NOTE: All I ask is if you read the story please leave a review, rather you liked it or didn't. Or maybe what you would like to see happen within the story. I'm always open to ideas.

Chapter One

A Magical Child

There is a village close to the Forest of Dean, and on the outskirts of the village sits a small pub with glowing draped windows. The pub sits in the middle of a field, and often laughter and chatter is heard from the inside the pub when dusk is nearing. Few villagers have ever entered the pub, the door only seems to open when a password is spoken to it. None of the villagers thought the pub unusual or strange just very exclusive, and only those few in the social-loop may enter it.

But how surprised they would have been if they entered the small pub. Inside the cramped pub it was hot with muggy air; very small tables in the corners and for centerpieces sat a single dim candle. This ordinary pub was the gathering place for the village's witches and wizard inhabitants. It was the place where they could be themselves and not hid their magical abilities. They were free to relay information about the happening in the wizarding world, and to just plain have a good time with the company of their own kind.

On this present night two grizzly looking wizards sat in the corner drinking, laughing and discussing things they had heard from other wizards. "Yes those muggles are very handy for a good laugh" said the wizard on the left whose face and clothes were covered with dirt.

"Yes but you must be careful now days, with the vast growth of witch hunters and all that nonsense" said the other wizard with a kind of growl. He surveyed the room making sure no one was in ear shot, then stared at his companion and spoke in a low voice. "Have you heard the big talk that has the entire wizarding world ablaze? Well it seems that the greatest wizards and witches have been up to some mysterious actions"

His companion stared back at him you could see the interest in his face. "Now I've heard talk" continued the wizard lowering his voice even more "That Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, S-S-Salazar Slytherin have been collecting certain things in mass numbers. Also they've been spending a lot of time up north. Now some rumor has started that their building something big and it's to be a school to train young wizards and witches."

The wizard sitting across from him leaned back in his chair shocked by what he had just heard. At the moment both the wizards noticed a small girl standing there listening to their conversation, her brown eyes wide with amazement. She stood staring at the two men with a tray in her hands holding two rusty looking goblets.

"Listening in on our conversation child?" asked the wizard with muddy face. He stood up from his chair his figure towered over the young girl. "answer girl when you are spoken to" he commanded.

The girl stood still froze on the spot, her eyes fixed on the tall wizard. In shock of him standing before her she dropped the tray she was holding spilling goblets of wine all over the accompanying wizard. Which cause the other wizard to stand; he wasn't as tall as the other fellow but still quite intimidating. Suddenly a bony woman dashed in front of the girl shielding her from men. She scowled at them pushing the girl away from the both of them.

"Now what's all this ganging up on me daughter?" spat the woman

"Listen here squib," said the wizard soaked with wine "Teach that squib daughter of yours to mind her manners and to not listen to matters that do not concern her"

"Do not be calling her a squib!" spat the woman "who are you to be calling my daughter a squib? A wizard who can barely manage to conjure up a cup of tea." The wizard looked very insulted by this remark but remained silent. Once she saw that he wasn't going to say something or strike her she continued "Now you two have had more than your fill tonight, now be off with you."

They stood still and stared at the woman for a few more moments, then strolled off sneering and whispering threats under their voices. "And don't forget to pay!" shouted the woman as they walked off. Once they were gone she sank into one of the chairs that had been previous occupied by one of the wizards. She released a sigh, and her tough face melted away and you could see a hint of fear within it now. Perhaps it was the reality of what she had just done waving over her. The girl still in shock sat down in the opposite seat and stared at her mother.

The woman who was just as tough as leather a moment ago, sat slouching in the chair. She was tall and slender, with fizzled brown hair that was now showing streaks of gray. She sighed once more and took her daughter's hand in her own. "So what happened?" she asked her voice now calm and soft.

"They were talking about the rumor, the one about the school do you think it true mother?"

"I don't know, but I do hope so" just then a portly man marched over to them wearing a bulldog expression on his face.

"What happened now?" he bellowed but he continued without waiting for an answer. "Never mind I don't want to know. Marretha this is the second time this week you've gotten into a scrap over your daughter and I can't allow you to continue I'll have no customers left with you around." he said to the woman.

