Silence. Emotions are freely expressed in silence; if the feelings are strong enough they may even become palpable.The only sound unpolluted by trivial words, sounds or meaningless conversation.Not that conversation was a problem for Hani. The silence that had utterly surrounded Hani for the past six months, although a welcome repreive to the alternative jeering and insults that would without a doubt follow if she left the confines of her castle, was getting undoubtedly old. It wasn't in Hani's nature to so easily conform to a life of isolation. It was in her very nature to both crave and value human connections and interactions. She was the daughter of Soma, holder of the gem.
Unless your from a wizard holding East Africa your probably wondering what that could mean. The Gem of Soma is legendary for its ability to grant the most sincere of wishes. Only the holder can initiate the magic, however, and at great cost to her own being. Hani feared these costs, but more than anything she feared what her power could mean for her friendships. She feared the consequences of revealing it to friends, would they shun or use her? Both thankfully and unfortunetly that little conundrum isn't a problem for Hani, stuck in her castle, for it could not be called a home, she didn't see other beings. Not even the houseelves paid her any mind, all brainwashed by the following of Riddle that had consumed her family.
Hani opened her eyes as she awoke for the day commemorating the half year mark from when she was finally left alone. When the death eaters left her home and Riddle swore to return. Voldemort. She corrected herself. He was no longer Tom Riddle, as he had been when he first arrived. Tom Riddle was now Lord Voldemort, malicious genius and sociopath extraordinaire. Hani, was still who she had been, granted much scarred and skinnier but still Hani Soma, Keeper of the Gem, Holder of the Stone.Great burden is what it is. She thought. Although most regard the position with highest longing and reverence, Hani hated it with a passion. She couldn't freely use it to cure starvation, disease and hunger. She couldn't freely use it to wish a person happy or even content. She was bound by the constraints her great ancestors placed upon it centuries ago.
It took the combined magics of her great great great great great ancestors to create the stone. They were famous witches and wizards, known for extraordinary magical capabilities. The stone the created, could only be safely used if the holder sincerly wished for the wish to be granted. The recipient also must sincerly wish it, if not the consequences for the holder are utterly disastrous. If Hani used the stone invalidly, her fate would be like that of one kissed by a dementor. Her life would be over, only unlike the victim of a dementors kiss, she would always be aware of it. Her consciousness would be left with her, a truly sick fate. If the wish was granted, however, than the process would leave Hani so utterly vulnerable
It takes an enormous amount of love to sincerly wish for something. Thats why Hani was chosen as the holder, she was also born with the ability to love complete strangers. This ability she hated more than anything. It had caused the betrayals she had faced to hurt her more-so than they should have. It had caused the hate and jealousy clearly seen in the eyes of others to cause her immeasurable pain. And it had made this doomed life of solitude only harder to bear.I should have wished for other things. Hani thought bitterly as she reminisced to the first day she held the stone. She was allowed three wishes for herself, the first she wished to be good. Of course, at the time she meant good for her mother. She worded her wish simply though, to be good. This saved her from believing the same hateful things her family did, and it caused her to be hated by those she loved. A catch 22 if you will. Her second wish was to understand all and any languages. Her third was to be protected from real harm, silly wish really. She should have wished to be protected from all harm. But whats done is done.
FlashBack
Sitting on her bed, greedily holding the stone in her right hand, nodding to her mother fervently, she was handed the Works of the Gem. The Works were, for lack of a better term, instructions. Everything she needed to know about the stone and how to use it. As her mother proudly handed her 'gifted' daughter the works, she said, 'Don't disappoint me. Be good.' The seemingly innocent and motherly phrase was accompanied by an utterly hostile and slightly jealous sneer. Being a young child Hani just shook her head even more, and silently wished that she would always be good. She wished she was good deep deep down. Surprisingly enough, for Hani at least, she felt her chest go slack, as though being relieved of a great weight. Her mother was walking out at that moment, so Hani simply stifled her yelp of surprise and began reading the single most self-defining thing she ever would. She learned that it was because of her strong ability to love that she was the 'holder'. It took genuine love for a wish to be granted. Genuine love that the average person was incapable of, if that love was missing at the attempt of the wish than the results would be no less than shattering. Both Hani and the wisher would be cursed to half lives, worse than that of those kissed by dementors. The behaviour was the same, yet Hani would be aware of everything that went on. It was for that and one other reason that wish granting was to be taken seriously.
It was also like intercourse. A nine year old, did not know what it meant, but she knew it was something to be respected. The book said that it would be like having all your secrets laid out for you. Its exact words were; 'Imagine a situation in which you and a stranger are locked together, naked. Your only clothing are your secrets and thoughts, laid out for you both to see. Its like Siknope. Worse." Siknope was a word that Hani had never seen before, the frustration of reaching such a climax in her reading, only to be stumped by a language barrier caused her to wish that she could understand every language in the world, before hurrying to continue.
Around the last page, the book warned of harm that would come to the holder because of their power. People would be jealous, of course. She was already pretty at a young age; pretty and rich. Jealousy was nothing new to her. But the thought still unnerved her and she wished to be kept from extreme harm. It was then that she realized the necklace was glowing, and turned from a light emerald to a dark jade. Her brown eyes widened as the words on the page before her rearranged and formed the words,
"You have used your final wish for yourself, and finished the Works. Now use your power wisely, this book shall not be opened again but by the touch of the next in line for inheritance. . Use your gift wisely or risk dooming your soul". Needless to say the words had quite an impact on the young girl, and she stood up to return the book to her mother. It was when her mother began berating the, miserable half blood cook in the kitchen, that Hani first felt the consequence of having a good heart. 'So what if shes half blood.' Her mouth formed the words as her mothers face formed an expression of terror. No Soma could believe such.. such 'ludicrous things'. Her mother had put it, Hani discovered her identity that day and became an outsider to her family.
