Hidden Magic

Chapter 3

Jamaila woke up to the sound of two voices. She opened her eyes and she tried to sit up but was stopped by pain in the top of her left shoulder.

"Try not to move," suggested someone over to her right.

"Where am I?" asked Jamaila in a groggy voice.

"You're at Hogwarts, miss," the man replied.

Sighing again Jamaila hoisted herself up with her right arm. She winced slightly as she moved her left shoulder. Sitting up, she looked around and noticed that she was in some sort of hospital ward.

The doors to the wing opened. A positively ancient looking man with a long, white beard and a very strange looking hat, walked over to where Jamaila was sitting. He sat down on to the chair next to her. Jamaila recognized him blearily, too weak and tired to be excited. It was Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts.

"Who are you, Miss?" asked Dumbledore in a mildly curious tone.

"Jamaila-Ashley McGowan, or just Jamaila as Jamaila-Ashley is a mouthful," Jamaila replied, trying her best not to sound too awed. Albus Dumbledore must have been one of the most famous wizards of their time. Jamaila had seen newspaper articles on him, and read books that had chapters upon chapters about him. Here she was, talking to Albus Dumbledore! She felt part awed, and part sad. She would have been here a long time ago, if it hadn't been for the fact that she was a 'squib'.

"Well, Jamaila," said Dumbledore kindly, " I am Albus Dumbledore and this is Remus Lupin." He smiled at her, pushing his glasses up his knobbly nose with a gnarled finger. "Why did you come here?"

"I needed some help," Jamaila answered sheepishly.

"On what?" enquired Lupin?

"Well," Jamaila fumbled around her words, not knowing quite what to say, "Firstly I needed help to find somewhere to live, and secondly, now I need help with my shoulder," explained Jamaila, feeling quite irritable.

"Well, I can help with them both," said Dumbledore gently. "For now you'll stay here until your shoulder has healed, as for your shoulder... I'm afraid it was a werewolf that bit you, not a normal wolf," Dumbledore looked extremely grave.

Jamaila swallowed, trying to muster some attitude. "Great, so I turn into a bloody dog every month."

Sighing again, she lied back against her pillows. Then she saw that her left arm was in a sling to protect her shoulder from further damage. Rebelliously, she raised her right arm and took off her sling and threw it to the bottom of the bed. Then throwing the covers back, she made to stand up. Just as she was about to walk, her knees buckled and she fell back onto her bed.

"You can't walk very far yet," observed Lupin, looking slightly amused.

"Yeah, that was nice of you to point that out, but I already noticed that," Jamaila said curtly, sitting herself under the covers again.

"Jamaila, please understand that we are trying to help you," said Dumbledore in a kind voice.

"Help? I've had to help myself for seventeen years," she scowled at them, trying to conceal the bitterness she felt. "I don't need anyone to help me."

"Jamaila, calm down. It won't help you to get better," Lupin told her gently.

"Yeah, yeah whatever," Jamaila was feeling anything but calm. "What day is it?"

"It is Friday the 29^th of August," answered Dumbledore.

"Great," Jamaila said sarcastically. "So, when is the next full moon?" she looked pointedly at Remus.

"In two weeks," replied Remus, "and why are you looking at me?" questioned Remus uncertainly.

"You're a werewolf," said Jamaila bluntly. "Who else would I ask?"

"Oh... I didn't know you knew that!" Remus said, trying to muster some enthusiasm. Jamaila rolled her eyes, feeling bored.

"Now as I said before, you stay here until we've sorted something out for you. We also have a excellent Potions master that can mix the wolfsbane potion for you," Dumbledore said kindly, undeterred by Jamaila's cold attitude.

"I don't want it, but thanks," Jamaila said frostily.

"But Jamaila," Remus tried to explain, "If you don't, you will turn into a werewolf and you will not be able to control how you behave, as the wolf nature will overpower your own."

"Look," Jamaila exhaled, feeling very unhappy indeed, "All I ever wanted was a to be a part of the wizarding world. If that means being a werewolf every month, then so be it." Jamaila sighed, closing her eyes. She had another headache coming.

" If that is what you wish," Dumbledore exchanged glances with Remus. "Jamaila, I'll have some of the house elves to bring some food up to you. You just lie here and get some rest."

Dumbledore left after he had made sure food was brought up, leaving Jamaila and Remus alone. She sat up, took a chicken leg and began to devour it. Neither of them spoke to each other again until Jamaila had finished.

"How is the famous boy-who-live?" Jamaila asked suddenly.

