Survivor – Building a life
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, wish I did I'd be rich.
Summary
No one really knows Selina Smith, she barely knows herself anymore. She is a mysterious girl, whose identity is disguised by a mixture of lies, truths and half-truths. Through all this she has to build a life for herself, after all no one can survive alone, in this world. With the help of two red headed pranksters, she will learn to laugh again, and become reacquainted with a concept that she lost years ago, happiness.
This is the first in the Survivor series.
Author's note
Just a warning, this may turn into the longest story on here, as it starts in 1989, two years before Harry goes to Hogwarts, but with plenty of Fred and George. In the plan we are going through all the books, with some stuff staying the same, but still being very AU, you'll understand why when we start getting to the book bits and things start changing slightly. However, I'm not sure if to skip big chunks of time to get to the best bits quicker, however even if I go for this route it is still going to be a very long story due to the need to set the scene and show the building of relationships. Also I have no beta, but myself so sorry for any mistakes. The rating may seem high for the beginning however, it is more for later on in the story.
The first chapter is a one off as it is from Dumbledore's viewpoint, the rest will be done with the main character Selina Smith, just thought using Dumbledore would be a better way to start to give an outside view on Selina. I'm going to try to keep the everyone in character however some stuff may seem out of character, but is just a reaction to major plot changes.
Dumbledore's observations
A man with long grey hair, and an equally long grey beard, look up at the orphanage, he had become quite fond of the red brick building, even with its intimidating iron gates. From here he had retrieved many students, for this orphanage seen by the muggles as an orphanage for unmanageable children, was a haven for young witches and wizards, were they could feel less isolated. Although only a handful of the children there were magical, it was a place where magic was common knowledge, although the children knew better than to talk about it outside the safety of the orphanage walls. On his list this year were four students, Caleb Triggs, Paul Moffett, Becky Cole and Selina Smith. A very high number as usually it was only one per year, two maximum. As always he was intrigued to see what the personalities of these new students, although he had already had a report from Ms Albury on her perceptions of the students, and indeed they were a diverse bunch.
He still had half an hour before he was expected so as always he went and sat on the bench near the doors and reread Ms Albury's report. Those who knew the man in the wizarding world may have found his actions odd, but indeed Albus Dumbledore did not like to act rashly, especially when there was the shaping of young minds at stake. Indeed it would be these kind of students who would be most in danger when Voldemort returned as Dumbledore knew he would.
Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,
As you have requested I have compiled all my information on the children on the list of those who shall be attending your school. These being Caleb Triggs, Paul Moffett, Becky Cole and Selina Smith.
Caleb Triggs joined us just two years ago after being transferred from several different care homes, due to his outbursts of magic. Caleb magical outburst primarily focused around protective force fields appearing around other children and indeed the people who were in charge of his care. Which is why it took him so long to come to us as although not explainable, it was not harmful or seen as particularly deviant. Caleb has been in the care system since he was a baby, as both his parents were killed in a house fire, and he has no other relatives. Although quiet, Caleb is a kind boy and a loyal friend, however this does mean that his friendships can lead him getting into minor acts of deviance, through their goading, such as sneaking out after bedtime. This said I do not believe there is anyone in this world who could push this child to hurt any living thing and he can easily be controlled with a firm word.
Paul Moffett, joined us when he was six years old, after his first display of magic, Paul had only been in the foster system a year at this point after he was taken into our care when his mother became mentally unstable, his father is unknown. The magical display in question involved a book flying at the head of another child, who was believed to have been bullying him. He is a small boy, which often means he may become quite withdrawn from large groups. However, with those who do take the time to befriend him he is very popular. He is a very smart boy and works very hard in his studies, and none of us have any doubt that he will go far in life, for he is truly dedicated to his work.
Becky Cole has been with us from birth, when her mother appeared on our doorstep in labour, unfortunately she died giving birth to Becky. Becky is a good girl and all the staff adore her, which at times may make her a target for other students, however she does not let them bother her. Becky is an extremely talented, pretty young girl who all adults adore, as do many her own age, excluding those that are jealous of her.
Selina Smith joined her at the age of five, after having several magical outbursts in the year she had been In the system. Selina's parentage is unknown as she came into the system with a severe case of amnesia, although most guesses are that she had come from an abusive household, for when she was found she had extensive injuries. These injuries can affect Selina's health from time to time, causing her to be in acute pain, however she is getting increasingly better at dealing with the pain and does not let it hold her back. Selina's mental state can also be questionable, she would never hurt anyone however, she does very much like to be left alone and has quite a temper. Selina's magic is also one of the most powerful I have seen in the children that you have taken, especially when her emotions are high, although as with her pain she is getting increasingly better at controlling it. On occasion, Selina has also been known to suffer extreme nightmares, where she will wake up all nearby with piercing screams, thrashing in her bed, and sweating blood, although these are not as common as when she first came to our school. I realise this account of Miss Smith is quite grim, but I do hope it does not make you reconsider accepting her into your school, through all her pain she has a kind heart and I merely thought it prudent you be aware of what she is like at her worst. But I do believe she has the power to become a great witch, with the right training.
Yours Sincerely
Ms Albury
A diverse bunch indeed, Ms Albury's description wouldn't stop Dumbledore from accepting Miss Smith, although he had already shown Poppy this report, as he would with her head of house when she had been sorted. At his request Ms Albury had also provided him with the medical report done on Miss Smith, after assuring her that she would be accepted. Broken ribs, a broken wrist and ankle. She also had extensive wounds, which has bled profusely, leading to quite substantial blood loss. But it was what the muggle doctors couldn't identify that had made Albus pity the girl, as to an experienced wizard there were signs of multiple dark curses, including cruciatus. There was no doubt in his mind that her injuries were due to a previous acquaintance with the wizarding world and he hoped that returning to the magical world would not upset her. Looking at the time he saw it was time for him to go meet his new students.
Walking through the front doors he saw Ms Albury waiting for him, after exchanging the usual greetings, she showed him up to her office where his new students were sat. Ms Albury introduced him to each student in turn. Mr Moffett was sat with a book in his lap, his long brown hair covering his face. Next to Mr Moffett, was Mr Triggs, his smile was filled with joy and his eyes sparkled with a youthful innocence. The boys were as he had expected them to be but the girls were more of a surprise.
The much praised Miss Cole , indeed with her blonde hair and blue eyes she was very pretty, but he could see beyond that, her smile was fake, a lure to make her appear harmless, indeed her eyes did twinkle, but it was cold although she was plotting something. Miss Smith's eyes on the other hand looked, tired, they were eyes of someone who had seen much, indeed more than some had been through in a lifetime. Yet beneath that there was determination and courage, he would be highly surprised if she was sorted into any house but Gryffindor. Although he sensed she was hiding something, or it may just be she was extremely guarded, which would not entirely unexpected. Her smile at first glance seemed strained, yet when one looked more carefully, it was clearly genuine, as though a darkness was clouding her every happiness, but she could still focus on that happiness.
"Well I'm sure you know why I am here, you have all been invited to study at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and wizardry, I do not believe I need to explain it to you as its existence is common knowledge within these walls, but do you have any questions" There were a few question but mostly excitement, after explaining to the students that two professors would be coming to help them buy their supplies tomorrow he left them to absorb the news.