In present times, more specifically right now, the beautiful pure-blood heir glanced out the window of her cage. The people below were happily shooting hateful glances and threatening remarks towards her house.
'Bullocks, why can't I just hex them all'. She mumbled a loud, all too aware that talking to herself was both a sign of insanity, and a preventative measure for it as well. She shook her head and groaned as she fell into her bed. She was quickly pounced upon by her best, and sad to say it, only companion.
"Jeez scruffs, I would have hoped you lost weight these past months. You're getting fed more than I am!" Scruffs responded by merely rubbing his head on Hani's shoulder, whispering loyalties to his friend. There was no way Hani could refer to their relationship as pet/owner; when she had wished to learn all languages, she mastered animal languages as well. Thought she was bloody bonkers when she heard a hen squeak profanities at a rooster, but couldn't love her ability any more now. She loved Scruffs, most animals were like you'd expect them to be. Unintelligent instinct-motivated creatures; others, like Scruffs, were actually intelligent. She theorized that they were at one point in time Animagi that couldn't change back. That had stopped Hani several times from turning his fur pink as a joke, and six months without a good laugh did weird things to a girls mind. As Hani filled her mind with unimportant thought processes and time wasters, a headmaster in England debated over the confusing letter he had just received.
England
"Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,
"I have no doubt you're wondering who the owner of the old and worn out owl that burst into your office just minutes ago is, and why she would send such an old creature on such a far journey. Because I am a firm believer in brevity, I'll get to the poing: it is because I wish to attend Hogwarts.
"If you were expecting a diplomatically correct letter, filled with synonyms and attempts to sound intelligent, which in fact only make the writer seem less than, I regretfully inform you that you will be disappointed. I don't blame you for expecting as much, judging by the regal wax seal of my overly pompous and wretched family, I would expect the same. I heard once that insulting family members is not the best way to make a first impression, so let me begin my request for admission in a more socially acceptable manner."
Dumbledore's pale face scrunched up in a look that protrayed confusion, amusement, and irritation. Confusion at the blunt yet polite girl that had sent him this amusing letter. Amusing in the way she correctly guessed each of his reactions to each of her actions. And irritating in the way she had correctly guessed each of his reactions without ever setting eyes on him. Before even reading past her not-so-subtle implications in her families honour, Dumbledore was willing to accept her with open arms. After reading past her translucently veiled insults, he was not so sure anymore. Could a girl that faced Riddle and carried a power to grant wishes truly be able to fit into any school? She was only 17, and would be placed in seventh year, her personality hinted towards that of either a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor. Her description of her gift was so cleverly worded, Ravenclaw seemed likely. But when one looked past the words and at the meaning of her gift, one could not dispute that unconditional love was a trait of a Gryffindor.
Gryffindor, most likely. Dumbledore thought, unconsciously answering his own question at whether or not to allow her into Hogwarts. It was quite obvious to the old man, that Hogwarts was the only place she was truly safe from Riddle. She also had alot of information that could help Dumbledore, should he need information on Riddle in the future. Her letter confirmed several of his theories. She needed to be at Hogwarts, not at all because of Dumbledores utter lack of information on the rise of Death Eaters, but to save herself. Her ability to love would no doubt be damaged by too much time alone, and that was a critical part of her. Also, it wouldn't be too long before Riddle attempted to have her grant him a wish once again.
Meanwhile, Riddle was in quite a conundrum. This girls' quick wit and cunning was in part due to her interactions with Tom Riddle. He needed her to secure his future, yet couldn't threaten her in doing it. He was not used to not getting his way, and would no doubt have her under intense watch, even now. There had to be a secretive way to get her out of her home. . .
Soma
"Scruffs, will I ever get out? What if Dumbledore never replies? I guess I could go to Beauxbatons or another wizarding school; language isn't really a barrier. But Riddle would have no problem reaching me at any of those schools would he? He used to seem afraid of Dumbledore, I really hope he accepts me in, if not only to meet the man that scares Riddle." Hani let her mind ruminate on the chances of being allowed into Hogwarts. Not being aware of Dumbledores pure and caring heart, she weighed the chances dead against her. After a few moments of progressively ruining her hope for a semi-normal life, a deep purr interrupted her thoughts. She looked down at her chest and saw her kitty, fat cat more like, moving in tune with her breathing. Perfectly and utterly peacefully asleep. His deep, long grey fur moving in tune with his breaths. Hani wished she could sleep that well, forget all her problems, even if only for a minute. Sleep that was uninterrupted by nightmares or flashbacks was a dream in itself.
A loud grumble ensued just south of Scruffs lazing figure. Damn stomach, I can't take this conjured mess any longer! Six months of transfigured cat food is six months too many! Hani shuddered as she tried to ignore her growling tummy. The house elves were still amuck in the castle, yet were under strict orders from Riddle to not give me any food. Being the compassionate creatures they were, more specifically one of them, she was taught a transfiguration spell that made her cat food look like real food. She had not yet mastered the art of changing tastes, but she hoped that would come with time.
