Summary- Abandoned by those that were supposed to be her family Fem! Harry makes a life for herself. One that she is just really starting to enjoy when the dead wake up hungry for human flesh. So, what happens when this independent Fem! Harry is faced with surviving during the walking dead?
Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter or the Walking dead.
FemHarry-Hyacinth Potter
Chapter one
A fifteen-year-old Hyacinth could feel a headache building up behind her eyes; one that had been steadily getting worse as time went on. Especially as she realized, with a rather deadpan expression on her face, at what had just happened to her.
Honestly, given everything that had happened to her do far, and after everything she had already been through wasn't really that big a thing. In fact, it wasn't that Hyacinth hadn't expected them to do something like this, hell she had thought they would have done it a lot sooner when she had been younger; like they had threatened to do more times than she could count.
But since she had found out she was a witch she had thought they were too intimidated about both what she could do to them, as well as the reactions of the wizarding world, to actually go through with it; even if at the moment it seemed the wizarding world didn't seem to like her too much. As it turns out Hyacinth had guessed wronged about her family when it came to that; at least in the end she had.
Because it seemed that after her fifth year, after she had lost her godfather. Not to mention after she had finally defeated Voldemort once and for all; with a powerful emotional magical blast from losing said godfather. Everyone seemed to really wipe their hands of her; like they no longer needed her any longer.
The biggest one of this, or at least the showiest one of this, being her so called family. Who had all finally decided to abandon Hyacinth once and for all. And of course, they had decided to do this while they had been on a family vacation; one that had been made for a business opportunity from Vernon's job. Meaning that Hyacinth had no way previous to inform anyone who just might care where she would be during the summer; as she herself had no idea about it until she had gotten home.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Hyacinth decided that what had just happened really didn't matter to her, that it didn't hurt her in the least bit. And to show this she made herself look around herself, to see what choices she now had; to see how bad things currently where for her. After all Hyacinth knew she was a survivor and she wasn't going to let something her so called family did to her, hurt her; not after everything else she had been though. She had lived through for that matter.
As she did this Hyacinth also decided to think about what other options she may have when it came down to everything. Having calmed down quite a bit after she had started look around. Enough so her rational side, the part that made it, so she would have done well in Slytherin kicked it. Starting with going over what she did know about her situation, what could be used to help her giving everything that was currently going on, before moving on from there.
Okay first thing first, she did at the very least know her location; or at the very least the general location she was at. Currently Hyacinth knew that she was in the large forested area that was good several miles outside of Atlanta, Georgia. One that if she remembered correctly was a natural preserved forest; or something similar to that. Not only that but if she remembered it all correctly she was pretty much close to the center of said forest with civilization on either side of her; in some way or another.
Two, her oh so loving family had actually been 'kind' enough to let her grab her things before they threw her out of the car and tore out of there like the very devil was at their heels; spiting insults at her from the windows as they drove off.
Though, at the same time, Hyacinth was sure that the only reason they actually let her grab her things was only because they didn't want any of her 'freakish' items on them. Or, for that matter, to have anything that could be used to link themselves to her at a later date if they were question about it by the police; something she seriously doubted would happen given her luck. Otherwise she was sure they would have left her out here with nothing but the clothes on her back if they could.
At the same time, she was rather grateful it hadn't gotten into their heads to simply burn her things or dump them all somewhere she wasn't. Otherwise she would be in a lot worse situation then she currently was. So yes, she knew it certainly could be worse for her then it was not. Not, that she dared to tempt fate by saying that aloud or anything like that.
Three, she knew the wizarding world really wouldn't come looking for her; not any more at least. What considering they seemed to have pretty much wiped their hands of her after she defeated their dark lord once at for all. Something that Hyacinth wasn't ever going to regret doing, but at the same time wished she hadn't been so hurt by everyone's reactions; at least at first, she had been.
But considering, that her so called friends even seemed to ignore her after everything was said and done; even going as far to move on the other side of the hallway if she tried to talk to them. She felt it might be a giving.
None the less those reactions, as well as several other very similar reactions, really drove in the cold hard truth that the wizarding work had only been using her all along. That they never really cared for her and had only wanted her to defeat their dark lord for them all along, in harder than ever.
And reminding Hyacinth once again just why she had major trust issues before she had even joined Hogwarts to begin with. Reminded her why before she had even found out about magic she had always felt that the only one she could fully trust was herself. Why she had forgotten that lesson and had let so many people in she would never really know.
Though Hyacinth could say that realizing this and remembering all the 'lessons' that she had seemed to have forgotten when she had entered Hogwarts, had helped her more than ever. Especially now, after her family had abandoned her like they just had; just like everyone seemed to do at some point or another.
But again, it was because of this, because of the reaction the wizarding world had to her, the way everyone seemed to throw her away after they had their use of her, that Hyacinth was actually as prepared as she currently was.
You see, after the wakeup call Hyacinth had gotten due to the fact she had been pretty much deserted by everyone she had thought cared about her, had caused Hyacinth to buckle down hard. To return to the much colder girl she had been before she had first found out about magic. More so then she ever had before in fact, as a fire to just learn, to be better, to be stronger then ever began to fiercely burn with in her chest; and no amount of work or time she put into it seemed to calm this fire down.
It caused her to become more determined than ever to never give anyone a chance to do something like that ever again. To be strong enough that anyone would think more than twice about doing so; be it magically or physically.
It made it so that she never wanted to have to be close to someone, to need someone, to give them a chance to do something like that again. After all, if those she had thought were almost like family to her, not to mention her own blood family, seemed to hate her so much what did that say about others. No knowing this, having learned it time and time again, made it so Hyacinth never really wanted to depend on anyone but herself. The only person she could trust to not deliberately hurt her.
To do this Hyacinth figured out that she first needed to become independent as possible. So that no one would be able to stop or control her like they could before; like they had done all throughout her stay in Hogwarts. To do this she would have to do everything in her power to make it so that she would have to depend on no one, but herself. Something that was only further proven to her by what her family had just done. Not that she honestly counted on them for anything but pain, but it was the point of the matter.
Not to mention that at least this time she was already fully prepared for what had happened; even if she hadn't actually known it was going to happening Because before she had even left her school she had decided to make sure that she was prepared for anything remotely similar to it. Seeing as after everything she had been through that year she hadn't really been planning on going back to it for yet another two years of the same treatment; or whatever else the wizarding world may have in mind for her now that she had fixed their dark lord problem/
And this preparation all started with that fire that burned in her chest after nearly everyone she knew had turned their backs on her. As it hadn't only made want to her study and learn everything she could be it for knowledge or for future strength. It also got her back in to the survivalist mindset that had helped survive living with her family; who often threw her outside in at night in the middle of winter just because they had felt like it at the time. Which was one of the reasons she wasn't terrible surprised that the Dursley's had done what they had done to begin with; just the fact they hadn't done it much sooner than they actually had. Seeing as her aunt seemed to hate her so fiercely for looking like her mother so much; besides her skin tone, and the height she had gained over the last couple of years that is.
This fact was something that often haunted the back of Hyacinth's mind as she often almost absentmindedly wondered if she would probably have an easier time living as male in her aunt's house because her Aunt, and there for her husband and son, seemed to loath her more because she looked so similar to her mother; whom Petunia seemed to hate even more then her father for some reason.
Still because of this Hyacinth had gained a rather colder mindset that she had pushed aside once she had entered Hogwarts and had finally gained her first friends. Not wanting to frighten them like she had so many others before them; for fear of losing them. Not any more though, now she embraced that mindset fully and utterly.
Feeling rather disgusted with herself for abandoning it to being with, so many things would have been better or at least easier for her if she had never left it behind to begin with. For friends that hadn't even been worth it at that. Though now that she was back in the flow of how she felt things should have always have been the benefits of reclaimer her older mindset was certainly showing, now more so then ever.
It was that mindset, and the fact she knew that she couldn't depend on anyone, that caused Hyacinth to be as prepared as she currently was. Seeing as it was those feeling, and a nagging itch in the back of her mind that wouldn't go way, that made it so that she was prepared for she decided to suddenly disappear and make a life for herself without needed to help of anyone else. To make a life for herself away from everyone else, and whatever plans they may have for her.
Because Hyacinth knew, even if the others were currently ignoring her at the moment, she knew, from somewhere deep within her gut and without a shadow of doubt in her mind, that they still wouldn't want to her to become as independent as she wanted to be; especially not if anything else dangerous came up. That, even with them avoid or ignoring her the way they were, they still had something else planned for her that they wanted her to do, rather she wanted to do or not. That they wanted to keep her under there control one way or another.
So, keep this in mind, for she knew Dumbledore and the others would stop her if they knew just what she had planned, Hyacinth did her best to hide the fact she no longer cared that her friends were ignoring her, and pretended to attempt to talk to them.
Basically, she attempted to keep acting the way she felt the golden girl they wanted her to be would have reacted if she had been real instead of a mask Hyacinth had made years ago. She pretended to be heart broken when they walked past her without saying anything. She acted her heart out behaving like the guilt ridden, abandon little girl the wizarding world, or more specify one Albus Dumbledore, seemed to want her to be.
While in truth Hyacinth did nothing but study, train and prepare for everything she planned, once she finally had the opportunity to put her plan into action that is. Once she had to opportunity to have a life where she didn't have to depend on anyone else, and a life outside the wizarding world control; even if she had no plans what so ever to give up on her magic while she did so. Who would after all, her magic was an advantage she had that, along with several other thigs, she planned to use to her full advantage. Why would she train it so much if she hadn't planned to use it any more after all?
To do this Hyacinth learned all the magic she could, be it in the restricted section of the Library or not; her cloak and the skills she had in sneaking into place help her getting past that. Not to mention, with everyone ignoring her she had an easier job hiding what she was doing.
Not only that but while she was doing this Hyacinth also did something she had wanted to do for a while now, since she had first found out about it in the middle of her fourth year and had made some real good use the room or requirements.
Using said room to its fullest extent to make sure she had learned everything she could get her hands on in regards to magic or otherwise. Any and everything Hyacinth thought she would need in the future or thought could further herself in some way she did her best to learn at least the basics of; hell, some of the things she had decided to learn where because they caught her fancy in some way or another.
By doing this Hyacinth was able to learn things such as advance transfiguration, wards, runes, advance charms, battle magic, defensive magic, even some elemental magics and a good deal of basic healing as well.
Not only that but she was able to teach herself at least the basics in more mundane skills such as a good grasp on hand to hand combat due to the manikins that the room had that had helped her learn to fight if she ever got in a situation that made it, so she wasn't able to use her magic. In that same vine of thought Hyacinth had also learned how to use swords, from the same manakins that had taught her hand to hand.
Along with other skills the room had from a more ancient time, things such as hunting and the skills necessary to prepare the food she caught hunting. Though this she had learned both the mundane as well as the magical way. Not to mention the fact to her secret joy, and as a big mocking middle finger to the wizarding world, Hyacinth had also managed to sneak out an learn how to use guns.
After she had managed to sneak out of Hogwarts to get the guns she had trained with, she began to do so for other things, without any real difficulties or anyone even finding out she had left in the first place and had gone to several different places. Each one she felt would help her plans further and each place she made sure to either go to under disguise or if not, that get an oath of silence about her being there before she had left. And had done so on several different occasions as she knew she couldn't get everything she wanted done during the first trip she had made. Something that was made just that much easier due to the fact she was able to space everything out throughout the six months she had remining of school.
The first place Hyacinth made sure she went to and had gone to several different times since her first visit, was the Gringotts bank. After all it was the place that everyone seemed to go out of their way to make sure she didn't have to go to it. Showing her in many different ways now that she stopped and actually thought about it, that there was quite a bit of important information, that Dumbledore and his little group, most likely didn't want her to know about in said bank.
Meaning she had to go there, no matter what. And considering just what she had found out once she did go there, it was a good thing she did. As she had found out that there were several different, and important, bits of information that had been kept from her.
