The Start of Something New: Chapter One (Belldani)
Hello! I'm Utena, and this is my baby, The Start of Something New.
Its actually the third part of a trilogy, entitled 'My H.P. Fic', (a large notebook I lug everywhere), the first and second parts take place during Harry's 3rd and 4th year, respectively. This fic is taking place during Harry's 5th year, starting 1 month after school gets out. ,
The only B.G. you really need is that there are four main original characters, Xathereth and Belldani Helide (twins, older first), and their cousins Kira and Karen Sumizone (again, older first, but theyre a year apart.) Belldani's been asked by Dumbledore to be Madam Pomfrey's assistant for the year, because she was in training to be a MediWitch her last two years. She's also been in love with her Potions Master for as long as she can remember, and no one else knows of her feelings for him.
She and her sister are illegal Animagi (Xathereth is a phoenix), and near the end of the last term she made her own spell, Pictorias, that transports one into a portrait. (Quite useful, when you think how the portaits at Hogwarts are all interconnected.)
Anywho, much thanks to Nytd for letting me borrow Lorien, she's going to turn up in later chapters (she's mentioned here already! I added the part with Sinistra as I was copying this chapter) and she's the one to credit for Sinistra's and Sprout's first names. Read her fic, A Witch, a Wolf and A Serpent if you haven't already! ^_^
***Utena***
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
After a fortnight at her parents' house, Belldani Helide returned to Hogwarts as the assistant nurse to Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall greeted her at the door.
"Hello, Professor," she said awkwardly.
"Come in," McGonagall said stiffly, and lead her inside. A group of house-elves approached.
"May we be gettin' your bags, Mistress Helide?" one sqeaked, and she nodded. They lifted her trunks above their heads, and lead a weaving path down a side hallway to her rooms.
"The Headmaster wishes to have a word with you before you settle in," McGonagall interceded, walking to the stone gargoyle that lead to Dumbledore's office and spoke the password. ("Peanut brittle")
Belldani smiled to herself as she went up a long flight of stairs, remembering not too long ago when a wrong turn in a portait had led her to this same office. Soon she was at a door, which swung open before her.
The other heads of houses, Madam Pomfrey and Hagrid were sitting around the office with the Headmaster.
"At last!" Dumbledore motioned for her to enter and sit down, "We've been awaiting you, Mistress Helide."
"Oh, I'm. I'm very sorry to keep you waiting," Belldani apologized.
"First things first," Dumbledore began, "Belldani is here to be Madam Pomfrey's assistant for the upcoming year, Poppy is expecting to have to take a slight leave of absence because her sister is expecting. I expect everyone to treat her as an adult, and not a student," Dumbledore added, watching Sprout out of the corner of his eye.
"My other concern, one that you all need to be aware of is that Harry Potter's relatives suffered an attack early this morning."
"Oh dear," McGonagall sucked in her breath. Belldani tried to not roll her eyes, previous experience had taught her that Harry Potter managed to outlive anything. Being an illegal Animagus had it's advantages, as did a tricky charm she'd created that allowed one to enter the world of the portraits.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "In light of this, the safest place for Mr. Potter would be here at Hogwarts, because of it's many shields and whatnot, and that we have some of the most capable witches and wizards here to protect him, if need be." Out of the corner of her eye, Belldani saw Snape begin to look ill. Hagrid looked most delighted, Belldani recalled that he and Potter were good friends.
"Due to the Muggle involvement in the attack - the poor fools called the police - it will not be until tomorrow afternoon when Mr. Potter shall be joining us. I myself shall be going to retrieve Harry, in case something should occur."
"Brilliant," Snape murmured, low enough that Belldani barely caught his words. Dumbledore seemed to.
"I have also written to Remus Lupin for the DADA position, with the war starting back up most of my other choices will be called upon by Fudge, once he realizes we do have a problem on our hands," Belldani could see remorse in the old man's eyes, "So sometime soon we will be expecting his arrival as well." Dumbledore turned to scan the titles off his bookshelf, and waved, dismissing them. Belldani had a feeling that she should wait, and she tried not to breath as Snape stormed past her, a look on his face that something vile had been rubbed into his food or something.
