A Young Wizard's Journey - Goblet of Fire

Work Experience

The next couple of days passed fairly uneventfully. All Ron could talk about was the upcoming Defence against the Dark Arts lesson. Most of the school was echoing the same sentiment. Moody knew what he was doing. Most people said he was a darker version of Professor Lupin. Where Remus had known his creatures and magical defences, Moody knew what tricks the enemy would use and seem determined to tell them all, and in certain cases even show them.

'Slightly worrying, isn't it?' asked Hermione once Ginny had recounted her description of the new Defence teacher and his class on Wednesday evening. 'It's as though he's expecting trouble.'

'Dumbledore heard about the prophecy too,' said Y/N, 'Even said he thinks it was a real one. He knows it probably won't be too long. Suppose he wants us ready. Especially with the Dominators at the door.'

'Speaking of, your meeting with him is this evening isn't it?' asked Ginny excitedly.

'In... 45 minutes,' said Y/N as he held Hermione's arm up to read her watch.

'You nervous?'

'As much as I can be,' said Y/N, 'It's Dumbledore, but whatever it is, is clearly important.'

'I'm still just wondering why he wants me,' said Hermione. 'I get it's probably cause of the Dominators being after you but...'

'Well, he'd best protect both of you,' said Ginny sternly, 'Or I'll be having words.'

The three of them whiled away the last few minutes with Ron and Harry arriving not long after their previous conversation had finished. Finally, the time arrived, and Y/N and Hermione took their leave.

'You okay?' Y/N asked Hermione as they walked.

'Yeah, just, first time I've been asked to go and see Dumbledore.'

They headed to the second-floor corridor with the stone gargoyle, gave the password and ascended.

Y/N knocked, and Dumbledore bid them entry. They stepped once more into his office. Dumbledore was seated behind his desk. Fawkes gave a quiet cry as they entered and fluttered over to them. He landed on Y/N's shoulder and pushed his head against Y/N's cheek.

'Good to see you too, Fawkes,' said Y/N, scratching the phoenix fondly, before squeezing Pippa's tail and allowing it to take flight alongside the phoenix.

Remus was already present and smiled at the two of them as they strode forward.

'Lovely to see you both again.'

'And you!' said Hermione brightly.

Dumbledore smiled warmly as they took the empty seats in front of his desk before speaking.

'So how are your first few days back treating you?'

'Quite well thank you, Professor,' said Y/N. 'A lot of talk about Professor Moody and what he's doing in class. Something new. People think he's an opposite of you, Remus.'

'Oh?' said Remus curiously.

'Well, you taught us about Defence against dark creatures and spells, where Moody is teaching the spells so that we know what we're up against.'

Remus threw a quizzical look at Dumbledore with this, who merely smiled.

'Alastor has always had a unique way of doing thing. His lessons will be a boon to all those who attend, I am sure. Even if he is a little... eccentric.'

Y/N was hoping Dumbledore would elaborate here, but after a few moments it appeared as though he had no intention to, so Y/N continued.

'And of course, the tournament is being thrown to and fro. All those who will be entering and who think they can trick the impartial judge.'