A fifteen year old Michelle Lass carefully ran a comb through her shoulder length auburn hair, using her reflection in her vanity as a guide. Her eyes lacked the luster it once had, although were still the amazing shade of brown they were since she was born.
She was shaking. Not with fear but with anger. Why could her aunt and uncle not understand how dearly she wanted to go to school? She could take care of herself. She knew strong defensive spells that required no incantation. She could fight best without a wand but her guardians were strongly against such violence. Yet, they still treated her like she was a child. She hated being treated as if she was a child, and she would not stand for it any longer. Seven years. She has been the way she is now for seven years. By far she is used to not being able to speak, used to not remembering the sound of her own voice.
"Michelle!" her uncle's raspy voice called from down the hallway. He sounded angry. The teenage girl rolled her eyes, recognizing the tone in his voice.
He wanted to scold her, or lecture her….or something of that sort; something that would definitely be a total waste of her precious time. Slamming her comb on her vanity, she stomped out into the hall and into her uncle's enormous study. He was, as always, sitting at his desk and looking sternly at her.
In an annoyed manner, she moved her hands in front of her slightly along with a questioning look on her face. "What?"
His eyes narrowed further. But instead of going on to berate her, he simply ignored her behavior.
Clearing his throat, he began, "Well….we had discussed you and your attendance at the school. Sharon and I, at the time had believed that you are not yet ready to do so. You are safe here in our home, where you get the best teaching imaginable. Your behavior these last few weeks has been anything but appreciative."
He paused. Michelle had her arms folded across her chest, and tapping a foot. She knew it would be a total waste of her time. He was just going to tell her she still could not attend Hogwarts. So…what was the point of him wanting to speak to her? She did know that her attitude has been less than, well, lady-like but she didn't care. She was exhausted of this home-schooled life. She wanted to make real friends, not the ones that her aunt and uncle bring over. The false smiles from that girl down the street annoyed her. He began speaking again, and the silence of the room made it impossible to ignore him.
"However….." She stood up straight then, "Upon further discussion, we have decided that we were wrong. In two short years you will be of age. You'll need to see how life is like there. Though we believe that you understand how cruel life can really be and how to take care of your self exceptionally, our teachings in that field are rather limited because of our upbringing; a rather sheltered life that we do not wish of you."
"Go on." She signed.
"Tomorrow morning, we will be taking you to Diagon Alley for your school books and robes. You'll be attending Hogwarts starting in September. But, you must be on your best behavior starting now. If you want to be treated as an adult, you must act like one."
Although those words were heard, an odd noise coming from his niece directed his attention. She bounded across the room and threw her arms around his neck. She was out the door as fast as she had come in, in a better mood than she was previously.
Michelle was too excited to leave in the morning. Her body was jittery from excitement. Usually traveling by the floo network disturbed her; she hated the way it made her stomach feel, and the fact that she got dirty in the process wasn't great either. However, it was the fastest way to get there and she wanted no time to be wasted. They had all been to the Alley before to get new supplies, or for lunch once in a blue moon. It was the worst for her right before September. Michelle often believed her aunt and uncle did this on purpose, as the were not very nice people. Often she was hated coming here; but this time she saw it in a different light. Instead of feeling jealous of all the students that were going to Hogwarts this year, she was one of them as well.
Her aunt Sharon called Michelle to her attention. "Come now, we don't have all day, do we? Rolf needs to work tonight, and we don't want him to be late just because you want to dilly-dally."
Michelle was going to retort with a rude hand gesture as she usually does, but remembered her Uncle Rolf's stern words and thought better of it. She followed her aunt from behind and into Madame Malkin's to get herself fitted for school robes….
Michelle never used to be such an angry person. In fact, after what had happened to her and her parents, she found some light in those dark times. She had an aunt and uncle who used to treat her as their own daughter; cousins who would come over every day, playing imaginary games or having a chess 'tournament.' Nut as the years passed, she saw the behavior of her guardians change. They were dark and secretive and Michelle often wondered why. But, after a while, she decided to accept the fact that her relatives were long gone and would never return to the way they were once before.
But from time to time, she has dreams about what is going on. She dreams that her aunt and uncle are apart of something dark and sinister, of a man with a scary face and voice she always forgets when she wakes up. She chooses to forget….
