"And that's the last of it." The words spoken had a slightly satisfied tinge to it as the last of the multitude of books that Frieren owned floated up onto the only free spot left on an oak colored shelf.
The white haired elf let out a small groan as she stretched, despite the fact that the only real physical work she did was walking up and down stairs.
She was currently packing her library for her soon to be stay at Hogwarts. Just because the castle was basically next door, didn't mean she wanted to make the trek every time she wanted to read a book. Though all the really dangerous ones will remain here of course.
After walking back up the stairs she turned around, except what she walked out of, however, was not a door, but instead an open brown leather suitcase with a few visible signs of age. Though, considering how old the case really was, it was in remarkable condition.
"Even though wizards have been stagnant in development for a while, no one can deny their advancements in magics of convenience." With a snap of her fingers her case closed on its own, showing no sign of the vast library inside, not even its weight gave it away.
She couldn't help but wonder when was the last time she left for an extended period of time, was it 40 years ago now? She knew it was at least before she met Dumbledore.
"Well I believe that's everything." Frieren took one last look around the house to make sure, just as she confirmed that she did indeed have everything she needed, her eyes landed on the photos surrounding her living room.
Flashes of bygone times appeared in her mind as she looked at the faces of her companions and friends, yet those recollections were imperfect, blurry at moments, a name on the tip of her tongue, faces unclear.
Time forever moves forward, uncaring of those it affects. Voll lost his wife to its merciless march, and it was one of the few times she was afraid. She swore to herself to carry them with her into the future. And yet. she finds that not even she is immune to forgetting.
"I suppose it's that time again." And so she came up with a solution. The white haired elf walked up to the closest picture with steady steps. Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen stared at her with unmoving eyes as she did so. She never did like those enchantments wizards put on pictures, it just felt too hollow, a facsimile of the lives those pictured lived.
She only came up with the solution when the first pensive was created. High Caliber memory magic, one that stores and extracts memories for viewing, yet that's not what she wanted. Frieren wanted to remember.
So she twisted the spell, extracted her memories in order to copy them before putting them back in their rightful place. It does not work exactly like a pensive, where one can look at an old memory at their leisure, but instead it inserts the memories it holds into the person that uses them. A hidden function in the pictures of her past that only she can activate.
She supposes that she could've let it act like a regular pensive. But it would've been inconvenient to have to view them all in real time, and more importantly…over her long life she realized the value of times past, to treasure memories and time instead of getting lost in them.
The memories she'd view with a regular pensive might be more perfect and immersive, but it would never be the same as the time she truly lived with them. No, she'd much rather remember them fondly over watching a fake Frieren live her life with them.
Her fingers lightly brushed her hand against the surface of the magically conjured picture, its surface perfectly smooth. The slightest inkling of her vast magic power was all that was required to coax the memory out of her first party's likeness. It always felt like they almost wanted to show her the great bounty that they held.
The refreshing of her memories felt longer than it actually was, it's to be expected though. Each one of the pictures held time equal to a human lifetime. She opened her eyes once more with only the slightest of aches in her mind.
'It would take more than that to bring down this mighty elf hm hmm.' She thought with childish smugness. She repeated this process with the others, Fern & Stark, then Flamme, and finally Siere. Despite what one would expect she actually spent the least amount of time with her fellow elf compared to her friends.
She backed away from the pictures with her hands behind her back till she held all of them in her vision. A bittersweet smile bloomed on her face as she stared at them. "It's good to have you back everyone."
...
A twig broke under brown boots, what sunlight that could be seen in the area around her cabin is now covered by the unnatural darkness of the forbidden forest.
The eerie feeling of being watched and creeping dread suffused its chaotic ground. Dark dealings and horrid creatures lay scattered like pock marks all around its entirety.
And yet, the fear-inducing atmosphere that these creatures call home, the very thing that makes the forest forbidden, failed to find any grasp on the white haired elf casually strolling through its labyrinthine roots alone.
Her strides were steady and unwavering, more so than any other that calls the forest their home. And all others steered clear as a result, knowing better than to antagonize one that shows indifference where most show fear.
With an aged light brown leather suitcase in hand she moved towards her destination, though said destination is not Hogwarts, at least not just yet. She has another important matter to attend to first.
