Now you know a little bit about Icera Hunter. Don't make the mistake of thinking you know her.
September 1, 1971
I was right. Today has been full of interesting things to write about. I've stolen a moment on the train to write this.
Sister Abigail took me to the station where I was met by a very formidable looking man in a long moleskin coat. He was ginormous. Seriously. His hands were as big as trash can lids and he stood at least seven feet tall.
"You must be Icera. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, keeper of keys and groun's at Hogwarts. Come along then. I can take her from here Missus." "Very well. Icera, study hard. Don't throw this opportunity away." "Yes Sister Abigail."
The Headmaster told Sister Abigail that I had been awarded a scholarship that would pay for all of my school supplies. Three days later it had been shipped to the orphanage. A large trunk was full of black robes in my size, a pointed hat, a caldron - yes, a caldron - and heaps and heaps of books.
Hagrid led me away from Sister Abigail with my trunk in tow and he smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen.
"Now, I know Professor Dumbledore had all yer supplies sent to ye after his visit, but there's still one thing we need to pick up. That's why I wanted you to meet me so early. So you just come with me and we'll get it taken care of."
He led us out of the train station and across to a very dark alley. I was instantly wary.
"Where are we going?" "Just some place out of the way to conduct ourselves. Tha's the number one rule of bein' a witch or wizard: we do everything in secret. Don't want the muggles to find out we're still around, do we?" "Muggles?" "Non-magic folk. Here we go, this should do. Grab on."
He held out a very moldy looking book. He wanted me to touch that?
"Um, no thanks." "Grab hold real quick like." He grabbed my hand and touched a finger to the book. Before I knew what was happening we were sucked through the air. I couldn't get my breath back and then we were slammed to the ground. I only kept my feet because Hagrid still had ahold of my arm.
"What was that?" "A portkey. Handy things for those of us who need to travel without using any magic of our own, like underage kiddos like you." "You're not underage though, are you?" "No but I have strict instructions."
He turned a pale shade of pink as he spoke and I looked away politely until he'd regained his composure.
We stood on a street like any other London street, in front of a pub that seemed like any other you might pass. But no one was going in. They didn't even seem to notice it was there. The sign read "The Leaky Caldron" and that's where Hagrid went.
We passed through the door into a bar and a balding man behind the counter looked up and greeted us, "Hagrid, in for a pint?" "I'm on Hogwarts business today Tom." "See you hurry or you'll miss the train." "Right-o"
Hagrid led us through the pub and out a backdoor into an alley closed off on three sides.
He smiled down at me, "Watch this" and pulled out a giant pink umbrella and tapped three bricks in the wall.
The wall started folding in on itself until it formed an archway into a street packed with people all wearing gloriously colored robes. The shops were just as interesting as the people. There was a Magical Menagerie with owls and rats and chimeras displayed in the window and an apothecary boasting powdered unicorn horn and dragon heartstring.
Hagrid led me through the crowd which parted easily at his bulk. He stopped at a shop called Olivanders.
"What are we doing here?" "Ye still have to get yer wand. Olivanders is the best wand maker, in this part of the world at any rate. Go on in."
I hesitated another second before he pushed open the door and I ducked inside.
The shop was dark and there wasn't much room between the door and the counter because behind the counter were ceiling-high mountains of slim little boxes.
The bell tinkled at our entrance and a wizened old man appeared between two of the shelves. He narrowed his eyes on me and came back with a firm smile.
"I thought I'd had the last of my Hogwarts sales for the year. Hagrid, what took you so long with this one?" "Scheduling conflicts. We need to get her settled before the train departs." "Of course, of course. Tell me a little about yourself young lady."
I choked back the discomfort and opened my mouth to speak. Nothing came out. The sunny day behind me turned dark and stormy as I was put on the spot.
Mr. Olivander looked over my shoulder and out the window. His mouth turned down just slightly at the corners.
"I think I have just the thing."
He disappeared among the stacks of merchandise and reappeared several long minutes later with a very little box in his hands. He set it on the counter in front of me and opened it. He offered me a slim stick of wood with a beautifully carved handle. It was made to look like storm clouds and lightning. It was amazing.
I wrapped my fingers gingerly around the hilt and the sun immediately started shining. Light engulfed me and I could feel a warm vibration from the wand.
Mr. Olivander smiled brightly down at me.
"The wand chooses the wizard. I thought I was mad when I made it all those years ago. Seven inches, silver birch. It will serve you well I think." "What is the core?" I asked, mesmerized by the feel of it in my hand. I had read a little of my school books, just to make myself believe it was all real. I knew every wand had a magical core.
"The core is very peculiar. I have never found anything like it before or since. I made this wand as a favor to the creature who supplied the core. It is an experience I will never forget. I thought that wand would sit in a dusty corner far longer than I would be able to stand here and match wand with wizard."
I was impatient. "But what was the creature?"
He hesitated before speaking again, "They are called Valkyrie. Some cultures say they are immortal princesses who ferry the spirits of fallen warriors to the afterlife. In reality, they are pegasi - winged horses - who have the ability to control the weather and can make the choice, once in their life, to become human." "Why would such a beautiful creature choose to be human?"
"They have lives just as complex as ours. Sometimes they need a change. Haven't you ever felt like something needed changing?" "Yes, but I wouldn't change who I am because of it."
His eyes twinkled knowingly at her.
"The creature that supplied the core of this wand decided to become human for the man she loved. The feather and hair that makes up the core are hers, the last remnants of her former life."
"Why would she want them made into a wand?" "She said that some day someone would need to find themselves and this wand would be the mirror they need."
His story was haunting. I didn't understand what could make someone hate themselves enough to demand such a change of being. But I hope one day I can find someone that I would be willing to sacrifice everything for.
I can't stop thinking about that story. I can't help wondering if the Valkyrie misses her wings.
There's something about her. I feel like I should know her. When he was telling the story I felt some pull, like a yank on my spine pulling me closer, pulling me in.
Someone's just come into my compartment. I'll write again tonight after whatever happens on the first night at a school of magic.
