A New Beginning
"How curious," the boy murmured, surveying the stern looking lady cautiously. "How curious indeed, but I confess, a nonetheless sufficient explanation for my abilities." He finished eloquently.
Averting his eyes from the lady in front of him he pondered on the information she had imparted upon him. Magic. The very idea to the average human seemed ludicrous, positively laughable, but to Noah Axelsson it was a very realistic, tangible thought. Since his seventh birthday he had been able to manipulate his 'magic', as the lady before him had patiently told him of. He had been able to bend it to his will, and by extension bend others wills to his own. He remembered, years ago his first use of the entity that was magic. Left bleeding and broken in the corner of his room after the latest beating Mr Hunt had issued, he had wished for nothing more than the pain to cease, to leave. His body and face were littered with fresh bruises and gashes covering his already scarred self. The words 'FREAK', 'WHORE' AND 'SCUM' had been carved deeply onto his forearm, ribs and left pectoral respectively. Sobs had wracked his body and he had never felt so weak, so vulnerable, so angry.
But as soon as those thoughts had crossed his mind they had stopped abruptly as he had surveyed his body once more. Astonishment coursed through his every fibre. He simply couldn't comprehend what had happened – all of his pain had vanished, the cuts and gashes had sealed; the only remnants of his beating were the scars that would be left with him for life. For the first time that night, the first time in his life, he had smiled. Though it was not the smile of an angel, more the smirk of the devil with untold promises of pain and suffering.
He chuckled to himself – Mr Hunt had died that next day from 'severe physical trauma to the body' as the police had put it to the Matron. They were admittedly baffled though – whilst they knew he had been murdered, he had been found in a room locked from the inside. How amusing, Noah thought to himself, a true mystery indeed.
Noah's thoughts drifted elsewhere. As a young child, the cold nights in his damp, dark, mouldy room left him miserable – and he wished for nothing more than a source of light and warmth. Then before his eyes had appeared a large, spherical ball of light, illuminating his surroundings brightly, and his bed emitted heat not dissimilar to that of a roaring fire.
Smirking slightly, he thought to other instances where he had used magic. Levitating water from within his cup, manipulating it, moulding it into a shape of his own desire. Willing books to appear from the library the children had visited only days prior. Making the other orphans of whom had previously mercilessly bullied him feel excruciating pain, but silencing their voices, so no others could hear their screams. Indeed for the first seven years of his life, the other orphans, being the foul creatures that they were had caused him endless grief. They constantly directed their own misery and anger upon Noah, stealing his clothes before ripping them to shreds, laughing and teasing him so he was reduced to tears, and the one time he had a modicum of hope for a friend, a pet rabbit, they had killed it. 'A freaky boy with a freaky name', was what they had called him, 'freaks don't deserve friends' they had said. But that had all stopped at seven, when he showed them what he was truly capable of. Now they cowered before him like the snivelling rats that they were, too afraid of eye contact, too afraid to be in the same room as him. It was safe to say that revenge had been ever so sweet, he thought with a grin.
Once again he raised his eyes to the lady before him. "Forgive me, I was merely lost within my own thoughts. Now that I will be enrolling in your school, at this Hogwarts you speak of, how am I to address you?" Noah asked kindly, portraying an innocent smile on his face.
"No need for apologies Mr Axellson your reaction is to be expected, it is not every day you are told you're a wizard!" She said, smiling tightly. "You shall address me according to my titles, therefore by Deputy Headmistress or Professor – the choice is yours." She replied crisply, her eyes never leaving his own.
"My apologies Professor, but what is it that you teach again, I cannot recall?" Noah enquired, looking somewhat quizzical.
"Transfiguration." She answered. "A supremely complex branch of magic which requires the utmost concentration, application and hard work. It involves the manipulation, and alteration of the form and appearance of an inanimate or animate object, via an alteration of said objects molecular structure. I must impress upon you the seriousness of my subject Mr Axelsson, a failure of effort on your part whilst attending my class will lead to an immediate dismissal from studying the subject." Professor McGonagall said sternly, her nostrils flaring slightly during her passionate speech.
"Of course, of course, I would consider it dishonourable on my part to give nothing less." Noah returned smoothly, a slight raising of his eyebrow. "And what of other subjects Professor, what else can Hogwarts teach me, how else can I expand my knowledge?" He asked, a hungry, determined gleam in his eyes.
"In your first year, other subjects studied include Potions, Charms, Astronomy, Herbology, History of Magic, Flying and Defence against the Dark Arts." She replied primly, crossing one leg over the other, as if finally relaxing into the conversation.
"Defence against the Dark Arts?" Noah replied sharply. "Why not the Dark Arts themselves?" He muttered.
A cold look passed Professor McGonagall's face, and she stared at Noah deeply, as if seeing him for the first time.
"The Dark Arts is a branch of magic which is vile, disgusting, sickening and inappropriate for a child of your age to be even thinking of! I suggest you banish any thoughts of studying them Mr Axelsson as you will not find a single book within Hogwarts concerning that topic." She finished coldly, fire burning in her eyes which spoke of previous horrors.
A dark look passed Noah's face. 'Such prejudiced views Professor.' He mused silently to himself. 'Wouldn't the ultimate Defence against the Dark Arts not be the Dark Arts themselves?' He pondered. 'After all, if you seek to undo that which is an unknown entity without knowledge concerning the unknown then you truly are facing a losing battle'. He sighed to himself – 'This will require independent research, I will concern myself with this later, back to the matter at hand'.