The woman inside the shop smiled kindly at her and asked her what house she was in. When Michelle shook her head, the young girl seemed put off that she did not simply tell her, and asked her "Mother" instead.
Sharon rolled her eyes and responded, "She can't talk, I believed that to be quite obvious when she didn't answer you." And walked off to another secluded area to a clothing rack.
"I thought she may be in Slytherin, her attitude shows as much." The woman mumbled, and a soft giggle came from 'the rude teenage girl'. The woman simply smiled in return.
"This is your first year, isn't it?" the woman asked. "You are going to love it there; especially the headmaster. He is the best one, in my opinion. And the houses. There is Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Slytherin is a bit dodgy and there is always fights between them and Gryffindor, but don't let that discourage you if you are placed in that house. Good people come out of there, too. I'd like to think I am a good person."
Michelle just nodded. She knew of the houses, but was curious about the drama that ensues between them. It only excited her more.
After a while, when the woman was finished fitting Michelle to her size, they walked to the counter where they were to pay for her robes. That's when Michelle bumped into a tall boy at the door. Scowling, the teenage girl looked up and brown angry eyes met the same blue-gray ones. While her aunt argued with the woman, they both stared each other down.
The boy had long wavy black hair, smooth looking skin and a cocky expression that replaced the ugly angry one. He was accompanied by three other boys; a brown eyed, brown messy haired boy who wore glasses, and wore a cocky expression of his own; a kind, bookish looking,, sandy haired boy who had scars on his face and his arms; and finally a blonde haired boy who resembled a rat, in Michelle's opinion.
"Sirius, don't start any trouble here. People will stare." The kind looking male stated.
"Ah, Remus, don't fret. It's just a girl, no harm done," the boy named Sirius answered, "A very pretty girl at that, eh Prongs?"
"You're right about that Padfoot." Michelle thought that a very odd nickname, but his real name was of no concern to her.
"So, what's your name? Mine is Sirius Black, but you should know that already."
Michelle rolled her eyes, and cocked her head in the direction of Remus, her body language stating, "What's up with this guy?"
"I think she just wants to be left alone, Sirius. Just…." Remus began, but to no avail as his friend continued.
"What is wrong? As the muggles say, cat got your tongue?" he laughed, but stopped when she pointed to her throat and nodded, angry.
"Michelle, come. We are finished here." Sharon demanded of her.
Pushing passed the two boys in front, she regarded Remus with a nod and a smile, and simple ignored the other boy. He was probably just like the other two anyway.
They passed by a pet store, and Michelle longingly looked through the window. She saw animals in cages and pens. The rats held not interest for her, nor the frogs. She wanted an owl. Her aunt who was far ahead of her turned around, to see her niece and the expression on her face.
"Come on, then." She stated, pulling her by her sleeve into the shop.
Once inside, a fowl smell met their noses, of owl droppings and food. It was noisy as well as all the animals were hooting or mewing, or scratching around in their cages. A tall man dressed in casual robes greeted them and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with?" He was awfully handsome, in her opinion.
"We want an owl, one for my niece, please. Could you hurry, we have better things to do….."
Michele wanted to disappear then; she felt so embarrassed. They were acting like a pure-blood family. But, the man again smiled (at Michelle, at least) and asked her which owl she would like to have. She motioned towards the majestic dark gray one, politely.
With a wave towards the man, they left the store, Michelle admiring her new pet.
Next, they went into this large book store. The books, she saw, were thick and heavy; it made her groan. She was going to have to carry those. But, she shouldn't complain, she thought to herself, she was finally going. Here, however, no confrontation took place. Sharon was in a rush to get home, and in a relieved voice she said she was glad that they had ink and parchment at home.
"Sharon calls that place a home. That is not a home. A home is a place where a family treats each other well. Has supper at the same dinner table. Telling one another that 'I love you', and 'I love you, too' words I have not heard in the longest time……' Michelle thought this, and wanted to get 'home' as soon as possible. She hated spending so much time with her. At least Rolf was civil and polite.
But, she didn't have to worry about that. In a month's time, she'd finally go to school. Would finally be attending Hogwarts."