Information that if she had known about before hand would have made a big difference and most likely would have changed several different things that had happened in her past. Hell, it would have most likely saved several lives that had been lost, but no Hyacinth knowing that information hadn't been in the headmaster's plan so things had played out like they had.
This information was that, one, ever since she had competed, and won, the Triwizard tournament she had been emancipated. Meaning she was legally considered an adult within the wizarding world, making her the current lady Potter, and since her godfather had died she had also became Lady Black; meaning her full name was now Lady Hyacinth Lilyanna Potter-Black. A mouthful of a name, with an even bigger meaning behind it; not to mention one hell of amount of political power behind it as well.
Two, there actually had been a marriage contract that had been set up for her. One that would have married her to one Ron Weasley; one that would have pretty much stripped her of all of her freewill and had her being nothing but a broodmare the Weasley in question. Much to her utter disgust.
But fortunately for her the contract in question had been dismissed and canceled the second she had become Lady Potter-Black. Seeing as her very family magics rejected the pairing, and literally burned the marriage contract to show this. Much to Hyacinth joy as she knew there would have been a widow before their wedding night even began if she had to Marry one Ronald Weasley; seeing as she would have slowly killed the weasel in question before he could have even touch her if the contract had stayed. And she would have done so with a smile clear on her face, even with the consequences she would had to have faced if it had happened.
And three, those she had called family, and her so called friends, knew all of this and kept it from her. All the while dipping their greedy little hands into her family vaults taking money from her; using her family things just as they had used her.
Something she had honestly expected given the fact they had done all they could to make sure she didn't find out about it, but yet still oddly found herself rather hurt about it once she had undeniable prove about it. However, after shaking her head and steeling herself once more Hyacinth ignored the hurt feeling she had gain, and instead just became that much more determined to never again be part of this wizarding world. To get as far away from those backstabbers as she could.
Which is why she did what she did next. Well, that has she had sort of planned to do so anyway, no matter what she had found out at the bank. She purchased several untraceable, bottomless bags from Gringotts and proceed to use said bags to empty out her vaults. Gold going in one bag, Nongoblin made jewelry and family heirlooms in another, all the family books into yet another, and into the final one all her family weapons and other object, such as Pensives, went. And she did this for both family vaults that she had; leaving nothing of value behind as she did so.
Then to ensure that the goblins didn't inform anyone of what she had done, or what she was planning on doing she made a magical binding contract with them. One that was short to the point and with zero loop holes to use to get around it; for either party involved. A contract that pretty much said in return for all the goblin made items that been in her vaults, as well as any in the homes she owned, and besides the bottomless bags she had just purchased for her life time, they would keep their silence about what she did.
Then to further sweeten the deal she swore to them as long as they helped keep others off her back they could also use her family names, and political power, in any way they wanted to. Something the goblins seemed very eager to do, if the sudden sinister grins they gave meant anything.
And if Hyacinth could bring herself to care about the British wizarding world, even in the least bit, she might have felt a little bad about what she had just done but figured in the end they were honestly bring it down on themselves. What with their lack of respect for the creatures that were in charge of what could very well be their lively hoods; of their entire family fortunes. Hell, of the only money that the wizarding world had. So yeah, she really couldn't see just why the wizarding world was so determined to disrespect them; even with the wars they had with them. Hell, especially with the wars they had with them. You'd think they'd learn from their past.
After emptying her accounts from the bank Hyacinth decide it was time to get some much-needed shopping done. Something she had never really been able to do before and something she had found herself rather eager to do now that she had the time. Not to mention that with the bags she had on her sides, she both had a place where she could store everything she did purchase as well as the money she would need to do so; all without it looking too suspicious while she was at it.
After all the bags themselves were all small enough that they could be tied together before being slipped into robe pocket; without any worry about them being visible to anyone else.
Not to mention with a little work on her part she could very easily make the bags in question look like something on a hiking belt, or something similar to that. So not too many questions wouldn't be asked about them; in either the wizarding world, or the mundane one. Seeing as plenty of people wore bags like that in both the wizarding world as well as the mundane one; worse comes to worse she could also simple place several notice me not charms on them if she had to.
Hyacinth knowing the wizarding world prejudice and not give a wit about it, not to mention she would most likely find more of what she wanted there, made one of her first stops in her shopping trip being Knockturn Alley; the supposed dark alley of the wizarding world.
But a place Hyacinth knew would have pretty much anything she wanted to buy, not to mention a place not many would speak up about just who was shopping there. Though she did wear a disguise as a just in case; something she found most of the shoppers in Knockturn themselves did; so, it wasn't something that really stood out that much there.
The first store Hyacinth had decided to enter back then, had been a potion story; one that sold premade potions. Because despite how hard she tried and even with all the training she had done with it in the room of requirements, she wasn't ever going to be the best at potions; though if need be she could make the more basic and a few more complicate potions. But at the same time, it'd probably be best if she simply purchased the more complicated ones this risk actually making them.
Sure, after a lot of tears and blood she could to the basic ones and a few of the minor healing ones, but beyond that she didn't have a chance in hell at making a more complex one she felt like she would need.
Especially not when she had a Professor like Snape hovering over her shoulder just waiting for her to make the slightest mistake, so he could punish her for it. It seemed he really had something against her for looking so much like her mother, while still having her father as a father.
He was another person that had her wondering if thing would have been easier for her if she had been born male and looked like her father instead of more like her mother. Though given his nature she seriously doubted it; Snape would have hated her either way, male or female.
In that store Hyacinth had purchased a magical expanding potion case to put in her bag as the case would protect the potions a lot more than the bag she had would; making it so she didn't have to worry nearly as much about one of the potions accidently shattering or anything like that.
The case she had gotten was one that was made to hold several different potions at once, while keeping them all individually protect. With the largest case in question, at least on the inside, being able to hold over three hundred different potions; all neatly keep in order and could summon the wanted potions with but a thought.
Which was one of the main reason Hyacinth had decided to purchase the case she had; she had gotten two of such cases in fact. And she had the both of them filled with several types of healing potions; like a blood restoration potion, bruise healing cream, skelogrow, potions to boost immunity, pepper up potion and more. Making it so she had a good six hundred different potions that dealt purely with healing in different degrees from deadly to bare basics. Though given her history Hyacinth felt it was a good idea to have potions like this; especially since it took years for potions to even begin to expire.
Hyacinth also got a smaller case filled with potions that effected the environment, as well as potions that effected a person without being classified as an actual healing potion. Seeing as she knew that she would needed more than just potions geared to healing; especially considering how much variety potions had with them.
These include potions such as, potions to help with plant growth, potions that could cancel someone scent, cleansing potions for animals, items as well as people, potions to correct eye sight, potion for malnourishment as well as several replicates of any and every other potions Hyacinth could think that could help some use for someone living on their own. In fact, anything that dealt with survival in someway or another Hyacinth made sure to grab more as many as she could of them. Knowing it was better to have something and not need it then to desperately need it but not have it.
And because she had made such a large purchase Hyacinth had also been given what could be considered a goody bag with thirty different cosmetic potions in it. All of them geared to beauty in some way; several of which she knew some woman would have fought tooth and nail for.
When it came to theses cosmetic potions, which if Hyacinth was honest with herself, something she tried her hardiest to be, she wasn't sure she would ever be using them herself, as she never really saw the point of them. Though maybe she could use them for trade or as a trick for someone later on; who knew. But if it became a necessary she'd find some use for them one way or another. Hell, maybe one day there would be someone she considered actually using the potions for; however doubtful that maybe.
Though she did grab the subscription magazine they had on the counter out front. A magazine which had locations of all similar potion shops around the world, where you could purchase from in the back; something she could really see being helpful in the long run. Because while she didn't want to be part of the British magical world didn't mean she would be cutting magic out of her life altogether. Meaning she would need to know just where to locate other magical locations where ever she decided she wanted to go.
After exiting the potion shop Hyacinth saw a shop that had what looked like magical camping gear in the window. Seeing this she couldn't help but smirk slightly as she was suddenly reminded of the magical tent she had been in during the summer of her fourth year and knew she had to go in there; even if it was for that tent alone.
Not to mention one of the lower end tents had been so amazing how much more so would the higher end ones be like. After all she had seen Malfoy with a tent there, and she seriously doubted anyone from that family would have 'lowered' themselves to stay in a tent similar to the one she had.
And seeing as something had obviously wanted her to go in said shop, what with the suddenly seeing it and the memories from fourth year springing up, Hyacinth had gone in that shop; eager to see just what else the wizarding world had when it came to camping or any likeminded things.
Once she had entered said store Hyacinth had purchased a tent, one that was not the largest on they had, but not the smallest either. Seeing as she didn't feel like she needed the largest most fancy one the story had, which would have honestly done the Malfoy family proud. But at the same time really didn't want the smallest one available, seeing it only had the barest of spells on it making it slightly larger than a more mundane tents, as well as making it water prove; that is it.
Instead she had gotten one that had a two-bedroom apartment in, with a working kitchen, bathroom and even a small library as well; all protected and powered by both the owners magic as well as the abundant magic that was around it. Like every other tent the shop had.
Though she did have to admit that she only got the two-bedroom apartment one instead of the single room one simply because the single room apartment didn't have a library in it and Hyacinth really wanted they Library. What could she say but she honestly had a love of reading and putting said knowledge she learned from it into action.
But this wasn't the only thing she had gotten at what that store, that now that she thought about it remembered it called itself, The Magical Great Outdoors. Not in the least bit, especially not after she found everything the shop had inside it. It seemed that while most wizards were rather lazy, there had been or was a few that really loved to explore, and this shop was made to cater to them.
Seeing this Hyacinth had gone a bit wild in the shop in questions. Meaning, not only had she purchased the tent she had originally wanted when she had first entered The Magical Great Outdoors, but she had also purchased a magical hiking bag she had seen not far from the tents.
A magical hiking bag that she could attach her bottomless bags on the sides without worrying about them being stolen. Seeing as the hiking back had anti-thief charms attached to it. Not to mention it made the bottomless bags look even less suspicious to the mundane eye then they already were; so, she could have the out even when she wasn't in the magical world.
Not only that but the hiking bag in question also had a secondary function of being like a cooling box. One that once food was put into it would automatically be hit with preservation charms; as well as spells that would keep the food at whatever temperature the owner of the bag wanted them to be. Be it hot or cold on each food separately; meaning she could pull out an icy cold drink one minute and follow hit by a piping hot burger or anything like that.
All you had to do to use the bag was stick a hand in and call upon whatever it is you wanted from within it; just like the bottomless bags; only it was a bit bigger and wouldn't get you nearly as many looks pulling larger things out of it like the bottomless bags would in the more mundane world.
Seeing how helpful these bags were, and already loving the tent she had just gotten, not to mention seeing several other things that could prove to be useful at a later date, Hyacinth couldn't help, like with the potion shop she had just left, grabbing a subscription magazine. That again, like with the potion magazine, had spots were similar shops could be located at. It was something she felt was a must. Besides, Hyacinth got the feeling that this magazine was going to get a lot of uses and prove to be incredibly helpful in the long run.
After leaving this shop Hyacinth knew that she was probably starting to push her luck a bit when it came to being out of the school; at least for the amount of time out in a single visit that is. Even if it was a Saturday and she didn't have any classes that day, and with that there was bond to be someone who would notice that she wasn't there; even if they were ignoring her at the time. So, at that time, she had decided she would enter one last shop before heading back; at least for that day she had.
But which shop exactly should it be the last one she went in to? Should she go to the book shop and get several more books that she had read yet before heading back? Or should she go to the wand shop and purchase a second wand before heading back to Hogwarts?
In the end Hyacinth had chosen to go to the wand shop, while snagging a now very familiar subscription magazine from the book shop in question as she did so. After all, while having more knowledge would be a great thing to have, she felt that at the moment having a second wand could save her life once she was on her own.
