Azura: The Black Mage Girl
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Chapter 4- A Sorting of Sorts
Azura's eyes widened in fear, as the bony man veers down on her, stooping to put his face inches from hers.
"What are you doing here?" The man says, in a raspy, chilling voice, his eyes glaring cruelly.
"I... I.. lost..... the ghost, he...... help, please.." Azura manages to stutter, out of worry, not one given to much to fear.
The man stands and looks down at her with a cold, but puzzled look, apparently not use to be asked for help. "Help? I'll help you straight to Professor McGonagall, come with me this instant child!"
The man takes Azura by the sleeve, and starts leading her through the corridors, muttering angrily about trouble making children and longing for the days of corporal punishment. Azura can't make up her mind, to be relieved or worried, both emotions welling up inside with every step turning her stomach rather unpleasantly.
After a while, the voices of many children can be heard emanating from a large set of doors across the corridor. Azura can't help but feel a bit of relief at this sign, but it's short lived.
"You stay put you little troublemaker, don't step one toe off this spot." says the man, and storms into the room.
It seems to Azura like she stands there for a very long time, silent and still in worry, fringing on anger. "I didn't do anything wrong...... It was that stupid ghost.... And Amaris.."' she grumbles to herself, though she can't fight back the nagging fact that she should have left Amaris on the train.
The doors burst open, the scraggly man reappears, closely flanked by a very stern looking woman in a tall, pointy hat Azura can't help but admire and small spectacles.
"Here's the little rule breaker Professor, a third year by the look of her. Got a right smart mouth on her too, help indeed." the man gripes.
"Calm yourself Argus, I'm quite sure I've never seen this child before." the lady answers, in cold voice. "Who are you, and what where you doing roaming around in the lower dungeons. Speak up child." she demands.
"My name is Azura Shalstone, and I'm sorry. I got distracted and strayed while everyone was still outside, I got a bit lost.." she says calmly, but her eyes narrow with anger as she continues, "The that wretched ghost calling himself Peeves lead me all over the damn place, just to get me hopelessly lost..."
"Watch your language young lady, this is a school after all." The woman snaps.
"Peeves?! Should'ave known that trouble make'n spook was up to something when I passed him in the hall laughing his empty head off." says Argus angrily.
"Be that the case," the lady continues, "your getting off this time but be warned.. There will be serious ramifications if you are ever caught sneaking around the school grounds again. Also know, whenever you are sorted miss Shalstone 10 points will be deducted from your house."
Azura nods, "Thank you Professor, I swear it won't happen again." The smell of food wafts out from the room beyond, a great hall lined with tables, however the feast appears to be over as all the students begin to stand and file out through the doorway in groups lead by older students. As they pass, Fred and George wave to her curiously, followed closely by Ginny.
As Argus stomps off, angry not to see punishment McGonagall peers down at Azura saying, "You'll need to be sorted immediately. Seeing as how the sorting hat has already been taken back to Dumbledore's office, we'll have to go there. Follow me."
Azura is marched up several flights of steps, and through several halls. Finally they come with a gargoyle seated curiously, basically in the middle of nowhere.
"Lemondrop" the lady says, causing the gargoyle to suddenly spring to life. It looks the two over, sniffs at Azura through stone nostril then steps aside as the wall splits in two, revealing a spiral staircase that ends just overhead in the ceiling.
Azura's eyes are locked on the gargoyle however who returns her gaze. "Amazing" Azura says flatly, "Are you a real gargoyle or just an enchantment?"
"Simply an enchantment child, a real gargoyle would refuse to work indoors. Come, no time to dabble about, there is much to do." McGonagall says, stepping onto the stairway. Azura follows, and soon the staircase begins to lift, spiraling as it rises for what seems like many floors. As an opening appears, and they pull level they come to a large double door. Azura is struck with amazement at the sight before her as McGonagall flings them open.
The room is filled with all sorts of interesting gadgets, ticking, whining and blowing small puffs of smoke. The walls are lined with many paintings, the shelves with countless books, bottles and trinkets of all types. Although rushed through by McGonogall, Azura makes sure to get a good look around, quite confident that not many students get to see this room of the school.
"Albus, we have a late arrival." the Professor calls up a small stairway to a higher level of the office. Shortly there after, a splendid looking man descends, his silver beard and hair seeming to glow, his eyes twinkling ever so slightly behind their crescent spectacles.
