Despite his long life and vast experience of the world, Dumbledore had not expected to come across this particular situation. When Fawkes had come to him weeks ago with the vague idea of 'the forest' he really hadn't a clue what was coming. It's not as though he can actively converse with his familiar, but there is a connection and a unique form of communication between a wizard and a magical familiar. The Phoenix conveyed something akin to feelings to him, and thus he found himself at the edge of the forbidden forest facing a unicorn. Her golden coat glinted in the moonlight as she approached, and though rare it might be, he felt stuck in place. The mare walked right up to him and bent down to touch her horn to his forehead.
'Greetings, I am Castina.' She said. Dumbledore was a bit stuck after hearing her speak directly into his mind. 'I have called you here because the stars have given me a witchling in my herd. It is time for her to learn your ways.' She continued.
"A witchling? You mean you have a child in the forest?" He asked aloud, wonder underlying his words.
'Yes. She is dear to me but a child with feet in two ponds must try both to find where they float best.'
"You wish for me to take her to Hogwarts?" He asked.
'Yes, it is time. Next moon I shall bring her to you here. Take care of my little one Headmaster.' With that, Castina had withdrawn into the shadows and Dumbledore was left wondering if that had really just happened. He shook himself out of it and returned to the castle, there was work to be done. Over the next few weeks he began to develop a plan. The child would need paperwork, guardians, and a story. Eventually he settled on making her a distant relative of his, separated by many generations. She would have been raised in France where he had relations in truth. Her family, along with himself had made the decision to send her to Hogwarts, after all, there was no better magical education to be found. She was then put under his charge as head of the family, which explained why he would be her guardian. Dumbledore knew he could cash in a few favors where necessary but pulling one over on the ministry had never been too difficult for the great Albus Dumbledore. Really it was just a matter of paperwork. When the night finally came, he was surprised, to say the least, when a child glowing in the moonlight walked towards him barefoot from the forest. He wasn't really sure what he had been expecting, but this was definitely not it. He nodded to Castina who remained within the boundaries of the forest and began a journey to introduce the girl to a new part of the world.
---*---
Inauria had always been fond of the world, her forest, and their valley. She had always had a home with her herd, her family. She had never stopped to wonder why unlike the other foals, none claimed to be her mother or father. Eventually, Castina, her herd mare brought her to the edge of the forest, and Inauria chuffed at the sight. She had never seen a castle before, and what a castle it was. She could feel the pounding of her heart beat as she looked at it. Something was pulling her in, beckoning her to go closer. When she turned back to Castina, the elder mare was gazing at her with a unicorns equivalent of a knowing smile. Inauria moved closer, and with a touch of their horns, she heard Castina's voice in her mind.
'Do not be afraid of what you feel.' She began. 'There lies the next chapter of your journey. You were always meant to go.'
'No,' Inauria responded, 'I won't leave the herd. Make it go away.'
'It will not child. Your path has been marked by the stars.'
'Why would the stars make me leave the herd?' She entreated.
'You are herd, you have always been herd, and you will always be herd. Walking among the humans will not change that. It is time for you to see more of the world. Close your eyes.' Inauria was uneasy, but she did as she was bade. Castina broke their contact only to lower the tip of her horn to the filly's heart. The forest was still as the unicorns were surrounded by moonlight, the glow coalescing around the child. In a display never before seen by wizard kind, the child morphed from filly to witchling. Her long hair was a nearly silver blonde, her irises grey, and her skin fair. She stood draped in an ethereal white wrapping, almost glowing in the moonlight. The child opened her eyes and looked down at herself, raised her hands, and spun around in confusion. Her scared eyes met the mare's, who once again lowered her horn to the girls head.
'What am I?' She asked.
'A witching.'
'Can you turn me back?' The mare shook her head in mirth.
'Yes, and soon you will be able to as well. This is part of who you are Inauria. It was always coming and now, it is time to explore. Use your voice.' She encouraged. The child opened her mouth and shut it quickly. After another deep breath, she tried again.
"C-Castina?" She spoke aloud for the first time.
'Very good. Walk with me.' The mare instructed. The little girl placed her hand on the mare's shoulder and the pair moved closer to the forest's edge. Inauria was slow at first but as they continued she became more confident on her new two legs. When they finally emerged, there was a man waiting. He was tall and wizened, a long white beard falling over his chest. Inauria tried to hide against Castina's side, but the mare nuzzled her back out and lowered her horn to speak to her once more.
'This man is here to guide you where I cannot. He is a wizard who watches over the castle. Go to him child, I will see you soon, the herd will always be in the forest close by.'
