Bella Swan: Muggle Squib Extraordinaire

Everything is dated according to each respective universe. Neville was born July 30, 1980 and Bella was born September 13, 1987. So Neville is currently 26, and Bella is 19.

Chapter 1: The Not Quite Normal Forest

July 14, 2007

"You sure about this, Bells?" Charlie's words echoed in Bella's mind as she peered at the thick forest before her.

He'd uttered the phrase time and time again over the past two years as his only child continued to make questionable life decisions. First it was the decision to break up with Jake. It's not like Charlie could have fathomed the true reason behind their split. When Edward had left her broken, Jacob had painstakingly picked up the pieces and helped her mend. But when Victoria attacked with her newborns, Embry and Seth were lost, and though no one blamed her directly – Bella knew she was to blame.

So she ended the strained relationship and focused on whatever grim future might be in store. Which led to the second time Charlie questioned Bella's decision-making abilities – where she would go to college and what she would study.

"Folklore and mythology? I dunno, Bells. I always figured you for more of a…literary enthusiast than an anthropologist. And Scotland is so far away…are you sure about this, Bells?"

Bella had done plenty of research and soul searching before deciding. Scotland had at least two universities that specialized in folklore, and the change of scenery – or continent rather – was just what she needed. And folklore…well, she'd either get closure from the abundance of supernatural creatures she'd known or else find even more strange and ridiculous beings.

Now Charlie was several thousand miles away, but she still heard his voice ringing in her ears. She had recently completed her second term at the University of Aberdeen, but instead of flying home to visit her family, she opted to stay over the summer and tour the countryside. And now she stood amongst a smattering of tourists, all ready to explore the woods of Scotland, and she was wavering between excitement and wistfulness.

"A'right then, everyone. These are some of the most famous forests in all Scotland. We've laid out trails every few kilometers, and today's expedition is a special treat. It's further north than we usually go, but we're thinking of expanding further in. So let's go to it then. All ready?"

The group nodded and followed the guide, venturing along an easy trail for nearly half an hour when Bella noticed the pathway abruptly ended, replaced by a thick growth of trees and shrubbery. She was about to ask if the tour guide had taken a wrong turn when at once several voices rang out.

"Blimey, I forgot all about my appointment!"

"Oh dear, I was supposed to visit my grandmother today!"

"Blazes, I'm late for an interview!"

"Oh no, I'm supposed to go dress shopping right now!"

Bella couldn't believe her ears. Within the course of a few seconds each and every person in her tour group, including the guide himself, all remembered some pressing appointment and hurried back the way they came. She almost followed in confusion, except for the glaring fact that there was no earthly way twenty people would suddenly remember varying appointments at exactly the same time. It screamed supernatural, and Bella was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Are you sure about this, Bells? The echo of her father's sage words reminded her that she was once again embarking on a dubious undertaking, but Bella was feeling excited and somewhat reckless at the prospect of finding something paranormal and shrugged it off.

Tentatively climbing over the overgrowth of brush, she pressed forward through the thickening forest. Luckily it was midday and she was able to see ahead and keep out of the darkest areas. Unfortunately she had no water and the tour guide had taken all the snacks back with him, so Bella was beginning to feel slightly dizzy.

She knew she probably had no signal, but at least she could check the time on her cell phone. She pulled out the device, but to her astonishment the screen was going haywire until the phone just died altogether.

What the…

Estimating that she'd been hiking for nearly an hour, the realization that she'd foolishly gotten herself lost in a potentially enchanted wood began to dawn on Bella. What if she didn't find a way out before dark? What if she didn't find her way out at all? She quickened her pace, stumbling along the least dense parts of the forest praying that somehow she'd manage to reach a clearing.

Another hour or possibly two passed, and the trees were growing closer together. Her footing became less secure, and she'd tripped a few times already. Shoot. Bella noticed blood dripping from her knees, and her stomach flipped with a nauseating faintness. She took a steadying breath to calm herself when she heard a rustling sound a few feet away.

Bella's breath hitched with fear, and she hid behind the nearest tree. What if it was a vampire? The rustling grew louder, and she had to clap a hand over her mouth to keep from breathing too loudly. After several seconds the noise faded, and Bella finally dared to peek around the edge of the trunk.

Dragons! Or at least that's what Bella thought they were at first. Their faces and scaly wings certainly resembled the legendary beasts, but they were admittedly smaller and much more docile than she would have guessed. In fact, if she'd squinted she might have guessed they were black, fleshy, winged horses.

Frozen to her spot next to the tree she inhaled choppy breaths as she watched the beasts. One of the smaller creatures edged in front of her, and before Bella knew it the fleshy horse dragon was licking the blood from her kneecaps.

She gasped, bracing for imminent attack, but none came. In fact the entire herd of beasts seemed quite pacified by her presence. Looking to the sky, Bella noticed the sun beginning to set, and a fresh wave of panic set in. The winged creatures began to disperse, so she did the only thing she could think of – she tried to speak to the horse dragon…thingies.

"Wait!"'

To her immense shock a few of the creatures stopped and stared at her, as if waiting for more, so taking a deep breath she continued.

"I'm lost. Can I please come with you?"

At first none of the little dragons moved, but finally one stepped forward and knelt in front of her.

"Oh." Bella realized she was going to have to mount the beast, so she gingerly climbed on its back and carefully gripped the bony ridge along the back of its neck.

At once the blackened creature took off into the dusky twilight, and Bella couldn't imagine a more unlikely scenario. But then – Bella was a danger magnet; she could hardly be surprised at this point.

The trees began to thin, and the beasts slowed as they neared a strange cottage. Night had fallen, but Bella felt much safer now that she was safely out of the forest and with these surprisingly gentle dragons.

She slid carefully off of her rescuer and looked around, and her eyes fell upon the most spectacular sight she'd ever seen. A castle glittered beyond the shack, alight with towers and turrets and torches, all reflecting serenely on a placid and peaceful looking lake.

"Where am I?" Bella mouthed to herself when a rough voice shook her from her reverie.

"Ah good, yer all back. Now Tenebrus, the headmistress wants the newest lot of ya trained with the carriages. I was thinking ye could show 'em how it's done tomorrow."

The creature next to Bella's mount left her side and approached the unknown voice. She could only see the man's silhouette, but the stature was more than enough to keep her in a terrified silence.

"Alright, Tenebrus, alright. What are ye so keen to show me?"

The gigantic man followed the black beast until they'd both caught sight of Bella. She squeaked as she took in the sight of the man and promptly fainted.

"Blimey." Hagrid scratched his beard in bemusement. "A muggle!"

I've had this idea for a while, so I figured I may as well plunk it out and see what happens. Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy it so far. :) -V