Minutes passed of seemingly mindless wandering before the sound of Frieren's traversal through the winding wood no longer stood alone.
Clip clop, Clip Clop.
The sound of four impacts striking the ground in quick succession echoed out quietly around her. Seemingly with no source. Until finally a figure emerged from the bramble to her left, one with the body of a horse, and the torso of a man.
It was not the only one to make themselves known however, another figure came out of the twisted roots to her right, and another from behind one of the trees that overlooked the path she came in on behind her.
More and more kept appearing until the white haired elf was completely encircled on all sides, tens of these men surrounded her, most with bows slung on their shoulders, but a few held long and sharpened sticks of wood.
Despite their armed state, none bore aggression or hostility. The crowd in front of her shifted, as they parted to make way for one that was older than them. The entity finally stopped at a ledge where he could clearly look at her, and her him.
It seems she finally found the centaurs.
Centaurs are a proud people. Going so far as to be aggressive by default towards humans and out right hostile if any dare trespass into their territory. Even in friendly relations, they tended to have an air of narcissism to their actions.
This common knowledge to anyone well educated in the wizarding world, any sign subservience is unheard of from centaurs, going so far that the mere implication of them being used by others is enough to earn their ire.
As such what came next was unheard of to any and all wizards, for the centaur that stood before her bowed himself at the waist, one arm crossed across his stomach in a great show of respect.
"I, Magorian, greet the Ark of Stars Passed." It stands to be said that not all centaurs hold such arrogance, it could be argued that this single centaur could be a special case among them.
That argument died a quick death as all the other members of the encirclement followed his words with their own bow.
Frieren can't stop the cringe that finds itself on her face, she never did like such grandiose titles. Mage of the hero's party was fine, small, just a mere description of what she once was. She was Frieren and that's it, it's the name she was born with and more importantly, the one her friends knew her by.
"I thought I asked you to call me Frieren. Not that," she says with a nonchalant wave, as if she was just brushing away something minor, and ultimately that's all it really is, an insignificant issue involving preference.
"I understand Lady Frieren, but it is only proper to at least start a discussion acknowledging the significance of the one we are gathered around. Not just as a result of what you are, but also what you have done for the tribe." He rose from his bent posture as he spoke, and as he did his tribe followed suit.
The Ark of Stars Passed. Such a grand sounding title for something so insignificant. The stars of today are not the same as the stars of the past, and she is the only one who remembers them. So they call her Ark. A glorified title that's only real meaning is that she is old.
"What brings you to us Lady Frieren," Magorian says in a tone that is both polite and respectful. More so than any other centaur has been before.
"I will no longer be in the forest for a while. 5 years to be exact. I'll stop by occasionally during the summers, but I'll be away for most of the duration," her eyes glanced around after she spoke, gauging their reactions.
Most looked away from her, unwilling to meet her gaze when jade orbs fell upon them. Either finding themselves unworthy or uncomfortable looking at someone that has been around since their stars were young.
Others grimaced, focusing on her words and not her gaze. Wondering what it would mean for their short term-at least in her opinion-future.
Magorian on the other hand was doing what leaders should do, and thought, contemplating new actions and alternatives for the tribe the second he heard those words.
"I take it your domain is already sealed?" Magorian asked as he stared back at her. Asking a question he already knew the answer too. A slight nod and a small affirmative hum was the response he got in return.
Whenever Frieren left her home for an extended period of time she altered her barrier. What would normally selectively let intelligent beings in depending on their intent, instead becomes an impenetrable barrier. Sealing the oasis that it protects from all that would enter it.
Despite how impressive the wards are naturally, there are ways of bypassing its vetting process. Though if this rarity happens there would still be an exceptionally powerful elf that an would be invader would have to deal with, ordinarily that is.
Her home isn't just filled with innocuous knickknacks that she's collected over the years. Ancient books, sealed texts, hidden secrets, and most importantly, the things she's gained over adventures long past.
The statues, dear keepsakes…her memories.
Just like she'd always bet on the 1% chance that there was a grimoire in every chest she'd find, she'll bet on the 1% chance that someone will get through, and change things accordingly.
Normally there would be no problems with this, it was her home after all. However, it did cause problems when there were people that relied on the tranquility found inside. Mainly the centaurs.
Since before Magorian was even born the forbidden forest tribe relied on the barrier. Both practically and culturally.