Remus was taken back by this question. "What makes you think I know him?" he asked sharply.

"Because, you were one of James Potter's friends," Jamaila answered curtly.

"I'm sorry, but you are only seventeen. I left Hogwarts ten years ago. How would you know?"

"My sister," Jamaila said, ignoring the pangs that she felt. "Before anyone realised I was a squib, my eldest sister use to tell me stories about Hogwarts. She would tell me about four boys in Gryffindor who called themselves the Marauders. They were always playing pranks I remember she said that one was called Remus Lupin," explained Jamaila yawing.

"Oh. Right. I didn't realise you knew all that," Remus commented.

"Yeah, I sure did." Jamaila said sleepily. She lay back down and closed her eyes.

"Well you just rest," said Remus hastily, seeing that she was tired.

Jamaila pulled the bed covers up and then closed her eyes, feeling sleep instantly take over. Smiling to himself, Remus Lupin left the hospital wing to do some lesson plans for the start of term.

***

Jamaila awoke the next morning feeling more refreshed but still very sore around her neck. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. Looking over to the bedside cabinet she found some pumpkin juice. She grabbed the cup she drank it in one go before setting the cup back down. After pondering for a while, she decided to go and freshen herself up.

When she got up, she found a spare dressing gown, which she pulled on before she walked out. Jamaila walked up two flights of stairs before she found a toilet.

After relieving herself, she walked over to the mirror. Hesitantly, she pulled the dressing gown and nightie off her left shoulder. She braced herself, before opening her eyes to see the bloodstained bite mark. It was tinged slightly purple around the edges. Biting her bottom lip, she pulled the clothing back up before she walked out, fighting the waves of nausea that had swamped her.

As she walked back down the stairs, she saw two massive oak doors leading out into the grounds. Reluctantly, she decided get some fresh air, so thus she walked out into the warm morning sun.

Feeling slightly moody, Jamaila walked around the lake and then sat herself down next to a tree. Hogwarts really is what my sisters said it would be, thought Jamaila, if only I was born a witch, I might have seen what it was like when I was younger. An maybe I wouldn't be in this position now? Jamaila sighed and scratched her shoulder absentmindedly. After a while, she got up and began to walk again.

Halfway across the grounds Jamaila felt something warm running down her hand, lifting her hand up she noticed blood was smeared across her hand.

Wiping it on her other sleeve, she began walking again, feeling slightly shaky. What on earth is happening to me? Again she stopped. This time the wolf in her was compelling her to taste the blood. She clenched her fists. Stop it, it's only blood, you don't want a taste. Jamaila stood stock still, willing herself to control herself, but she only got another two steps before the desire was back again. Hastily looking around to make sure no one was looking, she dipped her finger in the blood and tasted it, giving in to the wolf's desire for blood.

After tasting her own blood, she was completely angry with herself. Where was her self-control? It had vanished. You are really stupid, Jamaila-Ashley McGowan how could you let the wolf out, all you had to do was keep on walking but no! In a fit of anger, she walked straight back to the infirmary and took off the dressing gown. Furiously, she sat herself back down on the bed.

Jamaila only had to wait five minutes before the nurse came out. Madam Pomfrey, who must have had the eyesight of an eagle, walked up to Jamaila and noticed the bloodstained nightie instantly. She pulled out her wand and proceeded to mend her shoulder again.

"You should have called for me," scolded the kind hearted Madam.

"It doesn't matter," Jamaila said angrily, furious that no one believed that she could take care of herself perfectly fine. "It's only a little bite."

"Miss McGowan," began Madam Pomfrey, "It is about time that you called for help when you need it," she had on a reprimanding tone, and Jamaila felt slightly guilty- but only slightly, though. The guilt was not enough to overpower her anger.

"Yes, but you see I didn't feel or see anything until you started cleaning it up," lied Jamaila, feigning innocence.

"Fine," sighed the Madam, "I'll believe you. Now, the headmaster wants to see you in his office. Professor Lupin will be down in a few minutes." Madam Pomfrey had on a businesslike tone, which made Jamaila feel acutely aware to mind her P's and Q's. After giving Jamaila a suspicious look, she walked back into her office.

Five tense and uncomfortable minutes later, Remus Lupin walked into the hospital wing. The moment he saw Jamaila he assumed on his 'kind and understanding Professor' façade.

"Morning Jamaila. How are you today?" asked Remus kind-heartedly.

"Fine, thanks." replied Jamaila shortly. The Professor was very nice, but she didn't like him. He seemed to over nice for her to trust. Quickly, she grabbed the dressing gown again and walked out the hospital wing with Remus tailing behind her.