Her stomach was now resembling a fog horn. She ignored the first two rumbles that followed, but the third was accompanyed with the distinct pop of an uninvited wizard. Hani jumped from her seat, reaching for her wand. Her face and defensive stance both dropped at the unfond memory of her beloved wand being snapped in two. She accepted that the wizard in front of her more than naught controlled her fate and looked up to meet a pair of striking blue eyes.
"Ah, pleasure to meet you." A deep, wise voice said through the long hairs of a greying beard. Hani looked questioningly into the eyes of a man that no more resembled a death eater than Scruffs.
"Who are you?" She bravely asserted, already having come to terms with her utter helplessness in the situation.
"I my dear, am Albus Dumbledore." Voices broke through the cracks of my walls and doors as my mouth dropped. "And those voices I assume, are the followers of Tom Riddle."
I nodded, uncharacteristically speechless and dumbfounded. I looked up appreciatively at the wizard that had, hopefully, come to save me. He was an odd looking one, but held his head high with a regalness that was the polar opposite of the 'better than thou' fashion her family had held. His flowing blue robe was made even more royal looking by the velvetness of the material. His hat was tall and pointed, navy blue with a sparkling moon. This outfit and those eyes on anybody else would have completely stunned Hani. Not stunned in the speechless sense she was now struggling to come out of, but stunned in an utterly intimidated way. Hani nodded in response to the still unanswered question. Now shocked at not only the stately way this man presented himself but with the seemingly endless patience he possessed. Hani herself would not have been patient enough to wait for a young teenage girl to overcome her momentary lapse in intelligence before answering a pivitol question that, if left unanswered for too long, garaunteed her demise.
"Lets be on then." The dignified Professor held out his hand for the newest addition to his student body, and waited till she willingly took it before wrapping one arm around her and another around Scruffs, then spinning on the spot. When the spinning grew hectic Hani shut her eyes, only to open them surrounded by a very different scenery.
She wasn't in Soma anymore. The village around her was no doubt a wizard town, judging by Dumbledores complete disregard for International Statues of Secrecy. She looked up at the man who was currently at the core of her confusion. His eyes sparkled in return and answered all her questions in one brief sentence.
"Welcome, to a place you and fellow Hogwarts students will frequent this year, Hogsmeade." He looked back at the road ahead and began walking. Confused, yet utterly overjoyed at the prospect of belonging at Hogwarts Hani's normally calm demeanor disappeared and was replaced by the look of a giddy school girl. She looked at the retreating figure of her new professor and around at the beautiful homes surrounding her. In a moment of utter joy she ran after her new headmaster, scruffs tight on her heels and gave him a whopper of a hug.
They walked in silence before reaching a large, homey pub called Three Broomsticks. Both engrossed in their own thought processes.
Why hasn't he asked me for anything yet? I wouldn't be able to grant any of his wishes but sod it if he'll ask anyway! Its only a matter of time. I wonder if they sell broomsticks here? Its been years since I've ridden one. Maybe I can get one. But where will I get the money? Bugger it all to hell, I've forgotten to bring any gold. How am I to buy school books? Hani's hectic thoughts jumped from topic to topic, never lingering on one thought for more then ten seconds.
Dumbledores were more consistent,
Sweet girl, I hope she does get sorted into Gryffindor. She really does love easy, I can tell just by looking at her.He had gotten a good look at his new student, and refused to let it be known to her. Assuming she was oblivious to her current appearance that is. Her curly hair was a mess on her head, the once tied back curls were now spread in a pretty way around her face. Like Grindelwalds younger sister, Dumbledore thought adoringly. She would without a doubt drive some boys crazy, and no doubt she was even more beautiful out of the tattered robes, scrapes on her face, cuts on her arms, and with a few extra pounds. She had no doubt been starved, hurt and roughly handled, moreso than she would ever admit. His thoughts then veered back to Grindelwald, like always, until they reached Madame Rosmertas.
When they arrived Dumbledore faced his new student and decided to let her speak first. She seemed as though she was going to talk when her thoughts became obviously distracted. Dumbledore smiled to himself at the obvious state of excitement that had been present in Hani ever since she had fully understood the situation. He saved her from the furious speed at which new idea's were attacking her by interrupting her reverie.
"Ahem. We have prudent manners to discuss." He began, putting on that cryptic voice he saved especially for students. It was highly amusing to watch their reactions as they puzzled over the thought process that was Dumbledores mind. Of course, if a student was told the truth, that Dumbledore was not continuously inventing, proving and disproving earth shattering hypothesis in the confines of his own mind, and that he was 9/10 times only remembering his youthful days with Gellert, they would no doubt be quick to yell 'farce'. "To begin with, a timetable. What do you want to pursue after you graduate Hogwarts?"
Her mouth opened and closed in a startling imitation of a fish until she finally whispered, "Auror." Her mouth forming a stiff line, that reminded Dumbledore greatly of James Potter when he formed an unshakeable idea."Or whatever else will give me another chance to bring him down." She finished, and Dumbledore, recognizing an unshakeable resolve, merely nodded. She flushed and whispered a thank you, barely listening to Dumbledore begin discussing the process of accuring school supplies. She was stuck in an utterly dreamlike state that she did not manage to wake up from until they left the small pub and arrived at Dumbledores office in Hogwarts.
The Sorting Hat is what pulled her out of her reverie. Voices in your head, that sounded nothing like you, tended to pull even the most dream-like folks back into reality.
Brave heart, kind soul, incredibly clever.
