Chapter 24 : Sherbet Lemon (1) - Revised
Nero stood at the base of the grand staircase, staring up at the towering gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the headmaster's office. Its stony eyes seemed to scrutinize him, as though deciding whether or not he was worthy.
Taking a deep breath, Nero stepped forward.
"Sherbet lemon," he said firmly.
The gargoyle shifted with a grinding sound, stepping aside to reveal a spiral staircase that began to rise, like a corkscrew winding itself upward.
Nero stepped onto the moving staircase, excitement bubbling in his chest.
This was it, Dumbledore's office.
As he reached the top, the doors to the office stood slightly ajar, and he pushed them open with both hands.
His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him: shelves packed with books that seemed older than time itself, whirring silver instruments that emitted faint puffs of smoke, and the gentle hum of unseen magic filling the air.
Nero's gaze flickered from object to object, his mind racing with curiosity.
There was a strange globe glowing softly in the corner, a basin he recognized as a Pensieve, and a series of portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses.
He moved closer to one of the magical contraptions, his fingers itching to figure out its purpose.