They didn't speak to each other for five minutes. It was Jamaila who spoke first. "I know you're werewolf, but before the first full moon, did you want to taste blood?"

Remus looked thoughtful for a couple of minutes "I think I did, only very slightly though. Why?"

"No reason," said Jamaila quickly. "Ouch... stupid headache." Jamaila rubbed the side of her head. It gave her an excuse not to talk. In fact, she didn't say anything else until they came to a stop in front of a solid stone gargoyle.

"Why we stopped?" asked Jamaila, looking bewildered.

"Right," said Remus, ignoring her question. "Once I've said the password, I want you to step onto the stairs understand?" Remus instructed. Upon seeing her nod, he continued. "Right the password is, Liquorice Wands."

The gargoyle moved upwards revealing some stone steps. Doing as she had been instructed, Jamaila stepped onto the top stair of a moving staircase. Once the stairs stopped, Jamaila was in a small hallway; at the end was a door.

Gathering up her courage, she walked up to the door and knocked three times.

"Come in," came the familiar wheezy voice of Albus Dumbledore.

Upon entering, she saw Professor Dumbledore sitting behind his desk, smiling kindly at her. She walked over and sat down on a chair by the fireplace. It may have been warm outside, but it didn't stop Jamaila shuddering slightly.

"Now. As I recall telling you the other day, I said I would let you live here for a bit until we sort something else out," he took a pause. Jamaila saw that he was stroking a large bird, which she instantly recognised as a phoenix. She sucked in a gasp. Phoenixes were rare birds. She never thought she would see a live one. Dumbledore gave a small, pointed cough, causing Jamaila to look up embarrassedly. "Well, if you are to stay here, then I shall ask you. Will you be willing to get sorted? Now, I know you believe you are a squib, but I think there is something that even your parents didn't know about," explained Dumbledore.

"Hmmm... yeah sure," replied Jamaila, wincing at the pain building up in her head.

Albus stood up and took the sorting hat of his shelf. He then placed it on Jamaila's head and waited until the hat shouted:

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Together, Jamaila and Albus both looked shocked. It had never sorted a supposed squib so fast before. Placing the hat back on the shelf, Dumbledore sat back behind his desk. Jamaila had started to rub her temples constantly now. She looked up at Dumbledore with tears in her eyes, as it hurt to move. "Anything else?"

"Yes, you have got to take the class," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling behind his half moon glasses. "Although you don't own a wand, I do believe that the class could be of some help to you. Now, why did your family throw you out?" he asked thoughtfully.

"I don't know," replied Jamaila angrily. "Maybe they just didn't like having a squib for a daughter, they are all good for nothing idiots."

"Jamaila, they may not of like you, but they are your family. Surely you do feel something for them?" his expression was quite unreadable.

"Don't tell me what I've got to do." Jamaila said angrily. She felt as though her anger had burst through a dam in her chest. Her mouth flew open as she felt a twinge coming from somewhere, then a sudden pushing feeling coming from somewhere inside- or outside- of her. She gasped as she managed to send a load of books flying from their places across the room. It was as if she had just thrown them, but she had definitely not moved her arms. Everything started to fade, apart from her throbbing headache, which had seemed to intensify.

Jamaila blacked out. She could still hear the books falling, but she couldn't see them. After what seemed like forever, her headache slowly ebbed away and she was slowly regaining light back into her vision. It was then she heard Dumbledore's voice.

"Jamaila, Jamaila? I'm going to sit you back onto the chair." She nodded. Suddenly she felt herself being lifted with some sort of force. Slowly, she opened her eyes and realised that she had caused the mess. Books were all strewn across the floor and some have even lost pages that had gone flying out the open window. Looking up, she saw Albus looking back at her smiling.

"Well," he said cheerfully, "That answers how the sorting hat quickly assigned you to a house. How do you feel?" his tone was gentle now.

"Like I've been run over," she groaned. "What did I do?" Jamaila demanded, feeling uncertain.

"Well, it looks like you have got the ability of telekinesis, which is very rare. It might explain why you didn't get a wand or show signs of magic," explained Dumbledore.

"What has that got to do with anything?" questioned Jamaila cautiously. She had a welling feeling inside her. What was going on?

"It means, my dear, you are a witch," Dumbledore said jovially.

It was strange, denying yourself the truth when it was what you wanted all your life. Jamaila just stared at the Professor. "How can I be a witch, I'm a squib?" she argued lamely

"Jamaila, telekinesis doesn't normally show until the person turns eighteen or nineteen and even then, only very few witches or wizards have the skill. It normally only shows with witches," explained Dumbledore.

