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Disclaimer.
J.K Rowling went out one day so I took her characters out to play.
We ran around, they laughed with glee,
All this fun and she works for free!

A/N
My first fic, Please read and review. Thank you to my reviewers. you know who you are. You encourage me to continue. If you are like me, you appreciate well written stories. This will not be a short story - it is novel length.

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Phaelan and Minerva reached the chambers that had been prepared for the trainee professor. The older woman stood before the portrait of a gothic princess and uttered the password, "Aingellin na Eug."

The picture frame to swung open. Minerva entered first and held the door open for Phaelan to enter. Looking behind her, Phaelan was struck again at the mysteries that were unfolding before her today.

"Are all the teachers quarters hidden behind pictures?" Phaelan was beginning to feel very naïve, something unfamiliar to her for many years.

"No, not all, we all have our preferences," smiled Minerva, "We thought it would be best if you were able to locate your chambers without difficulty; at least for a while. You have a great deal to absorb in the next few days; best not to make the mundane difficult."

Professor McGonagall almost envied the young woman her journey of exploration about to begin; almost. The ultimate reason behind Phaelan's journey was not to be contemplated, lest one become maudlin.

"What was it you said to open the door?" Phaelan was trying to take in her surroundings without gaping. She was trying desperately not to look like a tourist.

"Each of our chambers has a password and wards. When school is in session, we need to keep the more adventurous of our charges out of our private rooms. Remember, all of these children are witches or wizards," she replied, arching her eyebrows dramatically. Minerva shook her head. "you never know what the little so and so's are apt to pull." She smiled again at Phaelan who was loosing the battle at her attempt to look blasé.

"I have set the password to Aingellin na Eug. That was the moniker the lady in the portrait was known by." advised Minerva.

"What does it mean?" Phaelan asked.

"Aingellin na Eug would minister to the wounds of knights returning from the crusades, looking for her lost love. She eventually died of the Plague at the age of 50." Minerva looked at Phaelan. "The name roughly translates from Gaelic to mean Death Angel."

Phaelan was stunned. Her face paled noticeably and she sat on the small sofa in the room.

"Are you all right, Phaelan?" Minerva noticed her reaction with some worry.

"I'm fine, really. It's just been an overwhelming day so far. I guess.....I guess it's just starting to catch up to me." She smiled up at the older woman, not willing to reveal what the password meant to her.

"Well, why don't we show you around your humble abode and you can rest until tea time. Och! Those men have hardly given you a moment to breath." At that moment, the older professor sounded more like a mother and Phaelan was glad to be led around the three rooms before lying on the bed.

"Dinner is at 6:00 o'clock, I'll call for you. I can show myself out." With a swish of skirts, Minerva left Phaelan alone for the first time since early that morning.

'Has it only been a few hour's?' thought Phaelan. The radical changes that had taken place in less than 48 hours were just coming into focus for the young woman. 'God,' she thought, 'I've got to make an agenda for myself or this.....thing, what ever it is I've got myself into, will get out of control.'

She lay quietly on the bed, trying to calm her inner turmoil, listening to birds outside her window. Another thought just popped into her mind. 'I have a window. I am in the middle of a medieval castle and I have a window facing over the grounds outside.' She closed her eyes and let her body recover in sleep from an overdose of self-induced adrenalin.

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Hermione Granger had never felt so liberated. Her father had booked her driving test for the first day she had returned home from school. To no one's surprise, except her own, Hermione had passed with flying colours. To reward her, the Dr's Granger had presented her with her very own car keys and the use of the second vehicle for the summer.

'What to do?' thought Hermione, 'Everything to do and no one to do it with'. She really didn't have any friends in the Muggle world. The few she had before entering Hogwarts, had moved on to new interests. She knew that later in the summer she would be moving to 12 Grimmauld Place, before returning to the school for her final year and N.E.W.T.'s. Her parents thought her early departures for the past few years were for advanced classes at a private home. Well, they were, if you take into account what they were learning might save their lives one day.

