(A/N Harry Potter and the associated characters, etc., belong to J.K. Rowling, not to me. The only things that belong to me are the plot of this story, and the characters: Christina, Gavin, Fiona, Alex, and Savana Walker, as well as a few others.)

Harry Potter and the Staff of Time

Chapter 6

The Transfer Student

Alex set his bags on the ground and sighed. He was standing outside the front gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and feeling rather nervous and a little homesick.

The castle was so different from The Academy of the Aurora Borealis, where he had lived and studied for the past nine years! Both schools were surrounded by forests, but, that was where the similarities ended. The forests surrounding Hogwarts were typical of the British Isles, made up of hardwoods, deciduous trees and shrubbery.

Aurora Borealis was located on the shore of a large, deep lake, hidden in the remote pine and birch forests which typify northern Minnesota. Its buildings were constructed of logs and stone, which are common in that region. Their architecture was rustic and resembled an exclusive, northern wilderness retreat, rather than a school.

The school building, which contained most of the classrooms, was a large, three story, log lodge. It also housed a community center which doubled as an auditorium.

The community center was quite spacious, the entire student body, faculty and staff could easily gather there. It had high, vaulted ceilings which were made of white pine, and a huge fireplace, made of stones, which dominated most of the northern wall. The southern wall was almost entirely constructed of windows and glass and because of that, the area could have been uncomfortably warm and bright. It was perfectly shaded, however, by towering white pine trees. It also afforded a magnificent

view of the enormous lake upon which the school was located.

The school building was attatched by a breezeway to a smaller log building, which housed the dinning room and the kitchens.

This particular thought evoked memories of walking to the dinning room from his dormitory on cool, crisp mornings. The air had been scented with the bracing aroma of pine trees and, as he approached the kitchens, the aromas of frying bacon and freshly brewed coffee entered into the mix. During the colder months the entire potpourie was overlaid with the sweet smell of wood smoke, coming from various fireplaces and wood burning stoves, which were used to help heat the buildings which made up the complex.

Alex suddenly felt completely alone and so homesick that he had to fight an urge to turn around and return to The Academy as quickly as he possible could.

"Orion, I don't know what my family has gotten me into, but, just now I'm not exactly a willing participant." He sighed.

Alex reached into his pocket and scratched the rat with a finger. Orion reciprocated by grasping the finger in his forepaws and began to lick and groom it. Alex saw a large, shaggy figure approaching him from the castle and withdrew his hand from Orion's fastidious attentions.

Orion popped his head out of the pocket and chattered his teeth at Alex to indicate his irritation. When Alex failed to respond to that, he emerged from the pocket and scrambled up onto Alex's shoulder where he proceeded to nudge Alex's ear and neck in a quest for attention.

"Yeh've got ter be Alex." Said the bearded giant. "Let me introduce meself, Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds here at Hogwarts. And jus' who is this lil' feller?" He continued, indicating Orion, who eyed Hagrid suspiciously from his new perch under Alex's hair on the back of his neck.

"This is Orion, my pet rat and fellow traveler." Alex replied while reaching up to coax Orion out onto his hand or shoulder.

Orion, however, would have none of it. He scampered back down Alex's jacket and disappeared into his pocket where he curled up into a defiant ball.

"Sorry about that." Alex continued, as Hagrid chuckled at Orion's behavior. "He hasn't been very happy with all of the traveling. He'll warm up to you when you've been around him for awhile."

"If yeh'll foller me, we'll stow yeh're gear and tour theh grounds." Hagrid suggested while hefting one of Alex's bags.

They walked through the gates together and headed down the drive toward Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Alex's new life.

...'~*~'...

"Walker!" Hermione exclaimed. "As in Gavin, Christina, and Fiona Walker?!"

"Quiet down Hermione." Harry advised her. "Everyone on this train will hear you, especially our good friends in the next compartment."

"Gavin and Fiona Walker are my parents. Christina Walker is my aunt. So what? And how do you know about them anyway?" Savana replied with a touch of suspicion in her voice.

"I can't believe I didn't figure this out when we met you in Diagon Alley! It must have been because I was so angry about your hawk attacking Crookshanks!...But, they're supposed to be dead! Voldemort killed them! And you aren't even mentioned!" Hermione sputted.

"Hermione, you're almost foaming at the mouth. And you're not making sense to anyone, except yourself, and possibly, Savana!" Ron admonished, sounding frusterated.