"Oh, right." replied Jamaila. I'm a witch! Jamaila thought dizzily, elated beyond words.

"Well, now we've cleared that up. I managed to get some black robes for you. There in the other room," Dumbledore said, nodding to a door off to the side.

Getting up, and tripping over her own feet slightly, she walked into the other room. In the room were shirt, jumper, skirt, socks, shoes, and a black cloak. She quickly got changed into the clothes. After inspecting herself through the mirror, practically faint with excitement, she draped the cloak over her arm and walked back out.

"Thank you," Jamaila said composedly, sitting back down. She was surprised how she sounded so calm. Inside, she was in turmoil. She, Jamaila Ashley McGowan was a witch. She tried her best not to smirk when she pictured the shock that her parents would undergo. It would serve them right if she suddenly turned out to be famous, and her telekinetic ability ended up all over the Daily Prophet.

"No problem," he said kindly. "Now, whilst you were getting dressed, I sent a letter to a Miss. Granger. She will join you tomorrow morning and will show you around the school. I have given her permission to take you into Hogsmeade, to get you the proper school uniform. As for the rest of this afternoon, you will spend it in Gryffindor tower." Dumbledore was doing his best to contain his smiles. The girl in front of him was not doing a very good job with concealing her evident happiness. "Come on now."

Jamaila got up and followed Dumbledore out his office. She couldn't help but goggle as she went down flights of stairs. There was so much that she hadn't noticed in her previous ventures around the castle. She stared at the portraits that stared back at her, equally as curious. "Welcome to Hogwarts, darling!" called out a picture of a voluptuous witch. Hiding a smile, Jamaila nodded, feeling bubbly. There was so much to see! In fact, Jamaila felt slightly tired when they finally came to a stop at a portrait of a plump lady in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she enquired imperiously.
"W.W.N," said Dumbledore crisply. The portrait swung open. Jamaila was about to walk in when Dumbledore stopped her. "Jamaila, when you wake up in the morning, make your way down to the hall. You can ask the portraits for directions if you want. I am sure they will be delighted to help you. Hermione Granger should have arrived by then."

Jamaila nodded and walked in. She found herself in a common room, with a red and gold colour scheme. There were red velvet and yellow velvet draperies, and the comfy armchairs where the same rich, dark red and yellow. Feeling relaxed for the first time in four weeks, Jamaila sat down on a armchair next to the fire and fell into a light sleep.

***

A school barn owl flew into The Burrow and landed on the shoulder of Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived. Harry groaned, looking away from the chessboard, where Ron's knight was currently tackling his pawn in a bloody fashion. Taking the letter he read, Miss Hermione Granger. He recognised the writing on the letter instantly. It was in the usual nondescript Hogwarts style of writing, the type that came every early August, about school supplies. He grudgingly got up and walked over to the garden where Hermione Granger was sitting. "Hermione, there's a letter for you."

Hermione looked up from the book she had been reading. He handed her the letter and she tore it open.

Dear Miss Granger

I hope you are enjoying the summer holidays and congratulations on becoming head girl.

I know this is very short notice but I need you to come to school tomorrow, as I have someone who needs some help. I will fully explain the situation to you when you arrive.

The owl will wait until you have made a reply.

Sincerely

Albus Dumbledore

"Well what does it say?" enquired Harry, feeling slightly worried. "Is it bad?"

"No, I've just got to go to the school tomorrow," responded Hermione, folding the letter back up.

"Why?" Ron demanded. He had evidently abandoned the chess game in a quest to find some decent conversation.

"Because," Hermione shrugged, "Someone needs some help and Professor Dumbledore asked for my assistance." Hermione was practically puffed up with importance that Dumbledore had wanted her to help. Ron and Harry exchanged snickers. Hermione was very like Percy sometimes.

"Who?" asked Harry curiously, covering up his laugh with a cough.

"It doesn't say," said Hermione, giving them dirty looks. "Don't you worry, I won't be going to be there on my own. Most of the professors will be there, as well as this person, of course."

"It still sounds a little strange if you ask me," Harry edged.

"There is nothing strange about it!" Hermione retorted angrily. "Harry, you're just paranoid. If you are so concerned about me come with me."

"Okay, I will," said Harry eagerly. He didn't like being left out of important stuff.

"Ron, are you going to come as well?" asked Hermione

"Yeah! Course I will!" Ron looked slightly hurt. "You didn't think that you could leave me here ALONE, did you? C'mon, we need to tell Mum."

