Disclaimer: I own nothing, nor do I receive money from any of this (unfortunately)
Chapter 2
November 15, 2000
"You'll be leaving for London in three hours. Be sure to have your things packed." Marcus sneered. Artemisia was to be sent away to live with her aunt, Belladonna, whose personality was just as poisonous as her name implied.
"Yes, Father." Artemisia replied. Her head was bent down submissively, but her tone betrayed her irritation. If her mother's death had taught her anything, it was that in order to survive amongst her family, she could not show any form of weakness, because weaknesses could be and were exploited.
She walked to her room and confronted her mixed emotions as she laid eyes on the familiar emerald walls of her room. On one hand, she was glad to be leaving her hateful father and the abuse that had become more frequent since her mother's death. However, she doubted that her aunt would be any sort of an improvement.
I suppose that more than anything, if I were to miss this place, I would miss the familiarity of it. She thought as she moved to her trunk to finish packing. She had a hard time deciding what to pack, and she knew that she could not pack everything. Her days of having to attend formal dinners were gone, so she decided to forego the vast majority of her dress robes. She focused on the simple, casual, black tailored robes that had become increasingly appealing to her since Adelia's death. She had begun with her mourning robes at the funeral, and had decided to continue with the same color palette after that, feeling that one day, or even one week was not enough time to complete her mourning. Adelia deserved so much more than that.
She sighed, and moved to the small locked box of trinkets she kept hidden under her bed. She wanted to take it, but didn't know if it as a wise idea. Her cousins often made sport of torturing her, and this would just be more ammunition for them to use. On the other hand, however, she could not bear to part with her treasures. In this box was, in essence, her identity. Ever major moment in her life was documented with some token representing it. She figured that she would just take her most treasured objects and leave the rest.
From the box, she first extracted a pair of dark green gloves whose color most closely resembled that of emeralds. They had elegant embroidery along the cuffs in silver thread, the patterns intertwining around her wrists almost as if she was wearing bracelets. They had belonged to her maternal grandmother, and had been given to Artemisia on her grandmother's deathbed. Incidentally, she treasured them and at this point, they were the only real color variation to her wardrobe. With a nostalgic sigh, Artemisia placed the gloves in a secret compartment hidden in the lid of the trunk.
Reaching back into the little box, she pulled out a necklace with an intricately carved pendant. On the back was a delicate engraving that read "R&A", and on the front it had garnets and amethysts encircling, almost cradling a solitary, tiny piece of blue topaz. Artemisia knew that her birthstone was blue topaz, or even turquoise, and mother's birthstone was the amethyst. However, she didn't know who the garnets represented since her father wasn't born in January; he was born in November. Her mother had always told her that she would explain everything when Artemisia was a bit older, but it appeared that such a day would never come.
She took the pendant and fastened it around her neck, hiding it under her shirt. It would do her no good to have her father see it and question its origin. Lastly, she pulled a locket out of the box, and it too was elegantly crafted. It held the only picture of her mother that Artemisia possessed. This too, she tucked safely under her shirt.
Casting one last longing look on her room, she dragged her trunk into the hall and let her father know that she was ready to go. He levitated her trunk to the front of their house, setting it down roughly in the snow.
"Here," He said, producing a small key from his pocket. "This is a portkey, as you should know. When I give it to you, hold on to the edge of your trunk and say 'portus'. It should take you to the front of your aunt's house."
Artemisia wordlessly took the key, and looking at her house one last time, she portkeyed.
~o~O~o~
Belladonna was not pleased with Artemisia's arrival, and she made sure to let her know in every way possible.
"You will be sleeping in the room next to Nalicia's, across the hall from Indiel's. Go leave your things and get back down here quickly for dinner." Belladonna said, her voice dripping with ill-disguised malice. "Go on, girl! Don't dawdle!"
Artemisia's lip curled up in a sneer, but complied nonetheless. She tried dragging her trunk up two flights of stairs, frustrated that she didn't know how to levitate object yet.
