Shrinking my trunk and putting it in my pocket, I walked out of the dorm quickly without a backward glance. Not one more night having to put up with Longbottom’s breathing problems. Hell, I would never have to step foot in the room again, let alone sleep in it. One step closer to me being completely rid of the Gryffindor persuasion. I practically skipped down the stairs and out of the Common Room. Luckily nobody was around to witness this. Now talk about humiliating, that sure as hell would be. I walked back down the staircase, without skipping, and made my way back to my new room with full intention to step foot into it this time.
I looked at the bare stretch of wall that served to protect my room. I made a request to have a portrait…where in the seven hells was it? I wanted a portrait so I could have fun with it like I did the Humungo Lady. I pulled the crinkled letter out of my pocket that I had received at breakfast and reread it. I found nothing of how to get into my room or as to why I didn’t have my bloody portrait. It’s not like it was hard to find a portrait in the drafty castle. They were all over the place! I bet if I were to turn around right now I would find at least five on the wall! I turned the letter over and found some writing.
I’m sorry; we have not yet found a suitable portrait for your new room. We will inform you when we have. For now, you will have to use the emergency switch, which you will also have to use if the occupant of the portrait isn’t present. The switch is located on the floor to your left. It is a small stone. Step on it.
I glanced up at the bricks before me and scowled. I looked back down at the letter and found a postscript.
P.S. If you have a request as to which portrait you want, don’t hesitate to ask.
Ideas for portraits filled my mind. I almost considered the Hippo Lady, but I wouldn’t stoop as low as to break tradition for the Gryffindors. I thought of that crazy knight that I had come across while running late for class…. Sir Cardigan? Cadigan? Oh well…he could be fun. I continued to think of candidates as I stuffed the letter back in my pocket and looked around on the floor for the switch. I spotted it, rectangular and small in size and pressed the toe of my shoe on it. I looked at the brick wall expectantly and the wall swung forward like it would if it were a portrait. I was surprised that the wall barely made a sound as the bricks scraped past each other. Must have been silenced magically…of course. I stepped in and my jaw dropped as the wall closed behind me.
“Dear, Merlin,” I said to myself in disgust, as I looked around my new room.
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