Platform 9 and ¾ was noisy with all the hustle and bustle of the oncoming Hogwarts Express train. Excited first years cheered as the train pulled to a complete stop, bidding their parents a quick good-bye before hopping onto the train. Older students, however, showed them more respect by staying by their side, promising them that they'd keep in touch over the holidays and finally a big hug and loving kisses on the cheek. Michelle mused at these scenes, and was sickened by them. She didn't understand how they could treat their parents in such a manner. What would they do if something were to happen to them while they were at school, and all they said, the last time they saw them, was just a brief farewell? She knew that if her parents were still alive, they'd be wishing her a good fifth year at Hogwarts, good luck on the O.W.L.s, to behave herself. If she could speak, that is.
But this was not her fifth year. And Rolf and Sharon were not her parents. She refused to see them as such.
So without further ado, she hopped onto the train with her trunks in tote, declining the kind offers of help with a smile and the shake of her head. Michelle made it to the back of the train with no trouble, patiently awaiting those who were ahead of her to complete their own task. Although, she sighed heavily as she saw Sirius, in the flesh walk out of the compartment. At the sight of her, he flashed her a cocky smile and began to speak to her in the same tone he did in Diagon Alley.
"Good afternoon, Michelle. How are we today?"
She rolled her eyes and pushed her way passed him. But, to no avail. He blocked her path by extending his arm across the door frame, still sporting that look of pure smugness on his face. Gently putting her trunk down on the floor, she pulled her fist back readying herself to strike him, when a soft voice spoke from out of the shadows.
"You know Black; you are not being to gentleman like to her. Let her pass, or I will be forced to write you a referral for harassing the other students," it began, "and, although I would love to see you sock him, you need to refrain from doing so."
"Snivellus, sod off. This is none of your business." Sirius stated rather angrily.
Michelle turned to see who her 'savior' was, and met the eyes of a miserable looking teenager. He had a hooked nose, long greasy black hair, and eyes that may very well match his personality. They were a deep onyx and had a very wise gleam in them, although very sad in their depths.
The greasy-haired boy sneered in response. "Oh, it most certainly is my business Black, or have you forgotten that you are speaking to a prefect? Surely you don't want to lose any house points, or better yet earn yourself a detention before you get to the school for giving her a hard time? I'll bet your friends wouldn't be too pleased if you lose them the house cup yet again this year."
Michelle appreciated this stranger's help, but why in such a snarky manner? He didn't seem the type, by the way he looks, to flaunt around his prefect badge that was pinned to the front of his robes. Of course, she was not to judge. She didn't even know this mysterious person in the first place.
Sirius only smirked. "I was just lending Michelle a helping hand. But, if you insist….I'll just leave now." He moved passed both of them and was gone.
Michelle stared off into the direction he had left, feeling incredibly annoyed. She had not noticed that Snape had gathered her belongings before he felt him brush by her gently. She motioned to grab them, but he stopped her, and spoke:
"No, err…Michelle was it? I've got it taken care of. This step is dreadfully steep, unless you want to do this yourself? Are you sure you can handle it" He asked in a monotone voice, pushing the handle of her luggage in her direction, motioning for her to take hold of it.
Quickly, she snatched it away, pulled herself up and had the bag atop of the steep step in a matter of moments. Snape had a rather unimpressed expression on his face at her accomplishment. Brushing her clothes down neatly, she offered her hand for him to shake; one that he took reluctantly.
"Snape; Severus Snape," Severus Snape began, his onyx eyes narrowed. "And you are?"
As usual, she pointed to her throat and shook her head in a slow but fluent movement. A look of understanding, at least that's what Michelle perceived it to be, broke out across his face.
Clearing his throat, he turned away from her and made his way back into the sunlit hallway.
"Well then, Michelle; come. Let us find you acquainted. Maybe you can actually make yourself a friend in one of these compartments."
Michelle followed Severus Snape down the narrow hallway, passing compartments full of loud and happy teenagers and youngsters. In one of them, she noted sat Sirius, James and Remus, (whom she gave a curt nod to, receiving a shy smile in return.) Finally, the boy stopped short, nearly crashing into him. He turned once again to look at her, subsequently opening the compartment door and stepping inside.
"Michelle, hold on a moment, if you would, please."
She waited, all of a few minutes, and was finally allowed inside their tiny compartment. There, she met the face of a girl with startling almond shaped eyes and fiery red hair.
'She is simply beautiful…' thought Michelle.
