Digging out Phoenicis
Chapter one – A New Beginning
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for original characters.
Summary: Jessica Bolts is in her sixth year at wizarding school when she is suddenly transferred to Hogwarts at the request of Dumbledore. Her life will be completely different as she meets new people and possibley finds love.
It was a dark menacing night when Jessica first arrived at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. She had received quite a shock when Mrs. McAdams had called her to her office and told her that she had received a letter from Albus Dumbledore asking. She opened the letter and read,
Dear Miss Jessica Bolts
Your Headmistress Mrs. McAdams has drawn to my attention your outstanding achievements in your OWLS that you took last year. She also told me that you were the top of your year and asked if I would consider accepting you into Hogwarts. It would be my pleasure if you would join the students and I at my school. Inclosed in this envelope is your book list and train ticket. I also ask, if you could please send your reply to me as soon as possible through your Headmistress.
Looking forward to your reply
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Jessica had been in shock as she read the letter, "Albus Dumbledore wants me to attend his school?" she had said looking at Mrs. McAdams.
"Yes, he does." she had said smiling, "I sent him a copy of your OWLS results because they were so outstanding. I mean never in my years as headmistress at Macarthur's School of Sorcery have I seen a student receive Outstanding OWLS for all their subjects. It is a waste for you to stay at this school, At Hogwarts you can expand your skills even more than you have here."
Jessica had received that letter 2 weeks into the year, so the journey on the Hogwarts Express was a lonely one, as all of the students had already taken the journey on the 1st of September. Jessica stepped off the train onto Hogsmeade Station. It was at this time that the sky above lit up with lightning. "You must be Jessica Bolts." Jessica wheeled around and saw a man who was twice the height of a normal man standing under a huge umbrella several metres from the train. Jessica stared in amazement, "Yes, I am Jessica Bolts."
"Rubeus Hagrid Keeper of Keys and grounds at Hogwarts. But everyone calls me Hagrid. I'm here to take you up to the castle. Here I will take your trunk and owl cage for you. Wow that is one beautiful owl you have there Jessica."
"Thank you Hagrid, Yes she is very beautiful isn't she. Her name is Isabella; my father got her for me when he was over in Australia a few years ago. So how long have you been working at Hogwarts?" Jessica asked as they started their walk up the long and winding path to the gates of Hogwarts.
"Well I was expelled when I was in my 3rd year here and Dumbledore gave me the job here helping out the caretaker at the time. And I've been working here ever since."
"Wow that must be a very interesting job to have." Jessica said looking up the lane which led to the entrance of Hogwarts. It took them shorter then Jessica had expected to reach the large oak doors of the castle. Hagrid opened them with ease and lead Jessica into the grand entrance hall. "The students are at dinner in the great hall at present, if you could wait here while I go an' get Professor McGonagall."
Hagrid disappeared behind a door on their left leaving Jessica in the middle of the entrance hall with her trunk and Isabelle's cage.
Minutes later Hagrid returned with who Jessica presumed to be Professor McGonagall at his side, "Good evening Miss. Bolts, I am Professor McGonagall, and I am Head of Gryffindor house. If you would follow me to my office I will discuss your lessons and other important things that you will need to know during your 6th year at Hogwarts." McGonagall spoke sharply but with a kind note in her voice. "Leave your things with Hagrid; he will make sure they are safe."
Jessica followed Professor McGonagall past the Great Hall, up the marble staircase that filled most of the entrance hall and along many different halls, until Professor McGonagall stopped in front of a wooden door, which Jessica guessed to be the door to her office. McGonagall's office was coloured red and gold, Jessica knew from her father that these were the colours of the Gryffindor house. The other school houses at Hogwarts were Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Syltherin.