While at the same time making it all but impossible to track her seeing as her magically recorded trace was keyed with her other wand, her first wand, not her newest one. Something that not many people knew because the Ministry didn't want them to. But Hyacinth had found this out from Sirius a little after her fourth year. Which explained why Sirius had been able to use his magic without being tracked down by the Ministry after doing so.
Plus, if it came down to it, she had plenty of books to read from her family vault, ones she hadn't had the time to very crack yet, and honestly a way to use her magic without being traced, at least until she learned how to do it wandlessly, would be a lot more handy then some extra books would be. No matter what those books may have in them. Besides she had no idea what book she already had in her vaults so getting more when she may already have them would just be a waste of both time as well as money.
Once Hyacinth had gotten back into Hogwarts, thankfully unnoticed, she made sure everything she had gotten was placed first in her hiking bag which she then spelled to only open for her, and in a recently added secret compartment at the bottom of her trunk, hidden by all her old clothes in her trunk; where she knew no one would look for it. Because honestly, she wouldn't put it past some of her roommates to try to go through her trunk; it had been done before after all.
When she finished doing that, and while adding little bits and pieces to it during the rest of school, Hyacinth did her best to keep her head down so as to not bring more attention to what she was doing to anyone she didn't want finding out about it. While at the same time learning as much magic as she could now that she didn't have anything to distract her from doing so. Something she had only realized had happened recent and had been rather disgusted with herself for letting herself become so distracted. Though she had to be careful about this seeing as she noticed the sudden narrow eyed looks she had been getting near the end of the year from Hermione; who didn't look pleased in the least bit about Hyacinth raising grade level. Not that Hyacinth could really bring herself to care about that; even if it did bring some suspension on her plans in the long run.
On the plus side Hyacinth had never been able to learn as much as she had, both because her strange lack of interest as well as other's interferences over the last couple of years, and in the end, even if she should probably have held back, she did enjoy the scream of rage from her old supposed best friend Hermione when she beat her scores.
Besides it wasn't like Hyacinth had any plans on returning for her sixth year of Hogwarts, so it wasn't like she'd have to really worry about whatever plan the girl cooked up for her anyway. Again, another middle finger to the world, and more particularly the girl she had thought had honestly been her first friends.
But on the down side, due to the fact she had stopped pretending to be the golden girl that the wizarding world wanted her to be, Hyacinth found herself falling back into the me verse them mentality that she had gotten back at the Dursley's.
It was the mindset that had almost gotten her sorted into Slytherin in the first place and was the mindset that pushed her so hard to better herself; while staying away from any others that could hurt her. Be it mentally, physically, emotionally and now magically.
A mind set Hyacinth was now completely in, and wasn't planning on leaving any time soon, as she started at the dust trail of her so-called family's car; eyebrow raised and sneer clear on her face as she did so. After all they had just dumped her in the middle of a forest, in a totally different country, in a state she knew very little about; without any warning. Hyacinth knew they were hoping she would die or worse because of the lack of knowledge. Honestly, they really didn't know her that, well did they? Despite all the years she had been with them?
Snorting slightly and dusting away the dirty that had landed on her after the car had spun out of there, Hyacinth looked around her; with weary but alert eyes. Well it seems her plan on going on her own, and leaving the Dursley's during the summer, was starting a lot sooner than she had originally planned. At least she still had all her things with her and she had planned for something similar to this. So, it truly was no skin off her nose.
Though in her plan she had left her so called family after mentally tearing them to shreds as well as a little bit of fun with informing them about certain details about her they hadn't known about her, instead of her family abandoning her in some far-off country. But as she thought on this she couldn't help but think maybe it'd be better this way; at least in the long run it was.
After all what better way to get a real, fresh new start, then to have one begin in a new country. One no one knew about, or even would think to look for her in seeing as she had never showed interesting in traveling there?
Especially one that made it nearly impossible to track her because of both the distance between her and England, and the wild magic of America. Which in itself made tracking someone through it impossible; at least unless you were attempting to do so in America as well.
Though this wild magic did mean Hyacinth would have to start practicing her magic more often to get better control over it, and her magic would have to adapt to the wildness now around it before she could use large amounts of magic again. So that was a down side to her sudden trip to America, and one of the reasons why so few people from England now made the trip to America. That, and they considered it rather uncivilized for some reason or another.
But once it did finally fully adapt, Hyacinth knew that her magic trace would once more change, and once that did that Hyacinth knew she'd be set. Two changes in such a short amount of time between them would make it so no one would be able to recognize her magic anymore; least of all when compared to her old trace; which wasn't even valid anymore due to her recent change of wands.
Once the second full change occurred, the only way anyone would be able to actually find her, would be to literally physically see her. And since she was only fifteen, and bond to grow, as well as change as she grew into her physical features. Which when it came to Magical being such as witches and wizards, usually happened during their magical inheritance at the age of seventeen, meant that if they did find her after she came of age; there was a less likely chance of them even recognizing her.
Especially as Hyacinth was finally going to ditch the golden girl look she had been forced to keep and go more for the look she wanted; the look that fit her personality more accurately. Though at the moment she felt that anything that made her look less like a goody goody two shoes, almost nun like figure would be a good thing.
Though before she did this, before she did anything else really, Hyacinth knew first she needed to find some place to settle in. A shelter, something everyone needed in one way or another, and if she could a place that she could safely call her home. Which would have to also be a place that wouldn't seem to suspicious to any authority figures that maybe around here seeing as she was underage; and looked even younger than she was because of the way she was currently dressed. Better yet, if she could manage it, a place that wouldn't be seen by anyone around her.
Because if someone did find it suspicious, or even began questioning things upon see where ever she did decide to say, it would bring their attention to her; a lot of unnecessary attention at that.
Hyacinth knew from what she had learned in school, what she had learned from listening in to television, and what she had learned from the laws she had read over during her fifth year, both magical as well as mundane; due the sham of trail she had undergone. That if they find out she wasn't from this country, she wasn't supposed to be in this country, and that her family had abandoned her in the forest on top of all of that, it wouldn't be a good thing; for anyone involved. And it would be made just that much worse if they found all of that together. That would cause a huge fuss.
One that would most likely be covered by the news, maybe even in a world-wide fashion, eliminating her wishes to remain unnoticed. Which could mean that she would then, possibly be, sent back to her home country by some 'well meaning' civilian. Which would be something that would most likely end with her either under the ministry's control, Dumbledore's control or even a former 'reformed' death eater's control; something Hyacinth wasn't willing to chance.
Especially since while she was emancipated she would put it past any her supposed guardians to do something that would put her under their control in a much more permeant fashion; what considering just how bad the so-called marriage contract to Weasely had been in her regards.
Meaning she had to do her best to avoid causing such a situation. Which in turn meant that she had to avoid the police, or any other well-meaning person who thought they could help her. In fact, in all honest, until she got everything set up and had become of age in both worlds, it probably be best if she avoided most human contact altogether. At least as much as she could seeing as she knew she couldn't avoid it completely as she wasn't utterly self-sufficient; at least at the moment she wasn't.
To Hyacinth this meant that finding a place she could stay, one that was pretty far civilization, and one that would be safe for her at the same time was defiantly a necessary; more so then it had been just moments ago.
And by safe, this meant it be a place she could to both practice her magic in, and at the same time being sheltered from the danger that was out there; be it from weather, heat, cold or the anymore human like dangers that were part of this world. Not only that but it had to be something most people would either overlook or not see as something that was out of the ordinary.
Pausing in her thinking, Hyacinth just took a deep breath and looked around herself just taking in the all the nature around her. As she did this Hyacinth couldn't help but feel a sense of peace that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Completely relaxed for the first time since her godfather had died. Feeling this Hyacinth came to the decision that had been building in the back of her head for a while now; since she had first been dumped in the first place. And that was, that she was going to live in this forest; though how exactly she hadn't quite decided on yet.
However, though she hadn't thought of just where she was going to be living yet in said forest. She had been able to figure out what she was going to do to avoid catching any unwanted attention when she eventually did go into the city though. If only because, that for the moment Hyacinth couldn't see a way around not going to the city.
What she had chosen to do was simple, yet at the same time she felt it would be effective; or as effective as any other plan could be. Because now that she thought about it not many people would be like hey there is a teen out here alone do you think she doesn't belong or is an immigrant of some sort; it really wasn't the first thought many would have at seeing such a sight.
Still, she would rather be safe the sorry in the long run, so she was planning on only going into the city to get whatever supplies she may need at the time, either when it was really early, when everyone was simple too tired to pay much attention or care too much about the people around them; let alone a simple teenager.
Or if not that, she was planning on going when it was extremely busy where, if she was quiet and keep her head down like she had done near the end of her last school year, the people there would simply be too busy to pay any real attention to her; taking her as a teen doing some afternoon shopping for a family member or something similar to that.
Hyacinth seeing, that at least for now she had a plan for if she actually decided to go to Atlanta, put her mind to towards something that was much more important to her. Which was the thought that had been bothering her earlier and was the one she needed to really figure out soon; as it was a critical decision, a live altering one at that. And that was just where she was going to be staying in the forest she had recently decided to make her home. Just where was she going to take shelter from any of the dangers that were out there.
Because from what she could see she would have to find somewhere that was both well-hidden as well as protected. Not only from the predators that called the forest their home, which Hyacinth were sure there were quite a few of given how big the forest itself was. But from the hunters that came in the forest to hunt.
Because Hyacinth had learned from previous experience that more often the not it was humans that were more dangerous to her than any other animal; who were just following their natures more than anything else. Which ruled out a lot of the more obvious places she could think of staying at; seeing as they would be way to out in the open. That or would make either escaping from them or getting into them to difficult or impossible in certain situations.
Groaning slightly, Hyacinth fall back and just stared at the sky somehow hoping that it would give her an idea as to where she could now stay. One that wasn't a nearby cave or some underground place; something Hyacinth wasn't willing to do for more the one reason. That she didn't even have to think hard on about why it'd be a bad idea; at least for her.
Laying on her back staring at the sky Hyacinth saw a bird flying past her. Seeing this Hyacinth couldn't help but almost bitterly snort and think to herself that being a bird wouldn't be that bad. At least when it came to their nest they were a lot safe than any place on the ground cause people, and creatures, rarely looked up; never thinking they'd need to do so. Not to mention they got to always see the open sky; which was one of the reasons she never wanted to live in a cave. She honestly loved to see the sky and the freedom said sky offered her.
That's when Hyacinth was hit with an old memory, an old memory that gave her an idea as just what she needed to do now. It seemed the sky have given her the answer she wanted after all. Because this old memory was one of an old tree house she had seen at one of Dudley's friend's house, and how she had once wished she had owned her own tree house, where she had at that time wished she could live at all times; one if she actually had it she wouldn't put a stupid, no girls allowed sign on either.
Hyacinth had to smile slightly at herself as she remembered her rather naive thoughts back then, before she had really hardened her heart against other, but it was because of this memory that Hyacinth had gotten the idea of what she was going to do next. It was because she had recalled that treehouse that had gotten her thinking on multiple different ideas that had begun to rapidly from in Hyacinth eyes. As a plan began to rapidly take form in her mind.
After all, hadn't she just thought of the fact that people rarely decide to look up? That somewhere high would be one of the safest places to be in a forest? And hadn't Hyacinth pretty much lived in trees while she was growing up? If only because it was a way to escape her so called family? Not to mention it wasn't like there weren't plenty of very strong trees around her; considering she was in a very large forest.
What Hyacinth idea was, was to make a sort of treehouse of her own with in the trees that were around her. She planned to do this by using the magical tent, she had in her trunk as the actual tree house. After all, she knew that she could very easily make a sturdy wooden platform on one of those trees.