They not only used the better quality trees to make their weapons, but they also hunted the game that was inside without fear of other creatures for food.
More importantly, they use it for their star readings. While they can see the stars from almost anywhere in the forbidden forest, only inside her wards can they see them with such clarity.
She also once heard from a centaur with a rather loose mouth that they believe 'readings done in the territory of the ark has increased accuracy.' Completely false but even if she told them so they wouldn't change their ways.
She can see it in Magorian's face, how much five years of being unable to enter the wards, how much he has to plan and change things for the entire tribe.
Frieren couldn't help the small feeling of exasperation that comes over her, sure they haven't really interacted with each other much, but the last elf didn't think that she gave off the impression that she'd just leave them to their suffering. Fern would pout if she didn't help them in some way.
She reached into her pocket and grasped the item she made specifically for this. "Catch."
Magorian was snapped out of his thoughts just in time to catch the object Frieren tossed to him.
A simple key made out of two different kinds of wood intertwined with each other. On its end there was a loop and inside it a small needle.
"What is this?" He could feel the magic in it but he couldn't tell what kind, perhaps that's the point.
"It's the key to the Barrier." Magorian's head shot up in response to those words, eyes wide in shock and his hand clutching the key so tightly that you'd think it's the most important thing in the world to him.
"It's currently inert, but if you prick your finger on the needle it will become registered to you, allowing only you to use it. With it you and 4 others of your choice can enter and leave the barrier." She got the idea for the key from that bank run by goblins.
A key that could only be used by those that are supposed to be able to use it was a rather clever little trick in her opinion. All she needed to do to copy it was get her hands on one, hence why she currently has an empty vault with them.
"So just enough for a small hunting party." Magorian stuck his finger inside the loop as he spoke and pricked his finger on the needle inside without hesitation, trusting Frieren completely.
A single drop of blood dripped from his finger onto-no, into the needle. Magorian felt a faint sliver of magic connect itself to him from the key, after which the needle seemed to merge itself back into the wood that made up the key. Preventing anyone else from possibly registering it to themselves.
"Once again our tribe finds ourselves in your debt. If there is anyway for our tribe to repay you don't hesitate to ask." Once again he lowers his head into a deep bow, his hand tightly clutching onto the key.
"It's fine, I've told you multiple times that just the fact that you're hunting there is enough payment. There's not many predators inside so without you hunting there I'd have a population problem on my hands." She finds herself sighing and shaking her head slightly as she finishes her reply. Every time without fail they ask her the same thing and she responds the same way, how he doesn't get tired of asking the same thing she has no idea.
When her eyes landed on him once again, they saw him unraveling his quiver and sliding the rope its attached to through the loop of the key, ensuring he cannot lose it. Though even if he did he'd get a nagging feeling that would lead him right back to it.
A rather clever alteration of the tracking spell if she says so herself, she can't help but think to herself in a rather childish display of smugness.
Seeing as she had no other business to attend to with them she started to turn around, when she was stopped by the sound of Magorian's voice echoing out once more.
"Lady Frieren, may I inquire as to what business you need to attend to that would keep you occupied for so long a time?" There was curiosity burning in his eyes, the same curiosity that drove the centaurs to look for the future in the stars, despite never doing anything about what they see.
There was a small pause before she responded as thought on whether or not she should respond. It's not like she needed to answer, especially with the state of relations being what they are currently. In the end she is inconveniencing them, the least she could do was respond.
"I'm going to be teaching at the school nearby." She saw how her words affected the crowd, some grit their teeth slightly and some just looked conflicted. Magorian, despite not having any visible reaction, had turmoil behind his eyes.
"Then I wish you an uneventful stay, Lady Frieren." He said with one final bow and started to turn away.
The discourse between Centaurs and wizards is great. Years of degradation on the hands of the wizards put plenty of strain on their relations, and the great amount of pride that the centaurs held probably didn't help either.
The last elf was someone the centaurs respected. If she asked them to bridge the gap between themselves and wizards there's no doubt they would at least try.
However, Frieren didn't think she had the right to do so. The current situation was brought about by the hands of the wizards and centaurs themselves. And as such this is a situation that they themselves should work out.
She is not going to be fixing the problems the wizarding world has, that is for the people of this time to sort out on their own. How would they grow if she helped them at every turn?
