Dumbledore's Daughter: Islay.

Three!

The hall was quiet again and the reverence almost scared Islay more than what was out there. "Hello bean." The wooden bench was warmed by two friendly adults who tried to sooth but the whole mind of Islay was numb. "Mr Potter shall be fine." The words could have been another language as nothing was in anyway comprehended. "Bean..." Minerva dropped her sentence when blue eyes sparkled just before her. The gleam wasn't the joyful one but instead salt water layered like a blanket over the pale eyes. "I am fine. Honestly, just tired." The look she gave had been given before and before it had been believed. "There is nothing to fear except fear itself." Albus was always too wise but his voice did not calm or soothe like hoped. "I promise. I am fine, besides, you two are never apart recently. I do believe that you two are the ones fear has claimed." Minerva let the talk pass and the three sat for a moment. "No matter the occasion. It is okay to feel scared." The words were spoken with a thick accent and no malice. "I am not scared... who is the new defence teacher?" The topic change was left but looks were given. "A man who is not to be messed with."

The two adults had left her side and moved to their spaces to talk. Still eyes kept to the girl who sat just as she always did. Wide eyes studied the room. "Albus, I believe she isn't studying the room but rather what is in it. The people more specifically." Islay wasn't sure why the idea of a serial killer was so heart shattering considering the past two years but the thoughts kept her awake for longer than needed at night. No one had noticed any change in her behaviour until that morning and Islay was sure that never again would she let a person notice.

The hour passed and shuffling caused the young girl to leave her trance and jump. No one laughed as they knew the cause of her fear and they all felt it to. Even Dumbledore. McGonagall was off to great the first years with Hagrid who was stood at the large doors. Gloom hung low but staff blocked it all out with small chat of the great events that the year would hold. The quidditch games held high popularity. "Dear Bean. How would you like to try out this year?" A faint smile had not shown her desire to do so but her response was not as great as expected. To Islay the idea of her home not feeling safe was too much. Hogwarts was supposed to be a safe place.

Students walked in whilst keeping constant conversation. The first few were Ravenclaw and then Hufflepuff. Finally some Gryffindor students joined the table and a conversation was struck immediately. "So, how was the summer?" Shoulders shrugged but nothing was said. "Hey, Lala." The comforting sound of Mat brought the whole situation to a bearable mess. "Hello Maty." The hall was lit and warm as the room settled into a silence as first year students were waited upon. Finally the great doors opened and the young students were given access. The green fabric was familiar but once the woman had passed a wicked thought came to her mind. One foot slipped out, unnoticed by all as to by who. It all happened so quickly but rapidly the students all slipped and fell. One even slightly pushed the deputy headmistress. The whole hall erupted with both worry and glee at the fallen students. They all too laughed but little red faces showed their embarrassment. One pale, crude face stood out in the form of Draco Malfoy. He looked ready to enjoy it but something kept him back.

The sorting passed with cheers and welcoming. All seemed pleased with the houses that they were left with. The deputy headmistress was a little more miserable than usual but with such a dangerous prisoner out in the open it was expected. The magical community was changing whether it was accepted by all or not.

"Well, this year is definitely going to be fun." Only a look of agreement came as a response as dinner was eaten. "We can leave the castle though this year. The locals won't know what hit them." The Gryffindor table seemed far louder than most as smiles took over and also an almost drunk joy filled them without a single ounce being drunk.