How hard could it be, anyway? Why did no one let me learn magic beforehand? And more importantly, what have I ever done to Aunt to make her hate me? She thought.
By the time she made it back downstairs, her dinner was cold. So I guess that's a pretty good estimation of how the rest of this arrangement is going to work out...
December 11, 2000
Artemisia's treatment had not gotten any better in the month that she had been living with her Aunt. If truth be told, it had probably gotten worse. As a result, she was sure that her birthday would most likely go completely unnoticed.
Resigned to this fate, she remained in her room reading her potions texts that she had brought with her. Her favorite at the moment was 8000 Things You Ought to Know About Potions, she had read only about half of it because she was determined to memorize everything before moving on to the next chapter.
Consumed in her reading, she almost didn't notice the tawny owl that began to tap on her window. Artemisia looked up form her book, startled, and walked to the window and opened it.
When the bird came in, Artemisia untied the letter from the Owl's leg, noting the seal that read: HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Inside was the following:
Headmaster: Filius Flitwick
Dear Ms Susvere,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September; we await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Severus Snape
Deputy Headmaster
Artemisia was overjoyed! She couldn't wait to get away from her horrid aunt, and could only imagine the freedom and respite that she would get from Hogwarts. She looked back into the envelope and pulled out her supply list that read:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emetic Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Wand
Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
Set glass or crystal phials
Telescope set
Brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Oh she couldn't wait to go to Diagon Alley to shop for all this! She was finally getting a wand! She hated the fact that she wouldn't be attending for nearly ten months, but she tried to put such thoughts aside and focus on brighter aspects. For starters, she could get an early start on reading the textbooks and maybe even practicing some simple spells…or maybe even potions! She grinned widely at that, something she hadn't done in months, and realized that for the first time in a long time, she was happy.
July 27, 2001
"Artemisia! Hurry along now! I don't have time for your dawdling; we have much to get done!" Belladonna yelled at her, trying to push her way through the bustling crowds of Diagon Alley as everyone seemed insistent on purchasing their school things on the same day.
Artemisia just rolled her eyes and followed wordlessly behind her insane aunt.
"Okay, now I have my own errands to run, so here are several hundred Galleons to go buy your school things with. Meet me back here in about four hours if you expect to get back home. If not, then by all means take your sweet time." And with that, she was off in a flurry of robes.
This was not Artemisia's first trip to Diagon Alley, since she was often dragged along to run errands. However, this was the first time she had been set free with close to seven hundred galleons to spend. She knew it would more than cover her expenses, so she wouldn't feel at all guilty for perhaps acquiring more than she actually needed.
She decided to stop at Madame Malkins first to get her school robes. That was easy enough, and she left shortly after getting several changes of clothes, a couple winter cloaks, and her hat and dragonskin gloves.
She continued by going to Flourish and Blotts to get her textbooks. She found them with relative ease, and decided to take advantage of the trip to see if there were any new potions texts that she hadn't read. As she was leafing through a particularly complex book about potions no longer publically taught, she was startled by a deep, silky, menacing voice that spoke to her.
"Are you not a bit young to be reading such a book?" Artemisia looked up and blue eyes met black as she stared at the face of a man much taller than she, dressed in black robes.
"I'm sorry sir, but I have been reading much larger and darker books since I was about eight. My parents had an extensive library." She replied evenly. The man just sneered at her and continued,
"Judging by your stature and the books you intend on purchasing, I am willing to wager that you are a First Year. As such, you should know that students are not permitted to bring dark books or books containing dark magic to Hogwarts, regardless of who the Minister of Magic may be."
"I never said I intended to do such a thing. Besides, even if I did, what does it matter to you?"
"It matters to me, insolent girl, because I'm the one who has to help deal with any dark artifacts that students deem appropriate to bring to school. That is, after all, a Deputy Headmaster's job."