Noah once again looked to Professor McGonagall. "Alas it seems my youthful mind has once again caused trouble Professor, I merely wished to satiate my own curiosity, however your warning has been heeded – I will redirect my interests elsewhere."
A cold smile adorned his face. "You mentioned a letter earlier. May I read it?"
"Of course." She replied, a small smile of understanding appearing on her face, as if she knew that he rarely received mail.
She passed the letter over to Noah, who accepted it with a murmured "Thank you."
Slicing open the envelope he began to read.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr Axelsson,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protected gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic
by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory
by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl, OR a cat, OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Hogwarts Provisions
As he read further and further down the letter, dread began to creep in. As an orphan, in one of the poorest areas of London he had little to no money. He closed his eyes, in a bid to control the rage and hurt he was feeling. The offer of a magical education had a lit a flame in him so deeply he could not help but feel hope. The hope that he would leave the pitiful existence that was this orphanage, the hope that he would be able to escape from the mindless, brainless delinquents that he was forced to endure on a day to day basis at the school he was forced to attend.
He sighed audibly, looking Professor McGonagall into her eyes with a troubled, heart-breaking look, in a bid to garner sympathy. "It seems we have stumbled upon a slight problem." He began. "You see, as an orphan without parents I have no wizarding money, nor muggle money, and by extension cannot afford any of the required equipment. I must apologise Professor, it seems that I cannot attend." He finished, his eyes shimmering with false tears waiting to fall.
Her face softened visibly as she looked at Noah with pity and sorrow. This angered him greatly, he didn't need her pity, he didn't need anyone's pity. "What do you know of your parents Mr Axelsson?"
The abrupt change in topic surprised Noah, and he adopted a puzzled expression. "Next to nothing Professor, only that my father died shortly before my birth, and my mother after birthing me."
He was confused, greatly confused. He rarely thought about his parents, and the only time he did, he felt pure unadulterated anger and pain towards them. After all it their fault he was here in the Orphanage, however irrational the thought was. Them who left him with nothing, no future, and no hope. He did not know their names, what they looked like, nor did he care, nor would he ever care, he tried to convince himself.
"Whilst I never knew your parents, and by extension your family I can tell you what I know of them, that is, if you would like me to?" She asked.
Noah sighed to himself. His family was an uncomfortable topic for him, whilst deep down he knew it was not their fault, he could not help but attribute all of his own problems to them. He gestured for the Professor to go on.
"The Axelsonn's were a very old, very prominent Swedish family among pureblood society –"
"Pureblood?" He interrupted sharply.
"The term pureblood refers to families who have purely magical heritage, ergo no muggle blood." She explained to him, a displeased frown on her face, clearly unhappy at being interrupted.
"Muggle?" He said, again cutting her off, intent on extracting every drop of information he could.
"Non-magical people." She recited stiffly, once again peering deeply into his eyes, as if truly seeing him for the first time.
At this sliver of information Noah broke into a wide smile. 'No muggle blood.' He cackled inwardly. 'I knew, oh how I knew I was nothing like them!' He spat. 'So much better, so much more intelligent, destined for far greater things than worthless, pitiful muggles'.
"I see." He whispered. Seemingly absorbed in thought. He waved his hand absent-mindedly for her to continue.
"As I was saying," she said pointedly. "They were a very prominent pureblood family, very wealthy, well connected within the Swedish Ministry of Magic. They were also supremely well respected by all, despite their reclusive behaviour – they disliked appearing in public if they could avoid it. It was believed after their deaths, that the line had died out, that was until I came here to the orphanage and met you. You clearly have the Axelsson features." She told him with a half-smile, her features warming slightly towards the end of her explanation.
He gave her a lazy smile at this. Noah knew how beautiful he was, how when he entered a room, the conversation would stop. Adults in the streets would often fawn over him as if he were an angel amongst men. He had long, silky platinum hair which cascaded elegantly to his shoulders, a few strands lying gracefully over his eyes. His eyes were that of magenta, and felt as if they were looking through the window into your soul. He had inherited razor-sharp cheekbones and a stunning jawline which gave him an eerily beautiful look. His nose was strong and aristocratic and his body lithe and graceful, similar to that of a predator who would stalk his prey. And whilst Noah wasn't short, he was what most would consider 'the perfect height'.
Noah considered all that Professor McGonagall had told him so far. Whilst he was naturally supremely talented at keeping his emotions under control and maintaining an emotionless façade, he had admittedly shown small signs of shock throughout his conversation with the Professor. He was particularly surprised to hear of his family's extortionate wealth. He smirked inwardly, immediately planning mentally on how to get out of the orphanage permanently.
"I wonder…." He said, his brow furrowed, allowing his eyes to close in momentary thought.
As if sensing his train of thought Professor McGonagall interjected. "Gringotts is the bank of the Wizarding world and it is there where you shall find money to purchase your supplies. I can assist you if you like?"
"NO!" Noah all but shouted, before scowling at his outburst.
He had not meant to have such a violent reaction, but he did not want her interference. She was clearly biased in her views on magic and this would hinder his pursuit for knowledge. He didn't want her views on what was acceptable to study and research and what was not.
"Forgive me for my exclamation, I am a very independent person and would like to experience my first glimpse of the wizarding world myself." He lied smoothly adopting an excited look in a bid to deceive her of his true intentions.
Professor McGonagall peered intently at him. "Are you sure, Mr Axelsson, you are only eleven after all." She enquired stiffly, as if attempting to reprimand him.
