Chapter 13

Most of the professors of Hogwarts were gathered in the downstairs level of The Leaky Cauldron and watched in curiosity at Enola as she hopped down each step after Albus. Remus was also there. He wanted to make sure that Enola arrive to Hogwarts safely. Thinking of her on a broom for so long didn't sit ride with him and he wanted to escort her there at least.

Minerva McGonagall looked sternly at Albus in her usual manner. What was he thinking taking in this child? She shook her head. She supposed that answer was not too hard to imagine but to fight for the allowance for her to use of a wand? Allowing such a thing had never been done in the history of magic! She huffed as Albus did not return her gaze. He never spoke his reasons and sometimes it was enough to make her head ache. She could remember the conversation her and Albus had on Privet Drive, 9 years ago, on that day. She could never forget that day. But, it also was a constant reminder that Albus had his reasons for everything; he just never shared them. Then, she made eye contact with Enola, who smiled shyly from behind her dangerously tilting glasses. And, that was enough for Minerva; she couldn't help but know she'd adore this girl after the initial shock of having a child running around the halls of Hogwarts.

"Enola, these are some of the professors that teach at Hogwarts. This is Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, and- why, Minerva, where is Hagrid?"

"Late, I believe," she sighed, "Will she be riding a broom, Albus? Aside-Apparition wouldn't be good for a girl of her age."

Enola couldn't help but stare at Minerva in some astonishment and confusion.

"A broom? Seriously? I mean, those fairy tales I was cruelly forced to read," Enola stopped to give a playful glare at Remus, "had witches riding brooms. But I didn't think that was actually a true part."

Remus chuckled, "Don't you give me that look, Enola. But, yes, we do use brooms as means of transport."

Enola grinned at his chuckled (she was starting to like making people laugh, it was a good sound) but, she felt slightly nervous. What if she was rubbish at it? She would rather not fall, even if she probably wouldn't be allowed to touch the ground if she did. This would be her first personal interaction with a magical item; she didn't want to be scarred for life by an incident. And worse! She really didn't want anything to happen to Alem or Alida on the trip.

"No," said Albus, his eyes twinkling at seeing Enola's playfulness growing, "I don't think Enola is quite ready to fly all the way to Hogwarts from here. You will be taught to fly, though Enola, but, I think we'd all prefer that it'd be on... safer terms. I'm sure Madame Pomfrey would not be so pleased if we let you fly."

Enola let out a sigh of relief, but she still felt uncomfortable. Minerva was nice, a bit stern and uptight in Enola's view but nice all the same. She could get used to having her around. At least she smiled. Severus Snape, however, hadn't said a word to her, or anybody at all since she had arrived downstairs. Most of the time he spent glaring at Remus but occasionally, he'd turn his eyes to Enola.

Severus Snape never really liked children. They were rude, obnoxious, and bothersome. Sometimes, he wondered why he accepted the offer of becoming a professor before remembering. However, some, very few, students did piqué his interest. Enola had made that cut as she made eye contact him. She had intelligence, Severus could clearly see that in her dark blue eyes. There was something about her that reminded him of someone else, someone he couldn't put a name to but clearly saw her face in his mind. It was a long time ago, so long that Severus wondered if he was just being delusional in his thought. There was something else, too. Something about Enola that very, very curious. Something that caused Severus' eyes to narrow slightly before looking away.

Severus didn't say a word about it though. It was too soon to tell.

There was a sudden crashing of the door slamming open and everyone turned to look at the giant man who entered the room.

Normally, Enola would have been frightened by such a big figure but she saw recognition in the professors' faces and decided that this large giant must be the one called Hagrid that hadn't gotten here. It was then, that she also decided that it was time to stop being what she was before. She wasn't alone, and she was about to go to her new home soon. She needed to take chances; she needed to start her new life. Taking a few steps, she held out (and up) her small hand to the towering giant.

"Hello."

Rubeus Hagrid looked down at the voice.

"Oh, 'ello dere. Yer must be Enola. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts."

With that, he took her little hand in his and they shook.

The scene warmed everyone's' hearts, well, except Severus, who merely looked annoyed and wondered why they were wasting time like this.

"Ah, Hagrid!" said Albus, "Good to see you made it! Lemon drop?"