A/N I've redone a lot in these chapters. Though there are a lot that's still the same, I wanted to make sure that people could actually imagine themselves in Kyra's shoes... So I've put some more details in and I also gave Kyra more of a past. Thanks for reading it and please review and enjoy!!
Chapter 1
Whenever Albus summoned her, something was up. It was truly amazing that she hadn't already become deathly sick or even died form his callings. Never has he asked her to do something 'safe' before and this didn't seem all that different. Whatever it was, she would soon find out for she suddenly arrived at the edge of the forest near the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Winter settled in quite aggressively and seemed to rejoice in its victory over the fall season. The trees, chilled to the core, shook violently as goose bumps spread over their bark and their leaves dulled to an ill-favored brown then fell off the limbs of their mothers. The grass grew weary, as it appeared to droop and sag heavily to the hardened ground. Animals fled to their dwellings and disappeared into the forest to escape the frost that spread like wildfire onto the land. The students locked themselves in their common rooms to keep their chilled bodies as warm as possible seeing as there was no snow to play in yet, only the bitterly cold wind.
Her feet traveled the familiar path to the gargoyle statue that was the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Students passing eyed her with suspicion and confusion as she stared at the statue in wonder. Once again, her short- term memory failed her for she forgot the password that would allow her into his study. "Cauldron Cakes… Chocolate Frogs… No? Lemon Drops? Blossom Kicks? Ice Mice? Oh!" She smiled, "I know! Chocolate Covered Cherries!" Her smile quickly faded as she gazed at the statue fiercely, determined to open the blasted passage. That look alone could have opened any other door for its sheer determination and enormous amount of hatred, but it seemed that this particular opening could withstand such a look of utter loathing and appeared to be looking right back at the woman with the same amount of determination not to let her through.
"Actually, my dear, it's 'Pepper Imps'. Quite a lively taste, you know," a gentle, yet strong, hand laid on her shoulder as she turned to face her guest. Her body cringed as she heard the gargoyle scrape along the wall as it rode up to the next level.
She gazed into the man's brilliant eyes that sparkled with delight. Her puzzled face relaxed as he continued to smile down upon her. Their arms flung around one another as they embraced as in a time forgotten where all memories died away and only the still, cool air that surrounded them existed.
As they pulled apart she opened her mouth to say something but he held up a ceasing hand. "I am glad you could come on such a short notice, my dear. Now, I'm afraid, I must explain to you why I've asked you to do so." With his arm indicating the stairs behind her, he stated, "Please, after you." She realized that this would be another serious, complicated, and troublesome calling.
Her head seemed to snap off its neck and spin around in wild circles as she realized the situation in which Dumbledore had presented to her; it seemed more complicated than she thought. "When is this to happen?"
"I believe it is to happen by the end of the school year. I apologize for not telling you sooner." His eyes penetrated hers as she watched him closely. Well, I'm sorry you called on me any way! she thought. Her anger rose higher as she reflected hard on the situation before her.
More and more questions arose in her mind. "Why couldn't you call upon someone else? I would have never thought to call on someone like me." she sighed. "So why would you?" His eyes turned from wonderment to sorrow.
"Because, my dear, I need someone I can trust."
"Why couldn't you just call on the Ministry? They must be good for something!" She paused, shaking her head, and muttered, "Honestly!
"Plus, you have all your teachers and students here to help. There are thousands who would willingly join in your fight. Why don't you call on them?" Her voice soon retired to a whisper as fatigue overcame her.
"I didn't call on them because I don't know who I can trust any more than you do. Plus I need the teachers here for the students anyway." Raising his voice out of frustration, he continued with a sigh. "Voldemort has gotten far too many followers these days and his numbers continue to rise. He could easily overcome a wizard who isn't strong in heart." A far off look entered his twinkling eyes. "These days there are just too few who could withstand his temptations."
Settling back in her chair, she realized there was just no end to the misery Voldemort had played upon humankind, wizards and muggles alike. But why was this her problem? She had no reason to fight. Glancing up, she received a pleading grin from the old man. Maybe she did have something to fight for after all. Oh, how she hated that smile of his! Always bringing about knowing thoughts of his and telling her that she would be wasting time if she continued to ponder. She could just hear him saying, "You've already made your mind, my dear. Don't fight it," but he was right. The moment she looked into his sparkling eyes peering over the top of his half- moon spectacles, she had made up her mind. At least she was back home now with people she cared for and who actually cared for her back.
As she awoke, she found tears dotting her pillow. Another night had past where she had the same nightmare. Always the same people, the same events, always the same ending. She feared sleep because of the visions that haunted her dreams. She felt as if those people's deaths were always her fault but she knew she couldn't do anything about it. She lifted herself off the bed, groaning from shoulder pain, and continued as she always did after those dreadful nights.
Albus had been kind enough to give her a room for as long as she needed it. As she glanced about, she realized the theme of the small chamber that appeared to be of the night sky with dark navy sheets and walls covered in all sizes of stars and galaxies that seemed to flood the room. One window stood near the bed with the sun brightly shinning through to wake the people of Hogwarts.
She got dressed and placed a hat upon her head. The hat was a present from her mother before she died and was decorated completely with all different leaves. Though it was winter and they were real, they were as beautiful as the setting sun and painted with more than four different colors. She glanced in the mirror for one final look at her appearance and trudged towards the Great Hall. The shrill noise of the chattering students filled the Hall before Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement. Holding high his hand, he silently demanded for everyone to be quiet. "This morning I would like you all to welcome a friend of mine that will be staying here at Hogwarts for the time being. Some of you may remember her when she visited seven years ago. She will be roaming around, joining classes, and talking to many of you so I expect you all will show her great respect while she is here." He scanned the four tables over-crowded with students with his eyes peering over his half-moon spectacles. Satisfied, he leaned over to motion her to come forward.
All eyes drifted toward her as she slowly marched up to the front of the Hall toward her old friend. Though her legs shook and her palms sweated, she held her head high with pride. When she reached Albus, she turned to face the quizzical stares of the students. "Please welcome our guest, Kyranosa Nellenbach." As Albus' voice echoed to the back of the room, a quiet applause rolled through the Hall.
As she tried to rid her mind of the morning's events, she bumped into the worst person possible. She learned the last time she was at Hogwarts of his rude, sarcastic, ill-tempered attitude. The infamous Potions Master growled as he stared into her eyes, damning her to the Abyss.
"I'm sorry, sir. I--"
"No need to apologize, Ms. Nellenbach. I am fully aware of your inattentive intellect, therefore all I ask of you is to stay out of my way while you are here and there won't be any problems. And please take that silly thing off your head." One last demonic look from the professor, and he disappeared. 'Well, that went well. A nice start for a new abode.' Kyra shook her head in exhaustion.