Chapter two

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Well you might belong to another time

Still you have to carry on here

No where else to go and you never know

What to hide and what to show, no

Youre holdig on for life.

Someone, somewhere was humming.

I couldn't tell if it was close or far away. The tune was sweet and slow, carried into my subconsciousness on a gentle breeze. Usually something like that would push one further into unconsciousness, but it roused me quickly. It was completely different than the last awakening I had-my arrival into awareness was gradual and easy. My lids felt thick as they parted and I looked in front of me without really seeing, the fog of sleep still clouded my vision. It was definitely morning, my surroundings were bright and warm with sunshine.

Someone was moving about close to my bed, hidden by my drawn curtains. I didn't move or make a sound; I laid there listening and waiting for something to happen. There was the rustle of fabric as whoever it was moved and the clank of silverware and glass. The tune of the hum suddenly changed, becoming livelier. Whoever it was Wewas certainly a morning person. I didn't seem to be.

The spot between my eyes pulsed, the empty hole inside not wanting to be forgotten. And I hadn't forgotten, I felt it as soon as I was awake.

Across the room the door was opening and the humming cut off. There were hurried footsteps approaching and I automatically tensed. The hummer was close enough to me that I heard them huff in irritation.

"Mister Rowle, you're late, breakfast is well past being over." The voice snapped, it was a woman and I could imagine what she looked like just from her voice alone. The other person, Rowle, was breathing heavily. I turned my head-one ear was pressed into the pillow, muffling everything I heard-to hear the conversation better, trying not to make the bed squeak.

"I'm sorry Madam Folley, I-I got here as fast as I could."

"Well it was almost not fast enough. I've lectured 'ya enough by now that it's crucial you take this medication on time."

"Yes, ma'am" Was the sheepish reply. The boy sounded young and maybe I could compare him to my age, if I knew it. As quietly as I could I turned onto my back and silently wished they weren't so close to my bed. My heart practically leapt into my throat when the mattress springs creaked under my weight shift. I froze and there was a pause on the other side of the curtain.

"Here 'ya are, hurry up and drink it now. And you'd best be more punctual from now on." The woman scolded, another rustled of clothes- she must've handed him something.

"Yes ma'am, it won't happen again, really." He sounded earnest if not a little sad.

"Good lad, now off to class with you, shoo!" The same steps that had hurried in, hurried out. Heart still thumping heavy in my ears, hands clenched in the blanket, I waited. A handful of seconds passed, then the white curtain parted and a head peered in. I could tell this woman had aged very gracefully, not looking a day over 50, with gray streaks in her chocolate brown hair, a kind and pretty face with sharp green eyes. Those eyes studied me as I peeked over my blanket.

"Ah, I see you're awake at last." She pulled the curtain aside, letting in more light, I squinted. I sat up as she placed a tray on the side table beside my borrowed cloak. I glanced over the plate of toast, scrambled eggs and beans, the cup of tea and a solitary apple, my stomach instantly coming to life with an audible groan. I clutched at it, mortified as the older woman grinned.

"I had a hunch you'd be hungry when 'ya woke, so I had a little somethin prepared for 'ya."

"Than-thank you." She turned and picked up something from the bed next to mine and set them at my feet.

"I also 'ave these for you to change into when 'ya finish eatin." A neatly fold white blouse sat on top of what looked like a navy colored skirt, along with a pair of tall wool socks and some undergarments. She placed a pair of simple black shoes on the ground by the bed.

"Oh, thank you."

"I'm Madam Folley, I'm the 'ead Medwitch here at Hogwarts." I nodded, not really sure what a Medwitch was, and went to introduce myself but faltered. She shook her head and patted my blanket covered leg.

"Don't you worry lass, Professor Silverthorn told me everything I needed to know." I felt embarrassed again. But then a thought occurred to me.

"Madam Folley, you're a doctor?..."

"Yes, of sorts dear, I'm proficient in 'th healin arts."

