Author's Note: Glee set at Hogwarts. Almost entirely Glee characters, but the occasional Harry Potter character may appear.
Chapter 1: Almost There
"Papi! It came! It came!" Santana ran wildly through the manor to get to her father. She nearly knocked over a house elf in her haste. The house elves didn't mind working for the Lopez family, Ricardo paid well, but the girl drove them crazy sometimes.
Santana finally made it into the study. "It came!"
"I heard you the first two times Santana. What came?" Santana's father didn't look up from his paper. He was always tired after work at the Ministry and didn't often have much patience for his daughter's enthusiasm.
Santana bowed her head and softly said, "My letter from Hogwarts. I thought you'd be happy to hear that I got in."
Sr. Lopez looked up at his daughter. "I am happy to hear that," he sighed. "Do you have the list of supplies?" Santana nodded solemnly. "I'll take you to Diagon Ally in the morning and we can get your things. Does that sound good?"
Santana allowed herself a small smile. "That sounds really good. Thank you Papi." Santana handed the letter to her father and kissed his cheek before leaving the study and going up to her room.
Santana woke up early the next morning. She quickly showered, got dressed and then went down to breakfast. By the time she got to the dining room Tinkles, one of the house elves, had eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice set out for her. "Is Papá up yet?" she asked expectantly. Tinkles shifted uncomfortably and looked away. Santana's face fell. "He's not here is he?" Tinkles shook his head and handed Santana a note:
Santana,
I'm sorry I had to go into the Ministry this morning and won't be able to take you to Diagon Ally. Tinkles will take you. Make sure you don't forget anything on the list.
Love,
Papá
Santana ducked her head to hide the tears that were forming. She quickly wiped her face with her napkin. "Okay then," she started with far more enthusiasm then she felt. "Let's get going shall we?"
Santana had always loved Diagon Ally. She loved all of the different things to look at and all of the different smells. Most of all she loved the sounds. Santana loved the cacophony of sounds that arose from the different shops. Her house was always too quiet. When she was in Diagon Ally she could imagine what it might be like to have siblings. It was only her father and her in the manor. And the two house elves, but they never made a sound. She was always amazed how they could cook and clean without ever knocking anything down or banging anything together. If Santana tried to cook she'd end up causing all of the pots and pans to fall and make a lot of noise. Once, when she was little, she took two of the pots and hit them together to see what sort of sound they would make. She had never seen her father's face that color before. Ever since then she tried to be really careful to be quiet when she was in the house. Santana's home was silent and cold. Diagon Ally was the opposite. It was loud and warm from all of the people. Santana loved it.
Santana pushed open the door and walked into the dark and musty wand shop. Shelves with small boxes covered every wall. Santana took everything in. There was an odd smell in the store. She wasn't sure what it was. The store was comforting and off-putting at the same time. Santana didn't see any signs of anyone being there. Is the store open? I need to get my wand. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
An old man stepped out from behind one of the shelves. "May I help you?" he asked.
Santana nearly jumped. She looked at the man who surprised her. He was old. Like ancient. He looked like he could keel over and die at any moment. At least that's what Santana thought until she looked into his eyes. As soon as they made eye contact she felt rooted to the spot. His eyes seemed to stare right into her soul. After a few seconds that felt like hours to Santana, she found her voice. "Um, I'm here to get a wand?" Santana averted her gaze. The way the man was looking at her made her incredibly uneasy. It was as if he knew things about her that she didn't even know yet.
"I see. And what is your name young lady?"
"Santana Lopez." She shifted nervously as she spoke.
"Santana Lopez. Daughter of Ricardo Lopez. Elm, dragon heartstring, 12 ¾ inches."
"H-h-how do you know that?"
"I am Mr. Ollivander. I never forget a wand. And there aren't too many people with the surname Lopez in these parts." He looked her up and down. "Hmm, let's see what I have for you." He turned and walked over to a shelf. He tipped his head indicating Santana should follow.
Santana cautiously moved in the direction Mr. Ollivander had gone. What is this? She looked around wishing she hadn't insisted Tinkles pick up her cauldron and other supplies while she got her wand.
When Santana was by his side Mr. Ollivander thrust a wand in her hand. "Willow, dragon heartstring, 9 ¾ inches." Santana looked at the wand in her hand. "Wave it around a bit." Santana obliged and the wand was quickly taken out of her hand.
"Ouch!" Santana exclaimed as she felt a sharp pain when she gripped the next wand in her hand.
"Nope." Mr. Ollivander opened another box. "Try this one. Ivy, unicorn tail hair, 12 ½ inches." Santana repeated the process. Once again the wand was pried from her fingers.