"Now, Belldani," Dumbledore spoke kindly, "Here is a true map of Hogwarts, detailing all of the secret passages, and the staff's offices and rooms. Next to yours is the password to get in, to change it will also appear.
"You'll be allowed the run of the castle until students arrive, be mindful of Mr. Potter's wearabouts, if you can, but you may go anywhere you choose, the Forbidden Forest included."
"Professor, man I leave Hogwarts?" Belldani asked. Dumbledore laughed.
"Certainly! There are brooms in the staff lounge, if you need one, and the school has its own Floo network, if that is what you need. Poppy should have the rest of the thing that you will need to know, and feel free to ask at any time."
"Thank you very much, Professor Dumbledore, I'm so thrilled that I can get a job hear so soon after leaving Hogwarts as a student, my mother feels much more secure with me working here anyway." Dumbledore nodded, and Belldani excused herself to her rooms.
Belldani's rooms were close to the hospital wing, and she threw open the thick velvet blue curtains and opened the window. A cool breeze began to blow in. She opened her trunks, which held more than one would think they would, removing from them a good hundred candles, which she stuck in glass jars around the room, and two cloaks - one heavy velvet with a warm lining, and the second, made of a cool material. They went on pegs by the door, and she removed her collection of books, filling the bookshelf built into the wall.
"Knock, knock!" came a voice from the doorway, and Belldani looked up to see the Arthimancy professor, Sinistra, looking at her.
"Hello," Belldani said, "You would be. Professor Sinistra, correct?"
"Yes, my friends call me Ariel," she smiled, "So, you're the new nurse?" Belldani swallowed nervously.
"Yes, yes I am.." she felt like she was on trial.
"I see. And you're the best that Dumbledore could find? Really, I seem to recall discussion about a Nemorosi witch being a canidate." Sinistra looked around, and picked up a corset out of the trunk.
"You plan on wearing this around the students?" She asked in disbelief, holding it by her thumb and forefinger.
"Ye- yes, I make my own clothing." Belldani transfigured her robes into a deep red dress that buttoned from her neck to her midsection, and then split to reveal a black underskirt. She took the corset from Ariel and put it on over the start of the split.
"See?" she offered, "I really love to design clothing, this is one of my favourite works.."
"Indeed," Ariel looked around the room again, "How old are you, child?"
"I'm eighteen, Ariel," Belldani did not like this Professor.
"Of course," Ariel flashed a dangerous smile, "You are an eighteen year old witch who, by some reasons unknown, has been hired here at what was a prestigious school of magic. I feel that Dumbledore made a mistake to allow someone so young and inexperienced to have the position you have - to think! How would you react if a student ran in here right now, with leeches following out their ears? Or what if you had to tend to a 7th year, who was the same as you, child? Do you think you can keep the boundary between staff and students as drawn as we have kept it?"
"Are you saying that I am not mature enough for such a responsibility?" Belldani demanded, "I have been Professor Snape's best student since my first year here! I spent all of last year learning from Madam Pomfrey! And I do believe that I can keep your line as drawn as ever, Ariel." Belldani did not get mad often, but her family knew that when provoked, she was menacing.
"Good day, child," Professor Sinistra turned and was off down the hallway, her shoes clicking loudly. Belldani sank to the floor and sighed. She got up and closed the door, and glanced out the open window. The breeze seemed so inviting.
She transformed into a onyx coloured raven, and flew outside. The cool summer breeze felt lovely through her feathers, and she soared to a high turret of the castle. There Belldani perched and listened to see what was going on. She dove down to the ground, and found an open window to the dungeons and perched there. Snape was pacing around. She tried to act bird- like , sitting there. He noticed her, and strode up to the intruder.
"Do you think yourself clever?" he asked the bird. Belldani twittered nervously. "Once one has become an Animagus, there is a certain look the animal has. It is never quite natural." Belldani tried to not show emotion.
"Whomever you are, ravens would never just land on this particular windowsill, so close to the ground, and come inside." Snape mumbled more things, and his wand was next to her neck.