'Wonder what Ginny's doing?' thought Hermione. Her parents had taken the first week off but now they were back at the office every day. 'Ginny could come here. We can shop; hang out at the coffee bar. Yeaj, why didn't I think of this before?' Jumping off her bed, Hermione ran to the phone to contact her parents. As soon as they said yes, she would Floo the Burrow.
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Ginevra Weasley, the youngest and lone female of Weasley progeny to live in the Burrow lay in bed looking at her ceiling. She and Ron were the last of the brood to live at home. The twins, Fred and George had opened a shop in Hogsmeade and lived above it in a flat. One could at least safely partake of anything in the larder now that they had left. Percy (the prat) had taken rooms in London, to be close should the Ministry call upon him. Merlin knows, the Minister of Magic had the need for ass kissers day and night. Ron....Ron had taken a job to try and earn some money to woo Hermione. He really needed help on how to win the Brain Box of Gryffindor.

'I wish Hermione was here', thought Ginny, 'at least we could talk'. Ginny had taken it upon herself to coach Hermione on the finer points of capturing the male of the species. As brilliant as she was, Hermione was dense when it came to guys. Ginny knew how to speak, dress, walk and cajole boys into her way of thinking. She had picked up and discarded half of the male fifth years before school broke for the summer. Not that Ginny was lacking in academics. Her scores were exemplary. She just enjoyed the control and stimulation of overpowering guys. Closing her eyes, Ginny lifted her skirt and gently massaged her pubic mound, slowly increasing the pressure and speed just as He had instructed. As the stimulation continued, she pictured in her mind the lessons Tom had taught her in her first year. She had not shared the secret lessons Tom had given her in pleasuring herself, or in how to please a man. That was a secret between her and Tom ......handsome Tom Riddle.
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Harry, as usual, was firmly ensconced in the Dursley's for the first part of the summer. His aunt and uncle had decided he should just be ignored as much as possible, much to Harry's pleasure. Before returning home to Privet drive, he had visited Gringotts and exchanged Galleons for Pounds. He was determined not to be hungry this summer. He hid the cash in Hedwig's cage

Harry was lying on his bed writing a letter to the Burrow. He had wanted to keep in touch with Ginny and Ron over the summer, so they could plan for their time at Grimmauld Place. Uncle Vernon bellowed his name, calling him downstairs.

"Listen boy, your aunt, cousin and I, are going for a well deserved vacation to Lisbon, courtesy of my company. Three weeks at a five star, all inclusive resort in Portugal. You, you little shite, will stay here. By. Your. Self. If I find anyone or anything has been here while we are gone, I'm going to send a bill to that school of yours, along with a copy to my solicitor and sue you for expenses." Harry's uncle was overly effusive in his excitement, spattering the spectacles Harry wore with his spit. "Maybe we'll get lucky, and one of those Demonator things will come along, and kill you while we're gone."

"Don't worry, if I get murdered while you're gone, you can always send for a Wizarding Clean up crew to remove my remains. I'll bet the neighbours will enjoy the show." Harry laughed at the look his uncle threw at him. Watching the departure of his despised family, Harry made plans. This summer may yet be fun. Harry headed upstairs to get Hedwig; a bachelor's summer; the dream of any teenaged boy. Harry began his letter,

'Hellllloooo Ron.

Wanna have the best summer of your life? I've got the place to myself and money to burn. Why don't you come here for a couple of weeks? The dastardly Dursley's have gone to contaminate Portugal. Time to party; Let me know,

Cheers, Harry'.

Tying the letter to Hedwig's leg, he instructed, "Wait for his reply, Hedwig. I need to know what I need to shop for." Opening the kitchen window, Harry let the owl go.

Harry opened the fridge door and looked inside to find lunch. Half a grapefruit and sour milk; might have known. Moving to the living room, Harry pulled out his latest purchase, a mobile cell phone and dialled the number he had been waiting forever to try.

"Hello, Pizza Heaven?" Harry smiled, "I'll have a large pizza with extra cheese, sausage and hot peppers. I'll be paying cash. Delivery please." Thank you Mom and Dad!