"I have been alone all my life Professor, I see no need for that to change now. If you could tell me where to go I shall be fine." He responded somewhat tersely, now avoiding her gaze to survey the morning sunshine enveloping London.
She proceeded to tell him how to gain access to Diagon Alley, a wizarding shopping district where he could purchase what he needed, as well as the location of Gringotts. After explaining how to get on the platform, she bid Noah goodbye.
"Very well, if that is all, I shall see you when term starts." She said, standing up and reaching towards him to shake his hand.
As their hands met, he looked at her deeply, his eyes glowing with unrestrained power.
"Indeed Professor McGonagall, I look forward to it." He smiled coldly, before turning around and facing the window, observing the outside scenery.
He heard the door shut, before finally allowing himself a high, cold and cruel laugh. Things were changing, oh how they were changing!
After breakfast at the orphanage, Noah took a quick shower before finding himself standing in front of the mirror in just his underwear, tracing the scars of the past eleven years absent-mindedly. He grimaced upon reaching his ribs, where the word 'WHORE' was imprinted in deep jagged letters. His face adopted a cold, detached look, but his eyes shone with hate and anger. He hated what Mr Hunt had done to him. Every night for seven years he was forced to endure the sick fantasies of the middle aged man with severe anger issues. Night after night, Noah would receive blow after blow with a variety of objects including belts, poker sticks and occasionally shards of glass from empty bottles of alcohol.
He slammed a fist against the wall – his only regret in terms of his life was not what Mr Hunt had done to him, only that he hadn't tortured him for longer, that he hadn't manage to repay seven long years of hate to the man. Noah chuckled to himself, in some ways he had to thank the old man, thank him for creating what he had become – a true predator. Noah himself was cold, cruel and manipulative. He knew what he wanted, and he always got it, through peaceful means or otherwise.
After dressing himself with his best clothes – a pair of oversize, dirty jeans with many holes, and a baggy shirt that was far too big for him, Noah exited the orphanage and began making his way to the Leaky Cauldron. Excitement built inside of him as he looked to the future. He knew what he wanted – power. He wanted to Lord over the wizarding world, have them bow and grovel at his feet and declare him to be the greatest, him to be the one they looked up to. A small smirk etched on his face at this, 'all in good time' he repeated to himself, 'all in good time'. After learning what he had from Professor McGonagall earlier, he had immediately added one final goal to his list. The complete and utter subservience of muggles to wizards. He wanted muggles to understand their place, the filthy cretins that they were. He wanted them to understand how they were inferior, how they were not fit to lace the boots of wizard-kind. Noah's eyes gleamed at this – he would be the one to lead wizards to this goal, he would be the one honoured above all.
Eventually, after a further thirty five minute walk Noah reached his destination – 'The Leaky Cauldron' which was intertwined between a muggle record shop and a bookshop. He entered slowly, trying to calm his nerves and soak up the atmosphere around him. He surveyed his surroundings. The pub was a slightly shabby establishment with a bar at the end and numerous tables and chairs separating the space between. At the side was a double helix style staircase, made of fine oak which led to rooms upstairs and downstairs. A portly man with a balding head and toothy grin was standing behind the bar cleaning a glass which had clearly seen better days.
Noah straightened his back and gracefully crossed the clearing between them.
"Excuse me?" He drawled, gaining the attention of 'Tom' if he remembered correctly. "Would you be Tom?"
"Yes young 'un, that would be me!" He answered approaching Noah, smiled broadly, showcasing his lack of teeth. "How can I help ya?"
Noah smiled innocently at Tom, hoping to appear as angelic as possible. "I was wondering Mr Tom, would it be possible for you to show me the entrance to Diagon Alley? You see I need to shop for supplies?"
Tom chuckled at him, ruffling his hair. "First year are ya?" He observed. "Not tah worry, follow me!"
They walked behind the bar, where Tom unlocked a hidden door.
"Where are ya parent's young 'un? It's not good for a kid like ya to be wonderin' around on ya own." He observed, frowning slightly at the lack of an adult companion for Noah
"I'm an orphan. They died many years ago." Noah replied coldly, averting his eyes as he always did when speaking on the topic.
"I'm sorry kid, didn't mean tah pry, I was only worried." Tom said quickly, his words rushing out as he tried to backtrack.
There was an uncomfortable silence as they approached the end of the corridor, the only sounds audible being the contact of shoe to floor resonating around the area.
"It matters not." Noah answered after the short silence. "You cannot miss that which you've never had." He muttered coldly, seemingly trying to convince himself more than Tom.
"But that's not true is it?" Tom said quietly as he unlocked the door at the end of the corridor.
Noah gave a non-committal grunt in a bid to steer the conversation away from his lack of family. Deep down, the idea of having a family was his hearts deepest and most desired wish, but it was a hole that could not be filled, so instead it was replaced by the burning wish to become as powerful as possible.
"Say, what's your name kid?" Tom asked abruptly as they approached the final back door.
"Noah". He replied quietly, no longer wishing to speak to Tom at all.
"Aye, I knew a kid called Noah way back, nice lad he was." Tom said cheerfully, a bright smile adorning his face as a glaze appeared in his eyes, apparently lost in memories of old.
He led Noah to the back door, which he opened, and once through showed him a brick wall. Noah was most unimpressed, failing to hold back a dark scowl.
Tom chuckled "Ay, you're not the first to give me that look – let me show yah!" At this, he brought out his wand, and touched individual bricks in some sort of pattern before stepping back and watching as the bricks slid away revealing Diagon Alley.