"She's part of the Walker family!" Hermione repeated, while indicating that what she had said should be completely self explainitory. The only response she recieved from everyone, except Savana, however, were puzzled expressions. "THE WALKERS!" Hermione stomped her foot in exasperation. "I sometimes wish the rest of you weren't SO illiterate! I read about them in THE WORLD'S MOST WELL KNOWN WIZARDS. You, and your family, are in that book too, Harry."

"Hey! Just because we haven't spent our lives with our noses buried in some dusty, old books, doesn't mean we're illiterate!" Ron protested heatedly.

Ron and Hermione glared at each other while the rest of the group stared at the floor in embaressment.

Savana tugged gently on Ginny's robe, to get her attention. "Do they always behave like this?" Savana whispered.

Ginny giggled. "Are you serious?" She whispered back. "These are their company manners. Wait until you've had the pleasure of living with them for awhile."

"I think part of their problem is that they love each other, but, they won't admit it." Ginny continued. She began to blush as Hermione and Ron turned their glare toward her.

Harry cleared his throat and looked at each of his fellow travelers. "Now that we've all demonstrated how rude we can be, let's get back to what Hermione was supposed to be explaining, Savana's family."

Hermione explained what she had read about the Walker's lineage, power, etc. "So," she concluded, "just how did your family survive, and why are you in England? Those are the two questions I'd like to hear the answers to first."

"Before I tell you anything more, I need you all to promise that anything said here, will remain between us only." Savana spoke in a low voice.

They all solemly promised, then leaned back to listen, as Savana told her story.

"I can't tell you much more than what Hermione already told you. It's not that I don't want to tell you, it's just that I don't know anything more than what my aunt and parents told me." Savana explained. She told them about her parents and aunt, who had all grown up in the U.K., attended Hogwarts, and had been close friends of Harry's parents. She re-itinerated that they had been fighting Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters when his forces had attacked Gavin, Fiona and Alex one night and destroyed their house. It was assumed that all three of them had died that night. However, Christina had warned them of Voldemort's plans and they had been smuggled to the U.S.A., where they had lived in relative obscurity, since that time.

"I suspect there's alot more to the story than that, but, that's all they told Alex and me. So, for now, that's the story." Savana concluded.

"Are you really telepathic and telekinetic, like Hermione said you might be?" Ginny asked, in awe.

Harry began to laugh. "Just how do you think all of that stuff fell onto our good friends in there?" He indicated the Malfoy party's compartment with his head.

"Wow! So, you can hear what I'm thinking, or move something, just like that?" Ginny was still in awe.

"No, it doesn't work like that." Savana explained. "At least, not just yet. Telepathy and telekineses are like any other talent people are born with. Some people possess more ability than others, or are better able to use their talents. I'm just begining to manifest them and am learning to control them. They usually appear when I'm really upset, or something like that."

Savana noticed both Harry and Ron were staring at her in amazement. "Now, what's the problem? I just told you, I'm not some freak, who runs around reading everyone's mind, or anything like that." Savana admonished them, as her face began to flush with anger and embaressment.

"Oh, that's not what we were thinking about." Harry rushed to reassure her. "I just had a really strange dream. . .or something. . .I don't know what to call it. . .a few weeks ago. You were in it, and it was so strange that I told Ron, and another close friend, about it." Harry went on to describe his night vision, in great detail, to Savana and the others. As he did so he noticed that Savana had become pale.

"You're describing the night I was first told about all of this." Savana spoke as though she were in a trance. "I was really upset, especially about leaving home, my friends, and all of that. I must have been broadcasting."

"What is broadcasting? I've never heard of it before, at least not the way you've just used it." Ron appeared to be very curious.

"Broadcasting is sending out a strong telepathic message, to anyone who might be receptive to it. Since you recieved the message, Harry, you must have some telepathic sensitivity." Savana explained. She was begining to feel like a teacher.

"Where did you learn about all of this?" Ginny asked. "Do they teach about it in your school?"

"It's not a general subject, there. Chief Minnehaha instructed a small group of us." Savana said.

"MINNEHAHA! Now, you're just trying to fool us!" Ron snorted.

"No, she's telling the truth." Hermione asserted. "Chief Minnehaha is the Head Master of The Academy of the Aurora Borealis. I read it in SMYTH'S GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN SCHOOLS OF WITCHCRAFT & WIZARDRY." Hermione said archly. She didn't add that if the others read more, they might have already known that, but, her face said it.

