Prolog

The night was so dark that you could barely see your hand before your eyes. Dark clouds covered the moon and the stars, only letting a few drops of rain fall from the dark heaven. The ground was protected by the crowns of dark trees so that the old man didn't need to worry about getting wet, although it was still a freezing night for summer's beginning. The old man walked a bit hunched, but surely the old worn path through the forest, which was sparingly enlightened by a little point of light. The silhouette of a little wooden hut peeked behind the strong tree trunks of the forest.

Now that he could see his destination the man hurried along the way to reach it quickly. As he came near the hut, a dim glimmer become visible in one window between a heavy set of curtains. Soon the hooded figure stood at the door and could hear the crackle of a fire. A pale hand with long fingers curled into a fist rose from the depths of the cloak and knocked three times on the worn down door. He waited a bit before knocking again and quietly saying, "The person I search for, wouldn't let an old friend freeze in such a cold night!"

Within seconds the door was yanked open and revealed a woman dimly illuminated by the fireplace behind her. She had dark straight hair so dark it was nearly black which was a stark contrast to her pale skin. Her intensive green sparkling eyes eyed the man sceptical before opening the door wide enough for him to go through. "I did not expect any visitors… At least of all you."

"So it would seem," began the man as he passed the woman and shed his hood. "You are not as unreachable as you would like to be." Now his long silver hair and beard were visible along his blue eyes behind half-moon spectacles. His face was marked by age but his eyes still held a lively spark.

He observed the room silently which was only illuminated by the glimmering fire in the fireplaces on the opposite side from the door. It was minimalist furnished and decorated. A worn couch with a red blanket covered with three similar colored pillows rested on the right wall. A small table with several books, some opened at random pages, stood before the couch. Before the fireplace stood a lonely armchair, which had his best time behind him and at last the dark door on the left wall. After taking the place in, the man turned back to the woman who frowned up at him.

"You certainly embraced the life in the woods" the man said with amusement glittering in his eyes. The woman grunted frustrated and gestured to the couch, while moving the armchair opposite it. Smiling the man sat carefully on the couch and waited for the woman to sit down. "Tea?" he asked, already moving his wand. In a matter of seconds two steaming cups appeared.

Looking sceptical the woman nipped on her cup. As soon as the liquid touch her tongue the woman stared wide-eyed at the man who was also drinking from his cup. "Is it…?" "Yes," interrupted the old wizard "I hope it is to your likening." Slowly nodding the woman eagerly drank again.

"Should I asked where you got this?" The black haired woman questioned after setting down her empty cup. A mysterious little smile appeared on the silent mans face and the woman only sighed before making a serious face. "I doubt you only visited to have tea in my wonderful new home, Albus. To what do I owe your visit?"

The man, Albus, folded his fingers and met seriously the woman's gaze. "You are right, Mircalla, I am in need of your help."

Raising sceptical an eyebrow the woman replied, "You need my help? The last time you asked for it the world was nearly falling apart, I hope that this is not a repeat. And please don't call me by that old name."

Without humor the wizard chuckled. "I can't guarantee anything, but this time I came with only a job offering."

The woman leaned doubtfully forward. "With you, Albus, it's hardly anything as simple as a job. What's the catch? Also, I hate to disappoint you, but I am not a teacher and I don't have patience for ungrateful children."

"I remember your hesitance with children, but be unconcerned, the offer regards the protecting of my school and a few relevant objects and persons within."

"I see… Was it really ten years ago? How time flies without me noticing…" She gazed with a far away look through the wizard. Quietly clearing his throat, the man alerted her back to the present. "If you are keen to accept, you would be provided with all the necessaries you need and all luxury I can make possible" He nodded to her empty cup. Lowering her gaze likewise, she considered quietly the offer.

Humming to himself the old man viewed curiously the books on the table. After a short while the woman suddenly snapped her head up and searched the wizards eyes for something only she knows. Calmly Dumbledore looked directly in her lively green eyes. Finally she nodded quick but steady.

Clapping his hands together, smiling the wizard stood. "I am certainly delighted to have you working on my side again. I expect you to arrive no later than the first of September. At best beforehand so we can talk more and you can settle in."

With swift steps Dumbledore neared the door back to the dark and cold night. Reaching the door handle with his hand, he turned to the still sitting woman. "What name do you prefer to be called now?" Turning her head slightly, but still not looking back she answered. "Rose… Rose Castell".

Opening the door and already having set a foot outside, Dumbledore paused after Rose called his name. "Albus. Did the time help you? Did it heal you or make you forget?" She all but whispered into the dark. Slowly shaking his head he murmured regretful, "No, despite the time that has passed it hurts like it was yesterday." Without another word he walked outside and left a thoughtful looking Rose behind.

AN: I hope you liked the prolog. Please excuse any writing and grammar mistakes. I haven't written in english in some time.