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Phaelan was comfortably cocooned in the softness of her duvet. She slowly awoke from a much needed slumber. It had become a little cool as the sun had moved to the other side of the castle. Castle? Window? Phaelan pushed herself up and sat looking at the window to her left. It looked real, sounded real. Even the breeze felt real. 'How was this accomplished?' she wondered. Looking at her wrist watch she was dismayed to see it was blank.

'I guess the magic affects LCD's as well'. she thought, 'What time is it?' she wondered. Professor McGonagall had promised to come for her when dinner was served. Walking to her bathroom, she took a moment to properly appreciate the luxury afforded the teachers at this school. The shower was at least big enough for two. The bath was a Jacuzzi. She must remember to ask what all the nozzles were for. The toilet was a combination water closet and bidet. 'If you're gonna fight at least be comfortable.' she thought. She settled for washing her face and rinsing her mouth for now.

At that moment, Professor McGonagall had reached her door and had knocked. Within the chambers, Phaelan heard a voice call her name. "Mistress McKenzie, you have a visitor."

Walking out from the bathroom, Phaelan listened again. Outside the entrance, Minerva again knocked.

The portrait again looked inward and called, 'Mistress McKenzie, you have a visitor.' Phaelan realized it was the woman in the portrait speaking. "You can speak?"

"Yes mistress, I am here to help protect you. Should I admit Professor McGonagall?" the figure in the portrait canted her head to the side and lifted her eyebrows.

"Oh! Yes of course, thank you." Phaelan waited in front of the portal for Minerva.

Approaching the older professor she apologized, "I'm so sorry; I didn't realize what was going on." Phaelan felt like a plebe screwing up a hazing from an upperclassman.

"Phaelan, you have undergone so much in the past two days, I'm surprised you can speak in coherent sentences." Minerva was beginning to like this young woman. She was a match to the wizards she would meet in many ways.

Phaelan felt a bit flustered. Minerva had changed her blouse and skirt for a dress. She new that in traditional families of old blood in New England, that it was proper to dress for dinner. Again this was new protocol for her.

"Professor, does the staff normally dress for dinner? I mean, is there a dress code observed for dinner time?" Phaelan began to go through the horrible etiquette of upper class Americana in her mind.

Minerva smiled, "There is a great deal of etiquette observed in our world Miss McKenzie. None of it need concern you tonight."

"I just don't want to offend anyone, Minerva." Phaelan looked into the older woman's eyes.

Minerva smiled and beckoned Phaelan to lead her to the wardrobe.

"Women, as a rule, don't wear pants in our society. That is not to say it is forbidden. It's just thought of as...excentric." The veteran Professor began going through Phaelan's closet. There was little that the older woman thought appropriate. Finally, a long denim skirt and two piece top was selected. Phaelan dressed in the outfit and combed her hair.

"So! Do I pass muster, Professor?" Phaelan turned 365 degrees.

"Perfect Miss McKenzie, lets go for tea." Minerva smiled in satisfaction. The two women walked towards the great hall.

"Oh, I forgot something in my room." Phaelan stopped and turned back. "Go ahead Professor; I know the way from here."

She ran back up the stairs and along the corridor to her room. Uttering the password, she entered and crossed to pick up her grandmothers pendant. It acted as an amulet for her and she felt underdressed without it. Fastening, it around her neck, Phaelan made her way out through the portrait and down the corridor to the stairs. There was no one about, but she knew her way to the Great Hall.

Looking at the wondrous moving artwork on the walls, Phaelan failed to notice the ethereal vision floating up through the stairs in front of her.

With a courtly bow, Nearly Headless Nick swept his plumed hat off and stated clearly. "Madam, on behalf of the Hogwarts Ghosts; welcome."

Turning at the voice, Phaelan was stunned silent. Not hearing any response, Nick looked up to see what was happening. Nick had jerked his head up too quickly and dislodged his neck from the confines of his ruff, allowing his head to dangle for a moment. "Blast!" he exclaimed, as he set himself to rights.

This seemed to release Phaelan from her paralysis and she let out an uncharacteristic scream, "Who are you? What are you?" She began to move backwards up the stairs away from Nick.

Courtly gentleman that he was, Sir Nick tried to approach and explain.

"Don't touch me!" Shouted Phaelan continuing up the stairs not realizing there was a trick stair in the way. Her foot sank into it. She was firmly stuck.