Her face returned to being as tough as leather again "Well there wouldn't be any disturbances, Mr. Dodderidge if they would keep their mouths off me daughter. Calling her a squib and whatnot, and let me tell you-"

"Alright Marretha enough of this old talk, clean up this wine then go home for the night" Mr. Dodderidge pulled out a cloth and tossed it on to the ground over the wine. Suddenly there was a sound of flapping coming towards them. Mr. Doddridge lifted one of the draped windows and shouted in amazement. Sawyer and Marretha rushed to the window along with everyone else and gazed out. Over the trees of the forest was a flock of all different types of owls carrying letters flying over the forest and over the village.

"What do you suppose is going on?" asked Mr. Doddridge astonished as the owls swooped over head and out of sight. After the owls had passed they all returned to cleaning up the pub. The sun was nearly gone and the sky was becoming gray and purple, and a shadow was stretching over the pub and across to the village.

"Alright give me my day's pay, Phil Doddridge and I'll be off" said Marretha holding out her skinny hand. Mr. Doddridge gruffed and dropped five silver coins into her open hand. "What's this five sickles! Come on I've worked more than five sickles and you know it!"

"Fine Marretha you can have all the knuts we made today" he said passing her a few bronze coins. Sawyer grabbed her old gray ripped cloak and walked out of the hut; she looked up at the sky and took a breath of cool air. Suddenly a shrilling howled echoed from the forest which sent a chill down her spine. Marretha walked out of the pub her face hidden by her traveling cloak.

"Come Sawyer let's get home before dark." she said and they both followed the dirt path from pub into the village. The buildings of their village were small, from the windows you could see a dim glow from the inside. Everyone had already retreated into their huts, anyone who walked at night was normally accused of being a witch, which was never a good thing. Along the dirt streets they strolled until they approached a small hut. They entered and removed their cloaks and lit a few candles. The candles lit the hut dimly, revealing the poor conditions of their home. There was a small shelf holding a few wooden cups and plates that sat on the far wall. The floors were made of dirt, and in a corner of the hut was pile of straw and a blanket, which Sawyer and her mother slept on. In another corner there was a water jug and small table with a loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese.

"You know mother you must not cause anymore problems at pub, Mr., Doddridge will kick us out and then where will we be?" Sawyer said sitting on the pile of straw.

"Eh I know" said Marretha "but you know I just can't stand for anyone ter call ya a squib"

"But mother I'm thirteen and have never shown any kind of magic gift what so ever. And we need the work at the pub" Sawyer flopped on the straw and looked up at the ceiling.

"Oh please child working there where we are serious under paid" Marretha said sitting in the only chair in the hut, which she nearly always sat in and mostly slept. "And just because you've never shown any magical gift doesn't mean ya don't have it. Just because yeh father was a muggle and me being a squib, everyone just thinks you have no magic. But trust me child there is magic in ya all ya have ter do is believe in it. Ya don't know how hard it's been to raise ya and remain a widow."

Suddenly there was a great howl outside from the street that was followed by other equally loud howls. Both Sawyer and her mother stood quite still, the muggles of the village thought that a pack of wolves were the creatures in the woods, but the wizards knew the howls were from the werewolves that ran savagely in their village on a full moon. After a moment there was a faint knocking at the door. Marretha looked at the door and put on her leather face again, not knowing what to expect. She got up and opened the door, and something fluttered into the small hut. Hooting softly sat a brown owl with a letter in its mouth sitting on the small table. Sawyer looked at her mother and her mother stared back at her. They hardly ever received mail from anyone. Marretha took the letter from and owl and out he flew away hooting softly. As Merretha's eyes looked over the letter, her eyes caught something then flashed to looking at Sawyer.

"It's for you" she said in a faint whisper handing the letter over to her. Sawyer took the letter slowly from her mother and her eyes were caught by a seal on the letter. The seal showed a coat of arms divided in four containing four different animals. One was a red lion, a yellow badger, a blue eagle, and a green snake. I wonder what this could be? Sawyer asked herself, as she delicately opened the letter and read it to her mother.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmasters: Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw,

Salazar Slytherin, & Helga Hufflepuff

Dear Ms. Sawyer Stone,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been

accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

It is a new establishment where young wizards and witches

may attend to be trained in the magic arts by the four great

wizards and witches of this age. All students who wish to

attend must report to the school by September 1.

