July 6th, 1995

It had been two days since Julia's 'dream' had started and she had yet to wake up. On one hand, she was getting bored of being treated like a child. On the other hand, the whole situation was fascinating. She'd thought she just flitted from place to place and moment to moment, but… What if all dreams were really this long and detailed? What if you just don't remember all of it when you wake up? It was an interesting idea and the only explanation she could come up with.

"Julia?" The girl in question sat up from her pillows to greet the young nurse. She couldn't help but smile at the young woman in her familiar attire. The white blouse with the St. Mungo's insignia and the navy skirt were standard, but the bright yellow ribbons and multiple bracelets were not.

"Hey Anna," greeted Julia. Anna Willows was new to the Children's Ward at St. Mungo's, which is where Julia had been moved to after waking up. All the long-term patients under the age of thirteen were assigned a specific nurse to maintain stability and support when their families couldn't spend all their time at the hospital. Julia just so happened to be the first patient that the former Hufflepuff had sole responsibility for.

"Wonderful! I was hoping you'd be awake!" Anna was as cheerful and perky as ever it seemed. "Healer Morris told me Headmaster Dumbledore will be stopping by today so we have to get you dressed and ready for his visit."

"Okay," Julia clambered out of bed somewhat clumsily. She could move without pain and felt only a little fatigued after napping on and off repeatedly in the last 48 hours. "Where to first?"

Anna laughed at her enthusiasm and shook her head fondly. "Nurse Camille told me you've already had breakfast so I'll take you to get cleaned up and then I'll take you on a short walk to get your muscles stretched out."

Julia allowed Anna to take her hand and lead her about, all the while listening interestedly to the steady stream of chatter coming from the older girl.

"…Of course when I did the same thing nearly a year later my mum went ballistic. The poor sod next to her at the wedding nearly wet himself when she started whispering death threats under her breath half-way through the ceremony." By this point both Anna and Julia were laughing heartily, earning a few amused glances from the healers they passed.

"Can I see it?" Julia asked eagerly. Anna smiled fondly at her and sighed as if it were some great inconvenience.

"I suppose so," said Anna as she started to role up her sleeve. The younger girl stood on her tiptoes to get a glimpse but was foiled when the nurse lifted her arm higher. "Hold on poppet, I've got to poke it with my wand to get it to move again." Julia bounced impatiently as Anna pulled her wand from a pouch at her waist and pressed it to the inside of her wrist. "Here you go," announced the older girl with a proud smile.

Anna had finally lowered her arm and Julia got a glimpse of what she'd been dying to see. There, circling the nurse's wrist was a golden dragon whose details were outlined in black. The moving tattoo was small, only about two inches long, and flew around her wrist as if flying through the air.

"That is so brilliant," breathed Julia. "I want one."

Anna only laughed. "Maybe when you're older dear, but for now, let's get you back to your room for your meeting with Dumbledore."

"Right," agreed Julia easily. I hope I don't wake up from this dream until after I get to meet with him. Anna kept a tight hold on Julia's hand so the girl wouldn't rush ahead in her excitement. Julia was a little embarrassed to admit that being treated as an eight-year-old was making it hard not to act like one. What does it say about me that I can so easily slip into the mindset of a child? She shook her head at herself, amused, as they finally reached the entrance to the children's ward.

"You can wait on your bed or in a chair, just don't wander off while I send for Healer Morris." Julia nodded solemnly at the request and giggled when Anna made to swat at her backside for pretending to be serious. "Henry?" A man reading a novel beside a sleeping boy's bedside looked up from across the room. "Can you make sure this little one –" "Hey!" "–doesn't wander off or get into trouble for a bit?"

"Sure thing, Anna," said the man with a friendly wave as Julia glowered a bit. She hadn't once disobeyed an adult and had been nothing but polite to everyone at the hospital. Anna only winked at Julia once before darting back into the hallway. Still somewhat miffed at the treatment, she stormed over to her bed and flopped onto her back.

The ceiling in the children's ward was more interesting that the one in the comatose ward, but the fluffy white clouds drifting above her could only hold her attention so long. It's bad enough that I look like a child – now I've got the attention span of one too! Julia sat up and stretched her arms a bit.

