Chapter 6: Headmistress Under Heel

Headmistress Under Heel

The rest of the Slytherins were very worried that Zyriel was about to get way over her head. The Gryffindors

were one thing but she was the Head Mistress of the new University.

Zyriel had a plan, play dirty, and never fight fair. She knew in a fair fight she might be overtaken by all the Aurors, Professors and even Lily herself. The woman that was the brightest witch of her age before her trophy slut Hermione. She needed a more subdued a with tact if she were to win this one.

She would ask Draco to arrange a meeting with Lucius his father, in the morning. She realized she knew very little of their Headmistress and she knew Lucius was the right-hand man of Voldemort during the 1st Wizarding War. He would know the circumstances of the accidental Horcrux of Lily being formed.

The Curse

Fear...

The advanced classes at Hogwarts University were different in many ways, except the presence of a communal lunch. Sure, it was not mandatory, almost all the students still ate at the cafeteria hall for lunch time, it was a matter of convivence. In this case Headmistress Lily Potter ate with her fellow students as Dumbledore ate with his in days past. The Professors of the University were a motley crew including but not limited to Lucius Malfoy. The rich aristocrat was present because after prison there were not many jobs he could have. He still had many connections within the ministry. So, on the advice of those same connections they recommended he take a professorship at New Hogwarts University. He was to train on practices of Dark Wizards. Believe it or not it was a boon to the Aurors that were training. Some veteran Aurors wanted to take his class on their own time. Fortunately for the Dark Wizard community, the Aurors were so spread thin that they did not have time to take his class.

Belladonna’s concoctions were the best. She had truly flourished since joining the new University. The advanced potion class was made up entirely of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students. She was ecstatic at her invention which she called, Danger draught. She sneaked into the kitchens and sprinkled copious amounts of vile substance onto Headmistress’s Lily plate.

Then Draco pretending to talk to his father went to talk to Headmistress Potter right when her food was served. “Headmistress, are we going to have Summoner’s court at the University?” Malfoy asked. He did not really care; the question served its purpose.

Lily smiled and thought about the question and politely answered, “Well Draco, it would have to be framed as a game that promotes use in the Aurors and Unspeakable professions. Most of you know how to cast Accuio very well, if I see this skill lacking, I might consider it” Lily said thinking while taking a stab of her food with her fork and taking a bite.

Draco continued with more questions but ultimately, he was there to see she ate her whole plate. He was excited, he knew that tonight he would be awarded the use of Hermione for the entire night. She was living up to her title of “The Slytherin Trophy Slut” indeed. Zyriel promised for every day Lily ate Bella’s concoction he would be rewarded with exclusive use of the trophy slut of their manor.

Zyriel’s plan was hatched when Lucius explained to her at the meeting, that when it was discovered that Lily could be resurrected from an accidental horcrux found in the old Potter household where she was killed, the newly resurrected Voldemort ordered her resurrected so they could torment her for the rest of her days for her hand in defeat of Voldemort in the first Wizarding war. He wanted her to be sports for her Wizarding Spells.

Lucius said when they first resurrected her, she had a terrified look in her eyes. Most of the Wizards and Witches believed she was feral or broken. It was not until she was rescued that she was put back together mentally. Then reuniting with her long-lost son, she found her footing again.

Zyriel believed that he gave them the opening they needed to take Potter Matriarch down and rescue her favorite slave from her clutches.

The rest of the week.

Hermione’s enthusiastic efforts towards Draco helped secure the delivery of the poison drafted specifically for the Headmistress. Zyriel told Hermione that she would punish her severely if Draco failed and that it was in her best interest that she rewarded him so thoroughly that he would do anything to see their plan was carried out. Draco particularly loved it when Hermione woke him up by sucking his balls hard before swallowing his dick whole and blowing his brains out. She was so good at that now, and the sex with her was second to none, between the sexual enchantments and her frequent practice she was probably the best fuck in all of Hogwarts.

The Following Week

Nighttime

Lily Potter stood motionless before the mirror; her face ashen. Unbidden memories of the First Wizarding War flooded her mind, her friend’s death, the Death Eaters’ venomous slurs. Phantom figures haunted her, robbing her of rest. Exhaustion etched itself in her features.

Seeking distraction, she headed for her office. Astoria Greengrass’s voice cut through her reverie. “Headmistress? Are you alright?”