Noah was stunned. Completely and utterly stunned. He could practically feel the ambient magic surrounding him, thrumming through his veins. He basked in the magic, inhaling and exhaling deeply as he smiled. He was home. Looking around he could see scores of wizarding shops which his soul called to go and look at.
It was surprising, however, when he felt a slight moistness upon his cheek, and as he reached with his hand to touch it he was stunned when he felt wetness. 'Why am I bleeding?!' He screamed inwardly. He did not understand, was he ill, had his magic reacted badly? Noah started to panic, hating his lack of control of the situation. Before he could do anything however he felt a hand on his shoulder. Whipping around he saw Tom offering a tissue, with a small, understanding smile on his face.
"You're not the first to become emotional seeing it for the first time, and you certainly won't be the last." Tom said quietly.
"You will not tell anyone of this!" Noah all but growled. "Do you understand?!"
"Of course." He said, patting Noah's shoulder. "It's our little secret." With a small wink, and another ruffling of his hair, Tom left, leaving Noah on his own.
Noah allowed himself a few seconds to relax before setting of into the alley. Looking around in awe he couldn't help but feel excited. To his left he saw 'Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour', where a middle aged man was selling all kinds of different flavoured ice creams. Tearing his eyes away from there he was able to see a store called 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'. Adorning the window were a selection of fine wizarding robes, made from materials labelled 'Acromantula Silk' and 'Dragon Hide'.
"Fascinating…" He breathed, truly overwhelmed, perhaps for the first time in his life. Noah had never felt truly happy, but he now knew what it was to feel such a positive emotion.
Slowly walking through the alley surveying all manner of shops he eventually came to an intersection. To his left, was a murky looking alleyway bathed in darkness, and to his right was a continuation of more shops he had yet to view. However, in front of him stood a large, imposing, multi-story building with twin pillars either side of a large marble white door. The building had an authoritative feeling to it, and near the top of it was engraved 'GRINGOTTS'.
Smirking slightly to himself having reached his destination he strolled gracefully through the entrance chamber, which was guarded by an odd looking creature of sorts cloaked in a scarlet and gold uniform. As he neared the end of the chamber he noticed that the creature's eyes had yet to leave him. Pausing to stop and stare at it, the creature gave a menacing grunt at him.
Rolling his eyes and scoffing at the beast's audacity he came across a set of large double doors, on which was engraved a riddle of sorts.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those that take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Perhaps not a riddle then Noah thought amusedly, more of a challenge. 'Perhaps one day I will accept such a challenge.' He thought with an inward grin. Upon opening said doors, he found himself in a much larger chamber, standing on a floor made of what appeared to be obsidian with strange engravings, not dissimilar to that of Egyptian hieroglyphics Noah mused.
To both his left and right he found long, high, white marble counters, behind which he found the same creatures he saw previously, writing with what appeared to be quills upon parchment.
Marching to the nearest creature he spoke in his most imperious, authoritative voice. "I would like to access my vault if you will kind sir."
The creature's eyes did not waver from the parchment upon which he was working upon. It was clearly unimpressed with Noah. "Oh?" It growled sarcastically. "And I would like a great many things, all of which will never come to pass."
The creature exhibited a feral smile at this, whilst continuing to work.
"You will comply with my request creature." Noah riposted, angered by the creatures insulting behaviour towards him.
The creature slowly rose its head from the parchment it was writing upon, and tilted its head curiously, as if it was inspecting its prey. It stared deeply into Noah's eyes, assessing him, evaluating him, leaving Noah slightly unnerved.
"Immediately!" Noah said, barely restraining from reaching up and throttling it to within an inch of its life.
"Insolent boy!" The strange creature spat lividly, beady eyes pulsing with rage. "I do not have time for insignificant mongrels such as yourself! Leave at once, before I bring guards!" It slammed its claw on the counter, causing a few foreign looking coins to bounce upwards slightly before carrying on with its previous task.
Noah had never been so shocked in his life, never had he been swept aside in such a demeaning manner before and it made him apoplectically angry. His eyes began to glow and he adopted a dominant stance and a cruel smirk.
Tilting his head slightly, similar to that which the creature had done, he surveyed the beast before him. "Do you know who I am?" He asked quietly, but with a dangerous undertone.
And before the creature before him could respond he answered. "My name is Noah Axelsson, and I am here to access my VAULT!" He finished cuttingly, enunciating every word as if barely restraining from shouting.
The goblin immediately ceased writing, his head shooting up with a shocked look on his face.
"My apologies Mr Axelsson, I was unaware who you were, please accept my most sincere and profuse apologies." It said adopting an oily voice.
Noah smirked, allowing his anger to abate before coolly assessing the creature before him.
"With regards to my previous question, can my request be complied with, I find myself short of both time and patience today?" He drawled, brushing an invisible piece of lint from his shoulders, pleased with the changing of events.
"Of course Mr Axelsson, my Goblin acquaintance Gornuk, who has managed your family accounts for decades will deal with you, let me bring him to you." The Goblin said hurriedly, clearly eager to remove himself for Noah's sight.
He looked around, impressed by the Goblin's architecture, such beauty was a fitting place to hide witches and wizards most prized possessions he noted.
Soon the Goblin arrived with a doppelganger of sorts, who was taller with a slighter build, but nonetheless just as menacing to look at with its wrinkly skin, large hooked nose and claw-like hands.
"Mr Axelsson, so good to see you!" The Goblin, Gornuk exclaimed. "It feels as though it were only yesterday when your mother and father visited me in one of their rare public appearances! I must confess you truly look like your father, the Axelsson blood runs deep through your veins!" He observed with a small bow.