All three of them walked into the kitchen to find Mrs. Weasley having a cup of tea with Remus.

"What are you doing here, Professor?" Harry asked curiously.

"To have a chat," said Lupin. "It is nice to see you all here. Having fun?"

"Why are you here?" Harry asked again.

"Aren't I allowed to come here?" Lupin asked, with a mock wounded expression.

"NO!" Harry, Ron and Hermione chorused, bursting out into laughter.

"Fine!" he said, pretending to be miffed. "Okay...if you must know I came to make sure Hermione got her letter?"

"Sure," said Hermione, looking pleased. "Who is this person and what is wrong with her or him?" she asked as she passed the letter to Mrs. Weasley.

"Dumbledore will tell you, or she will tell you herself. It really isn't something that I have a right to say," said Lupin. "She's a girl, by the way."

"Oh dear, is she okay?" asked Mrs. Weasley in a concerned, motherly tone. Ron sighed, looking embarrassed at his mother's mum like behaviour.

"She's getting better," Lupin said casually.

"Well I'll definitely make sure I'm there," Hermione said eagerly. "I'm always glad to help." Ron and Harry exchanged looks, both looking sickened.

"Good, now tomorrow morning you'll take some floo powder and floo to Dumbledore's office," Lupin said, taking the last dregs of his tea. "Don't apparate, Hermione. Dumbledore doesn't want the girl to see you until you have spoken to him."

"Right," Hermione said, looking disappointed. All three of the trio had recently achieved their apparating licenses, and they were eager to get some decent practice. "Do I need to be there for a certain time?"

"Yeah, nine and don't be late." He turned to Mrs Weasley. "Thanks for the tea, Molly." Suddenly, he disapparated, leaving the whole table staring at the space which he had been in just before.

"I hate it when he does that," grumbled Harry. "Not even a proper goodbye."

"Well, you know him best, why not you do something about it?" suggested Hermione.

***

The trio resumed what they were doing for the rest of the afternoon. However, by the time evening had set in, Hermione had packed and was now trying to persuade Harry and Ron not to come.

"But, Hermione, we agreed to come with you," protested Harry.

"Harry, Ron, listen. I don't know what has happened to her. She might be a little scared of boys. It's safer if you don't come just yet," explained Hermione for what must have been the tenth time that evening

"Hermione, how can anyone be scared of Harry?" joked Ron. "He is the-boy-who-lived no one is scared of him."

"True, but unless Harry had a gender change, he is still a boy," Hermione replied, grinning slightly at what she just said.

"Hey!" complained Harry, not happy with the turn of events at all.

"Sorry, but neither of you are coming with me," repeated Hermione in a final tone.

"But Her..." started Ron, but Hermione cut him off.

"No buts," she said curtly. "Neither you or Harry are coming." She stormed out the room, leaving the very stunned Harry and Ron behind her.

***

Hermione woke up the next morning at seven. Mumbling and groaning, she got up, washed and then went down for breakfast.

As soon as she walked into the kitchen, she saw Mrs. Weasley cooking, Mr. Weasley reading the Daily Prophet and also there was Remus Lupin. Smiling at Lupin, who had doubtlessly come to accompany her on the trip, she sat down and a plate of food was placed in front of her.

Not saying anything she began to eat, only looking up occasionally. Hermione wasn't a morning person. After a moment Remus asked

"Are you all packed?"

"Yes." answered Hermione.

Finishing her breakfast she felt warm and happy. Her morning grumpiness had worn off slightly. Mr. Weasley stood up said 'goodbye' to everyone and disapparated for work.

Mrs. Weasley left to go and wake the twins up. Although they owned their own shop, Weasley's Wizard Wheezers, they still could never manage to get up on time.

"So, who is this girl that needs my help?" asked Hermione curiously

"Her name is Jamaila-Ashley McGowan, but she likes to be called Jamaila," said Remus, after a lot of cautious looking around.

"Oh right," said Hermione. "That's a pretty name," she said after a while. She quickly finished her breakfast. "Give me minute and I shall have my things together."

Hermione went back upstairs and dragged her trunk back downstairs. She managed to get her trunk downstairs relatively quietly. Dragging her trunk over to the fireplace, she stood it up and then walked back into the kitchen. Now the twins were also there, looking tousled and sleepy.

"Are you ready, Professor Lupin?" asked Hermione brightly. The morning grumpiness had worn off, all right.

"Sure. Thank you for breakfast, Molly," said Remus warmly.

