:: Chapter One ::
The Invitation ~ September 2nd
Allura Chanel had awoken, blinking her eyes at the bright rays of sunlight that flooded her room and groaning lightly at the events of the previous day. Flinging back the floral feather-filled comforter on her large four- poster bed, she stood and stretched allowing herself to yawn widely. There was much to be done today. Sitting at her writing desk with a nice hot cup of Milfinchies Drinking Chocolate, Allura wondered how to correct the sudden mess that was supposedly called her career. No sooner had the morning owls arrived, than she had seen an unusual letter in a creamy colored envelope scattered amongst the pile of bills and a letter from her mother. Pushing all else aside, Allura gazed with wonder at the address that was undoubtedly hers before flipping it over and squealing loudly with delight. Her mother's portrait jumped in her expensive gilt frame, scowling at the un lady-like conduct displayed by her only daughter.
There, on the back of the thick envelope, was a red blob of candle-wax bearing none other than the official seal of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Ripping it open with unbridled enthusiasm and earning a loud 'Tsk!' from the direction of her mother's frame, Allura pulled out a long letter in the curving elegant hand that was unmistakably that of Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brushing a few stray locks of pale blonde hair from her eyes, she read the letter carefully but eagerly not wanting to miss a single word.
Dear Miss Chanel,
You may already know that news of former Hogwarts students travels fast, especially that of an unfortunate nature. I am aware of your current predicament concerning your position at Fallsbury Academy, and send you my heartfelt sympathies in regard to your current state of unemployment.
It has come to my attention however, that Hogwarts is sadly without a Muggle Studies Professor this year. Considering your extensive knowledge within the subject, I have great pleasure in offering you the position. You will be provided with lodgings here at the Castle, and anything else you may require should you decide to accept. As term started yesterday, it would be greatly appreciated if you were to send a reply back with the school owl that brought you this letter. Classes for Muggle Studies are not due to start until next week. I look forward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore Headmaster
'What fun!' thought Allura. She'd always wanted to be a -real- teacher! This correspondence from Professor Dumbledore seemed almost too good to be true. That he should write to her, offering her the position of Muggle Studies Professor at Hogwarts was simply wonderful, especially since she had been fired yesterday from her position at a Muggle high school (where she had taught Home Economics) for accidentally using her wand to put out a fire that had erupted when a boy in her youngest class had let his cookies stay in the oven for too long. Needless to say the Ministry had -not- been happy with having to modify so many memories. Her dismissal, however, had persevered. She snorted. Men had absolutely -no- business in the kitchen.
So! The vaults of Allura's mind rang with the exaltation of Opportunity. Looking speculatively at the school owl that waited patiently for a reply, she snatched up her fluffy white quill, dipped it in her pale blue ink and quickly (but extremely neatly) wrote a letter of acceptance to Professor Dumbledore. She would be there by dinner, just enough time to pack and get there to see her rooms before attending the Great Hall. Attaching the reply to the owl, Allura gave it a dazzling smile before rushing to her wardrobe. She would take only what was necessary for the week and return on the weekend to finish packing, so eager was she to be back at Hogwarts once more.
Grabbing her trunk with her strong yet delicately slender arms, she threw it unceremoniously on the bed and began to open drawers, placing carefully folded clothes inside of it. She would, of course, be taking all of her clothes today and perhaps a few other personal items. Smiling, Allura remembered back to when she was at school. It had not been that long ago and even though Allura was now 26, she remembered it all as clearly as if it were yesterday. Causing havoc in the Gryffindor common room, playing pranks in the dorm. Grinning broadly now as she relived these memories, a sudden shadow was cast on her merriment as she remembered something. A thing that caused many of her happy memories to be brought up short. The thing's name was Professor Severus Snape.
Allura tossed her waist-length straight hair over her shoulder and continued packing with a derisive snort. Surely he was not -still- teaching? He had been there for quite a few years when she'd graduated, if he still lurked about the halls and corridors like a plague about to descend at any moment then. Then Allura would have to do something about it. Oh, what a joy! Ridding the school of the insufferable old Potions Master - her silent legacy would live on for generations. Of course, it must be done subtly. No-one must know it had been her. An idea began to form in the mind of one Allura Desir'e Chanel. She began folding her extensive underwear collection, placing the delicate items one by one into her trunk, humming a tuneless melody as the possibilities of such a scheme presented themselves in a parade before her mind's eye. Even the portrait of her mother could find no argument, and simply nodded and winked at Allura with that knowing look upon her beautifully timeless face.
Pausing in her packing and flopping back onto the crumpled floral cover of her bed, Allura gazed up at her white lace bed-hangings and the dark mahogany beams of her four-poster that supported them. Yes, she had dreamed of this day. The day when she would return to Hogwarts, no longer a student and no longer frightened of a young but still intimidating Severus Snape. Allura grinned. No. Now she would enter the battlefield fresh from her respite, his equal at least, if not his better. For some reason these thoughts brought his face into her mind with an alarming clarity. That same sneering expression he always wore, as if he were in constant knowledge of the universe's secrets and you were sadly out of the loop. That same shoulder-length, greasy black hair and hooked nose that he had forever been poking into her business in a most unwelcome manner; ferreting out her plans for mishaps and mayhem she had so loved to formulate as a student. Those same dangerously gleaming eyes that saw straight through excuses, lies, robe pockets, desk-tops and doors.