Not to mention the peace would be a strained thing. She was not going to make excuses or apologies for the actions of wizards, and the centaurs would feel like they were forced to be there. Just waiting for something to prove them right so they could go back to the way things were.
The centaurs don't want things to change, and currently the wizards don't want that either. Forcing that on them would only hurt them both. No, it is not her responsibility to help bridge this gap.
It is for that reason that she too turned and walked away. With not another word spoken.
Time seemed to fly by to the last elf as she stepped out of the forest and gazed up at the tall towers of Hogwarts.
To many its stone structures would be a wonder to the eyes, its size greater than many places that they have seen, the fortress's magnificence practically shinning, and yet to Frieren it wasn't anything too special.
Back during her own time she saw castles for royalty, capitals of entire kingdoms, surrounded by a city with walls that made it a fortress in their own rights, all in the middle of vast open fields. Compared to those places, Hogwarts's beauty was all too ordinary.
And its size, non-magic wielding humans built structures that dwarfed the castle many times over, Sears Tower in Chicago, and the World Trade Center buildings in New York. All three the tallest buildings in the world. All make Hogwarts small in comparison.
Not to mention the sheer awe inspiring wonder and majesty of nature itself outshines all mortal made things.
It was with those thoughts in mind that she walked forward, only sparing the magical fortress a few glances as she moved.
Soon her feet landed on cobbled stone instead of the grass of the forest, the cobbled path soon led to the castle courtyard…with no one in it, this is where Dumbledore said he'd meet her.
She can't exactly just walk in without anyone knowing, well she could, but it wouldn't be proper of her, she certainly wouldn't like it if someone just walked into her home now would she.
With eyes closed and a hand on her chin she pondered what to do, she could teleport into his office but that would not only be the same as just walking in, but it would also break the wards. Wait…the wards.
With a small smile on her face she opened her eyes and put her arm out to the side, manifesting her staff into her waiting palm.
"Well when you want to be invited in, it's only polite that you knock". And with that the butt of her staff gently met the stone ground.
...
There aren't many times when Dumbledore is plagued by headaches, but the preparations for the beginning of the school year often inflict him with the dastardly things.
Reports from the professors about upcoming students-ever since Tom he's had his faculty keep a careful eye on the young one's mannerisms-the upcoming curriculum submissions from the professors, occasionally needing revisions from him with Mcgonagal never needing them, Flitwick needing the occasional change when he gets to excited, and Snape always needing the most with his desires for 'stricter' methods. Though with Hagrid's new position, Snape's place was taken over.
He loves the man, but he can not for the life of him see why he thinks introducing Fluffy to the third years is a good idea, especially on the first day. Dumbledore can't help but release a weary sigh.
And then there's the letters and documents sent by outside factors, letters from parents, job applications, and notices from the ministry, all of which with the exception of the job applications is even worse thanks to the dementors and Sirius on the loose.
Worried letters from parents and students, all worried about the safety of Hogwarts or from the noble parents trying to exert influence over the school.
Speaking of exerting influence, that's exactly what the ministry is doing. Trying to use the dementors as an excuse to change how he runs his school. What nonsense. The fact that they think he'd let them get away with that is baffling enough as it is.
Oh how he wishes Hogwarts could just have been a school outside the influence of such things, where students can learn the beauty of magic in peace. Alas that is a fantasy that will never come to pass.
At least the job applications were normal enough, though it is ironic that he has so many for defense against the dark arts despite the fact that he already has someone more than qualified. He's had to write over 100 rejection letters just in the past few days. Something that he was about to do once again, that is until Dumbledore saw the name on the application.
Remus Lupin. An old friend, an old member of the order. An order that he is in the middle of resurrecting. A goofy smile is born on his face as a result of his pun. It is the little things in life that truly make it worth living.
If Ms. Frieren didn't accept his offer to be professor Remus would've been the one he sought out next. Trustworthy, loyal, and most importantly the business with Sirius is personal to him. No doubt that is why he is applying in the first place.
His employment would be a great opportunity to get him re-involved in things and 'up to speed' so to speak. The problem is where to put him. He can't get the job he applied for, but Dumbledore doubts Remus would truly mind. The position isn't why he's really here after all.
