Secrets and Protection

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk examining the parchment that was in front of him; as he looked it over he read the names of the classes that were normal to a student whom attending Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. The grades next to them were quite an achievement for anyone.

"Top marks I see. She seems to be doing quite well," he said before continuing to read a few classes that Hogwarts did not offer, "and top of her class as well. Very good indeed. I'm sure she will do well here. You understand why it's in her best interest that she attends Hogwarts until things are safer?" The old wizard paused to indulge himself with a lemon drop.

Dumbledore looked up and addressed the witch who was sitting on the other side of his desk. The witch had curly, brown hair that fell down to the middle of her back and ice blue eyes that seemed as if they could freeze fire. Her face had a serious appearance to it, which made her intimidating to people who did not know her.

"Yes, I do, Professor. I'm just having a little trouble convincing Alexandra of that. Perhaps, if you can arrange that other matter we discussed, things might be easier for her?" Kylean Makowitz said with a small grin on her face.

"Yes, about that Kylean. Were you not supposed to take over for Karkaroff when he fled?" Dumbledore asked. He was amused that this woman was willing to give up a headmistress position for the happiness of her daughter knowing the child would not be alone at Hogwarts.

Kylean nodded. "I was. However, if it means helping Alexandra I have no problems giving it up. I know you have an open position for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Granted, I was teaching Charms back at Durmstrang but I have no doubt my experiences there would be a great asset to this position," Kylean said aware she would be able to convince him with that line. In fact, Kylean had been awarded The Order of Merlin Second Class for the work she'd done with Charms.

A smile crossed Dumbledore's features. "Now, how could I resist an offer like that? Congratulations Professor Makowitz, you are our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Kylean smiled and reached out to shake his hand. "Thank you, sir. I'm sure you won't regret this. Oh, and would you mind if we kept this from a certain somebody?" Her expression fell serious. The new professor could fell the bile rising in her at the thought of a certain person she shuttered when she even thought of his name.

"Of course, if you think that is best I will not tell him about this. As for sorting Alexandra, I think it wise considering the situation that we forgo normal sorting for her. I think it would be beneficial that she be put in Gryffindor. You would not want to risk her getting sorted where the danger lies," Dumbledore said bowing his head slightly. He was not afraid to bend the rules in certain circumstances especially when a life could be in jeopardy.

Kylean stood up and looked at Dumbledore "Yes, that will work. I know a certain person will be angry about this placement but it is the best for her. I do not want to put my daughter in anymore unnecessary danger. Thank you again, Professor. Alexandra and I will see you in a few weeks, in time for the start of term."

Kylean was about to walk out when Dumbledore stopped her. "Alexandra will need this: A list of supplies for her schooling. Tell Alexandra I do look forward to seeing her as well. Last time I saw her she was barely up to my knee."

Dumbledore chuckled as he handed Kylean the list.

"Thank You. I will be sure to tell her."

Kylean took the list and left Dumbledore's office. She sighed, all too aware that she would soon have to work at the same school as her ex-lover, the same man who was father to the daughter she now had to protect. Kylean dreaded knowing she was going to be in close proximity of her ex. She did not know how she was going to handle this new situation. They only saw each other twice a year, when dropping and picking Alexandra up from the summer holidays that she spent with her father. Their encounters were not always pleasant, and of course, because of recent events, this was the first summer Alexandra had not spent with her father since they had separated.