Realizing all of a sudden just how much there was still to be done, Allura sat up quickly and began to bustle about the room once more, pulling a large pale blue carpet bag out from under her bed and placing it next to her trunk. Placing at least a dozen pairs of different shoes inside the bag, she added several pictures she kept about her bedroom including the single one of her mother, one of her mother and father together and one of her brother. Grinning, she went over to her dresser and lovingly picked up a white porcelain frame that was decorated with golden stars, looking at the three smiling and waving young girls contained therein. The three Musketeers, as had been their nickname, resplendent in their Gryffindor Quidditch robes.
Three best friends, all Gryffindor Chasers. Never apart and still in constant close contact. Winking at her two friends Yvanna Detivski and Raquelle Jenkins, Allura then turned her gaze to the small figure of her 16 year old self. Waist length pale blonde hair in twin plaits, her figure as lean and athletic as it had always been. The same deep blue eyes staring back at her, the toothy smile dazzling in the sunlight that shone both in the picture and here back in the real world. Oh, how Allura had been teased at school for her looks. Being taunted over her great-great-grandmother being part Veela. Smiling bitterly, Allura placed the frame inside the carpet bag also. You'd think that so distant a connection to a Veela wouldn't show in HER. You'd be wrong.
At last she finished packing her numerous mountains of clothing. Allura glanced at the clock, noticing with surprise that it was lunch time. Taking up her wand, the young woman Summoned an apple from downstairs and munched on it thoughtfully, wondering what else she ought to pack. The only thing she thought she would really need would be her toiletries. She sat at her writing desk for a few minutes of well-earned rest before moving into the adjoining bathroom and packaging up her personal hygiene items, placing them in her beauty case which in turn was put into the carpet bag. Perfect. She was all set to go. She just had to get changed, and Disapparate.
Eyeing the extremely flattering pale blue robes she had set out carefully on the bed, Allura grinned and changed into them quickly. The sooner she got back to the Castle the better! More time to set up her rooms and put her clothes away. Not to mention organize her classes. With a casual flick of her wand her bags hovered about her and then woman bags and all vanished with a loud 'POP!' as Allura Desir'e Chanel Disapparated to the small Wizarding village of Hogsmeade, which lay snugly in a valley just beyond the boundaries of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The Invitation ~ September 2nd
Allura Chanel had awoken, blinking her eyes at the bright rays of sunlight that flooded her room and groaning lightly at the events of the previous day. Flinging back the floral feather-filled comforter on her large four- poster bed, she stood and stretched allowing herself to yawn widely. There was much to be done today. Sitting at her writing desk with a nice hot cup of Milfinchies Drinking Chocolate, Allura wondered how to correct the sudden mess that was supposedly called her career. No sooner had the morning owls arrived, than she had seen an unusual letter in a creamy colored envelope scattered amongst the pile of bills and a letter from her mother. Pushing all else aside, Allura gazed with wonder at the address that was undoubtedly hers before flipping it over and squealing loudly with delight. Her mother's portrait jumped in her expensive gilt frame, scowling at the un lady-like conduct displayed by her only daughter.
There, on the back of the thick envelope, was a red blob of candle-wax bearing none other than the official seal of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Ripping it open with unbridled enthusiasm and earning a loud 'Tsk!' from the direction of her mother's frame, Allura pulled out a long letter in the curving elegant hand that was unmistakably that of Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brushing a few stray locks of pale blonde hair from her eyes, she read the letter carefully but eagerly not wanting to miss a single word.
Dear Miss Chanel,
You may already know that news of former Hogwarts students travels fast, especially that of an unfortunate nature. I am aware of your current predicament concerning your position at Fallsbury Academy, and send you my heartfelt sympathies in regard to your current state of unemployment.
It has come to my attention however, that Hogwarts is sadly without a Muggle Studies Professor this year. Considering your extensive knowledge within the subject, I have great pleasure in offering you the position. You will be provided with lodgings here at the Castle, and anything else you may require should you decide to accept. As term started yesterday, it would be greatly appreciated if you were to send a reply back with the school owl that brought you this letter. Classes for Muggle Studies are not due to start until next week. I look forward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore Headmaster
'What fun!' thought Allura. She'd always wanted to be a -real- teacher! This correspondence from Professor Dumbledore seemed almost too good to be true. That he should write to her, offering her the position of Muggle Studies Professor at Hogwarts was simply wonderful, especially since she had been fired yesterday from her position at a Muggle high school (where she had taught Home Economics) for accidentally using her wand to put out a fire that had erupted when a boy in her youngest class had let his cookies stay in the oven for too long. Needless to say the Ministry had -not- been happy with having to modify so many memories. Her dismissal, however, had persevered. She snorted. Men had absolutely -no- business in the kitchen.