"Hello Azura, welcome to Hogwarts." The man says, in a pleasant, wise voice. "It appears you missed the Grand Feast. A shame really, it's some quite spectacular. I do recommend, making sure you attend next years." he continues looking down at the small witch.
"Yes sir, I won't miss another." Azura can't but feel comfortable, something about the old wizard she finds very settling.
"I'm curious Albus, why did you leave early?" states McGonagall.
"Did you noticed the lack of Harry and Ron's presence? I thought that I might be able to locate them, but no luck yet." he responds.
Dumbledor leads Azura and MCGonogall to a grand table supported with a great clawed foot, behind which is an old wizard's hat that looks as if it should have been tossed ages ago. As Azura fancies wide-brimmed hats, this one struck a certain respect all the same, despite it's terrible appearance. Her eyes however trail off to the large bird sitting on a perch nearby, it's feathers ragged and dull.
"Your bird sir, he doesn't seem well." she says, nodding to Dumbledor.
"Yes, Fawkes is normally quite stunning but he's getting close to end of this life.", replies Dumbledor.
"This life? Oh my...Is that, is he a Phoenix?!", Azura pipes excitedly.
"Quite right, miss Shalstone. You know your magical creatures do you?"
"Oh yes! I've studied mystical creatures and monsters every since I was big enough to pick up a book. Fascinating, simply amazing the creatures that inhabit this world."
"Have a seat miss Shalstone, you need to be sorted into your proper house." interrupts McGonogall, and Azura does as told.
McGonogall lifts the hat, and places it delicately on Azura's head, and much to her surprise the hat starts to move about on it's own. Nothing, however would have prepared Azura for what it does next, as it quite clearly says.
"Well now, aren't we the late one little Shalstone?" it half-hisses, then continues "Quite interesting this is, quite interesting indeed. You won't be easy at all to place child, no. You possess many qualities that suit you well for any of the houses, but there has to be one just right for you. Your very brave and just, however you certainly have a certain disregard for the rules and ambition for power. You are very soft hearted, oh I can tell there is so much going on inside you."
The hat starts to whisper softly, which seems to come from nowhere but finds it's way perfectly into Azura's ear alone, "I have to admit. I am very much baffled, I've never know one so....complicated. Not quite noble enough for Gryffindor, but your hearts to good for Slytherin. Your wits and ambition don't suit Hufflepuff. However, if I had to choose one of your merits above all, it would have to be your wit and sharp mind... so I'd have to say the best place possible here for you my dear..... would be," the hat practically yells, "RAVENCLAW!"
As Professor McGonogall removes the hat from Azura's head, she feels a little down.
"Is there something the matter?" Asks Dumbledor.
Azura looks down, and shrugs saying "Not really...just, I was kind of hopping to be placed in Gryffindor. I already met some nice people in that house."
Dumbledor smiles at her, and strokes his long beard. "You know dear, some times it's best to ask for the things you want. But I'm afraid it's to late for now, you are now a member of house Ravenclaw."
Azura nods, "It's fine I guess. I haven't really heard much about Ravenclaw to be honest."
"It's a fine house, your house head will be Professor Filius Flitwick the Charms teacher. I'll have prefect Penelope Clearwater lead you to the dormitory and have dinner sent up to you.' says McGonogall, who then draws a breath and takes a very serious tone. What proceeded, with a lengthy droning of the rules and other information Azura had apparently missed at the Grand Feast.
By the time McGonogall finishes, and the prefect Penelope makes it to Dumbledor's office Azura's stomach is growling fiercely, burning it into her memory that she should eat more than candies and cakes for a day. Leaving the office, they make their way through the halls and up several flights of stairs, Penelope pointing out many little facts and things to watch out for, sounding very authoritative yet kind.
The two come to what seems like a dead end, but an odd one as the short hallway leading to the wall they now face seems like it would lead somewhere. The only thing down it however, is a large painting of a beautiful woman dressed in clothing that seems to be from perhaps the Victorian era.
"She's lovely." Azura says, looking around for a secret doorway. Much to her surprise, the lady in the painting smiles, bows and gives thanks for the compliment quite verbaly.
"If you want to get into the Common Room, you have to know the password," Penelope explains "It changes from time to time, so make sure to keep updated. For now, the password is -Tail Feather-."
