A cold breeze shifted the thick clouds of mist that surrounded an ominous
black castle. No sound could be heard but the gentle whisper of the wind.
A whisper that warned all to stay away from the horrors the castle had once
been home to. No creature stirred within Nightmare Forest, as it was
appropriately named. For only things made of ones' nightmares could be
found in its depths. One such nightmare now emerged from the trees.
A tall, slender figure clad in black robes and cloak stepped from the forest. He surveyed the castle for a moment before walking closer. His cloak billowing behind him , making him seem nothing more than a shadow upon the ground. He stopped on the hill, not but 20 yards from the estate itself. There was a silent pop and the tall figure was no longer alone. Now a short, rather stout man with watering eyes stood next to him.
"Wormtail." The tall man said so slowly.
"Y-yes my Lord?" The small man squeaked as he rubbed his pudgy hands together.
"Tell Lucius to come here." The man paused as though in thought. "I will require his...services, in retrieving the heir." He began to laugh. A high, cold laugh that caused the other man to cringe. "And what better place for a family, reunion then at home."
"H-here, m-my Lord?" The small man's voice shook with fear.
"Of course Wormtail." He hissed in a deadly whisper. "The Slytherin Estate is perfect for my plans." He waved his hand in dismissal and the short man named Wormtail vanished with another small pop.
*****
Harry Potter and his friend Ron Weasley were chatting quite cheerfully about what their next year of school would be like. Both of them were to be in their seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry. Neither of them knew what to expect of it.
"Do you think they'll bring old Moody back?" Ron asked as he shoved a few more of Fred and George's Cow Caramels into his trunk. Harry looked at him thoughtfully as he latched his trunk shut.
"I don't think so." He said finally. "With being locked up for what, seven months in that dungy old trunk of his." Harry could still remember Alastor Moody's unmoving form in the bottom of that small room. He shuddered at the thought.
"Nah, I suppose not." Ron said sitting on top of his trunk. "Perhaps Lupin will come back! He was a great Professor." Ron said cheerfully.
"That would loads better." Harry agreed as he grabbed Hedwig's cage. "Come on Hedwig! In you go." The snowy white owl clicked her beak in disapproval but walked inside the cage.
"Oi! Ron, Harry, you done packing yet? Mom says we leave in ten minutes." Fred said hanging on the door frame. Ron looked up at him.
"Yeah we're all packed. Mind given us a hand?" Ron asked as he started to pull his trunk towards the door. Fred looked down at his hands and rubbed his wrists.
"I don't Ron, I'm rather fond of both of them." Fred laughed as he dodged Ron's copy Quidditch Through the Ages. Harry noticed the tips of Ron's ears had turned the slightest color of pink.
"Alright, alright." Fred said holding his hands in the air.
Harry and Ron joined the rest of the Weasley's down in the living room. After a few minutes of utter chaos, thanks to George letting off one of their new inventions, they were off to platform 9 3/4. Once at the train station Mr. Weasley helped the boys and Ginny load their things on a cart. Mrs. Weasley said her good byes and kissed each of them on the cheek before they went through the barrier. The platform was bustling with students greeting each other happily. Fred and George made it a point to start on selling their new merchandise as soon as Mrs. Weasley was out of sight. Harry and Ron on the other hand began to look around the platform for Hermione.
"Harry! Ron!" Hermione yelled over the crowd, waving her hand in the air. The boys soon found their way through the students to Hermione. She greeted them both with a light hug.
"How was your summer?" Harry asked her with a smile. "Did you go and see Krum?" Hermione frowned as did Ron at the mention of Krum.
"No." She said slowly, her frown deepening. "I actually just stayed....home." Hermione said distractedly. She was craning her neck to see passed Harry's shoulder. Harry and Ron both turned around to see what she was staring at. They soon had the same frown Hermione was wearing.
"What is he doing here?" Ron snarled as Professor Snape walked through the cloud of students. A sneer curled his lips as he looked around him in disgust.
