Things left unsaid

Layla had been reading when she heard the long awaited owl knocking on her window. It was a gray feathered little one, and it lifted up its leg towards her so she would unwrap the letter attached to it and let it fly back. So she carefully pulled the letter and let the owl fly back out from where it came from. When she directed her attention back to the letter, she noticed that it was sealed by Albus Dumbledore’s seal. This made her stand up in a mix of shock and excitement.
So she tore the letter open, and it read

Dear miss Layla,

I have received your request for a position in the staff of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As a previous student of this school, I am much delighted to hear this news from you, and I would love to meet you to discuss further details of your appointment as a teacher as soon as this school year starts. Meet me at the three broomsticks in 6 days.

Yours most sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.

Layla squealed and screamed while she reread the letter again and again, her dream of becoming a potions professor in Hogwarts is about to become true after all! She was running around in circles while holding the letter above her head until she fell back first onto her bed. She lay there, thinking about how lucky she is to have actually gotten this opportunity. She, however, became a little anxious. The last time she was in Hogwarts was when she was 15 before she left to continue her studies in Beauxbaton Academy of Magic. And with her abrupt leave, she left a few things unresolved involving a certain black haired boy. She knows now that she’s 22 and can easily get news about Hogwarts from wizarding circles, that Severus Snape has started teaching a year prior. She never asked what position he was in, he had always had a deep, mesmerizing infatuation with the dark arts ever since they were first years in hogwarts. So obviously the defense against the dark arts position would’ve gone to him.

She was also nervous about how he’s feeling about her. Layla wouldn’t be surprised at all if Snape preferred not to associate with her again. Although it does hurt to admit that the closest person to her at the time would probably want nothing to do with her now. As much as Layla would love to dwell on the past, it wouldn’t change anything. So she dropped the letter and marked the day 6 days from today on the calendar hanging on the door, and went back to her book.

On the day of her meeting with Dumbledore, Layla got ready quickly, making sure she’s dressed maturely so as to not leave behind any traces of the student she once was. Although she didn’t think that it made a difference to Dumbledore, she’s probably still a kid in his eyes since he’s so old. Layla took a careful look at herself in the mirror and adjusted her long wavy brown hair in the mirror before she aparated.

When she arrived at the Hogsmeade, she was attacked with a strong punch of nostalgia that made her stand in her place for a few minutes before being pushed by a passerby that alerted her to how busy the town was and why she was here in the first place.

She whispered to herself, “right, to the three broomsticks”. Before she made her way towards it. And the moment she got in, she immediately pinpointed professor Dumbledore and a rush of excitement and joy burst through her. She yelled,
“Oh my god professor Dumbledore! How have you been doing?! It's been so long! Oh how wonderful it is to see you again”

“Oh, welcome my dear. Please have a seat, I can’t have you forget to sit through our meeting because of how excited you are. Oh and I am doing very fine myself, it is you that I’ve been wondering about? How have you been these past years Layla? Not a single visit or word from you at all in these past 7 years. I must say, I did not expect that from you at all.”

Layla flushed profusely and took a seat at Dumbledore’s accusing words, she looked at the table and responded, “I’ve been alright professor, thank you for asking. Sorry if I worried you with no appearance for such a long time, but you know with my family issues, and then moving away from home as soon as I’ve become of age.. and job hunting to get experience.. The mix of all that made me quite busy as it is. But I also think it ought to be that way, for if I had reached out earlier, I wouldn’t have endured it and would’ve gone back to Hogwarts immediately. With nothing to my name, and as clueless as a goldfish. But now.. I’m a little well known if I say so myself! I’ve helped many, and worked for many with my potions. And I’ve mostly heard great stuff so I’m thankful for where I am.”

“I see I see”, mumbled Dumbledore, “I’m very proud about where you are and what you’ve become today. But I must say, did you not think that you would have had the support and opportunities to achieve just as much as what you’ve already done had you come back to Hogwarts? I’m not saying this to make you feel bad, I’m just saying it to emphasize that all students of Hogwarts are welcome to it at any time, and would receive any amount of support they wish.”

At that, Layla’s heart filled with a warmth she hasn’t felt in a long while. “Yes professor, I had no doubt that if I came back to Hogwarts I would’ve received the care and support that I needed to become a very accomplished witch. However, I was not sure it was the right path to take, and I don’t think I was ready to be back yet. I think the path I chose roughened me in the right way.”

Dumbledore smiled acknowledging her, “Indeed you grew into a wonderful witch, and I see much more room for growth. Now, shall we discuss your new position at Hogwarts dear?”

“Yes! Of course!”, said Layla. Dumbledore flicked his fingers, and two glasses of butterbeer appeared on the table. Layla took hers and started sipping while Dumbledore talked, “So I dare say this will suit you well, ever since the vacancy of the position of care of magical creatures teacher, I’ve been looking carefully for a person to fill that up. Low and behold, Layla reaches out to me! What a lucky man I must be to solve this issue so quickly. The usual syllabus will be sent to you a week before school begins, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. I trust you will conduct very well taught classes.”

“Wait, wait wait wait wait wait, professor did you just say care of magical creatures position? But, but I thought.. I was under the impression I was being offered the potions teacher position! You know very well it’s my speciality after all”, Layla looked very dejected, and the smile fell off her face.

“Oh yes yes of course I do. However, we do not have a vacancy for the potions position, but the care of magical creatures one, you see! But don’t worry, I think you will do just as well in it”, Dumbledore caressed his beard while looking reassuringly at Layla. “Or is it that you don’t want it since it wasn’t the potions position? Obviously I’d understand that, I will however start my search once again. So, what is it?”

“Of course I still want it!” Looked Layla desperately at him, “I was just under the impression that it’d be potions, but I guess it’s alright if I can eventually become a potions teacher.. Do you mind me asking who’s in that position now?”

“Oh very well then it’s settled! We’ve got our new care of magical creatures professor. That is something out of the way.”, Dumbledore smiled gingerly, “As for your second question, but of course it’s professor Snape. Well now that I’ve answered your questions, I must leave to attend urgent business” bowed Dumbledore lightly.

Layla looked dumbfounded, “Wait a moment, SNAPE? How did that even…”, but Dumbledore was already gone by the time she finished her sentence.