20 Chapter 19 - Dumbledore (1)

Arya gave Harry a sad smile and tried to reassure him " Don't worry Harry, my whole life I have been dealing with people trying to control my every move. I will keep everything in mind and after it is all said and done I will come to find you and let you know what happens. Don't mention it to the others, the last thing I want is to worry them, I can handle this on my own. Besides I have Professor Flitwick on my side, I know he won't let anything happen to me" Harry was surprised how easily Arya had taken the news especially considering the man they were talking about was widely seen as the second coming of Merlin. Yet after one look at that smile, Arya gave him he realized she has been dealing with people all her life who treated her as a tool, and worst of all it was her own family. For the first time since they met Harry was glad he was not Arya, for all her talents as incredible as they were they meant she has never had a 'normal childhood'. Harry thought ' I really don't let Sirius know how much he means to me enough.

With a sigh he pushed his thoughts aside and gave Arya a hug surprising the young witch. Arya in an attempt to lighten the mood pulled out of his embrace and look at him with an embarrassed face and said " Merlins beard Harry, I appreciate you have feelings for me but I am only 11 let's not move that fast yet, jeez what will Daphne think once she hears you were flirting with me too." Harry looked at her in shock before realizing what she was doing and played along, " I apologize Ms Rosier, when I saw your wandless magic I was left in awe and all these feelings rushed to the surface, I simply couldn't help myself" he said as bowed to her. Arya giggled in response and said in a haughty manner " you are forgiven plebeian for all in my presence shall see my beauty and talent and propose their feelings to me, it is regrettable but unavoidable. Come we shall find the others and put the matter behind us this time, but you must learn to control yourself Mr Potter". Harry extended his elbow and said " let us be on our way Ms Rosier the others in Hogwarts deserve to see you and I cannot keep you to myself". Arya locked arms with Harry giggling and they returned to the great hall. When they entered the great hall and all the students saw them, they became the centre of attention and silence filled the hall.

Harry released Arya's arm and bowed before saying " it was my utmost pleasure to escort you Lady Rosier but alas we are here and I must go to the table of the lions, my subjects await me". Arya curtsied to him before responding " but of course Lord Potter i thank you for your companionship" before turning her head and strutting to the Ravenclaw table as Harry walked stiffly towards the Gryffindor table. They maintained their poise until their eyes met across the hall and they burst into laughter. The remaining students were left in doubt as they had no idea what just happened but swiftly moved on. Hermione who was next to Arya asked what that was all about but Arya just smiled at her and said they were just having some fun. The students then all started eating and talking amongst themselves once again.

Once dinner was over, Professor Flitwick made his way over to Arya and said " come along Ms Rosier, Professor McGonagall will meet us at the headmaster's office". Arya nodded and left with him as they made their way to Dumbledores office. Once they arrived they were met with a stone gargoyle before Professor Flitwick said " Lemon Sherbert" which caused the gargoyle to rotate upwards revealing a staircase. Professor Flitwick smiled at Arya and said " The Headmaster is fond of sweets". They then made their way up the stairs to a large oak door, as Professor Flitwick reached out to knock just before he made contact Dumbledores voice rang out " Come in Professor Flitwick, Ms Rosier"

The only thought that ran through Arya's mind was ' and so it begins'. When they came in Arya was greeted to the sight of a kindly-looking old man with a twinkle in his eye and a smiling Professor McGonagall. Arya quickly averted her gaze from Dumbledore before greeting them " Evening Professor, Headmaster I thank you for your time". Dumbledore smiled and simply said " Not a problem Ms Rosier, I have already heard so much about you, it is a pleasure to meet you face to face" Arya curtsied to the Headmaster and said "Likewise"

Professor Dumbledore - " now come take a seat I heard you have had an action-packed first day. There were a couple of things I wanted to discuss with you but first let us attend to the Professor's matters."

Professor McGonagall - " Well I shall start then, firstly Ms Rosier is a never before seen talent in Transfiguration, in my opinion, the previous reports towards the public do not do her justice, she is far above the level expected even from students taking their OWLS. She perfectly cast the bird conjuration spell wandlessly; if I had not been there and saw it for myself, I would never have believed any first year had the ability to do so, even one touted as the Transfiguration Transcendent. She has inquired about my help in private lessons; despite my workload, I would be more than happy to take her under my wing as I have never seen someone so naturally inclined towards Transfiguration, and I believe such talent should be nurtured, not left stagnant."

Dumbledores eyes widened as he heard the mention of wandless magic when he came to his senses and asked, " do you mind performing the spell again? As that is a fourth-year spell, and I find it hard to believe any first-year could perform it, let alone wandlessly?" Arya nodded her head, then waved her hand and chanted "Avis" and a flock of birds appeared. Dumbledore was left in shock. 'Incredible, Minerva was not mistaken; she is indeed a never before seen talent for Transfiguration; with the backing of the Rosier family, she has the potential for limitless growth, I must get her on my side. I am glad she has already befriended Harry; he will need her support for what is to come ' Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, " you were right, Professor she must be nurtured if you are sure you can spare the time, then I would love to have you offer her lessons for the year." Professor McGonagall smiled at his words and nodded her head. At this time, Professor Flitwick came forward and said, " That is not all Headmaster; I am proud to say her talent in transfiguration is, in fact, dwarfed by her potential for dueling." Dumbledores eyes widened once again before he nodded for Professor Flitwick to continue. Even Professor McGonagall was taken aback at his words. For Professor Flitwick to boast about her abilities must be incredible.