Beyond Good and Evil

Albus Dumbledore and his longtime companion Minerva McGonagall met them in the enormous foyer. The first sight of her two mentors in fifteen years was enough to bring Justine Potter to tears. Minerva immediately took her into her arms and stroked her long hair. “Hush child. Let this be a time for joyous reunion and not of bitter tears.” Those words whispered in her ear have the younger woman great comfort. She pulled back and allowed her elder to dry her eyes. “We have missed you, Justine.”

“And I you, Professor.” Hala turned to Dumbledore who had both joy and sadness in his twinkling blue eyes. He was happy to have her home, and fearful for the obstacles she was to face. Meek was her normally strong and confident voice when she greeted him. Hello Professor Dumbledore.”

He too hugged her tightly. “Welcome home, dearest.” Gently she was released from his arms and the old wizard was thrilled to see the smile on her face. “Now, please introduce us to your companion.”

Smiling at the suddenly nervous redhead, Hala took her hand. “Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore, may I present to you Willow Rosenberg.” Pleased to meet yous were exchanged and the two witches were instructed to call the instructors by their first names. “After all, the two of you are colleagues,” Minerva told them.

“I’ll show the birds to their rooms, Albus,” Spike offered. A silent exchange between the vampire and the wizard took place, communication without words. It ended with a nod from the old wizard and a reminder that dinner would be in forty-five minutes. Spike led them to the opulent rooms adjacent to the DADA classroom. Before Justine even glanced at her new accommodations, the elder witch confronted him. “And what was that between you and Albus, eh?” He flopped onto the couch with a heaving sigh and handed her a cigarette.

“You’ll need this.” And without any further preamble, he spit it out. “Justine, pet, the senior members of the Order of the Phoenix are meeting tonight.” He paused as her face took on a deathly pallor and he couldn’t keep the grimace off of his face. “They‘ll be joining us for dinner.” She then placed the cigarette between her lips and leaned forward, signaling that she needed a light. He did so with a wry grin and pulled the distraught witch onto his lap. “You knew it would happen. Better now so you can be done with it.”

Their redheaded friend interrupted any response from Justine. “Um, please take pity on the Muggle witch, guys. Please explain what this order thingy is about and why it’s of the bad.”

~*~*~

Between the two of them, Spike and Hala had smoked over half a pack of cigarettes in the time it took to explain the Order of the Phoenix to their redheaded friend. Willow could definitely understand the former Death Eater’s distress. After all, these people had made hunting Hala their first priority for several years before she renounced Voldemort. For one, she was Voldemort’s favorite follower. Second, she had managed to seduce several of their members into taking part in her personal harem. Slack-jawed, the younger witch gaped at her companion after hearing that revelation. In turn Hala blushed, but with a sardonic grin.

“In the course of the evening, you are going to learn a lot about me, Willow,” she promised. “What I told you before barely scratched the surface of my glory days as Voldemort‘s ‘Ripe, Wicked Plum. I’m sure that certain members of the Order will speak of it all in great depth to discredit what I’ve done since then. It all comes down to the fact that I’m auditioning for the position of DADA professor. Not that I can blame them,” she added sadly. “They have to think of the children.”

“Hey now, Hala,” the redhead began, “what we did--it’s never gonna go away. All we can do is acknowledge it and move on. You acknowledged even before the war was over. After that you moved on pretty well. Don’t let these yahoos make you forget that. And as far as a harem goes, girlie, you’re hot. Who wouldn’t want to join in?”

“And let me remind you, kitten,” the blonde vampire purred, “I did join in for a bit.” He growled and playfully nipped at her throat. “Very much worth all the bloody death threats I got from Snape.”

A genuine smile lit Hala’s face, her cerulean blue eyes sparkling. She thought that the mention of her fellow spy would upset her, but instead it brought the most delicious anticipation. How she had missed the blighter.

