Disclaimer: laughable, do you honestly think that I possess enough talent to be JK?
Before I begin I would love to give my beta, the best beta ever, a HUGE THANKYOU for all of the great work that she has done on this first chapter! I could not have done it without her so a big thanks to myf.13 for being my beta.
Chapter 1
'Josephine Mabel! Look this way this instant!' a voice screamed in my ear.
Yet again, I was caught in the midst of daydreaming, my mind wandering from my tutor's words. Or was it daydreaming? Sometimes my musing seemed so real, so literal; to an extent where I couldn't help but rub my eyes to check that the misty, green colour polluting the sky was there, or not.
I was approaching my sixth year of secondary education; however, I seemed to make no progress; that is where my tutor comes in.
At times, it seems my parents would trust my own life with her, above myself; it is not my fault, I just… see things different to 'normal' people. I say, that I merely open my eyes, and take a moment to actually look at the world I live in, but no, I am either mentally retarded, or more euphemistically, 'off with the fairies'.
I still believe there is more to the world than what is presented in front you; most are simply oblivious to everything. Unfortunately, Miss Umbridge falls into that category.
'Josephine, look here, right now and answer me!' she barked, slightly manically. I would soon come to realise that Miss Umbridge was not worthy of my parents' trust and that she, herself was an exile from the world that I was longing to explore and predominately discover. I, of course knew that it existed; if I had not come to that conclusion after years of searching than I really would be brain damaged.
'Sorry Miss, what did you say?' I asked, feigning innocence, anticipating a bashing. But Miss Umbridge, held too much vexation; she merely stormed out of the small, heated room and slammed the door dramatically. I was left slightly dumbstruck and very agitated. What was I to do now?
The answer came within the next week; I was sleeping peacefully, well I was actually attempting to read under the covers, with a torch for assistance and some supernatural eyesight; thanks to my carrots, when I heard a peculiar pecking noise, coming for my window.
As I slowly pulled the covers up over me, I saw, to my extreme surprise, a beautiful pristine white owl looking up and staring intelligently and inquisitively at me.
It was evidently trying to enter my room and I had more sense than to get on the bad side of a bird that possessed the tool to keep me up all night – a beak. I reluctantly let him (or was it her?) into my room and as I did a huge blast of crisp night air blew into my cosy room.
I saw that it held an envelope in its beak and as he dropped it onto my lap I figured that it was for me. My theories were confirmed when I saw the name Josephine Mabel written in elegant script on the rich and textured paper. I slowly opened the envelope, trembling at odd intervals, and then hesitantly unfurled to letter between.
The paper was thick and smooth; a pleasure to touch. I took a moment to savour the experience; a rare occurrence for me, and then I folded back the page and began to read.
Miss Mabel,
It
has come to my attention, that although a Muggle, have been alerted
to our existence; the existence of Wizards.
Whilst I realize,
that you have not been directly informed of this, you have been
suspicious, for some time, now.
I believe that you will be an
asset to my school, here, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry. And I, on behalf of the faculty, and student body, wish to
invite you to join us to complete your sixth and seventh years of
secondary education, with us.
This is abnormal to have a student,
with no magical education or background, to join so late,
nevertheless, we believe that you will not only benefit from our
school, but pick up on the lessons easily, and quickly.
I acknowledge, this is an ample amount of information to absorb in so little time, but I have to ask you to reply within two days; please just attach your reply to Pimbleton (the owl), and he will know where to go.
One last warning; we are facing dark times and accepting our offer means that you may be putting yourself in danger. Please do not undertake this decision lightly. We will send you more information if you accept.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore,
Headmaster
Typical of myself, my initial thoughts were as superficial as; 'what on earth is a Muggle?' and 'what sort of name is Pimbleton?!'
Soon, my thoughts, slowly progressed to more vital issues, and gained increasing complexity, as I digested and accepted new and surreal information, being forced upon me.
I began to dream, in fact a dream of a romantic kind, when I realised there was a message of danger, incorporated into the letter, and I felt slightly hesitant and insecure. Should I go this, mysterious school?
I had nothing to live for here; just my own mind. My parents did not trust or enjoy my being; I was merely an accessory to them. I had never had any friends, or even acquaintances, with no future.
I had spent my whole life waiting, imagining, this moment, and now the opportunity was lay in front of me, and I am hesitating?
There was not much to miss in this life; I was unwanted and treated like a bad smell, yet deep down I could not help but feel contrite- for wishing this upon myself, and also a touch of sorrow, for the decision, that would result in loss, either way.