Those who do wish to attend will find a list of what is

need for Hogwarts. Students must find their own way to

the school. By traveling North following the star Polaris,

you shall tumble upon a large building made of stone

beside a black lake.

Yours sincerely,

Hogwart's founding four

Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin,

Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Huffepuff

Suddenly Sawyer's mother snatched the piece of parchment out of her daughter's hand, and glare at it wildly. Sawyer had never seen this look on her mother's face and wondered rather she was okay. Suddenly a small smile cracked her face, and she began jumping up and down twirling around and shouting.

"Yes! Yes! You see I knew had magic in you" She sang "Yes! You're going to Hogwarts and are going to be trained by the greatest witches and wizards in the world. If anyone can get you to use magic they can. Oh I'm so proud of you! Come rejoice with me"

Sawyer was so befuddle by the letter she didn't know what to think. She stood froze again not moving until she saw a slip of parchment fall to the floor. She bent down and picked up and read it to herself. "Mother look at this it's a school supple list, we don't have the money for this" she said hating to spoil her mother's good mood.

Finally her mother stopped jumping around and looked at her daughter taking the paper from her hand. She read it quickly "Well don't worry dear I'll make sure you have everything you need"

"Mother we can't afford any of this" protested Sawyer. It would be a dream for her to go to Hogwarts but she knew it could never happen. The idea of her learning magic from the great wizards and witches was idiotic they would never be able to pay for it in a millions years.

"Don't you worry about that, just let me do all the worrying" Merretha said sitting back down in her chair "Now off to bed with you, you'll need you rest. A witch, I knew, brilliant" Merretha continued muttering under her breath while Sawyer dishearten climb on the straw and tried to sleep. Which was proving difficult as she thought about her mother spending money she didn't have, or having to leave her mother for who knew how long.

The next morning Sawyer was awoke by her mother chanting under her breath. "Wand, robes, hat, cauldron, cloak, wand, robes, hat, cauldron, cloak" She had taken to chanting Sawyer's school list. "Oh you're awake good come now after we're finished working in the pub we're getting ya school supplies we mustn't waste time"

That day at the pub there was great talk about Hogwarts, it's seems two other children in the village had received letters. But neither of them were going, their parents didn't like the idea of sending their children away to a school no one knew about. Merretha wasted no time in announcing to everyone that her daughter Sawyer had also received a letter. Sawyer blushed as she saw the faces of astonishment and wonder staring at her. Some wished her luck and other sneered and began taking bets on when they would kick her out for lack of magical talent.

After a day's work the pub was clearing, and Mr. Dodderidge even gave Sawyer's mother a few extra sickles which still weren't enough to purchase her school items. As they put on their cloaks they stepped out of the pub and began back to the village. "First we'll get your wand I believe it will cost the most. Not every wizard or witch can afford a magical instrument, but I'm getting one from the best for you"

"Mother it's getting dark we can't go shopping for school things" Sawyer pointed out. She knew as much as her mother that the streets were dangerous at night.

"Oh please night is the best time to do witchly things" After a moment they reached their small hut again. They entered and lit their few candles once more, suddenly Merretha started to clean and straighten the small hut. Sawyer was very puzzled by her mother's behavior but didn't speak a word. She thought it best to just stay out of her mother's way while she cleaned. Finally she stopped and looked over the hut "There finished, looks pretty good right?" she asked her daughter

"What are you doing?" Sawyer asked her mother with a puzzled look

"I just want everything to look nice, never know when someone will stop by" Sawyer raised an eyebrow. "I guess I better call him now, now where did I put his name. I got it from a fellow at the pub." Merretha said taking out a slip of parchment "Ah-ah here it is, now how do ya say this name? Oliva...Olliv-an-der... Ollivander! Yes that's it! Ollivander"

There was a loud pop from behind their front door then a knocked followed. Merretha stared at the door then opened it slowly. In walked a tall man with untidy brown hair and wide eyes, he was also carrying a carpet bag with him. As he stepped inside a dust of wood shaving fell off his robes.