“I knew the two of you had a thing,” Willow chuckled, interrupting her line of thought. “And ‘Ripe, Wicked Plum,\' Spike? Not something you came up with yourself?” The vampire just shrugged. “Eh, the title was no longer taken, Red. Shame to let it go to waste. Besides, it fit Dru, didn’t it?” At that moment, he realized the time and gingerly lifted Hala from his lap. “Time to get ready, my pets. Dinner is in half-hour in the Great Hall. As it is a welcome home/Inquisition gathering, a change of clothes is probably in order.

Hala glanced down at her ensemble--her favorite pair of ripped jeans, a Ramones tee shirt, and combat boots. Willow was somewhat similarly clad in jeans and a tee shirt, though not quite as well loved as Hala’s. “I personally think we look fine, Blondie,” she griped, “but I’ll give in this once. Although I refuse to wear robes.” She mentioned robes as they were the foulest invention ever conceived. “I haven’t worn them in fifteen years and I don’t plan on starting at this moment.”

“Have it your way, pet. I personally wouldn’t care if you showed in your knickers.” Leering he added, “I would prefer it actually.” With that, the witches kicked the vampire out to go through their luggage and decide on their eveningwear. Busying themselves helped calm their nerves.

Somewhat.

~*~*~

Albus positively beamed when Spike sorted Willow and Justine into the Great Hall. The trio had dressed semi-formally and looked exquisite. The vampire had traded his trademark jeans, t-shirt, and duster for a black suit with a deep blue shirt and tie. A silk dress of deep wine, it’s v-necked bodice held up with tiny straps clung beautifully to Willow’s curves. Her seep red hair cascaded to her shoulders in loose waves while green eye shadow accentuated her bright green eyes, her lips glossed in wine.

While they all held themselves with confidence, Justine was positively regal when she entered the hall. A black flowing velvet skirt fell to her ankles while the tank style red and black brocade corset emphasized her curves. Underneath was a long sleeved fine mesh top. Her long black hair had been put into thousands of tiny braids and gathered into a complicated knot at the back of her head. Short bangs were cut straight across her forehead; blue eyes framed by smoky black shadow and full lips the color of blood.

Minerva had a similar smile on her face while their dinner guests’ expressions ranged from appreciative smiles (Professor Severus Snape and Remus Lupin), a raised eyebrow (Molly Weasley), and a poisonous scowl that could stopped Voldemort in his tracks (Sirius Black). If Willow, Spike, or Justine noticed his outright hostility, it was gracefully ignored.

“Ah, welcome my friends,” the ancient wizard greeted them as he stood and waited for Spike to seat the ladies before retaking their seats. The other gentlemen followed suit; save for Sirius who still had his glare focused on Justine. The witch was seated between Dumbledore and Willow with Severus just across from her. Seeing those coal black eyes gazing at her with such kindness was like coming home, but she was forced to break eye contact when the Headmaster began the introductions. He began with Justine.

“As I’m sure most of you remember, this is Justine Potter. She has kindly agreed to take on the task of Defense Against the Dark Professor.” Nervous, yet polite nods were given her from the Order, once again save for Black. “Like bloody lambs to the slaughter,” he muttered to himself. Albus ignored the comment for the time being and moved on to Willow. “The young woman seated next to Justine is Miss Willow Rosenberg who will be assisting Justine. And you all know Spike.” More polite and not as nervous nods from the Order. He then began to name the present members of the Order.

Kingsley Shaklebolt, an attractive black wizard; Rubeus Hagrid, a half-giant with a bright grin; Nymphadora Tonks, a witch that seemed to be Willow’s wit with spiky pink hair; Severus Snape, a tall wizard with shoulder length black hair and sharp black eyes; Remus Lupin, a thin wizard with tired eyes but a warm smile; Sirius Black, a wizard who would have been attractive if it weren’t for the scowl; Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody, a war ravaged wizard with a magical eye that was looking all over the hall and finally four individuals with the same red hair, pale skin and freckles--Arthur, Molly, Bill, and Charlie Weasley.

Introductions complete, their feast began, food appearing from thin air at Dumbledore’s command. Spike, who didn’t even need to eat, partook in the house-elves fabulous cooking. Small talk was made, wine flowed freely, and the mood was relaxing somewhat--probably due to the libations. But all too soon for Justine, dinner was finished, desert had been had, and the dished had been magically cleared away.

