A small hand knocked on the counter at Ollivanders wand shop. A young girl with long golden locks and bright blue eyes maybe slightly too large for her delicate face peered over the counter. "Excuse me, sir," she asked in a timid voice. An elderly gentleman turned around to greet the young customer. "Hello there young lady. Can I help you? Are you a first year student?"
"Um, I don't think so. I'm not trying to find Archmage Antonidas. He's my magic teacher. I last saw him yesterday at dinner, but when I woke up this morning I found myself in this strange place. I don't recognize anyone or anything here, and I can't explain what happened!"
Mr. Ollivander smiled at the girl. "I can't say I know who this Archmage Antonidas is, but he sounds like a very powerful wizard." The girl smiled back. "He's the best. He doesn't just teach anyone magic, he personally selects his students and of all the children in Azeroth, he chose me!"
"Azeroth, huh? I can't say I'm familiar with that place." The girl waved her hands and conjured an orb that looked something like a globe. "This is my world, Azeroth." She pointed to a brown blob on the globe. "This is Dalaran, where I live. It's home to lots of wizards."
Mr. Ollivander chuckled. "That's a pretty impressive display of magic there, young lady. If all wizards were like you, I'd be out of business!"
"My name's Jaina. Jaina Proudmore," the girl said. "I'm Mr. Ollivander, pleased to meet you, Jaina. I wish I could help you, but I don't think I'm the one that can help you get home." "Oh," said Jaina in disappointment. "I'm sorry to bother you then." "You're not a bother, young lady. Hmm… why don't you head over to Madam Malkin's down the street and see if someone there can help you? We're all wizards here too, and we'll make sure you're taken care of before you find your way back home." Jaina smiled weakly. "Thank you, sir." Mr. Ollivander smiled back. "My pleasure, Miss Jaina. Please see me if you need me - wands or otherwise."
Jaina left the wand shop and wandered down the alley trying to find this Madam Malkin's shop the wand shop owner suggested she try. She felt like a fish out of water. She was in a purple nightgown so she knew she was going to stand out, most of these wizards dressed in strange, drab clothing. She spent twenty minutes trying to find the shop on her own when she couldn't take it anymore. She plopped down on the sidewalk, sobbing. A few minutes later, another girl with a list in her hand approached her. She appeared to be about Jaina's age, with bushy brown hair and liquid brown eyes. She was dressed strangely too, with blue jeans and a simple pink shirt, but it was different than the wizards' attire for sure. She was accompanied by her parents, who also seemed to be dressed differently than the other adults in the area.
Jaina's sobs caught the attention of the other girl. "Hello, can I help you?" The brown haired girl smiled at Jaina. "H-hello. The wand shop owner told me to find Madam Malkin's but I have no idea where that's at." The brown-haired girl laughed. "You're sitting in front of the window!" Jaina felt silly. "That outfit… I didn't think witches wore those. Purple nightgowns aren't on the school supply list." Jaina giggled. "I don't have one of those. I'm not sure if I can be called a 'witch', but if that's what you call female mages around here, then I guess you can call me a witch. I'm an archmage's apprentice, you know." The brown-haired girl opened her mouth, but no words came out. With her hands on her hips, she exclaimed, "Mages? Girlfriend, what planet are you from?" Jaina waved her hand again, reproducing the globe that she conjured up at the wand shop. "Azeroth," she said. "I'm from a city called Dalaran. It's kind of like… did you say, "Diagon Alley?" But it's a floating city and it's got a lot more purple." The brown-haired girl's mouth remained agape. "So… you're lost then?" Jaina nodded. "I went to bed in Dalaran and woke up in Diagon Alley. I don't know what happened, but I'm hoping someone here knows Archmage Antonidas. I'm his apprentice. He's probably worried sick."
The brown-haired girl smiled again. "My name's Hermione. Hermione Granger." Jaina returned the smile. "Jaina. Jaina Proudmore. Nice to meet you, Hermione." "My pleasure, Jaina," said Hermione. "Why don't you come with us? You have some wicked magical skills and I'd love for you to show me." "OK, Hermione," agreed Jaina.