Artemisia's eyes grew a tad bit wider as she heard his job title. Wow, aren't I an idiot? Here I am, disrespecting the Deputy before I even get to school. Way to start off on the wrong foot…
"I'm sorry sir; I didn't know who you were. That means you're Professor Snape, doesn't it?"
"Last time I checked. Now I have better things to be doing than to sit around all day engaged in idle chatter with a future student. Now, if you'll excuse me…" And with that, he left.
Artemisia just smirked to herself, thinking how peculiar the man was, after all, he'd been the one to engage her in conversation to begin with. So, after selecting a few more books of questionable content, she paid and left the store.
When buying her potions supplies, she figured that buying a basic ingredients set would not go amiss since she planned on practicing a bit before term started.
She saved her most anticipated purchase until the end: her wand. She stopped in front of Ollivander's, amazed that the man had been alive for so long, and went inside eagerly. He greeted her kindly, and wasted no time in pulling out wands for her to try.
"Alright, this is 9 inch, maple and unicorn hair, springy. Go on, give it a wave!" She waved it, and several windows broke. Startled, she put the wand down cautiously.
"No, definitely not. Okay, try this one: 12 ½ inches, yew and veela hair, flexible." She waved the new wand, and caused the papers that had been on Ollivander's desk to scatter all around the store.
"Hmm, no I suppose not. Although, I wonder…" He mused, walking to the back of the store. He rummaged for a few minutes before emerging with a very old-looking box. He set it out for her, explaining,
"I've had this wand for many centuries; it has never chosen anybody. I can't help but wonder if it'll choose you. It's 13 inches, ebony and dragon heartstring, unyielding."
She swished it, and almost instantly, a shower of emerald sparks flowed from the wand tip, dancing around them as they floated gracefully to the floor.
"Yes, that's definitely the one." He said looking quite satisfied with himself.
"What's so special about this wand, anyway?" Artemisia asked. She wasn't sure he heard her though, because by the time she spoke, he was making his way back to the far end of the store.
"Because, my dear, your father has the exact same wand, with a heartstring from the exact same dragon." He said, before disappearing altogether.
"But my father's wand is made from hawthorn!" She called, but he was already gone from sight. Shrugging, she decided that he was off his rocker and left.
Almost three and a half hours had passed, and she was trying to get back to the designated meeting point when something black and furry caught her eye. She turned her head, only to see a tiny black kitten peering at her from a cage inside the Magical Menagerie. She decided that since she had a few minutes to spare, she would go and take a look.
Further inspection revealed the tiny cat to be male, with icy blue eyes, just like those of Artemisia. The kitten stared at her, as if willing her to understand some message he was trying to convey. In a spur of the moment decision, she decided that having a pet would not be a half bad idea. This is how she came about the cat that would probably become her next best friend.
~o~O~o~
Over the course of the next few days, Artemisia struggled with finding a name for her cat. This was partially due to the fact that she wanted it to pick its own name. So, she would compile lists of potential names and read them aloud to him, hoping to garner some sort of positive reaction. Normally, he either ignored her attempts completely or reacted negatively. That is, until one evening.
"Asphodel." She suggested, he merely hissed at her.
"Onyx" If cats could sneer, that's what he would have done.
"Umm, how about Alan?" The kitten's ears perked up as he walked over to her and rubbed his head on her shoulder. "Really? Alan? That's the name you want?" She figured that he was just tired of having to constantly listen to her rattling off names, which took time away from when he was getting petted. He could be a bit selfish when he wanted to be.
Besides the naming of her cat, Artemisia was very busy in the short time before term started. She had read all her textbooks at least once, although she re-read her potions text more than once. She was determined to have all the recipes committed to memory before actually having set foot in class. She had already memorized several and after hearing that the first potion she'd have to brew would be the Boil-Cure Potion, she intended on brewing it at least once to be familiar with it. Not to mention, all this gave her a reason to stay away from her family who expected her to be top of her class like they all had been, or had striven to be.