Lily fabricated an excuse about a forgotten recipe. That night, her dreams twisted into nightmares. James’s death replayed endlessly.

Morning found her depleted. As she contemplated cancelling class, Draco Malfoy appeared with coffee and homemade biscuits.

“You’re a lifesaver, Draco,” Lily said, managing a wan smile. “Now, off you go.”

Nightfall brought fresh torment. Spectral enemies lurked in every shadow. Lily’s wand trembled in her grasp as she retreated to the relative safety of her desk.

Slytherin Manor...

“I am telling you Z, I think she is ready to pop. I saw her pull her wand to an empty hallway at least three times, and when I went to eavesdrop on the door, I heard crying. I mean full blown weeping cries.” Astoria explained in her nightly briefing with Zyriel.

“Excellent! Tomorrow I will pay our illustrious headmistress a visit.” Zyriel said to her coven.

“Are you sure Z? If we do not succeed, we will all be sent to Azkaban.”

“Yes, I am sure. I will greet the Headmistress. After tomorrow night I will be on our way to making our problems go away.” Zyriel said right as Bella was entering the room.

“Ah Bella just the witch I wanted to see. I need to speak to you about a special present we can give our Headmistress tomorrow night. I think she needs a change in her mood.” Zyriel said winking back at Astoria Greengrass.

“And Astoria, stay with her let us know if anything changes or if you find out where Ginny went” Zyriel uttered aloud.

“Oh, and Astoria, after you get back go back to my room, and wear that number I bought you last week. I think you earned some girl time.” Zyriel winked again. Astoria let out a quickened breath and blushed slightly before smiling and answering, “Of course Z, anything for you”.

“Anything? I will hold you to it. “Zyriel said wagging her eyebrows.

Following Evening...

“Stop! Stop! I will kill every one of you if I do not get out now.” Lily said to the imaginary Dark Wizards in the room.

Zyriel smirked as she listened to her prey cry out in terror. Zyriel intended to introduce a second potion tonight as well as a gift. Is she played it right she would have that redheaded cunt eating out of her hand.

“Leave James alone!” Lily barked out. Zyriel feigned concern when she barged in to Headmistress’s office her wand drawn. Lily startled and yelled out Levioso! Zyriel effortlessly shielded herself and deflected the spells. Lily realizing what she had done.

“Ah! I am so sorry!” Lily cried out.

“Headmistress are you ok! What is going on I thought you were being attacked.” Zyriel asked with great concern.

“Oh, I have been on edge lately. Thank you for your concern but I am alright, you can run along now.” Lily clumsily tried to get Zyriel to leave.

“I will most certainly not, you are not ok. Something has got you bothered. I can see that. Sit down.” Zyriel said in her most nurturing but authoritative voice.

A tired Lily was about to say something but instead walked over to her desk and sat down. She let herself let out long sigh. That’s my good girl, Zyriel thought to herself.

“You look exhausted. When is the last time you ate?” Zyriel asked, staring at Lily waiting for a response.

“Lunch” Lily said placing her wand back in this holster on her robes.

“Hold on, Hold on I have just the thing.” Zyriel said summoning a satchel. “I had packed this today to snack on while I studied, but it will do you more good than me.” Zyriel added.

“No. I could not possibly-” Lily started to say trying to wave off Zyriel.

“Say No?” Zyriel finished her sentence leading Lily to smirk and capitulate to Zyriel’s nursing. If Lily knew anything at all about Zyriel, she would have thrown her out forcefully on the spot. But she did not know her and moreover did not see the multiple assaults on her being orchestrated by Zyriel.

“Here you go. It is an old family recipe.” Zyriel informed Lily.

Lily looked at Zyriel for a second before digging into the sandwich. “Mmm, this is good!” Lily moaned out.

“I know right!” Zyriel said giggling. Lily slunk back in her chair as the food felt just right as her wits were returning.

“Oh, almost forgot, here drink this, it was Bella’s study aids she makes to help us during study hall. It will do you a mountain of good.” Zyriel offered. She took out what looked like a pint. In fact, it was a potion brewed specifically for Lily.

