I was only seven years old and already I had experienced more than most. I had lost both of my parents, lived within a tree and could change what I looked like. Before Dumbledore had “discovered” me, Professor Snape had had a small sleeping area next to the Potions classroom. It was dark and confined. Just the way he likes it, but certainly not the way that I like it. Since I wasn’t yet a student there was no way of being able to sort me into one of the four houses. They decided to put me in the same living quarters as my uncle. Luckily this meant he moved. We found eventually found a place in the west wing, close to the Slytherin Common Room, which was very convenient for him. It was very strange to live so closely. It was a new experience for both of us and I think we were both quite independent people.

Word had spread throughout the school and I was given nicknames like Snape’s ghost. I think some actually thought that he had kidnapped a child and would torture them. Stupid things like that. I did take advantage of my new freedom though. I would go to the library, spend time with Hagrid and Professor Sprout. I kept myself hidden but I managed to find ways into the dungeons, the kitchens, and spoke to the paintings and ghosts. It was here that I also made friends with Peeves the poltergeist. I had the underground system of the castle mapped out in my head, sure there were places that you had to ask for passwords for but it was all part of the game. I could get from the Potions lab to the Quidditch Field and back to the kitchens, all underground. Not that I’m bragging or anything. My extensive knowledge of the underground networks became quite a puzzler for many, especially when they couldn’t work out how I’d gotten into Filch’s office. That one took a bit of help but it really isn’t that hard. That’s kind of how I spent most of my time, until I started at Hogwarts.

Winter days I was under full Snape protection but I was in the warm dry castle which was a welcome change and holidays we went back to Knockturn Alley or Cokeworth. I was alone most of the time but I did make a few friends when I lived down there including Charlie Weasley and Tonks. They were a bit older than me but I enjoyed learning with and from them.