Jack shook hands with the professors as he found a seat. Everything was moving so fast that he didn't really have time to take it all in, and it was a lot. The female professor offered her hand as he approached the table.

"I'm Professor Parkinson," she said as Jack took her hand. "I am the Charms professor here at Hogwarts. Welcome."

"Thank you," Jack said. "I must admit that I am a little overwhelmed, I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologize," the professor said. "The headmaster told us that you crashed in the forest. Are you sure you are alright?" she paused as she looked him up and down. "You look fine to me," she said with a smile.

Jack blushed. He'd taken pains to stay away from women since his wife passed and now out of nowhere, he was sitting next to a stunning woman at a school for magic. "I'm fine, but this could all be a dream. I'm having dinner in a magical school, next to a beautiful woman, after crashing in a forest and being escorted out by a mysterious man on horseback."

The professor suppressed a laugh. "That was no man on horseback, that was a centaur," she said. "The Forbidden Forest is a dangerous place. Be glad that there is no full moon tonight, or you would have to deal with werewolves. Trust me, you don't want to go in there."

Jack paused. "You're serious?" he asked. "There are monsters in a forest a short walk from school? Is that wise?"

She smiled. "The idea of magical creatures doesn't concern you, but children in danger does?"

"I think I'm numb from this whole thing to be honest," Jack said. "But I don't want to bore you with my stories, please tell me about this place, Professor."

"I'm not your instructor, Jack. You can call me Pansy. Professor is so formal, don't you think?" Pansy had a way of seemingly never breaking eye contact when she spoke.

"Thank you, Pansy," Jack said. "What are we having for dinner?" Jack asked as he surveyed his plate. It was a different set up from the kids. There was a formal place setting and the food was already on his plate, piping hot.

"I think tonight is filet of sole and some vegetables," she said off-handedly. It looked like she had picked over her food. "I'm sorry, I'm a little out of sorts this evening and not very hungry. What would you like to drink this evening a glass of wine, or something stronger?"

"What do they have?" Jack asked.

"Everything," Pansy answered. "Whatever you want will appear in your goblet as soon as you desire it. That's how it works."

Jack looked at his goblet, and instantly it was filled and topped with foam. He tasted it and sure enough, Old Speckled Hen. His favorite. "This is amazing," he said as he put down his drink and cut into the fish.

"I supposed so, if it is new to you. I've been doing the same thing for quite some time and I'm a little bored by it all to be honest. I suspect that is why Neville sat you next to me, a change of pace if you will," she said.

Jack noticed that she did seem a little sad, or something. He couldn't put his finger on it. It was nice to focus on her, rather than all the crazy magic, it helped it all from becoming overwhelming. It looked like Sam was having a grand time at the table with the other children. It had been an adrenaline rush since he was in the plane, and now he was finally starting to settle. "What's got you down?" Jack asked since she didn't seem like telling him all about magical history and what this building was.

"Workplace drama," she said simply. "I guess you could say that I'm not friends with any of the other professors."

"Why not?"

"Long story. I was on the wrong side of some big events that happened years ago. My family lost everything, and there was nothing I could do other than teach here. I'm stuck," she said.

"You're magic right?" Jack asked. "Can't you do anything you want?"

Pansy laughed and it made Jack smile in return. She was so pretty when she smiled, he thought.

"If it only worked that way, Jack." Pansy said. "I have no family, no friends and nowhere to go. I'm an outcast and there are few options for us in the wizarding community."

"Pansy, Sam and I would welcome you to our home anytime," Jack said.

"You are a dear," Pansy said as she put her hand on top of his.

Neville smiled as he took a bite of asparagus.