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Set In Stone	By : ANONYMONSTER Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 2876 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series or its characters, and I do not make money off of these stories.

Chapter List
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CHAPTER TWO

Hidden and Discovered

"I'm not sure that I can accept, Albus... I-"

"Willow, I can assure you, no harm will come to you within the walls of Hogwarts."

Willow shook her head and sighed, glancing at Dumbledore from across his large desk. Her old Headmaster had called her down to Hogwarts to ask her to take the position as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. He stared at her now, over his half-moon spectacles, knowing fully well that by the end of the meeting, he would have her. Though Willow knew that it was useless to make excuses, as Dumbledore was a persistent man, she couldn't help but try.

"Sir, the risk of me being here- the students- Tom has been looking for me ever since he left Hogwarts- he means to kill me! I cannot risk bringing that here."

"You said yourself that Tom believes that you are his age- I don't see why he would go looking for a nineteen year old girl. You never told him about how you age. He will be searching for a thirty-nine-year-old woman."

"He has come so close to finding me before... So many times. He knows my magic, he knows my aura."

"Tom Riddle is only one wizard, Ms. Hart."

"One wizard with one hundred followers!"

Dumbledore sighed and removed his spectacles, rubbing his tired eyes. "You can't run forever, Ms. Hart. You've been running ever since your father died. Don't you think it is time to relax?"

"Even if I accept... you and I both know that I'll only be here a year. The position was jinxed by the very man who wants me dead." Willow wondered why Albus even wanted her to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. She didn't understand why he didn't ask her to teach Divination. After all, she had become just as gifted with the Sight as her mother over the past years. Now, she could read people's auras to discover their destinies. She could use the Sight at will, though she still got unexpected visions from time to time.

Dumbledore settled his spectacles back over his eyes and gave Willow a gentle smile. "I've never been one to believe in unbreakable jinxes, Ms. Hart. Anything that is done may so be undone, if one truly wished… You will start tomorrow, then?"

Willow rolled her bright green eyes. "You always did have a way of getting me to do what you wanted."

"No, Willow. You simply always knew what the right thing to do was." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, reminding Willow of her days at Hogwarts. "Apollyon, our care taker, will take you to your quarters so that you may prepare yourself for tomorrow."

A short, rather scary looking man stepped out of the shadows and gave Willow a toothless smile. He had ratty grey hair and the look on his face said that he would can any student that he caught misbehaving. Willow could tell that Albus and Apollyon Pringle were not on equal terms about punishing the students at Hogwarts. Albus would have none of it, but Apollyon would can day in and out if he could.

"Oh, and Willow, one last thing."

Willow looked back at the Headmaster as Apollyon opened the office door.

"It would be greatly appreciated if you could make yourself available for dinner. I would like to introduce you to our students."

"Of course." Willow smiled, and followed Apollyon out of the office.

Once they were at her chambers, Willow thanked Apollyon and entered her rooms. The first room would be her office. It was a large, circular room covered from floor to ceiling with books on the Dark Arts, pictures of various monsters, which Willow could name with just one, swift look. She was fifty-seven years old, and she'd had a lot of time to memorize everything she could about every subject. A beautiful antique writing desk sat in the very center of the room, completely clear except for one sheet of parchment. My schedule, Willow confirmed, quickly noting which time she was to be at the great hall. At the back of the room, standing between two over-packed book cases, was the door to Willow's new room. Opening the door, Willow stepped into her bedroom. Her things were all there, placed neatly on top of her four-poster bed. With a wave of her wand- a twelve and three-quarter inch wand fashioned from a willow tree, with a strand of her own mother's hair as the core (Gaela's hair was said to increase the length of a spell)- her bags began unpacking themselves.

"Willow!"

Willow glanced at the fireplace opposite of her bed and smiled, glad to see the face of her only friend. Elliot had taken her under his wing the night she'd run away from the orphanage. He was a full Gaela, like her mother had been. He'd foreseen Willow's death if she ever encountered Tom again, and had convinced her to stay with him. Willow had taught Elliot how to use floo powder during her years as a student at Hogwarts so that they could keep in touch, as Elliot had a peculiar fear of owls. He swore they would be the death of him, and, well... If a Gaela tells you something is going to kill them, they're usually right.