Despite the many complaints students have about him he can't just fire Filich, not only is he good at his job but it would be a waste of Remus's abilities. He's not getting rid of any of the other professors just to give Remus a job either. What to do, what to do?
A small contemplative hum escaped his throat as he rubbed his beard. It was then that his eyes fell on a certain lesson plan. A plan written by a gentle half giant. A mischievous smirk formed on his lip as a plan was born.
Hagrid is an untested professor, and he doesn't have a long list of qualifications outside of his long employment as the school's groundskeeper. He finds himself in a vastly different occupation than before with very different challenges than he is used to.
No one would question then if he were to hire some assistance to help the man who is a brand new teacher. He'd have to inform Snape next time he sees him that he's going to need to prep a surplus of the ingredients for Wolfsbane.
He won't be happy, but he'd still do it. That's just the kind of man he is, even if he is a little spiteful, he's a loyal and kind soul buried behind a wall of thorns, though not even he himself seems to realize this.
Just as Dumbledore was about to pen his letter to Lupus a great tremor seemed to spread throughout the entirety of the castle.
His first thought was an earthquake, but looking around there wasn't any shaking that would indicate as such. The only other thing it could be is…
Dumbledore's eyes widened as he leaped out of his chair. The only other thing it could've been was the wards.
Just as he was about to rush to get everyone ready for battle, he realized something. There was no shaking, nor was there a follow up impact on the wards. Less than an attack it was more of a tap.
There's only one person who is skilled and powerful enough to make a tap echo out around the entire castle.
He let out an exasperated sigh when he came to the realization of what's going on. The tension that was building up inside him releasing. "You were supposed to let me know you were coming, Ms. Frieren." Despite his words he can't help the small fond smile that comes on his face.
The sound of shifting stone rang out into the room as the stairs to his office formed. "Headmaster!" The typical dark green robes of professor Mcgonagall rushed up his stairs clear panic on her face.
Dumbledore cut her off before she could start to panic even further. "Ah Minerva, perfect timing. It appears the new defense against the dark arts professor that you've been asking about has finally arrived. Why don't you come greet her with me?"
Not even waiting for a response he walked past the professor who still had her mouth open in confusion. It was only when he started walking down the stairs that she seemed to register his words.
"Wait, what?" He thought the mischief in his eyes that followed Minerva's bafflement was only natural.
...
Minerva followed the Headmaster with apprehension. Nothing followed the first tremor, no follow up quakes, no flashes of light that would signal the casting of a spell, not even any noises. That alone made her nervous. Only an extremely powerful witch or wizard could manage to shake the wards, and the following silence only made her question what they're planning.
And then the headmaster drops the metaphorical dragon on her and says the new defense against the dark arts professor has arrived.
Now, the headmaster is known far and wide for his eccentricity, the whole wizarding world knows of it. So when she came to him with suggestions for some new professors for the defense against the dark arts position, after thorough research and investigation she might add, she wasn't surprised that he already had someone in mind.
The surprise did come however when not only did she not recognize the name, but also further research brought up absolutely nothing. No records of any place of learning, citizenship in any of the magical communities, not even anyone with her name.
Whoever this is, they are a complete unknown to the entire wizarding world. Or their information is so buried you'd need a rather high level of clearance or influence to obtain it. It didn't matter which of these possibilities are fact, it made her anxious regardless.
Minerva normally isn't one to question the Headmaster. However, these past few years had professor Quirel, one who was possessed by a fragment of He who should not be named's soul, and Lockheart, someone who she wouldn't even dream about giving the professor title to with how incompetent and reckless the man was.
The Headmaster is not infallible.
She can't help but worry that once again he is letting a negative or merlin forbid hostile variable into Hogwarts. Really, if he wasn't one of, if not the most powerful wizard of this era along with one of the most intelligent she'd question his competence.
She can't help the world weary sigh that escapes her, something that catches Albus's attention and only brings forth the mischievous smile that he is sometimes known to wear. Always when he is aware of something the directed party is not.
And then there's right now, what is this wizard or witch like that an attack on the wards leads the Headmaster into believing that it is a sign of their arrival.
How powerful of a witch or wizard do they have to be to even be able to shake the wards completely alone? A cold sweat starts to run down the back of her neck at the thought.