"He doesn't usually take the train to Hogwarts. I wonder why he is now?" Hermione whispered.
Ron, Harry, and Hermione quickly put their luggage on the train and watched Snape intently. Snape seemed more interested in avoiding all the students and did not notice them watching him. He didn't seem to notice anyone at all until he collided with Harry knocking him into Ron. Just as Harry began to fall backwards he caught a glimpse of someone standing behind Snape. The person however was covered in a dark green cloak.
"Watch where you're going Potter!" He growled. Harry looked up at him in shock. He hadn't done anything but stand there. "I should take..." Snape stopped speaking as the person behind Snape grabbed his arm gently. A pale, slender hand of a girl with a large silver and black onyx ring on her middle finger was all that could be seen. Snape didn't say anything more, but pushed past Harry and lead the girl onto the train.
"That was odd." Hermione commented as the trio sat down in one of the compartments. Ron scowled out the window.
"Yeah." Harry said quietly.
"The nerve!" He blurted, startling Harry and Hermione. "Harry was just standing there and that old bat acted as if Harry had thrown himself in front of him!" Hermione shook her head disapprovingly.
"Who was that girl?" Harry wondered aloud. Thinking back to when Snape had run into him. "Did you see how Snape didn't even finish what he was saying when she touched him?" Hermione looked at him curiously.
"I don't know. Maybe we could find out where she is. Perhaps she's the new teacher." Hermione beamed. Harry and Hermione both stood up and started to walk out of the compartment. Hermione sighed, turned around and pulled Ron out by his arm. "Come on Ron!" She said giggling. They began their way down the train in search of the mysterious girl.
Finally at the last car, and have searched every where else they stopped at a black door. None of them were too sure if they wanted to knock on the door. After all what if was Snape behind it instead. Harry and Ron stood there in a stupor. Neither one moved and Hermione resorted to pushing passed them.
"For goodness sakes, you two." She knocked on the door lightly. To their disdain Snape was in fact the person who opened the door. He glared down at them. Harry and Ron tried to look past him into the room, but it was impossible with the way Snape was standing. Hermione had seemed to have lost her voice and merely opened and closed her mouth a few times in surprise.
"Is there something I can help you with Ms. Granger? Or are you trying to imitate a dying fish?" He snarled. Hermione swallowed and looked down at the floor.
"N-no Sir." She said hoarsely.
"Then stop wasting my time." He sneered at Harry before slamming the door shut. Harry blinked a few times in surprise.
"Well, that went better than I thought it would." Ron said after a few moments of silence. "I bet she was in there." He said plopping on to the red seat.
"Of course she was." Hermione spoke softly. "We checked everywhere else."
"We still don't know who she is." Harry said shortly, taking off his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose before putting them back on.
The three sat in silence the rest of the way to Hogwarts. Each in their own thought about who the girl could possibly be, and why it was such a secret. Two hours later they had arrived at Hogsmeade. Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny shared one of the horseless carriages to the castle. That ride was also very quiet.
Once at Hogwarts though everyone broke into talk. A few of the other students had seen the mysterious person with Snape and that was all anyone was talking about. The students began to walk up the steps to the Great Hall, but stopped talking as the last carriage arrived. Everyone turned to watch as Snape stepped out and offered his hand to the person inside. Again the same slender hand appeared and slipped into Snape's. His gripped tightened slightly as she emerged from the carriage. Her face was still covered by the hood of her cloak and she held in place with her other hand. Snape turned to see the entire school staring at them. His expression changed from that of calm to anger instantly.
"Any student that does not find their way to the Great Hall immediately will have detention for a week!" He bellowed.
