I unfortunately do not own the world of Harry Potter.

I would just like to say a quick thanks to The Queen of Confusion, sillyvampiregirl, Clydelives, kwisy, Expecting Rain, CyberDog101, Celeste Belle, and jadekate.

This is my first fan-fic. Hope you like it!

Chapter 7:

Dumbledore's Request

It was the second week in November, and it was getting quite chilly out, especially in the dungeons. Ariella walked to breakfast that morning feeling a bit tired after a strenuous night of homework...and other stupid tasks. She walked quickly to her the Slytherin table, got Draco's usual foods on a plate, set it in front of him, and began to dish out some food for herself. About half-way through breakfast, the screeches of owls flying into the Great Hall hit the ears of everyone present, but Ariella didn't look up. At least, she didn't look up until a gray-speckled owl landed right in front of her. Ariella stared in astonishment and surprise. A letter for her? But she never got anything in the mail! Curiously, she took the letter from the owl, and opened it. It read:

Dear Miss Lyons,

I would be delighted if you would join me for a brief chat today at one-o'clock.

Hope to see you then.

Headmaster of Hogwarts -

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. I like Sherbert Lemon Drops.

Ariella folded the letter back up, and wondered what the Headmaster could possibly want. She hadn't broken any rules as far as she knew. She looked up at the teacher's table, and saw Professor Dumbledore smile at her. She smiled back. Surely she wasn't in trouble. With that in mind, she headed off for a morning of Potions, Herbology, and A History of Magic.

After Lunch, Ariella went to the Headmaster's office entrance.

"Sherbert Lemon Drops" she said to the gargoyle, and then stepped onto the staircase leading up to the office. Once there, she knocked on the heavy wooden door.

"Enter," she heard a voice call from inside. Ariella pushed open the door and stepped inside. She stared in amazement. It was a very big office, the walls were filled with portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses, and then there was a phoenix. Finally, Ariella's eyes came to rest of Professor Dumbledore, who sat behind a great desk .

"You wanted to see me, sir?" she asked.

"Please, take a seat," replied Professor Dumbledore.

"I take it you are liking Hogwarts?" he questioned.

"Oh, yes sir, very much!" Ariella said, rather enthusiastically.

"Good. Now I'm going to get straight to the point. I understand that you work for the Malfoy family, is that correct?" Ariella sobered immediately as she answered

"Yes, sir". Dumbledore continued,

"And I presume, then, that you have not had any contact with your family?"

"That is correct." replied Ariella. A short silence met her reply as Dumbledore paused for a moment to think. After another moment, Dumbledore's voice broke through the silence.

"Miss Lyons, I have a small favor to ask of you."

"Yes Professor?" Ariella questioned.

"I need you, not right now, but when the time is right, to go to Harry Potter and tell him of your life, and what you have gone through and experienced up until that point in you life. He will need to know that he is not alone. That someone else has gone through similar experiences as him. I believe that he of all people will be the most understanding. You will make a powerful ally to him. Now, just so you know, this may not happen for a couple of months, or a couple of years. Do you accept?"

"Yes Professor, I do," Ariella replied, her voice steady and sure. Dumbledore smiled.

"Thank you my dear. That is all for now. You may go back to your classes." Ariella stood up to leave, but after a few steps, hesitantly turned back to him.

"Professor?" Dumbledore looked up.

"Yes, Miss Lyons?"

"How will I know when the time is right?" Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling beneath his half-moon spectacles.

"I will let you know," Dumbledore answered.

"Alright, thank you Professor. Have a good day."

"And you as well." Dumbledore replied as Ariella turned and left the room.

Sorry about the short and boring chapters. (If they are boring in your opinion.) I promise I'll try to make them better, which should hopefully happen in the next chapter or two.

Thanks to all who are reading, and liking it. If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please feel free to review/private message me. Also, if you have any ideas at all, or would like to see something happen, let me know, and I'll consider putting them into a chapter. Thanks! ~ Leanora