Emily

Later that evening, Emily was sitting in The Leaky Cauldron, eating her evening meal alone. It made a nice change; usually she had to eat with her mother, or the Malfoys when they came to visit. Her father never ate with them, even when he was at home - he requested that the house-elves make his food separately and bring it to his rooms.

The door of the inn opened, and she looked up to see the boy from Diagon Alley. She watched him walk over to the bar, order a drink, and stand looking around. His eyes met hers; he smiled, and, blushing slightly, Emily smiled back. She quickly looked away, however, keeping her eyes fixed firmly on her food.

"May I join you?"

Emily looked up and her eyes met the face of the boy.

"Of course," she said politely, realising that it would be rude to refuse. He sat down opposite her and smiled pleasantly.

"I hope your things aren't too worse for wear."

"Oh - no, everything is fine. It was only some robes."

"Good. I'm Albus Dumbledore, by the way."

He held out a hand, and she shook it, noticing how different the touch of his skin was to Caelum Malfoy's.

"Emily Nott."

"Please to meet you, Miss Nott."

"Likewise, Mr. Dumbledore." They both laughed.

"I hope I'm not disturbing your meal."

"No, not at all - I've finished now, anyway." Emily pushed her plate to one side and Albus studied her face thoughtfully.

"You remind me of someone."

"Really? Who?"

"I can't place my finger on it...are you still at Hogwarts?" Emily shook her head.

"No," she said mournfully. "My father wouldn't allow it."

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"Do you know any magic at all?"

"I know a little, but not much - I know some basic Charms, and how to brew some simple Potions, but I'm afraid that I know nothing of Transfiguration or Magical Creatures."

"I get the strangest feeling that I've seen you somewhere before..."

"That's impossible."

"Why?"

"Because - my father doesn't - he doesn't like me leaving the house. This is the first time I've been out in eight years."

"Are you running away?"

"Yes."

"That's very brave."

"No, it's not. I didn't even mean to do it."

"Oh?"

"I was just thinking of how nice it would be to be free, and then I felt this strange little jolt and I was standing outside the grounds. It was all very odd." Albus chuckled.

"No, not odd at all."

"Isn't it?"

"No. The skill of disappearing from one place and appearing in another is known as Apparition. It is a skill that a few wizards and witches possess, although it is not supposed to be attempted until one is at least seventeen. That suggests to me that you hold quite a powerful magic, to be able to do such a thing a year before your time."

Emily couldn't think of anything to say, and Albus chuckled again at her expression. Eventually, Emily spoke.

"If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

"Twenty. I left Hogwarts two years ago; I am returning there in September to take up the position of Transfiguration teacher."

"You must be very talented to be able to teach at such a young age." Albus shrugged.

"I do my best," he said modestly.

"Would you be able to teach me?"

"I could try."

"Would I be able to go to Hogwarts?"

"I doubt it...you would have to take lessons with the first-years, which would be rather humiliating."

"Oh." Emily's face fell, and Albus considered her for a moment.

"I believe that there are a couple of empty cottages in Hogsmeade, however. You could live there, and I could teach you as best I could, on an evening." Emily's eyes lit up.

"Would you really do that for me?"

"Of course. It is my belief that everyone should be able to have a magical education."

"Thank you. When are you returning to Hogwarts?"

"In a couple of days. I'm staying here until then, though."

"I'm staying here too."

"Good. Can I get you another drink?"

"No, thank you. I should go to bed."

"Oh, well - would you like to meet me for breakfast? Here, at eight o'clock?"

"I'd like that. Thank you."

***

The next morning, Emily awoke bright and early. She dressed in her dark green robes that she had bought the day before and went down to breakfast.

Albus was already there, even though she herself was early. He wore bright purple robes that clashed horribly with his hair, whilst somehow still managing to look good.

"Good morning, Miss Nott," he said as she sat down.

"Good morning," Emily responded.

"What will you be wanting to eat this morning?"

"Porridge would be nice."

"Porridge it is."

He pulled his wand from his robes, waved it, and instantly two bowls of porridge appeared on the table.

"I wish I could do that," Emily said wistfully.

"You'll be able to do it in time. Jam?"