"A hard beginning maketh a good ending."

--John Heywood

Gideon Mallory had been appointed Deputy Headmaster of Hecate Academy after 25 years of being one of the best and one of the most low-keyed Aurors England ever produced. He was born the eldest of the Malfoy estate but had long since been disowned by his family. Although estranged from his highborn roots, Gideon still had the charm and grace of a man tailored for riches. He had cultured grace that, with his thin frame, belied his strong will and formidable talent with a wand. He was handsome to look at with olive colored eyes hidden under cropped graying blond hair.

Those eyes were now wide with concern as he followed the scream down the halls of Hecate's dormitories. Besides him was his wife and fellow teacher, Chandra Firestone. They already knew where they were heading and by now, both knew each corner and doorway of the Hecate by heart so it took them little time to cross the school from their quarters to the third year girl's dorm.

It was in that room where the girl everyone called Akemi Hecate struggled in bed screaming her head off. Gideon crossed the room swiftly and shook the girl awake.

It took a few moments for the girl to drift out her nightmare and focus on Gideon. When she finally did, she broke down crying, leaning forward and burying herself in his arms.

"It's alright Akemi." He whispered, rocking the girl and throwing a wary look at Chandra. The Potions Mistress leaned against the doorframe and sighed heavily. Gideon began to pull his hand away from Akemi's shoulder when he noticed his hand was wet. He called to Chandra to come.

She obeyed only to clap her hands over her mouth when she realized what it was. Akemi had begun to bleed. "It's never done that before."

"Yes it has. Once before. Come on, let's get her to the infirmary." Gideon lifted the girl in his arms and followed Chandra out. "Wake the Headmaster. He wanted to know if it got worst."

In the infirmary, the Headmaster himself, Vladimir Fenrir tended to the girl.

Among a host of other things, Fenrir was a former Unspeakable, medi-wizard, and Auror and had been over Hecate just about as long as his friend Albus Dumbledore had been over Hogwarts. He was the same age as Dumbledore but unlike him, Fenrir still had a full head of brown hair that was barely beginning to gray. He was a giant of a man, wide shouldered and incredibly athletic. His brown-green eyes were still sharp and fierce and missed nothing that happened at his school or around the world. Also, like Dumbledore, Fenrir liked to keep an eye on things.

And few could blame him. After all, he was Headmaster of Hecate Academy, which aside from being a school and orphanage, it was almost the training grounds for Auror studies.

It was the premier school for Aurors- boasting alumnae like Alastor Moody, Benjamin Laud, and even Bartemus Crouch Sr. Hecate was the largest school in North America dwarfing Canada's Ciel Azure and the elitist Salem Institute in comparison. It's orphanage was the only pure Wizard one in existence and it's school proudly proclaimed itself as Hogwarts' sister school.

Fenrir worked with deft but gentle precision as he tended the area that had started bleeding on Akemi's back. As he wiped the blood away, he was not at all surprised to see the Dark Mark that was carved into her skin. The ugly skull and snake glistened in the pale light like it had just been burned there.

It was Akemi's only souvenir from her childhood in Ireland, aside from an accent that occasionally still laced the undertones of her voice. She had no memories of her life in Europe except for the nightmares that sometimes plagued her like tonight's episode.

"He's still there…I can hear him breathing…" Akemi was asleep thanks to one of Chandra's Potions but, still in her dreams, bits of her nightmares became words for the others to hear. "He knows I'm here…" She squirmed slightly. "My father comes…"

"Gideon, send a letter to Albus Dumbledore. This is getting out of hand."

"What can he do that we can't?" Gideon said defensively.

Fenrir shook his head. "Only Albus could know that."

"Of course, we all agree that one day she should learn the truth about herself, her history, however we just didn't think it would be this soon." Vladimir Fenrir said calmly, looking into the eyes of Albus Dumbledore who was sitting across his desk. "And I must disagree with your choice of dates."

"You said she's getting worst." Countered Dumbledore. "I think she is old enough to understand the truth about her."

"There hasn't been a day that goes by without me wanting to tell her, and weighing the consequences of such actions. Albus, she is no mere child- you know that as well as I. If she turned to..."

"She'll never become like that!" Gideon interrupted sharply. "And she isn't ready! She could never be ready for what you want her to know!"

"You said she already knows." Dumbledore whispered.

"Nightmares! Nothing more! Bits of one memory, pieces of another and easily dismissed."

"But the talent remains."

Gideon sighed angrily, knowing he had lost. "Yes."

"Any recollection about him?"

"We believe she remembers a piece of the nickname he gave her- she calls herself Akemi. She's never allowed us to give her another name. She insists she has one." Vladimir turned his chair towards the door, suddenly. "Ah, here she is." Vladimir called. "Hello Akemi."

The girl before them was sight to behold. Her body was slender but strong with the beginnings of a beautiful woman shining through a baggy combination of Muggle and Wizard clothing. A long black cloak with the hood pulled up covered a sheer black top that hung off her shoulders and revealed a red tank top, dirty blue jeans and black boots. Her hair was wild and unwashed and dyed a brilliant orange with streaks of red and yellow darting through it. Strings of her hair hung over relaxed but deep green eyes. She looked confused and scared even, but Dumbledore could see that it was a ruse and she was doing the exact same thing he was, studying.

