Harry Potter and the Heir of Gryffindor(01) - Sahits

"Oh this is just silly," Ron snapped. "Listen Sophie, I'm sorry that you're unhappy. I really am.But you can't stay here! We're going to have to get you home." He took a breath. "You lot?We're gonna have to tell Dumbledore.""No!" Sophie shrieked, "Please let me stay! Don't tell Mr. Dumbledore! Oh, my motherwould be in such trouble!""As much as we'd like for you to stay," said Harry, "we can't. If we did, all of us: you me, Ronand Hermione, would all be out of school."It's not fair to any of us," added Hermione.Sophie was bawling. . . but she understood. After a moment she was reduced to shrivels everynow and then."Right. Of course you're right. I'm . . . sorry. I didn't want to put anyone in danger, andcertainly I didn't want to risk your being expelled. I just lost my head. I'm sorry.""Well, thank heavens for that."Harry whipped around to see none other than Professor McGonagall in the dormitory, herarms folded, leering over her glasses.Everyone gulped.McGonagall eyed each one of them and then said, "This way, please."The four walked out of the girls' dormitory in silence, Sophie looking particularly terrified.Harry's heart went out to her: if McGonagall could scare him out of his wits, how much moreso to a Muggle!She led them wordlessly, up a winding staircase-- wonder evident in Sophie's face as theypassed the portraits. (One bade her 'good day' which made her collide into Ron). AlbusDumbledore's office was a place that Harry and Ron had seen much more of than any otherstudent at the school Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, writing away, and he looked up andupon seeing them, gained that familiar twinkle in his eyes."My, my, Minerva! This sets a record I believe for Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley! The secondday of school! It's usually a week before I see you-- and this is with Severus gone!" Hechuckled happily as he stood up.Sophie, who stood next to Harry, subconsciously grabbed Harry's arm when she got a goodlook at Albus. Harry had to admit that to a muggle, seeing Dumbledore with his long, brilliantwhite hair and beard, and his purple robes-- it would be a bit intimidating."And this must be our little stow-away," he said pleasantly."How did you know?" Harry breathed-- and then quickly realized what a stupid question thatwas. Albus patted the head of a barn owl that looked somewhat familiar. It was Mrs.Banbury's owl, to be sure. Albus picked up a letter, cleared his throat and read:To Albus DumbledoreHogwarts HeadmasterDear Sir:I am writing to you in a state of panic. Sophie, my only daughter and a muggle hasdisappeared and I have good reason to believe that she is at this very moment on your campus. This at least gives me some peace of mind, knowing she is of course safe in your institution.Please write to me the minute you receive this owl and let me know if Sophie is indeed thereand when I may come to take her home.Yours most sincerely,Imelda Banbury,30