"Oh, Elliot... I'm so scared. What if he finds me? My visions are always so odd when they involve him, I never know what's going to happen."

"Hogwarts is the safest place you could possibly be, Willow. I only see good things for you there." Elliot's face smiled within the burning embers of the fire. "Do your old man proud, Willow. I love you."

"I love you too." Willow sighed as the face of Elliot disappeared. She quickly pulled off her traveling robes and dressed for dinner, pulling on luscious green, velvet robes. She figured they were her most teacher-like robes- fine and beautiful. They made her look like she was in her mid-twenties, rather than a nineteen year old girl. The color made her hair more vibrant, and her green eyes pop. Pulling her thick hair back into a loose braid, Willow used the ribbon to tie the braid into a bun. A few stubborn curls fell loose around her face, but Willow liked the effect it had.

As she stared at herself in the mirror, smiling, she recalled her very first dinner at Hogwarts. At first, she'd wanted to be a Slytherin, like Tom. But at the last moment, she'd changed her mind. She didn't belong in Slytherin. Though she was sure that she did have a darker, cunning side, she knew that her wisdom and wit would win out, and so she was placed in Ravenclaw. She was both the oldest and youngest witch to ever graduate Hogwarts. Her first year, she had made friends with many other Ravenclaws. But as the years progressed, and she was still a small child, she'd been made an outcast. At least I never had to go through the whole 'Hog-Hearts' thing, she thought. Hog-Hearts was the name she had come up with for all of the romances at Hogwarts.

After taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Willow left her quarters and headed for the Great Hall. She wondered briefly what the students would think of her, seeing as she appeared to be only a few years older than they were. It won't matter... She convinced herself, stepping into the Great Hall and making her way slowly up to the front table, where all of the other professors sat. A few of them were familiar, and some she did not recognize at all. There was one woman there, Pomona Sprout, who Willow distinctly remembered going to school with. They had spoken a few times, because Willow had been interested in a plant that, if grown correctly, could make her appear older when she ate it. She must be the Herbology professor now. Another person Willow recognized was Silvanus Kettleburn, her old Care of Magical Creatures professor. One time, in Willow's sixth year, the man had planned an entire class on the Gaela, even mentioning Willow's mother, Glinda, a few times. Willow had found out a few more things about herself that class, like when a Gaela dies, they release a powerful essence that can be used to cure the ill and allow them to live for a few more years, before the essence died away. Then, of course, there was Ogg, the grounds keeper, and his assistant Rubeus Hagrid. We've never spoken, but if we did, I imagine we would get along. After all, we both know what it is like to be gawked at.

And then, there was Dumbledore, smiling at her from his seat at the table. Willow returned the smile and walked around the table, taking a seat in the chair Albus motioned to, between Pomona and Silvanus. Of course, Albus would sit me between these two. Willow pulled her chair in and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, her nervousness starting to show. She was about to take a sip of the cool goblet of water that had appeared before her when Silvanus turned, his eyes widening as he recognized her.

"Oh, sweet bath buns! If it isn't Willow Hart. My, my, haven't you aged gracefully! How old are you now, Willow? Fifty-three? Fifty-four?"

Willow almost choked on her water and quickly set the cup down, placing a hand on her chest as she caught her breath. "F-fifty-six." She replied. The others at the table were staring at them in disbelief. "Fifty-seven in November. Most of us don't really count the middle years any more, but I suppose it's easier for me. I couldn't imagine ten years at one age. I hate three enough as it is." Willow rambled on nervously as she felt everyone's eyes on her. Willow glanced at Professor Sprout, who looked as if she'd just seen a ghost. She'd never known Willow’s secret; she'd only thought that she wanted to look older to be cool.

"Hello, Pomona... It's good to see you again, doing what you love."

"Oh, dear." Pomona turned away for a moment and took a long swig of whatever was in her cup before she turned back to Willow. "And I'd thought you were just a silly, misguided child back then. Now I see that you were right to want to be older. Forty years of being a child must have been torture."

"It most certainly was."