There was quick shuffling of feet as everyone tried to get to the Great Hall before Snape started to hand out detentions. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione were pushed by the flood of people into the hall and had no choice but to follow. Once inside they all sat down. Harry's eyes shot start to the head table. All the teachers were seated there except for Snape and where the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher should sit was a young woman with silver hair and steel blue eyes. She was as stern looking as McGonagall herself and seemed oddly familiar. Harry felt sudden panic as he realized the woman was Mrs. Figgs. A very young Mrs. Figgs, but Mrs. Figgs none-the-less. Harry continued to survey the table and noticed that there was an extra seat next to Dumbledore. The old wizard saw Harry and smiled. Harry returned the smile before looking away.
"Hey Ron!" Harry said quietly, tugging at his arm. Ron turned from Seamus. "You see that women up there? The one sitting in the DADA teacher's seat?" Harry's hands shook as he pushed his glasses back up his nose.
"Yeah." Ron answered slowly after noticing the new silver haired woman.
"That's Mrs. Figgs!" Ron looked at Harry in confusion. "The old lady the Dursley's would leave me with." Harry clarified seeing the looked on Ron's face. Ron looked at her again.
"She doesn't look very old to me." Ron said in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
*****
The hand in Snape's shook lightly with laughter. She didn't laugh out loud, though Snape thought she would have if he hadn't known any better. Her breeding wouldn't permit the show of such emotions.
"You find this funny, do you?" He asked softly leading her up the stairs.
She sighed and took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She nodded meekly, not able to trust her own voice. Snape smiled beside himself, but quickly put his mask of coldness back on before entering the Great Hall. A hush fell over the room as Snape led her to the empty chair next to Dumbledore. She sat down quietly without taking off her cloak and Snape retired to his own seat. Dumbledore smiled at her broadly as the sorting began. Everyone watched the sorting half-heartedly, including most of the faculty.
Everyone was staring at the person sitting next to the Headmaster.
"And lastly. Slater, Stephanie." McGonagall called. The young curly haired first year sat on the stool nervously.
"RAVENCLAW!" Shouted the hat ,barely touching the top of her head. She stood up and ran over to her table that was cheering loudly. McGonagall began to roll up the parchment as Dumbledore stood.
"Minerva!" He called. "There is one last student to be sorted." He gestured to the girl sitting beside him. The room was hushed again. All eyes were upon her as she stood up and walked over to the stool.
"Remove your hood if you would please." McGonagall said softly.
The girl lifted her hand to the dark green material, a ray of light glistened off of the ring on her finger. She started to pull it down, but stopped. "You have to takes it off." McGonagall said sternly.
Slowly she pulled the hood from her face. The girl who sat before the school was beautiful. She had long, midnight black hair that shined like fine silk. Her startling green eyes shone brightly against her milk white skin. Her lips were full and a delicate pink from the warmth of the Great Hall. The same pink that stained her high cheeks. She smoothed the skirt of her dark green robes nervously, though it looked like a normal gesture with her steady hands. She looked once around the hall. Her eyes met with Draco's and Harry's for an instance, then settled on the floor.
"Please say your name dear." McGonagall picked up the sorting hat. The girl looked at her in surprise and alarm. She looked to Snape and Dumbledore. Both of them nodded in encouragement.
"Maurelle." She said in a sing song voice. "Maurelle Slytherin."
There was a loud gasp from the Great Hall and a buzz of whispering started amongst the tables. Even the Slytherins and staff looked at her in disbelief. McGonagall held the hat above her head. At a foot from its place it began to speak.
"Slytherin, eh. There is no need for me to look in your mind. For the blood speaks for its kind." The hat paused. "Though not that alone is what sends you there. Even though you are his true and rightful heir. Many will take this claim, but you hold it by his blood and name." The hat paused once more and gave a little shudder. "SLYTHERIN!" It shouted.
