Chapter 2: Horace Slughorn

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EXT. OPPOSITE PLATFORM - NIGHT

As Athena arrives, she finds Dumbledore studying a perfume advertisement which shows a model with a wand between her teeth: "Tonight make little magic with your man."

"I need that shit." "You don't even have a man Isabelle." "Damn, don't remind me."

Dumbledore: I once knew a muggle girl from Liverpool with hair like spun silk. No light could resist it...[Turning] You've been reckless this summer, Athena
Athena: I like riding around on the trains. It takes my mind off...things

Athena hesitates, notices Dumbledores hand is ash black.

"What's happening there?" Remus asked. "Hopefully the old sod is dying." James whispered, earning a smack on the head by Mia. Monty laughed but covered it with a cough.

Dumbledore: Rather unpleasant to behold, isn't it? The tale is thrilling if I do say so myself, but I'm afraid now is not the times to tell it. Take my arm. [Extending it] Do as I say

Athena glances around the train stations platform. Slowly, she reaches out and –– instantly –– all goes black in a rush of sound and fury, as if Athena had been pitched headlong into a tornado. Seconds later...

EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT

...she re-emerges into the world, reeling, eyes stinging with tears. Slowly, her planet stops spinning.

Athena: I just apparated, didn't I?

"You sure did Bambi!" James grinned.

Dumbledore: Indeed. And quite successfully I might add. Most people vomit their first time

Many nod in agreement.

Athena: [Slight sarcasm] Can't imagine why...

NEW ANGLE - MOMENTS LATER

Dumbledore leads Athena up a narrow street lined with darkened houses.

Dumbledore: Welcome to the charming village of Budleigh Babberton, Athena. I assume right about now you're wondering why I've brought you here, am I right?
Athena: [Glancing around] After all these years, I just sort of roll with it, sir

Dumbledore smiles mildly, then pauses, his face darkening. Before them stands a small stone house. But something is wrong about the place.

"Oooo spooky." Barty wiggled his fingers.

Dumbledore: Wand out, Athena

INT. SLUGHORNS HOUSE - NIGHT

Through a crack in the front door: Dumbledore and Athena move swiftly up the walk and enter.

Dumbledore: Lumos...

The tip of Dumbledores wand blazes. He sweeps the shadows. Calls out.

Dumbledore: Horace!

Nothing. Dumbledore points his wand down a narrow hallway. Motes of dust dance in the wand light, but nothing else. He starts down the hallway, toward the open doorway at its end. Slowly, the room beyond comes into view:

INT. SLUGHORNS HOUSE - SITTING ROOM

Utter devastation. A grandfather clock lays upon the floor, it's face cracked. A piano saga in the corner, keys strewn like teeth upon the rug. A copy of the Daily Prophet trembles in the breeze from a half-open window. As Athena looks, a drop of something wet strikes the word "CHOSEN". Her gaze rises.

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