"No problem. You just take care of yourself, and you too Hermione." Molly gave Hermione an awkward hug. She had never been that close to Hermione.

"Will do," Hermione said, smiling. "Thanks again for having me."

"Don't forget to visit us sometime during your break!" called Fred and George.

"Of course I won't!" Hermione assured them.

Remus took some floo powder and along with Hermione's trunk walked into the flames.

"Headmaster's office, Hogwarts," he said clearly. In a flash of green light he was gone.

"Thanks again, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, waving.

"No problem, Hermione. Don't forget to write and take care of your self!"

Hermione grabbed some floo powder stepped into the fireplace.

"Headmasters office Hogwarts" she said, and she was gone.

After whirling around for a short period of time, Hermione stumbled out of the fireplace and dusted herself off. She was half-an-hour early, but Dumbledore was already waiting for her.

"Welcome back, Miss Granger. Please have a seat," Dumbledore waved to the armchair in front of him.

"Thank you," Hermione said, sitting down. "Where did my trunk go and Professor. Lupin?"

"Dobby took your trunk up to your room and Professor. Lupin had things to do," replied Dumbledore.

"Oh!" said Hermione, feeling slightly stupid.

"Now, the reason you are here is to show a new student around," replied Dumbledore. "The reason I asked you specifically was because you are able to be patient with someone who has been through a lot." He gave a sigh, before continuing. "Now Jamaila-Ashley has been through an awful lot these last four weeks. However, you're not to ask her about her past, and it will be better if you don't know. It may be a little painful for her. I need you to make her feel welcome and show her around. She also needs some Gryffindor coloured robes."

"Okay," said Hermione awkwardly. "Will she be taking classes with us?"

"Yes, but the only classes she will take is Transfiguration, DADA, charms. She will start Potions in two weeks." Dumbledore looked very grim. "I trust that you will perform this duty perfectly fine."

"So am I meeting her in Gryffindor tower?" asked Hermione

"Jamaila-Ashley will be meeting us in the hall for breakfast. There is only Professor McGonagall, Professor Lupin and Professor Snape who are here with me this morning," answered Dumbledore

Hermione followed Dumbledore down to the great hall, in the hall was one table, and sat at the table with McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape. Sitting down next to Professor Lupin she began talking to him about the up coming year, and what they would be studying.

***

Jamaila woke with a start. Night- time is not a good time to sleep, she thought drowsily. Glancing around, she noticed it was morning and she was in the chair that she had dozed off in last night. She stood up and stretched hearing her neck pop. Grumbling, she went and slipped her shoes on and walked out the portrait hole. How is anyone supposed to know their way around this place it's so damn big? Jamaila thought irritably, walking down a flight of stairs.

Jamaila found the hall some time later, after a lot of stumbling around and haughty looks from suits of armour. She saw Remus talking to a girl with puffy brown haired. She was doubtlessly Hermione Granger. Nodding to Dumbledore, she went over and sat down next to Hermione.

"Morning, Jamaila. How do you feel this morning?" asked Remus over Hermione's bushy head.

"Better," Jamaila said curtly, eyeing the food hungrily. "My shoulder still itches a bit though, and it's started turning purple."

"What is wrong with your shoulder?" asked Professor Snape.

"Werewolf bite," replied Jamaila, digging into the sausages with gusto. She caught sight of Snape glaring at Remus, "He didn't do it," she said hastily.

"You know?" asked Hermione curiously. This cleared things up. Jamaila must have been bitten by a werewolf, which was why 'times had been so hard' for her.

"Yeah, I know. Don't say anything to anyone about me," stated Jamaila, finishing of her breakfast with a single gulp. Hermione raised her eyebrows at her bad table manners. At a stern look from McGonagall, she straightened her expression.

"I won't," she said kindly. "Well, now you've finished your breakfast, shall we go into Hogsmeade?"

"I would love to but I haven't go any money left," Jamaila said dismally. "Don't worry about that," Hermione said, "Dumbledore will take care it of." Shrugging her shoulders, Jamaila got up and followed Hermione out of the hall and into the grounds. Hermione and Jamaila walked in silence until they reached the start of Hogsmeade.

"You're wondering why I'm here aren't you?" Jamaila asked suddenly.

"No, not really," Hermione lied.

"I mean you're curious as to why and how I managed to get here on foot," explained Jamaila, curious to see how much the girl knew.

"Jamaila, look I don't know why you came here. I don't know how you came here; all I know is that I got a letter saying someone needs help cause they got hurt. I don't have to know any more than what I already do," Hermione said quickly.