Maurelle's face fell. She knew that is where she was going to be sent, but she always had that little glimmer of hope of being in a different house. The hall clapped albeit slowly in an unsure manner. Only a few Slytherin's were among the number. Maurelle looked to them and knew each by name; Draco Malfoy, Arthur Goyle, Victor Crabbe, Pansy Parkinson, Henry Nott, and Blaise Zabini. Maurelle got off of the stool, but instead of sitting with her house, she once again sat at the teachers table next to Dumbledore. Dumbledore smiled at her once more and then rose to address the Hall. Dumbledore raised his hands to quiet the chattering students and teachers. He waited to speak until all eyes were upon him.
"Another year at Hogwarts is about to begin, and I'm sure there are many questions." Here he paused and looked down at Maurelle. " And they will be answered in due time. First and for most the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all grades. Anyone who is found in the forest will meet a severe punishment. Since Voldemort has returned, all but two of the Hogsmeade trips have been canceled in order to ensure everyone's safety." Loud whispers started at the mention of Voldemort. Dumbledore looked over this for it was not the time to discuss Voldemort or the threat he posed. "Now, as for your classes. This," he said gesturing to Mrs. Figg, " is Professor Arabella Figg, your new Defense Against the Arts teacher. Arabella has assured me that she will be staying with Hogwarts more than a year." Professor Figg was met with a round of applause as she smiled at them all. "Now. Let the feast began!"
Suddenly all the tables were filled with delicious foods. Everyone started eating and talking happily amongst themselves. Everyone that is except Maurelle. She was staring at Harry Potter who seemed to be talking to his friend Ronald Weasley and the muggle born, Hermione Granger. Harry's form suddenly went rigid and he clasped a hand over his forehead. Hermione and Ron started fussing over him immediately. He waved them off as he let go of his head, then turned in his seat and locked eyes with Maurelle. Maurelle gripped the arms of her chair in pain, though her face showed no emotion.
"Headmaster?" Maurelle asked once Harry's gaze had returned to his friends. " Is that boy there a Potter?" Dumbledore looked up at the boy she was pointing to. He recognized Harry's messy black hair even in the midst of everyone else.
"Yes, that is young Harry Potter. He's not very young anymore I dare say." Dumbledore's smile started to fade. " You know Maurelle, about Harry?" She nodded her head weakly.
"Headmaster, if you wouldn't mind I would like to retire for the night." Maurelle stood from her chair. She looked down at Dumbledore, though she did not need his approval and they both knew it. It was merely a pleasantry.
"Of course. I'm sure Severus will take you to your chambers." Dumbledore then turned to begin a conversation with Professor McGonagall.
Severus stood as soon as he say Maurelle walking towards him. All eyes were on them as they left the Great Hall together. They walked quietly, neither of them seemed to be the one to break the silence. Just as they started to climb the staircase to the Slytherin tower the stairs started to move. Snape gripped the banister. His many years at Hogwarts had made him almost immune to their constant changing. Maurelle on the other hand had never been to Hogwarts and as soon as it lurched she fell into Severus. His arm slid around her waist to balance her. He held her until the stairs had reached the next floor and set themselves in place. Maurelle put her hands on his chest and gently pushed away. He let go over her somewhat reluctantly.
"Forgive me." Maurelle said softly brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I am not used to stairs moving on their own accord." Snape smiled at her wryly.
"There is nothing to forgive." He said taking her hand in his once more. "Now, I suggest we get off of these blasted stairs before they move again. There are other ways to get to your living quarters."
Maurelle and Severus finished walking up the stairs and then started down a dark corridor. The hall started to get so dark that Snape had to pull his wand from his pocket. He whispered the lumos spell, lighting the corridor. He looked around the hall in confusion. Snape let go of Maurelle's hand and ventured a few feet further down the hall. What met his eyes were a pair of red glowing ones. Snape jumped back in surprise and a tinge of fear. How did Voldemort enter Hogwarts? Snape continued to walk backwards to Maurelle as Voldemort followed him. Maurelle gripped Snape's arm in a bruising manner.
"He knows!" Maurelle shrieked and the vision of Voldemort vanished in a cloud of smoke.
