Albus Dumbledore (oddmenttweak) wrote in platform_zero, @ 2017-01-16 10:42:00 |
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Entry tags: | albus dumbledore, ariana dumbledore |
who: Albus & Ariana Dumbledore
what: A close call and a hysterical portrait.
where: Starting a short distance from the Great Hall
when: Sunday evening.
rating: Medium?
status: Incomplete, Closed.
It had been days now, and the wind was still howling around the castle while sheets of rain lashed the windows. Albus had all but forgotten to take notice of the stark lightning which kept illuminating the corridors. Another flash lit his way as he wandered back from the library, a new volume tucked safely under his arm, and he barely blinked. Who knew what was going on in this place, after all? With the increased magical activity going on, Albus suspected they’d find themselves back in their huts sooner rather than later, but there was little point fretting over it now. It was out of their control.
In the meantime, perhaps he should make a start on his next piece of baggage. He had two remaining, and they sat at the end of his bed expectantly. If he was honest, Albus wasn’t sure what could possibly be in them. Most likely, his time would be better spent focusing on his handful of students. He was toying with the idea of having Minerva speak to Albus and Roxanne about her animagi abilities, while Tom needed his lessons to start right from the bottom. Ana… well, his sister was a whole other kettle of fish altogether.
He was just playing with the idea when a screech ripped through the air just beside him. Stumbling back, Albus’ wand flew into his hand without his needing to think about, and magic swelled like a wave of heat in his veins. But it was just a portrait. A witch made of oil and canvas, screaming manically within her frame. Veins stood out on her forehead as Albus blinked at her, ugly splotches of colour appearing on her cheeks. Carefully, he took a step back and repocketed his wand, swallowing back the feeling of disease which had blossomed in his chest. Tentatively, Albus moved away from the portrait, and continued his way towards the Great Hall.
He had been planning on popping in to see Ariana before he retired to his rooms. Although his secret concerning her future still hung over him, he had recently been enjoying his time with his sister more and more. Ever since New Year, Ana had been smiling. She was quicker to laugh and seemed generally happier than he had seen her in a long time. His sister had even started speaking more to the other residents of the castle, and the times when he found her attached to his hip were becoming less frequent. Albus had hoped that this place would be good for Ariana, and now he dared to hope that he just might have been right.
As the Professor turned the corner towards the Entrance Hall, a second scream rushed towards him. This one came from a portrait that was out of sight, drifting disturbingly down the corridor. It rose and fell hysterically, lifting the hairs on the back of his neck as the picture shrieked at whichever poor soul had disturbed it. Albus increased his pace a fraction and, suddenly, caught sight of a flash of long, blonde hair. He didn’t need to check to know who it belonged to – the lurch of his gut and sudden rush of panic told him that.
“Ana!” Before he knew it he had broken into a sprint, dropping his new book and leaving it behind as he tore after the figure of his little sister.