Seeing as she had done similar work way too many times before; be it either repairing the fence or even the roof of her family's house. Not to mention if she wanted to she could very easily use some very basic magic to pretty much form a platform out from the tree itself; simply making it grow out of said tree in the shape she wanted; it was one of the more simple spells she had learned that year. A spell that if the book she got it from used to actually be a basic spell most first year learnt before Dumbledore took over. A spell which if she did use would make it the stands in question just that much stronger now that she thought about it.
And once she had this wood stand, which she'd have to make sure was placed up high in the tree she chose to use. High enough, that it would be well over people heads but at the same time low enough that the branches where still plenty strong enough to hold at least twice her weight; more if she later spelled them to be stronger than normal, or even unbreakable. But at the same time not too low as her tent would be clearly visible she would have to fine a good middle ground, and even then, use several different spells to make it even less notable then it normal would be.
Which was something she would have to do after her magic got more used to how America's magic worked; seeing as it was a bit more powerful magic then she could currently do. At least to do safely and be sure of the effects of the spells she did use. Though for now her magic was good enough that she could use an overpowered permeant sticking charm to place her tent on it; one that would keep the tent in question from being torn down or even blown away by storms or anything like that. Which normally would be one of her biggest concerns when it came to living in a tree in the first place.
The tent in question was already damage resistance, so Hyacinth didn't have to worry about that. But to be on the safe side she could later work on increasing that resistance of said tent; after she had gotten completely settled down, and her magic adapted to the wilder state this country's magic was, that is.
Until then Hyacinth was planning on playing it safe and only use the more basics of magics that were available to her. After all she had learned from experience that most of the time it was better be safe then sorry. Even though she knew there were going to be cases that she would have to take major risk in; just this time really wasn't.
Then to be on the safe side she could use a combination of mundane and magical ways to camouflage her new home both from below and even from above; in the case of anyone looking down from above the trees like a plane or person on a broom would.
Something Hyacinth knew would happen if the wizarding world decided to look for her for any reason what so ever. Besides how many times had she found information or seen something she wasn't supposed to simply because she was above them or on a broom herself. It was something she wanted to protect her self from; not leaver herself open to it.
Hyacinth while she had all these ideas flowing decided it would be best to get to work on what she had planned; least she forget some of the ideas she had. Which was bound to happen if she continued to get these ideas and couldn't get them done right at that time. For now, though she could write down any ideas she had and ways she could get them done as a way to remember to do them later; after all she did still have all her school supplies still with her. Which included some quills and parchment she really needed to use up.
That in mind Hyacinth took a deep breath and brought up her newest wand; it was time to get to work. After all she got the feeling once she got everything done, she was going to be exhausted and want nothing more than to lay down and rest before she did anything else. Which luckily, she could do once she got the tent up and where she wanted; not to mention got it fully secured in such a way she didn't have to worry about it collapsing or falling in anyway. Seeing as the tent in question was fully furnished already; including a very comfortable bed she could collapse on once she was done with everything else.
Hyacinth prediction of being tired after she had finished everything was proven to be true when over three hours later, Hyacinth felt like utterly crashing down after she had finished. But at the same time, she was feeling rather satisfied about what she had been able to do. Seeing as she had been able to do everything she had wanted to in the beginning done and then some. Actually, putting herself ahead of schedule with everything she had gotten finished.
Hyacinth when she put her mind to it, was sometimes rather impressed with what she could do; especially when it came to something like her own survival. When Hyacinth finally let herself go and gave it her all in the name of her new home, she had been able to get her tent up in the tree; a good fifteen feet up at the least maybe a bit higher than that.
She had also managed to get the wooden stand she had placed it on to be nearly unbreakable, along with several different branches around said stand. Using a weaker but similar spell to that of the real unbreakable spell. Which was something she would be using later on once her magic finished fully adapting to everything; again, better save then sorry when it came to her home. And that was before she even put the sticking charm on the tent in question.
A sticking charm which instead of being just on the very bottom of said tent, like she had originally planned to do, she had also placed it on to the sides that was touching the tree; which had the benefit of making the leaf green color of the tent look like it was actually part of said tree. Seeing this Hyacinth had to give a slight smirk, it wouldn't take much work to get the tent camouflaged. Less if she used the nature around it to her advantage; which was something she was totally going to do. It would be simple stupid to do otherwise.
She had even made other stands in several different trees that she thought she could use if she decided to make other building or places, like a storage for all her food, be it food she bought or eventual food she had hunted for; or even another tent made for just training or anything like that. If she needed it, she would at the very least have a place already ready set up for it; at least the base of it.
She liked to say she was setting herself up for the future and trying to plan ahead for a bit; seeing as it was always being unprepared for something that came back and bit her when it came to her past. On multiple occasions at that; usually in the worse kind of way at that.
Thought she wasn't doing all of that yet, because she knew she had a lot more she needed to do before she could say she was successfully setting herself up for the future. Seeing as currently she couldn't use her magic to do everything else she had planned to do, at least not yet she did. At a later date she most certainly would though.
Which meant the bridges she was planning on putting up, ones that would look similar to vines going through the trees from the view of the ground at least, would have to wait. And so, would the near invisible netting she wanted below the tents as a precaution, for that matter.
So, the bridges, nets and other ledges would have to wait until she got used to the American magic's more; not to mention learn a bit more magic in general to make sure she could do it the best she could. Though that didn't mean she was going to be forgetting them or any other plans she had for her new home for that matter. After all, the time she needed to adapt to the wilder magic, would simply be used to make a more detailed plan on just what she was going to do once she got the chance to.
Currently Hyacinth was up in the tree, within her tent staring down at the ground below her. Looking at her nearly empty trunk that was now just lying there at the foot of the tree she was in. Having left it there after she had emptied it of everything she had deemed important to here.
At the moment she was debated about what to do with said trunk. It wasn't one of those muti-compartment trunks. And it didn't have much magic on it. In fact, it was pretty much a mundane trunk that was just made to be slightly lighter when in use; as well as slightly bigger on the inside then it looked. Not to mention it was rather beat up from all the damage it had take over the years, and the lock no longer fully worked since it had been broken into several times; most noticeable during her second year.
Not only that, but at the moment everything important, or magical for that mat, that Hyacinth had long since moved into her magical bottomless bags. And the only things that were now in the trunk in question, at least now that she had removed the tent and said magical bags, were her old school uniforms as well as Dudley's old castoffs; none of which she really wanted. Not with the memories that were attached to said items; including the trunk in question.
But at the same time, she didn't think she could leave said trunk at the base of her tree; it would raise too many questions and may cause someone to look up. Besides maybe there was some use she could make out of the trunk, even if she really didn't like it all that much, and if worse came to worse she could always use the clothes as either kindle or a base to transfigure them into something else. Costing herself less magic in the long run if she did so.
Which meant in the long run all the things in the trunk, could have some use in the future, and when it came to the trunk she could use it to practice spells on it; to experiment with different runes to see just what she could do. After all it was due to experimenting that things like the bottomless bags, and multicompartment trunks had eventually been made.
Not to mention she did need something to wear besides the outfit she had now, which was some of her older clothes that she had slipped on right before her so called family had picked her up. And wearing some school clothes while going shopping for her new, true, look would be better than wearing the male cousin's castoffs.
At the very least it would be less attention grabbing and wouldn't get her sneers or even watched for shoplifting like the castoffs would; something Hyacinth had learned from experience when she had been younger. Plus, the school outfit, combined with everything else, really made her look harmless and dare she say it, like the golden girl the wizarding world always wanted her to be.
Knowing this was true and knowing that anything that would bring less attention to her was just what she needed at the moment Hyacinth got her wand back out and used a levitation spell to bring the trunk up to her. At least now she didn't have to worry about someone coming a crossed it if they ever happened to walk by it while off in the woods; something that wasn't likely to happen but something she decide to cover none the less.
After she had the last bit done, and now that she was reasonably sure that no one would be able to find her as easily as they would have before Hyacinth felt it was time to finally crash. Time to at long last try and recover some of the energy she had just lost getting everything together; maybe now that she worked herself to exhaustion she'd be able to get more the two or three hours of sleep like she had been getting at Hogwarts.
Once she woke up she knew that she would work further on making this place her home; or at the very least make her new home feel more safe to her. Either by finding the nearest magical center, with the help of those subscription magazines she had grabbed while she was still in school, or by exploring the area around her.
Seeing as even before she had gone to Hogwarts in the first place she had learned that knowing the environment around you could save your life; being in said school had only amplified that lesson. Meaning Hyacinth wouldn't be comfortable until she knew the area around her like the back of her hand.
Which was something that Hyacinth was at the very least planning on starting tomorrow; seeing as it was currently starting to get dark. Or at least too dark at the moment to get all the details she would need to make herself feel more comfortable. Knowing this, Hyacinth decided that she'd sleep now, despite the slight uneasiness she was currently feeling, and explore more once she woke up. Perhaps do so when she decided to go shopping a bit for her new look, as well as whatever she felt she would need in her new home. After all she was always good at multitasking.
Hyacinth didn't know how long she had been asleep, nor when exactly she had gone to sleep, on what she knew was the day before, but when she did wake up she found the sun shining high in the sky; making it obvious it was a lot later then she normally woke up at. Seeing this, but feeling how rested she now felt, Hyacinth couldn't bring herself to care as she gave good long stretch before getting up.
It may be near noon, if the position of the sun meant anything, but at least she no longer felt as if she was about to collapse any second; something she really hadn't felt since before Voldemort had been defeated for once and for all in fact.
But at the same time Hyacinth knew that when it came to summer time around noon was one of the busiest times in the shops as well, what with it being around the time everyone working could get off for lunch.
Not to mention with all the children, teenage or otherwise, that were now out of school for the summer break; out there either working or hanging out with friends now that they were free. Which meant that if Hyacinth wanted to be there when it was the busiest yet still have time to get everything she wanted, while not having to fight tooth and nail to get it, she needed to leave really soon.
Realizing this and knowing she needed to be quick, Hyacinth rushed to the shower she had in her tent, which held everything a high class two-bedroom apartment would have, before spelling herself dry so she could as equally as quick get dressed into her school uniform, bar the Gryffindor symbol or tie; not wanting for there to be an off chance that said symbol would be noticed by anyone.
Afterword, she quickly braided her hair by hand, as the spell just made a mess of her hair for some reason, the with a flick of her wrist spelled dry the long wild dark red hair. Before dashing out the tent door; where she jumped from branch to branch before she was low enough to jump to the ground. Doing it with such balance and speed that it was obvious she had done something similar to it multiple times before.
Once Hyacinth hit the ground below the trees, she hit it light on her feet, and running in the direction she knew Atlanta city was in. If only because that was the direction her family had come from and had taken off in after they threw her, as well as, her stuff out of their car; not even fully stopping as they had done so. As she did this Hyacinth began to call a little bit of her magic to channel through her muscles to speed herself up some.
A trick she had learned during her 'adventures' both, unknowingly before she even knew she was a witch, and a while being chased by his cousin and his group of thugs, and during her stay at Hogwarts; the supposed safest place in Britain. Honestly that was really a laugh and a half when Hyacinth was concerned.
What this trick was actual several different things, but the main thing it did, and one of the main reasons she sed it was, that it could make it, so she was faster than she normally was. Not only that but it also made is so that she could run a lot further then she normally would, as well as make it so she recovered a lot faster the she normally would without it.
Basically, it took her average, whatever it maybe, and gave it a large boost; meaning the more she worked with it the more it could do. However, when you consider Hyacinth had spent all her childhood running at top speed for long periods of time, meant that when she did this, used this trick in anyway, she could really run; leaving others literally eating her dust as she did so. Not only that but she found the better fit physically she was the more the boost would do for her; making Hyacinth put a lot of effort into getting as physically fit as she could.
A little bit less than twenty minutes, and six miles, later a slightly panting Hyacinth reached Atlanta City. Stopping running a few yards from few of the city so as to pretend to walk in like a normal person would; plus doing so would give her time to catch her breath a bit from her running. After all someone running at top speeds into a city would bound to attract attention; especially given the speed she was running at.