"Lily, this is Michelle. Michelle…well, I guess you know who she is now, so allow me to spare you the acquaintance." He said shortly.
Lily smiled kindly. "Oh Severus, be kind to Michelle," She turned to her, "So, is this your first year at Hogwarts? Are you a transfer student?"
Michelle nodded, answering the girl's question.
'Yes, of course I am….' She thought dully.
Michelle wondered if Snape had told Lily of her…minor predicament. She was acting oddly….nice…for someone whom she had only just met.
But it may very well have been her imagination.
Michelle sat there inside the train's compartment, listening to the other two's conversations. Lily excitedly described her trip to Venice, Italy with her parents and older sister Petunia. Laughing, she told Severus how she pushed her sister into one of the fountains after she made a nasty comment about the 'freaks' that could possibly be here, too. Soon after, Severus joined in with a raspy laugh of his own.
"What about you Severus? What did you do this summer?" Lily asked kindly.
Severus scoffed. "What do you think, Lily?"
She nodded her head in understanding. All three sat in silence for a few minutes, each apparently lost in their own thoughts. Severus didn't want to talk about his family in front of a complete stranger, even though he knew that she would not say anything. He just didn't want pity from another person. Lily wanted to be there for her friend but just couldn't put herself in his place as she did not have abusive parents. Michelle...well, Michelle was minding her own business. Her mind wandered to what her first day at the school was going to be like; the fact that she already had an enemy and the shy boy named Remus who was a mystery to her. She knew he was hiding a secret, it showed in his eyes. Michelle was very curious as to what it was when the train abruptly stopped and moved forward again moments later. It snapped each out of their reverie.
Again, Lily began to speak. "How is your mother, Severus?"
"She's doing a little better. She had to go to the hospital again, but it was just the flu, nothing too serious. Of course, father couldn't be bothered to stay with her while she was there so once again I was left all alone with the responsibility of taking care of my mother. Not that that was an inconvenience to me, but you gets the idea."
Lily nodded and smiled, changing the subject completely. She was trying to lessen the stressed atmosphere that had appeared.
"Michelle, are you hungry? I hear the trolley coming." Lily asked, inclining her head to the door.
Michelle nodded and returned the kind smile that was sent her way. "And you, Severus?"
The teenager just shook his head and directed his attention to the world outside. Sure enough the trolley lady knocked on the door, and asked "Anything off the trolley dears?"
As they stood up, money in hand, each chose from the rack which more lunch like things were kept. When the woman left, Michelle stared curiously at the soft drink. She had never been allowed to have many sweets living with her guardians and soda-like drinks were simply out of the question. But, since they were not here to slap her on the wrist, and the fact that Michelle was going to do what she wished regardless if it were against their wishes, she took a sip and savored the sweet taste.
Severus laughed, "Michelle, you've never had Butterbeer before? Isn't it too sweet? Personally I do not like it, but Lily….now you should see her when we go to Hogsmade."
Lily narrowed her eyes at her friend, and punched him playfully on his arms. "Severus, it hasn't even been a day knowing Michelle and you are already telling her lies about me? Don't listen to him, he's just a Slytherin after all; them and their 'intelligence'.
"Yeah, and she's just a Gryffindor. You can't trust them either. They think they know everything."
Michelle rolled her eyes and tuned them out; she believed them to be acting childish as they threw playful insults back and fourth between each other. However, it all ended as a knock at the compartment door directed their attention. A tall man wearing Slytherin robes came in. He had messy light brown hair and piercing blue eyes. He scowled at Lily, who returned the look.
"Severus, we need to talk to you. You are coming with me." The man, who had a surprisingly soft voice demanded.
"Fine, Amycus. Wait. I have more important matters to finish up here and then I'll come." Severus began, his voice changed from playful to icy and spiteful.
The man named Amycus laughed, "Associating yourself with mudbloods? Severus, you can certainly do better…."
Lily stood up, furious. "Oh, being friends with a stuck-up chauvinist like you is much better than someone who is a true friend like me? And I thought you were intelligent Carrow." She laughed, "I guess the hat sorts too soon. You'd be better off in Hufflepuff."
He ignored her; in his opinion, she was just a stupid mudblood as he said before. She doesn't matter anyway.
Severus sighed. "Lily, Michelle; I'm sorry, but I need to go with Carrow. He won't leave unless I do…..I'll see you both later."