"I'm meant to go with him? Castina, I don't want to leave the forest." Inauria said. "Don't make me go."
'You will always be one of us child, and we will be waiting upon your return. This is the path the stars have written for you. Face it, and be not afraid.' The herd mare nuzzled the child and gently nudged her in the direction of the wizard. After a moment, the child looked up into the night sky and upon seeing the stars shining down on her, she began to move forward. Her bare feet were silent on the forest floor, and though the white cloth dragged behind her, it flowed unsnared. When she reached the bearded man, she looked back at Castina, and decided to trust the stars.
"Hello, my name is Albus Dumbledore. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. What is your name?" He asked kindly.
"My name is Inauria, why can we speak without horns?" She asked back.
"This is how wizards communicate Inauria, and, you are a witch." He answered. She cocked her head to the side.
"I am herd." She stated.
"Yes, what if I told you, you are both?" He smiled at the girl.
"How?" She demanded.
"Magic my dear. Now, your herd mare has entrusted you to me for the time being. Will you come with me to the castle?" He asked gently. With one last look to the forest, she nodded to the wizard and began following him up the winding path. The castle only got bigger and bigger the closer they got. He led her through the doors, and she gazed around with wide eyes. Admittedly, the first building she had ever entered was quite impressive. Dumbledore led her up a stairway, which was strange at first, but Inauria had always been a fast learner. Finally, they reached a doorway, and he led her inside. It was a small room, at least by the castles standards, with a four poster bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and another door that led to a washroom. Inauria immediately went to the window and climbed onto the cushions set in the frame. She was relieved to see the moon again, but gasped when she looked down. She had never been so high off the ground before. Dumbledore smiled and waited while the girl checked out her surroundings.
"Dottie?" He called softly. A moment later there was a soft pop as the elf he had called appeared in the room.
"'Evening Headmaster Sir. How can Dottie be serving?" The elf bowed to him.
"Inauria, come here a moment." Dumbledore called. The girl walked over and cocked her head to the side, looking at the new occupant of the room.
"Ah be this the little Miss Headmaster Sir?" Dottie asked.
"Indeed." He agreed.
"Little miss be needing clothes." Dottie observed.
"Yes. I had hoped you might be able to help. I'd like you to watch over Inauria for me Dottie." Dumbledore asked her.
"'Course Headmaster Sir, Dottie is pleased to take care of the little miss." She replied, winking back out likely to gather supplies for the girl.
"Inauria, Dottie is going to help look after you while you're here. Please listen to her and be kind." Dumbledore asked the child.
"Is Dottie a witch?" She asked, her eyebrows slightly creased.
"No, Dottie is a house elf. They look after the castle." He answered. The little girl nodded, and quickly, the elf returned with stacks of cloth and a pouch floating behind her. Dumbledore wished them both a good night and with assurances that he would see them in the morning, he retired to his own chambers.
---*---
In the morning, Dottie introduced Inauria to wizard food and tableware. She was patient in teaching the girl what everything was and how to use it. Still a fast learner, Inauria adjusted quickly, and afterwards, Dottie taught her about tea. In the weeks that followed, Dumbledore tutored her on various subjects, reading and writing for one, arithmetic for another, and communication for a third. As the days began counting down to the start of term in September, Dumbledore decided it was time to bring someone else in.
"Good morning Minerva." He began jovially. "I have someone I would very much like you to meet. This is Inauria." He guided the girl forward to be introduced. "Inauria, this is Professor McGonagall. She is a teacher here at Hogwarts, as well as my deputy headmistress." Albus introduced them. The little girl lifted her chin and stuck a hand out towards the older woman. Minerva looked from the girl to Albus and back again. Clearly deciding to play along, she took the child's hand and gave it a good shake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Inauria. Albus, a word?" Minerva gestured for privacy.
"Of course. Dottie?" Albus asked. The elf popped into the room shortly. "Would you see that Inauria gets breakfast?"
"Of course Headmaster Sir." Dottie led the girl to a table on the other side of the room before popping out to retrieve food. Minerva cast a few privacy spells and then turned towards the headmaster with her hands on her hips.
"Albus, who is that child?" She asked, directly to the point.
"Ah, that my dear is a good question, which I am currently in the process of answering." He replied.
"Even for you Albus that hardly makes sense." Minerva stated. "Where did she come from?"
"I'm not sure you'll believe me but I'd like to tell you the truth." He began with the customary twinkle in his eye. She gestured for him to continue.
"She's from the forbidden forest, before that I have no idea. She was brought to me by the unicorn herd mare, Castina." Albus began.