Lily, thankful to have something to drink, gratefully took the draught and scarfed it down. “Oh, that is very good Zyriel. Bella has a gift.” Lily declared, her color returned to her cheeks. Zyriel, sensing her time, decided to hop up on the desk. Placing herself closer and across from Lily. She decided to cross her smooth tan legs in front of her and study her like a nurse does when they want to make sure their patient will be ok.

Lily for her part was starting to feel the effects of the second potion she ingested. Lily’s body felt a narcotic type of sensation as her aching body felt relief. Moreover, she was not alone, and the terrors had all but disappeared.

“Ok you ... what was this all about?” Zyriel asked.

“I um ... perhaps it is better, that I do not tell you.” Lily tried to resist.

“Nonsense! You will tell me this instant or I will go to the ministry so they can find out. If I did not know any better, I would say you were fighting ghosts.” Zyriel declared. Lily was caught off guard by Zyriel assertiveness.

“Fine ... you win. I have been having memories.” Lily said softly, taking another bite from the sandwich.

“Memories? Of What? What memories would have you shooting at ghost?” Zyriel asked in feigned concern.

“Of the night we vanquished the Dark Lord Voldemort. I died that night, as did my husband. I was hit with the Cruciatus curse. A pain like that had no equal. After I failed to stop the Dark Lord, he subdued me with the curse, his minions were going to make me into a banshee as punishment for foiling his plans so many times. It was horrifying.” Lily said the memories coming back and her voice wavered like she was going to break down.

“That does not explain why you were shooting at me when I came into the door.” Zyriel shot back.

“I ... I ... thought you were a death eater.” Lily shamefully confessed.

“A death eater, oh dear heavens no” Zyriel said trying not to laugh out loud. If I had been a death eater Voldemort would have won, she thought.

“I tell you what I have something my mother gave me when I had night terrors in my youth. It really helped.” Zyriel said with concern.

“No ... that will not be neces-” Lily said smirking feeling better.

“Stop! You will take it! No more resisting doctor’s order’s missy.” Zyriel said walking over to her satchel once more. Lily stole a glance at Zyriel’s legs; they were gorgeous, she said to herself. An odd thought, she normally was not attracted to girls. She also decided to not resist the care of her the witch. She told herself that she would placate her so she would feel her job was done.

“Here it is.” Zyriel proclaimed. Lily looked over confused. She felt wonderful now, like her body was being embraced by a force as soothing as honey is to a throat.

“Ah ha. Wear this and you will not think of those terrible things anymore and you can start getting some proper rest.” Zyriel said showing Lily the chain with tiny bells attached.

“Um what is that?” Lily asked confused.

“Well, I was going to suggest wearing this as an anklet, it might seem silly to put this on your wrist people might start asking questions.” Zyriel answered.

“Indeed. Very well give me the anklet I will put it on if that will get you back to what you should be doing.” Lily declared.

“Nonsense, give me your foot. I will put this on.” Zyriel ordered. Lily did not question the order she simply raised her foot and gave it to Zyriel.

“Here ... I will secure it.” Zyriel said snapping it shut and then waving her wand towards it. The locking mechanism disappeared until it was a solid chain with tiny bells attached. Zyriel tried to hide her excitement as the last part of her trap had just been sprung. All she needed now was a kiss and it would only be a matter of time now. The wand activated the infatuation charm on the anklet.

“If you have any more dreams of those terrors, you can take if off and I will admit I was wrong.” Zyriel said smiling at the anklet being secured to Lily’s ankle.

“Well, if they can give me a good night’s sleep then it would be worth it” Lily said chuckling, it was obvious she thought the anklet was a silly idea.

“Good. Well Headmistress I must be off to the Manor it is getting late.” Before Lily could even react, Zyriel hopped off the desk, took a step towards Lily and kissed her on the lips. Lily was caught off guard by such an intimate invasion. Zyriel then possessively cupped Lily’s cheeks and said, “You rest now. Good ole wise Zyriel will come and check on you tomorrow. Cannot have our Headmistress upset, besides if you go, they will just hire some pighead, Male” Zyriel said in disgust scrunching her nose as she said it. Zyriel was doing everything not to squeal in delight. The kiss would make sure that she would have all kinds of naughty thoughts about Zyriel. Lily was about to experience the atomic bomb of all crushes.

Lily was so caught off guard she could not even think of proper words of protest before She found herself saying, “Zyriel, thank you!” She said, smiling.

One hour later...

