A Potter Secret

A New Avenue

Hogwarts starts today and Isabella gets to take third year classes. She's worked hard with her Grandma Minnie to master transfiguration. They quickly discovered that she could turn into a kitten and a phoenix. Her metamorphmagus abilities slowly become easier to control. She was given a class schedule to follow for private lessons with the professors of the school. So long as she stays hidden in the halls and from the other students, the professors are more than willing to tutor someone. They all seem to appreciate how much someone so young enjoys what's happening around her and how much she wishes to learn.

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Isabella finishes up her last lesson for the day, smiling as she leaves the greenhouse. The teachers are leaving her to enjoy her birthday after just one class that day. Just before she reaches the door, she hears footsteps outside. Isabella turns back only to find Professor Sprout is gone. A student comes in and notices her immediately. "Hey there," the student smiles. "You look a little young to be at Hogwarts already. What's your name?" The student kneels down in front of her.

More students are heard outside the door and Isabella freaks out. "Please, I need you to hide me! People aren't supposed to see me. I'll explain later," Isabella says. The student nods, looking around the classroom for a hiding spot. When he turns back, a small kitten stands in Isabella's place.

She jolts up and towards him. He picks the kitten up carefully and looks her over. "Are you the little girl?" he asks. The kitten nods burrows into him as more students come in. "Is it okay if I put you in my bag?" The kitten nods and the student quickly sets her in the bag. "I'll try to get you out of here. Can you tell me where to take you?" She turns into the bag and comes back holding a small potion vial. "A potion? You need me to get you to Snape?" The kitten nods and delves back into the bag.

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The class moves slowly and as soon as class is over, the student picks up his bag and carries it up to his dorm. As he walks in, he quickly goes to the on-suite bathroom in the room, locking it. He turns the bag on its side. "Hey, it's okay now. No one is here and they aren't getting in." The kitten gently pads out, jumping down and transforming into Isabella. She looks at him warily. "My name is Cedric. What's yours?" Cedric asks.

"Isabella," She whispers. "Where are we?"

"Boys dorm in Hufflepuff. I was trying to find a place that was hidden from everyone and I had some time before lunch so I came here," Cedric explains. "What are you doing at Hogwarts? You look a little young to be here."

"I live here with Papa but I can't be seen. I'm not really supposed to talk to other people. Can you bring me to my Papa?" Isabella asks.

"Where is he?" Cedric asks.

"He's the potions professor," Isabella replies. "I know that he scares people but he's really not that bad!"

Cedric nods and opens his bag again. "Alright, I'll head down there and find him. Hop in."

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Cedric runs down the stairs, rushing past students and teachers. When he finally reaches the dungeons, Professor Snape is leaving in a hurry. "Professor Snape!" Cedric calls. Severus keeps walking. "Professor Snape!"

"Mr. Diggory, this must wait until later. I have pressing matters to attend to," Severus says, continue on the way.

"Professor Snape, please. I promise it will be quick! It's really important!" Cedric insists. Professor Snape pauses and nods, waiting. "Perhaps we could take this into your classroom. I promise, you won't regret the time."

Severus sighs, leading Cedric into the classroom. As soon as the door is shut, Cedric tips his bag onto one of the tables. The kitten walks out and changes. "Papa!" Isabella runs forward and hugs Severus and he hugs her back.

"Isabella, where have you been?! I've been so worried. What happened?" Severus asks, holding her close.

"I got out of herbology a little late and on my way out, I ran into Cedric. Other students were about to come in so he hid me," Isabella explains. "I'm sorry papa. I didn't mean to worry you."

Severus nods and turns to Mr. Diggory. "Thank you, Mr. Diggory, for helping Isabella safely make her way back. Ten points to Hufflepuff."

Cedric smiles and looks towards Isabella. "I'll see you around?" Cedric asks.

Isabella is about to speak but Professor Snape interrupts. "I'm afraid not, Mr. Diggory. Isabella must be kept safe and that cannot be guaranteed if people know of her. You can't tell anyone of her existence."

Cedric's mouth hangs open. "But how can she be ready for the world if she doesn't know anyone other than teachers? Isn't safety found in knowing how to react to situations?"

Severus looks down at Isabella who looks at him with pleading eyes. "Perhaps you could come and visit her at times. You mustn't tell anyone about her for her protection. Now, head on to lunch."

Cedric nods and leaves as Severus turns to Isabella. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Papa," Isabella assures. "It was really nice to meet someone. Cedric is really nice. Can I please see him again?"

"Perhaps," Severus nods. "That is, if you behave."

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