It's been 19 years since Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort. Hogwarts is once again a grand school. Harry's own children are boarding the train that patiently waits on Platform 9 ¾, along with hundreds of other young witches and wizards. Among them is one Mystique Terrall, a pureblood witch that was raised in the muggle world. This is her first time traveling to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - and it most certainly will not be her last.
CHAPTER ONE: The Journey
Mystique stood rigid, staring at the train with a mix of admiration and fear she held her owl's cage close to her body, as if protecting it. Her wand lay in its case within her bag, amongst her textbooks and scrolls, as well as other supplies. Her journal also sat rigid within the folds - Mystique was bringing it in order to write down some of her favorite spells. Just in case.
The young witch turned her head to look at her stepfather. Wizard and werewolf, she loved him dearly. He offered to see Mystique off, rather than her own mother. Secretly, Mystique preferred it this way. "What house were you placed in, Pa?"
John Terrall smiled tenderly and knelt. "Hufflepuff," he answered. "Your mother was, too." He took one of his daughter's hands and murmured, "No matter which house you're placed in, remember that I am proud of you. Always."
"And Mother?"
His smile faltered. "Your mother will not care either," he mumbled.
The train's whistle caused Mystique to jump. Mr. Terrall grinned and embraced her. You'll be brilliant," he told her. "I know you will be." And as he pulled away, his last words to Mystique were these:
"Some day, you'll be a great witch."
Mystique slowly walked through the train's aisle, her owl's cage wrapped tightly in her arms. People ran into her from both directions; she didn't say anything. She searched for an empty car, but all the ones she passed had other people in them. Mystique wasn't quite ready to meet new people just yet.
Finally Mystique found an empty car. She slid the door open and stepped into it. She was perfectly aware that others were sure to join her, but at least she wouldn't have to deal with the awkwardness of walking in on someone else. She set the cage close to the window and sat across from her. "So we're off, then," she told her owl, Angelle. "Off to Hogwarts."
The door slid open suddenly and a voice shouted "TO HOGWARTS!"
Mystique stared wide-eyed at the newcomer. She was certainly taller than Mystique, and her golden, wavy hair was long enough - even in a tight braid - to nearly brush the floor. Her eyes - a seaweed green - sparkled as her cheeks turned pink. "Hi - sorry. Mind if I join you?"
Mystique was still in shock; all she could do was shrug.
The girl sat on the far end of the bench across from Mystique. She slid her hands under her legs. "Are your parents magical?" She asked. Mystique nodded. The newcomer smiled shyly. "My dad's not a wizard - but my mum was a very powerful sorceress. Her whole family was powerful. I guess that makes me a half-blood, huh?"
She raised her hand. "My name's Andy."
Mystique shook her hand nervously. "Mystique."
Andy bounced on her seat. "I'm excited. I'm the first in my family to go to an actual school for witchcraft. Everyone else was taught by their parents. But then the letter came...Daddy was so proud."
Mystique smiled, remembering when her letter came. Her step-father hugged her so tightly she feared he may crush her. They had all celebrated, even her mother.
"Mystique?"
The young witch looked up.
"If we get split up into different houses, promise we'll still be friends?"
Mystique blinked in surprise. Had she made a friend? So soon? And seemed nice enough….she smiled. "Yeah...of course."
Andy beamed.
Shouting from outside caught their attention. A group of boys had caused a small explosion. One particular wizard stood out. With bright, flaming orange hair that stuck up straight from his scalp, he looked like a Weasley. He turned his head and locked gazes with Mystique. His stare only broke when someone shoved him.
Mystique jumped up and pulled the door's curtain down.
"Do you know him?"
"No." Mystique stared at the curtain, as if through it and to the boy. "Why do you ask?"
"You two were staring at each other pretty fiercely."
Mystique looked down to the other girl. "I've never seen him before."
Andy shrugged. Mystique wandered back to the window. They passed trees, lakes, and towering mountains. Mystique occupied her mind with watching the passing scenery. At some point Andy had raised the curtain and bought some treats. She shoved some into Mystique's hands, who half-heartedly ate them.
Eventually, Andy shook Mystique out of her stupor, shouting "We've arrived! We're here! At Hogwarts!"
Hogwarts...Mystique thought.
~End of Chapter One~