The Crucible of a Magi
Hermione discovers the diary of Rowena Ravenclaw, which leads her to find the oldest game ever played at Hogwarts, and the most dangerous. Loosely based off Jumanji. H/Hr pairing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.. though I wish I did. Please don't sue me. You already get enough money from me anyhow.. I even have the HP toothbrush.. and I'm 17.. *sigh*
Rating: R, but that might change later, though I doubt it. I'm not quite sure how bad or dark or whatever this fic is going to be, but we'll just say R to be safe.
Spoilers: All 4 books.
Chapter 1: Mystery of the Missing Magi
It was almost one thousand years ago that our founders created a center of learning to teach young wizards and witches the basics and fundamentals of magic. It was a dark age, with all that witch burning nonsense, and they felt that the next generation should receive a better education then what their parents could provide. So it came to be that Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salzar Slytherin's vision of a higher place of learning, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was created. Although Salzar left the school due to his views on muggles that the others did not share, he is still celebrated along with the other three because of the large role he played in our school's history.
The thin wavering form of Professor Binns hovered before the group of sixth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. His spirit lethargically floating from one side of the chalkboard to the other as he scribbled down various points of discussion on the board with a squeaky piece of chalk. Usually Professor Binns' class was viewed as a chance to catch up on lost sleep, but the topic of the Hogwarts school founders was something everyone was curious about, even if just a little bit. And so, not quite unlike the discussion of the Chamber of Secrets, all the students were strangely attentive.
Despite the strong urge to doze, Harry Potter was attentive because he was being hunted by the Heir of Slytherin himself. Ron Weasley kept his eyes open because he was nosey. And Hermione Granger scrawled detailed notes because she refused to be a mere student when the votes for future head girl were fast approaching.
"Now as you all well know, at the end of the week we will be having a feast along with a dance at the end of the week, celebrating one thousand years of the proud learning tradition here at Hogwarts. I've decided, to further your school history, I want you all to write a two-foot essay on some aspect of Hogwarts history. You can write about one of the founders perhaps, or one the headmasters or headmistresses, or some of the great quidditch tournaments." At this all the boys eyes lit up. "Whatever it is makes no difference to me. If you feel that your topic may be questionable, speak with me for approval."
As soon as he finished with his speech, the class broke out into an excited murmur of babbling and rattling on about the papers. Hermione's quill flashed furiously across the bit of parchment before her, leaving a trail of crimson ink behind it as she jotted down various ideas.
A paper on the headmistresses of Hogwarts could be very interesting.. or perhaps one of the founders. I doubt there's much information on any of them.. I'd like a challenge. She mumbled softly to herself, a storm of ideas racing through her mind.
'Well I'm writing my paper on all the Gryffindor quidditch players that went on to become pro-players. I know loads about that!" Ron said animatedly and began gesturing with his hands. "There was Edward Stewarts who played for the Chudley Cannons'| He was one of the best keepers they had and he was a Gryffindor at Hogwarts and then there-"
Hermione turned to Harry, but it didn't slow Ron down one bit. He just turned his chair around to Dean, who was more than willing to listen. And that was all well and good because Hermione really didn't have the patience to listen to Ron jabber on about quidditch at that moment.
Harry seemed a bit lost in thought as he raked his brain for ideas and seemed quite caught up in something. His bottle green eyes looked distant as he tapped his quill on the table absentmindedly.
"Have you decided on anything yet, Harry?" Hermione asked, watching him scrunch up his face in thought. Unexpectedly, his face lit up with excitement.
"Oh I've got great idea! I think I'll write about Professor Dumbledore and his battle with Grindelwald. I bet that was certainly interesting and I can get all the information I need straight from Dumbledore."
A small smile graced Hermione's face and she nodded enthusiastically. It was always pleasant to see Harry so happy when he seldom had reason to be. It made her admire him all over again and she felt just like a first year once more, down in the recesses of Hogwarts, telling Harry what a wonderful wizard he was.
