Dabbling in the Dark Arts

Disclaimer: All things reconigzable are JKR's. She has the coolest toys, who wouldn't want to play with them? When I'm finished I promise to put them away. ;]


The Sly One


Upon entering and having a quick breakfast in the Great Hall, she set out for her first ever class at Hogwarts - Transfiguration. Ambrosia rounded the last corner in Gryffindor Tower and saw the Transfigurations class ahead of her. A tall witch with emerald green robes, square rimmed glasses, and tight alburn bun drawn at the nape of her neck stood next to the door. As Ambrosia approached the classroom the older witch acknowledged her with a curt nod and smile. Ambrosia sauntered into the class with a smile tugging the corners of her mouth. Walking to the front of the class, she took a seat next to a girl with short brown hair. The girl smiled at Ambrosia, and they took out their parchment and quills.

'Good morning class. We have a new student with us today. Her name is Ambrosia Fiore, and she is a member of the Slytherin house. Miss Fiore, we basically went over the class rules yesterday, so you are not behind at all. I am Professor McGonagall, welcome to my Advanced Transfiguration class.'

Ambrosia smiled, but couldn't help but think there was something vaguely familiar about Professor McGonagall. Shaking the thought out of her head for the time being, she nodded to the Professor and said, "Thank you Professor, I was hoping I didn't miss too much."

Professor McGonagall nodded and took her place in the front of the room.

"Today class, we are going to talk about becoming an Animagus. Since this is the Advanced class, you will all be required to work toward that goal. At the end of the term your exam will be to turn into your Animagus form. There is a simple spell you can do to find out if you could learn to be an Animagus, and if so, what animal form you would take. You only need three blank sheets of parchment and your wand. You say the incantation, 'acclaro animagus', and your wand projects the animal form you would take onto the parchment. If you get the same animal all three times, that means you have the necessary elements to actually on on becoming an animagus. We will do this today, and then the class will be separated into the ones who have the quality, and those who do not. Please take out three sheets of parchment and your wands now." Professor McGonagall turned her back to the class and started reading a letter she had no doubt received at breakfast.

Ambrosia took out her three sheets of parchment and wondered if she should tell Professor McGonagall the truth. Last summer while visiting home, Ambrosia's grandmother worked constantly with her to find her Animagus form. By the end of the summer, Ambrosia had transformed herself for the first time. Life after that was great because no matter how stressed she got, she could always transform and take herself away.

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat to get the class' attention. "Very well then, who would like to go first? Perhaps Mr. Malfoy?"

Ambrosia turned around to see a handsome young man with piercing silver eyes and blonde hair. He smiled smugly and nodded his head to the professor.

"All right, count to three and say 'acclaro animagus' very clearly Mr. Malfoy."

Malfoy silently counted to three, placed the tip of his wand over the parchment, and in a very strong voice said, "Acclaro Animagus!"

Green and Silver sparks shot out of the end of his wand with a silvery puff of smoke. As soon as the smoke settled over the desk, Professor McGonagall walked to where the young man was standing. Draco was all smiles when the professor picked the parchment up.

"Well, Mr. Malfoy, how very Slytherin of you. Class, Mr. Malfoy has produced a picture of a quite lovely snake. Good work, repeat the procedure twice more and make sure you have the same animal each time. Okay, everyone else, please proceed with your own incantations."

Ambrosia took a deep breath and starred at her parchment. She knew exactly what was going to show up, but she raised her wand anyway. Counting to three, Ambrosia said the incantation. Her soft voice was strong, but dripped with alluring tones. Her eyes watched the parchment carefully as the green smoke started to clear and a black being came into view. A soft tail and four legs appeared and without waiting much longer the details of a black fox came into view. The fox was onyx all over except for a small silver star shaped marking on the right ear.

'Yes, my form of freedom.'

Satisfied, Ambrosia quickly performed the incantation twice more and sat back in her chair. Professor McGonagall noticed this and started for her.

"All done Miss Fiore?" The professor asked questionably.

"Yes, Ma'am I'm done. It seems as if my Animagus is to be a black fox." Ambrosia picked up the sheets of parchment and handed them to the teacher.

"My, Miss Fiore, this form is absolutely breath taking. You should be very proud! Beautiful my dear."

Soon the Transfiguration class was over and Ambrosia found herself continuing on in her schedule. Her History of Magic class was quite boring. The Professor was a seemly ghost that didn't do anything except drone on and on about unimportant topics. Instead of listening, Ambrosia soon found herself wondering about Potions. It was no secret in her family that she adored Potions and that her dream was to become a Potions Mistress.

'At least I have Double Potions after lunch. That will make my day better, in more ways than one.' Ambrosia smiled at the thought of Professor Snape. 'Hmm, you know he isn't that bad looking. True, his hair could use a good washing, but I bet it is as smooth as silk. I know he was looking at me this morning. Perhaps my attraction to him is not a one sided thing. I'll see about that this afternoon.'

Ambrosia walked out the door grinning when class was dismissed.