“No! No!” I was screaming and running. From what I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that it was bad and that I had to get away. “Whoo!” An owl’s screech split through the air. I looked up and a burrow owl was flying over my head. It’s face seemed to be twisted in concern, then it looked behind me. I suddenly stopped as well, but I wish I hadn't. A wall of red, scorching flames came flying at me. I screamed...

“Gwen! Get up! We can’t be late!” That’s how Kat woke me up? By screaming in my ear? I sighed and got up. “I’m up, I’m up.” When my eyes adjusted to the light, I noticed that Kat was already dressed and ready. I sighed once more. “Hey, how’s about you go on ahead, yeah? I’ll meet you in potions later in the day, promise.” I smiled. Kat sadly nodded and made her way out.

Once I was dressed, I combed my hair, brushed my teeth, and put on my shoes, I was out the door(carrying all the books I’d need for the day). As I walked through the halls I looked over my schedule.

I had to study the night skies through a telescope every Wednesday at midnight and learn the names of different stars and the movements of the planets. Three times a week I went out to the greenhouses behind the castle to study Herbology, with our house head, Professor Sprout, where they learned how to take care of all the strange plants and fungi, and found out what they were used for.

Easily the most strangest class was History of Magic, which was the only one taught by a ghost. Don’t get me wrong, I love history, but I just couldn’t get over the fact that a ghost was teaching the class. Professor Binns was very old when he had fallen asleep in front of the staff room fire and got up next morning to teach, leaving his body behind him. Binns droned on and on while we scribbled down names and dates, needless to say, it was a very long class.

Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, was a tiny little wizard who had to stand on a pile of books to see over his desk. At the start of class he took the roll call, and when he reached that Potter boy’s name he gave an excited squeak and toppled out of sight. Why, I still don’t know, but I feel like I shouldn’t ask.

Professor McGonagall was our Transfiguration teacher, and the witch who showed us in our very first day, was very strange. The other students and I had been quite right to think she wasn't a teacher to cross. Strict and clever, she gave us a talking-to the moment we all sat down in her first class.

And then... potion's class came up... “Are you excited?!” Kat asked me as we made our way down the hall to Mr. Snape’s room. I was going to answer her, when I saw a flash of brown. When I looked I think my heart stopped. It was the owl from my dream. “Hey, look at that! A burrow owl outside its-- Hey! Gwen! Come back! We can’t be late!” I’d taken off running after the owl that had just taken flight.

I didn’t know where I was going, but I found myself at a shack of sorts. “I know I saw you fly in here.” I said to myself as I knocked on the door. The door swung open, and an older woman stood in front of me. “Oh, a little Hufflepuff. What can I get for ye?” I was flabbergasted and could barely get out my sentance. She was hunched over, her hair was white and in dreadlocks, decorated in beads. Her olive complexion also made her creamy white eyes pop out.

“I-I’m looking for an owl? It flue in here and I think it may mean something. T-to me?” I didn’t sound as confident as I wanted to, but at least I tried. The woman stepped back and ushered me in without a word.

She sat me down in a small chair and asked, “What do you know about him?” I blinked.

“Um, well, he came to me in a dream, like he was following me and, well I think it means something.” The older woman sighed.

“Then you’d be right to think so.” I was taken aback.

“I beg your pardon?” I was right to think so? What does that mean? Suddenly I felt something rub against my left arm. When I turned, I saw the owl rubbing against my arm. “From what I can tell you two have a little history that you might not remember.”

I looked into the owl’s big, dilated, yellow-orange eyes. He seemed to scream ‘CUDDLE ME’. I giggled as I held him in my hands. I brushed his feathers and a spark ran through me... and I remembered.

“B-but, mum, he’s hurt! And when I get my letter I’ll need an owl won't I?” I was six years old and held a small little owl that had an injured wing in my arms. My mother’s stern face looked down at me.

“I will not allow any child of mine to keep a filthy thing like that! Take it outside right now!” My mother shooed me outside and I sighed. I looked down at the small owl as it cuddled to me for warm. It was December and snowing, I started to cry and held the owl close to my chest. A shiny light surrounded the tiny owl, and then it took off flying.

My mother came running outside. “What did you do?!” She demanded. Not even I knew what I’d done. But them my mother muttered some words and everything went black.

“What? What did you see?” The older woman asked, gripping my shoulders. My eyes were wide and mouth agape. “Wh-what was that?” My voice was higher than normal and my throat felt dry. “You saw something! What was it?” I stood abruptly and started to run. Out the door and toward Hogwarts. This can’t be happening! I’m not special! And what was that memory?