Lily was out. She went to her bed and collapsed her body, finally allowing itself to rest. In her sleep she dreamt of the amazing body of Zyriel. She was gorgeous and she smelt perfect. She found herself thinking of her long smooth tan legs crossed in front of her. And her skin was flawless, Lily told herself. Lily woke up the following morning soaked in a puddle of her own juices.

“Oh my” Lily breathlessly uttered when she awoke.

Later that night...

Headmistress’s office.

Lily did not know why she did, but she decided to work late even though she was not having night terrors. Lily was about to call it a night when the door opened. It was Zyriel!

“Oh, wow you are looking much better.” Zyriel said with a big smile on her face.

“I do, Thank you. I cannot thank you enough, Zyriel dear. I am glad you came, I think I will be al-” Lily explained before being cutoff.

“Oh no you don’t! You will not get rid of me that easily. I brought some sandwiches. Come, I brought both of us our meal. At the very least share it with me, as I am hungry if you are not” Zyriel said winking.

“Very well I could use something to eat as well, besides these sandwiches are very good” Lily said aloud.

Ten Minutes later...

“You have something on the side of your lip, Lily” Zyriel said staring at Lily’s face, she reached forward and caressed Lily’s cheek while removing it from her face. Lily simply allowed her to and stopped when the scent of Zyriel’s hand hit her nostrils. She smelt divine, and her touch was so soft. Lily told herself. She said in a content voice, “Thank you”

“Nothing to thank about sweety, besides you do so much for our school. It must be a thankless job.” Zyriel told Lily.

“That is not the half of it. I do not know anyone really from this time, including my own son. He was raised by my sister and was already an adult before I had one meaningful conversation with him. I feel like a figurehead more than a person.” Lily confessed to Zyriel. The words flowed so naturally to Lily she even smiled at getting that off her chest.

“I could only imagine. Well let me thank you, for all that you do, Lily.” Zyriel said walking around behind Lily’s chair she reached out and started to rub Lily’s shoulders.

Zyriel’s skilled hands glide over Lily’s tense muscles, kneading and soothing with expert precision. As he works, Lily’s moans increase in frequency, her body arching towards her touch. But just as things begin to heat up between them, Zyriel abruptly stops, leaving Lily aching for more, her breath coming in heated gasps as she longs for him to continue their intimate dance.

“There much better, Lily my dear.” Zyriel said walking over to pack her things. Lily was trying to figure out a way to get her to stay longer when Zyriel satchel in hand turned around and told Lily.

“Oh, and Lily, when I come here tomorrow to bring food, perhaps it would be best if we brought another table in here. I get worried that we are going to get crumbs all over that desk.” Zyriel said before leaving. Lily was left breathless and wanting.

One hour later...

Lily could not get Zyriel out of her head. She was thinking of her hips, her lips. She was so delighted to look at them. Lily looked down and saw her sex was soaked. She made sure no one saw her, then proceeded to fuck herself with one of her special toys. Minutes later Lily cried out, “Zyriel!” That night, as the night before, she dreamed of many intimate scenarios with Zyriel. She was genuinely attracted to her. If she confided in someone they would most likely agree, as Zyriel was drop dead gorgeous. She was the first girl she had a crush on, and she did. The blonde goddess made Lily’s pussy tingle.

She was lost in thought when she realized she had not brought a table into her office. She hurriedly conjured a table into her room, along with matching chairs. Then she started to bring her flair for creativity to fulfill Zyriel’s suggestion.

The following night...

Headmistress’s office.

Lily found herself looking towards the door when she heard any sound. She was about to lose her mind waiting for Zyriel. She checked the ambience of the room. Even the candles she had burning above them.

Zyriel entered and smiled brightly. The potion and charm were working better than she could have hoped for. Both had a mild of effect of suggestion. The next potion would make her much more inclined to female suggestions. It needed to be administered warm. Bella put it in the form of a hot plate.

“Ah I see that you took my suggestion.” Zyriel said, smiling from ear to ear in admiration of Lily’s work. “I brought a different meal for tonight. It is a family recipe I hope you do not mind” Zyriel told Lily.

“Of course not.” Lily answered grateful that Zyriel was going to spend time with her.

“This is a casserole my grandmother used to make me for me to lift my spirits.” Zyriel said. The food was steaming when she served it to Lily.