"Closer, but not quite. This is it. Ivy, phoenix tail feather, 11 ¼ inches." When the wand was placed in her hand Santana could barely feel it. It seemed like the wand had become an extension of her arm. Mr. Ollivander smiled. "Perfect." Santana couldn't help but crack a smile as well. "You may sit over there," Mr. Ollivander indicated in the direction of a couple of chairs Santana had not noticed earlier, "until your house elf returns." Santana did not remember telling him she was with her house elf and she was pretty sure they had parted ways outside, but she didn't question it. Anyone who could find her a wand that felt this amazing in four tries obviously had special powers. She walked over to the chairs and took a seat without a word.
The door opened and a boy came in with who Santana assumed was his mother and little sister. "Noah," the woman began, "I have to get some things at the apothecary. I'm going to take your sister and I want you to get your wand and then wait for me until I get back. No running off and trying to sneak into Knockturn Alley. Do you understand?"
The boy, Noah, didn't look like he had paid attention to a word his mother had said.
"Noah?"
"Hrrmm?" Noah seemed to finally realize his mother had been talking to him.
"Do you understand me? Wait here until I get back." Santana could tell this was a common occurrence and the woman didn't have much patience for it anymore.
"Yes, ma'am," Noah said meekly.
"Good. Mr. Ollivander," the woman addressed the shop owner, "I will pay for Noah's wand when I return. Please tell me if he causes you any trouble."
"Very good ma'am," Mr. Ollivander responded. "I have just finished with this young lady. Master Puckerman, please come over here."
Santana recognized the look on Noah's face as the one she had worn when Mr. Ollivander had known who her father was. Noah shot her a look as he followed Mr. Ollivander. Hah. He thinks he is so cool. Does he think I didn't see that first look? Maybe I should play along. He could turn out to be useful. She gave him a little wave.
Santana watched with bemusement as Mr. Ollivander tried wand after wand with Noah. Noah would only have each wand in his hand for a second before it would be yanked away. Finally after what seemed like 20 different wands, "Vine, dragon heartstring, 11 inches," stated Mr. Ollivander seemingly exhausted. Noah waved the wand around and it shot off a series of sparks. "Finally. I think I need to sit down now." Mr. Ollivander took a seat on a stool near the shelf where he had found the wand.
Wand in hand, Noah walked over to where Santana was sitting. "I'm Puck. What's your name?" He gave a little head nod.
Santana could barely keep a straight face. "Santana."
Puck twirled his wand in his hand. "11 inches. Not too bad."
Just then Tinkles returned. He looked over to Santana and she nodded. He then walked over to Mr. Ollivander. He pulled out some coins and paid for the wand. Then he extended his arm indicating it was time to go and Santana stood up. As she walked out of the store she couldn't help looking back over her shoulder and responding to Puck's earlier boast. "Mine's bigger."
Tinkles had managed to get all of Santana's books and other supplies while she was getting her wand. All that was left was her school robes. She needed three sets of plain, black work robes. They walked over to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Santana opened the door and her stomach dropped. Inside were Quinn Fabray and her mother.
Santana hated the Fabrays. Mr. Fabray worked with her father at the ministry. Although he was not technically her father's boss, he was slightly higher ranked than him and made sure he knew it. Mr. Fabray would act like they were friends, but Santana knew from the way her father always looked after going to one of the Fabray dinner parties that that wasn't the case. Santana understood. She felt the same way after being forced to spend time with the younger Fabray, Quinn.
"Santana Lopez, what a surprise." Mrs. Fabray gave her an artificial smile. "Look Quinn, it's Santana. Isn't that great?"
"It's so wonderful to see you again." Quinn stood and addressed Santana, her voice dripping with insincerity. "How are you doing today?"
Santana wanted nothing more than to run away. She very well might have turned right around and walked out of the store if she hadn't received a subtle, yet rather forceful, tap on the back of her wrist. I am so going to get you back for this. Just you wait. Santana glared at Tinkles and then returned her attention to the Fabrays in front of her. She put on a smile and said, rather smarmily, "I am wonderful. How are you doing?"
"I am doing just grand, thank you." Quinn's intonation made Santana want to puke. "Are you here to get robes?"
No, I'm here to buy an owl. Why on earth would I be in a robe shop, if not to buy robes? "Yes, I need to get my robes for school. And you?" Seriously, why do I have to do this? This is possibly the most ridiculous conversation anyone has ever had.
"Yes. In only a few weeks we will be at Hogwarts. Isn't that exciting? Lindsey is Head Girl this year. I'm sure that will come in handy at some point. It's too bad you don't have any siblings there to help you out. I'm sure Lindsey will be willing if you need anything though. You are practically family after all."