Causing Azura to jump slightly, a section of the wall to the left suddenly swings inward, revealing a room full of comfortable looking chairs and other students chatting and unpacking. Several greet her as she's lead inside by the prefect, one asking why they hadn't seen her at the sorting. Although embarrassed, she recites the story, excluding the fact that she wondered off because she was sneaking her bat inside.
Penelope sits Azura down in one of the comfy chairs and starts to go over yet more regulations. After a short while, the door opens and another Ravenclaw a few years older than her enters with a platter of food.
"Hey there...Azura? I'm Elton Gadd, glad to meet you." The boy says, nodding in greeting.
"Azura, Azura Shalstone. Thank you from bringing me food. I'm starving."
"Don't mention it, not a problem at all." he replies with a little too big of a smile.
Azura giggles a moment then starts eating her food rather ravenously. It's made difficult however to eat, as so many other kids began asking her questions. Before her meal is finished, she reveals that she's from the wizarding school of the US, her house and teachers. She tells them about how she was born in England, but moved to Amercia when she was still very young and had so far grown up there.
The biggest surprise to everyone comes after Penelope and Elton walk away, when Azura reaches into her robes and withdraws Amaris, her large black bat. Following gasps and awes, more questions come about how she got it, if it was going to be allowed at the school and how smart it is.
"She's a bit of a pain really, likes to run off on her own and she refuses to carry mail. Fortunately my family has Durward for that, he's the family's great horned owl. Amaris makes a great familiar for me though, in fact I'm very fond of her." Azura ends the explaining up by saying "So, where do we sleep?" as she makes it to her feet.
A second year girl with thick eyebrows leads Azura into the girls dormitory area. One of the nice four-poster beds at the very end next to a small window has her belongs stacked neatly on it, her luggage, broom, cauldron and birdcage. Azura makes her way to it, and begins to unpack, smiling as she looks at the curtains that completely enclose her bed to provide privacy.
As the night progresses, and things slow down Azura makes way to her bed and lays across it, pulling the curtains closed all around. She had quite a day all in all, and there would be plenty of time this term for her to get to her exploring. Tonight, she resolves to sleep, and to sleep hard as tomorrow will be another busy day.
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Chapter 4- A Sorting of Sorts
Azura's eyes widened in fear, as the bony man veers down on her, stooping to put his face inches from hers.
"What are you doing here?" The man says, in a raspy, chilling voice, his eyes glaring cruelly.
"I... I.. lost..... the ghost, he...... help, please.." Azura manages to stutter, out of worry, not one given to much to fear.
The man stands and looks down at her with a cold, but puzzled look, apparently not use to be asked for help. "Help? I'll help you straight to Professor McGonagall, come with me this instant child!"
The man takes Azura by the sleeve, and starts leading her through the corridors, muttering angrily about trouble making children and longing for the days of corporal punishment. Azura can't make up her mind, to be relieved or worried, both emotions welling up inside with every step turning her stomach rather unpleasantly.
After a while, the voices of many children can be heard emanating from a large set of doors across the corridor. Azura can't help but feel a bit of relief at this sign, but it's short lived.
"You stay put you little troublemaker, don't step one toe off this spot." says the man, and storms into the room.
It seems to Azura like she stands there for a very long time, silent and still in worry, fringing on anger. "I didn't do anything wrong...... It was that stupid ghost.... And Amaris.."' she grumbles to herself, though she can't fight back the nagging fact that she should have left Amaris on the train.
The doors burst open, the scraggly man reappears, closely flanked by a very stern looking woman in a tall, pointy hat Azura can't help but admire and small spectacles.
"Here's the little rule breaker Professor, a third year by the look of her. Got a right smart mouth on her too, help indeed." the man gripes.
"Calm yourself Argus, I'm quite sure I've never seen this child before." the lady answers, in cold voice. "Who are you, and what where you doing roaming around in the lower dungeons. Speak up child." she demands.
"My name is Azura Shalstone, and I'm sorry. I got distracted and strayed while everyone was still outside, I got a bit lost.." she says calmly, but her eyes narrow with anger as she continues, "The that wretched ghost calling himself Peeves lead me all over the damn place, just to get me hopelessly lost..."
"Watch your language young lady, this is a school after all." The woman snaps.
"Peeves?! Should'ave known that trouble make'n spook was up to something when I passed him in the hall laughing his empty head off." says Argus angrily.