"You're a pretty smart witch," Jamaila complimented. Everyone should be like that she thought idly. The world would be so much easier if everyone minded his or her own, business.

"Thank you," Hermione said. "Now, let's go in here. Its new, so I don't know what it will be like." Hermione pointed across the street to Robes Inc.

Heading across the street, they approached the dark blue building. They both entered the store and began walking around. Jamaila came to stop in front of a shelf with Gryffindor and Slytherin uniforms stacked neatly. Hermione noticing where Jamaila had stopped walked over with a black cloak in her arms.

"Here try this on," Hermione said, handing Jamaila the black cloak.

Trying on the cloak, Jamaila found it fit straight away. Hmm... must be some sort of charm? Jamaila thought idly, looking at herself in a full-length mirror.

"Now all you need is two more shirts, a jumper, scarf, and a pair of gloves." Hermione said, consulting a list.

An hour and half later found Jamaila and Hermione walking back to Hogwarts in silence. Hermione had insisted on buying Jamaila a drink at the three broomsticks. Hermione had tried to buy something to eat for them both but Jamaila had declined. Jamaila knew that Dumbledore had probably not funded eating and drinking. Using someone's money for something as material as nice tasting food made Jamaila feel guilty.

Jamaila had been carrying two heavy bags of cloths when she felt the scab on her shoulder split open. Not saying anything, she put the bag into her other hand and placed her left hand into her pocket hoping that her shoulder wouldn't bleed too much.

"Is something wrong?" asked Hermione, noticing that Jamaila had moved her hand into her pocket.

"No, nothing," replied Jamaila hastily.

"Okay, are you sure?" questioned Hermione worriedly.

"Look, I'm fine. Just drop it," Jamaila told her angrily storming off.

Hermione didn't say anything else for the rest of the trip, much to Jamaila's relief. They were just setting their bags down on the dormitory beds when Jamaila felt something distinctively wet.

"I'm just popping to the toilet, be back in a minutes," she burst out.

Jamaila ran into the toilet and locked the door. Taking off her cloak and jumper she noticed that that her shirt was blood stained. Shakily, she took off her shirt to reveal her bite. The scab that had formed over it was very thin. Half of it had been split open, making it bleed profusely

Grabbing a handful of tissue paper, Jamaila tried to stop it bleeding. After five minutes, it had slowed but had not stopped completely. Thank Merlin it didn't split all the way open, I would of probably passed out, Jamaila thought, grabbing another bit of tissue paper, and placing it over the bite mark.

Getting dressed again, she stepped out to find Hermione sitting on her bed, with her brow furrowed.

"What?" asked Jamaila pretending to not know what was going on?

"Did you hurt your shoulder whilst we were shopping?" demanded Hermione.

"No," retorted Jamaila. She had definitely misjudged Hermione.

"What took you so long?" Hermione challenged.

"Nothing."

"You were in there for fifteen minutes!" exclaimed Hermione

"So?"

"SO? Did you hurt your shoulder?" repeated Hermione angrily.

"No, now just drop it, PLEASE!" Jamaila scowled darkly, walking out the door.

Getting up from sitting on her bed, Hermione followed Jamaila down to the common room.

"JAMAILA I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG WHY DON'T YOU JUST SAY WHAT'S WRONG?" she shouted.

Jamaila slowly turned around to face Hermione. "It has got nothing to do with you. Whether or not there is anything wrong with me is entirely none of your business. For your information, I'm fine." Turning back around Jamaila stalked out of the common room.

Deciding it was best to tell someone how odd Jamaila had acted, she went in search of Remus. Well I hope he will be able to help me? Hermione thought unhappy as she stepped out of the portrait hole.

***

Hermione found Lupin in his classroom. She knocked politely. "Hi, Professor," she said, trying to look casual. "Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure. What can I help you with?" Lupin asked.

"It's Jamaila, professor," answered Hermione, looking shamefaced.

"What about her?" Lupin asked calmly.

"I don't know...you see she was carrying a bag from Hogsmeade in her left hand and then she wasn't. Then when she came back she went to the toilet and didn't come out for fifteen minutes," explained Hermione hurriedly.

"Hermione you don't make any sense. What has this got to do with me?" Remus questioned calmly

"Well her um, bites on her left shoulder. I thought she might of hurt it or something, I just don't know," Hermione moaned.

"Okay, first of all she may have just changed her bag to her right hand out of comfort. Secondly, if she had pulled a muscle or something, she would have been in pain. Lastly, did you see any blood on her shoulder?"