"Can you help me get my memories back?" Madam Folley frowned, pursing her lips in a way that made me think of the headmaster. She patted my leg again.

"Professor Silverthorn asked me the same thing, and I'll tell you what I told 'em." She said firmly, but her eyes had softened, I nodded eagerly.

"Memories are a very fragile thing lass, there are a few spells that can erase or alter 'em, but there are even fewer that can restore 'em." I felt my shoulders drop, my hands clenched in my lap, hidden under the sheets.

"But I will do everything I can with the abilities I posses to help 'ya lass, so don't be giving up 'ope just yet."

"Thanks..I, I'll try." I replied dryly, feeling indeed very hopeless. Madam Folley merely smiled and left me to eat and change, drawing the curtains closed again behind her. My mood should've affected my appetite but my body wasn't going to stand for it and before I knew it all the food was gone. I munched on the apple as I changed, impressed to find it all fit pretty perfectly, and even with no memories I felt silly in a skirt-I must've not been much of a girly girl. I pulled on the socks and slipped on the shoes-another perfect fit, and placed my apple core on the tray. I finger combed my hair, wishing suddenly for a mirror, to see how I looked-what I looked like. I pushed the mounting irritation away, the wave of loneliness, lifting my chin in determination. Today was a new day, a day for answers, the day I would start over and move forward, not back.

There's nothing to go back to anyways.

I slipped out of the curtains and spied Madam Folley in the back, folding bed sheets. Well she was and wasn't doing it, she was waving her wand and they folded themselves, floating over to pile neatly on a nearby shelf. I couldn't help but stare, seeing Professor Silverthorn do something similar last night was a shock, but I was still in awe of such a display. I didn't know if I'd ever get used to, to, magic-but if I was going to stay I'd have to. And the gawking would have to stop. I ran a nervous hand down the pleats of my skirt and approached the wand waving medwitch, clearing my throat to get her attention.

"Oh, finished are we? Don't you look lovely." I flushed.

Speaking of looking.

"Thank you and yes. Do you have a bathroom I can use real quick, and a brush?" She tucked her wand into the pocket of her apron and gestured to her office door.

"Why of course lass, it's through my office here, in the back, you'll see it. Go and freshen up, the 'eadmaster should be here soon to get 'cha."

Oh great. My stomach knotted with dread and nerves. He said we'd discuss more today, but that didn't mean he hadn't already made up his mind about what to do with me. But Professor Silverthorn said he'd help me, and Dumbledore seemed nice and merciful, surly they'd both speak up for me, convince him to let me stay until I got my memories back. When-if I got them back. I had this all running through my head as I walked through Madam Folleys office, to a door in the back. It was a small little bathroom, with just a sink and a toilet, an oval mirror and a cabinet on the wall.

So stuck in my thoughts, that I wasn't prepared the moment I walked in and met my reflection in the mirror above the sink.

I froze in the doorway, eyes wide, blue eyes, like the blue of deep ocean water. I was taken aback by how sad and lost they looked.

On my trek through the forest I had entertained my mind by imagining what I looked like, if I was pretty or plain, or ugly. At that point I didn't really care which I just wanted to know.

I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me and tentatively approached the sink. My hair was a dark brown, I tucked it subconsciously behind small ears. I wouldn't call myself beautiful, I studied my face, but I wasn't too hideous. I had a nice mouth, not too thin or big, my nose was on the small side, but my eyes were almond shaped and framed by long eyelashes-but heavy, dark bags hung underneath them. My eyebrows were a little thick but I had a few freckles and my skin was relatively clear. Except for that. I reached up and traced a finger over the small white scar that peeked out of my hairline, on the side of my head. It wasn't obvious but the eyes landed on it eventually. I wonder where that came from.

I didnt look much older than 17, maybe 16, it was hard to tell. I was skinny, but not in a slender feminine sort of way, but more like I was active in my past life. I had no curves to speak of-the blouse and skirt were still flattering I suppose. My other assets weren't much either. But I was grateful for all of it.

Because it was all mine.

