A/N: All Harry Potter works exclusively belong to JK Rowling and the directors of the Movies. I have no claim whatsoever sadly, only Jaecyn belongs to me. Please enjoy.

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The young woman paced restlessly in front of the older wizard, "I don't want to go back Dumbledore. I'm not ready."

Albus smiled kindly, "You'll do fine my dear, you cannot hide yourself away. Your parents wouldn't want your past to destroy you." The white haired man studied the young woman in front of him and his eyes softened. None of such an age should suffer such hardship. "If you wait for yourself to be ready, you never will be."

Rounding on him the young woman scowled, "Don't bring my parents into this Albus, you have no idea what the ruddy hell they would have wanted."

Stepping forward Albus placed a hand on the muscular shoulder, "You're hiding, and I believe you know that. Waiting for yourself to completely mend will get you nowhere. Take action while you can and heal as you go."

The younger wizard sighed as she ran a hand through her long black hair before turning to face the older wizard, "I suppose you're right Albus. There's no point in delaying my continued education any longer. As long as I don't have to stay in that bloody common room."

Dumbledore smiled and his eyes crinkled, "I believe that can be arranged young Black, but run along now and pack. Remus has already caught the express and I dare say we'll be late."

Rolling her eyes at the old man, "Do you ever change Dumbledore?" Her expression turned serious as she continued, "So you actually gave Lupin the job then? Are you sure that they'll accept him? You and I both know how some in the wizarding world turn against its creatures."

Wincing slightly at the girl's inflection Albus sighed, "Remus is an outstanding teacher, I believe he should have a chance. And with you there, perhaps he will have better control."

Nodding once the young woman spun on her heel and walked briskly up the stairs of the large home.

Watching the girl ascend Dumbledore sighed again. "I hope my decisions concerning you and Remus are profitable and well for all, Jaecyn Alexandra Black."


The headmaster stood at the front of the grand hall as he raised his hand and silence spread. He cleared his throat once before he began, "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises-or even invisibility cloaks."

Glancing meaningfully at the young Potter, the headmaster waited for the whispers to die, "It is not in the nature of a dementors to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new head boy and girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors."

Dumbledore visibly brightened as he continued his speech in a lighter tone, "On a happier note, I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Albus paused as applause ripped through the hall for the new teacher and the somewhat shabbily dressed man stood quickly before becoming seated once again. "As to our second new appointment, well, I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties."

Once again the aged wizard waited patiently as his students applauded their new teacher, "And lastly I would like to introduce our last new addition. A student has returned to us from a year abroad. She has rejoined us to continue her schooling as a fifth year and prefect." Raising a hand towards the grand doors of the hall Albus continued, "Returning to Slytherin House, Jaecyn Alexandra Black."

Whispers erupted throughout the hall as a tall, well built young witch walked down the tables towards the Slytherins. Black hair as dark as night tumbled down her back in waves and bright, jaded grey eyes stared back at them. Silver hoops adorned high up in her ears and a small scar stretched from beneath her left eye down her cheek. Moving gracefully between the tables the young Slytherin looked back at all that stared and sat down beside her fellow fifth years, and looked to Dumbledore.

The headmaster smiled warmly towards the girl and continued, "Well, I think that's everything of importance. Let the feast begin!"