"Thank you for your compliments Gornuk, you honour me with your presence." Noah replied, similarly returning the bow, hoping to show respect to the creature before him.
Gornuk, whilst slightly taken aback by the bow was clearly happy by the motion and escorted Noah to a small antechamber where they could discuss business. The chamber itself was modest in comparison to the previous architecture he had seen inside Gringotts thus far, but still portrayed the same breath-taking beauty.
Noah chose to sit on a large leather couch, reclining somewhat gracefully, and placing one leg over the other, whilst Gornuk instead chose to stand.
"It seems that I must amend my previous statement Mr Axelsson," he began, a teasing smirk on his face. "Whilst you've inherited your father's looks, it is your mother's personality and charm that you exhibit."
Noah smiled lazily, bowing his head at the compliment. "Once again you flatter me with your comparisons. However, I must insist you call me Noah, if you in turn will extend me the courtesy of calling you Gornuk?"
Gornuk's eyes visibly widened at this, clearly shocked at the informality with which Noah wished to be addressed at. "Of course, of course." He muttered, closing his eyes with a slight wistful smile. "Such a strange wizard you are…" Gornuk chuckled, seemingly unaware that Noah was still in the room. "Perhaps there is hope yet…" He continued, opening his eyes now to stare at Noah calculatingly. "Come Noah, let us walk."
Gornuk led them to a side door before stopping suddenly.
"Do you have your key?" Gornuk enquired scratching his face with gnarled claw.
"Of course," Noah returned, his eyes gleaming with excitement at the thought of seeing his wealth.
"Excellent." The Goblin murmured. "Then follow me."
He opened the door, revealing an archway that Noah would remember until the day died. Stones of sinful beauty decorated the walls, carved into shapes resembling things he had no knowledge of and inscriptions were woven onto both the floor and walls, quoting words of wisdom in tongues unknown and lost to history.
"Truly beautiful…" Noah whispered, shocked at the stark contrast between what he saw, and the decrepit orphanage he was so used to seeing.
"Indeed" Gornuk replied, looking vaguely amused at Noah's facial expression. "Goblins are an extremely proud race, and rather materialistic if I may say so myself. We often like to exhibit our spoils of war." He observed smugly, clearly satisfied with Noah's awed reaction.
"Oh?" Noah replied, coming out of his stupor. "Goblins must have a rather rich history then?" He enquired.
"Our history predates that of even wizards Noah, despite their claims otherwise. Whilst Goblins are a proud race, we are always truthful. Wizards however…" He paused, clearly unable to put his thoughts into words, and unwilling to insult Noah despite his own personal beliefs.
"Exhibit many of the signs that the human race do as a whole? Deceit, arrogance and a general sense of misguided superiority?" Noah finished for Gornuk, flashing him a small smirk at the Goblins astonished look
"As I said before, perhaps there is hope yet…" Gornuk mumbled.
Gornuk led Noah into a dimly lit passageway, lined with flaming torches on either side of him, at the end of which was a small cart upon a track. Stepping into the cart with the Goblin, they soon began their journey deep into the underground. The cart rapidly descended through the maze of twisting passages, their surroundings depicting nothing more than a blur of flame and stone. Deeper and deeper they travelled, and now Noah could hear the distant roars of creatures he could not identify, but which made him wary and slightly skittish.
Eventually, the cart came to an abrupt halt, and Noah exited quickly, determined to walk off the queasy feeling he had developed in his stomach.
"Key please." Gornuk demanded, clearly in a rush to hurry things along.
Scowling slightly Noah handed Gornuk his key and watched in earnest as the Goblin inserted it into the lock on his vault. Twisting the key slowly, Noah heard loud clanging noises, deducing that something must have given way on the other side.
"What was that?" Noah asked Gornuk, fascinated by the proceedings, desperate to understand all things magical.
"As one of the oldest and most prominent pureblood families, the Axelsson's have a number of protective measures guarding their vault, the noises you just heard was the dismantling of the first."
"And the second?" Enquired Noah.
"Stroke the spine." Gornuk told him, nodding to the door.
Observing the vault door more closely Noah could see a slight vertical protrusion along its length. Stepping up, he stroked it slowly and gently in a downwards motion, feeling the strangest sensation crawling up his arm and enveloping his core as he did so. The further his fingers led down the spine, the warmer the feeling got, leaving him somewhat dazed by the end.
"Dear Lord…" Noah murmured, shocked at the reaction his body had been accustomed to from the immediate proceedings.
"The spine detects ones magical signature – only an Axelsson can stroke it." Gornuk commented, clearly understanding how Noah felt.
"And if they are not an Axelsson?" Noah asked, still somewhat drowsy from the spines magic.
"Death would be preferable than the consequences." Gornuk finished for him, a wild, feral smile adorning his face, clearly giddy at the idea of someone attempting to rob Noah's vault, only to see the horror that would befall them.
"Shall I step in?" Noah asked cautiously.
The Goblin gave a sly grin at that. "The last protective measure, Noah, and if I may say so myself by far the most impressive – only one of Axelsson blood can enter step past the threshold."
"And if I am not of Axelsson blood?" Noah called out as he approached the threshold.
"Immediate death!" Laughed Gornuk, a wild look in his eye.
The colour drained from Noah's face at the thought of death. It would be such a premature end, an unfitting end for someone such as himself. If he were to die, it would be in a blaze of glory and honour. Not like this.
A bloodthirsty gleam passed Gornuk's face. "After you." He said bowing deeply.