But I was still a stranger-the girl in the mirror wasn't familiar, but it was me and it was nice to finally meet myself. I couldn't help the smile that split my face, I felt the sting of tears well up in my eyes and something in my chest burned. It was a piece in the missing puzzle of my life and it gave me confidence.

I blinked the tears away and tore my eyes from the mirror to find that brush.

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I stepped out of the office back into what I assumed was the infirmary a few minutes later, feeling a little more grounded. The Headmaster was waiting for me, talking to Madam Folley, Dumbledore and Professor Silverthorn standing by silently. Everyone went silent though when I walked out. Carrying the mantle of an identity-although a name would make it complete-I held my head high. The Headmaster gave me a friendly smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Good morning young lady. I trust you slept well, hmm? And you seem to be in better spirits, what a relief." He sounded like he was trying to convince himself of something. But I put my best foot forward and reminded myself to be as curtious and humble as possible.

You need them to help you. Play nice, even if he doesn't.

"Good morning Headmaster, I slept great actually and Madam Folley has been very kind." The Medwitch winked at me.

"Has sleep recalled anything for you?" Professor Silverthorn asked curiously. I had slept like a rock, I don't even think I changed positions. But my dreams were as black and empty as the hole in my head. Or maybe I had just forgotten what I dreamed like everything else.

"No, still nothing."

"Ah."

"Well let's be off then, to my office, where we can continue to sort all this out." The headmaster said curtly, all business and nodded at Madam Folley. She gave my arm a comforting squeeze as I passed her.

Now well rested and clear minded, I eagerly observed the castle as we walked. It was easily the coolest thing I'd ever seen, even without the memory of my life before, I was certain of it. I had been right about the paintings, they not only moved but talked as well. They bid us good morning as we walked by. And once or twice I thought I saw something move in the hall behind us out of the corner of my eye, but when I looked, there was nothing there. It was a big old castle, those are suppose to play tricks with your head and creep you out, right? But this place-Hogwarts-it felt different, in a way I couldn't explain, but it made me feel safe.

I swallowed thickly, heart beating a little faster, when we passed a group of chatting students in full uniform-slacks and skirts, vests and robes with different colored ties. Some of the girls had their bags levitating at their sides, and I repeated a mantra in my head as they passed.

Don't stare don't stare don't stare

They acknowledged their professors and Headmaster with smiles and pleasantries, then they saw me and didn't know what to say. The just looked at me as we passed, seeing I was unfamiliar and not in uniform, they whispered amongst themselves. But I ignored them and kept walking. I could feel Dumbledore watching me out of the corner of my eye, and I wasn't sure why. It felt like he was gauging my reactions, how I handled things, like he was looking for something inside me. Maybe he thought I was lying, that I had my memories and I was pulling some scam on them to get something, and was waiting to see some recognition on my face, or a tell that would give me away.

Or he's just an old man that likes to stare, stop jumping to stupid conclusions.

The Headmasters office was drastically different than Professor Silverthorns. For starters, it was practically hidden, we came to a stop in front of a large stone statue with no door in sight. I didn't recognize what kind of creature the statue was and figured that this was a stop on our tour, they were pointing out cool stuff to me along the way, but then Dippet spoke a password and the statue leapt aside. Behind it there was a passage and a spiraling staircase.

I don't think this place will ever stop surprising me.

Single file we climbed up until we reached a wooden door, dark with intricate carvings and a shiny polish. Dippets office was more sparse and organized. It felt less cozy other than the fireplace by the big desk, where a small fire crackled orange and green. The Headmaster seated himself behind his neat desk, offering me a seat across from him, the two professors opting to stand. He laced his fingers together, looking down his nose at me and I clenched my hands in my lap, stomach unsettled. Here we go.

"Now, young lady, let us discuss the issue of your presence here, and the circumstances of your arrival and current...state." I nodded, swallowing thickly.

"Between the three of us we have thought it best that you.." he trailed off a little, pausing to glance at the other two men and I could feel the blood begin to drain from my face.