"Show yourself, Animagus," he growled, and Belldani felt compelled to transform. She became human in a sitting position, and was looking down at Snape from the high windowsill. He looked shocked. "You weren't expecting me, were you?" She asked curiously.
"No." Snape looked at her with curiousity, "Not many students are illegal Animagi."
"Not many students are on staff," Belldani countered, wondering if she had made the right decision, if the staff was really against her being there.
"You're no longer a student," Snape remarked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Belldani knew her face had flared red.
"Yeah, try telling that to Ariel Sinistra," she muttered, jumping down off the windowsill.
"I am to assume then that she chose to be the welcoming wagon?" he said wearily, adding, "Professor Sinistra is hardly a friend of mine either."
"Does all of the staff feel that I am too immature to be working as Madam Pomfrey's assistant?" Belldani asked, brushing dust off her clothes and heading to the door.
"Professor Dumbledore feels that he has made the right choice," Snape told her retreating form, "As do I," he added, causing her to turn and look back at him, "Poppy too, we all feel that you are deserving of the position you now hold."
"And what of the rest of the staff?" Belldani inquired, walking towards Snape again.
"Most of them feel that your age, and the fact that you have been a Hogwarts student until a fortnight ago, are charges against you. They feel that a few years would make you seem more of an . adult to the student body, once any younger friends of yours have left, I assume."
"I get it." Belldani looked away, "They think that the students won't get the picture that I am a teacher now."
"Precisely," Snape said, "However, you are quite possibly the best student I've ever had, and Dumbledore has made it clear on where he stands." Snape gently put a hand on her arm. Belldani started towards the window.
"I think I have to be getting back to my rooms, Professor," she spoke, "I will see you at dinner." Belldani waved quickly and transfigured herself into her raven form, taking off up to her wide-open window. She landed on the floor and transfigured back, and grabbed quill and paper.
IXathereth,
Tell Mum I got here alright, and everything's fine. Good luck at your new job tomorrow, sis, I wish you all the best. I have to go, but just wanted to drop you a line.
Belldani/I
Hello! I'm Utena, and this is my baby, The Start of Something New.
Its actually the third part of a trilogy, entitled 'My H.P. Fic', (a large notebook I lug everywhere), the first and second parts take place during Harry's 3rd and 4th year, respectively. This fic is taking place during Harry's 5th year, starting 1 month after school gets out. ,
The only B.G. you really need is that there are four main original characters, Xathereth and Belldani Helide (twins, older first), and their cousins Kira and Karen Sumizone (again, older first, but theyre a year apart.) Belldani's been asked by Dumbledore to be Madam Pomfrey's assistant for the year, because she was in training to be a MediWitch her last two years. She's also been in love with her Potions Master for as long as she can remember, and no one else knows of her feelings for him.
She and her sister are illegal Animagi (Xathereth is a phoenix), and near the end of the last term she made her own spell, Pictorias, that transports one into a portrait. (Quite useful, when you think how the portaits at Hogwarts are all interconnected.)
Anywho, much thanks to Nytd for letting me borrow Lorien, she's going to turn up in later chapters (she's mentioned here already! I added the part with Sinistra as I was copying this chapter) and she's the one to credit for Sinistra's and Sprout's first names. Read her fic, A Witch, a Wolf and A Serpent if you haven't already! ^_^
***Utena***
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
After a fortnight at her parents' house, Belldani Helide returned to Hogwarts as the assistant nurse to Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall greeted her at the door.
"Hello, Professor," she said awkwardly.
"Come in," McGonagall said stiffly, and lead her inside. A group of house-elves approached.
"May we be gettin' your bags, Mistress Helide?" one sqeaked, and she nodded. They lifted her trunks above their heads, and lead a weaving path down a side hallway to her rooms.
"The Headmaster wishes to have a word with you before you settle in," McGonagall interceded, walking to the stone gargoyle that lead to Dumbledore's office and spoke the password. ("Peanut brittle")
Belldani smiled to herself as she went up a long flight of stairs, remembering not too long ago when a wrong turn in a portait had led her to this same office. Soon she was at a door, which swung open before her.