There were no other children in the non-contagious half of the ward other than the sleeping four-year-old Henry was in charge of and the contagious half was impossible to enter if you weren't authorized. That left Julia with very little to do as she waited.

So she hummed quiet, made-up tunes to herself and skitted about between her bed and the door. Henry didn't seem to mind her frantic pacing and likely off-key humming, but then again he was practically absorbed in his book.

Just as she was beginning to worry about stomping a rut into the hospital floor Julia heard something very intriguing. She had been pacing right inside the door when Healer Morris' somewhat frail voice floated through. "Before we go in I have to warn you – the coma did have one long-term affect on Miss Scott."

"And what might that be Liam? I take it the problem isn't dire or I assume I would have been informed in one of your letters…" The voice that trailed off was relatively deep and had the tell-tale scratchiness that came with old age, but none of the softness.

"No! No, of course not Albus," cajoled Morris. "You know I wouldn't leave out anything important. It's just, I wasn't sure at first and I'm not sure to what extent –"

"I think it best you inform me of the problem we're discussing before you continue any further Liam. I'm afraid I'm quite lost." There was a momentary silence on the other side of the door and Julia stood stock still, wondering what they thought was wrong with her. Soon enough, she had her answer.

"It's her memory," began Morris. "She doesn't remember the accident – which isn't a problem at all, a blessing rather – but she doesn't seem to remember anything else about her life either…" He sighed heavily before continuing. "The girl didn't know her own birthday, her last name, or even her parents when I showed her a picture of them." Julia winced at that, she hadn't thought she'd been so obvious.

"Can she still function? Or is she exhibiting a younger mentality?" The eavesdropper bristled a bit at that. How dare he insinuate that I am not at my full mental capacity!

"Not at all," assured Morris. "From what we've seen she's a perfectly functioning eight-year-old who seems to be above average intelligence for her age group. All that's missing are personal memories, social interactions, people and places from her past."

The other man, whom Julia had already identified as Dumbledore, hummed before venturing, "Perhaps it is best that she not remember her parents and friends. While she was frozen in time for five years her parents were dead and any friends she had were growing up. This way… she'll have a chance at a completely fresh start."

"Quite right Albus," said Morris in a less miserable tone than he'd been using before. "Well, now that you're aware, let's head in and meet with her then."

Panicking and afraid of being caught Julia sprinted over to her bed as fast as she could without making a ruckus. Miraculously, Julia made it in time to hop on her bed without Henry noticing and before the older wizards walked in.

She let out a relieved sigh when she saw that Morris and Dumbledore were still conversing pleasantly as they strode towards her. Then she saw the quirked mouth and raised eyebrow over electric blue eyes and she fought back a groan – he knew!

The two men ended whatever conversation they were having and Healer Morris walked over to say something to Henry while Dumbledore moved to the chair beside Julia's bed. He was tall and thin with the expected blue eyes, half-moon spectacles, and silvery beard. He only vaguely looked like the actor who played Dumbledore, which was odd, but Julia ignored it in favor of taking in his robes. The figure before her was wearing a flowing robe in a glaring shade of fuchsia that was left open to display a bright blue belt into which his beard was tucked.

"Hello Miss Scott," greeted Dumbledore pleasantly. "How are you this fine morning?"

"All right, thanks," said Julia politely. She was steadfastly trying to hold back her blush at having been caught eavesdropping and his knowing tone was only embarrassing her further. "And yourself sir?"

"I'm doing quite well actually." Dumbledore seemed to radiate kindness and joviality; that, along with the fact that he hadn't brought up her indiscretion, was enough to put her at ease.

Just then Healer Morris returned to Julia's side of the room and summoned a chair from an empty bed so that he could sit beside Dumbledore. Out of the corner of her eye Julia noticed that Henry had taken his charge and left the ward, leaving her alone with two fictional beings.

"If you haven't already guessed, this man here is Albus Dumbledore – Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And this lovely little lady is Julia Scott – one of our most intriguing patients," introduced Morris. Julia very nearly rolled her eyes; the healers at St. Mungo's were quite fascinated with her predicament.

Healer Morris took the clipboard from the end of her bed and studied it closely for a moment. He turned to Dumbledore, ignoring Julia as many other adults had done for the past two days. Apparently, they felt less inclined to explain her condition to her than to other adults. As if I can't understand perfectly well, groused Julia. "According to our most recent tests Miss Scott is doing quite well all things considered. She'll continue to feel a bit weak for another three days or so both magically and physically, but after that there'll be nothing to worry about."

