We went for a walk around the Hogwarts grounds for my interview, as opposed
to sitting in Dumbledore's office. This, I was grateful for. It gave me
some medium of privacy.
After the pleasantries were taken care of, we started the small talk. I expected him to ask questions about my family, where I went to school and all that jazz before he got to the question I wanted. Nope. Very first one.
"So, miss Henning-"
"Please, call me Alayna."
"Alright. So, Alayna, where do you come from?"
Looking at him, I used the way in which I've been secretly giving the Order information for years. "All over the place really. Pretty much just an owl in the heart of the storm."
He looked startled for a moment, but quickly regained himself and began the testing to see if I really am who I say I am. "But who would send a messenger owl into a storm?"
"Someone who trusts that the owl will make it through, unintercepted." I answered flawlessly.
"Ah, yes, but does the owl make it?"
"It makes it to it's destination, but not without a stop in between, to deliver information of the utmost import."
"An owl that would willingly betray it's master?"
"No, no owl would betray it's master. But this is no owl. It's a phoenix in disguise."
"What is this phoenix? Black? White? Red? Blue? Gray? Or another color altogether?"
"This phoenix be white as the sun, simply cloaked in shadow."
"I see." I knew I passed the test. But he wasn't done yet." Why has the phoenix changed locations so quickly? I thought it was tied to it's perch."
"No phoenix can be kept in one place for long, especially against it's will. The phoenix is it's only true master." He knew that I had more to tell him, but out on the grounds it was too open.
"Perhaps we should continue the interview in my office?" At my nod, we began walking back into the castle, then to the gargoyle that guarded his office entrance (which leapt aside, caught somewhere between respecting the headmaster or the woman more).
Dumbledore POV
I watched the woman exit my office, quickly putting her hood up for some reason I could not decipher, it's not as if she has any enemies on campus. Not even Severus can claim to dislike her for some reason or another, as she has clearly stated that they are old acquaintances. I was left alone with my thoughts. I knew what I had to do, and had already done it. I now had a new faculty member... and a new student. Well, in all actuality, I had four new faculty members, and two new students.
I knew Alayna to be going under a false name, at least a false last name. She had come right out and told me as much almost as soon as we were in my office. I can understand why she would be going under a different name. I don't know who exactly she really is, but she has been giving the Order of the Phoenix very vital and useful information for nearly ten years now, and I have no reason not to trust her.
On a slightly more personal note, she looks very familiar, but assures me that we've never met before. I cannot place her face, but it definitely rings a bell or two. This would certainly be an interesting year. I now had: an escaped (but not guilty) convict for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a werewolf for a care of Magical Creatures teacher, a woman who's name I don't know for a librarian (who also in Voldemort's most inner circle), and two exchange sixth years with the same last name of two of my said new professors. Yes, certainly a very interesting year.
Start of Term Feast, Sept. 1st
The first years were sorted, and the Hall had just gone quiet in preparation for Dumbledore's Welcome/ Welcome Back speech. The people, students and faculty alike, weren't disappointed. They also weren't expecting some of the things their beloved Headmaster had to say.
"Welcome new students. Welcome back old students. As is the custom, I have some start-of-term notices; there are just a few more than usual this year. Please note that the Forbidden Forest is called forbidden for a reason, it is off limits to all students. Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that there is no magic in the corridors between classes, and that is illegal- items list now includes over 700 items, and should anyone wish to see the list, it is pinned on his office door." He paused here to let the few snickers pass.
"We also have a few new faculty members that I would now like to introduce. I'm afraid to say that Hagrid has relocated to Beauxbatons, but his position will be filled by Remus Lupin." The whole school, Slytherins included, positively erupted. There was clapping, whistling, and general cheering. As it started to quiet down a bit, there was even a shout from the Gryffindor table that included a several girls from different years that stated quite clearly "WE LOVE YOU, PROFESSER LUPIN!!!!". The elderly Headmaster was very amused, by both the exclamation and Remus's blush. Deciding to spare Remus some kind of self-dignity, he continued," This years Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is Sirius Black." The majority of Gryffindor, about half of Ravenclaw, and a few scattered Hufflepuff clapped, but the rest of the Great hall remained silent. Ignoring this, he went on," I'm sorry to say that Professor Binns has decided to leave us-"now they were clapping before the new teacher was even announced. Clearing his throat got all eyes back on him." As I was saying, our new History Professor is Sara Fielding." All attention was directed, not at the new professor, but as Remus as he choked on his butterbeer. Naturally, whispers immediately broke out, but all started clapping quietly for the new professor. "And, Madame Pince has also left us, and, may I introduce, Alayna Henning." There was a repeat performance of the introduction of Sara, except with Sirius choking.