The glee that had remained on the Headmaster’s face throughout their meal had gone, replaced with a somber expression as he turned to Justine. “My dear, you do realize why the Order has been summoned, correct?”

“Indeed, Albus. They need to know what fifteen years have done to this former Death Eater before I am allowed to teach.” The blunt statement brought tension back to the table. They weren’t prepared for what was to be Justine’s no holds barred attitude regarding her situation. The witch didn’t believe in sugarcoating anng, ng, especially her past. Yes, she was nervous, there was no denying that. But the faith that Spike, Willow, Albus, Minerva, and Giles ha her her gave her strength.

The vampire, knowing her well, produced a cigarette and lighted it for her. Before anyone could object, she muttered a few words in Latin that made the smoke vanish the instant it left her lips and completely masked the scent. There was no need to share her nasty habit with them. Once she had taken a few calming drags, she scooted her chair back a tad and crossed one leg over the other to get comfortable.

The members of the Order were on the edge of their seats in anticipation. After all, they were the first to hear what the infamous Justine Potter had been up to since her exile fifteen years ago. She glanced at Severus, almost as if asking for permission to start. In actuality, she was just making sure that he was with her, mentally backing her. The Potions Master discreetly nodded and she began.

“Once the war was over, Fudge was trying to decide what to do with me. Before he was able to come to a decision, the Watchers Council of Britain approached him. I’m sure you are all familiar with the organization?” There were nods all around as Dumbledore had explained it before her arrival. “Excellent,” she continued. “In turn for a full pardon, the Council offered me a position among them. They have no qualms taking in reformed villains,” she deadpanned getting a smile from Severus and frowns from the rest. “The Ministry and the Council agreed that I was to remain with them until the Wizengamot approved my return. Of course, that day still hasn‘t come. But for all intents and purposes I am still in Reading at one of the safe houses. The Council is entirely aware of the situation and gave their consent in my return.

“My years in the Council had me acting as a Watcher of sorts. I counseled and tutored the Slayers in Training, also known as Potentials, both academically and magickally. I taught them basic self-defense and gave a brief introduction to Slaying--introduced them to demons, vampires, and other things that go bump in the night. The Watchers also sought me out for tutelage in the field of magick.

“I researched and translated prophecy, mainly that which was written by our kind. I acted as Medi-Witch and was responsible for security wards. Witches with magick addiction and control issues have been brought to me for rehabilitation. I take great pride in what I have done as teacher and counsel over the years. Teaching DADA would be a continuation of that work.”

“Concerning rehabilitation,” Severus silkily intoned. “Miss Rosenberg was once your pupil, correct?”

“I sure was,” Willow answered confidently. “And it was the best thing that could have been done for me. I learned more from Hala--sorry, Justine in four months than I had in the four year I’d been practicing.”

“Four years?” Moody asked incredulously. “You’ve only practiced for four years and you think you can teach our children DADA?”

“Willow’s been fighting the Dark Arts since she was fifteen, Alastor,” Spike interjected. “She’s resouled a vampire, closed the Hellmouth, battled a Hell God, and brought a dead Slayer back to life--and all of this without a wand.” He thankfully left out the almost ending the world bit. The Order were struck speechless, giving her a chance to continue.

“I’ve practiced the Dark Arts. I won’t deny it. But in all honesty, doesn’t that make me ideal for the job? I can teach them far more than what a textbook can.”

“You want us entrust two Dark practitioners with our children?” Sirius finally gave up the scowling for argument. This is what they were all afraid of. Twenty-five years of hostility stood between them and the wizard had never even attempted to make rights with her. In fact, he blamed Justine just about everything that had ever gone wrong in his life--especially his internment at Azkaban and her brother’s death.