The two girls entered Madam Malkin's. "This is the place where we get our uniform for Hogwarts, Jaina," Hermione explained. "I'm guessing you didn't get a letter for Hogwarts, but maybe they'll let you in because you can cast spells without a wand. I don't think any first year student can do that." Jaina giggled. "Not many Dalaran wizards use wands. They tend to use a staff, if anything." "How old are you, Jaina? I turned 11 just a little while back, and now that I got accepted into Hogwarts I have to get all these supplies. Term doesn't start for some time but I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"I'm 11 too. Is this your first time here?" Jaina asked. "It is," answered Hermione. Madam Malkin noticed the two girls in her shop. "Hello young ladies, first timers I take it?" "Yes ma'am," the girls replied. "Let me get your measurements and we'll get you fitted with your Hogwarts robes." Jaina saw a female mannequin in a corner with the full ensemble. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me, Hermione. If I'm going to Hogwarts with you, I'll have to wear… those? Such strange garments." Hermione giggled. "You'll get used to it, I'm sure." Jaina grimaced. "I'd never hear the end of it if someone from Dalaran caught me wearing THAT."
Before anyone could say "wingardium leviosa", Madam Malkin declared, "All finished, young ladies! Have a great first year!" Jaina looked at her pile of new school clothes and shuddered. Hermione giggled.
"We still have books to get, wands, cauldrons, and all that," said Hermione.
They next ventured to Flourish and Blotts to get their books. "Hello, young ladies. First years?" came a friendly voice from the back. "Yes, sir," the girls responded. "Do you have your acceptance letters on you?" Hermione quickly produced hers. "Ah, very good, thank you, miss. And you, young lady?" Jaina shrugged sheepishly. "I'm afraid I can't sell our wares to you without some sort of proof," the shopkeeper said. Jaina waved her hands in the air, and made a handful of books on a table levitate for a few seconds. The shopkeeper jumped in shock. "That's the most impressive display of magic I've seen from a first-year student in many years," he said, still somewhat in disbelief. "How did you not get an acceptance letter, miss?" Jaina blushed. "I'm not from around here. I'm from a city of mages called Dalaran, which is in another world called Azeroth. I can't explain how I ended up in here, but my friend Hermione was kind enough to help me out until I find my way back home." The shopkeeper smiled at Hermione. "Your friend is an exceptional talent. Hogwarts would certainly make an exception for her." Hermione felt a tingling sensation, one she didn't feel often. "Jaina," she said, "when you called me your friend, did you mean it?" Jaina smiled warmly at Hermione. "Every bit of it. I've only known you for a couple of hours, but it feels like I've known you my whole life." Hermione wrapped her arms around Jaina in appreciation. "That means the world to me, Jaina. I've never had many real friends, I spent most of my childhood reading books rather than being outside with other children." Jaina smiled wistfully. "I can relate, Hermione. Outside of my brothers I never had any playmates. I'm usually cooped up in a tower studying a spellbook, instead of reading an interesting adventure novel like you are probably used to."
Hermione and Jaina then paid a visit to Ollivanders wand shop. "Why hello again Miss Jaina. I see you found a new friend. What can I do for you?" "Mr. Ollivander, until I find my way back to Dalaran, I've decided to enroll at Hogwarts with my new friend Hermione." Mr. Ollivander smiled at the girls. "And I assure you, Miss Jaina, that you will be well-cared for there. Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster, and I'm sure if anyone can contact this Archmage of yours, it would be him." "You really think so?" Jaina asked.
"Child, he is a brilliant mind. He may or may not be on the level of your Archmage, but I would like to imagine the good Professor can get you back to Dalaran safe and sound." "Great, because I miss him." "And I know Archmage Antonidas misses you too, miss Jaina. I saw your demonstration of magic earlier and if a first-year equivalent student such as yourself has that sort of aptitude, I would surmise that Antonidas is an extremely accomplished wizard, and is doing everything he can to bring you home. My advice is to be patient, and enjoy what Hogwarts has to offer. And, the looks of things, it appears that you already made a new friend. The first of many, I would imagine."
Jaina smiled at the kindly wand merchant, her eyes somewhat misty. She knew he was right, but being patient was not going to be easy. Hermione has been very kind to her, but it's still not the same as being home in Dalaran.
