There was a trace on her, she knew. One that informed her master the moment she tried to use any of her magic. She wasn't sure when she came to that conclusion, but it was the only explanation that made any sense. Ordinarily used only on underage witches and wizards to keep them from violating the Underage Magic Act, the Ministry had begun by placing it on those they deemed "Undesirable" or those who had somehow managed to slip out of the constraints of the new world that Voldemort was in the process of creating. It didn't take long before everyone had the Trace. If one was well-connected or happily living within the confines of wizarding society playing by the very strict rules set up, there was no problem with exercising a bit of magical skill. If someone, like her, was trying to desperately avoid anyone with the slightest amount of power, they had to live just like the Muggles.