In Times of Trial

"Albus? Can you please tell us what the hell is going on?"

The midday meeting had been called to discuss the 'New Comer' with the entire staff. Draco hated these meetings. They were just so bloody boring.

"It appears, Severus," Dumbledore said, as everyone finished taking his or her seat in the Library, "That we will be having a new student this year. She will be a seventh year."

"Well where did she go before?" Minerva McGonagall asked.

"She didn't." A few breaths were taken in rather obviously at this. "It appears as though we somehow over looked her. I've looked into her background. What she told Mr. Malfoy and myself was, for the most part, true. She was born and raised in California. When she was still young, her mother passed, and a year after, she had to be moved from her home because her father beat her. After that, she was constantly on the move from, what Muggles call, foster home to foster home."

"So why keep her here? She's gotten to this age with no magic, why start teaching her now?" Draco couldn't stand knowing why Dumbledore was doing this.

"Because. She's powerful. And Voldemort knows. He is after her. If he had wanted to kill her, he would have used his own magic. But I think he just wanted to take her, to taunt her. He probably wants to use the fact that she's been so troubled to get her to the dark side. We can NOT let this happen."

"Well, how powerful is she?" the squeaky voice of Professor Flitwick chirped up. He had to stretch in order to be seen.

"Very. She could reflect an Obliviate charm just by willing it to not affect her."

"So what are we going to do, Albus? She doesn't actually know anything." Professor Sprout voiced her concern.

"I will have Miss Granger begin giving her lessons for the summer. That is, if you are still willing, my dear."

"Of course, Headmaster. My pleasure."

Knowing her, it probably was. Damn bookworm.

"And her materials? If she was an orphan, how will she pay for any of it? How will she get any of them?" McGonagall asked.

"Well, Mr. Potter has volunteered to pay," a sigh exasperated sigh escaped both Draco and Snape, "And I was hoping you, Minerva, would be willing to escort her to Diagon Alley tomorrow to buy her things."

"I suppose I could handle that."

"Good. Then it's settled. After your return, we shall have her put on the Sorting hat, and we will see where it goes from there. Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation." Dumbledore stated, as he began to rise from his seat.

Everyone else, save Hermione, did the same, and exited the library scattering to where they needed to be. Draco was almost out the door, when he thought to stay. He had nothing better to do. Why not keep Granger company?

It was odd. One would have expected that Draco would feel resentment towards Hermione after she got his father put in prison, but such was not the case. Sure, his mother had left soon after, but he learned something. He learned how wrong they had been. How wrong he had been. It was nice to feel free, and even though he had taunted her to no end last year, and made her life a living hell, this summer he couldn't help but feel a sort of gratitude at the bushy-haired girl. He trusted her. Now he just needed her to trust him. The thought made him laugh.

"Hey, Granger." He said in the friendliest tone possible. Being nice these days was easier said than done. There was a lot of anger to get through.

Draco pulled up a chair next to the avid studier and looked at the book she was reading. "The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1, by Miranda Goshawk. Hermione, this is first year stuff."

"I know. I'm looking it over for Maybel. Want to make sure I only give her the easy stuff until she catches on."

"Where is she now?"

"Um... I think still asleep. Madame Pomfrey wasn't here, so I think she was still watching over her."

"I have an idea."

"Oh? This isn't going to be like last year when you tricked me into exposing Harry's boxers to the entire school, is it? I don't think I want in on this one."

"No. Just a walk around the lake."

"What? With me?"

"Well, Granger. I'm a student. You're a student. We're the only two here, and it's bloody BORING. A little walk may be good for the both of us."

"With me?"

"Yes. Maybe you can even sort your thoughts about what to teach the little Mudblood first."

"Don't call her that! She may not even be a Muggle born. We don't know yet. And even if she is, it isn't right to call her that."

"Fine, the point is, you can get your mind working. So come on. I want to take a walk."

"With me?"

"I thought we established this. Yes, with YOU, Granger. Now come on."

"No thank you."

"What? Why?"

"Because. You're a pompous git, and I have studying to do. So go by yourself."

"But I asked nicely."

"Which is what scares me."

Ouch. Puppy had grown a bite.

"Oh fine. See you later, then."

"Mmhmm." Was the only response he got as Hermione buried herself in her book.

* * *

Snape had begun work on the blood testing almost immediately after the meeting with the Head master and rest of staff. He had been working for a few hours now, and was just about to come up with a conclusion. This girl seemed to be getting more and more interesting to him. He pondered how much Muggle blood would be in her system.

"Aperire Sanguis" he said as he flicked his wand.

The blood that he had spilled over the onyx surface began to shift, and change to a silver colour. Then is stopped, and sifted itself into a perfect circle, where it turned green.

No Muggle blood. Absolutely none. Bloody hell! She was a Pureblood. Severus had to find the Headmaster.

* * *

Professor Dumbledore walked down the hallways of his school with a spring in his step, and a cheeky smile on his face. Despite the enigma of his newly adopted student, he was still pleased by how pleasant a day it had become outside. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and sun shown down brightly upon the castle and it's inhabitants. What a beautiful soft summer's day.

"Headmaster! Headmaster!"

Albus heard the voice of his potions master ring from behind him. Something seemed off in his voice. Dumbledore turned to face him.

"What is it Severus?"

"I've finished with the blood sample."

"And?"

"Absolutely no Muggle blood. None. She's bound to be pure."

"I can't believe it."

And it was true. Of all the things he had expected... For this girl to be a pureblood was definitely not one of them.

He decided to spread the news right away.