"No, not that I could see." Now that Hermione thought about it, she hadn't been looking.

"Well then it rules out all possibility of being her bite," concluded Lupin.

"But what if it is her shoulder and it isn't anything like that?" Hermione asked nervously.

"Look Hermione, if it was something serious then she will tell us. Jamaila may be a little stubborn, but she isn't stupid."

"There's something else though!" Hermione argued.

"What?"

"I shouted at her, by accident. I thought she was really hurt," explained Hermione dolefully. "She suddenly snapped back at me and stormed out."

"Look, would it make you feel better if we went to look for her?" Lupin asked kindly.

"Yes, she walked out into the grounds. I saw her when I was walking up here." Hermione said, managing a wane smile.

"Come on then," replied Lupin, smiling. "I'm glad you're taking such a responsibility so seriously, Hermione. It is a trait that is definitely admirable."

***

Hermione and Lupin found Jamaila sitting under a tree, gazing into the Forbidden Forest. "Mind if we sit down?" he asked, walking up to her.

"Go ahead, I'm going in anyway," Jamaila said hastily, getting to her feet. She started to speed walk back towards the castle.

"Jamaila, wait!" called Hermione, jogging to catch up with her.

"What?" Jamaila demanded harshly.

"I didn't mean to shout," babbled Hermione. "I shout when I'm worried."

"So?" Jamaila eyed the castle wistfully. Why couldn't the girl just give up? Honestly... didn't Hermione get the hint?

"So, I should have believed you when you said there was nothing wrong," explained Hermione.

Remus was standing behind both girls when his wolf traits picked up blood on Jamaila's left shoulder. Remus stepped to the other side of Hermione. Hermione had been right. Jamaila's shoulder was acting up.

"Are you okay, Jamaila? You look a slightly pale," he said sympathetically.

"Yes," replied Jamaila in a very tense voice.

"Jamaila," Remus said warningly.

Jamaila scowled. "You can't keep anything secret when you're with a werewolf."

"Not when it involves blood, no," Lupin said half jokingly.

"Huh? What are you on about?" asked Hermione in a confused tone.

Jamaila pulled of her cloak, handed it to Hermione to hold. Then she stretched the neckline of her jumper and shirt to reveal the bloodstained tissue paper and the bleeding bite mark.

"I thought so," said Lupin. "You'll have to go to the hospital wing."

"Jamaila, why didn't you say anything?" Hermione demanded exasperatedly. "Blood loss is bad for you. You could die from it, you know."

"I just didn't," Jamaila told her, giving her an evil glare.

Jamaila was forced to be elevated on a magical stretcher to be carried all the way to the hospital wing. Once inside, Remus made Jamaila sit down while he went and fetched Madam Pomfrey.

"Jamaila you should have just said..." began Hermione.

"Why? So you can all make me feel better?" Jamaila enquired sarcastically.

"No, so we can help you," said Hermione. "Why can't you understand that?"

Jamaila was spared from answering as Madam Pomfrey and Lupin came back into the room. Madam Pomfrey went straight to work on trying to clot the blood of the wound. When she finally was able to stop it from bleeding, she put a bandage on it. "Werewolf bites are always nasty things," said Madam Pomfrey distastefully. "Hard to heal."

"Now, this bandage is to stay on, Jamaila," said the Matron severely. "You will have to come here three times a day to have it changed. At night, I will send you away with two so you can change it yourself."

"Okay," said Jamaila grudgingly.

"Good," approved Madam Pomfrey. "Now, Miss Granger. You are to make sure she doesn't carry anything heavy in her left shoulder and to make sure she stays out of trouble. You stay out trouble yourself too. I just know I'll be seeing either you, Mr. Weasley, or Mr. Potter soon." She tutted and shook her head. "Children these days."

Hermione just smiled, while Jamaila bristled over being called a child.

"Right now," said Lupin once they were out in the corridor. "I've got be getting back to what I was doing. Jamaila, if you ever split your shoulder open again, just tell someone, ok? Good day, Hermione." He gave them both a nod before he walked away.

Hermione and Jamaila trooped back to Gryffindor tower in silence, only breaking it when Hermione gave the fat lady the password and they both walked in.

They spent that evening reading. It was only when Jamaila said 'night' did Hermione look up and smile at her.

"Good night Jamaila," she responded.

Now Jamaila was just about to fall to sleep when a thought invaded her mind. Maybe I could say that this is home. Then she was overcome with deep sleep, not even waking when Hermione entered the dorm for the night.