Harry Meets His Match

Chapter 5- Surika’s Job

“H…How do you know my name?” Surika stammered, nervously. “Oh, Hagrid told me about you. He tells me you had quite a conversation last night..” “Y…yeah… I guess…” she replied. The man smiled at her and took her hand. “No need to be frightened, my dear. I’m Albus Dumbledore. I am the Headmaster here at Hogwarts.” His eyes twinkled as he made his introduction. Somehow, this made Surika feel more at ease. She allowed herself to smile back at him.

“Why don’t you join me in my office, Surika? I would like a word with you.” he asked. She nodded her reply. He took her elbow and led her down a long hall. “So, I hear that your parents passed on when you were quite young. Is that correct?” he asked. “Yes, Sir.” “Do you have any other relations? Aunts or uncles? Perhaps grandparents?” Surika shook her head in response. “No? So a lovely young lady like yourself is all alone in the world?” “Not ALL alone. I have my friends Moses and Moonglow…” “Of course. Lemon drop.” The stone gargoyle he had spoken to sprang to life and opened up a passageway up a flight of stairs.

“Step inside, my dear. Ladies first.” He kept a hold of her elbow and helped her inside the opening. Once through, he guided her up the steps into a large, circular room. There were moving pictures about the room, most of which were asleep, a large desk in the center, and in the corner, a perch, where a large, red bird with golden plumage sat.

“Have a seat, if you will.” Dumbledore offered, motioning to a seat at the desk. “Tea, Surika?” She nodded and pulled the chair out to sit. Her eyes traveled around the room, landing on the bird every time. It ruffled its feathers and flew off its perch to Surika’s knee. She stroked its head and it nipped her affectionately.

“Ah, so Hagrid was right. You do have quite a way with animals. Fawkes doesn’t usually take to most people that quickly.” Dumbledore said. “Fawkes is it? Very handsome animal he is. And so healthy.” She stroked its neck affectionately. Dumbledore smiled. “He’s a phoenix. Special bird species. Very rare, he is.” “My second unusual creature… Err… Unusual by my standards.” She said, smiling sheepishly. “Oh, that’s quite alright.” Dumbledore assured. “Yeah. Saw a unicorn my first time coming this way. In the forest.” Dumbledore nodded at her statement and set her cup of tea in front of her and then sat down across from her.

“Speaking of the forest, Hagrid informs me that you have a special interest in forests and nature.” Surika nodded, her eyes bright with interest. “Well, lots of things have been happening lately, and Hagrid can’t keep up. I was wondering if you would like the job of guarding the Forbidden Forest. Now, I won’t give this job to just anyone. I need someone who is trustworthy, and hold an interest in the forest and its inhabitants. If you don’t want to, I understand.” Surika’s eyes lit up and she stood quickly.

“Don’t want to?! I’d love to!” she exclaimed. Dumbledore chuckled as she sat down and giggled. “Sorry, Fawkes.” she apologized as the startled phoenix landed back on her knee. “Got a little carried away, there.” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled. “I can see we’re going to get along just fine. You may begin your job when it’s convenient for you, and if you need a place to stay, you’re always welcome here at Hogwarts.” She nodded. “Yes, Sir.” “You are dismissed.” Surika got up from her chair. “I assume you’ve already met Mr. Harry Potter, have you not?” Dumbledore asked. Surika nodded in response. “Well, if you see him on your way out, would you please inform him that I would like to see him here in my office promptly.?” “I’ll be sure to tell him. And thank you.” “You’re very welcome, my dear.” Surika smiled and departed.

Harry was walking down the hall with Ron, and his other friend, Hermione Granger. “And you got to MEET her?! That is not fair!” Ron exclaimed. “Yeah, and she’s really nice. Very pretty up close.” Harry said. “Who’s pretty up close?” asked Hermione. “And her name’s Surika?” Ron asked. Harry nodded. “She seems really timid, though.” “Who seems timid?” Hermione asked again. “And you got to TOUCH her?!” “WHO ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT?!” Hermione yelled. “Oh, a girl we saw talking to Hagrid last night. There she is!” Harry pointed as Surika came out of the stone gargoyle. Harry stopped in his tracks as she looked his way and began walking toward him.

“Hey, Harry!” she greeted, cheerfully. “Hey, Surika.” “You’re supposed to see Dumbledore ASAP. I just thought I’d tell you that.” “Oh. Okay, thanks.” He winced as Ron nudged him hard in the ribs. “Oh, and these are my friends, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.” “Oh, hi. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I just got a job guarding the forest, so I gotta go sleep, or celebrate, or something!” “That’s great, Surika.” He returned the smile she gave him. “Well, see you.” she said, and began to walk away. “Oh, Surika?” “Yes?” “Would you… Would you…” He felt himself flush. “Would you like to join me for lunch later?” “Sure. Why not?” “So… See you then?” “I guess.” “Okay, then.” He watched as she walked away. He turned just in time to see Hermione nudge Ron hard.

“Ow! What was that for?!” Ron exclaimed. “You were scanning her!” Hermione hissed, irritably. “I was not!” Ron argued. “Yeah, right. So you were just staring, mouth wide open, at her ass, just to look at it?” “No… Um… Just drop it, Hermione! It’s a guy thing!” Ron retorted. “Besides, Hermione.” Harry broke in. “She’ll be taken very shortly.” “Really? How do you know?” “He knows, Hermione, because he’s going to ask her out himself. Didn’t you catch him asking her to join Him for lunch? Meaning WE’RE not included.” Ron shot an accusing glance at Harry.

“Oh, Ron. Don’t be like that. I just want to talk to her privately. It’s not like I’m going to go away forever.” “Humph! Might as well! Once you fall in love with her, you’ll want to spend every waking moment with HER, and we won’t see much of you!” Ron said, coldly. Harry shook his head. “Think how you want. I’m going to go see Dumbledore.” He walked past Ron. “Fine! Go!” Ron yelled after him. Harry ignored him and went up to Dumbledore’s office.

“You wanted to see me, Professor?” “Ah, Harry! Yes, have a seat.” Harry sat as he was told. “Well, as you probably already know, I have hired Miss Parker as the guardian of the Forbidden Forest.” Harry nodded. “She just told me.” “Well, I have to ask you, since you’re the only student she’s been getting to know so far, if you could show her around the castle. Show her the kitchens and baths, so she can eat and whatever when she wants to. Introduce her to some people. Help her feel more comfortable while she’s here.” “I can do that, Professor.” Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Great. You are dismissed.” Harry grinned and stood. “See you, Professor.” He turned and left the room.