#8 Cold Feet

The door was answered by Professor Rivera, who raised an eyebrow at the Slytherin girl's state. Professor Hathmore's voice was heard somewhere nearby and she nodded, stepping aside to allow Hanna view of the man himself. He was over by a cloak wardrobe, wand in hand as he peered at a glittery substance on the side of the wardrobe.

'I think Professor Snape might lend more expertise on this matter,' he said to Rivera. 'Unless it looks familiar to you?' He asked, moving aside so she could inspect it with her wand as well.

Instead of sticking around, he headed to the door and stepped outside the staff room into the corridor with Hanna. Hathmore shut the door behind himself, then held out his hand for the key.

'Any injuries?' Hathmore glanced her over, noticing her torn tie and near-eaten shoes. 'Part of the task is to treat any, if you have them.' He then waved his wand and Hanna's clothes looked as good as new again. He'd be surprised if the girl didn't have at least a few bruises forming though; that book was certainly a nasty piece of work.

Professor Hathmore nodded, though handed Hanna a tiny jar of balm similar to what Madam Pomfrey used. He waited for her to properly treat any scratches or bruises.

He put the key away in his pocket, making mental note to stop using the spare and actually track down the original key for that cupboard.

'Now you know what to do if confronted with a cursed object like that,' Hathmore said. 'In any case, you have completed your task. I have a final one for you, if you wish to join me in the Forbidden Forest? I will, of course, teach you a spell that you'd find quite useful.'

He checked the time. 'I am free now, if you wish? Unfortunately, with Quidditch tomorrow, we're short on alternatives until the end of November. But it is your choice,' he said. 'I'm sure you'll find the venture quite educational. I believe you're ready for it now, so I do hope you'll choose to assist me when we have the time to do so.' Hathmore nodded.

'Is there anything else you need?' he added, just in case. He then crossed his arms, awaiting her response - ignoring a burst of sound from within the staff room. Bright sparks spat from underneath the door, but he wasn't worried, as if this was a regular occurrence. 

Oh. He'd expected to have the balm returned to him but supposed she could keep it. Might come in handy. Professor Hathmore sighed at her question, and quickly peered around the door to check inside.

'She's fine,' he said, trying to hide an amused smile. 'Very well. Wait for me at the edge of the forest. I won't be long.' Hathmore checked some pockets, then strode off down the corridor to gather whatever he needed to help prepare them for their task.