Their next destination was colder. Flora looked around and found nothing familiar. There were shops with weird names though, at least that was similar to Diagon Ally, but it wasn't busy and bustling like Diagon was.

Snape went on ahead, expecting her to follow him, so she did. After a short time, a castle came into view, causing Flora to stop and gasp.

"That's Hogwarts," Snape said without turning around, and they continued walking.

Upon reaching a set of stairs, Snape suggested letting the cats out, which Flora was grateful for. Her tiny arms were tired, and her legs would be equally as tired soon. The light had just begun to change when they made it to the top, where they met three adults.

The oldest of the bunch introduced himself as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and the others as Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall.

The Headmaster went off with Snape, leaving Flora alone with the two older women. They lead her up to the infirmary with the kittens trailing behind, where the Madam began running a series of tests. The sight of a quill writing on its own was foreign to Flora, but the soothing yellow glow of the woman's magic calmed her down.

After the quill had finished writing, which took a ridiculously long time, Madam Pomfrey drew the curtains around Flora's bed, and went off with Professor McGonagall. They sounded like they were angry, but their voices were so hushed that Flora couldn't make out what was being said.

When the voices stopped, Madam Pomfrey came back over to Flora's bed and gave her a vial with a dark liquid in it. Flora refused to take the vial.

"It's alright, dear," she said, "You've had a long day, this is just going to help you sleep." She offered a warm smile, and Flora cautiously took the vial, and downed its contents. Her head drooped under its own weight, and her eyelids refused to stay open. Someone's hands helped lead her body onto the bed, and then Flora was out.

Flora woke up to a screaming match that was happening outside of the infirmary. The kittens had curled up on either side of Flora, and were equally annoyed at the yelling.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CHILD SO MALNOURISHED, ALBUS! THEY STARVED HER AND KEPT HER IN A LOCKED CUPBOARD! THE GIRL DOESN'T TALK BECAUSE THEY FORBID HER TO!" It was Snape. She hated that he was telling someone about her family, about her cupboard, but she supposed that others would find out eventually. Her kittens had moved up onto her chest and were purring loudly.

"What do you expect me to do, Severus?" the headmaster replied.

"I EXPECTED YOU TO PROTECT HER!" Snape spat out.

"Severus is right, Albus," Madam Pomfrey said sternly. "That girl has been through more than all of us combined. She would not have survived another year in that house. She has over a hundred old fractures or breaks, none of which healed properly. She must be in constant pain. Her eyesight is not genetic, though we all know that James' eyes were terrible. She sustained a serious head injury about four years ago. It should have killed her. The only explanation for the fact that she is even alive is her magic. She'll need supplementary potions for years."

"The only reason she hasn't been killed by death eaters are the blood wards surrounding the Dursley home. I know it is not ideal, and I will talk to Petunia about the child's treatment, but she must go back," the man Flora thought was Albus replied. His voice was much more stern than before.

"You will do no such thing!" shouted another person, but she was further away.

"Minerva-," Albus began.

"Don't you Minerva me, Albus. You've been hiding in your office all night while Poppy and Severus have been tending to Potter, and I for one, agree with them. Flora Potter will return to that house over my dead body." This revelation shocked Flora. People were fighting for her. People that didn't even know her were doing more than anyone else ever had. She couldn't fight the tears anymore, they were flowing freely down her face.

"If you are going to insist that she return to that house, I'll quit," Poppy added.

"As will I," Severus said.

"I have no doubt that the rest of the faculty will follow suit, Albus. How exactly do you plan on explaining your lack of teachers with only a month before the start of term to the school board? How long can the school remain functional without a mediwitch?" Minerva challenged. Albus let out a defeated sigh.

"You have no idea what lengths I have gone to, to keep the girl safe all these years. But you're right," he said with a small laugh, "I would not be able to explain your absence to the school board. And I would be unable to find suitable replacements before the start of term. I'll get in touch with the Weasley's. I can't imagine they'll have any objection to taking the girl. I will be in my office if you need anything else." This was followed by the sound of receding footsteps, and then a few moments of silence before the doors opened. Flora wiped her tears quickly and pretended to be asleep, prompting Snape to gently wake her.

He led her out of the infirmary, through corridors and up staircases, until the stopped at a door. Everything she saw was magical. The staircases moved and the paintings spoke and it was all so beautiful. Professor McGonagall let them into her office, and Flora was shocked to find a redheaded woman. She'd never seen anyone else with red hair before.

The woman introduced herself as Molly, and then immediately began fussing over Flora. It was overwhelming, and Flora looked towards Snape with panic in her eyes.

"Give the girl some space, Molly," Snape scolded. "She's been through a lot."

"Of course, of course," Molly said, looking a little embarrassed.

This time they traveled by floo instead of apparating. Snape explained what it was and held her hand as they stepped into the fireplace.