A/N Okay this is my first fic(that I've posted) so I'll try to keep everyone's interest. If you want to review that's great, but I'm not going to sit here and beg for them. Next chapter will probably be up later today. (Hopefully)
A tall, slender figure clad in black robes and cloak stepped from the forest. He surveyed the castle for a moment before walking closer. His cloak billowing behind him , making him seem nothing more than a shadow upon the ground. He stopped on the hill, not but 20 yards from the estate itself. There was a silent pop and the tall figure was no longer alone. Now a short, rather stout man with watering eyes stood next to him.
"Wormtail." The tall man said so slowly.
"Y-yes my Lord?" The small man squeaked as he rubbed his pudgy hands together.
"Tell Lucius to come here." The man paused as though in thought. "I will require his...services, in retrieving the heir." He began to laugh. A high, cold laugh that caused the other man to cringe. "And what better place for a family, reunion then at home."
"H-here, m-my Lord?" The small man's voice shook with fear.
"Of course Wormtail." He hissed in a deadly whisper. "The Slytherin Estate is perfect for my plans." He waved his hand in dismissal and the short man named Wormtail vanished with another small pop.
*****
Harry Potter and his friend Ron Weasley were chatting quite cheerfully about what their next year of school would be like. Both of them were to be in their seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry. Neither of them knew what to expect of it.
"Do you think they'll bring old Moody back?" Ron asked as he shoved a few more of Fred and George's Cow Caramels into his trunk. Harry looked at him thoughtfully as he latched his trunk shut.
"I don't think so." He said finally. "With being locked up for what, seven months in that dungy old trunk of his." Harry could still remember Alastor Moody's unmoving form in the bottom of that small room. He shuddered at the thought.
"Nah, I suppose not." Ron said sitting on top of his trunk. "Perhaps Lupin will come back! He was a great Professor." Ron said cheerfully.
"That would loads better." Harry agreed as he grabbed Hedwig's cage. "Come on Hedwig! In you go." The snowy white owl clicked her beak in disapproval but walked inside the cage.
"Oi! Ron, Harry, you done packing yet? Mom says we leave in ten minutes." Fred said hanging on the door frame. Ron looked up at him.
"Yeah we're all packed. Mind given us a hand?" Ron asked as he started to pull his trunk towards the door. Fred looked down at his hands and rubbed his wrists.
"I don't Ron, I'm rather fond of both of them." Fred laughed as he dodged Ron's copy Quidditch Through the Ages. Harry noticed the tips of Ron's ears had turned the slightest color of pink.
"Alright, alright." Fred said holding his hands in the air.
Harry and Ron joined the rest of the Weasley's down in the living room. After a few minutes of utter chaos, thanks to George letting off one of their new inventions, they were off to platform 9 3/4. Once at the train station Mr. Weasley helped the boys and Ginny load their things on a cart. Mrs. Weasley said her good byes and kissed each of them on the cheek before they went through the barrier. The platform was bustling with students greeting each other happily. Fred and George made it a point to start on selling their new merchandise as soon as Mrs. Weasley was out of sight. Harry and Ron on the other hand began to look around the platform for Hermione.
"Harry! Ron!" Hermione yelled over the crowd, waving her hand in the air. The boys soon found their way through the students to Hermione. She greeted them both with a light hug.
"How was your summer?" Harry asked her with a smile. "Did you go and see Krum?" Hermione frowned as did Ron at the mention of Krum.
"No." She said slowly, her frown deepening. "I actually just stayed....home." Hermione said distractedly. She was craning her neck to see passed Harry's shoulder. Harry and Ron both turned around to see what she was staring at. They soon had the same frown Hermione was wearing.
"What is he doing here?" Ron snarled as Professor Snape walked through the cloud of students. A sneer curled his lips as he looked around him in disgust.
"He doesn't usually take the train to Hogwarts. I wonder why he is now?" Hermione whispered.
