Chapter 3: A Shocking Surprise
A.J stood pacing back and forth outside the Great Hall, waiting for Professor McGonagall to announce her name. She didn't want to admit it, but she was - and still is - terrified. Going to school in an alternate universe for a story that is still beloved by everyone makes it all the more nerve wracking to experience. She heard all the new First Years go and get Sorted into their Houses and is happy for them. Standing outside the Great Hall, she waits for his announcement for the new "Transfer Student." Professor McGonagall called out her name; A.J. took a deep breath, stood straighter, held her head up high, and began the journey to the rest of her life.
"It's too late to turn back now," A.J. thought to herself. The doors opened and began to walk towards the platform.
"And now, for our final Sorting. A transfer student from the Ilvermonry School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who will stay with us until graduation from Hogwarts, so please treat your new classmate with respect." Dumbledore said in an authoritative voice. He turned to his Deputy Headmistress and gave her the go ahead. "Minerva, if you would, please," She smiled and spoke the transfer student's name.
"A.J. Hernandez." Whispers broke out in the Great Hall about the new student. But most of the gossip was what kind of person HE is. Dumbledore got that twinkle in his eye, excited to see their theories were wrong.
"I hope he's good at Quidditch."
"Maybe he might be in Ravenclaw."
"Do you think he could tell us about America and what it was like there?"
"This A.J. person seems kinda cool! Maybe we'll see how cool he is!"
"I wonder what Quidditch teams does he follow?"
"A.J. seems like a name for a good-looking guy." The doors to the Great Hall opened and someone stepped out of the shadows. What they saw exceeded their expectations, but more so to three people who believed she died. A girl with long, auburn hair in a ponytail, button nose, rounded Cupid's lips, light peach colored skin, fair frame, and striking blue eyes: the same shade of blue one Gryffindor student shares. Needless to say, the disbelief on everyone's faces was enough to make Dumbledore smirk.
"What?"
"Is she a ghost?"
"Albus, it's impossible!"
"Can't be!"
"In all my years…"
"Mum?" A third year Gryffindor student with round, wire-rimmed glasses, a handsome, square face, short, dark brown hair, and the same blue eyes she has whispered at the newcomer. Ron and Hermione heard Harry and knew about his mother, but never really talked about her or his dad very much. To see someone wear the exact same face as her is shocking to Harry as well as confused. But none more so than two Hogwarts teachers who knew her well.
"Lily?" A man with black hair, a crooked nose, black eyes, pale skin, and black robes stared in shock and nervousness. This American transfer student, shares Lily's beautiful eyes, hair, and face. The same one that haunts his dreams to this day. After her death, a giant hole in his heart presented itself in his heart to the Potions Master that never seemed to heal. Twelve years later, every time he wanted to see Lily, he would have to stare in the face of his enemy; the person who stole her away from him. Now, he can look at this student with happiness and be at peace with himself.
"Flower?" A man with short red hair, a mustache, scars on his oblong-shaped face, grey eyes, and peach skin, recognized her immediately. She remembered Lily from school, his best friend that knew of his lycanthropy and one of the few people who didn't shun him. The entire world knew about the death of Lily and James Potter, but terrifying to see why this girl...this transfer student share her face. All these theories enter his mind, but none seem to make any sense. Perhaps he might be able to find out the reason now that she's going to be a student here.
A.J. tuned out the whispers and commentary on her looks (which would freak anyone about it) as she walked towards the stool with the Sorting Hat. Before this, Lily Evans was a Gryffindor: brave, true, and courageous. Now - as a new person with different feelings and thoughts - A.J. might be sorted somewhere else. When she reached the stairs, A.J. gulped in terror but continued to head towards the hat. She sat down as Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. Then, all was quiet until he spoke.
"Hello again, Lily. I can't wait to see what kind of life you have experienced now; an adult in a different time and dimension, aren't you? But, no matter; let's see where you belong."The Sorting Hat whispered.
"Hmmm…" The Hat said loud and clear. "You are very difficult to read." He commented. "I see courage, bravery, and loyalty in you which is perfect for Gryffindor. But, I see creativity, intelligence - both book and street smart - and individuality: good for Ravenclaw. Kindness, gentleness, and a hard worker are incredible for Hufflepuff. And determination, ambition, cunningness, and resourcefulness demonstrates how Slytherin prized themselves." The Sorting Hat said. "You, my dear, would do well in any of these Houses. But the biggest question remains: what do you want?" He asked.