Noah stepped through the threshold, and his jaw dropped as he suddenly lost the ability to breathe.
Surrounding him was pile upon pile of gold, silver and bronze coins, with scores and scores of rare precious metals and stones glistening in the distance. Rare art and ancient magical artefacts encompassed the large vault, as well as medieval armour, and skins of majestic creatures. The vault was filled with jewelled cups and goblets containing exotic potions and whatnot. The large skull of a creature of some sort was placed in the middle of the vault, clearly slain in some epic battle.
"I confess myself rendered truly speechless." Noah managed to finally whisper, finding himself on the floor, his legs having given way in his shock. "To have lived a life such as the one I have led, only to be shown what I see here leaves me speechless. I simply cannot comprehend…" He mumbled brokenly, emotion overcoming him for the first time in years, as a single solitary tear made its way down is cheek.
"Whilst your mother and father were unable to raise you due to their untimely deaths they left you the next best thing they could." Gornuk said, shuffling closer to Noah.
Finally after recomposing himself and gaining control over his emotions he turned back to the Goblin at his side.
"Could you explain the currency to me please?" Noah asked pensively, his mind working at alarming speeds trying to process all that had happened.
"Of course," Gornuk acquiesced. "The gold coins are called galleons, they are the most valuable form of wizarding currency, the silver ones are called sickles – 17 sickles to 1 galleon, finally the bronze coins are the least valuable, they are called knuts, and there are 29 knuts to a sickle. It might interest you, given your upbringing that 1 galleon is worth approximately £5, though the exchange rate does vary." The Goblin explained, tugging on his beard as he did so.
"Would 500 galleons be enough for my first year school supplies as well as a few other books and items of clothing Gornuk?" Noah asked, clutching a handful of Galleons before dropping them back into the pile.
"More than enough Noah, do not fret." Gornuk replied
"Do you know the overall monetary worth of this vault Gornuk?" He asked after a short pause, still content to look around the vault, leaving no part of it unchecked.
"This is your trust vault Noah, thus being a fractional worth of your main vault. If I can recall correctly I would approximate that your trust vault contains just over 128,000 galleons, and your main vault well over 4,000,000 galleons, including the jewellery, art, books etc."
His proclamation was met with a stunned silence on Noah's behalf. The normally stoic young man, who prided himself on his emotionless façade, was once again rendered speechless. 'Such a stark contrast to my previous life', he thought pensively.
"Very well, I wish to make a withdrawal of 500 galleons then please." He stated imperiously, having come to an end of his perusal of the trust vault.
"Of course" Replied Gornuk, reaching within the cloak that he wore to reveal a small pouch with a Golden 'G' embroidered elegantly on the front. "This is a Gringotts pouch, which has an Undetectable Extension charm placed on it, meaning that the interior of the bag is far larger than one would expect."
"How much larger?" Asked Noah, awed be the seemingly endless possibilities of magic.
"There is enough space to fill a large house." Stated the Goblin, handing over the small pouch with a slight grin on his face.
"Very well then," Gornuk began, walking back to the cart, Noah trailing in his wake. "Shall we?" He asked, gesturing to the cart as the vault resealed itself, loud clanking noise being heard deep from within.
With a small nod from Noah, they made their way back to the main entrance of Gringotts.
Upon arriving at the entrance, Noah turned to the Goblin.
"Thank you for your time Gornuk, we shall meet again soon, may your business prosper my friend." Said Noah, clutching the pouch in one hand, before delivering a perfectly executed bow once more, much to the surprise of the many Goblins in close proximity.
"Truly remarkable…" Gornuk murmured once more, seemingly lost in thoughts. Finally he made eye contact with Noah and reciprocated the bow. "Indeed Noah, I look forward to your visit."
Exiting Gringotts, Noah immersed himself in thought, trying to think how to conduct his day's business in the quickest and most logical fashion in order to maximise his time looking at the wide variety of books available for his perusal. Deciding upon buying a trunk first, he searched through Diagon Alley, often stopping by to view shop windows and stare at the world which he felt he would never become accustomed to. Approaching a shop, near to the pub from which he first arrived, he looked upwards at the name, smiling softly at the thought that his magical journey was just beginning. 'Windsor's Trunk's and Storage Spaces', was written in beautiful red calligraphy. Upon entering, Noah heard the slight jingling of a bell in the distance and approached the counter which appeared to be made of mahogany.
Noah looked at around at his surroundings. The clustered shop was full of trunks of all sorts of shapes and sizes, made from cheap to expensive materials, available in both plain and exotic designs.
"Can I help you young man?" Enquired an elderly looking man, looming over him suddenly.
Whipping round Noah found himself almost face to face with a man who by all accounts was one of the wrinkliest men he had ever seen. 'I'll be lucky if he doesn't die in the next few minutes' mused Noah somewhat amusedly.
"Indeed, I will be attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this coming September and require the use of a trunk, can you help me?" He asked, adopting a pleasant smile on his face. "Your crafting of trunks is renowned for its quality, thus I was hoping for your help and expertise." He lied smoothly, watching in amusement as the man's face lit up at his lie.
"Of course young man, may I ask your budget limit?" The man probed, clearly hoping to maximise his sale.
"Money is no object." Noah drawled, waving his hand absent-mindedly, smirking slightly as the man's eyes practically lit up.
