Prologue
It's been two months since I heard of the death of Dumbledore. I was horror stricken when I first received the news. I arrived to Hogwarts as fast as I could to attend his funeral.
I wasn't surprised when many attended; after all he was as famous as Merlin himself. I did not want to draw attention to myself so I hid atop one of the towers of the castle. From there I watched the ceremony. The centaurs of the Dark Forest took part in the funeral by shooting arrows in the sky. In the distance I could hear Fawkes' mourning song. Hmm…such a deep melody, enough to bring tears to one's own eyes. After the ceremony was over, many witches and wizards-most with tears in their eyes- went back home, I suppose. I slowly climbed down still making myself unknown. I went to a group of the Hogwarts professors and walked toward them. When I was within range, I cleared my throat to make myself known. The three witches turned their attention to me. I recognized all of them. One of them was known as Madame Strout, the professor in biology, the other the hospital wing nurse, and the new headmistress, Professor McGonagall. I bowed my head to all of them. They all had equal surprised expressions on their face. I suppose they thought I would be so busy with my training and current duty that I would not be able to attend Dumbledore's funeral. Despite their surprised state of mind, they all welcomed me back and each took a turn in giving me a welcoming hug.
Professor McGonagall spoke first, "Lumina, I didn't think you would…I mean I'm glad you came."
I replied, "It's good to be back home professor." I paused to wet my dry lips. I momentarily glanced to Dumbledore's casket but then I quickly diverted my attention to the professors; I felt tears building up and I needed to be strong. "Please Professor McGonagall, tell me how Dumbledore died, I need to know."
Painfully Professor McGonagall retold the night event. She had great difficulty so I spared her by telling her to tell me the basics of it. McGonagall ended the story…nightmare with tears building up in her eyes. I took out my handkerchief from the sleeve of my jacket and handed it to her who took it with gratitude. I asked her who was the last person who saw Dumbledore alive and she pointed me toward three people huddled up in the distance, far away from the other witches and wizards.
I walked toward them, gaining some glance from others as I passed them. It seems most of the professors haven't forgotten about me, ever since that incident when I was but a year old. I'll never forget that day. My family was celebrating my first birthday. All was fun and joy until he showed up. He killed every member of my family while my mother carried me up the stairs into another room. Screams and pleas erupted around the house. It was a most horrible sound one could hear; it could even stir the coldest blooded magical creature. My mother placed a necklace around my neck and attempted to hide me in the closet but the hooded man blasted his way in. My mother and he exchange a few words; at that time I didn't understand what they were saying. He ended the conversation by killing my mother with a bright green light. He then made his way to me and aimed his weapon toward me but before he had the chance to fire, a silver feathered falcon flew and attacked him. When the man stumbled on one of the toys, the falcon flew toward me and circled around me creating a blinding white light. The next thing I knew I was in the office of Dumbledore. He was a great guardian and he raised me as if I were his own daughter. When I was fourteen, Dumbledore revealed some information of why the hooded man whom I later learned was Voldemort, was after me; it had to do with who I was. He sent me to a secret place where I could practice my magic, one that hasn't been seen since the time of the Origin…whatever that was. I had planned to come back to Hogwarts when I reached the age of seventeen but due to the recent event I had to come back a year early.
I was near enough the trio to listen to what they were saying. They were discussing about leaving Hogwarts to find something called Horuxes. They seemed like as if they were determined to find these items as if it was of great importance. I decided to leave them be; I had a feeling I would meet them soon.
I walked toward the lake and sat in the sand for some time. Somehow, I had a feeling that this Voldemort had to do something with the Horuxes those three were discussing. Also, I had a feeling that the Horuxes were only the tip of the ice burg. There had to be a reason for them. Of course I knew they acted like extra lives. The question is why would Voldemort need extra lives for besides the notion of immortality? I touched the northern star shaped pendant dangling from the chain around my neck. There also had to be a reason that Voldemort was after me and why my mother gave me this necklace before she was murdered. I heard a falcon cry from up above. I smiled. The silver feathered falcon landed on my shoulder and cuddled against my cheek. I gently scratched her head and she sang in enjoyment.
"Well Adene, it's time to start this little mystery journey." Adene squawked in agreement. Before I set to leave Hogwarts once again and this time permanently, I gathered an oval blue sapphire, chanted a spell causing it to glow, and threw it toward the castle. Now the school would be protected from any unwanted guests. Satisfied with my work, I unfolded my wings and flew to the skies, ready to face the dangers along the road to discovery.