And he was gone. As soon as Lily was sure they were far enough off, she began shouting and using vulgar words to describe her hatred for nearly everyone that was in the Slytherin house.
"…then there's Bellatrix Black! She tried to curse me in my first year here…then just last year, she called me a Gryffindor Whore when she's not exactly pure as the driven snow herself, let me tell you….Severus is 'friends' with all these people! Can he not see how they are a bad influence on him? Can't he see that the possibility of him becoming a Death Eater is significantly higher now that he is spending time with them? I know that he wants to be accepted by people, but am I not enough?" Lily continued to ramble, and Michelle listened intently; partly because she was trying to be polite. Mostly because Lily was practically yelling this for the whole train to hear.
"I mean, he is my best friend and I love him very much! We have been friends since we were nine; that's six years! He makes me feel as if he cannot trust me, and that really hurts my feelings. More so than when he uses the word mudblood," She paused. "He hasn't exactly had the happiest childhood…his mother is very sick and he is not sure how much time she has left, and his father…his father is abusive to both Severus and Eileen. That's why Severus has that scar on his chin, its from his father. I don't even want to imagine what that is like, living in an unhappy environment, being abused by people who are supposed to love you. Do you know where I am coming from? Would you be able to imagine your mother and father treating you the way Severus' parents treat him?"
It stayed silent for a few moments as Michelle pulled out of her pocket book a tiny notepad. Slowly, she scrawled out in her neat handwriting how she couldn't possibly imagine such a thing for her parents were dead. After handing off the note to Lily, whose face fell and reddened from embarrassment, she began speaking again,
"How did they die, Michelle?"
'Murdered by Death Eaters, if you really must know.' Michelle scrawled down, anger coursing through her.
"Why does she keep complaining about Severus Snape? Its not like she owns him or anything. Does she love him or something? And why is she telling me all this and not to the person it is about herself? Its not like I am able to say anything, do anything to help this unfortunate situation….' She handed off the note to Lily, 'Rather unfortunate what is happening to him, but people are abused everyday, not just him. Severus doesn't want her pity, doesn't she know this?"
Michelle was quite annoyed with the girl whom she was trapped with and was relieved when the train pulled to a complete stop. Once it did, Michelle rushed out as fast as she could, wanting to get away from the red-haired girl.
They traveled by carriage down a bumpy path, and as the Castle came into view, Michelle's eyes widened and her breath hitched. It was a beautiful golden building, surrounded by trees and the property had an enormous black lake which contained a squid. She admired the scene around her, until she and needed to get off. Bidding the strange horses that were pulling goodbye by patting them on the head, she walked down the cobblestone path, following everyone else.
A few minutes later, she had her luggage and was met by a very old and strict looking woman, who introduced herself.
"My name is Professor McGonnagal; Welcome to Hogwarts School, Michelle Lass. Follow me, please."
Michelle did as she was told, practically shaking from excitement and nervousness.
Michelle had to practically run to keep up with the older woman. The woman was sliding quickly and silently and the younger girl was out of breath by the time they got to the doors of the great hall.
When they reached them, Professor McGonagall turned and sent Michelle a swift smile. Then, as soon as she opened the doors to the Great Hall, the teenager's wide brown eyes widened further. The Great Hall was decorated with the Houses school colors, candles hung from the walls and the ceiling looked like the one that was outside. She pondered for a moment whether or not this room had a ceiling, but quickly was corrected.
"The ceiling is enchanted, dear. Don't worry your head over getting wet if it were to rain." McGonagall reassured her with a slight chuckle.
Michelle only grinned sheepishly, and continued to follow the old woman down the hall to where the first years waited. The looks on their faces amused Michelle Lass as they all looked terrified at such a small thing, whatever it was. She wanted to know why she was sent to the First Years line and was angered at the possibility she was thought an eleven-year-old girl. What was their problem? Were they not expecting her?
"Children! You will soon be sorted! Please settle down and await your name to be called!" an older man, much older that McGonagall called.
Michelle's heart skipped a beat. 'I thought I get to choose! What is with the hat up there? Huh? And that stool? What are these people getting at?" She thought frantically. She finally realized exactly why the first years were so flustered. They may very well be sorted into a house they do not wish to be in. A small black-haired girl walked up slowly, shaking and sat upon the stool. As she took her seat, the large hat was placed upon her head and fell passed her eyes, giving her a very comical look. The hat, once on her head, began speaking.
