Chapter 2
“...burns and bruises all over…. what to make of it..”
“...wake… We can… her then,”
Upon opening eyes, Cassandra noted a privacy screen, and two silhouettes speaking in hushed tones. Probably talking about me…
Shaking the sleep away, she leaned on her elbows and sat up. The movement must have alerted the two, since they immediately rushed to her. A woman with brown hair, tied tightly into a bun, dressed in white robes with red lining, dressed very similar to the school nurse Bailey. She got to work, casting all sorts of diagnostic charms around her, all the while muttering under her nose.
The other was a strict looking woman, thin lips and plaid robes, hands crossed across her chest. She was waiting, maybe for Cassandra to say something, or for the nurse to finish. Hopefully the latter, since she was in no mood to strike a conversation.
A flash of memory, the Black boy telling her that headmaster Black died, and it was apparently 1977, and was his great-great-grand descendant….
Could it be true?
There has been so much evidence, the cave looking peaceful and reclaimed by nature, the small differences in the Common Room, no professor Sharp, or nurse Bailey…
No Natti, Poppy, Garreth, Amit…
No Sebastian and Ominis.
A sob escaped, and suddenly her vision blurred, hot tears on her cheeks. Her hands wrapped around her middle, as if to protect herself, lest she explodes from the emotions.
“Please…” she begged, no one.
The two women exchanged looks. Nurse shrugged, as if to say There is no medical reason for her to react this way
We haven´t even said anything!
I am not dealing with hysterics, you know that.
Taking a deep breath, the woman motions for the nurse to leave, and brings a chair closer to the hospital bed. “I know this is a very difficult and stressful situation for you, but you need to calm down. I cannot help, if I don't know what is wrong. Let it out, I will wait.”
And she does, a calming hand on Cassandra´s shoulder, and the only sign of her impatience is tightening of her lips.
After a few minutes, as she is too tired to cry, she lifts her eyes.
“Forgive me, that was undignified. I am not usually like this.”
“You are not my first crying student, I am sure not my last. Are you ready to have a conversation?”, continuing after seeing her nod,”Good.”
“Let us begin with introductions. I am Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, and a Head of Gryffindor house.” she motioned for Cassandra to continue.
“Cassandra Drake, a student of Hogwarts. I’ve started school in my fifth year, due to my magic manifesting late. On September first, 1890, I was sorted to Slytherin. My head of house is professor Sharp, and the one most responsible for catching me up on my studies is deputy headmistress Weasley. Before school it was professor Fig, who.. who taught me the basics.”
Looking at professor McGonagall she bit her lip, searching for any hint as to what she was thinking. It would do her no good, to ramble on and reveal everything. She would probably think her mad!
Professor McGonagall, meanwhile, looked at her with a slight frown. It has been many years now, but the name did ring a bell. Not the one of the student in front of her, but of Professor Sharp. Goodness, she hardly ever thought back to her professors in her first year, but she vaguely remembered the excitement when she found out a former Auror was teaching her potions. He left to retire after that year, but he could have been named similarly.
Poppy dismissed a head injury, but this girl was saying she started school almost a century ago.
“You don't believe me, do you?” Cassandra exhaled quietly.
McGonagall pursed her lips, formulating an answer that would not upset the girl.
“I believe that you believe what you are saying. However, I have never heard of magic that would… allow… what your story implies. You already know the date, from Mr Black told us, and it is very different from the date in your story. Can you explain, how you think that happened?”
A series of expressions quickly passed on Cassandra’s face, settling on unease. She could hardly explain ancient magic to this professor, no matter how patient she was. Even now, she didn’t want to betray the Keepers. And with their painting empty…
Well. Maybe not all paintings.
“Would it be possible to talk further in the Headmaster’s office?”
This question, seemingly out of nowhere, surprised the professor. “Is something wrong with our current setting?”
“Not at all. However.. There may be a painting that recognizes me? Would you humor me?”
After a moment of contemplation, the professor nodded. “Are you feeling up to the journey?”
“Can´t we floo?” Cassandra asked, confused. “Is something wrong with the floo stations?”
“There are no floo stations at Hogwarts. The only one connected to the system in the castle is in the Headmaster's office.”
Oh. Well that is a disappointing change. Off to another adventure then.