This is it, I'm going to be memoryless and homeless. I'll never make it on my own-

"-stay here, at Hogwarts, until further notice, when we can restore your memories and return you from whence you came."

Relief flooded me, I released a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. Dippet looked at me like I was a problem he was ready to get rid of, but I didn't care, they were letting me stay. He could think whatever he wanted about me, as long as I could remain here, until I knew who I was.

"Thank you sir, really. I-I don't know how to repay you-I'll try to remember, and I'll try not to be too bothersome." I said earnestly, gripping the arms of the chair and leaned in. Dippet waved it away.

"Nonsense, we never turn away someone in need here at Hogwarts." He said thinly. I smiled, and meant it.

"Now, there are a few other things that need to be sorted out before we can move on. Since you are unaware of any magical abilities you may, or may not have, there is a test of sorts we have prepared for you, to find out." Oh boy. A test? I didn't feel prepared for any kind of test, and I grew anxious again.

What kind of test are we talking about here?

"Alright, what do I have to do." Trying to sound confident, I wiped my suddenly sweaty palms on my skirt. Professor Silverthorn crossed to the other side of the room to retrieve something while Dumbledore spoke up to explain.

"It is safe to say you will not be familiar with this certain object."

"Probably not." I agreed, curious. Professor Silverthorn was returning with what looked like a..a crystal ball, carefully cradled in his hands. He placed it on the Headmaster's desk and stepped back. I eyed it wearily, wondering if they were serious or pulling my leg. I looked at my warped image, seeing if I could catch a glimpse of anything else maybe.

"The is a conduit orb." Dumbledore continued, but didn't elaborate further.

Very helpful.

"What do I do with it?" I asked over my shoulder, both men had backed away and the headmaster leaned forward in his seat.

"You simply touch it, place both hands on it, and if you have magic, it will glow." Professor Silverthorn instructed, his handkerchief coming out to dab at his brow. Dippet mumbled under his breath, but I sill heard it.

"Or won't."

That's all I had to do, just touch it? No magic words? It seemed fairly simple, but for whatever reason it made me nervous, the little flip in my stomach was almost fear. If I didn't have magic, would they still let me stay? And if I did, well what then, what do I do with it. I didn't know the first thing about magic.

I couldn't decided what I wanted more; to have it or not to have it.

To be or not to be, is most definitely the question.

"The orb will resonate with your magical core, creating a link, which will become visible in a flash of light. Even the faintest trace of magic will be detected." Dumbledore recited, as if reading from a book. Well he was a professor, of what I wasn't sure-of magical objects it seemed.

"Ok, I think I understand. Can I pick it up?"

"Go ahead." Professor Silverthorn encouraged. He looked the most intrigued, borderline excited. I guess I should've been, but I felt more quesy than anything-on the fence of dread and anticipation.

Just do it, get it over with-like a bandaid.

I took a deep a breath, reached out and grabbed it. It was surprisingly light, for being a solid glass ball. It felt warm in my hands, the tips of my fingers tingled pleasantly, like something was about to happen.

But it didn't.

I blinked at it, waiting for it to do something, but it remained the same. Maybe it just took a few seconds, did I need to do anything else-should I shake it? I squinted into it, looking for any hints of light, but I only saw the reflected candles on the wall. I glanced at the others, maybe I wasn't doing it right.

"Well, does this mean I don't have any-"

A violent flash of bright red light erupted from the ball, so intense and sudden I shrieked and dropped it. It blinded me, red and black spots seared into my eyelids, the brilliance went straight to my brain with a sharp stab of pain. The ball hit the ground and shattered into a million sparkling pieces, the light stopped instantly and the office was deadly silent. Heart hammering, vision swimming and hands shaking, I sat frozen in my chair, panting dramatically.

"What was that." But the three men were silent; I looked from a tight lipped Dippet, to the unreadable expression on Dumbledores face, to Professor Silverthorns thoughtful, far away gaze. I waved an arm over the glittering heap of glass, feeling light headed-

"Is that suppose to happen?"

