Wolf Princess Chapter 11
"Well, Numa," said Dumbledore, "would you like to work with Hagrid in Care of Magical Creatures?"
I liked the sound of the name, but I didn't know what its meaning was.
"What exactly is Care of Magical Creatures," I asked, curious and confused.
"Care of Magical Creatures is a course where students get hands on experience and knowledge of creatures living in the Magical World," explained Remus, sensing my confusion.
It now started to make sense to me.
"So, you're saying that because of the experience I have about the creatures living in the forest I'd be a good candidate for it?"
"That is exactly what we're saying," said Dumbledore.
Professor Snape said "Although if you don't think it would be good enough for you then you can still be placed as another Caretaker here at Hogwarts."
There was a slight smirk on his face as he said this to me. He was wearing a mocking expression on his face as if he was daring me to choose the worse of the two choices.
I wasn't going to fall for his game and move into his trap.
Narrowing my eyes, I said "I think I would rather stick with Care of Magical Creatures. My skills would work better in that area. I can handle nearly every creature in he forest."
Confidence flowed from my mouth as I spoke. My gaze completely locked on the Potions Master.
For a few seconds the two of us continued to stare down at each other. Neither of us seemed to want to back down and let the other win over. It came as a surprise to many of the others in the room when their colleague was the one who broke the tense stand off and turned his eyes away from mine sneering. I smiled a little in triumph while the Headmaster and Professors shared shocked looks with each other. Never before had they ever seen Severus Snape back down from a kid before.
This is historic.
Turning back to the subject at hand, I said "So exactly what sort of creatures would I be helping Hagrid out with?"
"That I can't really answer," said Dumbledore. "The classes range differently with the years of students that come here. Hagrid will fill you in and show you his lesson plans for the years."
I looked up at the giant close by. Hagrid smiled and I returned his with one of my own.
"I'll do the best I can," I said.
Everyone there seemed quite satisfied with my words. I could clearly see that on most of their faces. Then something caught my attention as a tiny trill filled the air. I turned towards the sound and was astonished.
There staring at me from a perch by the Headmasters desk was the most breathtakingly beautiful bird I had ever seen in my entire life. It's a crimson bird the size of a swan with a glittering golden tail as long as a peacock's. Also, gleaming golden talons. What really, really caught my attention were its black eyes that were shining with intelligence as they were silently regarding my presence.
I couldn't help myself. I placed my things onto the floor and moved over to the bird. It didn't try to distance itself away as I approached, remaining where it was. Not wanting to take any chances, just in case, I stayed cautious.
As soon as I was near enough I reached out my hand to the birds head. Seeing that I wasn't going to meet any resistance I gently began to stroke the feathers on its lovely neck. The bird shut its eyes, leaning into my touch while letting out a content chirp. A warm smile grew on my face as I was stroking the bird's feathers. I didn't know why, but it had kind of a soothing aura about it.
Someone cleared their throat, getting my focus back. Remembering where I was is ceased petting the bird's neck and looked back the my company.
The Headmaster and Professors were wearing amused expressions on their faces. Well I couldn't really tell with Snape. His face was entirely blank.
Shrugging, I said "Sorry. Couldn't really help myself. This is a magnificent bird. What breed is he?"
"Fawkes is a Phoenix, Numa," said Dumbledore. One of the rarest creatures in the Magical World. They burst into flames when it is time for them to die and are then reborn from the ashes. Their tears carry special healing powers that can cure any injury or sickness."
That was an interesting new piece of information. A Phoenix, I have never heard of this kind of species before. By the appearance of things it seemed that there was a lot of creatures that I hadn't seen or been acquainted with yet. Fawkes? The name suited the Phoenix perfectly fine.
"Will a Phoenix be one of the creatures I'll be helping out with," I asked.
"no," said Hagrid, shaking his head. "There will be plenty of others that I'll be needing your help with."
"All right, I an work with that," I agreed.
Clapping his hands in finality, Dumbledore said "Then it's settled. All that's left to do is to prepare."
"If it's all right I'd like to have a look around the grounds. I'd like to familiarize myself with this new territory," I said.
"I do not object with that," said Dumbledore, nodding. "You'll need a guide for the time being. We wouldn't want you to lose your way here." He then looked to his Professors. "Any volunteers?"
There was a bit of a silence around the room as they were all thinking about which one of them would step forward.
Remus is the one to speak of.
"I'll give her the tour," he said, " I just need to refresh myself and change into some different clothes. My lesson plans for the year have already been finished so I don't have anything else to do."
"Then it is a good arrangement. That is unless someone else wishes to do it," said Dumbledore, looking questioningly at his teachers as he had said this giving them a change to do so.
No one else stepped forward to take the position and it was settled that Remus would be my escort around the castle.
Dumbledore gestured toward the door signal that we were dismissed. With Dumbledore's permission Remus and I then headed for the door.
Remus reached the door first and politely held it open so that I could go through first. I was about halfway there when a thought came to mind. I stopped where I stood.
I slowly turned to look back at the Headmaster.
Raising a brow, Dumbledore said "You wish to speak of something else?"
"Well…," I said, hesitant, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot, "I was wondering if there was a way for me to find out who my…human parents are?"
Authors Note:
Heads up guys! We've got trouble. I received this alert from another fellow author.
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