If this, Frieren, is truly an enemy, just thinking about magic like that being aimed at their persons is an utterly chilling thought.
One of course that the Headmaster seems either completely ignorant to –and ignorant is not a word that should ever be used to describe Albus Dumbledore– or one he seems unwilling to even entertain.
"Is something on your mind, Minerva?" Albus said with a look that just said he knew the answer to that question already and was highly amused by the answer.
"There are many things on my mind currently Headmaster. The subject of which I have no doubt you already know." She spoke with her signature stare that seemed to have an effect on everyone except the Headmaster, she knew that the few times he did react it was always in good spirit only.
Their footsteps echoed out into the empty halls as they walked closer and closer to the aforementioned 'subject' of her thoughts.
"Really Minerva, you needn't worry so much. The new defense against the dark arts professor is someone I consider to be reliable and trustworthy." His words were meant to be comforting, a feeling that they failed to deliver.
"With all due respect Headmaster just you saying that isn't enough to assuage me of my worries this time. I have done my research, or at least I tried. For I came up with absolutely nothing with my efforts. This, Frieren, is a complete unknown." She tried to stress the importance of this fact, she doesn't even know where this person came from, let alone where Albus might've found them.
"While she may be unknown to you Minerva, I like to think I know her quite well. I can assure you, deputy headmistress, she is of no threat to Hogwarts or its students." His demeanor displayed a confidence in his words, an obvious effort to ease her worries.
A moment of silence passed after Albus's words, the only sound their footsteps echoing out in stone halls.
"I will endeavor to trust you Headmaster." Though Minerva said she would trust him she still couldn't shake her anxiety free. First Quirrel, Then Lockheart and the heir of Slytherin, and now Sirius Black is free. She can't escape from her worries when so much has happened already.
"I'm happy I still have it Minerva. Though I'm sure all your questions will be answered either shortly or in due time. We've just about arrived to greet our newest addition after all." The seriousness lifted around him like a veil as his trademark smile was donned once more.
Sunlight streamed in from the massive arch that stood as one of the many entrances into Hogwarts castle. In the distance she could see a standing figure in white. An odd color for robes in this day and age. Most wizards and witches preferred colorful robes of blues, reds, yellows, and other varieties and combos. Very rarely are there robes that are almost pure white, though as she got closer she could start to see golden highlights on the rims of her long skirt that reached down to her calves and the cuffs of her sleeves. A striped shirt was under a shoulder cape of the same white and gold design.
Though, the most notable thing about her was the fact that she carried a staff. Staffs, unlike wands, don't have a mystical beast core nor do they choose their wielders.
As a result they don't guide magic for spells like a wand does, with wands it's almost as if the wizard or witch's magic is following a well paved road. This helps the wizard or witch manipulate their magic for spells but as a side effect of this nature wands can be rather picky.
Staffs are much like the opposite, there is no paved road for the magic to follow, trying to cast magic with one would entail the same difficulty as wandless casting. Though the benefit they hold is high too. Unlike wands which guide, staffs empower, some being able to turn a small stream of magic into a raging river.
The problem however is the ways to create a staff are both notoriously difficult and often kept secret. From what she's heard however, the reason staffs can empower magic seemingly is because it can simply use more of the caster's magic. A pipe is turned into a sewer, allowing more magic to be used. Users of staffs often need extraordinary magic reserves in order to not risk magic depletion or even death.
In many ways using a staff is considered more risky and rare than wandless magic.
Yet here this Frieren is, standing in the middle of the Hogwarts courtyard holding an ornate staff.
As Minerva and Dumbledore entered the courtyard more details became visible.
Sea green eyes embedded in a perfectly spotless face. Untied white hair draping down her shoulders and reaching down to her waist. Two red tear like gems as earrings on the earlobes of two round ears.
She looked young, she couldn't be older than her mid 20s, and yet the look in her eyes…
Minerva has spent almost all of her teaching career around Albus, even spent some time with him before he became headmaster. She would like to believe she knew him rather well. Well enough that she is able to recognize the age and wisdom behind the stars that often shine in his eyes.
This girl…her eyes held the same wisdom, the same deepness that Albus's had. No, they might be even deeper.
A girl many years her and the headmaster's junior held eyes that displayed a profoundness that was greater than someone who is considered the greatest wizard of their time. She was stunned into stillness, moving not a step forward as Albus's steps continued forward without a care. His bearing was almost as if he was seeing an old friend.
