Hogwarts: Our history.

Boxing day.

Slightly muffled steps made their way from a portrait all the way to the great hall. Only 20 students had remained and so not much noise could be heard. The blue table was empty aside from the recent addition of Serenity and so she sat in silence. Food was eaten and a book she had brought with her was read thoroughly.

Food had been eaten and courage was built up by the tiny witch. Eventually the book was closed and the girl came to her unsteady feet. Green eyes met a small figure at the table and so she walked, obviously terrified by the attention of almost all eyes on her. "P-professor Flitwick, sir, I was just, um, wondering i-if I could t-talk to you later on." Her stumbled words made the man think about what courage it had taken her to walk upto the adults. "Yes, meet me in my office at ten o'clock."

The pacing in the common room had stopped a while ago as she set for the office. The office that lay just behind the door. Checking her black watch the time read just 10. A deep and meaningful breath was taken before a shy knock came across the vast door. No words were heard but the large door opened and an expectant man sat behind a large desk. Books, as usual, lay beneath his bottom to give some hight to his small frame.

"Tell me. What has happened to cause such a quiet student to do this?" Without hesitation a small letter was slowly placed on the desk and rough hands opened it up to read the contents. His head nodded and then he turned with a sorrow filled look to the girl. "I see." His thoughts raced around his head but stopped when she spoke. "I only wish to know what I will do when summer arrives. I have no more home." Eyes slightly turned red as tears were kept back to prevent a loss of control. "Would you mind coming with me?" She shook her head to show a willingness to do so.

"Ah, Filius. How may I help you?" Albus spoke kindly as his blue eyes caught a glimpse of the young girl that followed slowly and showed such sorrow. "This letter arrived at one point. I believe for the holidays." The pair watched on as the old man read through the paper slowly. "I see. Tell me dear girl, what would you like me to do? I will do all that I can." He offered his services but was shot down. "I only ask that I know where I am to remain during the summer." When she spoke these words a familiar older witch was heard entering the room. "Well, I believe that unless your parents decide to step forward, you shall have to stay at an orphanage. Until term starts that is of course." A tear slipped down her face as she realised the truth of the situation at hand. "My dear, what has made you wish to cry so suddenly?" The old man asked with a gleam in his eye. "I just want to see my baby again. He is so little, I just want to sing him to bed one more time." A river had began as she spoke these words. "I can never see them again. All because of my parents." It was obvious that anger had flared towards her parents that didn't wish to involve themselves with her life but refused to let her stay with people who would.

"Miss Tipton." McGonagall cast through the hallway as Serenity walked quickly down and away from the office. More tears fell as Seren realised that she wasn't really a Tipton at all. "Serenity." It was kinder than before but a determined student still walked on. That was until the professor caught up with her and grabbed her arm. "May I read the letter?" It was nosy and unneeded. "No." It was blunt and Minerva was surprised that the tone could be heard from the student. "Why not?" Serenity didn't want her to know all of the secrets. Hell, she would have told no one if it were possible.

"It is private." Came out as more of a whisper than anything. "Could you tell me who it was from? What was it about?" The usual stern voice asked unsure of any reply being given. Serenity gave up on her voice and only shook her head 'no' as a reply. "Very well. I shall not help you." It was an annoyed tone and if it were fair points would have been taken but it wasn't. "Professor, you wouldn't be able to help. What has happened has happened. No one can help me now."

"Where have you been?" A clearly agitated boy asked as his friend walked through the portrait. "I had a meeting. I had to talk to an adult, remember?" They nodded and looked apologetically at her. "Just do not tell anyone." Serenity directed this statement at Tommy who looked around nervously.

Lunch and dinner were painful as some eyes watched her intently. Those who were unaware of the situation carried on just like normal. "You know, it is really weird. For some life is the same and yet here I am and never again will life be the same. I mean, I have loved my time here but if I stayed home, I would still be with my family." Her tone seemed to be a reminiscent one. "But they aren't your family. You were brought up by a load of random people. You didn't even know that they were not your parents never mind who your real parents were." As they sat near the door the adults could not hear a word but the close by Slytherin students heard and one cast loudly. "Wait, you do not even know who your parents are? Did they not love you?" By this point every student knew and daggers flew to Tommy who looked pale white. A loud set of marching steps came from the girl as she stormed away furiously. Tears letting gravity take effect.