Disclaimer:
Harry Potter and its world belong to J. K. Rowling. I only own the original characters I made.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
"Don't forget to pack my treats."
Robert Crow was slowly adding his newly bought clothing into his briefcase. With a heavy paycheck from harvesting the Pixies he was able to afford a couple of new things. Taking advantage of the weekend he went on a small buying spree to spruce up his wardrobe.
"Worst case scenario you'll just come back here." The teen ignored its hooting. "And I believe the castle takes good care of the owls nesting there."
Yesterday, Zephyr came back from Hogwarts with a note, informing Robert that the staff will be returning on Monday, the 4th of August. The meeting was set at 10 in the morning.
"What do you know about peanuts?" The owl clicked with its beak.
"Only that the peanut gallery should mind its own business." The blond stuck his tongue out.
"Robert, Hagrid is here" Rosemerta's voice echoed in the hallway.
"Hagrid's rather early." The clock on Robert's phone showed 8:50.
"Maybe he came for a Butterbeer."
"Or something stronger." The pair chuckled.
They've got acquainted with the half-giant last Saturday. After getting rid of the Pixies the townsfolk decided to spend their unexpected surplus of money by throwing a party. The inn was so full that the innkeeper had to bring a couple of tables outside. Hagrid being the darling he is, helped with the preparations.
"Thank God for hangover potions. That moonshine was nasty." The gatekeeper brought along with him a barrel of his finest brews.
"You almost dropped dead after three shots." Zephyr snickered at Robert's blush.
"He must've laced it with something." The teen tried to save his face.
"With wishes and dreams." The owl cooed in laughter.
With a thud Robert shut the briefcase. "At least I didn't fall into a vat of goulash."
"We don't talk about it." Zephyr said with a straight face.
"Hmph. Are you coming with me?"
"And miss a free ride? Never."
With one last look at the room the pair headed downstairs. Rosemerta was waiting for them along with Hagrid, who was downing his second Butterbeer.
"It's never too early to start?" The teen looked at the innkeeper with a raised brow.
"He can take it." She shrugged. "To him its just flavored water.
"Hello, Robert. Ya ready?" The half-giant bellowed.
"Easy on they'll ears big boy." Zephyr hooted.
"And what's his problem?" Hagrid asked.
"He's praising you for having an angelic voice."
"I do?" The man's face blushed. "Maybe Flitwick will allow me in da choir after all." Finishing his fifth bottle the half-giant left the inn.
"See what you've done?" Zephyr send an accusatory glare towards the teen.
"Stop being a drama owl." Robert walked towards the innkeeper. "It seems this is it, Madam."
"Oh? So now we're strangers?" Rosemerta sniffled and took out a handkerchief.
Baffled by her actions, Robert didn't know what to say. Before he thawed out of his stupor the innkeeper hugged the youth.
"Look after yourself, okay?" She patted the teen's head with care and affection. "And don't forget to write sometimes."
Robert Crow leaned into the embrace, holding back his tears. Although he spent less than a month here, the women before him slipped deeply into his heart. She became the pillar of support he strongly needed after coming into this world.
"Thank you for everything, Rosie." He grinned seeing her blush.
"That's Rosemerta to you, prat." With one last squeeze she let him go.
"Its not as if I won't be visiting you during the summer break."
"Ha, knowing your bookish tendencies, you'll forget about the world in a moment's notice."
"That's not entirely true." He scoffed. "I'll definitely find time for your food." Dodging her swat, Robert ran out the inn with a smile on face.
The teen stopped and gave a scrutinizing stare at the wooden cartload before him. It was riddled with rot and rust.
"How is this even possible, Hagrid?" Robert would rather go on foot than risk riding on this piece of junk.
The half-giant was sitting at the front of the cartload. "It's good wood."
"That's hard to believe Hagrid." The teen grabbed the nearby plank and tried to shake it.
"What did I tell ya?" The man chuckled as the teen couldn't move the piece of wood from its place.
Reluctantly Robert Crow crawled onto the wooden floor. He sat down behind Hagrid on a small bench, and put his briefcase under it.
"What's going to pull us Hagrid?" He didn't see anything before the cart.
"My good friends, the thestrals." The cart moved forward.
"No wonder I couldn't see them."
"Did ya read about them somewhere?" The man asked.
"Something like that." Robert watched as The Three Broomsticks were becoming smaller with every second of the journey. He saw Rosemerta standing before the inn, waving towards them.
"Sad?" Zephyr asked while sitting on the teens shoulder.
Robert shook his head. "It's just another part of our journey." He smiled. "And it's reassuring to know," a tear glided down his youthful face, "that I have a place to come back."
"So this is Hogwarts."
The lofty towers and main body of the structure loomed over the arriving group.
"Quite the sight, isn't she?" Hagrid steered the cart next to the stairs.