* * *

It was dinnertime now, and no one could believe what was happening. A pureblood, raised as a Muggle, and just now studying magic. The staff was simply buzzing with excitement.

Hermione couldn't wait for the girl to awake.

Draco was suddenly grumpier than usual.

How interesting this all would be.

* * *

Maybel awoke to the rustle of curtains, as a cool summer breezed drifted into the hall of the Hospital Wing where she stayed.

She surveyed her surroundings. Cool, comfortable, and most importantly: dark. A glance at the clock told her it was half past two. Common knowledge that the stars come out at night told her it was half past two in the morning.

She listened intently for the sound of that Nurse lady. When no noise came, Maybel peeled back the covers of her bed. Cool air greeted her, and she wished that she didn't have that tear in the knee of her jeans.

A quick test of her wrist proved that she was fully functional, and Maybel climbed out of her bed.

Someone had removed her shoes in the night, she quickly discovered, as bare toes touched the stone surface. A cold chill ran into her toes, and ached her tired feet. The sore pain was very welcome. It proved that she wasn't under too many drugs.

Maybel crept down the rows of beds to the main door. Once success was achieved in doing this, the crept out, and allowed the door to fall closed as quietly as possible.

When the muffled click of the door sounded, she allowed herself to sink off her toes, and have her full foot come into contact with the stone floors. It wasn't as cold in this hall; Maybel supposed this was because of the lack of airflow.

No matter. Now she could get a good look at the castle.

Maybel wandered the halls of Hogwarts, not caring how lost she got. In fact, she took comfort in the idea of going deeper and deeper into the school. Perhaps no one would find her.

Maybel found a spiral staircase at one of the far ends of the castle. She allowed herself to climb the gentle steps all the way to the top. Once there, she found a round room completely made of windows. She could see all the stars, and could see the pink trim on the horizon as the sun began to rise.

Maybel sat and watched as the most beautiful sunrise she had ever seen came up over the eastern hills. Maybe this was only so beautiful because she came so close to being caught yesterday. Maybe because she had never seen it from this height, maybe because she had just never bothered to see whenever it had risen before. Maybe.

Soft, early morning, summer sun washed over Maybel's body, and warmed her chilled skin. Perhaps this place wouldn't be so bad after all.

* * *

Madame Pomfrey had sent out the call early in the morning that Maybel was missing. All staff members were searching. Snape was down in the forest with Hagrid. Trelawney was consulting her crystal ball. However, Minerva McGonagall was using her senses.

The girl wouldn't have run away. She had too much danger outside the walls. Even if she didn't know what the danger was, she could recognize that it was there.

She ascended the stairway to the Astronomy Tower. Upon reaching the top, she saw a silhouette of a young girl, holding her knees in one of the windowsills. Alas, the girl was here.

Minerva sat down next to the girl. "You know," she started, "You really shouldn't run off like this. You've given us all a scare. The entire staff is out looking for you."

"I'm sorry. I woke up. I didn't want to stick around."

"That excuse won't be too valid with Professor Snape. He's down in the Forbidden Forest. With Hagrid."

"Who?"

"Hagrid. Keeper of the grounds and keys."

"And the other guy?"

"Snape? You met him yesterday. He took your blood sample."

"Oh! You mean that greasy guy who was brooding a lot?"

Minerva chuckled at this. "That's him."

What a Gryffindor she might make.

"Why do you all care?"

"Because. You're a witch. And we want to protect you."

"I'm not a witch. You don't understand." The girl half whispered.

Minerva didn't know how to respond, so she settled on food.

"How about we go down for breakfast?"

"I don't eat breakfast. Haven't since I was about six."

"Well, then you can start now."

Maybel climbed down from the windowsill, and Minerva shot a flare in the air to signify that she had found the girl, and then led her down to the Great Hall.

* * *

How peculiar, Professor Flitwick mused at breakfast, of a girl this is. She looks as though she hasn't eaten for days, but when food is served to her, she picks at it.

* * *

The day was filled with shopping, touring, and adoring new things, as Professor McGonagall brought Maybel all along the shopping center known as Diagon Alley. They bought robes, parchment, quills, and anything else the girl might need.

The young witch was in awe, the old one was amused.

When they stopped at Flourish and Blotts, Professor McGonagall was amazed at how intrigued the girl was with the Muggle section.

"Well you see," she explained, "I've always wanted to read these books, but have never had the chance."

Minerva bought her several books, not all were on the curriculum sheet.

They also stopped at Ollivander's. 11 inches, light oak, unicorn hair.

They stopped for ice cream, and even looked at brooms.

When they had all they needed, they headed home.

* * *

The meal was set; everyone who remained in the castle was there. They ate, they laughed, and they enjoyed their time together.

When they finished, Dumbledore called up the four Head of Houses to his office, along with Maybel.

He pulled an old hat off the shelf, and placed it on the girl's head.

Everyone waited for the hat to announce Gryffindor. Minutes passed.

* * *

What are you supposed to do? Why aren't you doing it? Maybel thought as she sat, frustrated at the hat for not working properly.

A voice sounded in her head. "I am a magical hat," it said, "I'm supposed to say where you go."

So do it!

"Can't."

What do you mean can't???

"I have nothing to judge. By all means, your mind says that you would be fine in every house. You are brave, like the Gryffindor. Smart as a Ravenclaw. Just and true as a Hufflepuff. Cunning as a Slytherin."

So pick! Where do I go?

"I cannot pick. It is not based off your mind' but instead off your soul--"

Shut up you! Just pick the best based off what you know!

"Very well. Slytherin" The hat said, but not inside Maybel's head.

All five other people in the room remained silent.