The Life and Lies of Pandora Aetos

One for Sorrow

20th July 1978

The night was stiflingly hot; much too hot for a British summer. And yet, a young woman wrapped in a thick dark cloak had been perched on a bench in the middle of Queensway Park for the better part of three hours. It would have been an odd sight to passersby if there were any that evening. Her attire seemed better suited to a crisp autumn day rather than an evening in July.

She was still and poised. Not dissimilar to a soldier standing to attention. The young lady seemed relatively calm but something in her posture suggested apprehension. Or perhaps she'd been still for too long. She still hadn't moved when the nearby lamp post went dark, plunging her into darkness. She simply smiled. Finally.

"Good evening, Mr. Dumbledore," she said as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.

Albus Dumbledore chuckled. "It's 'professor', Miss Aetos."

Pandora Aetos inclined her head. "Ah. Have you received your Ph.D. in the time we last saw each other?" There was a trace of mischief in her smile.

Dumbledore just shook his head. "Even after seven years, that still doesn't get old," he gestured to the empty spot beside her. "May I?"

"By all means."

"I understand you've expressed interest in joining The Order of the Phoenix."

Pandora nodded. "I believe I could be useful to you." She produced a notebook from the folds of her robes and offered it to the professor. "I have certain talents when it comes to creating spells. Especially defensive enchantments." She said the last words with pride.

Dumbledore accepted the book. "I am well aware of your talents, Pandora," he studied the book with interest. "But I hope you know that in war, we need more than a strong defense."

Pandora sighed. "I am perfectly equipped to create offensive spells," Her eyes dropped to the ground. "If I have to."

"Very well. Tomorrow morning, arrive at number 12 Grimmauld Place. Further instructions will follow. You won't just be inventing spells, you know. We need plenty of manpower."

Pandora nodded. "I understand."

"I'll see you soon, Miss Aetos." Dumbledore stood from the bench and tipped an imaginary hat to her before disapparating into the night. The lamp post flickered back to life.

Pandora peered at the sky above her, eyes drifting towards the full moon.
She had graduated from Hogwarts a mere week ago. And now she was signing up for a war.