She began by clearing off her desk to have somewhere to put the cauldron. She pulled out the snake fangs, porcupine quills and horned slugs and placed them around her cauldron. Grabbing her mortar and pestle, she started crushing 6 snake fangs. She added them to the cauldron, making sure it was at the proper temperature. After several minutes, it was time to add four horned slugs, and she grimaced as she dropped them in. She had to wait just a few more minutes until she could add two porcupine quills. After doing so, she made sure to stir exactly five times, clockwise, and then let it sit for a bit before it was time to bottle it.
She worked diligently, and managed to finish before dinner-time. She really wasn't sure if it was right even though it was of the proper color and consistency because for one, she wasn't a potions master, and she also had never brewed it before.
Oh well, she thought, if nothing else, at least I'm more familiar with the ingredients now. She moved to bottle the potion and clean up her desk. She really, really couldn't wait for school to start.
September 1, 2001
"Hurry up! We need to get to the station or you'll be late! If you make us late, Artemisia, I swear I will leave you there on the platform!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming! Just give me a second; I can't lift my trunk…"
"Ugh, let me see it. Aren't you a witch? That's why we have magic, you daft child!"
"I'm barely going to be a first year! I don't know how to levitate things! You said I could learn magic when I got to Hogwarts!"
"Cheeky girl, get a move on! We don't have all day!"
"I'm hurrying!"
"Well come on now, I've already apparated your cousins to the station, it's your turn! Can you not move any faster? Yes, that's it, now grab my arm and don't forget your trunk." Belladonna yelled, "Oh, and have you remembered your mangy cat? If you think I'm going to care for him while you're off parading around at school, then you've got another thing coming!"
"Yes, I've got him." Artemisia replied curtly, and with that, they apparated.
The scene before them was one of chaos as they entered King's Cross Station. As Artemisia was shoved into the barrier along with her trunk, she found an even more chaotic scene. There were Death Eaters swarming all over Platform 9 ¾ to check the parentage of the students boarding the train. She had read somewhere that when she was eight years old, a great battle had taken place between the Death Eaters, led by Minister Voldemort, and the Order of the Phoenix, led by a man called Harry Potter. The Dark Lord, as he had been called then, won and had named himself Minister of Magic. He had also passed several laws keeping muggleborns from attending Hogwarts. Purebloods and Halfbloods were allowed, although only the family trees of Halfbloods had to be checked.
That was the new thing; everyone in London had started carrying magical family trees as a form of identification since many businesses now simply would not cater to those of "imperfect decent". The trees were self-updating and could not be glamoured or charmed to display anything but the truth. Artemisia, however, like many of the high-ranking Death Eaters' families, was exempt from this rule. Fancy dinner parties were often held at her house and she had attended countless numbers hosted by others which meant that she was already well-known amongst the Death Eaters. They weren't all as bad as everyone said they were, you just had to get to know them. Of course, there were a great many who were every bit as evil as everyone said, but even they had never bothered Artemisia.
This is why, as she briefly said her goodbyes to her aunt and made to get on the train with Alan in hand, she was waved through with nothing more than,
"Have a pleasant day, Miss Susvere."
She, of course, smiled back sweetly and boarded the train. Now, Artemisia knew nobody, as was the case with many of the first-years. Therefore, she resigned herself to sitting alone rather than begging to sit with some other pre-established circle of friends. So as soon as she found an empty compartment, she slipped inside and closed the glass door behind her.
She sat in the seat farthest from the door, with Alan purring gently in her lap as she stroked his sleek fur. She refused to allow herself to relax since she was in such a potentially hostile environment with so many people she did not know roaming about the train. So she made sure her posture was erect and that she maintained a constant state of alertness. It was partially because she was so concentrated on not letting her guard down that when she heard someone speak to her, she nearly jumped a mile.