"Ah Ollivander at your service I see you've used my Taboo service" He said dusting off his shoulders

"How did you get here?" Sawyer squeaked

"You did say the Taboo on my name, Ollivander right?" he asked sitting his bag down gently "Well you said it and here I am now what can I help you with?" he looked at the two ladies and smiled pleasantly.

"Yes uh I would like ter purchase a wand for me daughter" said Merretha stepping closer to Ollivander "My daughters on her way ter Hogwarts and she'll be needing one you see"

"What in the name of fiddlestick wands is a Hogwart?" asked Mr. Ollivander looking puzzled from Merretha to Sawyer

"Oh haven't ye heard Hogwarts is a maigcal school opening up for young wizards and witches" Merretha said very proudly "I'd expect a lot of business be coming ya way now with this school opening and they requiring wands and whatnot"

Ollivander gave a faint smile followed by a sighed "Right now let's get to business you need a wand, and before we start you must understand that the wand chooses the witch so I hope you don't have your mind set on anything particular" he said smiling faintly as he opened the bag he brought with him.

As he reached inside he pulled out a long slender wooden rod, and rolled it between his fingers, he eyes glossing over it. "Ah yes oak fourteen inches Raven feather, here try this will you" Sawyer took the wand in her hand but nothing happened she tried to wave it and still nothing. Ollivander grabbed the wand back and sat it gently back in the bag.

"No not right, let's see I think I know" he was saying mostly to himself. Then from the bag he pull another wand. "Yes Cherry 15 inches Unicorn hair, I think it will fit you rather nicely" Sawyer took this wave giving it a slightly wave, and it emitted a small puff of smoke. "No still not a match" Ollivander said taking the wand back. Sawyer looked to her mother who was standing not far from them watching closely. Sawyer began to wonder why no wand would choose her, maybe she didn't have the magical powers needed.

"Never fear my dear we'll find the prefect wand for you" said Ollivander softly reassuring Sawyer that he had the wand for her. "Now let's see there's something in this bag of sticks, um, an unusual witch needs a unusual wand." he said drawing his hand out of the bag holding onto a wand "And I have just the unusual wand, take a look at this a combination of Ebony and Bloodwood 15inches hair of a winged horse, Aethonan I believe it was. Thought myself a mad for trying to combine two different woods in a wand. However, I think..." He stopped and looked at Sawyer and slowly handed the wand to her.

Sawyer took the wand gently in her hand, and she felt a warming sensation in her hand and arm. She lifted the wand and suddenly sparks of red and blue tumbled out of the wand. Sawyer's eyes grew wide as she watched the sparks dance to the ground. Merretha gave a cry of excitement and pride, and Ollivander clapped approvingly.

"Yes I knew it!" He said looking quite pleased "Ebony is unquestionably accepted as the most powerful wood when it comes to magic. The user of this wand will have limitless power as well as unprecedented protectional qualities. Useful in divination, Bloodwood is said to reveal secrets of both the past and future and to aid its possessor in understanding the given knowledge. This wand is also, perfect for matters of the heart and healing." He said taking the wand out of Sawyer's hand and twiddling it in his fingers.

"Now we must discuss the matter of pay" he said looking to Merretha "A wand liked this will be fifteen sickles."

Merretha's face somewhat sank when hearing the cost. Sawyer knew fifteen sickles was all they had, but after holding that wand she wanted it more than anything at that moment. Her mother reached into the small drawstring bag and handed Ollivander all the sickles they had. As she did so she lifted her head up and looked Ollivander straight in the eyes.

"Thank you Ms." Ollivander said pocketing the money "I can sense how stressful that was for you, but if it helps I can assure you, I guarantee that you will not get better results from any other wand" Merretha nodded at Ollivader and smiled towards him "Ah yes well, this belongs to you my dear" he said turning to Sawyer and handed her the wand. "Well I must be off more wands to make and all that" he picked up his bag and walked out of their hut.