It took all of Santana's control not to rush Quinn and punch her after she was done speaking. Well, actually, Santana tried to go after her, but she found she couldn't move. She was pretty sure Tinkles was holding her back magically. This isn't over. I will make you pay. She glanced over at Tinkles who had a very serious look on his face. Both of you.
At that moment Madam Malkin emerged from the back room. "All ready. Here you are Miss Fabray. Three sets of robes." She turned slightly and noticed Santana for the first time. "Hogwarts m'dear?" Santana nodded her head, too angry still to speak. "Come on over and let's get you measured." If Madam Malkin was aware of the tension in the room she gave no indication. She simply ushered Santana over to a separate corner and started preparing to fit her robes.
"I guess we best be going now," Mrs. Fabray stated. "Thank you Madam Malkin. And Santana, it was so nice to see you. I'm sure we'll see you again soon." With that she and Quinn turned and exited the shop. Santana let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
Santana pushed her way through the people around the entrance of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. She knew exactly where she was heading. She was determined to get to the Extendable Ears before Tinkles could stop her. She didn't want him to know what she was going to buy. It's very difficult to spy on someone when they know you're trying to do it. Santana didn't raise her head as she barreled around the corner. If she had she would have seen the girl coming in the opposite direction.
"Watch where you're going," Santana spat as she rubbed her head where the bump was already forming.
"I'm so sorry," the girl said, "I didn't see you there."
"Well that's obvious. You wouldn't have run into me if you did." Santana wasn't the most polite child to begin with and the bump on her forehead certainly was not making her more so. "You can't just go running around corners with your head down in busy stores." Santana was fully aware that she had done exactly that, but her head really hurt.
"I'm so sorry," the girl repeated. She saw Santana rubbing her head. "I think we have something that will make that bump go away."
"Do you work here or something? Aren't you a little young?" Santana looked up at the cause of her headache for the first time. She saw a mane of blonde curls and big, blue eyes filled with concern. Usually she didn't care when people apologized to her. In her experience it didn't mean anything. Her father was always apologizing for canceling on her. If he really was sorry, wouldn't he just stop canceling? This girl seemed different though. There was something in her eyes that told Santana that she meant it.
"My dad is the manager," the girl volunteered. "He lets me help out as long as I'm careful. He's not going to be happy to hear I ran down a customer." She looked down at her feet.
In a typical situation Santana would relish the opportunity to get someone in trouble, even if, or maybe especially if, what happened was actually her fault. There was nothing typical about this situation, however. There was something about this girl. Santana had no idea why the words that came out of her mouth did. "We don't have to tell him," she offered. "We can just say I ran into a shelf or something."
"Mmmph," Santana was surprised by the hug she all of a sudden found herself in.
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou," the blonde girl whispered into Santana's neck. She released Santana, but didn't move away. "I'm Brittany by the way. Do you go to Hogwarts? I'm going to start in the fall. I'm so excited. I just want it to be time to go already. I can't wait."
Santana took a step back. She was not accustomed to be accosted in such a manner. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she had been hugged by another person. "I'm Santana," she revealed. "I'm going to start at Hogwarts in the fall too."
"Really?" Brittany exclaimed. Her face broke out into an enormous grin. Wouldn't it be awesome if we end up in the same House? It would be so cool if my best friend is in the same House I am. What Houses were your parents in?"
Wait, what? Best friend? Who is this girl? We just met. We don't even know each other yet. I haven't even been nice to her. Why would she want to be my friend? Brittany's enthusiasm and friendly nature was not something Santana was used to. I don't have friends. I mean, I guess I have Tinkles, but he gets paid to put up with me. I doubt he'd do it otherwise. And I guess I'm friends with Quinn? I can't stand her, but Papá says I have to be nice. Santana remembered that Brittany had asked her a question. "Uh, my dad was in Slytherin," was all she offered.
"That's cool." If Brittany had noticed that Santana had spaced out for a moment she didn't let on. "Both my parents were in Ravenclaw. My grandparents are worried I'm going to be in Hufflepuff. I don't think that would be that bad though. They were worried I wouldn't get into Hogwarts at all. What House was your mother in?"
Santana didn't think Brittany had taken a single breath between sentences. As soon as Brittany started her final question Santana brought her hand to her head. "Ugh, my head is really hurting. Do you think we could go get that thing from your dad now?" Santana had no intention of telling a complete stranger about her mother. Not that she knew anything anyway. All she knew was that her parents had met through her father's job at the ministry and that her mother didn't want her. The only time her mother was ever mentioned was when her grandparents said something rude about her. If Santana tried to ask her father he would completely shut down. He wouldn't say a word. The last time Santana had tried to get him to talk about her mother he didn't speak to her for two days. That was three years ago. She hadn't brought it up since.
