Christmas Around The Corner
~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~
~~~(Location: The Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts)~~~
~~~(Date: December 20th, 1991)~~~
~~~(Time: 6:22 AM)~~~
Hogwarts seems so much lonelier now that most people are back home for the holidays. I told Bella and Beth I'd be coming home on the holidays. However, since there aren't any classes, I have spare time to train and learn at my own rate.
The letter I sent to them explaining I'll be staying here over Christmas break was written with a heavy heart. The women of St. Mary's Orphanage are who I'd call my mothers. I even promised I'd come home during the breaks.
I've never been one to break a promise. This is the first time I've committed that act. The Common Room is empty today, for the most part.
Hermione has left to visit her parents, and I don't know the few people staying over Christmas break. Daphne has gone home to her family too. The people I've been talking to the most are Harry and Ron.
They're nice kids and entertaining when they get up to their antics. Just not what I'd call responsible. I don't think they're idiots. They're just not motivated to learn as much as possible, which is understandable. Kids are kids.
"It's time I got a move on. Everyone will be waking up soon, and I don't want people finding out where I'm going."
~~~(POV: Albus Wolfric Dumbledore)~~~
~~~(Location: Headmasters Office, Hogwarts)~~~
~~~(Date: December 20th, 1991)~~~
~~~(Time: 7:06 AM)~~~
Alex has found his way to the room of requirement again today. Minerva has been keeping an eye on him during the school term. Making sure he goes to classes. I asked her to ease up, but her decisions regarding students in House Gryffindor are her own.
While I cannot look into the room of requirement using the many tools I have to watch over my students, knowing he's in there is enough.
My attention is taken to the latest report I've gotten from Severus. He's been watching out for Harry as I've asked and looking at Professor Quirrell for all the attempts to get to the sorcerer's stone since its arrival.
He has no evidence since we haven't caught Professor Quirrell in the act, but I agree with Severus. Something is off about Professor Quirrell, and I'd like to know what it is.
As I'm thinking about other duties pertaining to my job as a headmaster, the entrance to my office is being used. I look to see who it is, and it's Minerva. She's wearing a semi-casual outfit. She makes her way to my desk and stands there proud.
"Albus, we need to speak about the tests we've set up leading into the sorcerer's stone. Are you sure it's wise having such challenging tasks?"
Everything is set up; the only thing left is to place The Mirror Of Erised down there. It'll be safest if someone is looking for it but not wanting to use it. If what I think is happening, this is the best way to keep hands off the precious object.
"Don't worry, Minerva. Soon, we'll move The Mirror of Erised down there. After the students return, of course. For now, it's in a place no one uses now."
But that doesn't mean it's unreachable. It's quite reachable. All someone has to do is walk down a few corridors and a door, and they'll see it. It's a curious object that's driven men and women mad with what it's shown them.
~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~
~~~(Location: The Room Of Requirement, Hogwarts)~~~
~~~(Date: December 20th, 1991)~~~
~~~(Time: 11:31 AM)~~~
Lunch will start soon, and I've gotten enough practice today as I can get without falling over exhausted. The training dummies aren't nearly comparable to dueling Albus, but they get the job done when there are enough of them.
I'm sitting on the ground and catching my breath as I try to regain energy. There is still a lot of time before the majority of students return, and classes resume. Not until the first of January. I've been tempted to explore the castle and other parts of the ground.
Who knows what secrets I'll find... I wouldn't doubt Hermione would like to go with me... If she were here...
Since our meet-up in the Library during Hollows Eve, Hermione and I have spent much more time together. It's been nice.