Julia beamed at them both in light of the good news – she was sick of tiring so easily – and Dumbledore smiled back before speaking. "That's wonderful news Liam." He pinned the Healer with a penetrating stare. "So we no longer have to worry about the time dust?"

Morris' expression turned sheepish. "Well – no, not exactly. She's still producing a small amount in her sleep, but from what I can gather of her condition that'll stop once she gets rid of the build-up left over from the coma."

"It also comes out when I sneeze," piped in Julia. She wrinkled her nose. "It's kind of gross actually…"

"I see." Dumbledore chuckled before turning serious eyes on the healer. It seems he too would be ignoring her due to her eight year old appearance. "And the Ministry hasn't tried to gain custody yet?" Why would they want custody? Oh wait… time sand, she realized belatedly. Huh, maybe I'm the reason Hermione could get a time turner. They would have owed Dumbledore since he was the one who gave the ministry permission to collect the sand.

"They have," admitted Morris. "But they can't really do anything when her parents' will very clearly leaves you in charge of her fate." Julia remained silent in case they forgot about her and revealed something interesting. "I did give the sand from when she first woke up to the monthly unspeakable," said Morris. "Since then though, I've got the rest in a little glass jar for you – I figured you might like to experiment or study it." He fished said jar out of his pocket and passed it over.

Dumbledore examined the golden dust closely before putting it away inside a bag at his waist. "I'm sure I'll find something to do with it unless Miss Scott would like to keep it?" They had finally seemed to remember her presence.

"No go ahead." Julia shrugged before explaining herself. "It's not like I have any idea what to do with it. Besides," she continued, "I'm still producing some so feel free to keep that jar. To be honest, I'll be relieved when I stop waking up covered in it."

Dumbledore nodded his thanks and pocketed the jar at his waist before donning a slight more severe expression. "Now I've heard from Healer Morris that you don't remember the details of your life from before the accident?"

"Er – No – Not really," muttered Julia. She was somewhat embarrassed. She didn't like being put on the spot, not even in dreams.

"I'm sorry to hear it; your parents were wonderful people." Dumbledore patted her hand in a show of sympathy. "Of course, you do know why I'm here today?"

"Yes sir," said Julia. "My… parents left you in charge of what happens to me in case something happened. You're here to decide where I'll go once I leave the hospital."

Dumbledore shifted in his chair so he was facing both Julia and Healer Morris before speaking. "If there are no objections I'll be taking Julia to her new residence and guardians today." Julia gaped and Morris spluttered in shock while Dumbledore merely smiled innocently.

"B-But she's supposed to be on bed rest for the next three days! She only just woke up and you already have a place for her to stay?" Healer Morris looked completely taken aback and for a moment Julia feared he might have a heart attack.

"Oh, I'll be sure to inform her guardians of anything you feel would be important to her continued health. I thought it would be prudent to find Miss Scott a family before someone not looking out for her best interests tried to gain custody of her."

Morris' shocked faded to thoughtfulness but Julia only felt more confused. "Why would anybody try to gain custody if they didn't have my best interests in mind?"

Dumbledore turned his full attention on the eight year old before explaining gently. "The sand you've been producing is a very important and expensive resource that many would like to get their hands on. They might try to induce another panic attack where you would return to your comatose state in order to ensure you continued to produce the time sand."

"Oh," Julia breathed. She was starting to feel like her subconscious had an answer to everything. Then something occurred to her. "Will I at least get to say goodbye to Nurse Willows before I leave? I really like her."

She and Healer Morris turned to Dumbledore expectantly. "Of course Miss Scott," said the eccentric wizard. "In fact, I have to pick up some of your things from my home – I kept them for whenever you woke up." Julia beamed at the news, hoping she would be able to wear something other than the pale grey hospital wear. "I'll be back around three o'clock to check her out."

Dumbledore then nodded to both of them in farewell before sweeping out of the room, leaving the two rather bewildered at his abrupt departure. Morris blinked a few times before turning to face Julia. "No matter how many times I meet that man, I can never decide if he's rude, eccentric, or just plain insane."

Julia could only laugh.