An Unforgettable Love Story

"Thank you for taking the job on such short notice Miss Harven."

"No problem whatsoever Professor Dumbledore."

"I do hope you know the certain risk you are taking, being our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It's been quite some time since we have had a professor who has lasted more than only a few years."

"I worry not. I was an Auror for ten years. I believe I can handle most anything."

"We shall see."

A warm but troubled smile moved stealthily onto Professor Dumbledore's face. "I am afraid, my dear, that I must clarify some rumors about you that are quite disturbing. It is thought that you were a Death Eater many years ago. Is this true? You will do wise to give me an honest answer, please."

Clytemnestra shook awkwardly in her robes, which should be added, were quite extraordinary. They were short sleeved, falling just above her elbows. And they were green, lime-green.

Professor Dumbledore saw the tremble, and looked at her questionably. "I thought you to be more intelligent than that. I believe you were in Ravenclaw? Now my dear, I have understood that Death Eaters have a permanent mark on their left forearm, and I see nothing of the sort."

A weak smile appeared on her face. "Well, you were right to think me as intelligent."

She unbuttoned her robe and slid it half way down her back, to reveal a tight, quite provocative dress. She turned to show her left shoulder. There, half hidden by her dress, was the Dark Mark. She pulled her robe back on, and began to button it back.

"You are a smart one," Dumbledore said.

"I always wore short-sleeved robes, and being an Auror with a Dark Mark wasn't really going to work out. So I asked that mine be put somewhere not so noticeable to the Ministry, so he chose my shoulder instead."

"And how long has it been? Since you got out, I mean."

"Eighteen years."

"And what convinced you get out?"

Clytemnestra looked down at the floor. "Honestly, I never wanted in, but my fiancé hoped that we would go in together."

Professor Dumbledore looked at her much more sternly. "Now that, I must say, is terribly unlike you. Since when did you ever let someone else control your life?"

"Since I fell in love, Professor."

His stern look changed to a softer, apologetic one. "I am sorry for my harsh tone. I understand love to be a magic of its own."

"I promise Professor, I have not even seen him since the day I finally got free, and I plan never to in the future. Please Professor, I do hope that this has not changed the way that you have seen me. I am a better person than I was back then."

Dumbledore smiled at her. "No Miss Harven, I see you no different. I trust that you, like some others, understand the mistakes you have made, and that you will never make them again."

"Yes, Professor."

"Please, call me Albus."

"My apologize, but I'd prefer not."

He chuckled. "I understand."