"What I want to learn is how not be afraid of anything. I want to stare at my fear and conquer it, even though I'm still afraid. To not be weak anymore and defend the defenseless." A.J. told the hat. "I want to be fearless."
"But where do you belong?" He asked.
"No one has asked me that since I could remember. I want to belong to all of those things. I want to be brave and courageous, ambitious and determined, intelligent and creative, and kind and hardworking." She admitted.
"I have seen the pain you went through and the boy you protected from that man in New Orleans...the same one that hurt you your entire life." A.J. stiffened in fear the Sorting Hat might reveal her secret. She let out a sigh of relief when he didn't say a word. "Although your attitude, demeanor, and situation point towards Slytherin, this act of bravery points to another direction." He said. "I know EXACTLY what House to place you in." Everyone waited in anxiousness for his decision. The Sorting Hat took a deep breath and made his choice.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The whole room – even Slytherins – stood up applauding for A.J.'s Sorting. It was over. Professor McGonagall took off the hat, gave A.J. a warm smile, and pointed straight towards the table covered in red and gold.
"Hi, there! Why don't you sit with us?" A boy with a Yorkshire accent said. Nodding, they all made room for her to sit down.
"My name is Neville Longbottom." He held out his hand to shake with hers, which A.J. obliged willingly.
"My name's Amaryllis Jasmine, but everyone can call me A.J." As she stared at him, he seems nice. Oval shaped face in a cherubic way, a straight nose, thin lips, dark brown hair, green eyes, and some crooked teeth but a nice smile.
"Well, welcome to Hogwarts. I know we're going to be really great friends." Neville assured her.
"Same here and thanks for the welcome." Afterwards, the choir came out and sang a song (even though it's technically Shakespeare), which was a wonderful way to start out the beginning of the new school year. Dumbledore stood on his podium for his new school year speech towards the students.
"Welcome! Welcome! To another year at Hogwarts. Now, I'd like to say a few words before we all become too befuddled by our excellent feast. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher…good luck, Professor." A russet brown-headed man with matching mustache stands up to thank the Headmaster for the introduction. Scars run across his oblong-shaped face, a straight nose, pale peach-colored skin, and dark blue eyes that showcase the type of person he is; fun and serious all rolled together.
"Of course. That's why he knew to give you the chocolate." Hermione realized. A girl with an oval-shaped face, button nose, thin lips, light peach skin, almond-shaped brown eyes, and curly, short brown hair makes her sweet, but an undiscovered ferociousness that has yet to be seen.
"Potter! Psst…Potter!" Harry turned around to see his long-time rival, Draco Malfoy. Pale skinned, platinum blonde hair, straight nose, a pointed heart-shaped face, and icy blue eyes, he is the prime example of what Pureblood supremacy is like.
"Is it true you fainted? I mean…you actually fainted?" Malfoy taunted.
"Shove off, Malfoy." Ron bit back. Ron Weasley: best friend to Hermione Granger and Harry Potter, the youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, and all around good guy. Heart-shaped face, roundish-almond blue eyes, ginger red hair, light sand skin, and a straight nose, gives him the look of 'Nice, cute guy' look.
"How did he find out?" Harry wondered about it.
"Just forget it." Hermione convinced them both to ignore Malfoy. The Golden Trio turned their attention back to the new term speech.
"Also, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher has decided to retire to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid." A half-giant man who was Harry's first friend and told him what he was on his eleventh birthday as well as the truth about his parents' death. Unruly, black hair and matching long beard, rosy cheeks, round face, a stubby, big nose, and brown eyes showed tears for the fact he was honored by this promotion, but a tiny nervous because starting tomorrow will be his first day teaching. Being pulled down by McGonagall to sit, Dumbledore continued on.
"Finally, on a more disquieting note, at the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will – until further notice – play host to the Dementors of Azkaban, until such a time as Sirius Black is captured." People began to whisper at the gossip Sirius Black is free and Dementors around the school.
