Under the deep night sky, the Black Lake lay still beside Hogwarts Castle. Mist rose quietly from its surface like drifting ghosts, glimmering faintly in the moonlight.
Jerry wandered alone along the shore with no destination in mind. A chilly night breeze brushed his face, making him draw in his neck. Everything around him was steeped in silence; only his footsteps echoed along the empty shore.
In his previous life, Jerry had spent a lonely childhood and adolescence in an orphanage. For more than twenty years, he had never found a single blood relative. After being reborn in this world of magic, fate seemed no kinder to him. His new life had begun in an orphanage too.
Deep down, he longed for the warmth and depth of a parent's love more than anyone. Today, he had finally had the chance to see the woman regarded as "his" mother, but only in a way that left him helpless and heartsick. He could see her clearly, yet he could not reach her warm embrace.
Perhaps that loss was why, even though he knew he was not truly "Jerry Green," the sight of Mandy had still filled him with an ache he could neither name nor suppress.
"According to the School Rules, Jerry, being out by the Castle this late could land you in detention with Mr. Filch!"
Dumbledore's voice came out of nowhere, startling Jerry. He turned and saw Dumbledore in a gray robe, standing on the dew-soaked grass a short distance away.
"How did you know I was here?" Jerry's eyes flickered as he hurried to compose himself and tried to look calm.
Dumbledore smiled warmly. "After I returned from the Ministry of Magic in London, I went to the Hospital Wing to check on you. But you weren't resting in