"Not quite so...much." Professor Silverthorn struggled for the right words. My head was reeling, oh God here comes those beans-did this-did this mean-

"I have magic?" It was a weak whisper not addressed to anyone specifically. It felt loud in the silent space of the office, it seemed to echo back at me from all angles.

"It would appear so." Dippet said dejectedly.

"But-I-I don't, it can't be right, I mean I-"

Keep it together!

"I have never seen a conduit orb react so strongly to ones core before." Dumbledore mused aloud, his blue eyes twinkled at me.

"But I don't feel anything. Maybe it was broken." I offered weakly. I glanced down at the remains-at least it was now.

"The color was odd as well, I've never seen red light before…" Professor Silverthorn added, wiping his neck, he was looking at me like some undiscovered species. I felt on the verge of fainting, or losing my breakfast, or both. I was better off not knowing.

Ok, deep breaths. Deeper, too deep!-

"Well what do I do now? I don't know how to use magic, I'm not even sure I really want it." It came out more whiny and desperate than I intended it to-so much for my earlier confidence. I was beginning to panic, it was all too overwhelming, it was too much to process. Professor Silverthorn placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"It'll be alright." He waved his wand, and the scattered glass began to collect and reassemble, until the orb was once again whole and intact. He placed it back on the desk and I scooted as far as I could from it.

"What does the red mean?" My question was directed at Professor Silverthorn, but it was Dumbledore who answered.

"The color of the light can tell the nature of one's magic, the strength of it."

"Is red a...bad thing?" It felt like it, so angry and sinister looking, and it was so bright and intense.

"There is no good or bad when it comes to magic-only the good or bad the witch or wizard uses it for. Magic is infinite and unbiased-pure. It is us who corrupts and misuses it." I mulled over Dumbledores words as he stepped forward and placed a hand gently on the orb. It shone a warm white, that filled the office, and me, with light. Why hadn't mine looked of felt like that? I slouched in my seat-what was wrong with me?

Aside from the obvious.

"I have a theory." Professor Silverthorn stated, glancing from me to the orb. Dippet raised an eyebrow in amused disbelief, sitting back in his chair and folding his hands in his lap.

"With the loss of your memories, and therefore a loss of identity, your magical core is confused, almost...blocked I guess you could say. You just have to tap back into it-thus such a strange and strong reaction; your mind, body and core are out of balance."

"Rearranged, out of sorts?" I offered, a tad sarcastically. He didn't notice.

"Yes! But this is only a theory, and not a very good one, I know." He blushed. It was a lot better than anything I could think of-I just needed to readjust myself was all. Get use to this magic business, and maybe the rest would fall into place-maybe my new found magic was the key to getting my memories back. Hopefully.

"That makes me feel better, I think."

"Whatever the explanation, the fact of the matter is, is that she is not a muggle and we can proceed." The Headmaster interjected hotly. So if I had turned out to be a muggle, than we couldn't have proceeded? Good to know.

"Now that we have established the presence of your magic, we can enroll you as a student and get you sorted. Professor Dumbledore if you'd please." Dumbledore turned to get something, and I felt unease, praying it wasn't another test, I don't think I can take another one. He returned in a sweep of deep blue robes and placed what he had retrieved on the desk next to the orb.

Oh please don't tell me I have to wear that.

It was an ancient sagging hat. The pointed top drooped down to one side. And the wrinkles, the folds of the material made it look like a face. I turned to professor Dumbledore.

"And this?" He smiled mischievously

"This is the sorting hat." Oh, so when Dippet said get me sorted, he didn't mean sorted sorted, he was talking about this hat. But then-

"What does sorted mean?" And what does this raggedy old hat have to do with it. Dippet cleared his throat, sitting up straighter in his high back velvet chair.

"The students of Hogwarts are sorted, ah, placed, into one of four houses upon entering their first year. These houses are based upon certain personality traits and ones core characteristics."

"For example-" Professor Silverthorn jumped in.

