Inside the Headmaster's Office.
Hermione felt like crap as the portraits around her openly crowded in to gawk at her.
But they were all former headmasters of Hogwarts, so she could hardly say anything. She could only silently endure their pointing and commentary.
"Just a moment," Dumbledore said without looking up. "Let me sign a few documents first."
Hermione nodded and began wandering around on her own.
Suddenly, a fiery red shape caught her eye.
Beside Dumbledore, a large, blood-red bird perched on a stand, lowering his head to pluck at his thinning feathers.
Hermione gently picked up a feather.
[Magical creatures] [Phoenix (undying bird)] [Reborn from the ashes after death. Tears can neutralize poisons and heal wounds.]
"I imagine you know what he is."
Dumbledore looked up, stacked the documents in his hands, and spoke calmly.
Hermione nodded as well. "Indeed. I just didn't expect you to have one here."
"Phoenixes are the guardian spirits of the Dumbledore family. Fawkes has been with me for over a hundred years. He's nearly due to be reborn again, which is why he looks like this."
Seemingly noticing the confusion in Hermione's eyes, Dumbledore offered an explanation on Fawkes's behalf.
Hermione already knew, of course, but she patiently listened to Dumbledore's explanation anyway.
Only when he finished did Dumbledore hand her the documents.
When she opened them, a GIF with an exaggerated expression appeared before her, accompanied by a great deal of text.
Gilderoy Lockhart.
"This is Lockhart's résumé. He will be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for this school year."
This school year... Noticing Dumbledore's choice of words, Hermione couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"I hear you met Lockhart in Diagon Alley. What do you think of him?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well..." Hermione considered her wording. "How should