A deep melancholy swept over me, and almost simultaneously, I succumbed to my sleepy thoughts. I slept a restless sleep, my mind tormenting with visions, of nightmarish qualities.
In the morning, inevitable, my mind walked on its on tangent, my concentration lacking, more atrocious then even before; I was busy contemplating my choice. This did not leave me, and I was torn and restless as I tried, multiple times to sleep, which turned into a futile mission.
The following evening, reality dawned upon me, as decision-making was now unavoidable. But, what to do?
It was tearing my heart, having to choose between to aspects of my life, which would affect my entire future. I mean, what would you choose? The people, whom, deep down, you loved, or all your aspirations and desires?
Finally, I realised that people would not miss me, as I was unwanted. My love for my family was rendered unrequited; I was a lost cause. Now, my choice was clear, thought hard, I would go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I was surprised at how easily I had come to the decision; I was expecting to be completely unable to and then be left in the dust by both parties.
Just as I came to my conclusion I saw a familiar owl swoop into my room and I quickly closed the window behind him, startled; I had certainly been worried about how to send my reply back, but not so much to the extent that relief took over surprise; no, I was surprised but alas, I gave the majestic bird my short and simple reply:
Thank you, I accept.
Josephine Mabel
It was slightly anticlimactic, I admit, but I am unable to fathom to a higher level of my already limited knowledge of these people… or wizards?
I was awestruck and unsure, this thought struck me as I had to be sure; I had already answered the question and chosen one option.
I awoke the next day to the same owl, as previously, and was surprised to see that the letter had been received to quickly and successfully.
I groggily glanced at my watch, and was aghast to see the familiar hands point to four and thirty, respectively. With hatred, my eyes stared at the poor, unsuspecting bird; I loathed being awoken at any hours before nine, let alone four thirty!
I saw the bird's eyes though and I could not start a raging tantrum; he was simply too innocent. I then tentatively reached out to the bird and grasped for the paper; I knew it held my future, so I hastily opened the letter, and started to devour the words.
Miss
Mabel, I sincerely appreciate your kind acceptance, and
honestly believe that your heart belongs at Hogwarts.
I do,
however, suggest you do some background reading, before you come, so
I have also enclosed you with a list of requisite books and ones that
are optional.
You will be beginning school on the 1st of September. Remember to come to platform 9 and ¾, for the school train, 'Hogwarts Express'. This will leave, promptly at 11am, so don't delay.
I have organized for you to meet with Hermione Granger, a fellow sixth year on the 19th of August to collect your books and all necessary items for your year. You will meet her at 10 am in London. See you soon.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
I could not comprehend the overwhelming amount of information, and questions that bombarded me. I cautiously turned over the page to see two complicated book lists; one which was labeled 'Suggested Reading' and another 'Sixth Year Booklist'.
I decided that I would not even bother with the second; it contained titles that were extremely foreign to me such as 'Taming the Hippogriff and Other Feats of Such Manner'by Elisa Bottsmith and 'Charming the Muggles: a Comprehensive Guide to Advanced Charms' by Neal Eyreo.
I skimmed through the first, the suggested reading and decided that, 'Hogwarts: A History' and Modern Magic: Mastering the Basics were more agreeable with my tattered state of mind.
I decided, with a flutter of excitement that I would, somehow, buy the required books and these when I meet with the Hermione girl, which was in two days time. This pace of adventure was quite astounding!
My parents must have noticed something was going on with me – I suppose that my demeanour was, uncharacteristically contented. I was counting down the days until I met Hermione when my mother said, with a clear cough 'Josephine, why on earth are you humming? I demand that you cease this ridiculous behaviour at once and finish eating your breakfast. We still have not discussed the Miss Umbridge outburst, young lady.'
'Yes mum' I said, a reply seared in my head, so overused and banal it was. I merely continued the humming – inside my head, of course and watched her make a stern nod in my direction.
I was excitedly anticipating my field trip of sorts with Hermione in a day. I was, being myself, envisioning romantic and naïve visions of possible outcomes: we would be instant best friends, and then she would introduce me to one of her gorgeous male friends and we would instantly fall in love. We would then get married, have nine kids and be one big, happy family.
How pathetic I am, really.
It was a stressful day, my mother decided to take over my tutoring as we could not find a replacement so my day was filled with constant harassment and verbal abuse. I went to bed that night, exhausted but almost quivering in excitement for the day that lay ahead.
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