Willow's Story

Willow's Story

Chapter 7

"A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day."

-Ancient Proverb

**This happens between the making of the deal and the morning after...**

After Harry left the room Willow sighed, sunk into a chair and put her head on the desk in front of her.

"I wish this was easier."

"If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it."

"Professor! I didn't hear you come in!"

"Even the best of us have our moments of weakness."

The aging professor sat down wearily in his chair.

"I gather that it didn't go as expected."

"No, but I won't give up. I'll never give up. If I do, I'll be killed anyway and won't have done anything at all. If I'm going to get killed I might as well have done something to deserve it. Please professor, let me stay."

"I wouldn't dream of turning you away. But I must ask, why do you want to stay here at Hogwarts where you will be despised?"

"Because there's nowhere else and this is where Harry and his true love are and I must find out who she is."

"Fair enough. Do you intend to watch over the school?"

"Yes."

"Then I would be honored to make you a Hogwarts Guardian. That is, if you accept."

"Gladly. But what would this entitle?"

"You would be required to fight every battle without question unless if you have to protect your family, guard the school, watch over the castle and watch over the students to make sure that no harm befalls them."

"That's fine with me."

Dumbledore took out his wand and reached out for Willow's right arm. He placed the tip of the wand on the tender flesh of the inner arm and muttered something. Willow felt warmth penetrate her skin.

"Do accept to be a Guardian of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"

"Yes, I do."

Willow felt a slight tickle on her arm and saw on her arm a crest made of gold spidery lines. The Hogwarts crest she remembered. The lion rampant, the snake slithering, the eagle soaring and the badger investigating.

Willow looked up at Professor Dumbledore, "Is this the Hogwarts crest?"

"Yes. It shows your servitude to the school. When the castle needs you the most a phoenix will appear over the crest and you will feel a peculiar warmth fill you and an image of what is happening and where will appear in your mind."

Willow nodded and smiled. They remained in silence for a while until Willow's forehead creased in frustration.

"May I ask you a question?"

"You already have. But go ahead."

"I read Harry Potter's mind to see a picture of who his true love is when he told me he didn't have any. I saw a red headed girl laughing, smiling and crying. I also felt his love for her. I suspect that he himself does not know that he loves her yet. Could that be possible?"

"Very much so. I wonder at your ability to read minds though. Harry has revealed himself as one of the most skillful Occulmence in History."

"What is an Occulmence?"

"An Occulmence is a person who can block their minds as to make it impossible for others to read it."

"Oh. I think that it may have to do with the fact that I am not a human. But I must say that I really don't know.

"However, I do have another question."

"Go on."

"Do you have any idea as to who this red head could be?"

"I suspect that it could be young Ginny Weasley, but then again it could also be Susan Bones. I really don't know for sure. I suggest that you sleep on it for tonight and really start looking for her tomorrow."

"What should I do tomorrow?"

"Ah. Well, why don't you join Harry and his friends for breakfast."

"Alright. I'll do my rounds and then I'll watch from one of the towers."

"Won't you need some sleep?"

"I don't sleep."

"Well I do. So I will need to bid you Goodnight."

"Sleep well Professor."

"Watch well."

To be Continued...