"Honestly," Minerva huffed. "I have spent the last few weeks preparing for the beginning of term. This is hardly the time to have a laugh at my expense."
"Indeed. Which is why I am not joking." Albus told her. Minerva glanced over his shoulder at the child enjoying sliced fruit and tea with a house elf.
"How could that even be possible?" She asked.
"I'm really not sure," Albus answered. "To my knowledge, it hasn't happened before. I likely wouldn't have believed it had I not seen her glowing in the moonlight, walking out of the forest myself."
"What do you intend to do with her?" Minerva asked, eyeing the man suspiciously.
"Enroll her as a first year of course." He told her twinkling once more. "Her name will be Inauria Yves, a distant relation of mine many generations removed, who grew up in the north of France. She was entrusted to me so that she could attend Hogwarts now that she is old enough." Albus explained.
"Is she old enough? She's tiny. Do you even know her proper age?" Minerva asked.
"Indeed I do not, but Castina told me that it was time. We will need to decide on a birthdate as well." Albus answered.
"Who else knows about this Albus?" She asked.
"Just myself, Dottie, and now you." He told her. Minerva just shook her head.
"Alright, fine. What do you need me to do?"
"I'd like you to take her to Diagon Alley to get what she will need for school. The clothes she is wearing were procured by Dottie, otherwise she came with nothing."
---*---
'Well now,' the hat began. 'I haven't sat upon the head of someone like you before, yes. And you have yet to come into yourself, mmhm. This open mind of yours is intriguing, not many sit on this stool without some preconceived notion. Ah but I see who you are, who you truly are. Yes that will do, that will do indeed.' It was just as well that she was the only one who could hear the hat rambling for a second later,
"Slytherin!" It shouted. In Albus's ever twinkling state, he hid his shock much better than Minerva. Upon stepping up and removing the hat, she looked down at the odd girl strangely. The Slytherin table clapped dutifully as the pale girl made her way over to sit down. She was given nods by those around her, in contrast to the whooping and hand shakes at the Gryffyndor table. Minerva wasn't the only one to look at the girl strangely. The dark haired boy across the table was intrigued and suspicious, but even as only a first year, he already possessed the subtlety of a true Slytherin.
---*---
Severus hadn't anticipated that he and Lily might get sorted into different houses. Though, he thought to himself, she is muggleborn and muggleborns just don't find themselves in Slytherin. He just hoped that those idiots on the train wouldn't convince her that Slytherin's were all evil as everyone else seemed to think. Severus walked silently among the other first years as they were led to the dungeons by their prefects. At the very least, Gryffindor and Slytherin take their classes together so they would still be together then. Strangely, as he descended further into the castle he was overcome by a sense of foreboding. At the moment there was nothing to be done about it so Severus filed it away for later. Something he couldn't get out of his head however was the girl walking two heads in front of him in the second line. She was small even for a first year, and though his sallow complexion was hardly sun-kissed, she seemed unnaturally pale. His experience with other people was admittedly limited but he had never seen someone with such light features. He was shaken from his thoughts when the group stopped. They had reached the Slytherin common room.
---*---
Inauria walked the dark hallway, trailing a hand along the wall to her right. She wasn't sure why most people didn't seem to enjoy being in touch with the castle like she did. She looked up upon hearing a boys voice in a mocking tilt coming from around the corner. The shadows on the wall showed multiple people ahead. It wasn't quite curfew, but it was still late for most people to be around. Inauria smiled when she made a decision, and set about conjuring a stone. She took it in her hand, and launched it forward to hit the wall of the next hallway.
"Shit! Someone's coming." A boys voice said.
"Let's go." Agreed another. She smiled, not the most complicated plan, but she was indeed satisfied when multiple sets of feet rushed down the hall away from her. After a moment, she turned the corner and walked casually towards where someone was sitting on the floor against the wall. She picked up the conjured stone as she passed it, and recognized the person on the ground. The dark-haired boy set about gathering his things as she got closer, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Idiots." She smirked tossing the rock in her hands a few times before banishing it to wherever it had come from. Inauria held out a hand to the boy who eyed it warily and got up on his own.
"I didn't need your help." He muttered.
"I know." She replied. "Is that our charms paper for the morning?" She gestured to the ripped pieces of parchment littering the floor.
"It was." He answered allowing his hair to fall forward and shield his face.
"How unoriginal." She commented before an idea struck her. "Come on, I have something to show you." She grabbed the remaining pieces off the ground and grinned at the boy.
"What?" He asked confused.
"Come on." Inauria grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her towards the library. Not stopping to give him any choice in the matter.
"What are you doing?" He hissed at her as they reached the library.
