Revisiting the Forest

It had been years since Sylvester graduated from Hogwarts. When he was still attending school he often snuck outside at night and visited the Forbidden Forest. Never once was he caught, never will he be.

On one evening at home, Sylvester got a sudden urge to visit the forest again. For old time sakes. So he got into his closet, and put on his gray cloak, the particular one that he never left the house without. He then apparated to the perimiter of the forest, and began walking through.

Oh the wonders of the forest that Sylvester often missed. He had slept many nights out here, alone, or with the company of his girlfriend. They had often heard other kids out and about the forest, searching for peace, or and adventure, as he himself had.

He hoped that kids were still like that, so he may be able to talk to some, and figure out what was going on at Hogwarts.

Lily stared up at the moon. It was barely a sliver, but shined as bright as the stars. Lily love the peacefulness of the moon, but hated the magic of it. Whenever it was full, she was forced to run into the very heart of the forest. She was lucky if it was a weekend, because she would be dead if she did not finish her homework while she was in werewolf form. Anyway, Lily felt like it would be alright if she took a little walk into the forest, even though the Headmaster cautioned against it. Lily got up from her little stump, and walked into the forest. It was totally silent. No creature was stirring. Even the leaves seemed to stand still. Lily loved it. The Forest was a place where she could get away for a while from the hectic life of a witch. What with the homework and such. She sat down on the rock. For a while, nothing moved or made noise. And then, Lily heard a twig snap.

Sylvester saw the young girl jump as he accidently snapped a twig. "Quite observant." he mumbled under his breath. He wasn't trying to sneak up on the girl, he was just naturally quiet when he walked. Near silence. When she looked around, Sylvester stepped out from a shadow and into the moonlight. "Greetings young one." he said grinning. He was making a joke, but he doubted she would catch it. "Sorry, had to tease, anywho. My name is Sylvester, I graduated from here about 5 years ago. I see that I am no the only one who likes the here forest." He began to walk towards here slowly. "I find it quite, peaceful." he stated. He then sat down on the ground next to her, his face covered by the hood of his cloak. "How about yourself?"

Lily was too stunned to speak. A million questions were spinning around in her head. Like who was this dude and why was he in the forest? And why was he hiding his face? "Um, I guess it is peaceful some nights. But for me, some nights are a nightmare." Lily said no more. She did not want to go on and on about her being a werewolf. That kind of stuff was personal. "Why do you hide your face? Even the most hideous of faces can be beautiful." Lily could not take credit for that phrase. Her dad had said it when Lily pointed out that she had scars nobody else had. Even if they were not on her face.

"I just keep my identity to myself and those I think worthy." he said. "Not that I am scared of anyone, and I am far from ugly, not to sound conceded." he said with a chuckle. "My first name is known to people, there is not much you can get from a single first name." Time for some fun, he thought to himself. "And I am in the forest because it is a memorable past time, and I missed it, so I came to visit. Has there been any recent action at Hogwarts pertaining to the Death Eaters? And who is the headmaster/headmistress nowadays?"

Lily frowned; on the inside. This man was asking some pretty...interesting things. "Well, students have been dissapearing. The teachers suspect the Death Eaters, but we can't be sure. As for the Headmaster, its Headmaster Shacklebolt. But he might not be Hedmaster for much longer. Things are starting to change." That was all Lily knew on the subject. She was so deep in thought that she did not notice that her hair was starting to get some gray highlights, the worry color. Only when she snapped back into reality did her hair go back to pure blonde. She was, of course, oblivious to what had happened.

"Uh huh" Sylvester said. He took a moment to ponder the news about the disappearances. He knew, or at least he thought that he did, who was behind it. "Can I get some names of students?" he asked, not because he needed them, just to entertain her while he though. Who is this Shacklebolt? he thought to himself. I have never heard of the name...I should find out some more on him "And can you give me some history on Headmaster Shacklebolt? And nice little hair trick." he said grinning. He was referring to the change of colour.

"Um, I'm no expert on the subject, but I will list who I can. I think a girl called Rose dissapeared, and, um, Albus? They are both in my year, so they are the only people I have noticed are missing." That was what Lily was saying on the outside. On the inside, Lily was plain old confused. Why on earth was this man asking her such personal questions. "And for the Headmaster, there is not much to say. Some say he is going nutters, and then some say he is misunderstood. What we are certain of is his job is in a critial position right now." Then Lily got ready to answer the next wave of questions.

"Well thank you." Sylvester said. "I can tell you are awfully confused, do you have any questions that you yourself would like to ask?" he asked. He was trying to quit asking questions, but he ended up asking another. "i figure that I creep you out a bit, I get that alot, but, you are not likely to get harmed around me, if that reassures you any."

"Well, I am a little fuzzy. And I don't mean to be rude, but you do kind of creep me out. it's got nothing you do directly with you, but the hood you wear adds this creepy affect to your appearence." Despite what Lily was saying, she was actually becoming a little bit comfortable around Mr. Shadows. Or should she call him Sylvester... "Um, I hate to seem like a bother, but should I call you Mr. Shadows, or Sylvester?"