Chapter 1 Guilt and Bad Dreams
Isadora Ravenwood stood on the edge of a cliff overlooking a quiet sea. Her messy shoulder length dark red hair blew in the wind behind her. She pulled her tan, knee length jacket more tightly around her, trying to block out the cold wind that stung her exposed skin. Her breath kept getting caught in her chest and her green eyes were bright with unshed tears. She could still hear Tonks' voice as though she'd just spoken to her yesterday. Tonks had been her best friend for nearly twenty years. Three years ago Tonks had told her that she'd had a bad feeling about the war. Isadora had told her not to worry. That everything would be fine and that she should focus on her baby. Two weeks later, Isadora had watched as her best friend of twenty years was laid to rest next to Remus Lupin, leaving their son an orphan.
Isadora groaned in frustration as a tear fell down her cheek. She brushed it away, cursing under her breath. It was so hard to accept the fact that Tonks wasn't coming back.
She mentally shook herself and took a couple of steps back away from the edge before turning on her heel and apparating to the gates of Hogwarts, striding through them and up to the castle without pausing. Headmistress McGonagall would lecture her if she were late for dinner. It was mandatory that all staff members be present, but none of the rules said she had to pretend to enjoy it. She set a glare on her face as she entered the Great Hall, daring the students to say one word to her.
"I think you've forgotten your teaching robes, Professor Ravenwood," The Headmistress points out, offering her a sympathetic smile.
Isadora waved her wand over her clothes, magically transforming them into the appropriate robes. "Is that better, Headmistress?' She asks, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"That is a great improvement. Thank you Professor." McGonagall replies, still smiling at her.
Isadora turns and sits down in between Professor Longbottom, the Herbology professor, and Professor Snape, the Potions Master. Severus eyed her with a concerned look in his eyes before wiping his expression clean and turning his attention back to the Headmistress as she announced that the students could begin eating.
"You were at the cliffs again, weren't you?" Neville whispers to her rather loudly as they start filling their plates. "You know that's not good for you, Isadora."
"There is nothing wrong with looking out at the ocean for a while." She replies guardedly.
"There is when you're just going there because you're having problems moving on with your life after losing your best friend." Neville insists, "And that's not to mention all the nightmares you've been having. You need to give yourself a break. It wasn't your fault and it's not a bad thing to need help sometimes."
"I don't want to talk about it anymore." Isadora objects, noticing Severus freeze for a moment as he caught on to the conversation. "That's private."
Severus started eating, pretending to ignore them but still listening closely.
"You were screaming again last night. You need help, Isadora." Neville pushes.
"Neville, please just let it go." She pleads.
"Not until you agree to see Madame Pomfrey," Neville refuses stubbornly.
"Headmistress, I'm not feeling so well. I think I'm going to retire for the evening." Isadora sighs, standing up.
"You should listen to him, Isadora. We're all concerned for you." McGonagall urges her.
"Don't be. There's nothing wrong with me."