"That's a great idea Harry. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would love to help you. I've always wondered a bit about that battle myself. I was thinking about researching Godric Gryffindor, but everyone will be doing that. I suppose even a few Ravenclaws will as well. What do you think about Rowena Ravenclaw though? I've never heard much about her."
Harry looked a bit surprised, but shrugged, conceding. "Yeah, I guess it makes sense. I don't think that the Ravenclaws will be pleased though. You might make them look bad.. and with their own founder no less." At this Harry couldn't help but grin. The Ravenclaws could be a fairly snobbish bunch when given a reason.
And so, one of the seemingly shortest history of magic classes ended. The students gathered up their books and quills and bric-a-brac before streaming out into the hallway and off to their next class for the day.
****
The rest of the day Hermione was incredibly fidgety, just waiting for the chance to head off to the library for some serious snooping. In Transfiguration she accidentally turned the table into an alligator when she missed the sock that she was transforming into a lizard. Professor McGonagall was so surprised by the alligator that it had almost gotten a hold of her tall pointy black hat before she had managed to turn it back into a table. And in care of magical creatures she strayed a bit too close to the cage of Nifflers they had been studying and one of them had gotten a hold of the glistening clasp on her robes. It took almost a half an hour before Hagrid could finally get it to release her and only through the persuasion of a silver sickle. It wasn't until well after dessert had appeared on the long Gryffindor table that she had gotten the opportunity to sneak off to her haven.
Hermione had come to the inevitable conclusion that if she had to watch Ron shovel one more pumpkin pastie into his mouth, spraying crumbs as he prattled on about quidditch this and quidditch that, she might make use of a fairly strong hex that should make him not able to eat at all. Merlin, Gryffindor men were appalling. Not that she hadn't learned this lesson a long time ago.
Just then a commotion at the other end of the table stirred her from Ron's mauling of the innocent pumpkin pastie. It seemed that Seamus, trying to demonstrate the wronski feint, had knocked Colin's camera into the pitcher of sparkling pineapple juice. But that wasn't the end of it. Dean had burst out laughing, causing his pumpkin juice to shoot out his nose and drench Lavander's new white robe she had 'specially' ordered from Madam Malkins. Lavander was never one to let a moment for theatrics go to waste and immediately began wailing and sobbing. Hermione wasn't totally without compassion. If she had been sprayed with pumpkin juice from Dean's nostrils, she might cry as well. It was obvious, from the way Dean was laughing even more, that hanging about might result in becoming a victim like Lavander. With that horrid thought motivating her, she slipped off to the library, making her usual excuses.
"I have loads of homework to do, You can never spend enough time in the library, To my knowledge, no one has invented a spell that does your homework for you.."
And off she went, knowing that they wouldn't dare intrude on her sanctuary. It seemed as if the musty old book smell of the library kept them at bay, but to Hermione, it was heaven. So much knowledge packed into one spot, all hers for the taking. Didn't the students realize what they were missing? She felt as if she were stealing their sugar quills while they were still struggling to open the packs of chocolate frogs just so they could have the cards. In this case, the stealing didn't bother her one bit.
The great mahogany door opened with out so much as a squeak and she nodded in greeting to the prim Madam Pince as she passed. Upon receiving the standard cool nod in reply from the hawk-like librarian, she made her way to her favorite table, hidden off in lonely corner behind a wall of stacked books.
Thus the great search began.. and about two hours later, Hermione slammed shut the worn book before her, creating a small puff of dust. She huffed with a disgusted tone. Quite frankly, she was appalled at the lack of information of the Ravenclaw founder. Shouldn't the great library of Hogwarts have something? It always seemed to have everything you could ever need to know. Perhaps there was more to this then there seemed to be.
"Madam Pince, are you entirely sure that you have nothing more on Rowena Ravenclaw?" She inquired, seriously doubting the library's lack of knowledge on the subject.
But it seemed that, short of looking in the restricted section, there was nothing more in the library. Madam Pince, peered over the rim of her slim glasses at the Granger girl and with a cold warning stare, informed her that she had no access to the restricted section and therefore there was no more that she could do for her.