The other heads of houses, Madam Pomfrey and Hagrid were sitting around the office with the Headmaster.
"At last!" Dumbledore motioned for her to enter and sit down, "We've been awaiting you, Mistress Helide."
"Oh, I'm. I'm very sorry to keep you waiting," Belldani apologized.
"First things first," Dumbledore began, "Belldani is here to be Madam Pomfrey's assistant for the upcoming year, Poppy is expecting to have to take a slight leave of absence because her sister is expecting. I expect everyone to treat her as an adult, and not a student," Dumbledore added, watching Sprout out of the corner of his eye.
"My other concern, one that you all need to be aware of is that Harry Potter's relatives suffered an attack early this morning."
"Oh dear," McGonagall sucked in her breath. Belldani tried to not roll her eyes, previous experience had taught her that Harry Potter managed to outlive anything. Being an illegal Animagus had it's advantages, as did a tricky charm she'd created that allowed one to enter the world of the portraits.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "In light of this, the safest place for Mr. Potter would be here at Hogwarts, because of it's many shields and whatnot, and that we have some of the most capable witches and wizards here to protect him, if need be." Out of the corner of her eye, Belldani saw Snape begin to look ill. Hagrid looked most delighted, Belldani recalled that he and Potter were good friends.
"Due to the Muggle involvement in the attack - the poor fools called the police - it will not be until tomorrow afternoon when Mr. Potter shall be joining us. I myself shall be going to retrieve Harry, in case something should occur."
"Brilliant," Snape murmured, low enough that Belldani barely caught his words. Dumbledore seemed to.
"I have also written to Remus Lupin for the DADA position, with the war starting back up most of my other choices will be called upon by Fudge, once he realizes we do have a problem on our hands," Belldani could see remorse in the old man's eyes, "So sometime soon we will be expecting his arrival as well." Dumbledore turned to scan the titles off his bookshelf, and waved, dismissing them. Belldani had a feeling that she should wait, and she tried not to breath as Snape stormed past her, a look on his face that something vile had been rubbed into his food or something.
"Now, Belldani," Dumbledore spoke kindly, "Here is a true map of Hogwarts, detailing all of the secret passages, and the staff's offices and rooms. Next to yours is the password to get in, to change it will also appear.
"You'll be allowed the run of the castle until students arrive, be mindful of Mr. Potter's wearabouts, if you can, but you may go anywhere you choose, the Forbidden Forest included."
"Professor, man I leave Hogwarts?" Belldani asked. Dumbledore laughed.
"Certainly! There are brooms in the staff lounge, if you need one, and the school has its own Floo network, if that is what you need. Poppy should have the rest of the thing that you will need to know, and feel free to ask at any time."
"Thank you very much, Professor Dumbledore, I'm so thrilled that I can get a job hear so soon after leaving Hogwarts as a student, my mother feels much more secure with me working here anyway." Dumbledore nodded, and Belldani excused herself to her rooms.
Belldani's rooms were close to the hospital wing, and she threw open the thick velvet blue curtains and opened the window. A cool breeze began to blow in. She opened her trunks, which held more than one would think they would, removing from them a good hundred candles, which she stuck in glass jars around the room, and two cloaks - one heavy velvet with a warm lining, and the second, made of a cool material. They went on pegs by the door, and she removed her collection of books, filling the bookshelf built into the wall.
"Knock, knock!" came a voice from the doorway, and Belldani looked up to see the Arthimancy professor, Sinistra, looking at her.
"Hello," Belldani said, "You would be. Professor Sinistra, correct?"
"Yes, my friends call me Ariel," she smiled, "So, you're the new nurse?" Belldani swallowed nervously.
"Yes, yes I am.." she felt like she was on trial.
"I see. And you're the best that Dumbledore could find? Really, I seem to recall discussion about a Nemorosi witch being a canidate." Sinistra looked around, and picked up a corset out of the trunk.
"You plan on wearing this around the students?" She asked in disbelief, holding it by her thumb and forefinger.