"Hrm…well, yes. I wonder where we should place you….How about, RAVENCLAW!!" it called. It made Michelle very curious to see a talking hat, but not surprised as this was a school of magic and not the muggle world she was used to.
The child skipped down off the stairs and joined the other students at the Ravenclaw table. Name after name was called and Michelle was still standing there amongst a few more students. Her anticipation only continued to rise. When they finally did call her name, she jumped out of her skin, but walked up the stairs to the stool calm and collected. Slowly and politely, she smoothed out her robes and sat down, waiting for the hat. But, it didn't come, not just yet. Instead the man who had spoken earlier stood up, and Michelle had a feeling she knew what was coming.
"This young lady, students, is Michelle Lass. She will be attending our school from her fifth year hear on out. I hope that you all will make her feel welcome." He turned to the girl, who was now blushing a deep crimson. "I know of your unfortunate disability, Miss Lass," he whispered" , "But I can see, just by looking at you, that you are an extraordinary witch and you will do wonderfully here. My name is Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and I welcome you to our school. Make your self at home."
With that, he plopped the hat atop her head. Then, the words echoed from the object, deep and wise sounding.
"Ah, a Lass. This school has had the pleasure of accepting your father. You'd do well in his house as well, as others did before him. SLYTHERIN!"
Michelle felt her stomach drop at the information about her father. 'He was a Slytherin? Aren't most Slytherin students bad? What does that mean, then?'Michelle thought as she walked to join the table next to Severus, whom for some reason she felt at ease with. It may very well have been because she had the pleasure of spending a few hours with him. However, he seemed like he was in a horrible mood, different from the one he had previously. It must have been something to do with Amycus Carrow, who was sitting next to someone who looked a bit like him, only it was a girl.
"Hello again, Michelle. I trust you enjoy the hats decision to put you in Slytherin? I am positive your father will be pleased to know his daughter was accepted into the house he was once in. Will you be writing to him tonight?" Severus asked her dully; Michelle remained calm, no matter how strong the urge to get up and run or hit him was. He did not know of her past, and after the reaction she got from Evans, she was wary on telling more people of her past. However, she turned to him, smiling and shook her head 'no'.
"That's understandable. Personally I do not like my father; but my mother was a bit upset to hear that I was accepted into a house that is full of dark wizards and not Ravenclaw, the house that she was in. She dropped out though; she left right before her sixth year was over. She's been sick nearly all her life. It nearly killed her to have me; I am very grateful that she did when she could have very well had me aborted. She chose my life over hers, and with her being ill all the time the least I can do is take care of her when she needs me." Severus openly told her, staring into her eyes with an unknowable expression on his face. His black eyes were glazed over and once again Michelle got lost inside them.
"He seems so sad" Michelle thought. "Why is he telling me all this?" She raised an eyebrow.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and began a speech. "Hello, everyone! Top those of you who are new to the school, welcome! To older students, welcome back! I would like to begin by telling everyone that the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. Any student seen loitering around or inside the forest unless instructed will suffer extreme punishment. Your safety is my high interest. Fifth years, you will need to study for the upcoming O. and Seventh years, the same; your N.E. are coming…." Dumbledore went on to explain the basic rules and welcomed a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, '….welcome, Professor. Well then, that is enough for now. Tuck in!"
Food magically appeared on the table, and although Michelle ate to her hearts content on the train she found herself hungry once more.
After supper, the prefects went off to bring the students to their dormitories; Michelle was definitely going to welcome her bed. She was exhausted. The Slytherin students she followed walked lower and lower into the depths of the castle. It became cold very fast and Michelle shivered. A momentary break, a whisper of the password which was "Mudblood," (Michelle became angered by that) and they were finally inside the common room.
It was dark and musty. Apparently they were underwater. The fireplace already had warmth blazing from it, students were sitting silently in front on the sofa; others in the far back sitting in the high-backed chairs or standing around just sulking. She didn't care right now, though. She was looking forward to blissful sleep. Climbing the stairs to the woman's bedroom, she found it easily and opened the door. Other s like herself were already sound asleep as she removed her clothing into pajamas and finally collapsed into a bed of her own.
Sleep overcame her quickly.