"The house of Gryffindor is for the brave of heart, they posses courage and loyalty. Slytherin House is more ambitious and cunning, Ravenclaw is for those who pursue and value knowledge and wisdom and Hufflepuffs are fair and hardworking."

Interesting. Why couldn't they just be one big group, why split them up? I frowned-where would I go? Was I brave or ambitious, was I smart or kind? I didn't particularly feel I was more of one of those things than the others, I...I didn't know what I was, who I was. It was blank, my self canvas had been erased and I had scarcely started to draw on it again-I didn't know where to start. My gut clenched, what if they didn't know where to put me, what if I didn't belong anywhere.

What else is new.

"Don't worry my dear, there is a place for everyone at Hogwarts." Professor Dumbledore said in a low whisper, for only me to hear. I blinked up at him, almost convinced he could read minds. I had the sudden feeling that Dumbledore knew a lot more than he was letting on. Something else occurred to me in that moment.

"Headmaster, I'm going to become a student?" I could see a lot going wrong with that. Not to say I wasn't curious about Hogwarts, and was willing to know more about this place-a different world, it seemed-I had stumbled upon, but I wasn't quite ready to be a student. I knew absolutely nothing about magic and how to use it, I'd be totally lost. I was just hoping to lay low until I got my memories back, not dive head first into all...this.

"Why yes, of course. Is it not your desire to enroll at Hogwarts?" His face slacked in surprise then pinched in haughty irritation. I felt my cheeks burn.

"Oh no, no, I mean yes, I just, I'm not sure if it's the best idea, not that I don't want to, I just, I don't know anything about magic and I don't think-"

"Well that is why you are to learn, and what better place than Hogwarts?" Dippet sniffed.

"I'm sure this is a great school," Dippets eyes narrowed, " the best, It would just be very difficult for me, I think. I'd have to start with the basic of the basics, and I don't even have a wand." Dippet waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

"That will be taken care of."

"Oh, good, but I still don't think-"

"You will be well taken care of, my dear, rest assured, now let's get you sorted." He stood, rounded the desk, picked the hat up and placed it on my head before I could get another word in. It was too big for my head, the front fell in front of my eyes, blocking out my audience. It smelt like a musty attic, and I didn't want to think how many other heads this had been on.

So now what-

'Ah, an interesting mind indeed.'

I jumped about a foot in the air, hands shooting out to grip the arms of my chair with a startled gasp. I could hear Professor Silverthorn chuckle somewhere to my right.

What on earth-hello?!

'I haven't encountered a mind like this in an age.'

I lifted the brim of the hat so I could see again, glancing quickly around to see the fourth person in the room, the one speaking. But there wasn't anyone else. I felt the hat shift on my head, I reached a hand up and felt the folds moving. It couldn't be-

"Is the hat talking?" I exclaimed, immediately snatching my hand away.

"Why yes of course, the hat must delve into your mind to determine your house, now hush, girl, and let it finish." Dippet said impatiently. I stopped myself from shooting him a glare, took a deep breath instead and put my hands back in my lap.

'Look, that crystal ball really freaked me out, can you just take it easy for a second. I-this is a lot to wrap my head around, alright?'

'New to magic, are we?'

You could say that…

'Let's take a closer look shall we?'

I'm afraid there's not much to look at.

'Hmmmm. Your memories aren't gone, they are merely hidden.'

Hidden? Well how do I find them?

'With time.'

I've got plenty of that. Can you see anything?...

'I see much, girl.'

"I'm getting really tired of being called girl." I snapped, then clamped a hand over my mouth when I realized I had said that out loud.

'You have a very keen mind, and the rare gift of discernment. Such a combination can be powerful.'

Is that why my light was red?

'I see also a thirst for knowledge.'

Yeah, I'd like to know a lot of things-who I am, where I come from, why in the world I'm here-

'You'd do anything to have this knowledge?'

I-well I don't know about anything, but I do want to know…

'Hmmmmm'

What else do you see? Can you tell me?

