Angel of Death

Chapter one. An air of mystery.

Lyra walked slowly through the silent halls of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. Her skirts swishing around her feet as she climbed the grand staircase, one hand poised above the intricately carved banister, the other holding up her skirts with wandless magic, as her heels clicked against the stone. As she reached the top of the stairs. She let her magic fall and the skirts that were just above her ankles swirled down to the floor, rustling around her as she walked to the gargoyle statue. The statue rumbled to life, "password?" It asked, she rolled her eyes. And waved her hand and the gargoyle spun slowly and a set of stairs appeared. She made her way slowly up them marvelling at the many books that lined the walls, and stopped outside a door. And listened to the raised voices.

"-her!" A deep voice finishes his sentence. "yes, Severus, I believe she will be a great addition to the staff, and a useful asset to our cause, should she revolt against her father" Dumbledore says, "what if she is secretly working for the dark lord, and she reveals my role as a spy!" Snape's distraught voice reaches her ears. "I'm afraid that is a risk we shall have to take......you may come in dear!" He calls, the door opens and she smiles and steps into the office. "Albus" she says softly, greeting the old man. He stands and shakes her hand. "you must be Severus, nice to meet you.." She says towards the man dressed from head to toe in black, and holds her hand out towards him. He glares at her and turns his nose up at her hand. She shrugs and sits down on a chair. "Sherbet lemon?" Dumbledore asks her, she smiles and takes one slipping it into her purse. "you must be tired, after the long ride?" Dumbledore asks. She shakes her head. "No, I'm not that tired, but I have to say, this castle is glorious" she says, smile still in place. "It is isn't it!" He says, "Severus, please show Miss Blackwood to her chambers" he says. The man clad in black stands, and leaves the room, his robes flowing behind him. She nods to the headmaster, "Goodbye, Albus" she says, following Snape.

"This is you" Snape says shortly. She nods, "thank you Professor Snape" she says opening the door. "Dinner starts at 6:00pm sharp, it would do you well not to be late" he says, sweeping away down the corridor. Lyra raises an eyebrow. "Christ, talk about touchy!" She whispers under her breath, and closes the door to her quarters.

==============================

Lyra walks silently through the halls of Hogwarts, delighting in the ornate carvings and portraits. She sighs as she reaches the teachers door to the great hall. She pushes the door open slowly and walks towards the long table, and sits in one of the two free seats. And places a napkin over her dress. "your punctuality is astounding, seeing as you were late to your meeting" a low voice hisses. "A witch is never late, professor Snape, nor is she early, she arrives precisely when she means to" she says a small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. ""I couldn't have said it better myself!" An elderly witch says, her heavy Scottish accent blurring her words. "I'm Minerva McGonagall, lovely to meet you dear" she says shaking Lyra's hand. "I'm Lyra Blackwood, pleasure is all mine" she says, smiling at the elder witch. She leans closer, "don't mind Severus, he's a snarky git at the best of times" Minerva whispers in Lyra's ear. Lyra laughs slightly, "I'm sure he is" she whispers back. Noting the frown on the mans face deepen. "insufferable women, I do have ears you know" He says, glaring at the women. "all the better to hear you with, my dear!" A squeaky voice says and bursts into laughter. "I'm Filius Flitwick, charms professor!" He says. Holding out his hand, Lyra shakes his hand, "I'm Lyra-" "Lyra Blackwood, yes I know" he says cutting her off. "Filius, don't be rude!" Minerva says, jabbing his shoulder. He grins and piles some food onto his plate. "doors open in 10....9....8....7.....6" he continues his voice getting quieter. "3....2....1". The large double doors at the opposite end of the hall open wide and student around all ages walk in. Lyra, grabs her glass of wine and takes a small sip, and she places the goblet back on the table. Minerva stands up, and heads out of the door. "what is she doing?" Lyra asks Severus quietly. "first years" he whispers back. Lyra nods, "oh" she says taking another sip of her wine, as the first years were sorted into houses.

After Dumbledore announces the arrival of the two schools, he stands up.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and — most particularly, — guests. I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable. The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast. I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home!" He says clapping his hands, and sitting down. And everyone digs into their food.

At the end of the feast, Dumbledore stands up again "The very best of evenings to you! Now to our new students, welcome, to our old students, welcome back! Another year full of magical education awaits you...now pip pip, off to bed, we want you all as bright as a penny tomorrow!" He says waving his hands. The students all stand up and wander away in small groups. Lyra rubs her temples, "if that's how stressing dinner, what the hell is class gonna be like" she whispers standing up. "don't worry you'll get used to it" Minerva says to her. Giving her a small pat on the back. "You'd better get some sleep, don't want to be late for your first class" Severus sneers, storming out of the hall. His dark robes billowing behind him. "Minerva?" Lyra asks. "yes dear?" She says, "Where can I make potions?" Lyra asks her. "the potions classroom" Minerva tells her. Lyra nods. And stands up and leaves the hall.

==============================

The rest of the chapters will be in Lyra's point of view. Apart from the occasional third point of view following severus