Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Arrival
AN: One night the song: 'Kids in America' made an appearance in my head. As I was humming it, my sister took notice and we spent a few minutes cracking jokes about it.
After a while, I made the joke "Flitwick in America". My sister and I both stared at each other.
Flitwick in America… That has potential.
I've been a part of the Fafiction community for quite a few years now, but never have I written one before. This then, is my first try at a fanfic.
'Flitwick in America' takes place before Flitwick becomes a teacher at Hogwarts… despite my best efforts, I couldn't find any specific date at which Flitwick started teaching, but I do know he was teaching the Marauders during their time at Hogwarts, which was from 1971 to 1978.
This is just a prologue and at this point in time, I have nothing else written. I do plan on continuing but my muse is a fickle female and quite lazy too. Inspiration might strike and when it does, I have every intention of being there to write it down. I do have a general story line worked out. Enjoy
In the early hours of the morning, Queens, New York, was a silent place. At a time when the vagrants and criminals finally went to sleep and the working class had yet to rise, the air was crisp and the grass ripe with dew. Spring had only just arrived and it was quite chilly, while the sun was just a barely visible glow on the horizon.
The streets were empty save for a few stray animals, and the sparse few neon signs half lit the empty sidewalks. The dark, narrow side streets were grimy and full of garbage. Homeless people sleeping under cardboard boxes and on dirty mattresses could barely contain their shivering against the cold morning breeze.
In the backyard of one of the stately middleclass houses in the neighbourhood, a cat sat on a fence. It had already been awake for some time. Not bothered by the cold air because of its thick fur, it sat proudly, grooming its shiny coat and cleaning its paws. Only concerned with its personal hygiene, the surrounding area was lost on the animal. Mornings were always the same for this cat. It was the only cat around and thus had free reign over the area. The last family with a cat moved away a few months ago and since then the cat hadn't had the need to patrol its territory. It was always quiet. Therefore, when a loud cracking sound ripped through the morning sky, the cat was immediately on guard, even stopping its grooming.
When, after a few seconds of waiting, no other sound followed, the cat resumed its usual morning rituals. When a few seconds later another 'CRACK' followed and then another 'CRACK', the cat decided there was indeed cause for concern. Nimbly hopping off its perch on the fence, it quietly slinked towards the source of the noise. Peering around a corner of the street, it caught a glimpse of a small figure, just beyond the beam of light from a nearby lamppost, bending over a suitcase. After a few seconds of internal debating, the cat decided to try to get closer to this strange thing in its territory. Inch by inch it crawled forward like a… well like a cat stalking its prey. More movement from the figure made the cat to stop in its advance.
The figure closed the suitcase with a snap and straightened out, just tall enough to qualify as a child. The figure then lifted the suitcase with its left hand and stepped into the light coming from the lamppost. The cat was intrigued by this figure. It was most definitely male and while it was as tall as the average six year old, it sported a light brown beard. Never had the cat seen a human child with such facial hair. The figure made no further movements so the cat decided to get closer. The male's clothes were strange too. He was wearing a dark brown winter coat and had a big, fluffy hat on, pulled right over his ears. His pants were just as fluffy as his hat and appeared to have been made of some type of animal. He was also wearing dark blue winter boots. While it was a cold morning, the cat doubted the little human had need of such protection. Deciding to make its presence known to the intruder, the cat stalked confidently forward until the man put his hand in his pocket and withdrew a finely polished stick.
Curious at what the little man was going to do with the stick, the cat stayed put, just outside of the yellow ring of light, cast by the lamppost.
The little man looked around for a bit, before nodding to itself and waving his stick in a complicated manner.
A bright flash of light later and the suitcase the little man was carrying was gone, as well as the cat who ran off, terrified of the man and his flashing stick.
The little man nodded contently and waved the stick again, this time changing his outfit.
The coat and hat melted away and made place for a black suit and top hat.
Smiling this time, the man put his stick away and looked around again. Content in the knowledge that no one saw him, he gave a deep sigh and started walking towards the tall city skyscrapers of Manhattan, whose tips were basking in the warm glow of the rising sun.
The city slowly came to life. The people awoke and started a new day, all getting ready for a new day of trouble, work and loud noises. The little man however, was not here to work.
'Such a promising start.' The little man thought, gazing at the city from the Queensboro Bridge. 'I think I'll like it here.' And with that thought, Filius Flitwick continued his trek into the city.