CHAPTER 1: PUNISH

A young girl sat in a large chair in the Headmaster's office, awaiting punishment for a prank. Ella Sinesstra of Slytherin was unlike many other students of Hogwarts. Her love for pulling pranks was shown in the shining mischievous smile she almost always sported. At the moment, her waist length naturally pin-straight black hair was tied up in a ponytail. She had the build of a dancer thanks to her hobby. The usual glint of mischief and enjoyment was absent from her honey-brown eyes at the moment due to a failed practical joke. She sat there, staring at the claw-footed desk before her, attempting to figure out what could have gone wrong with her diabolical plan.

Ella came to her conclusion just a moment before she was joined by her unanticipated victim. Her plans to prank Snape would have succeeded if Dumbledore hadn't crossed in front of him the second after she had released the guacamole filled balloon and intercepted it with his own silver haired face.

Professor Albus Dumbledore walked into his office after a brief discussion with another student. He was followed by a girl about five inches taller than Ella's five foot one inch frame. The redhead took the seat next to Ella as Dumbledore sat down himself.

"I'm sorry, sir, I truly am. The balloon was not meant for you." Ella was quick to apologize for the accident.

"What has happened cannot be changed, Miss Sinesstra, and you have been forgiven." Dumbledore gazed at the third year with an expression she couldn't place. "But, your punishment will not be detentions this time."

The professor glanced at the older girl whom Ella recognized as a Gryffindor fifth year. The Gryffindor nodded slightly and Dumbledore returned his gaze to Ella.

"Miss Evans, would you care to explain the program to Miss Sinesstra, please?" the headmaster suggested.

"Certainly, sir," Evans turned her attention to Ella. "My idea is to set up a sibling program for the students. The older students will 'adopt' younger students and help them with whatever they need. Instead of constant detention, you would receive an older brother or sister to watch over you and help you to keep your priorities straight. The idea is to give teachers more time to work on academics rather than supervise punishments of polishing trophies or dusting portraits."

Ella was confused as to what this had to do with her, and Dumbledore was quick to explain.

"You see, Miss Sinesstra, you will be the first participant in this new adopt-a-sibling program instead of three straight weeks in detention." Dumbledore put the speech into simpler terms.

"So, who is my older sibling?" Ella asked carefully.

"Miss Sinesstra, meet your new sister, Miss Analese Evans."

The two 'sisters' left Dumbledore's office in silence, both lost in their own thoughts.

"Hey, I didn't catch your first name." Analese pointed out.

"Ella, my name is Ella Sinesstra." The younger girl replied.

"Listen, I have some homework to finish up. How about we meet in the library tomorrow at eight." The redhead offered.

"Whatever, I'll see you then, I guess." Ella responded, not caring for this 'punishment'.

"Thanks for agreeing, Ella. I owe you one." The Gryffindor waved as they reached the staircases.

"Yeah, bye." The Slytherin slid down the banister and headed to her common room.