PART ONE:
They were gathered in a comfortable room of the castle, a staff room they had never seen while students at Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter were waiting for Minerva McGonagall, the Headmistress of Hogwarts School. Since Lord Voldemort had regained physical form seven years earlier, the world of witches and wizards had been transformed into one of constant battle. Many of the professors that were at Hogwarts at the time of Voldemort's reappearance were either doing their part in the struggle, or had lost their lives during the battle with evil. Only Hagrid and McGonagall remained from the time of Draco, Hermione, Ron and Harry. Severus Snape's betrayal to Voldemort was a secret that had been revealed only a week earlier, and it was feared that he had joined the long list of dead. Albus Dumbledore, the beloved former Headmaster of Hogwarts and powerful wizard had sacrificed his own life three months prior to save the lives of Hermione and Ron. The four young adults, now in their early twenties, had returned to Hogwarts to help teach the new generation of witches and wizards how to fight against the growing power of Voldemort.
Now, Headmistress McGonagall was informing the young teachers about their newest colleague, an American witch named Anya Haywood. She was a renegade who had never declared allegiance to either side. Yet, Albus Dumbledore had insisted she become part of the staff. He had written her a letter a week before he died. Her powers were strong, with a special affinity for seeing behind the veils of other's minds and a knack for precognitive abilities. Understandably, the young adults were nervous about her arrival, with the trust within the group still not yet strong. The tension between Draco Malfoy and the others was still obvious, old wounds still being fresh in their minds. However, evil times called for alliances in the most unlikely of places.
During their discussion, a knock was heard at the door. McGonagall rose to her feet and said, "She has arrived." With a wave of her hand, McGonagall opened the door.
Anya, even with her head held confidently, appeared uncomfortable as she entered. Draco, Ron, Hermione, and Harry stared at the witch as she walked in, her muggle attire sharply contrasting with the atmosphere of the castle. Her straight black hair was streaked with burgundy wisps. Her eyes, a piercing blue color, seemed to look straight into their souls. Her form- fitting jeans hung slightly off her hips, revealing milky white skin that disappeared underneath her simple black shirt. The awkward silence was broken as Headmistress McGonagall took Anya's face in her hands and said warmly, "Welcome child..."
She turned Anya to introduce her to the other members of the teaching staff. "This is Hermione Granger. She teaches Transfiguration and will be able to help you with any questions you might have."
Anya moved to shake Hermione's hand, but was instead met with an icy stare as their hands first touched.
"Next is Ronald Weasley. The school just would not be the same without one Weasley or another within these walls. He is the Flying instructor and helps with Quidditch when we are afforded that luxury."
Anya shook hands with a nervous Ron, who visibly blushed as their hands met in a quick handshake.
"This young man is Draco Malfoy. He is the Potions Master."
Anya reached to take the hand of the young man whose handsome face was hidden behind a smirk. The moment their hands touched, a bright light flashed in Anya's mind and was replaced with an image of a sleek white tiger. With a confused look on her face, she released the hand of the intriguing stranger.
"And finally, we have Mr. Harry Potter. You will find it academically beneficial to quickly become acquainted with him. You will be joining him in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Your knowledge will be invaluable to those students." Anya took Harry's hand and returned his firm handshake and knowing smile.
Headmistress McGonagall motioned for all to be seated. Hermione and Ron sat in a comfortable small couch with two cushions. Draco headed for the larger couch, but as Harry also seated himself on this couch, seemed to change his mind and opted for a high-backed chair. Anya moved to the couch with Harry and all turned to face. McGonagall.
"Anya, dear, the floor is yours. Albus made me aware of your past before his death. As always, he was able to see things and 'know' things about you which should have been a mystery. However, I have no doubt that his observations were indeed factual." McGonagall silently laughed to herself, her eyes possessing the look of one who was remembering a dear friend, "But your colleagues here still see you as somewhat of an enigma. Would you like to share your past with them or shall I?"