As if Hermione was going to let that stop what little progress she had made. She thanked Madam Pince politely as she ought and left the library without another word. If she couldn't find what she needed in the library, she would find it elsewhere.
****
One would be surprised at the endless number of stairs you have to climb to reach the Astronomy Tower. No wonder she had quit divinations. If she hadn't been so disgusted by the sheer foolishness of Professor Trelawny and her mystic mishaps, then she would have quit after one more week of climbing those atrocious stairs each day. By the time Hermione had made it to the summit, she could barely grasp her bag of books much less stand up straight. But she wasn't about to let a measly staircase stop her from finding out exactly what had happened with Lady Rowena. And the person who would know something, if anything at all would be the head of Ravenclaw, Professor Sinistra.
Typically, the astronomy professor spent her nights, instructing the few 7th years that opted to take her class, and from time to time they even ventured outside if the weather permitted. Luckily, Hermione had not made the journey for naught. There sat Professor Sinistra with a group of students, leaning out the windows with omnioculars, squinting as they made out various star formations.
A discreet cough pulled Professor Sinistra's attention from the window and to the doorway where Hermione stood. She left the students; confident they would be fine by themselves for a moment and led Hermione outside the small room and onto the landing above the stairs.
Noting the determined look on Miss Granger's face, the Professor couldn't help but wonder. "Is everything all right dear?" Hermione nodded assuredly, and pulled out a small roll of parchment and her white-feather quill.
"Everything is fine.. well for the most part. I was wondering if you might help me. You see, I find the library quite inadequate in their stock of information on Lady Rowena and since you are the Head of Ravenclaw, I thought you might know something. I'm writing a paper for Professor Binns and if I write a paper using only the information I found in our library, I'd be ashamed to call it my own."
Hermione spoke as if she was confessing some deep dark secret, but quickly pulled up her shoulders and donned a professional air.
"And so, any information you might have would be exceptionally helpful." With her quill poised ready against the parchment, she looked up to Professor Sinistra expectantly.
"I'm sorry dear, I probably don't know much more than you do. Let me see, Lady Rowena was from one of the old wizarding families of that time. She was a very clever witch and most of the magical devices and ideas around Hogwarts were from her own design, such as the Great Hall's ceiling. I believe she was an expert in arithmancy and astrology."
She scribbled down a few notes and then waited patiently for Professor Sinistra to continue on the subject, but she never did.
"That's really all I know." She sighed, a blush creeping across her pale face. "I'm sorry I can't help you further."
Hermione took a deep breath, trying not to show her disappointment, but the Professor saw it nevertheless.
"Miss Granger, I suggest that you should go and speak with Professor Dumbledore." At Hermione's surprised expression she continued on, "He may have been a Gryffindor, but he knows more about his school than all of us professors combined. Besides, he's probably expecting you at this very moment. Always was odd like that." She couldn't help but grin slightly.
Hermione was utterly baffled as Professor Sinistra proceeded to usher her out the door, stopping just short of forcefully shoving her down the steps.
"Hurry along now Miss Granger, mustn't keep the Headmaster waiting."
****
Author's Notes: YAY! Done with the first chapter!! The first one is always the hardest because it's boring and just sets up the story, but I promise the second one will be better. It really starts getting interesting after this.. plus| there eventually should be some H/Hr in there as well. There just isn't all that many good H/Hr fics out there, I mean, not like D/Hr or even S/Hr. Almost all those fics are just amazing.. lol I know all you H/Hr shippers just are cringing right now. But seriously, there's so few good H/Hr fics that it's really rare for me to even check. I get depressed because it's my fav pairing, but I'm such a picky reader that I can't just read any fic. Not to say that there aren't any good ones out there, just that it's really rare. Please support the writing of good H/Hr fics! Oh and don't forget to please R/R. And please don't flame. I respect constructive criticism, but if you really don't like my fic then don't bother reading it. That's all for now.
Oh! Thanks to my wonderful beta reader, Scully_HP. Read her fic, it's awesome.