"Ye- yes, I make my own clothing." Belldani transfigured her robes into a deep red dress that buttoned from her neck to her midsection, and then split to reveal a black underskirt. She took the corset from Ariel and put it on over the start of the split.
"See?" she offered, "I really love to design clothing, this is one of my favourite works.."
"Indeed," Ariel looked around the room again, "How old are you, child?"
"I'm eighteen, Ariel," Belldani did not like this Professor.
"Of course," Ariel flashed a dangerous smile, "You are an eighteen year old witch who, by some reasons unknown, has been hired here at what was a prestigious school of magic. I feel that Dumbledore made a mistake to allow someone so young and inexperienced to have the position you have - to think! How would you react if a student ran in here right now, with leeches following out their ears? Or what if you had to tend to a 7th year, who was the same as you, child? Do you think you can keep the boundary between staff and students as drawn as we have kept it?"
"Are you saying that I am not mature enough for such a responsibility?" Belldani demanded, "I have been Professor Snape's best student since my first year here! I spent all of last year learning from Madam Pomfrey! And I do believe that I can keep your line as drawn as ever, Ariel." Belldani did not get mad often, but her family knew that when provoked, she was menacing.
"Good day, child," Professor Sinistra turned and was off down the hallway, her shoes clicking loudly. Belldani sank to the floor and sighed. She got up and closed the door, and glanced out the open window. The breeze seemed so inviting.
She transformed into a onyx coloured raven, and flew outside. The cool summer breeze felt lovely through her feathers, and she soared to a high turret of the castle. There Belldani perched and listened to see what was going on. She dove down to the ground, and found an open window to the dungeons and perched there. Snape was pacing around. She tried to act bird- like , sitting there. He noticed her, and strode up to the intruder.
"Do you think yourself clever?" he asked the bird. Belldani twittered nervously. "Once one has become an Animagus, there is a certain look the animal has. It is never quite natural." Belldani tried to not show emotion.
"Whomever you are, ravens would never just land on this particular windowsill, so close to the ground, and come inside." Snape mumbled more things, and his wand was next to her neck.
"Show yourself, Animagus," he growled, and Belldani felt compelled to transform. She became human in a sitting position, and was looking down at Snape from the high windowsill. He looked shocked. "You weren't expecting me, were you?" She asked curiously.
"No." Snape looked at her with curiousity, "Not many students are illegal Animagi."
"Not many students are on staff," Belldani countered, wondering if she had made the right decision, if the staff was really against her being there.
"You're no longer a student," Snape remarked, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. Belldani knew her face had flared red.
"Yeah, try telling that to Ariel Sinistra," she muttered, jumping down off the windowsill.
"I am to assume then that she chose to be the welcoming wagon?" he said wearily, adding, "Professor Sinistra is hardly a friend of mine either."
"Does all of the staff feel that I am too immature to be working as Madam Pomfrey's assistant?" Belldani asked, brushing dust off her clothes and heading to the door.
"Professor Dumbledore feels that he has made the right choice," Snape told her retreating form, "As do I," he added, causing her to turn and look back at him, "Poppy too, we all feel that you are deserving of the position you now hold."
"And what of the rest of the staff?" Belldani inquired, walking towards Snape again.
"Most of them feel that your age, and the fact that you have been a Hogwarts student until a fortnight ago, are charges against you. They feel that a few years would make you seem more of an . adult to the student body, once any younger friends of yours have left, I assume."
"I get it." Belldani looked away, "They think that the students won't get the picture that I am a teacher now."
"Precisely," Snape said, "However, you are quite possibly the best student I've ever had, and Dumbledore has made it clear on where he stands." Snape gently put a hand on her arm. Belldani started towards the window.
"I think I have to be getting back to my rooms, Professor," she spoke, "I will see you at dinner." Belldani waved quickly and transfigured herself into her raven form, taking off up to her wide-open window. She landed on the floor and transfigured back, and grabbed quill and paper.
IXathereth,
Tell Mum I got here alright, and everything's fine. Good luck at your new job tomorrow, sis, I wish you all the best. I have to go, but just wanted to drop you a line.
Belldani/I