For someone who just insulted me and intimidated me all in one go, she sure is okay with being physical. But to have someone leading the way and helping me, is really a great blessing.
Not even a few moments later, we stand in front of a tall building, with maroon bricks, and fine greenery around the base. "This is the girls' dorm. Better hurry in before you are late." She turns to leave but I take hold of her hand again. "But what about you? Don't you live in the dorms too? Seeing as you're a student as well?" She loosens her hand away from mine. "No, I live in different quarters. Now goodnight." Before I can even get in another word, or even a thank you, she has already gone down the pathway into the dark. I turn and take a deep stride into the building. I look down at my watch out of habit and I see it's now six thirty at night. So I really wandered around for that long? How embarrassing.
As I enter, the whole front lobby seems to echo with the door swinging open and close, and my suitcase trailing behind me. The inside interior is well decorated and obviously well managed. This doesn't look like any kind of dormitory I've ever imagined. This looks like a fine hotel you would see in magazines and newspapers. The kind only travelers talk about. "Hello? Helloooo?" I raise my voice to see if someone can hear me. Suddenly, in front of me, a door swings open, and a elderly woman walks out in her nightgown, with a massive collection of keys hanging around her neck. She pulls on her glasses from atop her head, and places them on the bridge of her nose.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Hold on for just a minute." She scoots along the floor, and up to me. She can be no older than in her 40's, but from the current lighting, she looks much older. She looks me up and down, then her eyes grow wider. "You wouldn't happen to be Freya Bell, would you?" I clear my throat and stand more to attention. "Yes ma'am. I got lost on my way here. I was given a map, but it turns out that I was reading it wrong."
"Ah yes, that bloody map. If it were up to me, every new student would receive a personal tour of the grounds, and make their own maps so they can find their way around." Her voice is a bit stern, and I feel myself back away slightly. Not a trauma response, I just don't do well with loud and angry voices. "Well you made it just in time. The curfew ends in 30 minutes. I best show you your room." Before she can walk away, I stop her.
"Thank you, ma'am. Really. I am new to this, and I've had quite an interesting and crazy day. I feel like this is the first real conversation I've had ever since I placed my feet on the school grounds. So thank you." I rush through my last thank you, and stare at her blankly. She turns back my way and takes my hand in hers.
"I'm sure your day was a rough one. I'll let you be late this one time. But from here and on, if you are late for our strict curfew, there will be punishments." She pauses, but looks at me in the eyes. "And call me Dorm Mother. Everyone does. Or just mom. Whatever you prefer." She takes my suitcase in her hand and begins to walk down the hall, and up the staircase. Mom. When was the last time I called someone that? I feel a smile come across my lips, and my heart jumps a beat.
This woman in front of me went from being scary, and possibly an enemy of freedom, to someone who is going to look out for me and is very kind and has a sweet disposition. I feel much better, now being here with her in the building I'll be staying in. I hurry along after her, the smile on my cheeks growing wider with every step I take. I'm really here, inside this place. I'm going to live here for hopefully a long time. Many powerful wizards and witches are here, and learning to be even stronger. Legends have been practically raised here, and I'm just the one of many to come.
Not just rumors, but from the decor, every inch of this place is just spewing magical pressure and glory. I can feel past witches here, almost like their spirits are here, guiding us on our journeys. And maybe they are. Maybe my mother and father are walking with me right now as we speak. Holding onto my arms, pushing my hair out of my eyes, and telling me everything will be alright. Oh, how I wish they were with me now. See me off and doing what I've longed to do for almost my whole life. The dorm mother slows down and steps off to the side.
"This is the hallway to your room. I mustn't go too far away from the front door at night. I need to make sure boys stay out of here." I look at her curiously.
"Are we not allowed to date?" She bursts out into a small but quiet laughter. She practically keels over. "Of course you are darling. Just not inside the dorm rooms." Still laughing she hands me my suitcase, and I can feel my cheeks swell with blushing.
"Go on child. Room 203. Your roommate is waiting for you." She quickly turns away and she's gone before I can say anything else. Roommate?
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