As the night drew on the students and staff were all leaving. The password was well know by Islay so off she went on an adventure. The halls forced Islay to fight the groups of people moving against her but soon the office came into view. The entrance was already open and so stone steps were climbed. The wooden door was slightly opened and a distraught voice sounded. The pacing of both parties was making Islay nervous. "His Godfather. Poor boy has no clue and yet he wants the boy dead." None of it made sense and Islay was already knocking before more could be said. "Enter." The voice wasn't sinister but it was by no means his usual smooth and loving tone used for his daughter. "Sorry to interrupt. I was knocking before I had even realised I had climbed the steps. I shall leave you all." Four adults visited the old man as they discussed what ever it was further. "Nonsense my girl." The smile was audible as the old man spoke to his daughter. "Honestly. It is not of any importance." The door was closed behind and the steps utilised. Of course Islay had hoped to speak to her father before school started again but life always seemed to get in everyones way. "Student in the hall." Filch was definitely being extra careful as his voice echoed through the hall. "Sorry, I have just been to see my dad. I am off to bed now." Squinting eyes watched with disbelief as the hall reverberated the steps and small breaths. Dark eyes followed carefully as the student walked forward.

The sun brought tired eyes to an open state and before Hermione could lecture Islay she was up and dressed. "Hermione. What is this? The snake had a long lasting effect clearly." Curls shot up as the young student readied. "What time is it?" The clock was pointed to and a distant voice spoke "late." The halls were empty as students either slept for too long or they were sat talking in the hall. "My dear. Now, what did you want to talk of yesterday?" Stopping in her tracks Islay waited till the dress robes were in view at her side. "You haven't signed my permission slip to enter..." silenced by a sound of realisation. "Ah, yes. You see my girl I was not planning on signing that paper. With Mr Black on the loose I feel it all too unsafe." His tone was final and anyone who had a brain cell would have stopped there. "Dad, I am only 13 I know but we will all be there." The old man gave a reprimanding look but Islay defied him further. "I am no safer here than in the village. Harry doesn't have his signed and this Sirius dude wants him. I am safer there." There was no seeing reason for Albus when it came to his daughter's safety. "Dad, last year you left for two months. I survived and even passed my end of year tests. Why do you suddenly not trust me?" The long silver shook to disagree and the pair walked in silence for a second when rapidly Islay walked too fast into the hall, sitting down with a loud huff.

"Sorry Mat. Daddy said 'no'. I am done, when was the last time I left these grounds? I don't even buy my school supplies. Dad always goes alone." The small dig made sure that the few who heard knew of her annoyance. "Bean." A forced 'thank you' smile took the parchment from her head of house. "Great, I get to study privately with my father for two hours for today alone." As soon as the parchment was slammed down all food from the head table flew, landing on the floor. It was just what Islay needed. Baffled professors looked around in utter confusion but beady and sparkling eyes followed a small witch from the room. Albus knew the day was going to throw up some unexpected hiccups. "Great." Was heard as the clattering of metal resonated through the halls. Breakfast was skipped for the joyful lesson that was due to happen between daughter and father.

The steps moved allowing the door to be opened and closed. This was done with a huff as a seat was filled. Half an hour later four feet walked up the stoney steps and the door swung open with elegance. "Hello bean." A kind smile and lifted chin showed Minerva some attention. Albus was ignored by the stubborn girl. "Now dear. We can go over some content from last year?" Although a question there was no wriggle room. "Nope. I am here and then off. Sorry, I have a serial killer to find and join sides with. Together we can do what? Kill the pesky castle rats?" The sarcasm and youthful age was highlighted by the statement. "Now dear." Although this was also a warning Islay took no precaution. "If we are in a learning zone should I not be addressed formally?" The comment was brushed off rapidly. "I haven't left this castle in my living memory. The only two times I am aware of are when I was born and when I lived with the Weasley family." Never was a voice raised but annoyance radiated through the room. "Islay, you are young and in danger. Of course I should let you leave more often but not now, I am your father remember. Besides, we have two hours together and too much content to cover. I hear that you exceed all expectations every lesson." Glass shattered and colours changed as anger flared. Minerva found her black and green robes become florescent pink. Albus was dressed in all blue. "Oh bean." The older woman hugged Islay only to find the colours dimming and glass mending itself. Albus did not change in anyway. "Your father is still dressed in blue." The soothing voice calmed the young girl and Albus watched with consideration. He knew that his voice would only irritate again to even greater extremes.