"Be that the case," the lady continues, "your getting off this time but be warned.. There will be serious ramifications if you are ever caught sneaking around the school grounds again. Also know, whenever you are sorted miss Shalstone 10 points will be deducted from your house."
Azura nods, "Thank you Professor, I swear it won't happen again." The smell of food wafts out from the room beyond, a great hall lined with tables, however the feast appears to be over as all the students begin to stand and file out through the doorway in groups lead by older students. As they pass, Fred and George wave to her curiously, followed closely by Ginny.
As Argus stomps off, angry not to see punishment McGonagall peers down at Azura saying, "You'll need to be sorted immediately. Seeing as how the sorting hat has already been taken back to Dumbledore's office, we'll have to go there. Follow me."
Azura is marched up several flights of steps, and through several halls. Finally they come with a gargoyle seated curiously, basically in the middle of nowhere.
"Lemondrop" the lady says, causing the gargoyle to suddenly spring to life. It looks the two over, sniffs at Azura through stone nostril then steps aside as the wall splits in two, revealing a spiral staircase that ends just overhead in the ceiling.
Azura's eyes are locked on the gargoyle however who returns her gaze. "Amazing" Azura says flatly, "Are you a real gargoyle or just an enchantment?"
"Simply an enchantment child, a real gargoyle would refuse to work indoors. Come, no time to dabble about, there is much to do." McGonagall says, stepping onto the stairway. Azura follows, and soon the staircase begins to lift, spiraling as it rises for what seems like many floors. As an opening appears, and they pull level they come to a large double door. Azura is struck with amazement at the sight before her as McGonagall flings them open.
The room is filled with all sorts of interesting gadgets, ticking, whining and blowing small puffs of smoke. The walls are lined with many paintings, the shelves with countless books, bottles and trinkets of all types. Although rushed through by McGonogall, Azura makes sure to get a good look around, quite confident that not many students get to see this room of the school.
"Albus, we have a late arrival." the Professor calls up a small stairway to a higher level of the office. Shortly there after, a splendid looking man descends, his silver beard and hair seeming to glow, his eyes twinkling ever so slightly behind their crescent spectacles.
"Hello Azura, welcome to Hogwarts." The man says, in a pleasant, wise voice. "It appears you missed the Grand Feast. A shame really, it's some quite spectacular. I do recommend, making sure you attend next years." he continues looking down at the small witch.
"Yes sir, I won't miss another." Azura can't but feel comfortable, something about the old wizard she finds very settling.
"I'm curious Albus, why did you leave early?" states McGonagall.
"Did you noticed the lack of Harry and Ron's presence? I thought that I might be able to locate them, but no luck yet." he responds.
Dumbledor leads Azura and MCGonogall to a grand table supported with a great clawed foot, behind which is an old wizard's hat that looks as if it should have been tossed ages ago. As Azura fancies wide-brimmed hats, this one struck a certain respect all the same, despite it's terrible appearance. Her eyes however trail off to the large bird sitting on a perch nearby, it's feathers ragged and dull.
"Your bird sir, he doesn't seem well." she says, nodding to Dumbledor.
"Yes, Fawkes is normally quite stunning but he's getting close to end of this life.", replies Dumbledor.
"This life? Oh my...Is that, is he a Phoenix?!", Azura pipes excitedly.
"Quite right, miss Shalstone. You know your magical creatures do you?"
"Oh yes! I've studied mystical creatures and monsters every since I was big enough to pick up a book. Fascinating, simply amazing the creatures that inhabit this world."
"Have a seat miss Shalstone, you need to be sorted into your proper house." interrupts McGonogall, and Azura does as told.
McGonogall lifts the hat, and places it delicately on Azura's head, and much to her surprise the hat starts to move about on it's own. Nothing, however would have prepared Azura for what it does next, as it quite clearly says.
"Well now, aren't we the late one little Shalstone?" it half-hisses, then continues "Quite interesting this is, quite interesting indeed. You won't be easy at all to place child, no. You possess many qualities that suit you well for any of the houses, but there has to be one just right for you. Your very brave and just, however you certainly have a certain disregard for the rules and ambition for power. You are very soft hearted, oh I can tell there is so much going on inside you."