Lady PC
Hermione discovers the diary of Rowena Ravenclaw, which leads her to find the oldest game ever played at Hogwarts, and the most dangerous. Loosely based off Jumanji. H/Hr pairing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.. though I wish I did. Please don't sue me. You already get enough money from me anyhow.. I even have the HP toothbrush.. and I'm 17.. *sigh*
Rating: R, but that might change later, though I doubt it. I'm not quite sure how bad or dark or whatever this fic is going to be, but we'll just say R to be safe.
Spoilers: All 4 books.
Chapter 1: Mystery of the Missing Magi
It was almost one thousand years ago that our founders created a center of learning to teach young wizards and witches the basics and fundamentals of magic. It was a dark age, with all that witch burning nonsense, and they felt that the next generation should receive a better education then what their parents could provide. So it came to be that Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salzar Slytherin's vision of a higher place of learning, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was created. Although Salzar left the school due to his views on muggles that the others did not share, he is still celebrated along with the other three because of the large role he played in our school's history.
The thin wavering form of Professor Binns hovered before the group of sixth year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. His spirit lethargically floating from one side of the chalkboard to the other as he scribbled down various points of discussion on the board with a squeaky piece of chalk. Usually Professor Binns' class was viewed as a chance to catch up on lost sleep, but the topic of the Hogwarts school founders was something everyone was curious about, even if just a little bit. And so, not quite unlike the discussion of the Chamber of Secrets, all the students were strangely attentive.
Despite the strong urge to doze, Harry Potter was attentive because he was being hunted by the Heir of Slytherin himself. Ron Weasley kept his eyes open because he was nosey. And Hermione Granger scrawled detailed notes because she refused to be a mere student when the votes for future head girl were fast approaching.
"Now as you all well know, at the end of the week we will be having a feast along with a dance at the end of the week, celebrating one thousand years of the proud learning tradition here at Hogwarts. I've decided, to further your school history, I want you all to write a two-foot essay on some aspect of Hogwarts history. You can write about one of the founders perhaps, or one the headmasters or headmistresses, or some of the great quidditch tournaments." At this all the boys eyes lit up. "Whatever it is makes no difference to me. If you feel that your topic may be questionable, speak with me for approval."
As soon as he finished with his speech, the class broke out into an excited murmur of babbling and rattling on about the papers. Hermione's quill flashed furiously across the bit of parchment before her, leaving a trail of crimson ink behind it as she jotted down various ideas.
A paper on the headmistresses of Hogwarts could be very interesting.. or perhaps one of the founders. I doubt there's much information on any of them.. I'd like a challenge. She mumbled softly to herself, a storm of ideas racing through her mind.
'Well I'm writing my paper on all the Gryffindor quidditch players that went on to become pro-players. I know loads about that!" Ron said animatedly and began gesturing with his hands. "There was Edward Stewarts who played for the Chudley Cannons'| He was one of the best keepers they had and he was a Gryffindor at Hogwarts and then there-"
Hermione turned to Harry, but it didn't slow Ron down one bit. He just turned his chair around to Dean, who was more than willing to listen. And that was all well and good because Hermione really didn't have the patience to listen to Ron jabber on about quidditch at that moment.
Harry seemed a bit lost in thought as he raked his brain for ideas and seemed quite caught up in something. His bottle green eyes looked distant as he tapped his quill on the table absentmindedly.
"Have you decided on anything yet, Harry?" Hermione asked, watching him scrunch up his face in thought. Unexpectedly, his face lit up with excitement.
"Oh I've got great idea! I think I'll write about Professor Dumbledore and his battle with Grindelwald. I bet that was certainly interesting and I can get all the information I need straight from Dumbledore."
A small smile graced Hermione's face and she nodded enthusiastically. It was always pleasant to see Harry so happy when he seldom had reason to be. It made her admire him all over again and she felt just like a first year once more, down in the recesses of Hogwarts, telling Harry what a wonderful wizard he was.