'This is tricky, very tricky.'

Hey! Can you tell me or not?

"Its best to go with…" I fisted my hands in my skirt.

"Please!"

"Ravenclaw!" The Headmaster took the sorting hat off my head and I bit down on my lip to keep from screaming in frustration.

"A fine house." Professor Silverthorn beamed, but I hardly heard him. My heart was pounding, I wanted to wrestle the hat from Dippets hands, shake it and demand more answers. But I just sat there stiff, staring down at my hands intently, replaying the hats words over in my head. It knew something, it could see my mind, my so called hidden memories, I was sure of it. Why wouldn't it tell me? I blinked away disappointed and angry tears, as Dippet gestured for me to stand. I stood slowly, my overloaded mind making my body sluggish and uncooperative. I really didn't want to go anywhere or do anything else for the rest of the day-just go back to the infirmary and sleep away this nightmare.

The Headmaster pulled his wand from his robes and waved it towards me. A cool breeze ruffled my clothes, they rippled in an invisible wind and I looked down and watched as my out fit changed. My white blouse grew long sleeves, a tie appeared around my neck, stripped blue and bronze, a grey sweater vest with some sort of crest on the front came with it and suddenly I was wearing a long black robe. I looked like one of the girls we had passed in the hallway-a student.

"Wonderful, wonderful, welcome to Hogwarts, young lady. Now let's move along, we have much to show you, your dorm, your classes-oh hurry now, girl." He sighed, stopping just by the door when he saw I wasn't following.

"Headmaster, I believe there's one more thing we need to take care of before anything else." Professor Silverthorn said, wiping at his brow, glancing at me with a small comforting smile.

Oh God, please no!

"I believe the young lady needs a name."

I blinked. There was a pause in the office, Dippet looked surprised again, but he recovered quickly.

"Oh yes, of course! How could I have forgotten." He laughed. Apparently very easily. Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, blue eyes squinting into the distance.

"Gertrude?" He offered. I gave a polite, indifferent shrug.

Not going to happen.

"Hilda." The Headmaster asked, and it wasn't bad-better than Gertrude.

"Elizabeth?"

"Cornelia?"

"Agatha."

"Daphne!"

It was turning into a tennis match of names between the two men, and I wasn't sure I liked any of them, and I didn't want to just pick one because they suggested it-I wanted it to feel right. A name was an important thing. Professor Silverthorn cleared his throat and we all turned to look at him. His handkerchief was being wrung between his hands.

"If I may Headmaster, I can take the girl as my family. I have few living relatives, she can be a cousin or niece perhaps, no one would beknow otherwise." The Headmaster considered it a moment, lips pursed. Professor Silverthorn went on.

"We could say she had lost her family in an attack, and due to an injury during her escape to safety she had lost her memories, and I, being the kind uncle I am, agreed to take her in. And I know no safer place than Hogwarts."

"Hmmm, well that is a rather decent explanation, Sabastian, but do you really want to take on such a responsibility? Though I suppose, the decision is ultimately," He turns to me again, "up to you, young lady." I looked at Professor Silverthorn, and we didn't look too similar, it would be a stretch, but I had nothing else to go with. I hadn't thought about what I would tell people when they asked about me, I wasn't thinking that far ahead yet-I was struggling to keep up with the now.

"Are you sure? We don't really know each other, and I've put you through so much already…"

"I'm quite sure. I'm the one who found you, I'm prepared to take any and all responsibility for you." The sincerity in his voice surprised me; that a person would be so willing to help another like he was about to do for me. I almost didn't know what to say, I felt extremely unworthy, and so helpless and dependent on everyone. But the professor was doing this because he wanted to, maybe for his own reasons, or just from the kindness of his heart. Who was I to refuse? I smiled shyly, lifting my head to meet his eyes.

"Than I accept, thank you-uncle." He chuckled at the last part, and I couldn't help but giggle as well. I didn't know much about the professor, but I wouldn't mind having him as family, fake or otherwise.