The pair enjoyed the meal. Lily asked about Zyriel’s day. Zyriel told her, keeping eye contact the entire time.

“This is delicious.” Lily exclaimed.

“I am glad you liked it, but you are eating it wrong.” Zyriel told Lily.

“Wrong?” Lily asked, confused dropping the bite on her fork back on the plate.

“Yes wrong. Here let me show you.” Zyriel said scooching her chair next to Lily’s on the other side of the table. “See how the sauce pools over here. You are supposed to dip it in the sauce and then into the crumbles over here. Then you open.” Zyriel explained

Lily opened her mouth with a bemused expression on her face. Zyriel slid the morsel in and after Lily bit down. Zyriel hurriedly ordered, “Now don’t swallow just suck. Savor the taste” Zyriel said slowly lowering the fork in her hand and looking Lily in her eye.

Lily turned red and was suppressing a giggle as she played along with this game. She made a sucking sound and Zyriel smirked. Then she swallowed.

“Like that?” Lily asked.

“No that is still wrong. Here let’s try and do this again” Zyriel admonished.

“What did I do wrong this time?” Lily whined out.

“You did not moan when sucking. How is the offeror going to know you like it if you do not moan in appreciation of the food. You had no problem moaning for the sandwiches I gave you.” Zyriel said calmly and with a look of immutability. Lily could not tell if she was serious.

She then did it again and waited for Lily to open her mouth once more. Lily opened her mouth and sucked on the morsel in her mouth.

“mmmm, mmm, mmm” Lily sarcastically moaned looking at Zyriel like a bratty child.

“Oh dear, I appreciate you following my instructions to the letter, but I demand they be followed in spirit as well, Lily, keep sucking without the ‘tude, or we will try this again until you get it right.” Zyriel ordered Lily smirking. Lily pussy throbbed at her commands. This was getting highly erotic, she told herself, worse she wanted it to continue.

“Mmm Mmm,” Lily moaned in a softer more intimate manner. Zyriel smiled brightly and said, “That is my good girl.” She remarked giggling slightly as to temper Lily’s suspicions to chalk up Zyriel’s behavior to whimsy.

“You may swallow” Zyriel said oft-hand.

Lily did just that while looking at Zyriel to see what she would say next.

“You are delightful Lily; I like spending time with you.” Zyriel said softly. Lily blushed!

“Um ... Thank You ... I also enjoy spending time with you, as well.” Lily said feeling like a girl with her college crush. Zyriel then followed it up with fake advice that sounded genuine. She was a true sociopathic Narcissist.

“Let me see” Zyriel said with a look of interest. Lily tried to hide her arousal as Zyriel pulls the thick wool socks down her ankles so she could see her calf.

“Lily your legs are gorgeous why are you hiding them!” Zyriel asked while possessively turning Lily’s chin towards her. Lily did not know why but she loved being physically manipulated by Zyriel, she smelled so perfect, and skin was so soft. She told herself.

“I, um, well, it is just, I am in a position of authority I guess, and I really don’t know” Lily sighed embarrassed she did not have a good answer.

“Well, you are in modern times now. You should not be dress like some old maid.” Zuriel uttered softly into Lily’s ear.

“I don’t own anything modern.” Lily answered using the word modern to be risqué.

“Well do you think I look bad?” Zyriel asked while snaking an arm around her back.

“No, you look-” Lily trailed off stopping herself before she blurted it out. Zyriel had her now and she knew it.

“Like what?” Zyriel asked rubbing Lily’s opposite shoulder with the arm snaked behind Lily’s back.

She smells divine Lily thought before softly admitting to Zyriel, “Like a Goddess, you are gorgeous Zyriel.” She smiled softly, her pale skin tattooing itself with blush.

“You are not bad looking yourself Lily. I will tell you what! Do not worry about buying clothes, Alexia and I have plenty. I will come by early in the morning and I can help dress you up to destroy, Lily.” Zyriel giggled excitedly. Lily blushing deep red was really feeling Zyriel now and naturally slunk towards her.

The Following Morning

Lily bedchambers.

“Wakey Wakey.” Zyriel declared in an excited voice. Lily is still groggy from getting up rubbed her eyes. Zyriel was already dressed, and Lily was still in a long nightgown.