"That's a great idea Harry. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore would love to help you. I've always wondered a bit about that battle myself. I was thinking about researching Godric Gryffindor, but everyone will be doing that. I suppose even a few Ravenclaws will as well. What do you think about Rowena Ravenclaw though? I've never heard much about her."
Harry looked a bit surprised, but shrugged, conceding. "Yeah, I guess it makes sense. I don't think that the Ravenclaws will be pleased though. You might make them look bad.. and with their own founder no less." At this Harry couldn't help but grin. The Ravenclaws could be a fairly snobbish bunch when given a reason.
And so, one of the seemingly shortest history of magic classes ended. The students gathered up their books and quills and bric-a-brac before streaming out into the hallway and off to their next class for the day.
****
The rest of the day Hermione was incredibly fidgety, just waiting for the chance to head off to the library for some serious snooping. In Transfiguration she accidentally turned the table into an alligator when she missed the sock that she was transforming into a lizard. Professor McGonagall was so surprised by the alligator that it had almost gotten a hold of her tall pointy black hat before she had managed to turn it back into a table. And in care of magical creatures she strayed a bit too close to the cage of Nifflers they had been studying and one of them had gotten a hold of the glistening clasp on her robes. It took almost a half an hour before Hagrid could finally get it to release her and only through the persuasion of a silver sickle. It wasn't until well after dessert had appeared on the long Gryffindor table that she had gotten the opportunity to sneak off to her haven.
Hermione had come to the inevitable conclusion that if she had to watch Ron shovel one more pumpkin pastie into his mouth, spraying crumbs as he prattled on about quidditch this and quidditch that, she might make use of a fairly strong hex that should make him not able to eat at all. Merlin, Gryffindor men were appalling. Not that she hadn't learned this lesson a long time ago.
Just then a commotion at the other end of the table stirred her from Ron's mauling of the innocent pumpkin pastie. It seemed that Seamus, trying to demonstrate the wronski feint, had knocked Colin's camera into the pitcher of sparkling pineapple juice. But that wasn't the end of it. Dean had burst out laughing, causing his pumpkin juice to shoot out his nose and drench Lavander's new white robe she had 'specially' ordered from Madam Malkins. Lavander was never one to let a moment for theatrics go to waste and immediately began wailing and sobbing. Hermione wasn't totally without compassion. If she had been sprayed with pumpkin juice from Dean's nostrils, she might cry as well. It was obvious, from the way Dean was laughing even more, that hanging about might result in becoming a victim like Lavander. With that horrid thought motivating her, she slipped off to the library, making her usual excuses.
"I have loads of homework to do, You can never spend enough time in the library, To my knowledge, no one has invented a spell that does your homework for you.."
And off she went, knowing that they wouldn't dare intrude on her sanctuary. It seemed as if the musty old book smell of the library kept them at bay, but to Hermione, it was heaven. So much knowledge packed into one spot, all hers for the taking. Didn't the students realize what they were missing? She felt as if she were stealing their sugar quills while they were still struggling to open the packs of chocolate frogs just so they could have the cards. In this case, the stealing didn't bother her one bit.
The great mahogany door opened with out so much as a squeak and she nodded in greeting to the prim Madam Pince as she passed. Upon receiving the standard cool nod in reply from the hawk-like librarian, she made her way to her favorite table, hidden off in lonely corner behind a wall of stacked books.
Thus the great search began.. and about two hours later, Hermione slammed shut the worn book before her, creating a small puff of dust. She huffed with a disgusted tone. Quite frankly, she was appalled at the lack of information of the Ravenclaw founder. Shouldn't the great library of Hogwarts have something? It always seemed to have everything you could ever need to know. Perhaps there was more to this then there seemed to be.
"Madam Pince, are you entirely sure that you have nothing more on Rowena Ravenclaw?" She inquired, seriously doubting the library's lack of knowledge on the subject.
But it seemed that, short of looking in the restricted section, there was nothing more in the library. Madam Pince, peered over the rim of her slim glasses at the Granger girl and with a cold warning stare, informed her that she had no access to the restricted section and therefore there was no more that she could do for her.