Um...Not meaning to be rude but who are you? Hani felt herself being shaken out of her state of reverie and glanced around her surroundings. She was in Dumbledores office, the tall intimidating wizard stood in front of her. Gauging her every reaction, leaning forward as though trying to strain his hearing into listening in on this private conversation. When Headmaster saw Hani watching him, he quickly fixed his posture and flashed her a grin. Hani's tense position relaxed and she resumed listening to the voice in her head, something she would have tried to ignore in the past.
I'm the hat on your head. An unmeasurable capacity to love, impressive. Extremely so. You'd fit in Ravenclaw, yet you are a truer Gryffindor than I have ever met. The voice was surprisingly deep, soprano. Undoubtedly male and carried a wisdom beyond the capabilities of a regular hat.
Hani's POV-
"Whats a Gryffindor" I asked, so confused I asked outloud rather than in my head. The opinionated hat was lifted from my head with a chuckle as Dumbledore muttered, no surprises there, as he sat on the large chair in front of me. Chair was not a descriptive enough word, throne was more fitting the golden object that served at his seat. Just as the word Room didn't adequatly cover the overly cluttered office in front of her. Unrecognizable nicknacks and random objects covered the desks and walls like paint. His ceiling was high and the walls were wide, yet the room seemed smaller than it was. Whether this was because of the obviously friendly atmosphere, or because of amount of clutter, I wasn't sure. But I knew I loved the decorations. A sloppy smile spread on my face as Dumbledore waved his wand.
A large mirror appeared on my right, and I stood, with Dumbledores prodding, to see my reflection. I hadn't looked into a mirror for so long, I didn't know what to expect. But I didn't expect this. I was fully aware of the extent of the scars on my arms yet the scrapes and cuts on my face were shocking. It looked as thought I had locked myself in a cage with lion cubs and let them have their way. My hair was still as curly as alway, but a darker brown which was no doubt due to my lack of exposure to sunlight. My pale brown skin was only made paler by the darkening underneath my eyes, which only made my light brown eyes even lighter. The whole effect of months in 'captivity' was topped off by the obvious weight loss I had undergone. My once well fitting robes hung over me several sizes too large, already muddled with holes and dirt the clothing was not attractive.
The next thing I know my tattered grey robes were perfect fitting black robes, with gold and red designs and a badge that says griffindor. My bare feet and old sandals were replaced by black tie ups and long grey socks. My arms were healed from scars and before the scars on my face could disappear I yelled stop. It was too much, I couldn't lose every scar of mine. As much as I wanted to start over I didn't want to start from scratch. I wanted me to stay the same, with only my environment changing. I turned to face Dumbledore, whos wand was at the ready to finish what he'd started.
"Leave one please." I asked, meeting his eyes and knowing he had, without even looking in the mirror. After he nodded I turned to the mirror once more and saw the lone scratch, that was on my left temple, reaching from the outside corner of my eyebrow to the tip of my cheekbone. It was perfect, it wasn't so deep that it wouldn't heal with time. I wanted all my scars to heal with time as was natural. But this one scar would have to symbolize the dozens that had covered me minutes before. I smiled at my new professor, as he started bathing Scruffs with his wand, and we continued our talk, (now a two way one), about my future here at Hogwarts.
The Sorting
I awoke in the same fashion I had for the past two weeks, sprawled out across a now familiar, comfortable bed, with Scruffs licking my face. I smiled at this new tradition and wrapped my long arms around my beloved friend. Scruffs was the only memory I kept alive from my past. Granted, that past was only weeks old, but it was still the past. Rather than go back to retrieve a new wardrobe, the Headmaster of Hogwarts provided me with a new wardrobe. Not a full wardrobe, but two school kits and two pairs of jeans, a sweater and two t-shirts. I was surprised the older man had such a nice taste in clothes...
3rd Person
Unable to keep on the same thought for more than ten seconds on this very special day, Hani slugged out of bed with Scruffs in her arms. 'Nervous, why are you nervous?' Scruffs worried over Hani, but unable to respond in a way Scruffs could understand, as she lacked the proper vocal chords to meow, she merely hugged her pet tighter and walked towards the showers. Bugger it all, I won't have as much privacy after today. Over the past two weeks, Hani had gotten to know her school well and under the tutelage of Dumbledore even managed to construct a map of the school. She was very proud of this map, it was equiped with a locator and informationary charm that located everybody in the building at any point in time and answered any question she might have. It also only revealed its worth when one tapped it with a wand and said, "Je ne suis rien, tu tout suis." Basically, I know nothing, you know it all. Stroking her maps ego only made it more willing to give her information. This gauranteed cooperation with every use. To clear the map, one had to only tap it twice and whisper 'Merci Msr', simple yes but thats what Hani liked. The best part of the past two weeks, was Hani had been introduced to the only year round inhabitants of the school. She had played quite a few tricks on a certain Nearly Headless Nick and currently had on a war with Peeves as to who could scare Mr. Norris, the caretakers evil cat, the worst. She was so winning. She had also read Hogwarts A History, and had swelled up with pride at being sorted into the noble house of Gryffindor, over the past two weeks Hani had also gained more weight and seemed healthy enough to pass for just another student. Dumbledore and herself agreed that the truth was the best, if asked, Hani would only answer that she had been homeschooled but since her family was know dead she attended Hogwarts. She was a sixth year and all anybody needed to know was that her family were victims of death eaters.