The wizard had left his seat to approach Justine. His six foot two frame towered over her, his dark eyes bright with anger. “Why should we trust you, Justine? So you‘ve done some good deeds--does this wipe the slate clean? Do you even remember what you‘ve done, what you‘ve made others do? The Death Eaters were an army at your command. Under your orders, they killed, raped, and tortured countless Muggles and Muggle-born. You--”

“I know exactly what I’ve done, Sirius,” she growled when she shot out her seat to face off with him. “I didn’t want this. But how couldn’t I expect it?” The hate burning in his eyes brought her own fire to the surface. If the wizard hadn‘t been such a beastly bastard she might have felt bad that someone could detest her so. But the feeling was mutual. “You’ve been waiting for twenty-five years to put me in my place. So do it! Let it out! Explain to them the injustice of it all, Black,” she vehemently hissed. Everyone present could see the fire raging in her stare and more than one were frightened that they‘d be picking little pieces of Sirius off of the floor later.

Remus began to stand as if to halt the confrontation, but a shake of the head from Minerva made him take his seat. Now that it had been started, there was no stopping all those years of repressed anger.

“Explain how this murderer escaped the aftermath of the war with a mere slap on the wrist,” Justine continueth ath a dangerously level voice. How you were unjustly imprisoned thirteen years while I pranced about the English countryside. And while you‘re at it, tell them how you blew my cover just as Wormtail was planning to go to Voldemort with James‘ hiding place.”

“As if you didn‘t know he had switched sides,” spat the incensed wizard. “You were Voldemort’s right hand.”

“I was never bothered with lowly, unfaithful fungus like Pettigrew. That’s what Malfoy was for. He was so thrilled to have recruited one of the Marauders that he kept it to himself until the last minute, when he was able to present Our Dark Lord with the Potter’s hiding place and the knowledge that I, his Ripe, Wicked, Plum’ his ‘Angel of Death, had betrayed him.

“Given the time, I would have known everything. Instead I find out from Malfoy that night that there’s a bounty on my head and that Voldemort has gone to kill my brother. If you could have trusted me just the slightest bit, I wouldn’t have been fighting the bloody bastard for my life instead of beating Voldemort to Godric‘s Hollow. No, I got there just in time to trip over my brother‘s lifeless corpse and to see Lily killed with Harry in her arms. I often wish that I had died along with them. Instead, I have this souvenir and the knowledge that not even Avada Kedavara could kill me.

“Evanesco.”

The mesh shirt that had once been beneath Justine’s corset vanished. A lightening bolt shaped scar stood out against the pale, unblemished flesh of her chest. Reaching behind her, Justine untied the ribbon holding her bodice together so she could bare even more skin, ensuring the felon had an unhindered look.

“Had a close enough look, Padfoot?” Sirius’ nickname dripped from her tongue like poisoned honey. “There’s a reason I didn’t die that night, ye git. It’s my responsibility to keep someone else from becoming me. Tom wants Willow and I’ll gladly die if it keeps him from tainting her!!”

There was no more strength in the witch to keep going. Overcome gri grief hidden for so long, tears began to sting her eyes, threatening to pour down her flushed cheeks. “If you don’t believe I can be trusted, so be it,” she whispered.

Without another word, she stalked past him and left the hall and Willow immediately followed. Her mentor was found outside our their classroom, sitting against the wall with her knees drawn to her chest. Silently, she sat next to Justine and held her as she had done for Willow countless times. The elder witch easily sank into the embrace and let herself weep.

~*~*~

The moment Justine fled, Spike stood up to the awestruck Black and hit him upside the head. “Are you ever going to get your head out of your ass? Or hell, just try leaving the past and giving the present a shot!” Like his companions, the vampire stormed out of the hall to comfort Justine. “Just be fucking happy that she’s on our side,” he shouted over his shoulder and then disappeared into the corridors.

Decidedly uncomfortable silence filled the Great Hall for several moments which ended when Molly Weasley broke it by sniping at Sirius. “Either go and apologize or sit yourself down,” the mother of eight demanded. With a withering look at the woman, he took his seat next to Remus. He looked to his old mate for support, but received a cold glare instead.