“Go and take a shower while I go make you breakfast. Cannot have our Headmistress starving. Lily was so confused, but hey at least she was getting breakfast made. Lily took a shower and let the jets of water hit her skin, she heard the stove sizzling. Lily walked out with a towel in her hair and a terry cloth robe around her body.

“Oh no, take off the robe I must measure to make sure we get the right clothes. Time is short.” Zyriel uttered aloud.

“But...” Lily started to protest.

“I cannot measure you if you are wearing a robe. Come on we are both ladies it is not like we have not seen nude women before” Zyriel reassured Lily. Feeling a blush creeping up her neck and onto her cheeks, Lily shyly dropped the robe to the floor. She stood there in nothing but her birthday suit, feeling extremely exposed under Zyriel’s unwavering scrutiny.

“Dear lord Lily, you are amazing babe, I could eat you up. We need to fix this immediately.” Zyriel said with a smirk.

Zyriel walked over to Lily Potter; her eyes fixated on the exposed skin of her back as she pressed herself against the redhead from behind. Lily felt Zyriel’s breath on her neck and shivered in anticipation.

“Let’s get you dressed.” Zyriel whispered seductively into Lily’s ear, causing a tingling sensation to run down her spine.

Lily turned around to face her, feeling an intense desire building up inside of her. Zyriel placed a hand on the side of Lily’s face and slowly turned it towards her own, their lips inches apart.

Without hesitation, Zyriel leaned in and captured Lily’s lips with hers in a slow and sensual kiss. She suckled on Lily’s bottom lip before deepening the kiss, their tongues dancing together in perfect rhythm.

Lily moaned against Zyriel’s lips, unable to resist the intense pleasure that was coursing through her body. She wrapped her arms around Zyriel’s neck, pulling her closer as their bodies pressed together.

They broke apart breathlessly, both women flushed and panting from the intensity of their kiss. “Wow,” Lily whispered, still lost in a haze of desire.

“Come on,” Zyriel said huskily, taking hold of Lily’s hand and leading her towards the closet. “Let me show you what I have picked out for you.” Zyriel conjured a closet so she could dress her properly.

As they entered the large walk-in closet filled with designer clothes and shoes, Lily couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. She had never experienced anything like this before, and she couldn’t believe that it was happening now.

Zyriel pulled out a stunning crimson dress the color of Gryffindor from one of the racks and held it up for Lily to see. “This will look perfect on you,” she said with a grin.

“Come on, love,” Zyriel purred. “Let me see that gorgeous body of yours.”

Zyriel walked over to Lily with an appreciative grin, running her fingers lightly over the smooth skin of her arms. “You are even more beautiful than I imagined,” she said softly before pressing a kiss on Lily’s lips.

Lily couldn’t help but melt into the kiss, the heat between them intensifying as Zyriel’s hand trailed down her back and slipped into her panties. She gasped as Zyriel cupped her bottom, squeezing it gently before pulling away with a smirk.

“You know what would look even better on you?” Zyriel asked as she pulled out a lacy black bra and panty set from one of the drawers. “This.”

Lily felt a rush of excitement at the sight of the seductive lingerie in front of her. She had never worn anything like this before, and she couldn’t believe that she was about to put it on for another woman.

Zyriel helped Lily put on the bra first, adjusting it until it fit perfectly against Lily’s curves. Then she moved onto the panties, sliding them up Lily’s legs and brushing against her most intimate areas as she did so.

Lily couldn’t stifle a moan as Zyriel’s fingers grazed against her sensitive skin. With each touch, she felt herself becoming more aroused and desperate for more of Zyriel’s attention.

But Zyriel wasn’t done yet. She reached for a pair of black thigh-high stockings and rolled them up

on Lily’s legs, teasing her with each inch of fabric that covered more and more of her skin.

“There,” Zyriel said as she finished securing the last stocking. “Now you look absolutely stunning.

Zyriel stepped back to admire her handiwork, running her eyes up and down Lily’s body in the tight dress and thigh-high stockings. But something was missing.

“Ah, of course,” Zyriel said with a smirk as she walked over to the closet once more. She returned with a pair of black four-inch heels and gestured for Lily to sit on the edge of the bed.

Lily’s heart raced as she slipped her feet into the heels, feeling wobbly and unsteady on them. She hardly ever wore heels and was afraid of falling or looking foolish. But Zyriel wouldn’t let that happen.