For the first time since her arrival at Hogwarts, Anya spoke, "Please Headmistress, I believe I would rather hear my story from the viewpoint of Dumbledore. Maybe then I'll be able to understand why I traveled all the way here...to become a teacher of all things." Though soft, her voice still held much power.
With a smile, Minerva said, "Very well. But I believe I will allow a bit of visual aid, using a gift from Albus, that is for you to keep, Anya."
As she finished speaking, Minerva pulled a small orb from her robes. After she whispered to it, a strange light started to illuminate the room and a moving picture was projected onto the wall.
"My words will tell the story, yes, but these pictures are the captured memories of time that will stay with you. Anya's story began a little over 25 years ago, before her birth. Her story starts with her parents here in England...with her father, Richard Haywood, and her mother, Elaine Diggory. "
Images of Anya's parents appeared before them. They were a beautiful couple, whose love seemed to surround them. Despite herself, Anya's eyes began to fill with tears. However, this beautiful scene soon changed to one of horror.
"Voldemort was gaining powers and the Haywoods made a difficult decision to move to the United States. Elaine was pregnant, and the safety of their unborn child was at the forefront of both of their minds. They left their home, family, and country and migrated west. Once there, Richard Haywood worked diligently with the American wizarding community. All magical inhabitants of the world realized that everyone would suffer should Voldemort succeed. All seemed to be going well for the Haywood family. Their beautiful baby girl, Anya, was healthy and even as a two year old was already exhibiting extraordinary magical abilities."
"However, that happiness came crashing down. Elaine was more powerful and secretive than even her own husband knew. She had been working closely with Voldemort the entire time, becoming his emissary to the United States and gaining followers for him throughout the country. However, her betrayal to her husband ran much deeper...she also made a blood oath to turn over their daughter to Voldemort. He could sense the power in the child, and wanted to raise Anya in his evil ways. To control a girl who could one day become the most powerful witch in the world was a temptation even Voldemort could not resist."
"One fateful night, Richard discovered Elaine's deception. Instead of confronting her at the time, he first wanted to remove Anya from her dangerous surroundings. Elaine, aware of his discovery, sought to stop the escape of her husband and young daughter. As they struggled, Anya tried to run to her parents only to be thrown back and look on as both of her parents died. It was another family whose lives were destroyed by the evil of Voldemort. A muggle friend of the family soon found the shocked child and what remained of her parents. The muggle, Chloe, knew Richard and Elaine's true powers, and fearing for Anya, took the child. Together, with her husband, they fled with the tiny witch to raise her as their own. All the while, Voldemort was sending his followers to find Anya, the daughter of his faithful servant Elaine, complete with all of Elaine's powers. Of course, his plans and searches were stopped when he encountered an infant named Harry Potter."
Anya's tears now flowed freely as she sat stiffly on the couch. She was surrounded by strangers who were discovering her most painful memories, and was left feeling completely helpless...a feeling that the young witch was not accustomed to having. Hermione's icy gaze had been replaced with one of sympathy. Ron's head hung low, trying to contemplate what else had happened in the life of the mysterious new teacher. Draco's eyes were glued to the wall, which seemed to be the only appropriate place for his stony gaze to turn. Harry gently took Anya's hand, attempting to comfort and empathize with his newest companion.
Minerva McGonagall's normally steady voice continued, filled with emotion, "Time went on. Chloe and her husband, Alan Bosley, raised Anya as their own child. However, these muggles took great care in keeping her wizarding heritage alive, though secret from all others. She studied magic in secret while attending muggle schools. She seemed to learn even the most difficult charms and spells without effort."
"At seventeen years old, the horror of her past finally seeming to have disappeared, she received word from England. Some of her family had tracked her down and sent her both sorrowful news and a warning. Her cousin had died, murdered by Voldemort.... her cousin, Cedric."
