The European world had wizarding royalty – the Malfoys, Potters, Zabinis, and Weasleys to name a few. But America had its own royalty too – lesser known royalty for they weren't in the midst of a feud with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. American royalty consisted of the families like the Winters, Braithmores, and Wolfs to name a few. Unlike the Europeans, they did not really put much stock in the content of your blood. What mattered to them was talent.
Of course, most of the purebloods in America outshined Muggle-borns and the Muggles (No-Maj). America had several wizarding schools the most prominent of which was Ilvermorny, where the protagonist of this story, Cynthia (Cyn) Winters goes to school. A sixth year student, top of her class having finished off her courses with 11 Outstanding's. This year she had as usual a full schedule – but not at Ilvermorny. With a few relatives living in England, her parents had decided that the family would move there. So instead of going to Ilvermorny she would be going to Hogwarts. If you asked her if she was nervous, Cyn would deny that she was.
Something she had learned as a little girl was to never admit that you were afraid. Her classes weren't that difficult, she had reasoned. She was only taking seven – Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, and Ancient Runes. The door to her room flew open and Farrah bounded in, red curls bouncing. Her eyes were wide with fright as she observed Cyn packing up her belongings.
She plopped on the bed, pouting at Cyn. "I can't believe that you're really going, that you're leaving me," she whined.
"Believe it." Cyn answered flatly. "I don't understand why we have to go – our relatives will be perfectly fine with or without us there. But, I've always wanted to travel abroad and Hogwarts is an exceptional school, or so I've heard."
"From who?" Farrah questioned. She waved her hand, "Whatever, it doesn't matter. Point is – you're leaving, and you were probably going to be made Head Girl or something of Ilvermorny. Why wouldn't you? You are the best student that Ilvermorny has or, rather had."
"You could have been made Head Girl too," Cyn pointed out. "You're phenomenal at Quidditch and you always helped out in the school – which is more than I ever did. I studied, you were actually helpful."
Farrah didn't answer, just stared at Cyn sadly. "So did you get your new wand yet?"
Cyn pursed her lips. Truth was, she hadn't even thought about getting a new wand or where she would get one. She did just fine at wandless magic but she did need one. Hers had broken after a duel in Defense Against the Dark Arts – one student had been too cruel and had snapped her wand in half. Fortunately even without the wand she had been able to win, but it hadn't been ideal.
"When are you leaving?" Farrah asked, tilting her head to the side after Cyn hadn't answered her question.
"Tonight." Cyn answered briskly.
The frown on Farrah's face deepened. Cyn shrugged, managing a small smile. Moving to England wasn't ideal especially as she was entering her sixth year, but she would make the best of it. At least she would try.
Leaving America that night was arguably the toughest thing that Cyn had ever done in her life. Saying goodbye to Farrah and Kyra was more difficult than she ever could have imagined. Julia Winters, rested a hand comfortingly on her daughter's shoulder and then they Apperated. The family appeared with a crack, in the countryside of England in front of a small cottage. Little wisps of smoke were curling out of the chimney, and Charles Winters grabbed their suitcases from the ground striding towards the cottage purposefully. After a moment mother and daughter followed after him.
Before they had even reached the door, it swung open revealing Irena Winters. She was the younger sister to Charles, but she appeared much older than he was. Her white hair, curled elegantly over her shoulders and her icy blue eyes brightened upon seeing them.
"Welcome," She exclaimed, holding the door open wider. "I'm so glad to see all of you. How was Ilvermorny, Cynthia?"
"Pleasant, and the classes were incredibly challenging." Cyn answered neutrally. "I'll miss it but I'm sure that Hogwarts will be just wonderful as well."
No one picked up on the slight sarcasm in her voice.
"Tomorrow we will go pick up your wands and books Cyn," Julia said.
Cyn nodded her head obediently. "I'm going to go head upstairs, Mom. I'll see you tomorrow."
She feigned a smile, as she grabbed her suitcase and walked towards her bedroom which rested on the second floor. She opened the door, the floor creaking slightly as she headed into the room. It looked just like it had when she was little – dark gray walls and black and silver blankets lay on the bed. In the wall opposite the bed were clustered three bookshelves and on one wall was a map of Ilvermorny and below that was a much smaller map of England. Cyn set her suitcase down with a thunk. She headed over to the bed, curling up in the middle underneath the covers.
So this is home, she thought morosely closing her eyes.