Ron, Harry, and Hermione quickly put their luggage on the train and watched Snape intently. Snape seemed more interested in avoiding all the students and did not notice them watching him. He didn't seem to notice anyone at all until he collided with Harry knocking him into Ron. Just as Harry began to fall backwards he caught a glimpse of someone standing behind Snape. The person however was covered in a dark green cloak.
"Watch where you're going Potter!" He growled. Harry looked up at him in shock. He hadn't done anything but stand there. "I should take..." Snape stopped speaking as the person behind Snape grabbed his arm gently. A pale, slender hand of a girl with a large silver and black onyx ring on her middle finger was all that could be seen. Snape didn't say anything more, but pushed past Harry and lead the girl onto the train.
"That was odd." Hermione commented as the trio sat down in one of the compartments. Ron scowled out the window.
"Yeah." Harry said quietly.
"The nerve!" He blurted, startling Harry and Hermione. "Harry was just standing there and that old bat acted as if Harry had thrown himself in front of him!" Hermione shook her head disapprovingly.
"Who was that girl?" Harry wondered aloud. Thinking back to when Snape had run into him. "Did you see how Snape didn't even finish what he was saying when she touched him?" Hermione looked at him curiously.
"I don't know. Maybe we could find out where she is. Perhaps she's the new teacher." Hermione beamed. Harry and Hermione both stood up and started to walk out of the compartment. Hermione sighed, turned around and pulled Ron out by his arm. "Come on Ron!" She said giggling. They began their way down the train in search of the mysterious girl.
Finally at the last car, and have searched every where else they stopped at a black door. None of them were too sure if they wanted to knock on the door. After all what if was Snape behind it instead. Harry and Ron stood there in a stupor. Neither one moved and Hermione resorted to pushing passed them.
"For goodness sakes, you two." She knocked on the door lightly. To their disdain Snape was in fact the person who opened the door. He glared down at them. Harry and Ron tried to look past him into the room, but it was impossible with the way Snape was standing. Hermione had seemed to have lost her voice and merely opened and closed her mouth a few times in surprise.
"Is there something I can help you with Ms. Granger? Or are you trying to imitate a dying fish?" He snarled. Hermione swallowed and looked down at the floor.
"N-no Sir." She said hoarsely.
"Then stop wasting my time." He sneered at Harry before slamming the door shut. Harry blinked a few times in surprise.
"Well, that went better than I thought it would." Ron said after a few moments of silence. "I bet she was in there." He said plopping on to the red seat.
"Of course she was." Hermione spoke softly. "We checked everywhere else."
"We still don't know who she is." Harry said shortly, taking off his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose before putting them back on.
The three sat in silence the rest of the way to Hogwarts. Each in their own thought about who the girl could possibly be, and why it was such a secret. Two hours later they had arrived at Hogsmeade. Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny shared one of the horseless carriages to the castle. That ride was also very quiet.
Once at Hogwarts though everyone broke into talk. A few of the other students had seen the mysterious person with Snape and that was all anyone was talking about. The students began to walk up the steps to the Great Hall, but stopped talking as the last carriage arrived. Everyone turned to watch as Snape stepped out and offered his hand to the person inside. Again the same slender hand appeared and slipped into Snape's. His gripped tightened slightly as she emerged from the carriage. Her face was still covered by the hood of her cloak and she held in place with her other hand. Snape turned to see the entire school staring at them. His expression changed from that of calm to anger instantly.
"Any student that does not find their way to the Great Hall immediately will have detention for a week!" He bellowed.
There was quick shuffling of feet as everyone tried to get to the Great Hall before Snape started to hand out detentions. Harry, along with Ron and Hermione were pushed by the flood of people into the hall and had no choice but to follow. Once inside they all sat down. Harry's eyes shot start to the head table. All the teachers were seated there except for Snape and where the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher should sit was a young woman with silver hair and steel blue eyes. She was as stern looking as McGonagall herself and seemed oddly familiar. Harry felt sudden panic as he realized the woman was Mrs. Figgs. A very young Mrs. Figgs, but Mrs. Figgs none-the-less. Harry continued to survey the table and noticed that there was an extra seat next to Dumbledore. The old wizard saw Harry and smiled. Harry returned the smile before looking away.