A sharp intake of breath could be heard in the room. The eyes of the young teachers widened as they remembered the tragic death of Cedric Diggory. Harry hung his head as his own eyes began to fill with tears over his fallen Hogwarts' companion.
"Anya knew that she had to take great care now that Voldemort was returning to power. She suffered from a constant inner struggle between the dark influence of her mother and the love of her father. Anya chose to help no one, but to serve herself and protect her adoptive parents. Her plan worked well until she turned 24, a little over a year ago. It was at this time that she witnessed the death of her second set of parents. They were killed by two wizards who had been sent to find Anya for Voldemort. He still desired the power of Elaine's daughter."
"Anya was thrown into a whirlwind of anger and uncertainty, not knowing whether to blame only Voldemort or whether she should also hold those that made Voldemort antagonistic accountable as well. She trusted no one and would give her allegiance to none."
"Three months ago, Anya received a letter from Hogwarts, handwritten by Albus Dumbledore, himself. In ways that only Dumbledore himself knows, he was able to learn of Anya's circumstances. He asked her to be part of the staff, requesting that she assist in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. He was aware that her ability to "read" others and be able to anticipate the actions of others so quickly would be highly useful, particularly if she could help the students heighten these skills. However, he was also aware that some of Anya's powers were much darker, though not even he was sure of the extent of her abilities. Perhaps he assumed that you young teachers could sway her opinion. Perhaps he knew that her presence here would be valuable for another reason." McGonagall's voice stopped momentarily, allowing the heaviness of the room to settle in on the inhabitants. As she continued, she turned to look into Anya's bright blue eyes, "Regardless, he believed in her completely, and now, she has joined us."
With her last words, the picture on the wall vanished. She stood and placed the orb back in her robes.
"This orb, Anya, will be given to you at a later time. Now, I believe I will leave you in the capable hands of Hermione, Ron, Draco, and Harry. They will show you around as well as answer any questions you might have. Become acquainted quickly, it's only one week before our students will arrive."
They were gathered in a comfortable room of the castle, a staff room they had never seen while students at Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter were waiting for Minerva McGonagall, the Headmistress of Hogwarts School. Since Lord Voldemort had regained physical form seven years earlier, the world of witches and wizards had been transformed into one of constant battle. Many of the professors that were at Hogwarts at the time of Voldemort's reappearance were either doing their part in the struggle, or had lost their lives during the battle with evil. Only Hagrid and McGonagall remained from the time of Draco, Hermione, Ron and Harry. Severus Snape's betrayal to Voldemort was a secret that had been revealed only a week earlier, and it was feared that he had joined the long list of dead. Albus Dumbledore, the beloved former Headmaster of Hogwarts and powerful wizard had sacrificed his own life three months prior to save the lives of Hermione and Ron. The four young adults, now in their early twenties, had returned to Hogwarts to help teach the new generation of witches and wizards how to fight against the growing power of Voldemort.
Now, Headmistress McGonagall was informing the young teachers about their newest colleague, an American witch named Anya Haywood. She was a renegade who had never declared allegiance to either side. Yet, Albus Dumbledore had insisted she become part of the staff. He had written her a letter a week before he died. Her powers were strong, with a special affinity for seeing behind the veils of other's minds and a knack for precognitive abilities. Understandably, the young adults were nervous about her arrival, with the trust within the group still not yet strong. The tension between Draco Malfoy and the others was still obvious, old wounds still being fresh in their minds. However, evil times called for alliances in the most unlikely of places.
During their discussion, a knock was heard at the door. McGonagall rose to her feet and said, "She has arrived." With a wave of her hand, McGonagall opened the door.
Anya, even with her head held confidently, appeared uncomfortable as she entered. Draco, Ron, Hermione, and Harry stared at the witch as she walked in, her muggle attire sharply contrasting with the atmosphere of the castle. Her straight black hair was streaked with burgundy wisps. Her eyes, a piercing blue color, seemed to look straight into their souls. Her form- fitting jeans hung slightly off her hips, revealing milky white skin that disappeared underneath her simple black shirt. The awkward silence was broken as Headmistress McGonagall took Anya's face in her hands and said warmly, "Welcome child..."