“You promised me you wouldn’t rehash the past, Padfoot. James and Lily welcomed into the family with open arms when she renounced Voldemort. I find that reason enough to trust her again.” He looked from his old friend to his former Headmaster with a sad smile. “I firmly believe that Justine is the only witch who can teach these students what they need to know. As Willow said, they can teach far beyond what is written in any textbook. Our students don’t need theory, they need practice. I’m not suggesting that Justine teach them to cast the Unforgivables. I’m suggesting we stop trying to keep our children innocent and in the dark with war brewing again.”

“I’m with Professor Lupin, Professor Dumbledore, sir,” Hagrid stated with total conviction. “I’ve known that little girl since before she was a student. She a Vol Voldemort’s child no more. She’s in the Light now. And so is Miss Willow.”

It was Tonks who asked the question no one else dared to. “Did--did she really get that scar from the Killing Curse?” she meekly inquired.

Severus answered her with his eyes glued to the floor. Reliving the night Justine almost died always brought tears to his eyes and there was no way in helat hat he would let these people see him weep. “Voldemort cast the Killing Curse twice the night Lily and James died.” There was total silence as Severus’ low, smooth voice disclosed the long hidden secret. “The first struck Justine when she took Harry from Lily’s arms; the second hit Harry after she had fallen. That, if anything should tell you that she is indeed willing to do whatever it takes to keep her nephew and the rest of our students safe.”

Everyone, save for Albus and Minerva, who had already known this, and Sirius who let nothing redeem Justine in his eyes, gaped at the Severus. To think that anyone other than Harry could have survived that night was unfathomable. All these years, there was not only The Boy Who Lived, but also The Woman Who Lived But Almost Died So He Could Be That Boy Who Lived.

“Why were we never told?” Arthur asked incredulously. “Couldn’t Justine been pardoned after that without being exiled?”

“Fudge knew but insisted that she either take the Watchers’ offer or spend life in Azkaban.“ The Potions Master answered yet again. “To his relief, she accepted exile and promised the Ministry that no one would ever know that the Angel of Death had survived the Killing Curse.”

“But Azkaban was never really and option,” Minerva added. “Dementors had no control over her. Like she had learned to resist both the Imperious and the Cruciatus, she found a way to block her psyche from their presence.”

“Well isn’t she just a bloody fucking wonder.” Sirius had ended his silent spell to continue this criticizing of Justine. “Can resist all of the Unforgivables, can’t be held by Dementors, can practice wandless magic. Why don’t we canonize her?”

Albus Dumbledore had lost his seemingly endless patience. His colleagues all jumped in their seats when he stood and banged his fists on the table. “This will stop now!” he demanded with steel in his voice. “I will hear no more from you, Sirius. You have made your argument--several times and now I will have my say.

“Justine has every right to be here,” he stated commandingly. “In this time of danger and uncertainty, I feel that there is no one better to instruct the students. That woman would give her life for any of them and for any of us.” His eyes were riveted on Sirius, who had retaken his seat. “I had dearly hoped that this meeting would not take this turn so quickly. It was my intention to allow Justine the chance to peacefully return to Hogwarts without judgment and accusation. I now admit that was rather idealistic of me.

“If there were more time to reacquaint ourselves with her, I would gladly welcome it. However, the start of the school year draws close and I need to know right now how yound ond on allowing her to remain as a Professor. Minerva and myself are completely behind Justine. And apparently so are Severus, Spike, Remus, and Hagrid. Sirius has already made his decision. And the rest of you?”

After exchanging nods with his family, Arthur Weasley spoke up. “I speak for all four of us when I say that we would be happy for Justine and Willow to remain.”

Magickal eye trained firmly on Sirius, Alastor gave his assent. “As long as she is on the side of the Light, she belongs at Hogwarts. Willow too. We need the best and that they are. “

Kingsley and Tonks followed with their consent to make the two witches full members of the Hogwarts staff. With a smile born of relief, Dumbledore made it final. “It has been agreed that Justine Potter is now our Defense of the Dark Arts Professor and Willow Rosenberg her assistant.” That said, Sirius Black stormed out of the Hall without a word. Sadly, Remus watched his friend’s dramatic exit. “He sees her and he sees what never could have been,” he murmured to himself. However, Severus’ ears did catch the werewolf’s lament and could only wonder what it meant.

~*~*~