Chapter One
Setsuna smiled as she walked through the halls of the ancient school, pondering the amazing events that might have happened here in the past. She laughed, as what she assumed was a poltergeist flew by calling out many horrible abstract names at her.
Throwing a strand of dark green hair over her shoulder, she muttered the password, which was apparently lemon drop, go figure, and stared in wonder as a large golden phoenix spiraled down a staircase. She took in a deep breath, straightening out her white blouse and black skirt, and headed up the staircase to the headmaster's office.
--
Albus Dumbledore shook his head, crossing off another name of the possible professors for the History of Magic position. Professor Binns had decided to take his soul to the afterlife, finally, if he must say, and now he is in need of a new teacher. He was stopped from his thoughts when he heard the clinking of heels slowly become louder as it descended toward him. He straightened out his desk, making sure to get rid of any lemon drop rappers or chocolate frog cards, and folded his hands neatly.
He was slightly surprised to see a young woman, around early 20s, at the top of his stairs, as all the other people he had met with were much older, around mid 40s. She had long, straight dark green hair, and pretty burgundy eyes. She had a tan complexion, and was very tall and slim. She smiled at him, bowed, and approached his desk.
"You must be headmaster Dumbledore," she greeted, "I'm Setsuna Meioh. I've come to apply for the History of Magic Position here at Hogwarts."
He smiled at her, his blue eyes twinkling, "Yes, my dear, sit down." he gestured to the chair across for him, "You don't seem to be from around here, you must be awfully tired. Tea?"
Setsuna laughed quietly, accepting the tea from the old headmaster and putting a bit of sugar in it, "Yes, I have traveled a long way."
Albus Dumbldore nodded, sipping his own tea, "I must ask, what qualifications do you have in this subject? Surely someone as young as you are…"
Setsuna shook her head, "I'm not that young, headmaster, I'm 29. As for qualifications, I have studied my magical learning at home, being taught by only the best professors around, including many top historians."
He nodded, observing the resume she had passed to him. He looked up at the woman, and smiled, "Yes, I do believe that you are most qualified for the job. I am pleased to tell you that you are now a new, most welcomed member of the Hogwarts Staff."
Setsuna grinned, bowing to the headmaster while walking out the door politely. She was instructed to get her belongings as quickly as possible and stay in the school until the students arrive.
'Shouldn't be too bad,' she thought, 'The students don't arrive until another week '
--
Dinner in the Great Hall wasn't too bad. Setsuna was greeted by all the other teachers, with the exception of one, apparently he was very busy and couldn't make it. Mostly all the other teachers seemed very pleasant and kind.
"So, Professor McGonagall.." Setsuna started, addressing the teacher to her left.
"Minerva, dear, we are colleagues now," the woman replied, smiling at the younger woman. Setsuna smiled back.
"Minerva, what do you teach here at Hogwarts?" she asked politely, trying to start a normal conversation.
"Transfiguration," Minerva replied, "and I've been teaching it for thirty one years."
Setsuna nodded, "So you must be very good at it," she smiled, "I hope I do well. I'm so nervous, I can't believe school starts in a week."
The older woman smiled at her, "Don't worry dear, I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Thanks, that helps, coming from you," Setsuna responded, causally taking a sip of white wine, "So, who's this teacher that didn't show up? Heard about me and decided he didn't want to come, ne?"
McGonagall chuckled, "That would be our Potions master, Professor Snape," Setsuna choked on her wine, "He's probably doing something important for Dumbledore. Are you all right?"
Setsuna smiled, regaining her composure, "Yes, I'm quite fine. I'm sorry, but would you excuse me, I need to…go to the ladies room. Yes, I'll be right back."
She got up from her seat quickly, almost knocking over the chair as she got up, and left the room hastily. She searched all around for a bathroom before finding and locking herself in it. She breathed deeply, finally looking at herself in the mirror.
"What the hell is he doing here?" she said to herself, glaring at the face in the mirror and scowling.