I found myself at the door of Mr. Snape’s classroom. Just as I was going to open the door I heard someone yell, "Potter!" It must have been Professor Snape. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" I slowly opened the door, everyone turned to look at me. I must have looked like a mess standing there.

I’d image I had dirt on the bottom of my robe and on my shoes. My hair in disarray from the running thru trees. “Ah, I see miss Marchbanks decided to join us, take your seat.” I couldn’t moved, the room started spinning, my head was throbbing, and then everything went black.

I groaned as I tried to open my eyes. “Don’t try and sit up or anything. The nurse said that you must rest.” I knew that voice! I bolted up right, but immediately regretted it. A searing pain ran thru my entire body. Two hands placed me back on the bed slowly, so I wouldn’t hurt myself again. I looked up at his face and smiled.

“D-Draco.” My voice was hoarse but it was filled with joy. “Stay still, here have some water.” He turned to a pitcher from the side table and poured me a glass. I sat up slowly and took a sip of the water.  When I was done I asked him, “Draco, why are you here?” He gave a small smirk. “Who do you helped you all the way here?”

“Yes, but what about your grades? If you get any bad marks, your father will--” He stopped. “Mr. Snape is my head of house. He’d never deduct points from his own house, now would he?”

I blushed. “No, I guess not.” I blushed even harder when he took my hand. “Seriously though. Are you alright?” I gave a soft smile. The worry he had in his eyes made me forget about the Draco I’d seen on the train that day.

“Draco, I’m fine. I just need some sleep, and I’ll be right as rain tomorrow, promise.” Draco nodded, took my hand, kissed it and exited the hospital ward. I leaned back and took out a book that was placed on the side of the table next to me. It was entitled, ‘Hogwarts History of Wizards’. I thumbed through it till I found a chapter that intrigued me. It was bookmarked and the chapter title was, Hufflepuff secrets. The next three pages were blank. I frowned, then I remembered the code on how to get to our Commons Room. I knocked on the book in the same way I’d seen our guide had on the barrel, and sure enough, words melted across the page.

Welcome! You have unlocked the section of this book that explains the House of Hufflepuff. First thing you must know is that-- I skipped through the beginning untill I found something that caught my eye-- Some Hufflepuffs are so kind and caring that those traits seen to seek out and it takes form in a golden light. Only few Hufflepuffs like this exists, and they are highly sought out, by good and evil. So if you encounter one, either protect them or kill them...

My heart was pounding. I had to ask Headmaster Dumbledore about this! I closed the  book, slowly rose, and made my way towards the Headmasters office. When I finally made it there I noticed that it was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were snoozing gently in their frames. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby, tainted wizard's hat -- the Sorting Hat!

“And, why might you be here, Miss Marchbanks?” A voice asked me, causing me to jump and nearly drop the book. When I turned I saw Dumbledore standing there. I cleared my throat. “Uh, I-I have something I’d like you to look at please.” I opened the book to the page and held it up for him to see. “I’m sorry, but I don’t see anything, Miss Marchbanks.”

“Wha- fine. I’ll just read to you what it says. It says, ome Hufflepuffs are so kind and caring that those traits seen to seek out and it takes form in a golden light. Only few Hufflepuffs like this exists, and they are highly sought out, by good and evil. So if you encounter one, either protect them... or kill them...” My voice dropped at the end.

“I see, and do you believe that you are one of these special Hufflepuffs.” I dropped into one of the chairs that happened to be around. “That’s what I wanted to ask you about. You see, earlier today, I saw an owl that was in my dream last night, and then it that led me to a shack somewhere and then there was this old woman--”

“Malitia Odisse.” Dumbledore muttered. “I’m sorry sir?” I asked.

Dumbledore sighed. “Malitia Odisse. She was a teacher here, for the divinity class, but then she just disappeared. When I found her she just said that she was waiting for someone. But it’s been five years since then.” Five years? I would have been about six... THE LIGHT!!!

“Mister Dumbledore, sir! I think I’m the one she’s looking for!” I yelled, standing up. Dumbledore didn’t even flinch at my raised voice. When I’d realized what I’d done I covered my mouth. “Sorry.” I squeaked out.

“No, I think you’re correct.” I was shocked by his calm voice. “Now, if she contacts you to met with her say yes. She’s one of the smartest people I know when it comes to things like this.” I nodded. “Thank you, Mister Dumbledore.” He smiled as he ushered me out of the room, but not before saying, “Stay safe, Miss Marchbanks.”