Hogwarts, after the Tri-Wizard Tournament

The sun was setting over Hogwarts. In his office, Dumbledore stood looking out the window, the light sparkling on his half-moon spectacles. When the door to his office opened, he turned to see Professor McGonagall striding into the room, her mouth a thin line.

"Is it true?" she asked, worry barely concealed. "I heard the other professors talking. Will she really be coming to Hogwarts next year?"

"Minerva, my dear! Please slow down." said Dumbledore, smiling at his long-time friend. "Plans have already been made to accommodate her... needs."

"But after what has just happened-!"

"That is exactly why. It will soon become far too dangerous for her." he replied firmly. "We cannot let her fall into the wrong hands. It could mean our destruction."

"Oh, very well..." sighed McGonagall. "Have you made contact with them yet?"

"I have been in contact with her mother for many years now." replied Dumbledore, turning to look out the window. The sun was just a faint line on the horizon now. "They will need to be informed of these latest events."

"Will you send a letter, or would you like me to go and visit?" asked McGonagall.

Dumbledore shook his head. "A letter wouldn't be enough, but it will have to do. You will be needed here."

She murmured in agreement.

"But what about Mr. Potter and his friends?" McGonagall asked suddenly. "From past events we know that it won't take them long to figure it out."

"You will find, upon meeting her, that she is more than capable of hiding herself." replied Dumbledore, turning around. "Now, I must wish you good evening. I must prepare for next year."

Professor McGonagall nodded and left the office.

When the door closed, Professor Dumbledore walked over to his pensive and looked down. In the murky liquid, a face was forming. A girl with long black hair and dark, dark red eyes, red flames blazing all around her.

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Montreal, Quebec

The moonlight just penetrated the snow that had gathered on the windowsill, giving of little light. The clock read 2:14 am. On the bed, a girl lay thrashing; fighting of imaginary attackers. The cover lay on the floor, long since kicked away. Suddenly, dark red eyes opened and she bolted upright gasping and holding her hands over her heart. She looked around her room wildly and sighed with relief when she saw nothing but shadows. Flopping back down on her pillow, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. But the nightmares persisted.

She stood in a graveyard. Before her was a group of people standing in a circle, wearing long black cloaks with tall, pointed hoods. Each wore a silver mask that looked like a skull. As she walked closer, she could see that in their center was a man. But he couldn't be human. His skin was as white as new snow, criss-crossed with blue veins. His nose was little more than a bump, with two slits. And he had eyes like a snake. He was talking to the others, but the dream had no sound.

When he finished speaking, one by one the masked people disappeared; becoming a plume of black smoke that disappeared into the clouded sky. When they were gone, the snake man turned and looked her straight in the eye. The cemetery fell away leaving them surrounded by black nothingness. He too then disappeared, leaving her alone. Then the fire came, bright red and burning hot.

In the flames humans walked. Blood flowed from their eyes, noses and mouths. Their skin was blackened and in places flesh was missing, showing pale white bones. Around them other people danced, cackling with glee. Tall men and women with black hair and red eyes. Long black pointed tails. Sharp, pointed canine teeth. The demons laughed and pointed when they saw her. When she reached out to help the humans trapped in the fire, a demon reached out and grabbed both of her hands and pulled her into his dance. Endlessly spinning in circles. He laughed carelessly and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her closer. She looked up into his face and he smiled at her and bent down until his lips almost touched hers. His breath was hot and made her dizzy.

"Welcome home, Ally."