you need me, you can always come get me."
Mum, I need you. I can't do this alone.
She dreamed of a happier ending.