Once she was in the city Hyacinth felt like both grinning and at the same time cheering aloud to herself. Mainly because of the good fortune she had just been given. It seemed the Atlanta, since it was a rather important part of Georgia, had its own small magical center in it. Which in turn meant that she wouldn't have to actually go out and look for one now. It honestly seemed that luck was on her side for once, having a magical center so close to where she had decided to set up her new home.
Sure, the magical center in question, wasn't nearly as large as the ones that were supposedly in New York, or Washington for that matter, and not nearly as large as the one she had come from in London. But still rather big one all thing given, one that had everything Hyacinth was looking for. Including the shops, she had grabbed the magazines from while she had still been in school. So as far as Hyacinth was concerned it was pretty much perfect where she was concerned.
Finding this out caused a little something that had been tight in her chest to loosen a bit. Because while she didn't want anything to do with the English magical world if she could help it, but at the same time that didn't mean she wanted to cut herself off from magic altogether.
And, finding this alley, having this magical alley so close to her gave her the chance she really needed to do the things she hadn't been able to do in England. If only due to fear of someone finding out what she was attempting to do while she had been there. Instead of a fear of the unknown or a fear of failure holding her back like it would have many before her.
At the moment Hyacinth was inwardly question herself about what she should do first, go through her more mundane shopping like she had originally planned when she first left her tent, or if she should go straight for her magical shopping. Because either way she really didn't want to stay in this city too long; not when she was already itching to get more work done on her home at any rate.
Not only that but at the moment Hyacinth felt that the longer she was in human company, especially that of the magical variety, the more chance there was of someone around her recognizing her for who she was.
Or at the very least begin to question why a fifteen-year-old girl, in a school girl uniform, was out there all by herself for long periods of time. Something she would have to be careful of the longer she stayed there. Especially if someone connects the fact there were never any adults around her that could be her parents to her because she was alone all the time.
Knowing this, Hyacinth decided to first get her mundane shopping done, which would probably take less time than any of her other shopping. Then she'd go to the magical zone to both check it out and see if there was anything that caught her attention.
That way if she did get a lot of things she could very easily place all her items in her bottomless bags without anyone question her about it; at least not while she was in the magical part of Atlanta city she wouldn't be. She'd most likely get started out more if she had her more mundane shopping items out in the open, if this place was anything like the magical zones in London.
Plan in mind Hyacinth quickly went toward the two places she most wanted to go to on the mundane side of things. A hairstylist and a clothing store, after all it was time to get her own sense of style into place. Fortunately, she did have the credit card that Gringotts had given her, one that let her purchase things in the Muggle world; apparently her own mother had brought it up the goblins had made a neat tidy littler profit off of it because of that.
Hyacinth hesitatingly entered the nearest hairstylist, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous both because she had never gotten a professional haircut for and because she What unsure if her luck would hold out. After all she had already had a lot of good things come her way, so that would mean the bad should come soon as well; seeing as that was how her luck usually worked out for her.
At the same time, she realized she was being rather ridicules as she really had nothing to fear from a haircut of all things. Knowing this, yet still nervous about it as it would be her first real attempted at expressing herself, Hyacinth steeled herself and got ready for the first professional haircut she had ever had.
One because her 'loving' aunt would never shovel out any money to get Hyacinth's haircut by a professional; not when she could do it herself, the way she wanted, for free. Which never worked as Hyacinth usually hated the hair cut her aunt chose to give her, which usually was just wildly hacked off hair with no semblance of style, and because of this her magic grew it back over night.
Which in turned would anger Petunia, who would try to cut her hair again in an even more viscous fashion, which would result in the same thing happening once more; making the whole thing one nasty repeating circle that would only end when one Petunia got tired of trying to cut her hair and instead sent her uncle after her; which never ended well for Hyacinth.
And for two, in the wizarding work Hyacinth was expected to have long beautiful hair; just as her mother had before her. Added to that that most other purebloods seemed to have long hair as well, like to the wizarding world the length of a female's hair was he value or something like that, and you get a recipe for no one wanting Hyacinth to cut her hair; for the greater good or something like that.
Now while Hyacinth thought that the majority of the wizarding world as well as the so called greater good could go fuck themselves, she had nothing against her mother. But at the same time, she simply didn't want long hair; like her mother was rumored o have been so proud of.
Not with how wild her hair got when it was long, with the only way to really tame it being to braid it, and certainly not after having said long hair grabbed and used so much like a leash while she was growing up; as well as when in the Hogwarts as well, say what you want about pulling pigtails she was sick of it. Besides considering just how hot it was here at the moment Hyacinth certainly didn't want the extra heat all her hair would cause her. Not to mention the fear of it getting caught in a tree or something like that; it be humiliating and likely to happen to her with how her luck was at times.
Because of this, once she was asked what hair cut she wanted Hyacinth gestured to one of the styles that really caught her eye from within the magazine she was looking at. Gaining a slightly wide-eyed look from the hairstylist for such a drastic change in length before she got right to work. Not question just why the teen in front of her was sure after seeing just how serious Hyacinth's eyes were when she looked at her. Which was how Hyacinth's below thigh length wavy hair got reduced to a slightly above the shoulder messy layered bob look. A hairstyle that was much short and very easy to manage; unlike what her pervious hairstyle had been.
Something Hyacinth was extremely happy with and found herself running her fingers through her now much shorter hair; and being oddly amazed by how much lighter her head now felt. Seeing as she had no idea just how heavy her hair had actually been. But find herself almost frozen when she was asked if she wanted to donate her hair to locks of love as she felt conflicted about how she should answer.
Hyacinth knew what someone's hair could be used for when it came to magic, hell she had used someone else hair before in a potion to take their form before, and that was one of the benevolent ways other's hair could be used when it came to all the magic out there. But at the same time, she really did like what locks for love stood for and knew that with all the hair she had just gotten caught off it could really help quite a few people; something Hyacinth felt herself wanted to do considers she knew that it was mostly children she would be helping.
Before closing her eyes and reluctantly agreeing with donating her hair; seeing as she really didn't see any of the wizards she was worried about going through all the hair locks of love regularly got to and happening to just find hers; even if her hair really was a distinctive color.
Besides that, Hyacinth strongly got the feeling that even if she said no about donating her hair the hair slyest who had it would have donated them behind her back anyway, while at the same letting all the others she may know, know about how Hyacinth selfishly didn't donate her hair despite not wanting it any longer. Leaving her to get certain looks when every she came into town; which another thing she couldn't afford to have at the moment.
Not to mention if worse did come to worse, and anyone did come up with her hair, with a little help from the Goblins, as well as some favors that were owed to her by a couple of unspoken gentlemen, she'd be able to deal with who every was attempting anything to her. In a more permanent, painful, fashion then most would have considered her capable of. Which showed just how well the people around her actually knew her didn't it.
After she had her haircut, and styled the way she wanted, Hyacinth made her way to nearest clothing store; smirk clear on her face as she did so. It was time to her to finally, once and for all, shed the goody two shoes look that she had been forced to have by the publicity that came with the being the girl-who-lived; starting with the girl school outfit she was currently wearing. Well, she had started with cutting her hair, but that was more of a comfort and safety benefit then actually changing the way she looked.
Hyacinth after finding a clothing store that she felt would express her the way she wanted to be expressed, walked out of that store, with a good fifteen bags in hand. All holding different pairs of jeans, short and shirts with rather sarcastic sayings; as well as a good several pairs of shoes. The assistance who had helped her had told her, that her style was a mix between, tom-boy, gothic, and sporty. Something Hyacinth found herself liking; mainly because it held not dress or skirts or even worse high heeled shoes; like she had been forced to were throughout Hogwarts.
Something Hyacinth was perfectly find with because as far as she could see it all the clothes she had gotten, be they summer or winter, or even the newer undergarments she had also purchased, were all a lot more functional then all the previously clothes she had before. Especially when it came to doing things such as running, jumping, escaping or climbing trees; all things she would have to do in large extents now.
However, when you consider that before all of her clothing had all been either way too large for her or just plain out skirts that were far to constricting in her mind. Seeing as she had great difficulty actually running in them when she had to, at least not without fear of tripping or even flashing some before. And considering just how many times she had needed to be able to run this really wasn't a good thing for her. Yet despite this, no matter how much she had put forward alternate ideas she hadn't been able to anything different to wear; at least not until now.
Hyacinth, at least for now, was done with her mundane shopping. Realizing this and wanting to be quick seeing as she had spent more time than she had originally wanted shopping for her cloths, quickly pulled out her subscription magazine. So, they could help her find the magical shopping center a bit faster than she would otherwise have been able to. Seeing as she knew the subscription have instructions on how to find it; just as the ones leading to the shops in London did.
Though Hyacinth did have to admit the spells on the magazine in question, to ensure that no one without magic or knew about the wizarding world as a whole would see something like a basic newspaper instead; was rather ingenious. It was also something which she wondered if she could use or copy in someway in her home; making it so those who didn't already know about it or had already been invited into it actually couldn't see it. But at the same time realized now wasn't the time to think about such a thing; not with so many other things needed to be done first.
It was by following these instructions that five minutes later Hyacinth found herself using her new wand, behind a rather odd-looking antique store; where the entrance to the Atlanta Georgia magical center was, to get into said magical center. It was called magical peach lane. And as Hyacinth entered it she found herself rather impressed with how everything was set up; it looked a lot neater, more current, and a lot cleaner than how Diagon alley ever looked.
Much more up to times the any place in Magical Britain was for that matter. But considering how most of the British wizarding world seemed to be pretty much ruled by pure-bloods stuck in the past Hyacinth figured it was a given. But she did know she seriously preferred the state of things as they were in this place then back in England.
In fact, with everything being more organized and modernized as it was, Hyacinth found she could find the shops and other things she was looking for a lot easier than she ever could when she had been in England. Seeing, this she was once more reassured that she would like this place a lot more than she ever did back in Britain. At least in regard to how things were set up, she wasn't too sure about the actual witches or wizards in this place as she hadn't met any of them yet; something she wasn't rushing to do.
But first, before she did anything else, Hyacinth needed to place all the bags of clothes she had just purchased, beside the outfit she had deicide to wear instead of the school girl outfit she had been wearing, into her bottomless bag. Something she swiftly and smoothly did as she continued to walk further into Magical peach lane.
After all it wouldn't do to lose them now would it, nor would it due to stick out like a sour thumb; which carrying multiply muggle shopping bags would make her do. At least it would have in England and from what she could see around her it would most likely do the same here.
While she was walking down the street Hyacinth started to look into the shops around her, seeing if there was anything inside them that could catch her eye; or prove useful to her in some way. Basically, she was window shopping as she had no real idea as to just what she wanted at the moment; or to be truthful just where she wanted to start her shopping.
It was while doing this that Hyacinth found herself standing in front of a rather familiar store. It was a shop that looked remarkably similar to the one she had bought her magical tent, and portable cooling box/hiking bag, from; only much larger with a lot more things inside it. It seemed America, or maybe Georgia, put a lot more stock in things such as survival gear then the those in Diagon alley did.
Seeing this, Hyacinth knew she had to go into that shop, if only because one of the things in the window of said shop really drawn her eye to begin with. It was a bow and arrow set that seemed to call to her very magic. Not to mention got her brain once more whizzing around with different ideas once she set her sights on it.
One of which being it made her think of using something like that as a sort of defense for her in her little tree house. Be it from the predators she knew where in the forest, or anyone who may attempt to attack her while she was in said forest; be is magical or mundane.
This in mind Hyacinth walked inside the shop and went right to the owner of said shop before asking him in a tone that screamed she was serious; despite the fact she was currently wearing a pair of black capris, black combat boots, with green a t-shirt that said, 'Patience: what you have when there are too many witnesses.'