"It's even more majestic in person." The youth's eyes greedily ate the view. Trying to catch as much details as he could.
"Easy with the staring." Zephyr almost fell off the teen's shoulder. "It's going to be your home for the foreseeable future."
The cart stopped next to the main gate of the castle. Robert jumped off and stretched. His muscles and bones felt sore after the bumpy uphill ride.
"The meeting is in the Great Hall." Hagrid walked up the stairs and with a heavy shove, pushed the dark brown ornated doors aside.
Jittery from the unknown, Robert Crow made his way into the inner ward of the castle. Standing next to the entrance with menacing weaponry were suits of armor. However the most eye catching piece of the ward was the huge crystal chandelier hanging above on the high ceiling.
Following behind the half-giant, Robert watched as the paintings, full with life chattered and centered their attention on him.
"Is that the new hire, Mr. Hagrid?" A brown haired witch accosted the gatekeeper from her frame.
"He sure is Ms. Costigan." The man patted the teen, almost making him fumble.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Costigan." The blond bowed. "My name is Robert Crow."
"Finally someone charming." Her friends giggled making the youth a little embarrassed.
Continuing with their mini tour of the castle Robert saw the room with the hourglasses with gems corresponding to the main house colors.
"A bit sad I won't take part in this." The numbers were set to zero; they're waiting for the first brilliant stars of the year, ready to burst with knowledge.
"You can always take them from naughty children." Zephyr snickered seeing his partner's mischievous grin.
"And this is the Great Hall." Hagrid ushered the teen inside.
The enchanted high ceiling reflected the summer aura from outside. An occasional bird cut through the constant moving landscape of clouds. Robert enamored by this sight was suddenly awakened from his awe by a cough.
"It's inappropriate for a future staff member to stand and gawk. Especially if he's blocking the way." A melodious and seductive voice reached Robert's ears.
"I'm terribly sorry." He apologized. "I haven't introduced myself, I'm Robert Crow. A pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Crow." The brown skin witch winked. "Aurora Sinistra, Astronomy professor at your service."
"How was your trip Sinistra?" Hagrid broke the silence between the both.
"The converging of stars was a sight to die for." She replied wistfully. "A pity I had to come back so soon." A pout decorated her face.
"At least you didn't bewitch as many poor souls as last year." A dark brown haired witch with fair skin interjected. "I'm Bathsheda Babbling by the way. Runes professor at Hogwarts."
"Robert Crow, a pleasure." He shook her hand.
"Since we've been introduced let's head to the table." Bathsheda remarked. "The meeting will follow shortly.
"Oh come on Babbles." Aurora put here hand over the smaller witches shoulder. "You should relax a bit."
"I happen to like my job." The younger witch pinched her dark skinned friend resulting in her letting out a yelp.
"Why do you have to be so cruel?" She said with mock tears. "I remember how you used to follow me in Hogsmeade, like a little duckling."
"Because you weren't doing your job as a prefect." She groaned.
Robert quietly watched the playful banter from the side, not wanting to intrude on their moment. At the end of the hall the staff's table stood on a platform, making it easier for the professors to see what's going on in the Great Hall during meals. Some of the teachers were already present at the table. On the right end sat a wizard of short stature holding a conversation with a plump middle-aged witch with dimples.
"How was the debiut duel circuit at Dresden, Filius?"
"Wonderful, Pomona." The wizard replied with an upbeat tone. "New trends started showing up on the continent."
"Oh? So a couple of adepts caught your eye?" She asked.
"Alas, they've already chosen Durmstrang's instructors." The man said with pity.
"Maybe next year you'll find a willful apprentice." The woman tired to cheer her friend.
"I'm afraid that the ship has sailed already." He shook his head. "And what about your summer retreat?"
"Tuscany was beautiful, but their wine even more so." A faint blush embellished her face. "I had to buy plenty."
"Hopefully you'll share a cup." The wizard chuckled.
Robert Crow approached the talking duo. "Good morning, professors." He nodded respectfully. "Robert Crow, the new hire and first year student."
"Good morning, dear." The witch beamed. "I'm Pomona Sprout, professor of Herbology."
"Filius Flitwick, Charms professor." The short wizard clapped. "Albus informed us about your circumstances."
The teen sat down next to Mrs. Sprout. "The headmaster did say it's highly unusual for someone to enroll at my age." He chuckled. "I don't even remember having done accidental magic in the past."
"I'm more impressed by how you evaded the Quill of Acceptance for so long." The half-goblin wizard squeaked in joy.
"Is this the rise of a new trouble maker in Hogwarts?" Sinistra sat next to the teen. "We wouldn't want that, do you agree?"
Robert gulped hearing her flirting tone. "I won't have time for shenanigans, probably." He murmured the last part under his nose.