"We offer various trunks, differing in quality depending on your willingness to spend." The man began. "Basic trunks merely have an Undetectable Extension Charm placed on it, rendering the compartment space on the inside far bigger than it appears to be. Then we have three, five and seven compartment trunks. The three compartment trunk is the same as the basic trunk, except having a further two compartments in addition to the first, with the same charm place on it. The five compartment trunk differs greatly though, as the remaining two compartments can be two of either a full-sized library, living room, Potions laboratory, dining room, 'Duelling Arena', or kitchen. The same rule applies to the seven compartment trunk – except of the seven available, four can be the optional rooms I spoke of instead of two." He finished, smiling brightly down at Noah.
Noah was deep in thought, clearly weighing up the pros and cons of buying a seven compartment trunk as opposed to a five compartment trunk.
"I'll take the seven compartment please." He stated, a small smile on his face at the fact that this would be his first purchase in the magical world.
"Would you like to personalise it at all?" The man asked, clearly wanting Noah to part with yet more of his money.
"I wish for my trunk to be made of the finest materials you have, the design of which is your choice, the best security measures that you can add, and…"
"Yes?" The man asked, a small frown on his face, obviously deep in thought, designs already being formed within his head.
"My family, the Axelsson family, is a very old Pureblooded family. I was merely wondering if I could have our coat of arms decorated on the face of it?" Noah asked, a single eyebrow raised in expectation.
"'Sine Labe Resurgens'" The man muttered at Noah, a curious gleam in his eye. "It means 'To Rise Again', yes, it is a very fitting motto that your family adopted, very fitting indeed."
A comfortable silence enveloped the room, both occupants deep in thought.
"It will be done by tomorrow, shall I have it delivered?" The man asked, a faraway look in his eye, excited at the prospect of such a challenge.
"Yes, deliver it to this address here." Noah ordered, writing down the location of the orphanage on a piece of paper the old man handed to him. "The cost?" He asked, beginning to open his pouch.
"62 galleons if you please, Mr Axelsson." The man said in an oily voice executing a small bow as business was being concluded.
"Thank you for your time, sir, enjoy your day" Said Noah, barely sparing the man a second glance as he left the shop.
The rest of the day went by extremely quickly. Noah visited Ollivander's immediately after, paying seven galleons for his 13 ¼ " Aspen and Phoenix Feather wand, which emitted black and grey sparks in an almost violent reaction. Yet there was no doubt that the wand wasn't his, as Noah could feel it to his very core, that the wand belonged to him, that it called to him and him alone. Ollivander gave him a slightly cautious look when leaving the elderly man's shop but Noah thought nothing of it.
He then went to Flourish and Blotts, an extremely busy bookstore where Noah was able to purchase not only all of his first year books, but that of second and third year also, before looking at introductory books on Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, wandless magic, as well as 'A British Wizarding History of the 1900s'. He had decided many years ago that his favourite adage was 'Knowledge is Power'. And if he was to leave the Orphanage to pastures new, a good education was the only method of doing so. After paying for all of this, which came up to 277 Galleons, he left the shop as the books would be delivered to the Orphanage the next day.
As the crowd died down outside Diagon Alley, Noah was able to purchase the rest of his school supplies, which included a 'Madagascar grass-owl', a beautiful, regal looking owl that had a personality to match that of his owner he mused to himself.
Finally, as the day was drawing to an end, Noah found himself outside of 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, his final stop of the day.
He entered the shop, his eyes immediately being drawn to the girl currently standing on a stool, being seen to by the motherly looking middle aged lady who he presumed was Madam Malkin herself.
"Alright dearie," the woman clucked to the young girl she was currently measuring. "That's you all finished, if you just wait here I'll go and adjust the necessary items out back." She said, before pottering away.
Now that Noah was closer he could see the girl in far better detail – large bushy, brown hair which fell down to the middle of her back, rather large front teeth, brown, intelligent eyes and a fair complexion. He decided to approach the girl, wanting to get to know her, to see if he could use her for his own means.
The young girl turned to look at him, as he approached, a bright smile lighting up on her face.
"Hi, my name's Hermione Granger what's yours? I'm starting Hogwarts this year like you, any idea what house you will be put in? I've done a lot of research this week and I think I'll probably be a Ravenclaw – I'm very clever you see, although Gryffindor wouldn't be too bad I admit. I'd hate to be in Slytherin though, it sounds ghastly. What house do you think you'll be in? Oh, you must be Muggleborn too, same as me, with clothes like that. Not that there's anything wrong with your clothes, I just mean that they look muggle. Where are your parents? Have they gone to look around? That's quite irresponsible leaving you on your own don't you think?"
Noah found himself mentally staggering back from the verbal diarrhoea that the girl had practically spewed at him. He had met other children like, similar to how she came across at the school he attended, intelligent in terms of theory, but woefully inept when it came to a more practical approach. Excellent at reciting facts and statistics, but positively useless when it came to application of her knowledge. Still positively reeling from shock, he opened his mouth to reply.
"Perhaps, if you closed your mouth, long enough for me to get a word in edgeways, I could answer some of your questions, no?" He drawled, a small smirk etched on his face at the affronted look on the witches face. "Indeed regarding your previous monologue, my name is Noah. I must admit I only found out I was a wizard this morning, thus being unaware of being placed in houses, therefore I cannot answer your question on that." He continued smoothly, watching Hermione's face slowly relax as he answered her questions. "Whilst I have not heard the term Muggleborn, I can tell you I have not a single drop of muggle blood in me, in fact I am Pureblooded. I believe I can answer the last of your questions by telling you that I am an orphan and my parents are dead." Noah finished coldly, his eyes never leaving that of Hermione's own dirty brown ones.