She turned Anya to introduce her to the other members of the teaching staff. "This is Hermione Granger. She teaches Transfiguration and will be able to help you with any questions you might have."
Anya moved to shake Hermione's hand, but was instead met with an icy stare as their hands first touched.
"Next is Ronald Weasley. The school just would not be the same without one Weasley or another within these walls. He is the Flying instructor and helps with Quidditch when we are afforded that luxury."
Anya shook hands with a nervous Ron, who visibly blushed as their hands met in a quick handshake.
"This young man is Draco Malfoy. He is the Potions Master."
Anya reached to take the hand of the young man whose handsome face was hidden behind a smirk. The moment their hands touched, a bright light flashed in Anya's mind and was replaced with an image of a sleek white tiger. With a confused look on her face, she released the hand of the intriguing stranger.
"And finally, we have Mr. Harry Potter. You will find it academically beneficial to quickly become acquainted with him. You will be joining him in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Your knowledge will be invaluable to those students." Anya took Harry's hand and returned his firm handshake and knowing smile.
Headmistress McGonagall motioned for all to be seated. Hermione and Ron sat in a comfortable small couch with two cushions. Draco headed for the larger couch, but as Harry also seated himself on this couch, seemed to change his mind and opted for a high-backed chair. Anya moved to the couch with Harry and all turned to face. McGonagall.
"Anya, dear, the floor is yours. Albus made me aware of your past before his death. As always, he was able to see things and 'know' things about you which should have been a mystery. However, I have no doubt that his observations were indeed factual." McGonagall silently laughed to herself, her eyes possessing the look of one who was remembering a dear friend, "But your colleagues here still see you as somewhat of an enigma. Would you like to share your past with them or shall I?"
For the first time since her arrival at Hogwarts, Anya spoke, "Please Headmistress, I believe I would rather hear my story from the viewpoint of Dumbledore. Maybe then I'll be able to understand why I traveled all the way here...to become a teacher of all things." Though soft, her voice still held much power.
With a smile, Minerva said, "Very well. But I believe I will allow a bit of visual aid, using a gift from Albus, that is for you to keep, Anya."
As she finished speaking, Minerva pulled a small orb from her robes. After she whispered to it, a strange light started to illuminate the room and a moving picture was projected onto the wall.
"My words will tell the story, yes, but these pictures are the captured memories of time that will stay with you. Anya's story began a little over 25 years ago, before her birth. Her story starts with her parents here in England...with her father, Richard Haywood, and her mother, Elaine Diggory. "
Images of Anya's parents appeared before them. They were a beautiful couple, whose love seemed to surround them. Despite herself, Anya's eyes began to fill with tears. However, this beautiful scene soon changed to one of horror.
"Voldemort was gaining powers and the Haywoods made a difficult decision to move to the United States. Elaine was pregnant, and the safety of their unborn child was at the forefront of both of their minds. They left their home, family, and country and migrated west. Once there, Richard Haywood worked diligently with the American wizarding community. All magical inhabitants of the world realized that everyone would suffer should Voldemort succeed. All seemed to be going well for the Haywood family. Their beautiful baby girl, Anya, was healthy and even as a two year old was already exhibiting extraordinary magical abilities."
"However, that happiness came crashing down. Elaine was more powerful and secretive than even her own husband knew. She had been working closely with Voldemort the entire time, becoming his emissary to the United States and gaining followers for him throughout the country. However, her betrayal to her husband ran much deeper...she also made a blood oath to turn over their daughter to Voldemort. He could sense the power in the child, and wanted to raise Anya in his evil ways. To control a girl who could one day become the most powerful witch in the world was a temptation even Voldemort could not resist."