"Hey Ron!" Harry said quietly, tugging at his arm. Ron turned from Seamus. "You see that women up there? The one sitting in the DADA teacher's seat?" Harry's hands shook as he pushed his glasses back up his nose.
"Yeah." Ron answered slowly after noticing the new silver haired woman.
"That's Mrs. Figgs!" Ron looked at Harry in confusion. "The old lady the Dursley's would leave me with." Harry clarified seeing the looked on Ron's face. Ron looked at her again.
"She doesn't look very old to me." Ron said in disbelief. "Are you sure?"
*****
The hand in Snape's shook lightly with laughter. She didn't laugh out loud, though Snape thought she would have if he hadn't known any better. Her breeding wouldn't permit the show of such emotions.
"You find this funny, do you?" He asked softly leading her up the stairs.
She sighed and took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She nodded meekly, not able to trust her own voice. Snape smiled beside himself, but quickly put his mask of coldness back on before entering the Great Hall. A hush fell over the room as Snape led her to the empty chair next to Dumbledore. She sat down quietly without taking off her cloak and Snape retired to his own seat. Dumbledore smiled at her broadly as the sorting began. Everyone watched the sorting half-heartedly, including most of the faculty.
Everyone was staring at the person sitting next to the Headmaster.
"And lastly. Slater, Stephanie." McGonagall called. The young curly haired first year sat on the stool nervously.
"RAVENCLAW!" Shouted the hat ,barely touching the top of her head. She stood up and ran over to her table that was cheering loudly. McGonagall began to roll up the parchment as Dumbledore stood.
"Minerva!" He called. "There is one last student to be sorted." He gestured to the girl sitting beside him. The room was hushed again. All eyes were upon her as she stood up and walked over to the stool.
"Remove your hood if you would please." McGonagall said softly.
The girl lifted her hand to the dark green material, a ray of light glistened off of the ring on her finger. She started to pull it down, but stopped. "You have to takes it off." McGonagall said sternly.
Slowly she pulled the hood from her face. The girl who sat before the school was beautiful. She had long, midnight black hair that shined like fine silk. Her startling green eyes shone brightly against her milk white skin. Her lips were full and a delicate pink from the warmth of the Great Hall. The same pink that stained her high cheeks. She smoothed the skirt of her dark green robes nervously, though it looked like a normal gesture with her steady hands. She looked once around the hall. Her eyes met with Draco's and Harry's for an instance, then settled on the floor.
"Please say your name dear." McGonagall picked up the sorting hat. The girl looked at her in surprise and alarm. She looked to Snape and Dumbledore. Both of them nodded in encouragement.
"Maurelle." She said in a sing song voice. "Maurelle Slytherin."
There was a loud gasp from the Great Hall and a buzz of whispering started amongst the tables. Even the Slytherins and staff looked at her in disbelief. McGonagall held the hat above her head. At a foot from its place it began to speak.
"Slytherin, eh. There is no need for me to look in your mind. For the blood speaks for its kind." The hat paused. "Though not that alone is what sends you there. Even though you are his true and rightful heir. Many will take this claim, but you hold it by his blood and name." The hat paused once more and gave a little shudder. "SLYTHERIN!" It shouted.
Maurelle's face fell. She knew that is where she was going to be sent, but she always had that little glimmer of hope of being in a different house. The hall clapped albeit slowly in an unsure manner. Only a few Slytherin's were among the number. Maurelle looked to them and knew each by name; Draco Malfoy, Arthur Goyle, Victor Crabbe, Pansy Parkinson, Henry Nott, and Blaise Zabini. Maurelle got off of the stool, but instead of sitting with her house, she once again sat at the teachers table next to Dumbledore. Dumbledore smiled at her once more and then rose to address the Hall. Dumbledore raised his hands to quiet the chattering students and teachers. He waited to speak until all eyes were upon him.