Sawyer lifted her wand again sending a shower of red and blue sparks around the hut. It might not have been impressive magic, but it was the best thing in the world to Sawyer at that moment. Her mother clapped and cheer for her daughter as she casted sparkling sparks all around her. After a moment her mother stopped Sawyer from producing sparks.

"Enough, come we mustn't forget ya have other things ter get" She reached for a travel cloak and put in on.

"Mother it's too late, we can't go out now" Sawyer said grabbing her cloak anyway and putting it on, there was no sense arguing with her mother. Within moments Sawyer and her mother were sneaking down their muddy streets, peeking around corners and staying to the shadows. Finally they came upon a another hut somewhat bigger than theirs. Merretha knocked gently on the door, and voiced croaked from inside.

"Who is? What? What is it you want?" said the voice rather rushed

"We need to buy some special things" whispered Merretha to the door, slowly the door creaked open enough to let them slip through. "Thank you" Sawyer and her mother said as they removed their cloaks.

"Now you wish to purchase some of my items" said the voice from the corner and in the corner sat a very small witch in a very small chair. She was toad-like witch with budging eyes, smoking a wooden pipe. She stared at them for a moment and they stared back at her. "Well what is it you be wanting?" she asked in her rasp voice.

"Oh yes" said Merretha "We need a cauldron, and pointed witch's hat, and um if possible a black robe"

"That be an awful lot you'd be want'en how much money eh have?" asked the witch as she puffed her pipe. Sawyer knew this witch, her name was Vrayce she was supposed to the most powerful witch in the village, even the muggles knew she had magic but they were too scared to persecute her. There was a rumor she had killed her husband with magic. Sawyer could recall the one time Vrayce entered the pub, everyone gave her plenty of space and watchful eyes.

"While uh we have, um-ten knuts" Merretha said uneasy "Um how much will that get us?"

The witch stood up from her chair, but she was still amazingly short even standing. She gave a puzzling look at Merretha and Sawyer then she walked passed them. "Not much but I think I can work something out for you girls." Vrayce walked over to the walls and pulled out a cauldron that was rusted in areas.

"Here's a cauldron" she croaked "Bit rusty, use to wash my laundry in it, but I figure it'll work just the same." she then walked over to a trunk and kicked it open. She pulled out a black witch's hat, and an old black robe. "Afraid that hat might be too big, and robe not new it was mine was I was girl, but it's the best I can get ya"

"We'll take it, all of it" said Merretha quickly, handed the witch the rest of their money "Thank you for you generosity"

Vrayce placed all the items in the cauldron and handed it to Sawyer "Here child!" she said as she sat back down again. They were just about to leave when the witch stopped them. "Stop... wait, yes I like you child, and I want you to have something- free of charge" she got up once more and from her pocket she pull and very old strange looking amulet. "Take this perhaps it will give you luck" she handed the amulet to Sawyer, who hesitated to take it.

"Um thank you" Sawyer said as she bowed and walked out of the hut along with her mother. They didn't speak until they returned home. "So why do you think she gave this to me?" she asked her mother.

"I don't know, she's not the nicest person in world" Merretha said sitting in her chair "Get ready for bed dear, and perhaps you better let me hold on to that amulet until you a bit older for whatever it is"

The next morning everything seemed to be fine, Sawyer found her mother asleep in her chair. With sunlight streaming into their hut, Sawyer sat up on the straw and stretched. Her mother was awoke by Sawyer's yawns and rustling. "Good morning daughter." Merretha said standing to her feet "Soon you'll be on your way to Hogwarts learning magic that most wizards and witches never dreamed of"

"But mother did not the letter say I would have to find my own way to the school" Sawyer pointed out "How am I to get there?"

"Did I not tell you to let me do all the worrying?" She said taking a deep breath. "I've already been thinking about that."

"And what have you come up with?"

"You'll see in do time" she said slyly, Sawyer flopped back on the straw and casted her head down. "And what is wrong with ya child?"

