Once A Student - Always A Student?

~Flashback~

***

Coventina walked to Professor McGonagall's classroom. There were three boys and two girls already there.

"Miss Arawn, can I help you?" asked Professor McGonagall looking up from her desk.

"Professor Snape sent me," she said quietly.

"Oh, I see," replied Professor McGonagall grimly, "Then you had better take a seat."

The two girls giggled and Professor McGonagall silenced them with a look.

Coventina sat down and three blank pieces of parchment appeared in front of her with the title 'Discuss how students in their final year at Hogwarts should set an example to those in their first year.' Coventina groaned.

"Something wrong Miss Arawn?"

"No," she said quickly.

Professor McGonagall continued writing.

At 9.pm Professor McGonagall dismissed the first years and beckoned Coventina to her desk.

"Miss Arawn, I do not expect to see students in their final year in detention. You are a bright girl with potential but continue down the route you're going and well, we won't see you working for The Ministry anytime soon. Now I suggest you return to your common room."

Coventina didn't reply.

Professor McGonagall shook her head and went back to her writing.

Coventina walked briskly to the forest. She was not in the mood for conversation so the idea of returning to her common room didn't appeal to her. Choosing a particularly shaded tree she sat down and closed her eyes.

"Coventina." A strange floaty voice called out of no where.

Coventina sat up and opened her eyes. She told herself she must have been dreaming.

"Coventina." The voice came again.

"Who's there?" she asked, trying to sound as confident as possible.

A lady in a shimmering pink cloak stepped out from behind a tree.

"Coventina, don't be alarmed. I've been sent here by the Ministry."

"The Ministry?" repeated Coventina slowly.

"Yes. We've been watching you for some time and you've got what it takes to go far. We also know that the teachers have been giving you a hard time. They want you to fail Coventina; they want you to be nothing. I'm here to change that-but you have to listen carefully."

"I'm listening," replied Coventina.

"When you leave school, you will receive training from the Ministry. Then you will be offered a teaching position at Hogwarts."

"But why? I don't understand."

"The teaching position at Hogwarts comes with one condition. You must do everything that is asked of you, and question nothing."

Coventina didn't answer.

"You will of course be secure for life. I know your family could do with the money..." the woman's voice trailed off.

Coventina stared at the ground, still silent. But the woman knew the silence was an agreement.

"You will return to school, and give the teachers as little trouble as possible. Especially Professor Snape. We will be in touch."

Coventina got up and without looking back, made her way to the main entrance. If she had looked back, she would have noticed the woman's cloak turn black.

***

"Arawn," came a mono-syllabic voice just as she was about to step into the Slytherin common, "I believe you still have two detentions left?"

She was just about to think of a smart reply, when she remembered what the lady in the forest had said. "Yes sir," she replied.

"Then I suggest you report to Professor Quirrell's classroom, and do some work." He was surprised at her lack of attitude.

Coventina made her way there without argument.

On arrival, the first thing she noticed was Professor Quirrell's lack of stammer.

"Ah, Miss Arawn. Just take a seat and get on with any outstanding assignments. Best to keep Professor Snape happy," he smiled.

Returning the smile, she sat down. The next two hours went by relatively quickly. On her way out of the classroom, Professor Quirrell handed her an envelope. Confused, Coventina just said "Thank you." and returned to the Slytherin common room. Taking a chair in the farthest corner in the room, she slowly tore at the edges. She almost jumped out of her seat, when there before her, lay the answers for the entire final year exams.