The truth, of course, was that her family was willingly killed by death eaters after Hani refused to grant anybodys wish. How is one willingly killed? Simply by volunteering to be a source of bargaining between a girl with a power and a man who wants more power. She didn't believe any of them actually thought Hani was strong willed enough to carry out with her plan. Sad thing was, Hani didn't think she was either. It was no question that if faced with the choice again, saving her family and dooming the world. She would be weak enough to doom the world.
Refusing to let her thoughts dwell on that, Hani worked out her plans in her head. Dumbledore and her were to head off Diagon Alley at 8:00 to pick up her remaining school supplies. They had already visited hogsmeade for certain items, such as a wand and clothing, but all of her books were still waiting to be bought. Thankfully, the school had a fund specially for orphans. A brutal term but Hani had come to terms with her lack of parental figures at about the same age she hit puberty. Her families money was permanently lost to her. Riddle had, as Dumbledore and Hani discovered on their last trip to Diagon Alley, cleaned out the enormous family treasure banks. Generations of corrupt wish granters had given the family a fair amount of wealth, those wish granters were out of their sodding minds until their death, but the Soma's had the fourth largest bank account in Gringotts history. It was now the smallest.
Hani hurried to finish dressing on time, settling with her turqoise sweater and dark jeans along with her only pair of tie up black shoes. She ran to Dumbledores office in record time, being fit and knowing this school all too well. She slowed to a stop in front of the granite gargoyles that gaurded the entrance to his office. Sounding as though she had slowly walked her way over, and not sprinted, she effortlessly said, "Gummi Bears" to the gaurds and was allowed past. When she reached the now familiar office she saw her professor, in black robes and a black hat, sitting in his 'throne' with an old muggle watch on the table. I walked over to him smiling a hello and was greeted by a smile and a wave.
HPOV
"Glad to see you on time Hani. This watch is a port key, just like we used last time. Its due to leave in" He casually stretched his arm over to the watch. "Five, four" I realized he was counting down in seconds, not minutes, and ran to touch the watch as he said one. We were tugged out of the office and into Diagon Alley quite quickly.
Dumbledore, being the forever stately and graceful person he was, landed standing up. I however, landed on top of a rather tough cushion. Mumbling, "What type of pillow mat is this bloody hard" I felt the pillow grab my arms to steady me as I began to slide off it. I looked up, well underneath me, to see the surprised face of a rather handsome young man.
Cor.
"Ah, young mister Black." Professor Dumbledore said, rather non chalantly considering the embarassment I was experiencing. "What brings you to Diagon Alley?"
The young man looked over at the professor, hands still gripped on my arms, and gave a cheeky grin.
"Well sir, I had just swung by to pick up some books with James. Didn't know it would be raining beauties today." His grey eyes met my brown ones and I felt my embarassment die as amusement flared. I rolled my eyes at his overly playfulness. If only he would let go. . .I opened my mouth to ask him to let go of my arms when an
"Oi, Black." Interrupted my thoughts. I didn't look up at this new onlooker as I was still distracted by the unbelievably attractive eyes watching mine. The boy I assume is named 'Black', nodded to this newcomer yet kept his eyes on my own.
"Who is she?"Before the third party could speak any more I opened my mouth once more to request to be released from his tight, yet admittedly pleasant grip. I noticed his eyes flit appreciatively towards my mouth before I spoke.
"Er.. I dunno about you, but where I'm from we introduce ourselves right-side up."Black gave another cheeky grin and let go of my arms. His grin was lopsided but attractive. Not 'fancy at first site' attractive but good looking. I stood up, with a grace that could only have come from years of flying, which I had regained in my past two weeks getting reacquainted with my love for broomsticks. As soon as I stood, I reached out a hand for Black and he was still smiling when he grabbed my hand and pulled himself up. He was taller than I was, I was about 5'7. Black stood at 5'10 or 5'11. Messy brown hair with a carefree style much like my own covered his head like a mop. I ran a hand thru my hair, as was a nervous habit, and stuck out my hand to shake.
"I'm Hani Soma. Starting at Hogwarts this year." Blacks mouth flew open and his head flew towards Dumbledore, my hand forgotten as it wait there. I turned to get a better view of his friend who had the same reaction. His friends hair was black and the same length as Black's but undoubtedly messier. I looked at Dumbledore and he answered the unasked questions.
"Hani is a transfer to Hogwarts, she was previously homeschooled but is at Hogwarts now." Grateful he didn't mention her family's death quite yet she turned back to Black and his friend and ran a hand thru her hair once more. She quickly moved her hand out of her hair as she noticed that James was doing the same thing. She shrugged and smiled as he kept running his hand thru his own hair and smiled,
"Nervous habit." They chorused. Tension leaving the conversation.
"I'm James Potter, Gryffindor." I smiled, eager and excited to meet a housemate.
"Sirius Black, also Gryffindor." They both stuck out their hands and I shook them simultaneaously, one per hand.
"Thats brilliant. I'm Gryffindor also." I gave my own crooked smile and was rewarded with two, identical face splitting grins.
"You two have saved me a lot of trouble." Dumbledores voice rang in the backround.
We dropped our hands and turned to the Headmaster.
"Wotcha mean?" An apprehensive Potter asked.
"Well, the three of you all want to be aurors and are all buying the same materials. James, as Head Boy, I'll leave Hani in your care along with a portkey that will bring her back to Hogwarts in three hours. Make sure she gets everything she needs. It will be hard to arrange another trip to Diagon Alley." With that, Dumbledore handed a stunned Hani an old muggle watch, a list of school supplies and a hand purse full of money. He turned on his heels, giving mea wink and a goodbye and disapeared.
