Everything in the Headmaster's Office was as usual. Nothing had been moved.
Professor Dumbledore seemed so confident about returning that he hadn't even considered moving.
At that moment, Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk, fingers interlaced and a kind smile on his face.
The former headmasters in the portraits weren't pretending to sleep, either. They were visiting one another to celebrate Professor Dumbledore's return.
"Good evening, dear Professor Dumbledore." Harley greeted him first. Fawkes fluttered his wings and returned to the perch nearby.
"Good evening, Harley. Would you like some milk?" Professor Dumbledore waved his wand, and a chair appeared out of thin air.
"No, thank you. I just had a huge meal in the kitchen."
"That's good." Dumbledore nodded gently. "I asked you here tonight mainly because I wanted to talk about your battle this afternoon.
"Although I've already watched the recording, I'd still like to hear what happened this afternoon from your point of view."
Harley didn't hesitate. She immediately began recounting events as she'd planned to in the kitchen.
The old man in front of her had the battle recording, after all, so there was no need to hide most of the details.
After listening to Harley, Professor Dumbledore nodded.
"Harley, thank you for resolving the crisis that threatened Hogwarts.
"I'd like to show my gratitude. I think you deserve a Special Contribution Award from Hogwarts.
"Also, I have some good news. You may be awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, for killing the Basilisk and protecting your classmates.
"There's precedent for it.
"In 1899, Mr. Olevin Drake single-handedly killed a Dragon to protect a Muggle village, and was awarded the Order of Merlin, Third Class.
"Given your age and unique circumstances, I think you may even receive the Second Class award, and have a chance