"Normally, this would signal the end of my speech, but there are two more somethings, or rather someones, that I need to introduce." Nodding to Minerva, he continued as she left to get the new students," We also have two new transfer students. They will be in their sixth year, and I would expect you all to help them when needed." The Great Hall doors opened once again to reveal Professor McGonnagal, being followed by a young woman with such dark red hair it was nearly black, which somehow matched her eyes, which were such a bright blue that they appeared to be almost violet. The girl wasn't short, per say, but she certainly wasn't tall. The young man behind her was only two inches taller than the girl, reaching approximately five feet, seven inches high. He had a light strawberry blond color for hair, and wore glasses rimmed with gold wire, behind which were warm, honey- colored eyes.
"Our new students will now be sorted," McGonnagal said," When you are called forward, please sit on the stool and place the hat on your head. In reverse-alphabetical order. Lupin, Oz."
Here, there were several coughing fits. Three from the staff table(Lupin, Black, and Snape), and four from the Gryffindor table(Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny). Only raising an eyebrow at their surprise, the young man in question did as he was told. No sooner had the hat touched his head than it called out "Gryffindor!!!!" With a slight smirk, he went and sat down at the table that was cheering for him.
"Black, Faith." At this there were even louder coughing fits, but from all the same people. The girl just rolled her eyes and also put the hat on, but not trusting the stool to hold her weight. Hers took slightly longer, but after a few minutes of tense silence, the hat again called "GRYFFINDOR!!!!" The girl, now known as Faith, smiled broadly and went to sit beside Oz.
Dumbledor stood once again, saying" Now, I do believe we should tuck in before the house elves think we don't want their food." With that, he sat down and clapped his hands, the food appearing on all the tables instantly.
After the pleasantries were taken care of, we started the small talk. I expected him to ask questions about my family, where I went to school and all that jazz before he got to the question I wanted. Nope. Very first one.
"So, miss Henning-"
"Please, call me Alayna."
"Alright. So, Alayna, where do you come from?"
Looking at him, I used the way in which I've been secretly giving the Order information for years. "All over the place really. Pretty much just an owl in the heart of the storm."
He looked startled for a moment, but quickly regained himself and began the testing to see if I really am who I say I am. "But who would send a messenger owl into a storm?"
"Someone who trusts that the owl will make it through, unintercepted." I answered flawlessly.
"Ah, yes, but does the owl make it?"
"It makes it to it's destination, but not without a stop in between, to deliver information of the utmost import."
"An owl that would willingly betray it's master?"
"No, no owl would betray it's master. But this is no owl. It's a phoenix in disguise."
"What is this phoenix? Black? White? Red? Blue? Gray? Or another color altogether?"
"This phoenix be white as the sun, simply cloaked in shadow."
"I see." I knew I passed the test. But he wasn't done yet." Why has the phoenix changed locations so quickly? I thought it was tied to it's perch."
"No phoenix can be kept in one place for long, especially against it's will. The phoenix is it's only true master." He knew that I had more to tell him, but out on the grounds it was too open.
"Perhaps we should continue the interview in my office?" At my nod, we began walking back into the castle, then to the gargoyle that guarded his office entrance (which leapt aside, caught somewhere between respecting the headmaster or the woman more).
Dumbledore POV
I watched the woman exit my office, quickly putting her hood up for some reason I could not decipher, it's not as if she has any enemies on campus. Not even Severus can claim to dislike her for some reason or another, as she has clearly stated that they are old acquaintances. I was left alone with my thoughts. I knew what I had to do, and had already done it. I now had a new faculty member... and a new student. Well, in all actuality, I had four new faculty members, and two new students.