"Minnehaha is the Dakota word for laughing waters." Savana added.

Ginny was about to ask Savana to tell them more about herself and what life was like in the U.S.A., when there was a knock on the door. The snack trolley was outside of it and they all wanted to introduce Savana to their particular favorite.

Savana opened a Chocolate Frog, popped it into her mouth and studied the enclosed wizard card, as she ate it. This reminded Ron and Harry of the prank they had played on Dudley during the summer, so, they told the others all about it.

"It was absolutely brilliant!" Ron concluded.

"I wonder when the effects of the Fruit Mutants finally wore off?" Harry added with a grin. It wasn't often that he truely got the better of his spoiled cousin.

They spent the rest of the trip catching up with various friends, who dropped by to visit, and Hermione suspected, to check out the new girl. Soon,they reached their destination, Hogsmeade station.

...`~*~`...

Alex and Hagrid approached the pond. It was the last stop on their tour of Hogwarts.

"We've got lots 'o beasties livin' in here." Hagrid said, rather proudly. "Theh ones yeh got 'ter watch out fer are theh: grindylows...them's nasty 'lil buggers..., merpeople...them's a snooty lot..., and theh giant squid...he's a big 'un."

Alex smiled and replied, "Aurora Borealis is on a huge, deep lake. It's called Lake Vermillion. There are lots of things living in it, too. My all time favorite, however, is our Lake Monster, Millie.

"We got one 'o those, Nessie, lives in Loch Ness. She's a lake dragon, not a monster." Hagrid said. He was wondering just how much Alex knew about magical beasts, if he didn't know the difference between a lake dragon and a lake monster, it would be a long, difficult year.

"Actually, I know that, but the Muggles don't. You should hear some of the stories they tell about Millie's brother, Ogopogo.1" Alex replied.

"Prit'y nasty, eh? Them's like theh ones about Nessie." Hagrid felt some relief. Maybe the boy wasn't going to be a total loss.

Alex continued talking about the North American Ogopogo legend. "The Haida Indians, who live in the area, called Ogopogo, N'ha-a-tik, it means: The Lake Demon. He never did anything to deserve that name. Go figure."

Hagrid shook his large, shaggy head in puzzlement. There was no understanding Muggles, as far as he was concerned. "We mus' go back to theh castle. Theh students 'll be here, soon."

As they walked back to the castle, Alex thought that he might try to visit Nessie while he was here. She would probably like to hear about how her sister, Millie, was doing.

...`~*~`...

Harry and the rest of his troop, gathered their carry-on baggage and prepared to disembark from the train. They had to take care with their animals, Pigwidgeon and Stellaluna2 in particular, since they weren't overly fond of traveling.

Ginny had removed the cover from Stellaluna's cage, so that she could reassure her pet. The bat had decided it was time for a little food and exercise. (After all, it was dusk, and time to wake up, to the bat's way of thinking.)

As they stood there on the platform, they heard a loud, unwelcome comment from nearby. "Hey, look! The little Weasel has a flying rat! How, fitting...hope you're happy together!"

Ginny quickly recovered Stellaluna's cage, as she turned red with embaressment and sought an appropriate reply to the double insult which Crabbe had hurled at her. Then she noticed Savana staring intently, and with silent fury, at Crabbe. Crabbe, for his part, had become pale and wore a horrified expression on his face. It was obvious to Harry and the others, who were aware of Savana's gifts, that she had filled Crabbe's few, functioning brain cells, with some sort of terrifying vision.

Harry and Ron each grabbed Savana by her respective sleeves and tugged at her until she moved away with them, toward the carriages waiting nearby.

"Savana, what did you just do?" Harry demanded in a low voice.

Savana flashed him a sweet, innocent smile. "Who, 'lil 'ol me?" She replied, affecting a soft, southern drawl. "I simply showed him the error of his ways."

"If she isn't a little more careful, she'll show us all into a month's worth of detention!" Hermione hissed. Then she added sweetly, "Oh, Savana! You'd better hurry and catch up to the rest of the first years. You'll miss the crossing ceremony."

"I'm not ten years old, Hermione! I don't need to take part in initiation ceremonies with children!" Savana replied haughtily. "Besides, I went through a first year ritual at Aurora Borealis years ago, and I have no intention of doing it again!"

"Would you two stop sparring, and get aboard this carriage?!" Ron's frusteration showed in his voice. "If you two keep acting this way, it's going to be a bloody, long year!"