Then her hands caught his attention. Her nails were bitten to the tip and painted black. Her middle and ring fingers on both hands were bandaged, an old trade secret of apothecaries. A few fingers were broken and her palms calloused. She had a talent with potions.

"Akemi, this is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."

She said nothing directed towards Dumbledore but she did bow. Then, after a moment's pause. "Why was I called sir?"

"Professor Dumbledore has heard of your talent and promise. He wanted to meet you and consider if you should finish the school year in England." He paused. "We had no objections."

Dumbledore smiled. "We've been known to recruit top students and you got our attention."

There was a long pause as Akemi digested the news. "I don't want to go."

"Akemi, you misunderstand." Fenrir began. "This is not a choice."

"And I don't have any say in this?" She was looking at Gideon. She noticed he was trying hard not to meet her eyes. "No Akemi, you have no say."

Akemi began to speak but her Headmaster dismissed her. "Go get your things Akemi."

She swung on her heels and left. It took two steps out of the Headmaster's office before she broke off into a run. She felt betrayed. Her mind was swimming. This was her home, she knew every inch of the school (hidden passageways included) and she loved it. They couldn't expect her to leave. This was her family.

She made her way to the dorm and began to pack. Her suite room was shared with three other girls, including the girl who was sitting on a bed when Akemi entered. It was Nell Ive, Akemi's closest female friend. Nell was from regular magical family with two older brothers, which probably helped mold her into somewhat of a tomboy. Nell looked up from the comic book she was reading and favored Akemi with her sincerest smile, knowing she was about to get in trouble. "Heya Sparky."

"Why aren't you in Charms?" Akemi asked curiously.

Nell smirked. "We're learning sealing charms this week. I already know how to break them, let alone make them. It's useless for me to sit under the dear Professor's drawling voice anymore then I have to. Besides, I'm pretty sure this country has a law against that kind of cruel and unusual punishment."

"I thought Tansil said if you missed anymore classes you couldn't play Quidditch."

"Next week we play Salem. There's no way he'll bench me. Their Seeker's inhuman, they need me as a Beater."

Nell had certain arrogance when it came to her abilities on the Quidditch field that others would view as her downfall; Akemi, however, thought it made her interesting. Besides, a little arrogance was healthy, especially if you could back it up. She was the same way with her academics. Akemi swallowed hard before turning towards her bed and pulling out an oversized and equally worn backpack.

Nell frowned. "What on earth are you doing?"

"Packing."

"Running away from Hecate, are we?"

"Fenrir's sending me away." She said angrily as she hastily rummaged through all she owned in the world. It was a pitiful collection of hand-me-down robes and clothing, all well used and an old holly and unicorn's tail wand that never liked her much to create effective spells but thankfully charm work seemed to be Akemi's strong point, aside from Potions. She was saving up for a new one and she threw that money into the backpack.

"To where?" Nell demanded.

"England, to Hogwarts." She was near tears now. She slumped down on her bed and leaned against Nell's shoulder. "I don't want to go."

Nell put her arms around her. "When are you leaving?"

"Tonight."

"Come on then, lets go grab Choice and take the day."

"The teachers will get mad if you and him miss the rest of your classes."

"So, they can send us to Hogwarts with you."

Akemi laughed through her tears before finally nodding. "Alright. Lets go."

"It's alive! It's alive!" Professor Chandra Firestone ranted as she spread her arms out wide over the simmering cauldron. The brew burped, bubbled and spilled over. She yelped in alarm. "Holy shit, it's alive!" She caught sight of Nell and Akemi and smiled at them, motioning them in before turning her attention to cleaning up the mess.

"Moral of the story children: Don't watch Muggle horror movies before class." She said as she took a dramatic bow. The class applauded when she gave them free time. She walked over to Nell and Akemi. She gave Akemi a playful nudge. "What's the story fire brand?"

"Look who's talking. Akemi teased.

"At least I'm a natural."

Nell laughed. "Got you there Kam."

"Oh hush," Akemi laughed. She studied the room and paused. "Professor?"

"Uh oh, she's using my title."

"I need to talk."

Firestone looked at her. "Sure, come into my office."

Akemi looked at Nell who was already making her way to the back of the class. "I'll go get some things, you and Choice meet me later."

Chandra led her into a cramped office. It's walls were plastered with Muggle posters of old Hammer movies. Hammer was an old movie studio that made movies about vampires and werewolves. According to Chandra, it was all corny stuff but very amusing.

"Professor, they're talking about sending me away." Akemi deadpanned.

The Potions Madame looked a little confused. "So I heard. Congratulations."

"But I don't want to go!"

"Aren't you being a little rash?" Chandra said. "They are offering the chance of a lifetime. Hogwarts is the best school for preliminary magic in the world! Not to mention, you get a trip to England, where you are from, where your father was from. Hogwarts was also Gideon's alma mater. And, the Potion Master there is one of the best in the world, even if he's a total prick. You'll learn a lot from him."