"I read something the other day that I think will help. We've still got a few minutes until curfew, if we hurry we can fix it." She whispered.
"Fix it?" He asked, but she was already pushing the door open. Reluctantly, Severus followed her inside and around the winding book cases until they reached the aisle she was looking for. She scanned the bookshelf quickly, grabbing the text she was looking for and set it down on the table closest to them.
"Where was it?" She muttered under her breath. "Ah! Here it is." She turned the book around to show him and as he scanned the page, his eyes widened in understanding. He organized the torn pieces of parchment in the order they would fit together properly, and practiced the wand motion once in the air. He met her eyes and she nodded at him. Severus took a breath and then cast.
"Reparo." Before their eyes the pieces shuttered on the table before pulling themselves together. The rips were still visible at first but starting from the top of the parchment the tears slowly began closing up as they watched.
"Well, at least now you don't need to re-write it." Inauria grinned at him.
"Why did you help me?" Severus asked.
"Why not?" She answered. "Come on, we need to get back to the common room, it's almost curfew." The two Slytherins snuck back out of the library and nearly ran through the halls until they were once again in the dungeons. Severus spoke the password and they both stepped into the common room with moments to spare.
"Well, goodnight then." Inauria smiled and made her way to the girls dormitory, leaving a very confused Severus staring after her.
---*---
"Right then, what's got you all in a snit?" Inauria asked. Severus just scowled and looked at his lunch angrily.
"Black's been telling everyone about his latest trip into the forest." Pucey leaned over. "How he fought a dugbog and lived to tell the tale."
"Does that idiot's mouth ever get jealous of how much he talks out his arse?" Inauria asked.
"Black bet that Snape would piss himself if he ever saw one in person." Pucey just smirked.
"It's more likely he's projecting than anything." Inauria commented.
"Right well of course he had the hangers on to back up the claim." Pucey continued.
"Enough." Severus growled, stabbing the meat on his plate with a fork. Pucey put his hands up in surrender and got up from the table.
"Well this is easy enough to fix." Inauria commented. Severus looked up at her with barely contained anger. She just smiled and leaned over towards him. "All we have to do is kill one."
-*-
"Tell me why we are doing this again." Severus complained.
"We're doing this to make Black look like the pansy he is. All he did was fight a dugbog, there wasn't even any proof. They're pretty easy to kill if you know the right technique." Inauria responded.
"And what would that be pray tell?" He asked, still following her.
"Dugbogs attack from a distance with their tongue. All you have to do is catch them by it, swing them in the air, and pierce the weak point underneath their right-front leg." She explained again.
"Right, simple as." He muttered.
-*-
"What do you want Snivellus?" Sirius Black called nonchalantly.
"Nothing much. Here, catch." Severus tossed something dark at the other boy, and Inauria removed the shrinking spell as it flew through the air. The next few moments were almost lived in slow motion as the dead dugbog resized and landed on the other boy. Purplish goo leaking onto his robes.
"The hell is that thing?!" Black yelped as he squirmed out from under it.
"Don't recognize him?" Severus sneered at the Gryffindors. "And here I thought you said you'd fought a dugbog before."
"Hm. That's what I heard as well. Maybe they were lying." Inauria shrugged.
"As if we'd believe you could've killed one of those. You're the liar Snivellus!" James Potter accused.
"Believe it, don't believe it, I really don't care. But a word to the wise, you'll find the corrosive stomach acid on your jumper speaks for itself." Severus remained nonchalant during the exchange which only seemed to annoy the Gryffindors more.
"Ah fuck!" Black cursed as the aforementioned acid finished eating through his clothes and burned his skin. Potter, the smarter of the two, cast aguamenti at his friend, to hopefully stop whatever was happening. A thoroughly drenched and clearly pissed off Sirius Black stalked up to Severus, trying to make use of his slight height advantage.
"Watch your back Snape. I'll get you for this." He threatened.
"I'm absolutely terrified." Severus stood his ground and replied. Black spit on the ground at Severus's feet before turning and stalking back up to the castle. The other three followed shortly behind him, and the two Slytherins could barely hold back until the group was out of earshot. When Severus and Inauria finally looked at each other, they found they could not stop the laughter bubbling up from within.
"Did you see his face?" She asked once they had calmed slightly.
"I've never seen him look like that." He answered.
"You think he'll stop boasting about things?" Inauria pondered.
"Black? Never. I give it a week tops before he tries to get revenge." Severus sighed.
"True." She agreed. "I think it was worth it though."
"It was definitely worth it." He gave her one of his rare half-smiles before they disposed of the dugbog and made their way back to the castle.