"The headmaster is here so you can stop teasing the new guy." Babbling was tired by her friend's proclivity for fun.
Speaking of the headmaster, he was approaching the staff table with two people behind him. A stern witch was accompanying him from the right. She wore dark green robes and had delicate silver glasses sitting gracefully on her face. In stark contrast on Dumbledore's left was a man with bellowing dark robes and a sneer under his eyes.
"Good morning everyone." Dumbledore greeted with his signature grandfather smile. "It seems we're missing a few."
"Trelawney called in sick, headmaster." Charity Burbage the Muggle Studies professor gave him a note. "She sent it last week."
"Another one of her prophecies I presume." McGonagall's eyebrows narrowed as the ginger haired witch nervously chuckled.
"No matter," Dumbledore defused the situation, "She'll be given a note about today's proceedings."
With everyone's understanding the meeting started.
"Firstly, I'd like to formally introduce our new colleague, Mr. Crow." The headmaster said.
Robert Crow stood up and bowed. "It's a pleasure to be here."
After a short explanation of Robert's duties as an aide the true part of the meeting commenced. Dumbledore informed of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher - Quirines Quirrel. The man was absent as he had former arrangements to attend to. After making a rough timetable of events for the year, the meeting was adjourned.
Robert was woken from his dozing off by McGonagall's voice. "Mr. Crow, if I could have you back with us for a moment."
He blushed as the nearby professors chuckled at his predicament. Not even a day here and he's already caught the vice headmistress ire.
"Of course professor. How can I be of service?" He couldn't help but flinch witnessing her slightly peeved expression.
"I'm going to show you your accommodations, Mr. Crow." A small smirk flashed on her lips.
Robert followed the witch towards the grand staircase. It was a sight to behold; ever moving in their own rhythm segments of stairs flying all over the place. With trepidation the teen watched as the block rushed towards the forth floor with him and the professor.
"It's impropor for the staff members to cower because of some stairs, Mr. Crow." Robert thought she was having too much fun with this.
Eventually the pair found themselves standing before a portrait of a rather lovely young woman, Lady Joyce. With introductions out of the way and learning the password being Liverbatter, Robert entered the room. It wasn't anything special at first glance. The walls painted in light beige, a personal small bathroom. But the most important part for the teen was the queen sized bed tempting him to use it. With a jump he submerged into the hands of velvet. The softness of the mattress beckoned him into Morpheus's embrace.
"Feed me, you scoundrel." Robert groaned hearing the familiar teasing.
"Stop acting like a maiden in distress." He sighed. "It feels so disgusting when you do it."
"You're just jealous of my talent." He said while throwing a peanut into its beak. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Like what... shit." Robert quickly got off the bed. "I'm supposed to see Filch."
"He's supposedly waiting for you at the entrance hall." Zephyr snickered as the teen ran out.
Taking his last step Robert could finally let out his breath. The ground floor never felt so good before. His moments of bliss were interrupted by a scoff.
"If you're finished then we can move on." Argus Filch walked pass the teen with a scowl on his face.
Trailing quietly from behind, Robert entered the man's office. It was a small, simple room with a single oil lamp hanging from the ceiling. It smelled vaguely of fried fish. Filing cabinets were lined up against the walls. One of those cabinets caught Robert's eye; it was marked "Confiscated and Highly Dangerous".
'Jackpot'. He thought to himself in glee.
"What are you gawking at, sit down." Argus's rough voice echoed in the room.
Finding a chair next to a wall of chains, Robert reluctantly took it and sat before the desk. Hissing noises made the teen look down. Dust-colored fur and yellow lamp-like eyes greeted him.
"There you are my lovely, Mrs. Norris." Yellowed teeth showed from behind the caretaker's smile.
After the small interlude the duo got down to business. Filch walked through the main points of patrolling the castle.
"I wished they got rid of that wrench." The caretaker cursed Peeves the poltergeist.
"Don't say that Filchy dear." A high-pitched voice spread throughout the room.
"And what does he want now?" Argus angrily walked out of his office.
Robert waited for a couple of minutes, but the man still didn't return. Seeing this as his chance, he quickly made his way towards the cabinets.
"Let's see if you're still here." He opened the first drawer of the marked cabinet.
After shuffling through half the of the content he finally found an inconspicuous piece of blank parchment. Without any hesitation he shoved it into his pocket.
"And what are you doing, Mr. Crow?"
Robert almost jumped, thinking he was caught red handed.
"Just going through the cabinets like Filch asked, professor." He turned around and saw Snape casting a scrutinizing gaze towards him.
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence Snape asked. "Where is the caretaker?"
"I think he went after Peeves, sir." Robert sighed as the man didn't question him further and left.
The teen leaned against the wall, his heart still pounding like crazy in his chest. "That was too close for comfort."