As if Hermione was going to let that stop what little progress she had made. She thanked Madam Pince politely as she ought and left the library without another word. If she couldn't find what she needed in the library, she would find it elsewhere.
****
One would be surprised at the endless number of stairs you have to climb to reach the Astronomy Tower. No wonder she had quit divinations. If she hadn't been so disgusted by the sheer foolishness of Professor Trelawny and her mystic mishaps, then she would have quit after one more week of climbing those atrocious stairs each day. By the time Hermione had made it to the summit, she could barely grasp her bag of books much less stand up straight. But she wasn't about to let a measly staircase stop her from finding out exactly what had happened with Lady Rowena. And the person who would know something, if anything at all would be the head of Ravenclaw, Professor Sinistra.
Typically, the astronomy professor spent her nights, instructing the few 7th years that opted to take her class, and from time to time they even ventured outside if the weather permitted. Luckily, Hermione had not made the journey for naught. There sat Professor Sinistra with a group of students, leaning out the windows with omnioculars, squinting as they made out various star formations.
A discreet cough pulled Professor Sinistra's attention from the window and to the doorway where Hermione stood. She left the students; confident they would be fine by themselves for a moment and led Hermione outside the small room and onto the landing above the stairs.
Noting the determined look on Miss Granger's face, the Professor couldn't help but wonder. "Is everything all right dear?" Hermione nodded assuredly, and pulled out a small roll of parchment and her white-feather quill.
"Everything is fine.. well for the most part. I was wondering if you might help me. You see, I find the library quite inadequate in their stock of information on Lady Rowena and since you are the Head of Ravenclaw, I thought you might know something. I'm writing a paper for Professor Binns and if I write a paper using only the information I found in our library, I'd be ashamed to call it my own."
Hermione spoke as if she was confessing some deep dark secret, but quickly pulled up her shoulders and donned a professional air.
"And so, any information you might have would be exceptionally helpful." With her quill poised ready against the parchment, she looked up to Professor Sinistra expectantly.
"I'm sorry dear, I probably don't know much more than you do. Let me see, Lady Rowena was from one of the old wizarding families of that time. She was a very clever witch and most of the magical devices and ideas around Hogwarts were from her own design, such as the Great Hall's ceiling. I believe she was an expert in arithmancy and astrology."
She scribbled down a few notes and then waited patiently for Professor Sinistra to continue on the subject, but she never did.
"That's really all I know." She sighed, a blush creeping across her pale face. "I'm sorry I can't help you further."
Hermione took a deep breath, trying not to show her disappointment, but the Professor saw it nevertheless.
"Miss Granger, I suggest that you should go and speak with Professor Dumbledore." At Hermione's surprised expression she continued on, "He may have been a Gryffindor, but he knows more about his school than all of us professors combined. Besides, he's probably expecting you at this very moment. Always was odd like that." She couldn't help but grin slightly.
Hermione was utterly baffled as Professor Sinistra proceeded to usher her out the door, stopping just short of forcefully shoving her down the steps.
"Hurry along now Miss Granger, mustn't keep the Headmaster waiting."
****
Author's Notes: YAY! Done with the first chapter!! The first one is always the hardest because it's boring and just sets up the story, but I promise the second one will be better. It really starts getting interesting after this.. plus| there eventually should be some H/Hr in there as well. There just isn't all that many good H/Hr fics out there, I mean, not like D/Hr or even S/Hr. Almost all those fics are just amazing.. lol I know all you H/Hr shippers just are cringing right now. But seriously, there's so few good H/Hr fics that it's really rare for me to even check. I get depressed because it's my fav pairing, but I'm such a picky reader that I can't just read any fic. Not to say that there aren't any good ones out there, just that it's really rare. Please support the writing of good H/Hr fics! Oh and don't forget to please R/R. And please don't flame. I respect constructive criticism, but if you really don't like my fic then don't bother reading it. That's all for now.
Oh! Thanks to my wonderful beta reader, Scully_HP. Read her fic, it's awesome.
Lady PC