I turned back to face Potter and Black.
"Do you think he carries purses under his robes all the time?" She wondered aloud
"I always thought he was a bit off." Black joined in.
"Yeah, he complemented your hair once, remember?" James remininsced.
"That doesn't prove anything James. Everyone compliments my hair. Its just so thick." Black rebutted.
"So silky soft." I added smiling, I felt right at home with these two. I reached up to pat the messy mane.
"What about mine?" James asked, pouting in an adorable way.
"Umm..." I let the silence add suspense. "I got a good feel of Black's gorgeous locks when he ran into me just then. I still havent had the good fortune of -" My sentence was interrupted. Good thing, my smile was so wide at 'when he ran into me' I don't think I could talk much longer.
"Oi- I did not run into you! You landed on me!" A dignified Black defended himself.
"Er- are you sure?" I asked. Enjoying the moment.
"You're too graceful." James put in, smiling wide, his own black hair falling into his eyes as we began walking away from the busy corner we were occupying. "You could never 'land' on somebody."
"Thats what I thought." I replyed, smiling once again conspiratorially with James.
THird Person
"Ruddy hell, its a scandal I tell ya. Sirius Black always watches where he's- OOF" He's adorable rant was cut short by two feet that somehow made it infront of his own. Both Hani and James, who were standing on either end of Black stuck out their feet to trip him. All in good fun of course. The look of indignation on his face was all Hani and James needed to bowl over laughing. Black huffed and stormed away, although only mad on the surface. Hani sobered up immediately. She hated to think she already had somebody upset with her. She looked over at Potter and saw he was still guffawing. She walked over to where Sirius now stood. He was leaning against the wall of a clothing shop, his hands folded across his chest and his hair falling over his face. His grey eyes were wide with what seemed to Hani as plans of revenge. She tapped his shoulder and waited for him to turn to face her. He pointedly turned his head to his left, away from her gaze.
"Sorry." She said. James had now joined them, a large smile still plastered on his face. "Its one of those annoying things I do. I'm constantly poking fun. When I was a kid, and attended real school, I used to always land myself in trouble with pranks." Her face scrunched up, she was trying hard not to smile. That much was obvious. Sirius wondered how good those pranks must have been to have her reminscing all these years later. She looked back up at him, the look in her soft eyes too sweet to deny. "Bugger it all, I should have guessed they would have gotten me in trouble before I even started the term." She shrugged apologetically. "Forgive and forget?" She asked. Sirius had the urge to guffaw at the idea of him being offended by a prank, but James laughed first and broke Sirius's resolve. The two boys were laughing and explaining through their tears.
"You- nobody's mad- we- prank-everyone-" Several phrases were lost in the hysteria but Hani got the gist of it. A mischevious glint flashed across her eyes.
"Fellow prankers? Thats never good..." Her voice trailed off, as if once again remembering something. The look on her face, mischevious and apprehensive at the same time set James and Sirius off again. James, still chuckling, swung his arm around her shoulder and began walking again. Sirius followed and swung his arm over her other shoulder and kept his arm on top of James'.
"You will be quite interesting to keep around." James admitted.
"Can't wait to introduce you to the others." Sirius said, the two tripped over their own feet as Hani halted to a stop.
"Bugger. More pranksters?" Her voice sounded outright shocked yet her face portrayed a different emotion. One the mauraders were well aware of, somebody had pranking on the brain.
"Yep." James didn't even try to keep the smile from his face. "Don't be so intimidating by the threat of superior pranksters." He had a such a smug look on his face Hani just had to wipe it off.
"Superior pranksters?" She repeated, mocking shock and fear. "Oh no! Where?" To add to the moment she looked around feverishly. To her immense pleasure, both James and Sirius had turned red.
"Are you-"
"No- shes a girl she doesn't understand-"
"Prongs, mate I think she is."
"No-"
HPOV
"Ruddy hell I do mean it. Just cuz I'm a girl? What is it I don't understand? I will prank the next person that walks out of that bookstore." Her confidence rising as she spoke. "I haven't done a proper prank on a human and I'm due for a good one."
"On a human?" Sirius had caught that.
I gave them my mischevious smile. "Lets just say nearly headless nick, nearly lost his head a few times this month."
Both smiled wide.
"Are you sure your up to this though? I mean, blimey, it could be a professor that walks thru that door." James said, and I ran my fingers through my hair.
"Bugger, you're right." He smiled wide. "Okay, the next person our age that walks through that door. And if either of you two laugh. I am to be considered the superior prankster."
Both gave me looks of blatant disbelief.
"Superior prankster-" James' voice trailed off, his eyes squinting at me.
"Is that what she say?"Sirius finished off for him, his eyes watching me as though I were crazy.
"Yes she did." I answered "Not willing to give up the title?" Both shook their heads no. I sighed. "Fragile manhoods can't handle it?" They started to protest but I rose my hand to stop them. "Nope, don't explain its alright. Fine then, just the title of Hogwarts Resident Prankster. " They looked at her, as though she was speaking another language. "Don't do that." Iprotested.
"Do what?" James said, puzzled by this new girl to the extreme.
"Look at me like I'm talking another language. It's just I speak more than one language so if you look at me like that, I really do think I'm speaking another language." I explained, leaving huge holes in my explanation but hoping it would be enough. I ran a hand through my hair as my curls fell on my face. I was now facing both boys, standing at least 4 inches taller than me. Sirius's face pulled into an expression I was beginning to recognize as his "I've had a brilliant thought" face.