"Fenrir talked to you didn't he?" Akemi said softly. "He told you to say that."

"Vladimir wants what is best for you. You know that." The woman's face darkened. "Besides, a change of location might be good for you." Akemi bowed her head, a little embarrassed about last night's episode. Chandra laid a motherly hand on her shoulder. "Look Akemi, all cards on the table, you know as well as I do that the course of events that brought you here are not the same as Nell's, or any other of your friends."

"I'm not any different then Nell."

"Yes you are. That mark on you sets you apart and your old enough to understand that now." Akemi touched her left shoulder blade. The Mark was still tender from last night. She winced a little touching it. She had gotten the Dark Mark when she was a child, back in England. She didn't know exactly where she had gotten it or how but she had always assumed the Death Eaters who killed her parents had given it to her as a grisly reminder. "What are you trying to say?"

"Don't you think it's a little odd the timing? I mean, your nightmares are getting worst and suddenly Fenrir wants to send you back to where it all began. Your journey started in England and ended here. Maybe now its time to start another and see where it ends."

As loath as Akemi was to admit, Chandra was right. She slid off the seat and thanked the teacher before retreating back into the classroom.

The classroom was empty save one boy, sitting casually at a back table. He smiled at her softly. "Now what sorts of trouble do the demon sisters have planned for me this afternoon?"

Akemi smiled. It was Choice. Handsome, charming, brown haired, cobalt blue eyed, Choice Blade. Choice was about year older then Akemi (which was a rough guess considering no one knew her exact age) and an orphan as well. He had entered Hecate a couple of years after her and they had been friends since day one. He was from England too, but unlike Akemi, he had memories of a father figure named William, a skilled wizard that had been killed during the last months of the Dark Times. William was reported to have named his son Blade but it was later changed by Choice to his current moniker. Choice had been then passed from orphanage to orphanage across Europe before finding his home at Hecate.

"I'm leaving tonight, on a special mission for Fenrir. Top secret." She said softly. "You and Nell have to say goodbye."

"Ah, and I thought you got expelled. My mistake." He said lazily, standing. In his lap, a white and orange cat awoke and jumped onto the table looking insulted. The cat was slender and shorthaired with no tail to speak of but deep, mysterious hazel eyes. Choice stretched the same way the cat did, stretching his fingers out to the heavens. Akemi watched him and looked back at the cat that was kneading the table with his claws. Choice looked at him guiltily. "Sorry bout that Napoleon."

The cat considered him, then jumped down from the table and rubbed against Akemi's leg. He was purring loudly.

"Everyone loves you here, Kam." Choice teased. He picked up her books with his and motioned for her to follow.

They walked together to theirs and Nell's secret place, passing misty ghosts and the dorms they had spent their entire lives together in. Napoleon was trailing behind them and amusing himself with swatting at the occasional fly.

Their haven wasn't really a secret but it was off limits to anyone outside of the top level Aurors that also lived at Hecate. It was a training center that had long since had been closed because of the danger the aging gym posed. Large beams were exposed overhead and were only accessible through the various techniques of climbing. Depressions in the floor where water was once ran through to help train Aurors for dueling in any environment, were now rusting and derelict but proved very good for broom work and the occasional duel.

Nell was already spreading out her collection of "borrowed" goods: including cokes, sandwiches and other munchies. She popped opened a can and raised it to Akemi. "To our soon departed comrade. May she enjoy tea and crumpets and kiss some dimpled arse for us all."

"Here! Here!" Choice said, raising his coke.

What seemed like only minutes later but was closer to four hours later; Akemi, packed and resolved not to cry, walked with Choice to the Headmaster's office where the English Headmaster was waiting to take Akemi away from everything she knew. Nell had proved too much of a chicken to see her friend off. Instead, she gave Akemi her lucky bracelet (which was nothing more then a colorful collection of braided string.) Choice kept whispering encouraging words to Kaimi under his breath but as they drew closer. She stopped just outside the door. "Choice, I'm scared."

"That's understandable." He offered. "I would be too."

"Would you go?"

"Yes. I remember England. To me, it's my home but it's not the same for you. All you've ever known is Hecate." He smiled ruefully. "Gideon and Chandra have been like parents to you, so has Fenrir. Like I said earlier, you're loved here."

"That's why I don't want to go!"

"But remember Akemi, someone over there loved you too. If they hadn't you probably would have never lived pass the day you got that mark."

"So what are you saying?"

"Nothing happens by accident, Akemi, or coincidence." Choice said cryptically. "If Professor Dumbledore has come personally to escort you to Hogwarts, that means something waiting over there for you." Akemi agreed with him. "You learn by going where you need to go."

"That doesn't mean I'm ready." Akemi said gloomily.

Choice laughed. "Is anyone ready when they start a new journey?"

Akemi smiled at him then hesitated. She leaned over and kissed him and was a little surprised when he returned it. It was her first kiss and somehow she wished it had been under different circumstances. When the kiss was finally broken, Choice turned and left before she could speak. With nothing left for her to do, Akemi Hecate pushed opened the doors and stepped into her new journey.