Eyes of the Shadows (updated)

Part 1: Ophelia

The train's whistle sounds behind her. Hurriedly she picks up her bag and stuffs the letter in her cloak. She's already late. The road leading to the castle was more beautiful than she remembered. Even in the dark of night. The soft hum of lacewings, the silence of the stars. She missed the late-night escapades of her time here. As she rounded the last corner before the school grounds she heard a crack behind her. Spinning around, wand at the ready.. hm.. nothing.. she felt a pressure on her leg, a vine as thick as her arm was beginning to wind around her. "ah! what-" casting Confringo she managed to get the vine to slink back a bit before more shot out of the woods surrounding the trail. Her instincts kicked in, a fire-breathing spell, something she picked up from her time in Ilvermorny. The flames enveloped the vines, allowing her to make a quick and sure escape. As she ran to the gates she noted to check back at the area when she could. Make sure no one else had fallen victim. As she gets closer to the gates her chest tightens, before her lays the moss-covered cobblestone, the pillars and silos that she sought refuge and safety in all those years ago. She paused for a moment as if to take in the whole of her situation again. She's lucky. No, she's educated. Steadying her breathing she walks into the castle. Into Hogwarts.

A voice booms from behind the double doors ahead.

"Oh merlin I've missed it..." she quickened her steps to a panicked jog and placed her ear to the door.

"I know you all are excited to begin this journey, as you know we are here every step of the way. You are dismissed and welcome to Hogwarts!"

"Oop" she moved away from the doors. rushing to the side before the cascade of reddened and excited students fell out of the great hall.After what felt like a few thousand nods and how do you dos she reluctantly dragged into the hall.

"You're late." the headmaster was craning over the podium picking up bits of parchment and a few knick-knacks. He turned and smirked at her. She could see the puffs of the other professors apparating as she walked to the front of the room.

"I know, I'm so sorry I got caught up on the way here, and it was just... I'm sorry" her head hung low and her palms clammy.

"Don't worry too much we went over who you were and just told the students you had an 'air of mystery'..." he laughed and sauntered toward her. His long black cloak hung heavy, framing his legs, a blue metal clasp securing it in place at his left shoulder. Darkened pants and a linen shirt beneath, beaded and embroidered with stars, moons and other astrological bodies.Professor Alberich was known for his leadership and his valiance. A case could also be made for his charms. His hair was kept short with wisps across his forehead and down his jaw. A sweet man, trustworthy eyes set deep with circles beneath still thinking over the work he has strewn across his desk. Although he was nearing 40, only his eyes gave his age away. "I'm so glad you came." he rested a hand on her shoulder. "When we needed a new potions professor you were the first person I thought of."

"I'm so grateful Cornelius. I missed this place.." she glanced behind him "I also missed meeting the others...?"

"Oh don't worry. They're quick, this lot. Besides, not everyone is as prepared as you, some still have to get curriculums sorted and such" he turned back to the seating area behind him, looking over to make sure nothing was left behind.

She let out an uneasy laugh. She hadn't even thought of that part yet.

"Well, I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to meet them. Anyone, I know?"

"Well yes actually a few, do you remember Oleander? He is the Professor of Herbology"

"Oleander? I haven't spoken with him in ages" last she heard he had inherited a large estate in New Zealand, and buried himself in collecting rare and unheard-of plants. "How nice, that makes me feel a bit better...I don't want to feel too much like an outsider"

"Ophelia, no one is better suited for us here than you, you'll fit right in. Now... I hate to cut our conversation short but I must retire. Please make yourself comfortable and do let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Oh yes.." he took his wand and sparked a small golden bead. Behind which began a trail of beautiful soft light.

"It will show you to your room..welcome back.

"Thank you, I'll see you in the morning" she turned quickly to catch the tail end of the light heading out the doors. Lightly jogging to keep up. After what seemed like a few minutes and a dizzying amount of doors and archways. She was here. The light vanished into sparkles and she giggled. What a showman. She glanced around the hall before hearing a door across from hers start to open. A jolt of energy later and she was in her room, she couldn't handle any awkward meetings yet. Best to avoid anyone for tonight. Her room was beautiful, plants and books lined the walls while big floor-to-ceiling windows melted moonlight into silver that gilded her linens and furniture. A desk in the corner, beautifully adorned with leaves, flowers, and vines etched into the wood.

"Maybe I should've waited for a herbology position..haha" her hands released the bags onto the chaise near the bookcases and she rummaged through before finding her pyjamas. She sat criss-cross on her bed and worked on her curriculum while her case was unpacked for her. She didn't have much, she had been moving quite often in the last few years brewing, offering her services to poorer villages and hamlets. Travelling was something she loved more than life itself. Seeing all she saw and learning all she did made her feel alive, less alone. After a few hours she was finished, nearly 3 in the morning.. she motioned her wand gracing her books and things into her satchel by the door and turned out the lights. Covering herself fully with the comforter, she calmed her mind and finally fell asleep.

"It'll be fun."