"I had a sister who died when we were still children, her name was Evangeline. And my mothers Maiden name was Schoolcraft. If it's alright with you, I'd like you to take both names as yours own, until you remember your real one."

"Evangeline." I nodded, testing it on my tongue. It was pretty, and I felt honored.

"I'll make sure to take care of any paper work and nessecary arrangements that need to be made for you, Miss Schoolcraft. I trust you and Professor Silverthorn will iron out the details of your story later, mmm?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, now come along!" He swished out the door. I thanked the two Professors and quickly followed the retreating Headmaster down the stairs.

Something warm was expanding in my chest, a stupid grin spreading across my face.

Evangeline.

I had a name.

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I wasn't going to remember any of this.

Dippet showed me the library first. Just like everything else in the castle, it was huge and I really wanted to wander the isles, explore, look at some of the books, but he was already moving onto the next thing before I could. He brought me to a few classrooms, the bathrooms, the kitchens, and the Great hall-it was adequately named. It was a large and open room, with four tables, painted glass windows and floating candles. I craned my head up, in awe of the ceiling, which was the reflection of the outside sky, done by magic somehow. It was beautiful. It all looked and felt so grand and medieval.

A podium stood at the back of the room, behind it a long table like the other four. I took note of the different colored banners, with different insignias and animals, and figured it had something to do with the houses of Hogwarts. I was about to ask more about it, but Dippet was already heading back out. He was pretty fast for an old man, and so full of energy. And I suspected he wanted to get this over with.

"Now lastly, I will show you to your dorm. Ravenclaw tower is this way, try to remember the way, dear." He tossed over his shoulder as I tried to catch up with his brisk pace.

In this labyrinth? No promises.

We walked on down the hall, I tried to start mapping in my head, when we turned the corner and the Headmaster perked up.

"Ah! Mister Riddle!" Dippet called down the hall and I looked up at who he was talking too. Two boys, with leather shoulder bags and matching green and silver ties. I looked down at my own blue and bronze tie and wondered which house had the green and silver. The two boys had been mid conversation but turned when the headmaster called out. He hurried to them and I followed.

"Good afternoon to you two-mister Riddle may I have a word. Alone, mister Malfoy." The dark haired boy nodded.

"Of course sir." His blonde haired counterpart glanced at me, then to his friend and for a moment, when their eyes locked, it was like he was waiting for permission to leave. Especially when the dark haired boy inclined his head just barely, a tilt of the chin.

"I'll see you at lunch Tom. Headmaster." The he left, turned the corner and was gone. Weird. But Dippet hadn't noticed anything.

"Mister Riddle, I have a favor to ask of you." Tom nodded, smiling politely.

"Anything, sir."

"Splendid my boy, this young lady is a transfer student and is in need of a guide; I have shown her most of the castle, and we were just on or way to Ravenclaw Tower, would you mind showing her the rest of the way?" On our initial approach Tom cast a quick disinterested glance my way, but now he studied me with inquisitive gray eyes.

"Yes, I'd be happy to help a fellow student. Tom Riddle, it's a pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand for me to shake and I did, and the name I gave in return felt strange coming out of my mouth, like I was reading a line from a script. I managed a shy smile.

"Evangeline Schoolcraft."

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AN: Ok, so here's the the thing; I know this isn't very good. It was rushed and I just wrote it without much thought or a lot of effort. I liked the idea and just went with it. This is an attempt at getting over my writers block. For this of you who follow my other stories, I'm eally close to updating PJ and the BL, and Not too far Gone, but I've got some blockage, so I'm just writing anything and everything to unblock it. If you happen to like this story, than great. I'm not sure how far I'll go, or where I'm even going. So we shall see. Thank you to all the faithfuls. Please review, good or bad, it all helps! If I made any grammatical mistakes or any other kinds of mistakes, sue me. But dont really because i have no money and i dont own HP, just my own characters.

The quotes at the beginning of the chapters are lyrics from broken bells-holding on for life.

~Prosto.