Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;

When you can no more hold me by the hand,

Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me; you understand

It will be lat to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while

And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave

A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile

Than that you should remember and be sad.

Christina Rossetti

I own nothing!!

All of my meals were taken in the Headmaster's office and ended with better results than the first had. But the discussion topics of that meeting had yet to resume. At least not until two days later. I walked with Professor McGonagall to lunch, which was delightful as always—I really need to find out who makes all of the meals here—as I had become accustomed to, only this time she was not staying for long. As soon as the meal was finished, she excused herself, so as she could finish up the Hogwarts letters to the incoming students. After confirming that I knew enough of the layout to find my way back to the infirmary, she took her leave, saying that she may not be able to join us for dinner and for me to be safe. I assured her that I could not, very well, get into too much trouble in a school, at which she laughed. Obviously there is much you can do here; I should investigate whenever I have time. Turning my attentions back to the headmaster I could tell that now was the time for talk.

"Now, down to business" he said while pushing away the dishes before him. With a wave of his wand, they had disappeared back to the kitchens. "I waited until we were alone, to make it more comfortable for you to open up. I realize that I breached your privacy last time we spoke on this subject and you have every right to refuse to tell me anything, but I need to know…"

"Professor Dumbledore," I interrupt, "I really can't tell you anything. I have given you my name and my purpose here. I would like you to accept that. The Fates decide what should be known, not I. I will fight on your side that is all you need know." I hate not explaining to him my past. Not all of course, but some. Just enough so that he can understand that I can really say no more. Just enough so that he can see that I am not an enemy, I hate not being truthful to Dumbledore. He really is a nice old man; reminds me of Grandpa Hino.

"I respect that. If you are able, though, could you explain to me why you fight?" I am startled at this. Why does he need to know that? "It is just that you seem such a nice girl, Serenity. I can feel that light that radiates from your being. You do not seem the warrior type. I just wanted to understand my new student a little better." He really is a nice man. Most would probably criticize me, tell me that a weak woman like I should not be fighting. I sigh, I really hate dwelling on the past, and I know that he will not fully understand what I am about to tell him.

"I will answer that, but only that. I fight because I was chosen. Just like Harry, I have a harsh road to follow. On this road I have see much death and destruction. I...I have lost much. My friends, my family, my love—all are gone and dead. That is why I fight. I wanted to save those of my heart, and create a better future for them. With their deaths I pledged to keep fighting, so that no other would ever have to know that pain." I could feel my eyes glazed over with unshed tears, threatening to spill, and spill over they did. I really hate that I get so emotional about this stuff. You would not believe that the ultimate warrior of Light even had emotions, and here I was crying when I had barely began to delve into my past. But I know what I must say next. To make him see, I must force him to understand the conflict within my heart. "I do not want to watch anymore people die. That is why I fight. Then when I die and am greeted with them once again, I can feel deserving. I want so much to die now and be with them, but I blame myself for their deaths. That is why I fight; to be worthy again."

"Ohhh, Serenity. Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." He hands me a simple, white handkerchief, and gives me a moment to compose myself. "You must remember that, Serenity. If you let the girl inside you fade, then their deaths would be in vain. You must live for them, because for the world to lose your light...that would be a great loss indeed." My head snaps up at these words, confusion written all over my face. Just how much does this old man know? He notices my worry and continues, "I do not know who you truly are, Serenity. And I respect that you can and do not want to tell me anymore, but I do know something about the Fates. They do not give extraordinary destinies to anyone less than extraordinary. Plus I can feel something special about you. You are very important to this world, I hope that you realize that."

"I do." I wipe my face again; mascara staining my hands. "I do realize. It is just so hard sometimes. I do not want my fate. But I would not even curse my worst enemy with this life. I have been given a gift of power. One that I could easily do without, but I have accepted that I cannot change it. And I will use this power to aid you in this war. I will do everything in my power to protect Harry and this world. That is all that needs to be known, for now. Maybe, one day, I will tell you about my past and who I am. But for now, all you need know is that I am not a threat. I fight on the side of light; always striving to defeat the dark. You can trust me." I stand up. My back straightens and my eyes dry. "Please excuse me, Professor. I will see you at dinner." I turn and begin walking to the door. I need to get out of this room. My emotions are too unstable and I do not need to accidently let something slip about my identity.

"Serenity," Dumbledore's voice interrupted my thoughts just as I was about to exit the room. I turn around slowly, hoping to the Gods and Goddesses of old that he does not have any kind of question for me. "I almost forgot to tell you. I spoke with the other professors, and all but one shall be returning to Hogwarts sometime this week. Your lessons will begin as soon as they arrive." I nod. "That is all," and he picks up his quill and turns his attention away from me. I nod once again, though I know that he does not see, and exit the room. I slowly walk back to the infirmary, almost as if in a daze. Tears once again fill my eyes. Why? Why do I have to be so emotional all of the time? I miss them so much. I need to be stronger, both physically and emotionally if I am to try to save Harry. I stop and look around at my surroundings. I sigh; I have passed by the infirmary doors. Turning around, I begin my short trek back the way I had come. This week I shall meet my future teachers. Next week I shall begin learning about this magical world that I must become a part of. For now though, I need to acquaint myself with the common facts and things of this world and set a training regiment for myself. I also need to ask Professor Dumbledore about my living arrangements—I cannot very well spend the whole summer living in the infirmary. The infirmary comes into view, but I do not enter. Instead I continue on to the library; time to prepare. Amy always said that research was a great weapon in its own right. Let us hope that she is right. I wipe my eyes and clear away any traces of my previous near-breakdowns and begin to try to locate the library. Like Professor Dumbledore said earlier, it is time to get down to business.

To be continued...

All forms of critisism are accepted and appreciated.