"One fateful night, Richard discovered Elaine's deception. Instead of confronting her at the time, he first wanted to remove Anya from her dangerous surroundings. Elaine, aware of his discovery, sought to stop the escape of her husband and young daughter. As they struggled, Anya tried to run to her parents only to be thrown back and look on as both of her parents died. It was another family whose lives were destroyed by the evil of Voldemort. A muggle friend of the family soon found the shocked child and what remained of her parents. The muggle, Chloe, knew Richard and Elaine's true powers, and fearing for Anya, took the child. Together, with her husband, they fled with the tiny witch to raise her as their own. All the while, Voldemort was sending his followers to find Anya, the daughter of his faithful servant Elaine, complete with all of Elaine's powers. Of course, his plans and searches were stopped when he encountered an infant named Harry Potter."
Anya's tears now flowed freely as she sat stiffly on the couch. She was surrounded by strangers who were discovering her most painful memories, and was left feeling completely helpless...a feeling that the young witch was not accustomed to having. Hermione's icy gaze had been replaced with one of sympathy. Ron's head hung low, trying to contemplate what else had happened in the life of the mysterious new teacher. Draco's eyes were glued to the wall, which seemed to be the only appropriate place for his stony gaze to turn. Harry gently took Anya's hand, attempting to comfort and empathize with his newest companion.
Minerva McGonagall's normally steady voice continued, filled with emotion, "Time went on. Chloe and her husband, Alan Bosley, raised Anya as their own child. However, these muggles took great care in keeping her wizarding heritage alive, though secret from all others. She studied magic in secret while attending muggle schools. She seemed to learn even the most difficult charms and spells without effort."
"At seventeen years old, the horror of her past finally seeming to have disappeared, she received word from England. Some of her family had tracked her down and sent her both sorrowful news and a warning. Her cousin had died, murdered by Voldemort.... her cousin, Cedric."
A sharp intake of breath could be heard in the room. The eyes of the young teachers widened as they remembered the tragic death of Cedric Diggory. Harry hung his head as his own eyes began to fill with tears over his fallen Hogwarts' companion.
"Anya knew that she had to take great care now that Voldemort was returning to power. She suffered from a constant inner struggle between the dark influence of her mother and the love of her father. Anya chose to help no one, but to serve herself and protect her adoptive parents. Her plan worked well until she turned 24, a little over a year ago. It was at this time that she witnessed the death of her second set of parents. They were killed by two wizards who had been sent to find Anya for Voldemort. He still desired the power of Elaine's daughter."
"Anya was thrown into a whirlwind of anger and uncertainty, not knowing whether to blame only Voldemort or whether she should also hold those that made Voldemort antagonistic accountable as well. She trusted no one and would give her allegiance to none."
"Three months ago, Anya received a letter from Hogwarts, handwritten by Albus Dumbledore, himself. In ways that only Dumbledore himself knows, he was able to learn of Anya's circumstances. He asked her to be part of the staff, requesting that she assist in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. He was aware that her ability to "read" others and be able to anticipate the actions of others so quickly would be highly useful, particularly if she could help the students heighten these skills. However, he was also aware that some of Anya's powers were much darker, though not even he was sure of the extent of her abilities. Perhaps he assumed that you young teachers could sway her opinion. Perhaps he knew that her presence here would be valuable for another reason." McGonagall's voice stopped momentarily, allowing the heaviness of the room to settle in on the inhabitants. As she continued, she turned to look into Anya's bright blue eyes, "Regardless, he believed in her completely, and now, she has joined us."
With her last words, the picture on the wall vanished. She stood and placed the orb back in her robes.
"This orb, Anya, will be given to you at a later time. Now, I believe I will leave you in the capable hands of Hermione, Ron, Draco, and Harry. They will show you around as well as answer any questions you might have. Become acquainted quickly, it's only one week before our students will arrive."