A/N: I'm back! Hope all is well! It has been a crazy few years for me. I am trying to update my HG/SS story "Love Me Tender" However, I decided I am going to be going back and forth between that one and this new one. This is a SS/OC story. I did have one previously with a character named "Jane." But I realized while re-reading it I was a horrible writer back then. And Professor Snape was way OOC for even me, and I absolutely hated what I have written in the past. I have changed the name, but kept the last name 'Foster' and changed things up. Since I am originally from the States, figured why not have Mackenzie be an exchange student. She will have many qualities/characteristics such as yours truly. But I figured she would still befriend Harry, Ron, and Hermione and compete with Hermione as the "Brightest witch of her generation." I however, will not have a Ron/Hermione relationship in this story. Because I believe that Hermione is too good for Ron, and not her 'intellectual equal.' I also wanted to play around with the story and not keep the original timeline. Let's try for take two shall we?
Their Story
Mackenzie Foster is a transfer student from the United States, her parents moved to England in the middle of her '5th' because of her father being in the Army. Like Hermione Granger, Mackenzie is muggleborn. When she turned 11, it was a shock to the Foster family when Mackenzie turned out to be a witch. She did go to Ilivermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Back home in America, she was extremely bright for her age, and wise beyond her years. She had trouble making friends, and was rather bullied because of her appearance. She is short, 5'6 to be exact. Dark red hair, much darker than the Wesley's. She has green eyes and light skin, and slimmed out since her middle school days.
All throughout her childhood, she was teased because of her 'baby fat' but she wasn't really allowed to do much physical exercise due to the fact that she has a heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot, which has four defects of the heart and she had already gone through three open heart surgeries in her young life. But the kids in her class couldn't understand that and therefore, would always make fun of her. Books became her friends, and because of her need to learn, she did manage to skip a grade in elementary school because of the fact that she became rather fidgety, when she completed classwork ahead of her classmates. Thanks to her previous surgeries, she is completely healthy and can do most anything now.
She would always tell her mother the reason she doesn't like going to the beach is because she would "Burn like a lobster" and much prefer staying in, and reading a good book. Before she knew she was a witch, her favorite subject in school was history. She still enjoys musical theatre, one of her favorite musicals: "Les Miserable." And a close second: "Sweeny Todd." and anything Disney related. She learned how to play piano and acoustic guitar, and became rather talented with both musical instruments. Since starting her schooling at Ilivermorny, her favorite subject is potions.
Once she arrived at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she was placed in Gryffindor. Hermione Granger is the prefect for Gryffindor and in the same year as Mackenzie. She first met Hermione Granger in Headmaster Dumbledore's office the day she received her schedule. Professor Dumbledore noticed that Miss Granger is standing outside his office waiting to be let in.
"Aw, yes, Miss Granger is your house's prefect and she will be escorting you to your dormitory, and where all your classes will be held. Here, you are given your schedule for the remainder of the year. It is truly a pleasure to have you here at Hogwarts Miss. Foster." Professor Dumbledore said. Professor McGonagall is standing next to him as well.
"Yes dear, welcome, I hope you find your stay here at Hogwarts comfortable." Professor McGonagall extended her hand to shake hers.
"T-Thank you Professor. I am excited to be here."
"Ah, there is Miss. Granger, How are you this afternoon?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"I am doing well, thank you Professor, we have a new student?" Hermione asked gleefully, extending out her hand to greet her.
"Hello, I am Hermione Granger, Gryffindor prefect, 5th year. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Pleasure is mine Miss. Granger." Mackenzie smiled.
"Please, call me Hermione."
"Like you, Miss. Granger, Miss. Foster here is at the top of her class back in America, and enjoys reading." Professor McGonagall explains. Hermione smiled at this. 'Finally! I can be friends with someone that I can have a decent conversation with that isn't Quiditch' She loves Harry and Ron, but isn't much of a fan of Quiditch.
"Fantastic. Do you have a favorite subject?" Hermione asked.
"I am particularly fond of Potions. Back home in America, my Potions Professor was my favorite. She had allowed me to study alongside her. I am hoping one day to become a Potions Mistress." Professor Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall both raised an eyebrow at this new revelation. Hermione almost gaged. She enjoyed potions too. But, Professor Snape certainly isn't her favorite Professor.
"Have you met Professor Snape?" Hermione asked.
"I have not. I haven't really heard that much about him, except that from what I was hearing is that he is brilliant. I have advance potions tomorrow morning." Mackenzie answered, holding up her schedule with a large grin on her face.
"Interesting indeed. Well, I do respect the man greatly. However, as a warning, most students around here are not particularly fond of him." Hermione said, finding the right words to describe her Potions Professor. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall stared at her.
"Professor Snape is a good man Mackenzie. You just have to be patient with him." Professor McGonagall explained. With an open mind, Mackenzie agreed.
"Yes, well… It is almost dinner, should I escort you to the Gryffindor common room and get you settled in? Then I'll give you a tour of the castle."
"Yes please. Professor Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall, thank you again for your hospitality." Mackenzie stood up and smiled at her new Professors.
"You are welcome. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I am your head of house. You can come to me for anything." Professor McGonagall said. Mackenzie nodded, and excited the office with Hermione Granger. Professor McGonagall turned to her husband, of nearly 45 years.
"Albus… this is going to be a very interesting year."
"I believe you're right. Miss. Foster will certainly have a friend in Miss. Granger. But, I believe Severus will have an interesting year as well." He couldn't help but smile. He is definitely scheming, this much Minerva is aware of.
A/N: Well, what do you think? Hopefully this will be a lot better than my original OC. I surely do like the name Mackenzie. Please let me know what you think!