So! The vaults of Allura's mind rang with the exaltation of Opportunity. Looking speculatively at the school owl that waited patiently for a reply, she snatched up her fluffy white quill, dipped it in her pale blue ink and quickly (but extremely neatly) wrote a letter of acceptance to Professor Dumbledore. She would be there by dinner, just enough time to pack and get there to see her rooms before attending the Great Hall. Attaching the reply to the owl, Allura gave it a dazzling smile before rushing to her wardrobe. She would take only what was necessary for the week and return on the weekend to finish packing, so eager was she to be back at Hogwarts once more.
Grabbing her trunk with her strong yet delicately slender arms, she threw it unceremoniously on the bed and began to open drawers, placing carefully folded clothes inside of it. She would, of course, be taking all of her clothes today and perhaps a few other personal items. Smiling, Allura remembered back to when she was at school. It had not been that long ago and even though Allura was now 26, she remembered it all as clearly as if it were yesterday. Causing havoc in the Gryffindor common room, playing pranks in the dorm. Grinning broadly now as she relived these memories, a sudden shadow was cast on her merriment as she remembered something. A thing that caused many of her happy memories to be brought up short. The thing's name was Professor Severus Snape.
Allura tossed her waist-length straight hair over her shoulder and continued packing with a derisive snort. Surely he was not -still- teaching? He had been there for quite a few years when she'd graduated, if he still lurked about the halls and corridors like a plague about to descend at any moment then. Then Allura would have to do something about it. Oh, what a joy! Ridding the school of the insufferable old Potions Master - her silent legacy would live on for generations. Of course, it must be done subtly. No-one must know it had been her. An idea began to form in the mind of one Allura Desir'e Chanel. She began folding her extensive underwear collection, placing the delicate items one by one into her trunk, humming a tuneless melody as the possibilities of such a scheme presented themselves in a parade before her mind's eye. Even the portrait of her mother could find no argument, and simply nodded and winked at Allura with that knowing look upon her beautifully timeless face.
Pausing in her packing and flopping back onto the crumpled floral cover of her bed, Allura gazed up at her white lace bed-hangings and the dark mahogany beams of her four-poster that supported them. Yes, she had dreamed of this day. The day when she would return to Hogwarts, no longer a student and no longer frightened of a young but still intimidating Severus Snape. Allura grinned. No. Now she would enter the battlefield fresh from her respite, his equal at least, if not his better. For some reason these thoughts brought his face into her mind with an alarming clarity. That same sneering expression he always wore, as if he were in constant knowledge of the universe's secrets and you were sadly out of the loop. That same shoulder-length, greasy black hair and hooked nose that he had forever been poking into her business in a most unwelcome manner; ferreting out her plans for mishaps and mayhem she had so loved to formulate as a student. Those same dangerously gleaming eyes that saw straight through excuses, lies, robe pockets, desk-tops and doors.
Realizing all of a sudden just how much there was still to be done, Allura sat up quickly and began to bustle about the room once more, pulling a large pale blue carpet bag out from under her bed and placing it next to her trunk. Placing at least a dozen pairs of different shoes inside the bag, she added several pictures she kept about her bedroom including the single one of her mother, one of her mother and father together and one of her brother. Grinning, she went over to her dresser and lovingly picked up a white porcelain frame that was decorated with golden stars, looking at the three smiling and waving young girls contained therein. The three Musketeers, as had been their nickname, resplendent in their Gryffindor Quidditch robes.
Three best friends, all Gryffindor Chasers. Never apart and still in constant close contact. Winking at her two friends Yvanna Detivski and Raquelle Jenkins, Allura then turned her gaze to the small figure of her 16 year old self. Waist length pale blonde hair in twin plaits, her figure as lean and athletic as it had always been. The same deep blue eyes staring back at her, the toothy smile dazzling in the sunlight that shone both in the picture and here back in the real world. Oh, how Allura had been teased at school for her looks. Being taunted over her great-great-grandmother being part Veela. Smiling bitterly, Allura placed the frame inside the carpet bag also. You'd think that so distant a connection to a Veela wouldn't show in HER. You'd be wrong.
At last she finished packing her numerous mountains of clothing. Allura glanced at the clock, noticing with surprise that it was lunch time. Taking up her wand, the young woman Summoned an apple from downstairs and munched on it thoughtfully, wondering what else she ought to pack. The only thing she thought she would really need would be her toiletries. She sat at her writing desk for a few minutes of well-earned rest before moving into the adjoining bathroom and packaging up her personal hygiene items, placing them in her beauty case which in turn was put into the carpet bag. Perfect. She was all set to go. She just had to get changed, and Disapparate.
Eyeing the extremely flattering pale blue robes she had set out carefully on the bed, Allura grinned and changed into them quickly. The sooner she got back to the Castle the better! More time to set up her rooms and put her clothes away. Not to mention organize her classes. With a casual flick of her wand her bags hovered about her and then woman bags and all vanished with a loud 'POP!' as Allura Desir'e Chanel Disapparated to the small Wizarding village of Hogsmeade, which lay snugly in a valley just beyond the boundaries of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.