Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

June, 1997 - I've arrived in Hogsmeade, safe and sound. I must say that the trip was fairly uneventful. I chose the train rather than apparation - it gave me a bit of time to reflect on the enthusiasm and giddiness that my youth once held for the long ride to school each year.

As I write this here in Madam Rosemerta's fine establishment, I find myself struck with the notion of just how pleasurable a trip to my own school will be with the bustle and chatter of young pupils, excited at the event of their young wizard lives.

A toast is in order, but sadly I have yet to see a familiar face. At least one I want to see. Rosmerta is as lovely as ever, but she even seems changed by the recent events, subtle, but everyone certainly is coping with this war in their own manner.

I'd had a lengthy conversation with a ministry official. Apparently he was teaching apparation at the school and his pupils were doing dreadful. I hadn't taken it up very well myself. I really didn't see the appeal though I learned it as a necessity. I told him so, he became a bit cross with me and I ended up buying him a few drinks to soften him up.

Severus should be here soon. For whatever reason Dumbledore has declined any visit, which is understandable given

Right on time.

He was curt, but at least one of the two was willing to speak. Though, even Severus seemed upset and he was usually so composed. Perhaps its only settling in now, but I'm growing worried. Since when has Dumbledore refused to see old students? It's stress, and I suppose its only natural.

Encouraging words came from a man who was anything but encouraging. He seemed shaken, though he approved of my choice in profession. I'd only just learned that he too was teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. His conquest did seem to bring a smile to his lean face.

Tonight's events did little to inspire me, though the warm butterbeer is getting to me. That or the fatigue.

I'll stay in town a bit longer, perhaps Dumbledore will come around. And I could always watch the apparation attempts tomorrow, I could use a good laugh from my room.