The students began filing in then, Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Slytherins all from years two to seven. The first years would be arriving shortly for the Sorting Ceremony. After all were seated, envelopes were given to each student with the password into his or her house dormitory. The second they were read and remembered, they turned into handkerchiefs that were the colours of each of the houses. The chattering of young witches and wizards spread throughout the great hall, excitement buzzing. Silence fell swiftly as the large doors to the great hall were opened and the first years were lead in by the Head of House of Gryffindor, twenty-nine-year-old Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Apollyon, who was carrying a short, three-legged stool, and the old, beloved Sorting Hat.

When the stool was set down, and the Sorting Hat on top of it, the Sorting hat opened its big mouth, and then began to sing.

"When I was just a little lad,

a normal Wizard's hat,

I sat on Godric Gryffindor

With pride, and that was that!

But when the founders found

They could not sort forevermore,

They wove enchantments into me,

and this they rightly swore;

That every year, the Sorting Hat

They'll place above your head,

To tell each new witch and wizard

Where they'll make their bed.

You could be strong like Gryffindor,

A brave and daring heart.

You may be just like Ravenclaw,

Who's witty, and who's smart.

Or maybe, you're like Hufflepuff,

Loyal, just, and true.

Or if you're more the cunning type,

Then Slytherin's for you.

No matter where I put you,

Just know my choice is right.

The founders trusted me

To give you guidance on this night!

So come, young lads and ladies,

to this stool before you here.

I'll tell you now, I'll tell you true,

Where you will spend your years!"

And then the sorting began, each house cheering loudly as they gained a new member. After the sorting was finally done, Albus stood up, moving to the podium with the large golden owl spreading its wings. He cleared his throat, calling for silence, and the cheering, laughing, and happy banter quickly subsided as every pair of eyes focused on the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

"As always, to our new students, welcome to Hogwarts, and to our old students, welcome back. Before we begin the feast, I would like to say a few things. First of all, Apollyon would like me to remind you that being out of bed after hours is strictly forbidden. We had a particular problem with that last year," Willow followed Albus' eyes to a red-headed couple that sat at the Gryffindor table, "and it will not be tolerated this year. Next I would like to caution the first years, and those of you who I know ignore me every year, that no students are allowed into the Forbidden Forest without the accompany of myself, our games keeper Ogg, or his assistant, Rubeus Hagrid. Now, last but not least, I would like to introduce you to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Willow Hart."

At that, Willow stood, and smiled nervously as she felt all eyes shift their attention to her. "Not for long." Someone called out, and Willow heard snickering coming from the Slytherin table. She sat down, but she still felt eyes on her. They were likely all wondering why she looked so young.

"Now, Lucius, though Abraxas was a well-loved student of Hogwarts, and this is your first year, I will not tolerate any sharp remarks from you. Or anyone else, for that matter." Albus looked sternly from table to table. After a moment of silence, Dumbledore broke into a large smile. "Now, without further ado- let the feast begin!"

And so the feast began. All of Willow's favourite foods appeared before her, from assorted types of pasta, to lemon flavoured chicken. There was so much there, so much to try, that she didn't even know if she would have room for afters. The room buzzed with the sounds of excited students, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

"I never realized how much I missed this!" Willow said, laughing for a moment before she filled her plate and began eating. She talked with Silvanus occasionally, telling him how much progress she had made with the Sight. Her nervousness slowly faded away as she became more comfortable with her surroundings. None of the others at the table seemed to mind that she appeared to be so young, and Willow was thankful for that. When she was full, she pushed her plate away, laughing as it immediately disappeared. She had forgotten what it was like to be at Hogwarts, how many little things there were to enjoy there. Then, realizing she had absolutely no lesson plan, for Albus had asked her at the last possible moment, Willow stood. "Do excuse me, please. I have to work on my lesson plans."

Albus gave her an apologetic look, and she gave him a small smile and a shrug. She had always been a proficient worker, so she was sure she would get it done. Saying a quick good-bye to the rest of the staff, Willow left to prepare for the next day.

"What have you found?" Tom Marvolo Riddle, now known as the Dark Lord Voldemort, sat in an elegant, throne-like chair in a dark, cold room. A thin, blond haired male knelt before him.