"Oh my goodness! I completely forgot. I have a terrible memory. My mom always says I'd forget my head if it wasn't attached to my body. I don't know why she says that though. Wouldn't I be dead if my head was separated from my body?"
Santana confusedly shook her head. "Uh, what?"
"I'll take you to my dad and he'll fix you right up."
Brittany took Santana by the hand and led her to the back of the store. There they came to a tall, thin man with wild hair and a bushy beard. He looked exactly what the muggles call a "mad scientist."
"Daddy, this is Santana. She bumped her head when…uh…" Brittany looked over at Santana.
Great. She's waiting for me to say what happened. It would be so easy for me to blame her for it. Say she ran into me. Santana looked up at Brittany and saw those big, blue eyes staring back at her. "I, uh, ran into a shelf," Santana filled in. "Brittany said you had something that would get rid of this bump on my head?" Santana noticed the look on Brittany's face change. It could only be said that she was beaming.
Brittany's father looked at his daughter, then to Santana and then back and Brittany. He saw the look on his daughter's face and knew there was no way Santana ran into a shelf of her own accord. He decided he would talk to Brittany later about being careful around the store. It was a speech he knew well, but there was no reason to embarrass her in front of her new friend. He turned to Santana. "Let me see what that shelf did to you." Santana took her hand away from her head. "That must have been one hard shelf; you have quite the bump there." He stole a quick glance at his daughter and she immediately looked down at her shoes. "Lucky for you we have this paste that instantly gets rid of bruises. It's practically magic." He chuckled at his own joke. "I have a jar of the paste in the back. I always have one on hand in case Brittany runs into something. I'll go get it. Tell you what… Because it was one of my shelves," he glanced at his daughter again, "that hurt your head you can pick out anything in the store. On the house."
Santana's eyes brightened. "Really?" she asked.
"Yes, anything."
Santana was used to having presents bought for her. Every time her father canceled on her he would buy her something. Presents didn't really mean anything to her. They were a reminder of how someone had failed. Even though this situation was similar in a way, Santana felt very different about it. Brittany's father hadn't failed her. Santana had noticed the look he shared with his daughter and was pretty sure he knew she hadn't run into a shelf. Even so, it didn't feel like he was letting her have something just because he felt guilty. It felt like he actually cared and wanted to make sure she was happy. It felt so good Santana almost admitted she was at least partially at fault in the whole thing. She was afraid he'd rescind the offer though.
Brittany grabbed Santana by the hand again. "I know what you should get. It's the coolest thing in the whole store."
Santana allowed herself to be led through the store. After going around several corners Brittany finally stopped. She pointed and Santana followed her arm with her eyes. "Candy?" she asked disbelieving.
"Duck Dollops."
"What do they do?"
"They turn you into a duck?"
"Why would I want to be a duck?"
"Uh, because ducks are awesome," Brittany said incredulously.
"Umm, I was thinking maybe something a little more, I don't know, useful?" Santana glanced at Brittany whose face had dropped. "Not that being a duck wouldn't be really neat," she added quickly.
Brittany's smile returned and she nodded her head. "I think I may know of something that would be perfect for you. Wait here and I'll go get it."
Santana watched Brittany as she hurried away to get whatever it was she was going to bring couldn't help but notice the way Brittany moved through the store. She was clumsy sure; she nearly knocked over at least three things before Santana lost sight of her, but there was something else there, a grace just trying to get out. Santana didn't know why she thought it, but she just had a feeling that in a couple of years this girl would be able to move in ways no one else could.
Santana wasn't patient. She did not like waiting. Why she had agreed to wait for Brittany and was still standing in the same place, she had no idea. Yet, she was.
After a couple of minutes Brittany returned. She was carrying a paper bag. She handed the bag to Santana with a gleam in her eyes. Santana took the bag and peaked inside. She couldn't help but smile.
Brittany's father appeared just then with the bruise removing paste. "Did you figure out what you want?"
Santana grinned at him. "Yes, Brittany found me something perfect." She opened the bag so he could see.
Brittany's father slightly raised his eyebrows. "I see. Very good then. Here is the paste. Put some on before you go to bed and the bruise will be gone in the morning."
"Thank you so much…uh…"
"Mr. Pierce. Hubrecht Pierce. It was my pleasure. You are welcome anytime in my store Miss Santana."
Santana smiled again. She was pretty sure she had broken her previous record for smiling in the last 10 minutes. Such a change after her encounter with the Fabrays. She put the paste in the bag with the item Brittany had given her and turned to leave. Before she walked out to meet Tinkles and head home she looked around to find Brittany. She made eye contact and gave a little wave. Santana practically skipped out the door.