The hat starts to whisper softly, which seems to come from nowhere but finds it's way perfectly into Azura's ear alone, "I have to admit. I am very much baffled, I've never know one so....complicated. Not quite noble enough for Gryffindor, but your hearts to good for Slytherin. Your wits and ambition don't suit Hufflepuff. However, if I had to choose one of your merits above all, it would have to be your wit and sharp mind... so I'd have to say the best place possible here for you my dear..... would be," the hat practically yells, "RAVENCLAW!"
As Professor McGonogall removes the hat from Azura's head, she feels a little down.
"Is there something the matter?" Asks Dumbledor.
Azura looks down, and shrugs saying "Not really...just, I was kind of hopping to be placed in Gryffindor. I already met some nice people in that house."
Dumbledor smiles at her, and strokes his long beard. "You know dear, some times it's best to ask for the things you want. But I'm afraid it's to late for now, you are now a member of house Ravenclaw."
Azura nods, "It's fine I guess. I haven't really heard much about Ravenclaw to be honest."
"It's a fine house, your house head will be Professor Filius Flitwick the Charms teacher. I'll have prefect Penelope Clearwater lead you to the dormitory and have dinner sent up to you.' says McGonogall, who then draws a breath and takes a very serious tone. What proceeded, with a lengthy droning of the rules and other information Azura had apparently missed at the Grand Feast.
By the time McGonogall finishes, and the prefect Penelope makes it to Dumbledor's office Azura's stomach is growling fiercely, burning it into her memory that she should eat more than candies and cakes for a day. Leaving the office, they make their way through the halls and up several flights of stairs, Penelope pointing out many little facts and things to watch out for, sounding very authoritative yet kind.
The two come to what seems like a dead end, but an odd one as the short hallway leading to the wall they now face seems like it would lead somewhere. The only thing down it however, is a large painting of a beautiful woman dressed in clothing that seems to be from perhaps the Victorian era.
"She's lovely." Azura says, looking around for a secret doorway. Much to her surprise, the lady in the painting smiles, bows and gives thanks for the compliment quite verbaly.
"If you want to get into the Common Room, you have to know the password," Penelope explains "It changes from time to time, so make sure to keep updated. For now, the password is -Tail Feather-."
Causing Azura to jump slightly, a section of the wall to the left suddenly swings inward, revealing a room full of comfortable looking chairs and other students chatting and unpacking. Several greet her as she's lead inside by the prefect, one asking why they hadn't seen her at the sorting. Although embarrassed, she recites the story, excluding the fact that she wondered off because she was sneaking her bat inside.
Penelope sits Azura down in one of the comfy chairs and starts to go over yet more regulations. After a short while, the door opens and another Ravenclaw a few years older than her enters with a platter of food.
"Hey there...Azura? I'm Elton Gadd, glad to meet you." The boy says, nodding in greeting.
"Azura, Azura Shalstone. Thank you from bringing me food. I'm starving."
"Don't mention it, not a problem at all." he replies with a little too big of a smile.
Azura giggles a moment then starts eating her food rather ravenously. It's made difficult however to eat, as so many other kids began asking her questions. Before her meal is finished, she reveals that she's from the wizarding school of the US, her house and teachers. She tells them about how she was born in England, but moved to Amercia when she was still very young and had so far grown up there.
The biggest surprise to everyone comes after Penelope and Elton walk away, when Azura reaches into her robes and withdraws Amaris, her large black bat. Following gasps and awes, more questions come about how she got it, if it was going to be allowed at the school and how smart it is.
"She's a bit of a pain really, likes to run off on her own and she refuses to carry mail. Fortunately my family has Durward for that, he's the family's great horned owl. Amaris makes a great familiar for me though, in fact I'm very fond of her." Azura ends the explaining up by saying "So, where do we sleep?" as she makes it to her feet.
A second year girl with thick eyebrows leads Azura into the girls dormitory area. One of the nice four-poster beds at the very end next to a small window has her belongs stacked neatly on it, her luggage, broom, cauldron and birdcage. Azura makes her way to it, and begins to unpack, smiling as she looks at the curtains that completely enclose her bed to provide privacy.
As the night progresses, and things slow down Azura makes way to her bed and lays across it, pulling the curtains closed all around. She had quite a day all in all, and there would be plenty of time this term for her to get to her exploring. Tonight, she resolves to sleep, and to sleep hard as tomorrow will be another busy day.