"I want to ask you about the Bow and Arrow set in the window." This got Hyacinth a look as the shop owner looked at her, flickered his eyes to the saying over her shirt once more, before grinning at her in a strained sort of way.
"Okay, you want me to tell you about that do you? I get the feeling it's something that's right up your alley…if you can afford it that is." This last bit was said with a raised eyebrow and a sneer, a look that got him a look from Hyacinth in return. One that actually had him clearing his throat slightly in fear before launching immediately into a speech about what the Bow and arrow set in the window did. Obviously avoiding her eyes as he did this.
"This bow and arrow set, is one that used mainly by magical's to teach how to hunt and then some. It's the newest model we have; just having come up less than a month ago." Here the shop owner gave Hyacinth yet another critical look as if trying to warn her that he didn't think she could afford it; while again sneering at the clothing she was currently wearing and at her short hair. Before quickly getting back on track with what he had been saying as he saw Hyacinth eyes begin to narrow slightly at him.
"What it does, is help someone learn how to use the bow and arrow, or at least all similar to it, it does. How it does this, is by magically adjusts the aim of the owner to make it, so they could get the correct shot, at the same time it is teaching them how to aim through muscle memory. Meaning eventually the magic will not have to adjust anything as the owner will already know how to do so. "Again, the shop keeper paused as he licked his lips before continuing.
"Depending on how good a shot the owner wants to be depends on how long that takes, and what setting the bow and arrow set is bought in; as well as the effort they put in it. The Bow can be set at Beginner, average, expert, or master; each level costing about twice as much as the one below it. This does not include the price of the actual Bow itself just the one spell to put it on the necessary settings." Once more there was a pause at the shop keeper once more glanced at Hyacinth before starting back up; seeing she didn't seem to care about the increasing cost he spoke of.
"And it isn't only the bow and arrows that are spelled. The Quiver that come with this weapon is also spelled, depending on which spells are purchased, the quiver can summon back unbroken arrows, have extra arrows sealed with in a rune inside the quiver bag, or even have the arrows inside copied each time a certain amount of magic is pushed within the quiver; though that last one cost quite a pretty Gallon." After saying this last bit, the shop keeper seemed to have finished what he wanted to say, as all he did next was stare at Hyacinth; wondering what she'd say now.
Hyacinth after all of this felt her eyes go wide, as her mind screamed at her, that she just had to get that bow and arrow set. Not only would it teach her a rather valuable skill, one she had been rather curious about learning ever since she had seen Hagrid with one, but it could also help with protection back at her home.
Plus, if she wanted to she could, with the help of that bow and arrow, really go back to being full independent; by going full-on old-school survivalist. After all she was already leaving in the middle of the woods, in a tree, wouldn't hunting for her own food just make sense when considering that?
Not only, but if anyone happened to see her out there she'd have a ready-made excuse to fall back on. She was simply out hunting, why'd you stop her. Now you caused her to lose the animal she had been tracking. Couldn't you just leave her alone now?
Okay, maybe it was being slightly childish, but Hyacinth figured she was due a good burst of childness here and there. Besides it wasn't like learning how to use a bow and arrow was going to hurt her in any way, nor was the cost going to do much of anything to her either considering she did have at least two old family fortunes to fall back on; if worse came to worse that is. But honestly, she didn't see that happening in the least bit; considering said family lines she could fall back on where ancient noble and very rich family lines.
On the other had if it did work Hyacinth could learn a skill that could prove to be very valuable in the future; as well as something that would keep her entrained for a long time coming. Not only that, but by learning this, and learning to hunt, would only help her avoid coming to the city too much anyway. So, it was worth a shot; at least to Hyacinth it seemed to be.
At the same time Hyacinth knew that hunting wouldn't be that easy, if it was than a lot more people would know how to do it. She knew, without being told, that she would need more than just a bow and arrow to be able to hunt. That she would need to know more skills then just how to shoot an arrow from a bow to be successful in hunting.
So, while gesturing that yes, she did want that bow and arrow set to the shop keeper. Witch she immediately had set to learning at to a Master level archer skill, as well as spelled to be unbreakable, and have it so she could summon the whole thing with her magic. Knowing that, even with the extra amount it was going to cost her to do so, Hyacinth was going to be sure to get it, so it could really take a beating and keep kicking; just like her.
In the name of doing that, and to make it so she would always have some form of protection on her, Hyacinth also had the quiver charmed with spells to make it so the arrows returned to her, as well as set up so it could make copies of the arrows she had in it, when she wanted by a simple but small burst of magic.
After getting that all set up and as the shop keeper was getting it ready for her, Hyacinth went further into the shop to see just what else she wanted. After all, if she was going to go back to a more simply life of living off the lands she'd need to have more to be better prepared for it; even with the help of all her magic. Seeing as she already knew that she would need more things for when it came to hunting; because she felt even the spells she had learned during the school year earlier wasn't enough for what she needed to know.
Because of this feeling, what Hyacinth ended up getting altogether by the time she had finished gathering everything she felt she would need from the shop, was three different multipurpose knife that was charmed to teach her how to best gut and skin an animal; something which Hyacinth would freely admit she was incredibly weary about doing. A magical storage box that actually acted like a smoke house; something which she could use to help store and prepare the meat she hunted down. Mainly because she really did love dried meat and figured having dried meat could be a perfect grab and go snack while she was out on a run or out hunting again.
On top of that she had also gotten another small box that could store rare meat and keep it preserved until whenever it was needed. Seeing as she knew she wouldn't always want dry meat and didn't want to waste something she had killed. Hell, if she could Hyacinth swore to find a way to use every part of any animal she killed; something in her wouldn't let her do otherwise.
To do this, or to help with this, Hyacinth also got several books on different ways to survive in the wild. Two books on hunting and different ways to use the animals hunted. A book on how to use animal skinning's. A book on plants, as well as a book on animals and their habitats; the last of which Hyacinth felt would come the most helpful when it came to hunting. And of course, the bow and arrow set that had first brought her into the shop.
This ended up costing Hyacinth more than even all her bottomless bags had, and it had left her eyes slightly wide at the cost, seeing as she had never spent that much all at once; hell, she wasn't sure she had spent that much in a year. But in the end figuring it was still worth it none the less; especially if it ended up helping her as much as she felt it would. Even if it did add up to what could have been a down payment for a small apartment in the wizarding world.
After paying for all of this, Hyacinth once more stored all her purchase in one of her bottomless bags, and after getting a little bit to eat at a nearby restaurant, to restore her energy, began to rapidly make her way back to her home. Suddenly incredibily eager to try out the bow and arrow set she had just purchased. Unknowingly pushing even more magic then she normally did into body as she rushed back to her home; something she seemed to be doing more and more often. Unaware of the effect that this could and would cause her later on.
As soon as she arrived back to where she had set up her home, Hyacinth quickly scaled up the tree and went into her tent. Where she began to take care of everything she had just purchased; starting first with the clothes and moving on from there.
Until the only thing she still had out, from her recent purchases, was the bow and arrow set. Seeing this, Hyacinth bit her lip to stop the grin from forming on her face; it was time to try this out. And yes, she knew that at the moment she knew she sounded similar to a child with a new toy; sue her.
Once she stepped out of her tent Hyacinth moved to stand on one of the other stands she had made in the trees around her and waited to see if anything was coming her way. She stood there, as quite as she could, until five minute later a small rabbit hopped its way from out of a bush; sniffing around, ear perked up from any danger that maybe around it.
Seeing this Hyacinth lifted up her bow, grabbed an arrow and placed it in place, before she felt the magic in the bow take action. She could feel her finger flex in a certain way, she could feel the muscles in her arms pull in a certain direction and she could even feel as her eyes focused right where the rabbit was at, before it was all released. As the arrow she had been holding went flying piercing the rabbit straight through its head. Directly at where her eyes had been focused on just moments ago.
Seeing this, Hyacinth had two thoughts one that was completely awesome, and then two she was going to have some rabbit stew tonight; just as soon as she figured out how to make it. At the same time Hyacinth felt slightly odd about how the spells had controlled her to make her fire the arrow the way she had.
She wasn't quite sure she liked it, and at that moment became determined to keep practicing with her knew bow until she wouldn't need the spell to hit a shot like that. Until the spells on the arrow wouldn't feel it was necessary to control her movement like it had before. But until then she would have to grit her teeth and deal with.
Knowing this Hyacinth quickly climbed down the tree to retrieve the rabbit she had just shot. As she did this, and as she returned the arrow she had just shot back into its case, Hyacinth couldn't help but think that she was really going to enjoy her new life here. Even with all the challenges she was going to have to face because of what she had planned.
-Time-Skip-Time-Skip-Time-Skip-
Hyacinth had been living on her own in the forest outside of Atlanta Georgie for a little over two years now and honestly, she had never been happier, or freer for that matter. Sure, what she had done those two years ago, now that she looked back at it, had been rather childish, and in some cases utterly naive as well: especially when you consider the winters she had to go through.
But Hyacinth had learned a lot during the two years she had lived in the wild and was a lot more prepared for a lot of different things because of that. Those two years had strengthened Hyacinth more than she had ever thought she could be and made her into the woman she was proud to be today.
Throughout her stay in what she was now calling her forest, Hyacinth had learned a good deal about herself, had found a lot about the world around her. And as she had thought just moments ago had came out of everything a lot stronger for it; learning from the experiences she had gone through.
Since then Hyacinth had found the spark she had lost when she had been betrayed back before she had first decided to leave England, and since then she became the fighter she had always been once more. The survivalist she had always been was shining clean through now, and she would never go back to the girl-who-lived she had once been. Nothing in the world could make her go back to the girl who had pretty much given up who she had been to please others; only to be stabbed in the back for the ones she had been doing it for in the end.
Over those last two years Hyacinth had face a lot of hard times, had nearly died in a couple of times in the beginning because she wasn't as prepared for everything as she had first believed; especially not winters all on her own.
But in the end, those near misses as well as all the other challenges she had faced had all turned out the be hard lessons learned for her because of it. But due to these hard lessons, and due to her pure stubborn nature, Hyacinth had been able learn a lot when it came to survival; had come out of it a whole hell of a lot smarter then she had been before.
Including mastering the bow and Arrow she had bought those two years ago; something that had taken her a little over six months to do. Which meant to Hyacinth joy she longer requiring any of the magic in said bow to be able to use it. Well, besides the ones that retrieved or copied the arrows that where in the quiver that is; those where way to helpful to do away with. Nor would she considering she had paid top gallon to get them placed on her things to begin with.
Since her decision, those two years ago, to make her life pretty much off the lands in her forest, Hyacinth had learned to track animals, had learned to stock up on supplies, had learned to skin and gut animals; as well as save the skin to make clothes or blankets. She had learned everything she could from those books she had gotten in that survivalist shop, and had lived because she had learned, memorized and used everything inside those books; plus, some other bit she learned herself through hard earned experience.
On top of that Hyacinth had also remastered her magic once more. After she had gotten it to adapt to the pure wildness that the American magical lands had that is and had become all the more wild herself because of it. Connecting to nature in ways she had never thought she could before. Making her feel even more at home in her trees, in her forest, more then she had ever thought was possible.
However, there were some side effects that happened to her after her magic had fully adapted to said magic, and it was mainly because of the way she pushed her own magic, and the wild magic that had been around her, into her body to further boost it that she had these side effects she did. And had done this all before her body had fully adapted to the wild magic she was unknowingly using.
Apparently, magic wasn't necessarily supposed to be used like that. In fact, before she had done it, it had been believed to be impossible to use your magic like she had been; something that was supposedly right up the with surviving after getting hit with the killing curse. Go figure. With the wild magic she also used she had simply amplified the changes that were going to occur after she had begun to regularly use her magic like she was.