"Another year at Hogwarts is about to begin, and I'm sure there are many questions." Here he paused and looked down at Maurelle. " And they will be answered in due time. First and for most the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all grades. Anyone who is found in the forest will meet a severe punishment. Since Voldemort has returned, all but two of the Hogsmeade trips have been canceled in order to ensure everyone's safety." Loud whispers started at the mention of Voldemort. Dumbledore looked over this for it was not the time to discuss Voldemort or the threat he posed. "Now, as for your classes. This," he said gesturing to Mrs. Figg, " is Professor Arabella Figg, your new Defense Against the Arts teacher. Arabella has assured me that she will be staying with Hogwarts more than a year." Professor Figg was met with a round of applause as she smiled at them all. "Now. Let the feast began!"
Suddenly all the tables were filled with delicious foods. Everyone started eating and talking happily amongst themselves. Everyone that is except Maurelle. She was staring at Harry Potter who seemed to be talking to his friend Ronald Weasley and the muggle born, Hermione Granger. Harry's form suddenly went rigid and he clasped a hand over his forehead. Hermione and Ron started fussing over him immediately. He waved them off as he let go of his head, then turned in his seat and locked eyes with Maurelle. Maurelle gripped the arms of her chair in pain, though her face showed no emotion.
"Headmaster?" Maurelle asked once Harry's gaze had returned to his friends. " Is that boy there a Potter?" Dumbledore looked up at the boy she was pointing to. He recognized Harry's messy black hair even in the midst of everyone else.
"Yes, that is young Harry Potter. He's not very young anymore I dare say." Dumbledore's smile started to fade. " You know Maurelle, about Harry?" She nodded her head weakly.
"Headmaster, if you wouldn't mind I would like to retire for the night." Maurelle stood from her chair. She looked down at Dumbledore, though she did not need his approval and they both knew it. It was merely a pleasantry.
"Of course. I'm sure Severus will take you to your chambers." Dumbledore then turned to begin a conversation with Professor McGonagall.
Severus stood as soon as he say Maurelle walking towards him. All eyes were on them as they left the Great Hall together. They walked quietly, neither of them seemed to be the one to break the silence. Just as they started to climb the staircase to the Slytherin tower the stairs started to move. Snape gripped the banister. His many years at Hogwarts had made him almost immune to their constant changing. Maurelle on the other hand had never been to Hogwarts and as soon as it lurched she fell into Severus. His arm slid around her waist to balance her. He held her until the stairs had reached the next floor and set themselves in place. Maurelle put her hands on his chest and gently pushed away. He let go over her somewhat reluctantly.
"Forgive me." Maurelle said softly brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I am not used to stairs moving on their own accord." Snape smiled at her wryly.
"There is nothing to forgive." He said taking her hand in his once more. "Now, I suggest we get off of these blasted stairs before they move again. There are other ways to get to your living quarters."
Maurelle and Severus finished walking up the stairs and then started down a dark corridor. The hall started to get so dark that Snape had to pull his wand from his pocket. He whispered the lumos spell, lighting the corridor. He looked around the hall in confusion. Snape let go of Maurelle's hand and ventured a few feet further down the hall. What met his eyes were a pair of red glowing ones. Snape jumped back in surprise and a tinge of fear. How did Voldemort enter Hogwarts? Snape continued to walk backwards to Maurelle as Voldemort followed him. Maurelle gripped Snape's arm in a bruising manner.
"He knows!" Maurelle shrieked and the vision of Voldemort vanished in a cloud of smoke.
A/N Okay this is my first fic(that I've posted) so I'll try to keep everyone's interest. If you want to review that's great, but I'm not going to sit here and beg for them. Next chapter will probably be up later today. (Hopefully)