"The Dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the grounds. Now, whilst I've been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day-to-day activities, a word of caution: Dementors are vicious creatures. They'll not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way; therefore, I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving." Dumbledore warned. Harry knew what those things can do, now having experienced it, and has been terrified by the thing ever since that moment on the train. "But you know, Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times…if one only remembers to turn on the light." Dumbledore finished his speech by waving the flame out and back again emphasizing this point. Dinner came and gone from what seems like forever. Then, everyone got up to go their House towers for bed. However, A.J. walked the other direction towards a spiral staircase. A couple of turns and corners, she finally reached the staircase with the golden eagle. The only downside was she never got the password to go in.
"Password. Damn it! I forgot to ask him for the password," A.J. muttered to herself. "I know he likes candy, but what do I say? Caramel toffee?" The staircase began to move. A.J. was dumbfounded, but didn't even hesitate; she just ran straight for the staircase that led her to the imposing door of the Headmaster. Knocking on the door, waiting for his permission to enter, she stood outside.
"Come in." A.J. pushed the door open and saw him working on some paperwork. Fawkes was standing by his side, sitting on his little perch.
"You wanted to see me, Professor?"
"Yes, Miss Hernandez. There are some things to discuss." She walked over to his desk and sat down on one of the armchairs directly in front.
"My watch, right." She confirmed. Dumbledore nodded, straightened his back, and folded his hands in front of him. "What about it?"
"That watch was created since the beginning of magic itself. After that, it began passing on to different hosts, one that would be worthy of its magic. Until…it was used for evil, which is why Time Witches were killed and Time Turners are being monitored closely by the Ministry." Taken aback by this, he knew now this story has captured A.J.'s attention.
"But why me? If it moved on to another host like you said it did, why did the card say 'it was passed down from my family'?"
"Because the ones that inherited from the beginning WAS your family. Your entire family tree stemmed from that one person in Egypt. After that, as the centuries passed, it evolved, kept getting more and more powerful, so that one day, a member of your family, will have the strength to wield it to change the world." Dumbledore finished.
"But isn't Time Magic illegal? How am I supposed to figure out how to use this thing?"
"I will help you as much as I can, but I'm sure that book you got in Gringotts will explain all you need to know." A.J. sighed in resignation but accepted his answer.
"Do you truly believe I can change the world? Different outcomes to future events that no one has tried to do?" A.J. could hear the crack in her voice, displaying her nervousness towards this responsibility.
"It wouldn't have chosen you if you weren't ready." Dumbledore got up from his chair and offered his arm to her. "Now, it's getting late and you have school tomorrow, Miss Hernandez. Allow me to escort you back to Gryffindor Tower." As they walked in silence, she had all these thoughts in her head. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a little red-headed girl and a boy with black hair carrying lots of books and another boy with glasses push them down, laughing at them.
"Miss Hernandez?" A hand touched her shoulder and broke out of whatever trance she was in. "Are you alright?" Her eyes darted at every corner of the castle checking that she wasn't crazy.
"Yeah. Yeah. I'm fine. I just thought I-" Shaking her head, A.J. decided to forget about it. "Never mind." The Headmaster simply waved his hand towards the Fat Lady portrait, which opened without a fuss, said goodnight, and walked down. She headed inside, went up to the Third Year girls' dorms, stepped inside, grabbed her pajamas, and passed out by the time her head hit the pillow.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter universe, books, movies, or characters except for my OC A.J. Also, it's going to take me a bit of time to write the other chapters, but don't worry. I will finish it before passing out in exhaustion. This was my favorite chapter to write (the second one was the Ollivander's Wand Shop scene). Please comment and read my story. Tell me what you like or don't like, I don't care :D Thanks for the consideration.
Plus, there were a lot of stories that Harry has a sister who looks like Lily. However, as much as I love them to pieces, I wondered what would happen if a girl who could change the future actually DID look like Lily? It was always in the back of my mind, so I was naturally curious about it.
Another thing is that I'd like to thank my first two commenters for my story, which I will reply.
HoneyBear84: I am so glad you liked it and don't worry, I'm already posting this chapter. So keep reading and be a little bit more patient.
Mary D. Black2000: I'm happy that you like it, but a bit disappointed you don't love it...To each their own, but still very grateful that you had the time to read it and like the first chapter, so thank you very much :D
Music:
Alexander Desplat - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 OST - 1.) Lily's Theme
John Williams - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban OST - 5.) Double Trouble