Mr. Ollivander was able to provide both girls their very own wands, though in Jaina's case it was little more than a formality. He wished both girls luck and they continued their school shopping.
They got the rest of their supplies on the list - a cauldron, scales, telescope, and various glass tubes.
"We got all the essentials - so what's next?" Jaina wondered aloud. "We wait until term starts in September," Hermione replied. "We will go to Kings Cross Station to take the Hogwarts Express to get to the school." "That sounds great and all, but what do I do until then?" Hermione turned to ask her parents. "Mum, dad, Jaina needs a place to stay for a little while. I'm sure you can tell that she's not from around here, and I think it's only right that we help her out." Her parents nodded. "Jaina, you are welcome to with us as long as you need." "Oh, thank you all so much." This new world might not be so bad after all.
Over the next few weeks, Hermione and Jaina had become very close friends. Almost like sisters. Hermione's nose was constantly in a book, trying to absorb everything that she could before term started. Jaina giggled at some of her attempts, which in turn drew some frustrated groans. Jaina also successfully taught Hermione a couple of spells from Dalaran, which delighted Hermione to no end. Hermione in return was able to help Jaina get accustomed to the Muggle world - things like soccer games, dental visits (it helps having dentists for parents), and riding double-decker buses.
Finally, the big day had arrived. Hermione and Jaina were off to Hogwarts. The two girls had just unloaded all of their belongings, and waited nervously at Kings Cross Station. "Where are we supposed to go again, Hermione?" Jaina asked. "Platform nine and three quarters." "Nine's right here and ten's over there… let me try something." Jaina walked over to the barrier between the two platforms, and stuck her hand in it. It's as if there was no barrier at all! She went back to retrieve her bags. "It's like one our rifts on Azeroth!" she exclaimed. "You might want to pick up the pace some before you go through, this one seems rather fickle." Jaina got a running start and dove head-first into the barrier, and vanished before Hermione's eyes. Trying to be a little more inconspicuous than Jaina, she looked around herself first to make sure nobody was paying attention before making her own way through. When she made it to the other side, she saw Jaina waving to her from a door in one of the train cars. "Come on, Hermione! I found a great spot for us!" Hermione hurried over to catch up with her friend.
The seats were quite nice, and there were quite a few other children already on the train. Some were indulging in sweets such as chocolate frogs, or Bertie Botts beans. Hermione nudged Jaina. "Lets get changed into our school clothes, one less thing to worry about. You, first." Jaina rolled her eyes at Hermione. "Oh, all right," she said. She picked up the bag containing her uniform and she trudged into a small changing room. Several minutes later, she emerged with her blonde hair in a ponytail, and wearing her white button shirt, necktie, sweater vest, and pleated skirt. Hermione tried to suppress a giggle. "You look very… smart, Jaina," she tried saying as seriously as possible, barely concealing a grin. "Are you kidding Hermione? Antonidas would Polymorph me if he caught me wearing this uniform! What is it with you wizards and these stupid striped nooses around our necks? And you call these… clodhoppers, shoes? Ugh!" Hermione's giggling erupted into full belly laughs. Jaina continued. "I'll just hold my robes for now, I can slip into them in a bit I suppose." Hermione just started to recover from her full-on laughter. "Thanks Jaina, I needed that." She grabbed her uniform bag and got changed into her uniform. When she emerged, Jaina cocked an eyebrow and pointed a finger at her. "Now YOU, Hermione Granger, look smart." "I don't just look smart, Jaina, I AM smart," Hermione smirked.
"Oh, Jaina. I have a surprise for you," Hermione said. "Yeah?" Jaina said with curiosity. "It's an old book of mine, one I read a couple of years ago. It's one that should really sound familiar to you. It's popular in what I guess we now call the "Muggle" world - those are the folks without magical gifts - but anyway, I really hope you like it." She handed a weathered paperback copy of "The Wizard of Oz" to Jaina. Touched, a single tear started to roll down Jaina's cheek. She reached over and embraced Hermione warmly. "Thank you, Hermione. It's wonderful. I'm so thankful to have a friend like you in this world. Perhaps one day, I can show you mine."
