Ok, Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you the third chapter of the Reason.
Don't expect to know why it's called that yet, cause I still don't know.
Anyway, at this point, the rating could very easily be PG, maybe a harsh G,
but hopefully the rating will make sense in future chapters. I hope you
like it.
THE REASON CH 3: Amazement
September the first was a surprisingly sunny day for London, England. The sun was shining brightly through the window of the room in the Leaky Tavern where Liz was staying and as she put her contacts in, the world outside came into focus.
There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun beat down onto the people already hustling about, trying to get to wherever they were going. Liz had missed sunshine since she had left her Connecticut home a week before, and she was glad to get some. The chilly fall air hit her as she apparated to an alley by King Cross station, and she remembered passing the test over a year before.
It had been a day similar to this one, and the American Ministry of Magic had decided that as she had already passed all of her tests, the CROWS and the LIONS, the American versions of the NEWTS and OWLS, she should be considered an adult wizard, even at the age of 14. She had to admit, it hadn't been easy, going to both a Muggle school and being taught by tutors in the art of magic. It was why she had rushed through her training. Early on she decided to get through as soon as possible, so she'd be able to take as little stress as possible as a teenager.
Realizing she had been lost in the thrill of the memory, she snapped back into the real world and headed into the train station. Her ticket said to go to Platform 9 ¾ but there didn't appear to be a platform by that number. There was only a Platform 9 and a Platform 10. Liz looked back down at her ticket and then back up at the signs.
"What have I gotten myself into?" she thought, trying to keep from panicking. Looking around, she saw a silver headed boy with a tawny owl. What Muggle in their right mind would have an owl in a train station? "Excuse me," Liz said walking over. "I'm a bit lost."
"So, what's it to me?" the boy replied in a tart British accent. "Ask an attendant."
"Well, see, I don't think they'd know where it is. But perhaps you would, seeing as you're a wizard and all..." Liz trailed off.
"Aren't you a bit old to be going to Hogwarts for the first time?" the boy asked, giving her an odd look.
"I'm transferring. I'm an American."
"Like I couldn't tell from your bloody accent," the boy snapped. "Oh, well. You walk straight at the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. My name's Draco, by the way. Draco Malfoy." The way he said his name, it made it sound like she should fan over him, that he was royalty or something.
"Liz Riddle. Thank you very much for your help... Draco," Liz said. She then turned her cart and walked towards the barrier, almost expecting to hit something solid. Instead, it gave way, as if she were walking through a wall of dry water, and before her eyes lay the Hogwarts Express: a long, gleaming red train with children of all ages milling around it, waiting for it to leave and saying good bye to parents. Liz, however, had said good bye to her mother back in Connecticut and didn't want to waste time, as knowing her luck she'd miss the train all together.
Lugging her trunk up the stairs, she was amazed at the décor in the train. You see, Americans don't often take trains, and this was Liz's first time on one. Finding an empty compartment, she squeezed in and lifted her trunk over her head to store on one of the over head racks. Then, she sat down in a seat and took out the letter she had received, to look at it once more.
Dr. Ms. Riddle; It has come to our attention that you wish to seek asylum at our school, yet you will not be able to attend as a student due to your status as being a fully trained witch. Based on the circumstances of need, we will kindly extend a hand of hospitality towards you.
We have also been informed that you are well equipped in your abilities in both the Dark Arts and the Defense of the aforementioned subject. Because at this time we are missing a teacher in that subject, we are offering it to you.
Please report to Platform 9 ¾ of the King's Cross Station in London, England on September the first and catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Then, please report to my office as soon as you reach the school for further instruction.
We look forward to seeing you. Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts
So here Liz sat, on the train, trying not to have a panic attack. "What if they don't like me?" she asked Locke.
"They're teenagers, students. They don't like any of their teachers," he hissed back at her.
"That's real comforting, Locke. Thanks a lot."
"You liked some of your teachers. They'll like you."
"Nice backpedaling. What if it happens again, though?"
"That's why you have your medication. And me. If you get too out of hand, I promise to bite you."
"Real funny. Truth is, I'm gonna forget everything I know when I get up in front of a class, and they won't think I'm qualified as it is. I'm younger then at least a hundred of them."
"You're almost 16. You will survive. If anything, they'll be able to connect to you better. Now shush. Someone's coming and I don't think you want them to know you're a parsel mouth right off the bat."
Sure enough, the door was sliding open. Locke slid back into her bag and Liz looked up from the letter.
"Hi. Do you mind if we join you in here?" asked a red headed boy.
"No, not at all," she replied, taking a good look at him. He was lanky, with long red hair and brown eyes. Behind him walked a pretty girl with wavy brown hair and brown eyes, about 5'7" and creamy white skin. As the two of them stowed their trunks, another boy walked in, the boy from Diagon Alley to be exact. Close up, his emerald eyes were even more stunning, even if they were hiding behind big, black, circular glasses. Messy black hair covered his head, and a tall, well built body lay beneath it.
"I'm Ron Weasley," the red head said, "this is Hermione Granger, and the prat who can't stop staring at you is Harry Potter."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Liz," she said. Harry looked relieved that that she wasn't gaping, for some odd reason, and Hermione looked curious.
"Do you have a last name, or are all of you Americans like Cher and only have a first name?" she asked.