A look of horror appeared on the girls face as she blushed deeply and began fluttering her fingers over herself in a bid to calm down.
"I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry!" She wailed, clearly mortified by what she had said. "Sometimes my mouth just rambles on and on before my brain realises what's going on and by that time it's too late to repair the damage. She said rapidly. "You see when I get nervous-" She babbled.
"You're doing it again." Noah commented, his eyes dancing with mirth and his mouth twitching, as he tried to stop himself from smiling.
"Sorry." Hermione whispered, an apologetic grin on her face.
"There is no need to apologise Hermione." Said Noah smoothly, taking her hand and kissing the back of it gently. "Indeed I believe a girl of your exceptional beauty and intelligence will always be forgiven regardless of the crime committed." He finished suavely.
Hermione blushed a deep red, clearly overwhelmed at Noah's flirtatious remarks and confident mannerisms.
"What do you think of the Wizarding World so far then?" She asked after recovering from her embarrassment. "My Mum and Dad are dentists, so they were shocked when they found out I was a witch, and when we stepped into Diagon Alley, the experience was just so surreal." She gushed, a bright smile on her face by the time she had finished.
"I quite agree," Noah murmured. Raising an eyebrow he added. "One might almost call it magical."
Hermione chuckled to herself, clearly amused by the terrible pun.
"Very witty Noah." She giggled. "Have you been to Ollivander's yet?"
"I visited him earlier today, Aspen, 13 ¼ "and Phoenix feather. Yours?" He asked, a kind smile on his face.
"Vine, 10 ¾ " and Dragon Heartstring." Hermione responded, enjoying talking with the boy she had just met.
A comfortable silence enveloped the room as the two future Hogwarts students were seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
"Tell me of the Houses you spoke of – from an objective point of view if you will." Noah said abruptly demanded, a quizzical frown marring his face.
"Hogwarts consists of four houses." Hermione instantly recited, adopting completely different mannerisms as if she had just been injected with liquid confidence. "Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Gryffindor values bravery, daring, nerve and chivalry. Its emblem is that of a lion and house colours are scarlet and gold. Hufflepuff values hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty and fair play. Its emblem is that of a badger and house colours are yellow and black. Ravenclaw values intelligence, knowledge and wit. Its emblem is an eagle and its colours are blue and bronze. Finally there's Slytherin, which values cunning, ambition and resourcefulness. Its emblem is a serpent and its house colours are emerald green and silver." She finished fervently, slightly out of breath but with a pleased expression on her face.
Noah closed his eyes. His mind reeling at the information presented to him. He thought of Gryffindor. 'Bravery is another word for recklessness or foolishness', he mused silently, considering his options carefully. 'It would be an unwise choice to be placed into that house. 'What of Hufflepuff?' his conscience asked, playing devil's advocate for him. 'No', he responded, 'similarly to that of Gryffindor, loyalty is another word for naivety', he answered, deep in thought. 'And Ravenclaw?' his conscience probed pressing for an answer. 'An option, I believe, but it is clear that it is the House of the Serpents that I will be sorted into. Cunning, resourcefulness and ambition are three traits that I have in abundance'. He smirked to himself slightly at the thought that his plans were going to come to fruition soon. He just needed to bide his time.
Noah looked up at Hermione, who currently bore an uncanny resemblance to that of a steaming teapot. Clearly she was unimpressed at having been ignored.
"Well?" She demanded impatiently, hands on her hips, looking like the very disgruntled Matron he was accustomed to seeing on a regular basis.
"Well what?" Noah asked feigning innocence, watching amusedly as Hermione seemed to practically burst with frustration.
"What house do you think you'll be in?" She exclaimed wildly.
"I guess we will find out soon enough my dear." He replied charmingly, grinning at her indignant expression.
"Hey that's not-" She began.
"Hermione?" A voice called, as the door opened revealing a tall man, with curly brown hair and a warm smile, and an equally tall woman with brown, intelligent eyes.
"Hermione are you ready? It's time to go home." The man said smiling at his daughter, ruffling her hair slightly in affection.
"Dad!" She exclaimed turning red at a rather alarming rate, clearly embarrassed at her father's affectionate gesture.
"Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet Noah, he'll be attending Hogwarts this year for the first time too!" Hermione gushed excitedly.
Noah strode forwards comfortably, offering his hands to both parents, which they both shook firmly.
"It's lovely to meet you Mr and Mrs Granger, your daughter is simply a delight. I confess I can see where she got her beauty from Mrs Granger." He said charmingly towards Hermione's mother.
She chuckled, instantly enamoured by his charming wit.
"Please dear, none of this Mrs Granger nonsense, its Emma, and this is my husband Dan." She said, pointing at her husband.
He smiled warmly and both males exchanged brief pleasantries.
At that moment Madam Malkin came bustling out of the back with Hermione's robes, and the Granger family paid for the items before heading out of the door.
"See you soon Noah." She said, waving as she exited the store.
After the Grangers departure. Noah explained to Madam Malkin his circumstances and desire for an entire new wardrobe. Spending all of his remaining Galleons, he ended up buying new socks, boxers, vests, t-shirts, shirts, shorts, trousers, and robes for all occasions.
Admittedly, it was a novel experience for Noah, wearing the finest clothing the wizarding world had to offer. But when he looked at himself in the mirror, wearing grey Acromantula silk robes, his family's crest embroidered proudly on the front, he felt powerful, and Noah knew that perception was reality.
Trudging back slowly to the Orphanage, basking in the day's memories he felt a grin tugging at his face.
'And so it begins', he thought.