Chapter 12: Professor Dumbeldore
The library was quiet thanks to the librarian being quick to shut down unnecessary blathering in her domain. Natilee sat down flipping through an old yearbook. Her parent's first year, before the split. The smiling face in the year book kept her attention as well as those eyes that mirrored her own. The question that singed her heart was frustratingly suffocating. There would never be an answer.
She closed the book and put it back on the shelf. A shadow was cast over her at the shelf and she turned to see a redheaded boy behind her. Her eyes flicked to the 'Head boy' pin on his chest that he had subtlety brought attention to. Natilee stood up from her crouch and offered a warm smile.
"Head Boy, may I assume you are Percy Weasly?" She asked politely, unaware of why he would be behind her on a library row rarely visited by current students. The light hint of distaste on his lips made it clear he wasn't crushing on her though that thought was laughable in and of itself.
"Yes. The HeadMaster wants to see you in his office, Snape. It would be best not to keep him waiting." Percy spoke with a clear sense of authority. He was looking down on her and it was clear in his voice and posture. Natilee didn't rise to it.
"Can you lead the way? I'm new and have never been to Albus Dumbeldor's office." Natilee replied as politely as she could. He rolled his eyes but nodded.
"Come on then. Quickly, can't keep the Headmaster waiting." He took off at a brisk pace, it would be considered a slow jog for someone Natilee's height but she didn't mind too much. The faster they got there the faster they would part and that was something Natilee looked forward to.
"You seem proud to have been named Head boy." Natilee pointed out, the teasing smile on her face. He nodded sharply.
"Yes, who wouldn't be proud of being a Head student?" Percy asked as they reached the office. Natilee got onto the eagle elevator and turned back, flashing him a smile.
"Someone who knows Tom Marvelo Riddle was a Head Boy, perhaps?" Natilee replied as the elevator began its way up. The confusion on Percy's face was priceless and Natilee couldn't help but giggle. It was common knowledge in Ilvermorny that Voldemort had been a star pupil of Hogwarts but very few from the school seemed to know beyond that he was in Slytherin. It was depressing how little they touched that subject due to fear.
The elevator grinding to a halt brought her attention back to where she was. The room in front of her was interesting. Magic items she had never seen before sat on shelves that seemed to fill the room. A pensive cabinet off to one side and the sorting hat sitting on a particularly tall cabinet in the back of the room. The desk, up a small flat of stairs, was currently occupied by the Headmaster.
He was wearing a rather interesting robe in pale blue with silver paisley designs detailed with powder pink thread. His white hair flowing around him as he reviewed a rather large book. He glanced up under half moon spectacles at her.
"Ahh, Miss Snape. I trust Percy showed you the way?" He greeted her by placing a ribbon marker in the book and closing it. His silvery blue eyes looking her over. Natilee was used to these types of looks. Teachers and wizards at Mother's parties in the Americas would often measure her up. The difference was she had no interest in measuring up in his eyes.
"Yes, Headmaster. Percy said you needed to see me?" She asks respectfully. He nodded taking a crystal lid off of a candle dish in front of him.
"Ahh yes. Do you like lemon drops?" He asked taking one of the pale glittery yellow candies from the dish. She shook her head and stood at the foot of the desk.
"No, I am more of a Turkish delight person." Natilee replied, well aware of his tendency to offer candy to his students. He chuckled, nodding.
"Citrus?" He asked in a light conversational tone that grated on her nerves a bit. Something about him was unsettling for her. She shakes her head at him.
"No, I'm a rose water sort of witch." She adds as he motioned to a chair wich pulled up to sit in front of his desk. Natilee used her hands to smooth her skirt under her and sat down. She crossed her ankles tucking them under the chair to correct her posture.
"I see. I am surprised. Most children like sour candies." He shrugged and Natilee smiled softly glancing at him through her lashes.
"Children are just as diverse as adults when it comes to their likes. Only a fool groups them all in such a general yet specific category." Natilee replied calmly. His eyes twinkled softly with a shine of mischief and interest, the opposite of what Natilee wanted.
"That is true. And it seems your interests lean in the same vein as your parents. Potions." The Headmaster commented motioning to the folder on his desk. She recognized it as her report on H4P. Even the thin vile of their first potion was still attached. "It seems your little club has had 2 meetings and has already seen improvement in student's scores." He pointed out and Natilee couldn't help but glow. They had done very well for their first real attempt. Even with her father's sour mood, they had done quite well. Even Ron got a decent mark thanks to Hermione sharing their new techniques.
"Yes. It was quite the collaboration." Natilee agreed with a smile. He nodded.
"Potions are a fascinating subject. So many witches and wizards have found them to be their calling. It brings groups together. Muggles often depict Witches gathered around large cauldrons. Comically really." Dumbeldore pointed out with something of a mysterious smile.
"That is true. However they also believe we dance naked around a fire and deserve to be burned at the stake." She pointed out dryly. The amusement seemed to darken slightly on his face as he sat back.
"You are an interestingly cynical child. No matter, I asked you here because we got this in the post." Dumbeldore replied handing her a white envelope edged in gilded flourishes. A wax seal held it closed in gold wax, the symbole a cauldron with smoke forming a hemlock leaf. It was cracked across the center where Dumbledore had no doubt read it already.
"I see, the Hemlock Potions Collective?" Natilee asked, opening the already open letter.
"Dear Headmaster Dumbeldore, we the Hemlock Potion's Collective would like to invite your potions club 'Houses 4 Potions' to join the annual Meeting of the Cauldrons on the 7th through the 10th of January next year. If you agree, have the club head reply and we will send further details." Natilee read the letter aloud rather surprised to see what it held. This would be a huge opportunity for them.
"I suppose it would be best to respond to this letter now?" Dumbeldore asked seeing the excitement on her face. Natilee had to bite back an instant affirmative.
"I need to bring it up with the 4 heads. I don't want to make this decision without their input." Natilee replied firmly. As much as she wanted this, it had to be a group decision. When it came down to it, this club was theirs, not just hers.
"Oh? You think they will refuse?" Dumbeldore asked, steepling his fingers in a way she knew drove her father mad. It reminded her of bad movie villains from the 80s.
"No, but it is only right to put it to a vote." Natilee replied and he nodded slowly.
"Very well then. Let me know the results and send the response letter after. I will have Professor Snape oversee this matter from here." He replied a bit dismissively. Natilee nodded and stood up. She walked to the door and just as the door began to close she heard. "Why in the world did you sort her to Slytherin?"
Natilee chuckled and rode the elevator down to the ground floor with a sad smile. Being sly and ambitious didn't always mean evil.
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