Hermione went back to reading her spell books, while Jaina conjured a red apple and began reading The Wizard of Oz.
A short while later, the train started to take off. Not long after that, a young boy poked his head in their section. "'Scuse me, have either of you seen Trevor, my toad?" Hermione shook her head "no". Jaina, still lost in her new book, barely glanced at the boy. She waved her hand in a circular motion a couple of times. "You mean, this little guy?" she asked, as a brown toad emerged from the palm of her hand. "Trevor!" the boy shouted excitedly. "By the way, I'm Neville. Neville Longbottom. And I must say, all my family are wizards and witches, but I've never seen them perform anything like that without a wand! That's amazing!" Jaina blushed. "I'm Jaina Proudmoore," she said. "Charmed to meet you, Neville. Would you like to sit next to us?" "Maybe in a bit. I've got to put Trevor in a safe spot, but I promise to come back!"
Neville ran off, barely containing his excitement. "Kind of a clumsy one, that boy is," Hermione murmured. "Maybe, but I at least made him happy," retorted Jaina.
Several minutes later, two different boys still in their street clothes poked their heads in Hermione and Jaina's section. One was a right ginger with freckles, and the other was a short, slightly built boy with messy black hair and broken glasses. He had to be eleven to be on board the Hogwarts Express, but he looked closer to eight or nine years old.
The redhead spoke first. "Neville says you make us wizards look like snuggles," he said with a goofy grin. "Magic with no wand? Only really powerful witches and wizards can do that, and you're just a firstie!" Jaina blushed. "Can you please show me?" he asked her. Jaina snapped her fingers and conjured a yummy-looking jelly roll. She telekinetically placed it in the red-haired boy's hand. "It is edible, right? Just making sure you're not playing a prank." Jaina smiled. "Of course you can eat it, clever-clogs," she said dryly.
The redhead turned over to Hermione. With his mouth full, he asked her, "do you know any spells?" Hermione rolled her eyes slightly, but decided to play along. "A few, she said. You, with the glasses, come here." The small boy with the messy black hair approached Hermione. "Give me your glasses, please." The boy obliged. Hermione drew her wand. "Oculus Reparo!" she yelled. Whoops! Instead of fixing the glasses, she completely shattered the left lens, with small puffs of smoke emanating from her wand. The small boy smiled. Hermione started to tear up. "Thanks anyway," he said. "Bring them here, please," Jaina asked sweetly. The boy shrugged and gave his even more-broken glasses to Jaina. She snapped her fingers, and they were completely fixed, good as new. "Wow, thank you. I'm Harry by the way. Harry Potter." "Jaina," the blonde girl said with a smile. "Jaina Proudmoore." She turned to Ron, still working on his jelly roll. "Ron Weasley." "Charmed," Jaina said nonchalantly. "And this is my bestie Hermione." The boys waved at Hermione, but she was still wallowing in her inability to fix Harry's glasses that she barely acknowledged them. "What's with her?" asked Harry. "Girl stuff, you wouldn't get it," Jaina replied. "Oh, and you might want to get changed soon. Most of the others are in their school uniforms already." Harry and Ron hurried back to their own area to get changed.
Jaina looked at Hermione, who had tears steaming down her face. "Oh Jaina, I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm usually so good at everything I do, and I try a simple repair spell and all I did was make that poor boy's glasses worse. I'm going to be a horrible witch. It's even harder because this is so easy for you, you're already the best witch at the school and you haven't even started yet," she said between sobs.
Jaina looked at her friend in the eye with concern and compassion. "Hermione, look at me. I only look this good because I have had a considerable head start. I've been studying magic as soon as I learned to read. I'm not better than you, it's just that we come from very different wizarding backgrounds. And no, Hermione. You are going to be a terrific witch. I know it. I see how dedicated you are. Keep that up, and maybe you will have a future in Dalaran, if you'd like. Your problem right now is confidence. Believing something 80 percent is not the same as believing something 100 percent. In other words, don't think you can do it. Know you can. If I can help you unlock your potential, I will. It's what friends do - bring out the best in each other. And trust me, I'm hardly perfect, and there will be times that I will have to rely on you." Hermione gave Jaina the biggest hug she could muster, smiling from ear to ear.
