The Hogwarts Express screeched to a halt at Hogsmeade Station, steam billowing into the cold, crisp air. The platform was alive with chatter as students disembarked, shivering as they stepped into the Scottish winter. Snow-covered rooftops lined the distant village, and the road leading up to the castle was coated in a thick layer of frost, turning the cobblestones into glistening mirrors beneath the faint glow of lanterns.
I stepped off the train alongside Hermione, Neville, and Tracy, each of us pulling our cloaks tighter against the biting wind. As we made our way toward the carriages waiting at the end of the platform, our boots crunched against the icy ground. The horseless carriage, stood eerily silent as they awaited their passengers. We climbed into a carriage, the warmth inside a welcomed contrast to the winter chill outside.
"It feels even colder this year," Neville murmured, rubbing his hands together. "Gran insisted I pack extra scarves."
Hermione smiled, pulling her own scarf up higher. "It is colder. I checked the weather before we left—it's supposed to snow again tonight."
Tracy glanced out the window, watching as the village disappeared behind them. "You know, I still find it odd how these carriages pull themselves."
I said nothing, letting the conversation flow around me as I silently observed the scenery. The frost-laden trees framed the winding road up to Hogwarts, their branches hanging heavy with snow. The distant loch was frozen over, glistening like polished glass beneath the pale afternoon sun. It was a serene, almost hauntingly beautiful sight—one that never failed to remind me of just how different this world was from the one I had left behind.
As the castle came into view, its towering spires dusted with white, my attention shifted to the entrance. Standing there, silhouetted against the massive wooden doors, were Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, their presence unmistakable. Dumbledore's usual air of whimsical authority was tempered by something more deliberate, while McGonagall's sharp gaze swept over the arriving students like a hawk surveying its territory.
I adjusted my bag, exhaling as the carriage came to a stop. Whatever was waiting beyond those doors, I had a feeling my return to Hogwarts was about to get very interesting.
His eyes twinkled as he regarded me, yet there was something beneath that usual grandfatherly exterior—something more calculating.
"A word, Mr. Kingston?" he asked, ever-polite, ever-gentle, yet firm in his request.
I offered a pleasant nod. "Of course, Professor."
The Great Hall's massive doors loomed behind him, and I caught a few students glancing our way curiously before moving on. Hermione gave me a questioning look, but I waved her along. "Go ahead, I'll catch up."
Dumbledore turned with a slow, deliberate motion, gesturing for me to follow him into the castle. The torches flickered as we made our way through the halls, the familiar scent of parchment and aged stone filling the air.
"I hope your holiday was pleasant?" he inquired, voice light, but I recognized the bait. Small talk to ease into something bigger.
"It was productive," I answered with a polite smile. "Always good to get some business done."
His lips quirked slightly at that. "Indeed. You are quite the enterprising young man."
We reached the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance to his office. "Sherbet Lemon," Dumbledore intoned, and the statue obediently slid aside, revealing the moving spiral staircase.
I followed him up, stepping into the warmly lit office lined with countless whirring and humming magical devices. Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, observed me with unblinking eyes from his perch. To my surprise, the majestic bird let out a soft, melodious trill before gliding down toward me, landing gently on my shoulder. His warm feathers radiated a soothing heat, cutting through the lingering chill from outside.
Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly, his usual composed expression breaking for just a moment. "How very curious," he murmured, watching as Fawkes nuzzled against my neck with unexpected affection.
I reached up, running a careful hand along the phoenix's brilliant plumage. "He's friendly."
-inner monologue-
IM FREAKING OUT!!
'HOW THE HELL IS THIS HAPPENING?!'
'IM NOT A GOOD PERSON!!'
I got to seriously start doing something evil or my reps gonna go down the drain.
Should I stab someone?
-Back to your regularly scheduled programming-
Dumbledore leaned back, still regarding the scene with quiet astonishment. "Fawkes is highly particular about those he chooses to approach, let alone show such fondness toward." He steepled his fingers, his gaze thoughtful. "It seems he has taken quite the liking to you, Mr. Kingston."
I simply smiled, letting Fawkes settle comfortably before turning my attention back to Dumbledore. Whatever significance this held, it was something to seriously consider later.
Dumbledore motioned for me to sit. "Now, Sky, I wished to speak to you about a rather peculiar matter."
I tilted my head, feigning curiosity. "Oh?"
His gaze sharpened slightly. "A certain mirror seems to have gone... missing. One that had previously resided in an abandoned classroom. You wouldn't happen to have seen it, would you?"
Ah. So he was finally asking. The Room of Requirement must have brought it in from the said classroom, shifting the mirror into its vast collection of lost and hidden things. That meant retrieving it wouldn't be as simple as just walking into an abandoned room anymore.
I leaned back, considering my words carefully. "A dangerous mirror, you mean?"
I started to wistfully look around the room as if casually surveying my surroundings.
Dumbledore's fingers steepled. "I believe that is an accurate description."
I sighed theatrically. "Well, I did come across a rather peculiar mirror—one that showed more than just a reflection. Given the potential dangers, I made sure no unsuspecting student would stumble upon it."
Dumbledore's brow lifted slightly. "How very... responsible of you."
"I do my best," I replied smoothly. "And I suspect you wish to recover it?"
I wonder what's in the desk drawer.
There was the barest pause. "Yes. It is needed for a particular purpose."
I tapped my fingers against the chair's armrest. "Ah. A corridor-related purpose, perhaps? One involving certain obstacles for a certain student?"
For the first time, the twinkle in his eyes faltered. His expression barely shifted, but I felt the barest pressure against my mind.
A probe. Legilimency.
It barely had time to touch my thoughts before it was repelled by my Occlumency shields, sending a sharp ripple back toward him. It was subtle, but the shock in his eyes was unmistakable.
I crossed my arms. "Professor, is it standard procedure to attempt to read a student's mind during a conversation?"
Dumbledore blinked, then, to his credit, looked mildly embarrassed. "An occupational hazard, I'm afraid. I'm rather impressed that you have already taken up occlumency considering that it is an obscure art."
I waved my arm dramatically. "When you are running a business empire, a well organized mind is crucial to prevent mishaps or mistakes. Wouldn't you agree." I said with a smirk.
Dumbledore nods his head "I suppose it does."