"My liege, we've had our spies in the Ministry trace her magic. We believe that she may be at Hogwarts, as we have found traces of her magic specifically in that area today. Sources say Albus may have been considering her as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, though he would not inform the Ministry of his decision. It seems like he may be trying to protect her, my Lord. To keep you from her."

"Well done, Abraxas." Voldemort hissed, praising his Death Eater. "Your son is in attendance at Hogwarts this year, is he not?"

"Yes, my Lord." Abraxas responded, hoping the Dark Lord would not have his son do anything dangerous.

"Do not fear for the life of your son, Malfoy. Simply send him a letter enquiring about the new Dark Arts professor. Her name, her image... I want to know anything about her that he can tell me. Now, go."

"Yes, my Lord." Abraxas stood then, bowing deeply before he left the Dark Lord alone in the lightless room.

The Dark Lord stood, walking to the window and looking out. His eyes were as black as ever, and his hair was slicked back, little strands of grey highlighting his ebony locks. The man would be forty years in December, but he was just as fit as any twenty-year-old male hoped to be. The years had been kind to him, and though he had a cruel face, he was as handsome as he'd ever been; with a defined jaw, and slender form, the Dark Lord was strong, yet agile. He would be any woman's dream. Had he wanted them, he could have them. And he had had them. Many of them. Pleasure was a thing the man knew well. But there was only one woman had ever truly wanted, only one woman he ever truly would want.

"I will find you, Willow. And when I do, I will kill you."

Willow had gotten to bed just two hours before she had to wake up. Her lesson plans were completed for the week, and now she could take things at a slower pace. Dumbledore had shown up halfway through her preparations with a gift for Willow- a beautiful Western Screech owl with big, yellow eyes. It was covered mostly with reddish brown and black feathers, with pure white feathers over its front. Now, that owl swooped down from the perch Willow had conjured for it, and onto Willow's bed, scraping at the sheets with its talons to wake the tired witch up. With a soft groan, the new D.A.D.A. professor pulled her head out from beneath the sheets and looked at the creature. "I suppose I should thank you, or I might have slept in." Willow ran her fingers softly over the owl's feathers before getting out of bed. She dressed herself quickly, gathering her books and lesson plans for the day. She opened the window for her owl- who she had named Eli- so that he could come and go as he pleased before she left, heading to classroom thirty-one, tying her hair up as she did so. The first years were already there waiting for her when she arrived.

"I apologize for being late," Willow said, searching through her bag for the things she needed to start the lesson. "Now if you would all kindly open The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection to page-"

"Excuse me, Professor. May I ask you a question?"

Willow looked up from her bag, blinking at the blond-haired boy who had interrupted her. She faintly recalled him interrupting the night before, as well, to make a snide comment about her not being there for long. "Lucius Malfoy, is it?" The boy nodded. "Well, go on, ask away."

Lucius had gotten a letter from his father that morning at breakfast. Normally, the school would not allow this, but it had been marked as 'URGENT'. Lucius had been confused as to why his father needed information on Professor Hart, but he knew not to question his father. He needed only to know a few things. "I was just wondering... You don't look much older than most of the older students here... How is it that you've come to teach at Hogwarts?"

Willow had figured that the question would arise sooner or later, so she'd decided that she would just tell her students the truth if they'd asked. It was easier that way. "I am actually fifty-six years old. I am half wizard, and half Gaela. You have all heard of Gaela, haven't you?" The students nodded slowly in awe that they were actually being taught by a Gaela. They were pretty rare now, what with their bad luck and all. "Well, I look young because my body only ages once every three years. It's a hard life to live. I had to run from orphanage to orphanage when I was younger, because the muggles would get suspicious when I didn't age. Both of my parents had died, so I'd had nowhere to go. It's much easier now that I'm older."

Lucius smiled, having gotten all the information he needed. He would send a letter out to his father as soon as the class was over.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Also, just so y'all know, the speech given by Dumbledore in this chapter is mostly from the books, as I wanted him to remain as similar as he could to his actual character. Thanks for everything, J.K. :D The sorting hat song was made by me, but I did read the other ones to get ideas for it. I have this story on Fan Fiction as well (though a slightly less graphic version), so if it looks familiar, that's where it's from. D3AD L0V3 is me. :)
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Set In Stone