"Hello, may I sit with you?" Asked a boy who looked to be about as old as she was, with green eyes and dirty blonde hair. Artemisia looked at him in surprise and he continued with a smirk, "All the other compartments are full, and I'd appreciate not having to stand the whole way there".
Artemisia lifted a solitary eyebrow in his direction and after eyeing him warily, she nodded her head toward the seat I front of her.
"Yes, you may sit. That's fine. After all, I hardly need an entire compartment to myself." She said, returning the smirk.
"No, I suppose not." He said, now grinning fully as he sat down opposite her. "I'm Ulric by the way. Ulric Pierce." He said as he extended his hand to her in greeting. She shook it and replied,
"Nice to meet you, my name is Artemisia Susvere."
"As in, related to Marcus Susvere? One of the most powerful Death Eaters of the Inner Circle?" He said, eyes widening in astonishment.
"Yes, he's my father."
"Wow! You look nothing like him."
"So I've heard."
"Did you get your black hair from your mom, then?"
"She was a blonde."
"Ah. Never mind then. How was your summer?"
"It was…adequate, given the circumstances, but in no way one of my best."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Are you excited about going to Hogwarts, at least?"
"Yes, that is one of things I've been looking forward to. I don't particularly fancy my aunt or my cousins, so I welcome the change of scenery."
"Yeah, my folks are crazy too, they're nice though. I like your kitten, by the way, it has really nice fur."
"Yes, he's only about a month and a half old. His name is Alan."
"Alan. Normally I'd say that was a silly name for a cat, but in his case, it really seems to fit him. He certainly has personality, doesn't he?"
Artemisia looked down at the kitten in question and watched as he eyed Ulric suspiciously, never breaking eye contact even as he bent his head slightly to lick his paw. Artemisia laughed softly,
"Yes, I suppose he does. He's been that way since I got him."
"I imagine he is very much like you."
"Meaning what, exactly?"
"You seem very…guarded. Very calculating and observant."
"Yes, I suppose anyone who has lived my life would have to be. When you openly cavort with Death Eaters, you tend to develop certain adaptations to keep yourself from getting hurt."
"Hmm, yes I can see what you mean. Your life must be terribly interesting."
"You have no idea."
~o~O~o~
They sat in amiable silence for several hours, only the rattle of the train on its tracks breaking the silence. Eventually, they both pulled out books to read; hers on potions, and his about general charms. When it grew closer to the time when they would be arriving, they changed into their school robes which, once they were done, prompted a conversation about which house they expected to be sorted into.
"I'm not really sure, I'm thinking either Slytherin or Ravenclaw. What about you, Artemisia?"
"My whole family has been in Slytherin, so I suppose that'd be most logical."
"Well the way you reasoned that sounded very Ravenclaw." He jibed, grinning at her. She laughed, finally feeling comfortable enough with him to do so.
"Yes, I suppose it did."
"You know what I really, really want to see?"
"What?"
"The giant squid…I hear that every year it eats one of the first years in the last boat. No one even misses them…"
"I sincerely doubt that…"
"You never know, it could happen. Just the same, I plan on being at the head of the line, and I suggest you join me."
Artemisia sighed, but agreed. She had serious doubts about the validity of his claims, but since she had never been to Hogwarts herself, it wasn't like she was in much of a position to argue. Her guess was no better than his.
~o~O~o~
When they arrived, they were herded off the train and into boats by Hogwarts' giant Groundskeeper. He seemed friendly enough, but Artemisia still felt a bit nervous around him, and tried not to stare at his size. Ulric, too, was gawking at the massive man until Artemisia elbowed him in the ribs and told him to get in the boat.
The ride to the castle was captivatingly breathtaking, the stars dancing upon the water as if excited to see them all. Artemisia looked up at the castle in awe as she took in its size and beauty.