What these side effects were, well there were multiple changes some good, and then some not so great. The positive changes were that she now had an even highly increased speed then she had before. A pretty big boost in her natural strength, eye sight that was from what she had figured about equal to that of an eagle's. Along with heightened reflexes, and a flexibility similar to that of a cat's. All of these were beneficial side effects that Hyacinth enjoyed finding out how to best use, not to mention these were the changes that had helped Hyacinth the most over the years.
Sadly, there were some negatives as well. Somehow, as if her magic had absorbed it, Hyacinth no longer had an Animagus for available to her. Something that had left her devastated for a while as she had wanted to become an Animagus as a way to honor her godfather and her father but was now unable to do so; would never be able to do so. It didn't help much when she found out that the Animagus form that she would have been would have been a cheetah, a rather beautiful one
Not only that but somehow her magic had become even more tightly connected to her emotions. Meaning that unless she wanted her magic to lash out in some way she needed to be in control over her emotions. Which could be rather hard at times as it seemed her magically improved body seemed to also have heightened emotion to go along with it.
This Hyacinth wasn't sure if it was an advantage or a disadvantage because it had proven to be as helpful as it had harmful to her when it first started. Because once she got her emotions under her control she found her magic coming to her easier then ever, not to mention she found herself doing magic she never thought she could do, sometimes as easy as breathing; as long as she wanted it badly enough that is.
Though over the last couple years Hyacinth had gained a good amount of control over these side effects and had even gotten a lot of them to work with her and to benefit her in some way; be they the more positive or more negative effects. After all she was adaptable if nothing else; she had to be to survive as well as she did.
On a higher note, Hyacinth had finally been able to finish everything she had wanted, and had planned to do, in her new home. She had added all the bridges she wanted connecting to the different stands she had growing out of the trees.
She had also gotten all the unseen nets up under the trees she was using and had camouflaged it all to from top to bottom until you couldn't really tell anything was there; unless it was directly pointed out to you that is. At the moment she didn't have as many spells up hiding everything as at the moment she hadn't felt they were completely necessary; though she figured her feelings may change in the future, so she made it so if she wanted to she could very easy add any spells she may want to her home.
All and all Hyacinth was incredibly proud of everything she had done, especially since she had made so much room for growth in it. Something she had done, on the off chance that sometime in the future she ever wanted to bring someone else with her. However unlikely that may turn out to be. Making it feel all the more homey because of this.
But at the moment that wasn't what Hyacinth was thinking about, nor was she thinking about the fact she would need to go again hunting soon; at least if she wanted to begin to really stock up like she needed to for the oncoming winter.
No, what had Hyacinth attention at the moment was that her magic, which was closely connected to the nature around her, was telling her that she needed to go to town today. All but screaming at her that she'd find out something really important by going there. Something that would be life altering and something she needed to find out if she wanted to continue to survive as she had been. Basically, telling her that what she would find out there could make the difference between life and death in the future.
Knowing from experience that it would be best if she listened to her magic, seeing as it was its warnings and feeling it had given her throughout her entire life, that had been what had kept her alive as long as it had. So, understanding this, Hyacinth quickly gather her things, such as her bottomless bags, and her bow and arrow, before setting of in the direction town was in. Heading there at speeds that would make an Olympic runner take pause, and feel jealous of, at as she did so. And that really wasn't even the fastest she could run at, when she put her mind to actually run at top speeds.
Once she got there, Hyacinth began to look for what her magic had been warning her about or had wanted her to know about. It was while doing this that Hyacinth started to hear the people around here speaking about a virus that was killing others, one that was causing the dead to come back alive hungry for human flesh.
The people who were speaking about this, really didn't seem to believe what they were saying and seemed to think it was all a big joke, if the mocking tone they were speaking about it all meant anything. She had even heard someone speak in a tone that gratingly reminded her of the backstabber Granger, say it was most likely nothing but a bade cases of the flu and that it'd clear up in no time.
On the other hand, Hyacinth, the very second, she heard what was apparently going on, just knew that, that was what her magic wanted her to know; and by knowing this knew what was said was what was happening. That her magic, had somehow known what was going on, or what was going to be happening soon and wanted her to know about it as well. That it was trying to warn her; keep her safe like it had so many times before.
And she knew that somehow, she now needed to prepare for what was going to happen, but how she was going to do that Hyacinth had no idea. That's when she saw a book cover in a nearby window that, and then like her memory of a treehouse two years ago, her thoughts and ideas started going on rabid fire as inspiration hit.
For in that window there was a picture that looked to be from the lord of the rings. To be more specific it was a picture of what the artist thought the home of the elves looked like. Like a little city of homes within the trees; high above the ground.
This got Hyacinth thinking, if she had one tent already set up, one home already up, and had bridge connecting it to other trees and other little places like her smoke house trunks. Then why couldn't she have other tents set up in different place and continue to place everything together until it was like that elven home; until she had her own little city hidden among the trees.
It was safe from the dead, because it was so high up, and with all the protection she put up around it as well as a good deal under it, along with several all the other protections she was now going to put up around it considering just what she had found out, it was also safe from attacks from below and below.
Considering this, Hyacinth knew that wouldn't have to worry about any attacks or such things like that. Though that would stop her from worrying or continuing to work on said protections around her home as a just in case.
Not only that but because she already knew how to exactly set up everything already, having done so with her own home, so doing it with again wouldn't take nearly as long; certainly not as long as it took to put the first one up at the very least. In fact, it be a lot easier for her because she wouldn't have any of the mistakes she made with her first tent. Not to mention unlike in the beginning when she had first started things up she now had full access to all her magic, and even knew a lot more than she had back then; making it so she could get it all done fast than ever. Once she did get started that is.
Making up her mind Hyacinth decided yes that is just what she was going to do. She was going to make her own sanctuary among the trees of her forest. But first, before she could even do that, she needed to buy the supplies she needed to do so, and she needed to do so quickly; if the way her magic was reacting meant anything.
That in mind Hyacinth first decided to go to the wizarding section of the town, seeing as the magical tents there were the most important part of her idea. Again, she'd have to do so as soon as possible, because she got the feeling that people were going to find out that the virus thing wasn't a joke and then once that happened things were going to get really ugly, really soon. And she felt that, that would be for both the magical, as well as the Mundane world. That everyone was going to be affect by what was going on.
Knowing if she said anything about it being true she'd be mocked or ignored Hyacinth simply walked past everyone and headed straight to Magical peach alley. This time not stopping, or spending any time, to window shop as she usually did; if only as a way to relax a bit.
Instead she walked straight to a now very familiar shop. The first magical shop she had entered in here, and the one she returned to the most often. She may not like the guy running it, seeing as she had long since learned he was a bit of a sleez ball who looked down on women, not to mention was rather perverted at the same time, but she did like the shop; or to me more specific the things within the shop. So, she could ignore the personality of the guy running it as long as he didn't push her to far or try anything with her; otherwise she was sure she'd end up killing him one way or another.
Speaking of said sleez ball, as soon as he saw her enter his shop his eyes light up in a familiar now very much hated light. Both because her coming in usually meant a sale of some sort, which meant a good deal of money for him, and because recently he had gotten into habit of hitting on her; much to her utter disgust.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, Hyacinth cut off the owner before he could speak any of his rather cheesy pickup lines to her; seriously who said, do you want to buy a shovel because I am digging you. Hyacinth was sure he hadn't even said it right to begin with because besides sounds rather stupid it didn't even make that much sense to her.
"Look I have something really big coming up and I just want to make a purchase." And then upon seeing that he was going to try to flirt with her anyway, quickly added on before he could actually say anything else.
"And it's going to be a rather huge purchase, but I needed to make it quick or I will I have to try to get everything I want at another store and I don't really want to do that, do you?" This stopped him from even daring to flirt with Hyacinth because the shop keeper knew a big purchase to her was an incredibly large purchase, seeing as she hadn't considered her first purchase there to be that big of a one; not with all things considering. Instead he dropped what he thought was a pleasant leer and instead got a greedy glint in his eyes. After all Hyacinth knew he loved money more than anything else in the world.
"So, what do you want to purchase today?" Hyacinth, hearing this and knowing that he was being serious, if only because actual money was involved, answered him; already calculating everything she believed she would need. At the same time inwardly being grateful the guy loved his money so much, because now she didn't have to deal with any of his flirting.
"I am going to need all the magical tents you currently have, as well as several of those magical smoking boxes, several of those storage boxes, several of the cooling/hiking bags, several bottomless bags, and as much magically dried food as you have in this shop. Basically, I want what every you think is needed for a large group of different people to survive on their own in the harshest condition mother nature can throw at them." After choking on his spit for a bit at what Hyacinth had just said, the shop keeper managed to choke out.
"So, what someone found out you liked camping and decide to take it to the extreme or something like that." Hyacinth hearing this took another breath, closed her eyes, and then answered him.
"Yeah, something like that, and now they want me to get everything the group will need and if you can even more than more because I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to this group. Now can you get it and get it all quickly because I still have more I need to do for today." And then to make the shop owner go a little quicker, Hyacinth decide to throw in a little lie to help speed him along.
"And since I'm not paying, and the person in question said cost doesn't matter in the least bit, why not make it sure it's every little thing you can thing would be needed; after all I was told to pay no expense on anything…only to be quick about it all." Hearing this the shop keeper eyes all but popped out of his eyes as he rapidly got to work getting everything Hyacinth had asked for and then some.
Once he had everything there were literally piles all around Hyacinth, a good twenty piles that were at least thigh high, and the shop itself was practically empty. Seeing this Hyacinth raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but ask.
"So, this everything" Which had the shop keeper eager nodding and beginning to list everything he had brought forward. Hyacinth swore she could see the dollar signs in his eyes grow as he did this.
"Yes, there are twelve magical tents, five of which are the largest tents we have; meaning they are like portable Mansions in those. Then there are also twenty or so hunting knifes guaranteed to never lose their edge, cut exactly where you aim, always be clean and never hurt the owner of said blade; as well as always return to the owner in question. Along with those I have added four of the same bow and arrows you bought two years ago, which I took the liberty of add the same spells to, and not only…" But before he could go on and list everything that he had brought Hyacinth stopped him by raising a hand and asking.
"The tents, they have all the runes in them to be protected right? Like Storm resistance, heating and cooling charms tied into them, a working kitchen as well as all the runes necessary to have running water for a bathroom right." This got Hyacinth a slightly insulted look before the shop keeper grumpy nodded and add in.
"They also have the built-in cleaning charms, and spells added to them so that if any damage does occur a small blast of magic will fix them right up. Just like every magical tent here is guaranteed to have." Hyacinth hearing this gave a sharp grin and handed her card to him; while telling the shop keeper.
"Then it was a pleasure doing business with you, now please ring it all up." Then faster than Hyacinth could blink she found her card snatched from her hand, and quickly scanned. Afterwards Hyacinth found herself saying good bye to a at least a fourth of the Black family fortune.
Not that Hyacinth cared much about that as she quickly began to add all the things she had just purchased into her bottomless bags. She still had more to do, and she would be saying goodbye to a lot more of her family fortune before everything was said and done.
In fact, it was most likely that she wouldn't have much of a fortune at all once everything was said and done. Though if it meant her survival through what he magics had warned her was coming Hyacinth wouldn't cry to much about that; it be money well spent after all. Besides if things got as bad as she felt they were, as quickly as she feared they might, she got the feel gold wouldn't have much value soon.
Once she had everything she had just bought all packed up, noticing that there were a lot more things then what she had allowed the shop keeper to mention with an almost absentmindedness, Hyacinth left the store. Leaving behind her an utterly delighted store keeper who was dreaming about what he could do with all the money he had just gotten.
While Hyacinth herself headed to the largest potion store that was nearby. She needed to stock up, or restock up to be more précises, on all the potions she could. Because while she had gotten a bit better at potions over the years, she still wasn't good enough to do the more complex ones. Which sadly a lot of the healing potions were considered. And she knew without a bit of doubt in her mind that healing potions were going to become a must in the near future.