"Shouldn't you know what your speaking in regardless of how many languages you speak?" Sirius asked, James nodded in agreement.
"Its different for me."
"How?"
"Because it ruddy well just is. Now. Bet on?"
"Okay" James' answered. Sirius gave him a piercing glare. "C'mon Sirius, as long as its the 'resident prankster' the person who played the latest prank has the title. All you have to do is play more pranks than Hani." He looked at me for conformation. I wasn't sure if he was checking on my name or the rules, but both were right so I nodded.
"Right then, anybody up for a stakeout?" The two grinned infectiously and turned to watch the door of Flourish and Blotts. I hadn't noticed what they were wearing before that, both were surprisingly in muggle clothing, like me. I really didn't pay attention to clothing, but Sirius was wearing regular dark blue jeans with a quidditch t-shirt, and James had on grey sweatpants and a plain blue sweater, which told me they were really late this morning. Feeling bad for keeping them from their responsibilities, I decided to tell them they were off the hook as soon as my prank was completed. I hadn't felt so carefree in months, I was not partial to ending the experience. I kept my eyes trained on the door, and soon enough a young blonde haired boy walked out. James and Sirius both made pleased noises that let me know they didn't really like this boy. I didn't know him so I wasn't going to be too mean on him, he was also quite attractive, except for the snarl that was plastered on his pale face. He walked with a gait of superiority that was maddingly familiar and it wasn't until he faced us that I recognized the kid.
"Malfoy." I snarled, more than happy to play a prank on the kid who was a death eater thru and thru. James and Sirius looked at me funny.
"How did you-" I cut him off by getting out my wand and pushing the two boys into the alley beside us. It was my prank and I wouldn't have them get in trouble for it.
"Oi. Malfoy!" I yelled, getting Malfoys attention.
"What are you doing?" Sirius whispered,
"I'm not gong to hex somebody, even a Malfoy, when they're not looking. Thats not a prank, thats bullying. Now shut up he's coming." Malfoy walked towards me, an unmistakeable look on his face. When he was a few feet away, he made me rethink my too-easy prank. How did he secure his fate? The leach barely spoke:
"My, my, my" His disgustingly proper speech was just like that of his fathers. "You my dear are entirely too beautiful to have" He spat "dilluted blood." I shook with anger, but decided it best let him continue. "What is your name and how come I've never seen you before?"
With a flick of my wand I performed my prank without him even aware of it. He was too distracted by my pouting mouth, he was just disgusting!
"Malfoy, m'dear" I began, earning chuckles from Sirius and James for my perfect imitation of his voice. "You have my personal style imitated to a t, I do believe your lying about never meeting me before." I looked over my handiwork and smiled. All that practice in transfiguration had truly paid off, Malfoy's sleek blonde hair was now brown and curly, his wizarding robes were replaced by my turqoise sweater and my dark blue jeans. Of course, his were accompanyed by matching heels rather than my comfotable sneakers. Sirius and James had been leaning over the corner wall of the alley trying to peek at what I had done, and ended up laughing so hard the fell out of the alley and onto the sidewalk, howling with laughter.
Malfoy looked mortified at his outfit and his most authoritative voice said:
"You'll regret this."
"Its hard to take a bloke with heels serious mate." James said between laughs.
"If they matched your top maybe. . ." Sirius added. It was my turn to laugh. I ran a hand through my hair at the same time as James.
"Cor, my hair looks bloody brilliant from the back doesn't it?" I admired my clone storming away from us. This sent James and Sirius into another round of laughter. I smiled at them, "Meet me inside when you can, you know, breathe." They were laughing too hard to answer so I settled with a nod and walked into the book store. I had found all the books on my list when the two finally came inside, the tears still staining their cheeks.
"You are indisputbly-"
"Undeniably-"
"Irrevocably-"
"The resident pranker."
"Not to mention the best female pranker-"
"ever to grace our presence."
"Right, you lot are full of it. You are aware of that fact right?" I asked, my face forming a smile without my permission.
"Yes, but its part of our charm. Now we have to buy some books. Train leaves in two hours." James looked down at his watch, I peeked over and saw that I had another hour and half left to gather my necessities. I sighed, remembering that these boys probably wanted to go hang out by themselves for a bit. Ireally wasn't one to crowd anybody's space.
"You two go on. I'll see you back at Hogwarts." I turned up smiling at them, instead of smiling back and shuffling out they just stood there.
"You think we would leave you now?" Sirius asks, shocked at the suggestion, both had expressions of mock hurt.
"Oh please, Dumbledore stuck me with you two, you didn't really volunteer."
"Cuz we were blank out of our minds not to realize how truly buggers you are."
"Buggers?" I questioned.
"Yeah, nutters". James explained.
"Well.. Thanks, sort of." I looked down, confused. Trying to figure out why they were still staying. "Oh, I get it." I looked back up at the two gryffindors, "You lot don't have to worry about getting me back to Hogwarts. I have that portkey remember?"
"Has she gone daft?" James turned towards Sirius, and talked as though I wasn't there.
"I think so mate." Sirius turned towards James and ignored me also.
"Think we should educate her?"
"Guess so, I mean. She's really quite mental if she doesn't see it."
It was getting quite annoying so I charmed the books behind the two to noiselessly bump them on the backs of their heads.
