The Storm | The Sister book #3 | A Harry Potter Fanfiction

chapter five

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Ok guys so on my profile it was saying this was unpublished? But I published it yesterday? What? Anyway lemme know if it went unpublished for you or if this is your first time seeing it in case it's a glitch for me or something idk help

I skid to a stop, hesitating before the stone staircase leading up to the main entrance. Hogwarts looms above me, golden and bright, smiling, but the shadows remain. Cold, dark corners, mysterious passages and unkept gardens. Weeds growing in an age-old garden. I sigh, shaking my head and stepping forward onto the first step. Slowly, carefully, I make my way up.

The castle and I have come to a peace, and as I enter it's warm interior, heading straight for Dumbledore's office, I smile at the portraits and run my fingers against the stone walls. This castle raised me. I've missed it. 

xxx

I push the door to Dumbledore's office open, stepping inside. I glance around, McGonagall and Dumbledore stand by the desk in the centre of the room. I feel suffocated in here. Nerves arching in my core as I lean back on the door, hearing it click closed. Bookshelves still line the walls, the fireplace still fills the room with a warm glow and fills any silence with a faint crackle. The portraits on the walls still stare down at me, though it seems different now. It used to feel as though they were keeping me safe, but now I feel trapped, guarded, held captive by their eyes. I don't know why I thought it would change, it still smells and looks the exact same. Old leather and dust. Warmth. My eyes scan the room and I jump in surprise-

Harry sits by the fire. He stands abruptly as I step away from the closed door. I frown at him,

"Why are you here?" 

He hesitates, "Professor Dumbledore wanted to talk to me and then he said you were having your sorting today and thought I might like to be here for your sorting I didn't think it was a good plan but-" His voice trails off, 

I sigh. No point arguing now. I'm a little angry he's here though, I mean, this has nothing to do with him. He looks down at his feet, his eyes sad. I look over at McGonagall and Dumbledore and offer them a small smile. My eyes soften, seeing her. She looks weary, worried, but not frail. No, McGonagall could never look frail. She holds out her arms, and I walk over slowly and give her a light hug. She notices the lack of enthusiasm and accepts it. She knows I'm having trouble forgiving everyone in the room for what they did. 

"It's good to see you, Clara." She says, formal for her, but loving nonetheless. 

I turn to Dumbledore. His eyes meet mine, and he looks at me strangely- As if searching for something within me. Fear perhaps. A change of mind. I walk over, taking his hands and kissing him lightly on the cheek. He chuckles at me. 

"How are you, Clara?"

"I'm well, thanks. You?"

McGonagall runs her fingers lightly through my hair, smiling at me. "It's been so strange to have a summer without you." 

"I'm sure," I say, my voice emotionless. 

"I'm trying to be nice, dear."

"I know," 

"You might consider returning the favour?" 

I shoot her a look, turning away and walking down towards the fire. Return the favour? Really? I hear her sigh, and I cross my arms. Glancing down towards my feet, I bite my lip. I have missed her. I know I have. She knows I have. 

"Sorry to cut this short, but dinner starts shortly. Clara, if you please," Dumbledore says, motioning to a seat by the fire. Harry looks at me with a reassuring smile. I ignore him.