Ten minute later and another nearly emptied store, as well as another large chunk of her family fortune gone, Hyacinth left the potion store feeling just that much safer. Happily carrying all the potions, she was had purchased in a second bottomless bag she had, as well as having a small emergency potion kit filled with even more healing potions attached to a small medical looking box that was firmly attached to her side; as a just in case. Something Hyacinth was now determined to keep on her side no matter what considering what was coming all of their ways.
Not to mention watching holding two of her bottomless bags a bit more careful as she debated if they were truly bottomless, because she could swear those two bags, which were supposed to be feather light and bottomless, felt heavier and looked to be actually full. Making her think that perhaps there was a limit to just how much the bottomless spell could actually carry.
Seeing this Hyacinth decided not to add anymore to those two bags and instead she chose to use the other one she had; as a just in case there actually was a limit to the spell. But just where she was going to go next, she needed to think about. She gotten shelter, survival gear, as well as things to help with healing. In a land where the dead were going to be coming alive what else would be needed.
Thinking on this Hyacinth suddenly remembered the Zombie killing games her fat tub of a cousin used to play all the time and knew just where she needed to go next or at least she an idea for the next several stops she needed to make her way through; even if those Zombie games probably weren't realistic in the least bit.
But it they could hold some semblance of truth give there had to be some type of thought put into them, right? If so that mean that right now Hyacinth wanted to stop at a store with weapons, if possible both a magical, as well as a mundane one at a later point. Because if she recalled correctly guns had been used as lot in her Cousins games, as well as blades. Which Hyacinth could see making sense as weapons, along with her Bow and now she wasn't showing favoritism there by adding her weapon of choice to the list; because she could see throwing axes and good throwing daggers being helpful as well.
At the same time, she did remember him saying something about flame throws but she wasn't too sure about that, and besides if it did come to that Hyacinth did know plenty of fire spells. Not only that but she knew about to make a bit of her own handmade flame thrower with a lighter and some hairspray if worst came to worst.
So, she didn't think she'd actually need to buy a flame throw of any sort. Besides she didn't know where to even buy a flame thrower, let along really know how to work one. Hell, at the moment she knew that she wouldn't be able to even get guns in the magical alley she was in let alone something like a flame thrower.
Thinking on this, Hyacinth looked around knowing that there was bound to be some type of weapon store on this magical alley. One because Magical creature hunting was still a big thing here, and most the time the higher up magical creatures couldn't be damaged by the more common spells whereas blades could damage them; point in case the Basilisk she had faced in her second year. Even if that had been through the roof of said serpent's mouth.
And two sword fighting was still taught among the older pureblood family. Or at least by some of them actually taught their children how to sword fight, while some of the pretended to teach their family that; because Hyacinth knew without a doubt despite his bragging one Draco Malfoy had no idea how to use any type of sword. After all she had seen how he held the sword he was bragging about knowing how to use, and even before she had begun to train with swords she could have easy knocked said sword clear out of his hand in a single movement.
Sure, enough there further back the Hyacinth usually went, just past a store dedicated to cockroach clusters, was a store dedicated to bladed weapons. Seeing this Hyacinth speed walked over there, ignoring the urge to shutter as she walked past the chocolate covered cockroaches; due to a 'joke' the twins has played on her, only to swear to never do so again once she reacted to said 'joke'.
Once in the shop Hyacinth wondered how she was going to go about this, she knew she couldn't buy out the shop here like she had the others. Where she had used a rather believable lie about an eccentric family member wanted to be over prepared when it came to some extreme camping; which honestly, and sadly, was rather believable in the wizarding world. Here that wouldn't exactly fly.
Seeing as there really wasn't a reason to need so many blades on a camping trip. Though she could buy more blades from another shop, similar to what she was going to do with guns later, so it wasn't all too bad. Maybe she could even go with a blade enthusiastic relative who had finally came to some money or something similar to that. If not, she could just try to wing it and hope for the best; it had worked out pretty well before after all.
Thinking on this and trying to think of a realistic story line that wouldn't bring too much attention to her Hyacinth walked into the weapon store in question. As she did this, Hyacinth immediately noticed, even as she entered the shop, that the shop keeper was giving her a look of deep distain; not to mention he also had a sneer that looked to be painted on his face.
Seeing this Hyacinth nearly walked right back out of the store not wanting to deal with the attitude she knew would come from the man in question; especially while knowing she couldn't give the same attuite back to him in return. But thought better of it, knowing she would need those blades, and instead told the sneer shop owner.
"I want to make a purchase." Then paused for a bit as she thought about just what she wanted to buy, as she did this she could see the sneer on the guy's face get a condescending as he began to look down on her; believing that she didn't know what he was doing.
Seeing this, Hyacinth held back her temper, so her magic wouldn't lash out at the man in question, and instead finished what she was saying; having decided just what she was going to get. Not to mention wanting to get out of the shop she was in a quick as possible. Both so she didn't have to lose her temper at being looked down on by the shop keeper, most likely because of how she was dressed and the fact she was female, and because she knew she still had a lot more she wanted to get done before the day was over.
"And I want, the two black twin swords there, the eight daggers that go with them. As well as the larger two-handed sword you have on the wall over there and the twelve dagger that go with that. I also want everything that would be needed to keep them in the best condition the can be in. "Then when it looked like that the shop keeper was going to argue with her, Hyacinth took a deep breath and as an idea popped in her head ran with it; hoping that it would work as she did so. Seeing as from the looks he was giving her, he was one of those in the world that felt women should never hold weapons or anything like them.
"If it is possible I would also like the two sets boxed up, they're a gift to my older brother and my older male cousin. They have been working with tutors for a while and my father sent me out to get them real steel. He said only the best for his heir and family." Hearing this, the shop keeper seemed much more willing to sale the blades to her.
Making Hyacinth inwardly grumble about how the fact that the wizarding world was stuck in the past with the majority of the males there being male chauvinist pigs. As she saw just how much more wiling the shop keeper was once he found his weapons were going to 'supposed' males instead of the woman in front of him. If only he really knew.
Once Hyacinth had exited the weapons shop, being rather spitting mad as she did so, she turned quickly and was about to leaving the magical district altogether. Or at least she was going to when she was hit by a sudden smell of chocolate; something she hadn't had in a while. And something that was a no so secret addiction she had.
On top of that, it was also something that if things went down like she thought they were she wouldn't be getting ever again; or if she did it'd be at a great risk or something similar to that. Knowing this, Hyacinth couldn't help but stop and going into the shop where the delightful mouthwatering smell was coming from. She was going to stock up a little on chocolate and maybe some other sweets before she left the alley.
After all she knew some people who'd sale their soul for a good bar of chocolate, or even a good bottle a whisky; who's to say it wouldn't be the same months from now. Especially when it was no longer available in the quantity it was now.
A guiltier feeling Hyacinth left Magical Peach Ally nearly fifteen minutes later. She had not only bought a good deal of chocolate, nearly all of the chocolate that had been at the store, and several cases of other candies, but she had also gone and bought a good forty cases full of bottles of fire whisky, and a good twenty cases of butterbeer as well. Which had been all the drinks that she could purchase at the store as well.
Honestly, she had been pretty much buying most of the stores she had gone into so far. Which now she stopped to think was rather attention grabbing and hopeful would have some people rising questions.
Because as she thought earlier she did know people who would do anything for those things, even risk their lives, so it had to hold some value right; even if the world was going to hell right? It wasn't like she was indulging in a guilty pleasure or anything like that. Except she probably was. But at least she hadn't bought out their entire stock from the story; just what could be considered the majority of it.
As soon as she left the magical alley, having spent over half of her entire fortune, from all of her family combined, Hyacinth began to head to the mundane shopping center. However, unlike there, she knew she wouldn't be able to buy all that she wanted, at least not without getting some large raised eyebrows and most likely people, including the police, trying to follow her home to find out why she was doing what she was. Which meant she was going to have to go about this a different way.
One she wouldn't do so if she had any other choice on the matter; she was going to have to steal it. Something that would have rankled her if it wasn't for anything but her own survival. But seeing as it was she saw it as something that could be a necessary.
Luckily, it seemed to the magical world paid about as much attention to the mundane half as they did in England. Which is to say, not much at all, meaning if she wanted to Hyacinth could use her magic to help her steal everything she wanted in the Mundane world and as long as she wasn't obvious about it, or wasn't caught doing it, then the Magical world would most likely never find out she had done so; at least not before things go to hell they wouldn't.
That in mind, Hyacinth, after making sure that no one noticed her, spelled herself invisible before heading to the nearest Walmart and hide herself there waiting for them to close down so she could get to work.
Thankfully it was already pretty late in the night, which meant she didn't have to wait much longer for the store to do so. As she did this Hyacinth couldn't help but wonder if she should use her invisible cloak as well as a just in case; before deciding at the moment her spell was enough. After all it wasn't like she was moving a whole lot from her spot among the ceiling beams; making everything but the spell she had used not really necessary and a bit of a waste of energy in doing.
Hyacinth stood in her hiding spot for good four house until the store in question finally closed. Then as soon as the last person, that had been working in the store, left; locking the door behind them as they did so. Hyacinth got right to work as she sent out a small burst of magic to temporarily freeze the cameras that were watching the store stopping them recording and having the on a loop for the next five minute or so. Having decide to use precaution, as well as a bit of foreknown knowledge about security systems and having searched for the cameras in question while she had been in hiding.
Once that was done, and knowing she had to be really quick as she didn't have that long before the cameras started working again, Hyacinth called up her magic and began to summon everything in the store.
Be it cleaning supplies, all types of food, water, drinks, drink mixes, medicine, feminine products, sports good, camping gear, toys, pet supplies, clothes, or different guns and bullets, she just simply summoned everything that was in the store before spelling everything she had just summoned into her last two bottomless bags.
As she did this she noticed that this Walmart seemed to have what looked like a small alcohol store in the back as some of the very last things she saw disappearing into the second bottomless bags being many different types of wine, whisky, beer and other alcohol; including what looked like a good couple hundred of those different flavored little alcohol shot bottles. Something she had always found to be a bit entraining due to their size; but again, something she could see as a good relaxant or trade at a later date. And if in the back of her line she was mocking the age limit that the mundane side of Georgia had, by asking what limit then that was only in her head.
Anything she couldn't find use for in the stores, like the electronics she would simple either scrap or experiment on until she could get them to run on magic or something similar to that. Besides, even if she didn't play with the games there were some battery-operated game someone could get some form of entertainment from, right?
Everything else, she would sort out back at her home, after she was done setting everything else up. Hopefully with a little magic to duplicate some of the supplies what she had just grabbed would be enough to last her along while. Because Hyacinth got the feeling that she wouldn't have much more time to do things like this. Not if she wanted everything to be set up before things took a turn for the worst that is. And after it did take a turn for the worse she'd have a lot more trouble doing so, for a lot less profits as everyone else would be attempting to do the same thing she was.
Not only that but once she did get everything set up, Hyacinth also had to find some decent people, who would accept magic and maybe even some magical as well; though they'd have to be to sort that would be prejudice or try to take over as well; just like the mundane half would.
She knew if she did this they would have to be people she could also get along with and who most likely wouldn't stab her in the back later on. Something which was her biggest worry consider what had happened in her past, and now what was going to happen in the future. Though Hyacinth knew that, if she did find such people like that she would have offer them a place in her tree top sanctuary.
Really it shouldn't be too hard to find them when the world was going through all the chaos it was going to be soon…oh who was she kidding Hyacinth knew she had pretty much set herself up for an impossible task but that didn't mean she was going to give up on it either.
A.N- please let me know what you think, I have an idea as to how the group should meet up. But any ideas of reaction would be good. Also, I really want my fem!Harry to say, "Walker's upcoming/new chew toy say what?! Any ideas how to fit that in? Also, if anyone wants to take parts of this above story and make their own story of it I would love to see how different twist could be put to this.