"Oof" Was all the was heard, along with the tapping of my foot, until James expained to me why they were staying.
"Thats not why we refuse to leave."
"Why then? Its not like you've got any responsibility to stay." I interjected. "Or is this about the Head Boy thing. What was that about?"
"Oh, you see, daftness must be catching because Dumbledore appointed James Head Boy this year. Its top student of the school, almost like a teacher without pay or a classroom." Sirius helpfully explained.
"James mate, I've known you for about an hour and I would guess you weren't one to worry about responsibility."
"What? I can be responsible. Tell her Sirius." Silence. "Right then, thats just hurtful. I will be the best head boy Hogwarts' ever had. Lily is definately the best head girl."
I sensed a story. But one look from Sirius told me not to ask.
"So, what were we educating me about?" I changed the subject, Sirius looked glad and James' expression turned back to normal as he answered while wiping summat off his mouth. I think it was drool.
"We are here-"
"Because we like you" Sirius finished off. This completely bowled me. What? They liked me? You must expect that a girl who had had no human contact in over six months, no friends for close to a decade, was pretty shocked by the idea of being liked by two boys she had met hours ago. She looked up at them.
"You're not taking the piss..." She asked. James looked horrified.
"I'll let you know, as head boy-" She cut him off there,
"Thanks." All three ran their hands thru their hair and brushed off the awkward moment by engaging in some world class speed-shopping. They were all ready to go within the half hour. Giving them an hour before Hani had to leave.
"Bugger it, we have an hour." Hani said. "Damn my inability to shop like a girl." The boys looked at her confused. "Can you lot keep a secret?" She asked, her voice dropping scandolously. They nodded, not knowing what to expect. Hani, a girl, was about as unpredictable as the both of them, and that was refreshingly unexpected. "I have only been on four shopping trips in my life." The boys looked away scandalized, as Hani hung her head in shame. "Yes I know, I'm not worthy enough to be a girl,"
"Thats the Girl!" an angry voice called from the other side of the side walk.
"COR. DAMNIT. BUGGER IT ALL TO HELL." An impressive stream of profanities ensued from the pretty little mouth beside them as Hani spotted Malfoy and his father across the street. With her history with death eaters she knew she was only safe at Hogwarts. Hani, still cursing up a storm, turned on her heels and ran. Her hair getting even more windblown than it already was. She was quite athletic, James (always the quidditch captain) noticed, as she effortlessly gained speed and sped around the corner. Looking up, James and Sirius saw an angry Malfoy, his hair still a long curly brown mess, with his father. Malfoy Sr was a known Death Eater, and even Sirius and James had enough knowledge to run.
They were fit enough to keep on her heels but she had already got a head start and the distance refused to close. All three were laughing at the sight of a red Malfoy sr, and his newly brunette son. Throwing glances over their shoulders every so often, the finally stopped running when the reached a passageway that was titled, Jaluney Alley. All three stopped at the entrance of the small alley way and had very little trouble catching their breaths. When James and Sirius looked up, it was to see Hani making an amazing imitation of a red-faced Malfoy. This sent all three into a right rut until the calmed themselves once more.
"You are the girliest bloke I've ever met in my life." James revealed, as all three sprawled themselves on the grass.
"Should I be offended?" Hani asked nobody in particular.
"Nope. You should hear the compliments he gives Lily." Sirius answered
"Should I now? Who is this Lily?" I asked, intrigued. "Is she in our house?"
"Lily Evans is the apple of my mouth, the taker of my heart, -" James preceded into a poetic rut I systematically blocked out by teaching Sirius rock paper sicsors. By the time Sirius had gotten the hang of the game, and beat me twice and James had finally stopped talking with a sigh. I ended our game by covering his rock with my paper and turning over to James.
"Its apple of my eye." I informed him. Sirius snorted as James dreamily replied, shes that as well. I ignored their comments and asked "How well do you guys know this area?"
"Pretty well. We both grew up here." Sirius explained, as James was still slightly foaming at the mouth.
"Whats in Jaluney Alley?" I asked, curious as to what was past the alley entrance behind us.
"Its quidditch land. But nobody can ever find it because it changed its position every day." James was now back to his senses at the mention of anything quidditch.
"Welll, what if I said I found it?" I asked, watching their puppy dog faces turn desperate.
"Don't joke-"
"With something so sacred"
"I'm not kidding." I stood up and looked down at them.
"Please don't break my heart." James asked.
"You really don't believe me?" I feigned hurt.
"Nope." They choresed.
"So what pray tell, is that?" I pointed in the direction of the empty sidewalk to their left, and evilly enjoyed their excited faces fall at the site of the empty path. They looked up at me, their expressions scared me a bit. But just a wee bit, I had some more fun.
"Sorry, I didn't know it was that important to you guys." I heard growling. "I shouldn't have joked."
"Sodding Right."
"Get up" I ordered, holding out a hand for each.
"What?" James questioned. While Sirius just turned the other way and pouted.
"I'm going to make it up to you." I said and waited for a while for the boys to grab my hands so I could pull em up. After a bit of being ignored, however, I just started walking away.
"Oi." Sirius said.
"Where do you think your going?" James asked, demanded more like. Still sore at being tricked, I see.
"To quidditch land." I replyed and walked over their heads and into the alleyway behind them. I had one foot into the doorway when I hear shouts of.
"GOOD GODRIC SHES FOUND IT!"
and
"I LOVE HANI!" before feeling two hands grab each of my arms and push me through at a fair faster speed than what I was previously going.