I knew Alayna to be going under a false name, at least a false last name. She had come right out and told me as much almost as soon as we were in my office. I can understand why she would be going under a different name. I don't know who exactly she really is, but she has been giving the Order of the Phoenix very vital and useful information for nearly ten years now, and I have no reason not to trust her.
On a slightly more personal note, she looks very familiar, but assures me that we've never met before. I cannot place her face, but it definitely rings a bell or two. This would certainly be an interesting year. I now had: an escaped (but not guilty) convict for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a werewolf for a care of Magical Creatures teacher, a woman who's name I don't know for a librarian (who also in Voldemort's most inner circle), and two exchange sixth years with the same last name of two of my said new professors. Yes, certainly a very interesting year.
Start of Term Feast, Sept. 1st
The first years were sorted, and the Hall had just gone quiet in preparation for Dumbledore's Welcome/ Welcome Back speech. The people, students and faculty alike, weren't disappointed. They also weren't expecting some of the things their beloved Headmaster had to say.
"Welcome new students. Welcome back old students. As is the custom, I have some start-of-term notices; there are just a few more than usual this year. Please note that the Forbidden Forest is called forbidden for a reason, it is off limits to all students. Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that there is no magic in the corridors between classes, and that is illegal- items list now includes over 700 items, and should anyone wish to see the list, it is pinned on his office door." He paused here to let the few snickers pass.
"We also have a few new faculty members that I would now like to introduce. I'm afraid to say that Hagrid has relocated to Beauxbatons, but his position will be filled by Remus Lupin." The whole school, Slytherins included, positively erupted. There was clapping, whistling, and general cheering. As it started to quiet down a bit, there was even a shout from the Gryffindor table that included a several girls from different years that stated quite clearly "WE LOVE YOU, PROFESSER LUPIN!!!!". The elderly Headmaster was very amused, by both the exclamation and Remus's blush. Deciding to spare Remus some kind of self-dignity, he continued," This years Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is Sirius Black." The majority of Gryffindor, about half of Ravenclaw, and a few scattered Hufflepuff clapped, but the rest of the Great hall remained silent. Ignoring this, he went on," I'm sorry to say that Professor Binns has decided to leave us-"now they were clapping before the new teacher was even announced. Clearing his throat got all eyes back on him." As I was saying, our new History Professor is Sara Fielding." All attention was directed, not at the new professor, but as Remus as he choked on his butterbeer. Naturally, whispers immediately broke out, but all started clapping quietly for the new professor. "And, Madame Pince has also left us, and, may I introduce, Alayna Henning." There was a repeat performance of the introduction of Sara, except with Sirius choking.
"Normally, this would signal the end of my speech, but there are two more somethings, or rather someones, that I need to introduce." Nodding to Minerva, he continued as she left to get the new students," We also have two new transfer students. They will be in their sixth year, and I would expect you all to help them when needed." The Great Hall doors opened once again to reveal Professor McGonnagal, being followed by a young woman with such dark red hair it was nearly black, which somehow matched her eyes, which were such a bright blue that they appeared to be almost violet. The girl wasn't short, per say, but she certainly wasn't tall. The young man behind her was only two inches taller than the girl, reaching approximately five feet, seven inches high. He had a light strawberry blond color for hair, and wore glasses rimmed with gold wire, behind which were warm, honey- colored eyes.
"Our new students will now be sorted," McGonnagal said," When you are called forward, please sit on the stool and place the hat on your head. In reverse-alphabetical order. Lupin, Oz."
Here, there were several coughing fits. Three from the staff table(Lupin, Black, and Snape), and four from the Gryffindor table(Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny). Only raising an eyebrow at their surprise, the young man in question did as he was told. No sooner had the hat touched his head than it called out "Gryffindor!!!!" With a slight smirk, he went and sat down at the table that was cheering for him.
"Black, Faith." At this there were even louder coughing fits, but from all the same people. The girl just rolled her eyes and also put the hat on, but not trusting the stool to hold her weight. Hers took slightly longer, but after a few minutes of tense silence, the hat again called "GRYFFINDOR!!!!" The girl, now known as Faith, smiled broadly and went to sit beside Oz.
Dumbledor stood once again, saying" Now, I do believe we should tuck in before the house elves think we don't want their food." With that, he sat down and clapped his hands, the food appearing on all the tables instantly.