"Mother I can't go to Hogwarts" Sawyer said finally, it was something she was longing to say. "I can't go and leave you alone, you need my help. Plus you know I don't have any magic, I'm surprised a wand even chose me"

"What never before have I heard such talk from ya" Merretha said staring her daughter down. "You speak against everything I've always told you. Since the moment you were born I knew you to be special, full of magical wonder. You are a magical child, you are the best and you shine the brightest. You were made for better things, and you would breath the air of kings. I swear fortune smile on you the day you were born.

"I remember thinking you were the prettiest baby I've ever seen. The sun rose within your eyes, the moon lighted your smile. I told your father-"

"-That I was a magical child" Sawyer finished "I know I've heard you tell me all this a million times"

"Then why don't you believe?" Merretha asked her daughter sternly "And if you know it so well then recite it to me!"

"Dearest mother must I?" But the look in her mother's eyes said yes "Never forget to remind myself, of all the things you've told me all my life. I'm special, I am smart, I am somehow set apart. Rules and limitations will never apply to me. For I am a Magical Child, and I'm wrapped in rainbow" As Sawyer recited this to herself, she felt herself starting to believe it as well. Sawyer than began to speak with much more enthusiasm "Faith can be heartless and mild, but my life's been charmed and shall remain so. I made for something more not to struggle but to soar!-"

"For you are a Magical child" Merretha joined in with her daughter again. "I won't see you bent over in labor, in darkness and rumble where mountains of trouble surround you. You where destine to fly and I'm gonna watch you light up the sky. For you are my Magical Child!"

For the rest of that week Sawyer could not wait to go the Hogwarts and start learning some real magic. Often when she was working at the Pub she would pull out her wand and flick it a little, nothing would happen but it would sprout sparks or smoke. September first was fast approaching, and Sawyer wondered how her mother was getting her to school. She knew they couldn't afford to travel there by any means.

Finally the day came and Sawyer was woke early by her mother. They said not a single thing to each other but hurried and got dressed. Sawyer put on the old dusty robe they had bought from Vrayce which was almost gray. She placed the pointed hat on her head which was far too big and came slipping down over her eyes. Grabbed her wand tightly in her fist, and in the other held on to her rust cauldron.

"Alright dear follow me and stay close" Merretha said tying her traveling cloak and walking out of the door. Sawyer followed her mother, who was leading her into the forest, a place nearly all the villagers dared not enter. The air was cool and made Sawyer's lungs fell like ice, it was early morning and sun was just appearing through the trees. The footsteps echoed in the empty forest, as they stepped on leaves and twigs.

Sawyer was having a pretty hard time keeping up with her mother. It was hard carrying that heavy rusted cauldron, and difficult to see with the pointed black hat slipping over her eyes. After what seemed like an hour of walking they reached a very large peaceful river. Sawyer had never seen the river before or any large body of water for that matter. She walked over to the edge and gazed at herself in the water.

Sawyer would never know what she looked like if it were not for her reflection in the water. As she looked in the water at herself, her plain face covered with brown hair and matching brown eyes, she remembered wanting more than anything in the world was a mirror. She'd recall seeing one in her youth, a shining silver mirror that reflected everything that came into view. However, she knew they couldn't afford so she never asked her mother for it.

"Sawyer over here" said her mother's voice breaking Sawyer out of a trace. As she approached her mother she saw a small wooden boat. "This is Mr. Dodderigde's boat, it's enchanted to take you to any body of water you ask it. I've talked him into letting it take you Hogwarts, but the boat won't stay long it'll return here after three days."

"But then mother how will I return?" Sawyer asked starting to fear she would never see her mother again.

"Don't worry dear" Merretha said softly "I'll be fine, perhaps the founders will have someway for you to return home when the time is ready. Besides better you stay there than here amongst the werewolves and fearfully muggles. Now into the boat with ya" Merretha placed the rusted cauldron into the boat and Sawyer followed behind it. Once she was inside safely Merretha pushed the boat off the shore, and it began to float away down stream.

Sawyer looked at her mother standing on the shore wondering when she would see her again. When she heard her mother speaking, and what she said sounding almost like spell to Sawyer. "River flow gently for me. Such precious cargo you bare, take her to place she can be free. Take her to Hogwarts for me"

Be sure to check out my Profile where you find the name of the next the chapter, and also read a section of the upcoming chapter.