"Ah Ms. Frieren, though I suppose you're soon to be professor Frieren. I'm glad to see you before the semester starts, though I do believe we agreed that you'd let me know when you'd be coming." A look that is a cross between sheepish and meek appeared on her face as a reminder of her apparent blunder.
"Ah that, I might've forgotten in the midst of packing and prepping my home for my prolonged absence." Despite the look on her face her words still had a layer of sophistication and wisdom in them. The headmaster seemed to gain a look of fond exasperation on his face, ironically one that he'd give the students quite often. It was a little disorienting seeing him give that look to someone that seemed to share the same eyes as him.
"Well, what's done is done I suppose." He said with a light chuckle, the signature stars in his eyes shining brightly.
"Though where are my manners. This is Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress of Hogwarts and Head of transfiguration, oh which means she is our student's transfiguration professor. I do warn you though, she can be quite a stickler for rules." Albus turned and gestured to Minerva with his arm, it was only when those ocean like eyes turned to her that she realized she was frozen and quickly rushed into the courtyard.
Some of the tension that filled her body eased up slightly from the Headmaster's typical antics, as he spoke his last words with a conspiratorial wink and tone. She did what she always did when he was up to his usual tricks. Ignored them.
"Good afternoon. As you just heard, I am Professor McGonagall. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard much about you." No she didn't, but formality dictates she at least says something of that nature.
As she stuck out her hand she noticed the witch –after looking into her eyes it doesn't feel very proper to call her girl anymore– Frieren, gave the headmaster what she thinks is a questioning look and albus returned it with just a small shrug and smile. It appears she's aware of the lack of information surrounding her.
"The pleasure is mine. While it's not my first time teaching someone magic it is my first time teaching an official class so please forgive me if I make any mistakes." Well in terms of first impressions it's not the worst she's seen, though it almost seems like she's going to make mistakes on purpose from her words. And it's not like Quirrell or Lockheart had bad first impressions, not good ones but not bad ones either.
"I feel since it's only fair that I warned Ms. Frieren about you, that I should warn you about her. She can be as eccentric as me sometimes." Dumbledore proceeded to say, on purpose, with the same tone and wink he gave the witch she was currently shaking the hand of.
"I'm standing right here hmmm." Frieren once again gained that same look that held sheepishness and meekness at the same time.
"I'm afraid as you work here you'll have to get used to it Ms. Frieren. Or would you prefer professor?" While the school year hasn't started yet it is true that she is going to be a professor here.
"Ms. Frieren is just fine. I plan on telling the students this as well. It's…more familiar to me I suppose." As the young teacher pulled her hand away a reminiscent look appeared on her face. A gentle smile as if looking back on her lips.
How can one so young seem like they've experienced so much.
"Well with that out of the way. I welcome you to Hogwart's Ms. Frieren." With a clap of his hands the Headmaster gestured to the great arch that leads into Hogwart's proper. An eager smile on his face.
"I'm sure everyone would love to meet you."
...
Well Hello everybody. First things first I want to thank you and I'm sorry. My first chapter of my second ever fic blew up way more than I expected and I'm grateful to you all for all the comments you've left and to everyone who followed and faved. Trust me when I say the number of follows and favorites I've received has always shocked me.
It's also why I want to say I'm sorry for taking so long to finish and get this second chapter out. I wish I had an excuse but I don't really do. I know I said this would have a sporadic update schedule but I'm sure no one expected almost an entire year.
No this isn't dead and I don't really plan on letting it die even if it takes so long to get a chapter out, and if it ever does die I'll post an announcement as a chapter so you don't have to worry about that.
At the same time however I don't want to post any dates or say when the next chapter is going to be because I don't really want to make any promise that I might no keep. The only thing I can say is I'll try to do better.
On a small side note I know some were asking how people would react to her ears. Well sorry to burst some people's bubbles but her earrings are enchanted to make them look normal. I tried to show that they appeared normal in Minerva's POV but i'm not sure how successful that was.
Also shout out and thanks to SpiritOfErebus, I'm in their discord server and they were nice enough to give me a shout out in their Frieren fic. If you're interested definitely check them out or their other works.
With all that said thank you again and see you next time!