Phaelan's scream had been heard in the great hall and all the staff exited to see what the problem was.

Lupin and Snape were first, followed by Minerva and Madame Hooch the Flying instructor. Looking beyond the spectre in front of her, Phaelan saw a crowd of witches and wizards, wands at the ready looking up at her.

"Are you trying to take Peeves place, Sir Nick?" chuckled Lupin. He and Snape had continued up the stairs putting away their wands up their sleeves.

Dumbledore made his way up the stairs to Phaelan and the bewildered Ghost. "Are you alright Phaelan?"

"It's a a a ....He's a a a gho...." Phaelan pointed weakly at Sir Nick.

"Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington, at your service, marm." Again Sir Nick made a sweeping bow.

"Can't you see you've scared her out of her wits, Sir Nicholas?" Snape cast the scathing remark over his shoulder at the ghost. "Can you get up, Miss McKenzie?"

Phaelan tried to stand, but only sunk further into the stair.

"Ah! You've fallen victim to one of our trick stairs." observed Dumbledore. "Severus, if you wouldn't mind?" The headmaster indicated Snape should help her out.

With a sigh, Snape stood in front of her, "Put your arms around my neck and hang on." He firmly grabbed her around the waist with both arms and pulled her up and out of the stair.

'God,' she thought, 'I've had more body to body contact with this man in the past 12 hours, than I've had with any other man in the past 12 months.' Stepping back from him, careful to avoid the trick stair, Phaelan looked up into the black eyes. "Thank you again."

"Headmaster, I really must protest. You forget your manners; imagine not introducing new faculty properly. Such a lovely young witch should be debuted before the castle residents, not thrust in like a new piece of furniture." Sir Nick gestured towards Phaelan and affected an indignant stance, as much as one could when one was a ghost.

"Firstly, Sir Nicholas, Miss McKenzie is not a witch; she is a Muggle. Secondly, she has not as yet passed the Ministry license test and cannot yet be considered faculty. Thirdly, she has never met a ghost before, obviously, and you are out of line." Dumbledore pulled out his wand and casually pointed it at the chastised ghost. "A gentleman would never approach a young maid without a proper chaperone and formal introduction. Finally, if you or any of the other ghosts approach Miss McKenzie, with out being introduced, I will take it up with the council." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and waited for a response.

"I see. I obviously misconstrued the situation." Sir Nick looked down his nose at the headmaster and assembly. With a snort, he turned in the air and floated over to Phaelan. He appeared to fall on one knee before her and swept off his plumed hat with dramatic flourish.

"Fair maid of Hogwarts, I humbly beg your forgiveness for my churlish, nay presumptive behaviour. There are so few worthy of courtly admiration, to cross the threshold of the castle, I was overcome. I am your servant marm; command me." He bowed his head once more and again it fell out of his collar. "Blast."

Phaelan had taken the time of the interchange, between the ghost and headmaster, to gather her wits about her. When the phantom courtier turned back to her, she was becoming amused at his antics. His speech reminded her of a poorly written bodice ripper novel.

"Sir, you did so discomfit me at your appearance, I thought to swoon." at this she raised the back of her right hand to her forehead. "A lady so rarely meets such gallantry in such numbers," at this she indicated the gathered crowd, "I was quite overcome." she clasped her hands before her bosom. Somewhere behind her, she heard Snape mutter something about being put off his dinner.

"Gentle sire, although I am not worthy to be held in such regard, your service is humbly accepted. Adieu, until we may meet again, at a more propitious time." At this, Phaelan extended her hand as if to be kissed and dipped a courtesy.

Sir Nick leaned forward and grasped her proffered hand, planting a courtier's kiss on her knuckles. To Phaelan, it felt is if particularly, slimy gelatine had been poured over her wrist.

The ghost flew off up the stairs, pausing briefly to throw a kiss in Phaelan's direction.

Phaelan turned to the others and said, "That would have gone far better with a fan and lace handkerchief don't ya think?" She smiled and began laughing, breaking the remaining tension. The laughter all shared, echoed throughout the halls long after they were seated in the Great Hall.