Hermione and Savana both muttered something that sounded like "It's all her fault" under their breath and climbed into the closest carriage. Harry noticed they sat as far away from each other as possible.

...`~*~`...

The Great Hall was resplendent in the glow of candlelight, from the multitude of candles, as well as moonlight, from the enchanted ceiling. The tables were all set for the opening banquet and the faculty was all in place at the head table. Harry noted a few new faces in their ranks.

Savana looked around her in awe, trying to take everything in. "This is amazing!" She whispered to Ginny, who stood beside her.

"I feel that way everytime I see it, too." Ginny whispered back.

The rest of the group had started toward the Gryffindor table. Savana began to feel nervous. She didn't know where to go or what to do. This feeling didn't sit well with her.

"I'm not sure where I should be. What do you think I should do?" Savana whispered to Ginny.

"I think you'll need to go with the first years..." Ginny began to say, but, Savana glared at her. "...just long enough to be sorted." She rushed to complete her thought.

"I'm sorry. You're just trying to help me and I'm treating you like a jerk. Thanks for your help." Savana began to make her way toward the queue of first years, while Ginny joined the rest of the Gryffindor table.

Professor McGonagall lead the first year students forward and Savana slipped into the line, while McGonagall retrieved the Sorting Hat and a stool.

She then placed them in front of everyone.

The hat was an old, patched wizard's hat and everyone was silent and stared at it. Then a tear in it opened like a mouth and the hat began to chant:

"A thousand years or more ago, For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

When I was newly sewn, Would always be the best;

There lived four wizards of renown, For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

Whose names are still well known: Most worthy of admission;

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor, And power-hungry Slytherin

Fair Ravenclaw, from glen, Loved those of great ambition.

Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad, While still alive they did divide

Shrewd Slytherin, from fen, Their favorites from the throng,

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream, Yet how to pick the worthy ones

To educate young sorcerers When they were dead and gone?

Thus Hogwarts School began. 'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,

Now each of these four founders He whipped me off his head

Formed their own house, for each The founders put some brains in me

Did value different virtues So I could choose instead!

In the ones they had to teach. Now slip me snug about your ears,

By Gryffindor, the bravest were I've never yet been wrong,

Prized far beyond the rest; I'll have a look inside your mind

And tell where you belong!"3

"When I call your name, you will sit on this stool and I will place the Sorting Hat upon your head. It will tell us what house you will be placed in." Professor McGonagall addressed the first years. "Ian McClellon!" She announced.

Savana heard some nervous giggles around her as the first student called, walked forward and sat upon the stool. She tryed to quiet the butterflies in her stomach.

"Slytherin!" The hat announced.

The Slytherin table erupted into loud cheers as Ian sat down.

"Sarah Burns" McGonagall called.

A young girl with short, blonde hair approached the stool and sat down.

"Hufflepuff!" The hat sang out.

Everyone at the Hufflepuff table cheered as Sarah took her seat.

Professor McGonagall continued on down the list and the rest of the school continued on in this fashion until only Savana was left standing there. By this time she was feeling lonely and forgotten, as well as scared to death.

Professor McGonagall readjusted her glasses and studied her list. "Ah, here it is!" She said softly to herself. "Savana Walker!"

"That's the biggest first year I've ever seen! She must have been left back a

few times!" Sniggered one of the Slytherin girls.

Professor Dumbledore shot her a stern look and she slid down in her chair.

She wasn't embaressed by her behavior, only that she had been caught by the headmaster.

Fortunately, Savana was concentrating too much on the Sorting Hat to hear

the nasty comments from the Slytherin table.

"Hmmm, interesting!" The hat said to Savana. "I haven't seen any of your family in many years! Where to put you?" The hat paused for a few seconds. "GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted, as everyone at the Gryffindor table began to cheer.

Savana sighed in relief as she took a seat next to Ron and Harry. It was finally over and she was in the house she had desired to be in. She thought with relief.

1. Levers, Don; OGOPOGO, THE MISUNDERSTOOD LAKE MONSTER: Ogopogo is a legendary

lake serpent who lives in Okanagan Lake, located in British Colombia, Canada. He is believed to be

the great, great, great grandson of a European dragon named, Percival. Some of his relatives are

Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster and Manapogo, the Lake Winnipegosis Monster.

2. Cannon, Janell; STELLALUNA.

3. Rowling, J.K.; HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE.

A/N I will not update again until i get some reviews, like say 20.