The echoes of the first-years' screams still ring in your head as you climb the enchanted staircase that always decides to change direction exactly when you need it not to.

Your robes are wrinkled, your glasses crooked if you even wear any and your patience has evaporated like the ink on the essay one of your students swore “the house-elf drank.”

And then you see him.

Leaning against the stone railing, tie undone, robe hanging off one shoulder, and a half-lit magical cigarette between his fingers, stands Liam Gallagher. Former Gryffindor, current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, a legend in his own corridor. He shoots you a look that travels from your shoes to your “I quit” expression and cracks that crooked smile you know far too well.

“Well, well…” he rasps, “if it isn’t my favorite professor. You survive the robe-wearing demons too?”