Needless to say, the giant squid did not make an appearance, much to Ulric's relief and disappointment, since he had constantly been looking over his shoulder to see if he could see a student being pulled down into the inky depths of the lake.
They were led through the giant main doors of the castle and were told to wait at the base of a massive staircase which seemed to continue endlessly. Artemisia and Ulric, of course, made sure they were at the front of the group, insisting on getting the full experience of whatever they were about to go through. They waited there, growing increasingly anxious with every passing moment. Just when they thought they might die with anticipation, the Deputy Headmaster came in, robes billowing dramatically and swirling around him as he came to a stop before them.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. My name is Professor Snape, Deputy Headmaster and Potions Master. In a few moments, the start-of-term banquet will begin, but before you are allowed to take your seats, you will be sorted. The sorting is crucial because it determines which house you will remain in for the remainder of your years here. The four houses are Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor. While here at Hogwarts, you will be granted house points for your accomplishments, and deducted points for any and all rule-breaking. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the house cup, which is highly coveted by each house. Now, I will return for you when everything is set up and ready, so I suggest you wait quietly."
With that, he swirled back out of the hallway and into what Artemisia could only guess was the Great Hall. True to his word, he returned to collect them and ushered them in through the door, sighing impatiently at their awed gasps and collective murmurs of appreciation.
"Yes, yes, the ceiling is enchanted. You will have seven years to look at it, you needn't hinder progress by gaping like fish at it now." He said with a scowl.
Artemisia smirked, yes she was going to like this teacher, as his thoughts seemed to parallel hers.
Eventually, the sorting actually started, and most of the first years were looking at the Sorting Hat with something akin to disbelief. This was going to determine their fate? Professor Snape stood off to the side with a long parchment in his hands, and prepared to call the names of the new students.
"…Augustine, Michael…"
"Ah, yes, definitely GRYFFINDOR!"
"…Avery, Jasmine…"
"Hmm…must be…RAVENCLAW!"
"…Collins, Derick…"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"…McNair, Brandon…"
"Definitely SLYTHERIN!"
This went on for awhile, and Artemisia was growing a bit anxious, and she noticed Ulric was in a similar state. Finally, it was his turn,
"…Pierce, Ulric…"
"Hmm, where to put you? Cunning, and very intelligent…best be, SLYTHERIN!"
The Slytherin table cheered and applauded their new member, and he smiled at Artemisia happily and encouragingly. When it was her turn, she noticed the Professor staring at her curiously as she placed the hat upon her head, but thought little of it.
"Hmm, yes. You, my dear would go far in nearly every house, but where to put you…? I think, in light of recent events, it'll have to be, SLYTHERIN!"
She happily walked to the Slytherin table and took a seat next to Ulric. As the sorting finished, they all looked to the front of the room, where a tiny man had to stand on a stool to reach the podium.
"Greetings!" He said, "As many of you already know, I am Headmaster Flitwick, and I have just a few announcements before letting you all eat." He smiled kindly at that.
"First off, the Forbidden Forest is still, as it has always been, FORBIDDEN. Any wandering into it will lead to heavy punishment of the unpleasant kind. Second, curfew is being strictly enforced this year, which for first and second years is 8pm on weekdays, and 9pm for all the upper years. On weekends, curfew is extended for everyone until 10pm. Now, with that settled, we may all eat!"
With a flourish of his hands, copious amounts of food appeared on each table, and students began piling food on their plates.
Artemisia took a moment to consider the path her life had taken since the previous year. Seeing all her classmates completely engrossed in their conversations and their meals, for the first time in a long time, Artemisia felt as if she actually belonged. Yes, this was most certainly going to be a good year.
A/N: I tried my hardest to make sure the letters and dates were as close to cannon as I could make them, considering the alternate universe this is staged in. The next chapter begins with the first day of classes and various first impressions, as well as the beginning of the many misadventures Artemisia is going to be taking part in. As always, reviews are more than welcome! (They might even make the chapters come faster!)