"Oh, Riddle. Liz Riddle," Liz corrected, getting really nervous.
"Riddle. Any relation to Tom Riddle?" Harry asked, looking at her with worry.
"Yeah, but it's a common name. I doubt we're talking about the same one," Liz said, knowing full well that they probably were talking about the same one. Her father's name was Tom, and he was British. He had gone to Hogwarts over 50 years ago, her parents had an age difference of over 20 years, but if they loved each other... He was also one of the most feared wizards in the world, and if they knew his real name, they had every reason to be cautious.
"Probably not," Hermione said quickly, seeing the tension mounting in her friends' eyes. "I've never seen you before. Where are you from?" she asked, trying to divert their minds.
"Um, America. Connecticut to be exact," Liz replied, flipping her wand around her thumb.
"Did you go to the American school, what's it called, Rockwall?" Ron asked.
"No. I was home schooled. I went to a Muggle school as well, so it just seemed to make sense," Liz lied. The truth was she hadn't been allowed to go to The Rockwall Academy for Magic. Partly because of whom her father was, and partly because of what was going on in her life at the time, they didn't want to accept her.
"How old are you?" Harry asked, looking back in from the window.
"16," Ginny said as she walked in, getting a look from Ron, Hermione and Harry. "Right?"
"15. I'll be 16 next month. How'd you know?" Liz responded.
"I heard my parents talking. They said we were getting a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A 16 year old one from America. I put the pieces together. Ginny Weasley."
"Liz Riddle."
"Nice to meet you. Let's hope you're better then last years teacher," Ginny said, shocking Liz.
"Why, was he bad?" Liz asked.
"Let's put it this way. We have problems keeping Defense Against the Dark Art teachers for more then a year. First year, the guy was a supporter of Voldemort. Second year, the man was a dolt who knew nothing and wiped his own memory. Third year was the best, but the guy was a werewolf and parents weren't too happy about that. Fourth year the teacher was using a polyjuice potion to pretend he was who he wasn't and then last year, the woman was a bitch who no one liked. Here's wishing you luck that you'll last longer then a year," Harry informed her, raising his hand as if it contained a glass.
"I wish someone had warned me before I took the position," Liz said shortly.
"Well you must be really talented if you got the position this young," Harry said, hissing from talented on as Locke had slithered out of Liz's bag and was sitting on her lap.
"Oh, um, Harry's a parsel mouth," Hermione said stating the obvious.
"So I figured. I'm sorry, Locke doesn't really like sitting still," Liz said, speaking parsel tongue for the last part. She watched jaws drop around the compartment.
"Well, at least I won't be the only freak around," Harry muttered.
"Something tells me that people don't look at you as a freak," Liz said, smiling.
"And besides, mate, we're all freaks in one way or another!" Ron cheered merrily.
"Yes you are," Draco said, standing in the doorway. "You know, love, if you want to be popular, you shouldn't hang out with these blokes."
"Well then, it's a good thing I don't think she cares about being popular," Ginny growled at him.
"I'm serious. Hanging out with a bunch of blood traitors, mudbloods, and, well Potty Potter here will only make you enemies."
"I think I can handle myself, Draco, was it?" Liz said, staring him straight in the eye.
"Well, if you're looking for decent friends, come see me," Draco said walking out.
"I think he just wanted to fuck you mate," Ron said, looking at the form of the new teacher. Without realizing it, all three girls burst out laughing.
Harry couldn't help but look her up and down. She had chocolate brown hair and her green eyes seemed to keep changing shades. She had rosy cheeks, but otherwise her skin was pale ivory, and she really was pretty. He couldn't blame Draco for thinking inappropriate thoughts about her.
"What is it with girls, that they have to giggle at everything?" Ron moaned.
"It makes us happy!" Liz said, smiling at her new friends. At least she had someone who liked her.
The five of them spent the next few hours talking and playing games of exploding snap and chess, as random people they other 4 knew from previous years came to stick their heads in and say hello. Before she knew it, the train was pulling into the station at Hogsmead, and Liz was departing to go get instructions for the following year from the headmaster.
Wow, that was fun. I'll try and get another chapter up by the end of the week. Please review. I think I have two, and I really would like to know how I'm doing.
THE REASON CH 3: Amazement
September the first was a surprisingly sunny day for London, England. The sun was shining brightly through the window of the room in the Leaky Tavern where Liz was staying and as she put her contacts in, the world outside came into focus.
There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun beat down onto the people already hustling about, trying to get to wherever they were going. Liz had missed sunshine since she had left her Connecticut home a week before, and she was glad to get some. The chilly fall air hit her as she apparated to an alley by King Cross station, and she remembered passing the test over a year before.
It had been a day similar to this one, and the American Ministry of Magic had decided that as she had already passed all of her tests, the CROWS and the LIONS, the American versions of the NEWTS and OWLS, she should be considered an adult wizard, even at the age of 14. She had to admit, it hadn't been easy, going to both a Muggle school and being taught by tutors in the art of magic. It was why she had rushed through her training. Early on she decided to get through as soon as possible, so she'd be able to take as little stress as possible as a teenager.
Realizing she had been lost in the thrill of the memory, she snapped back into the real world and headed into the train station. Her ticket said to go to Platform 9 ¾ but there didn't appear to be a platform by that number. There was only a Platform 9 and a Platform 10. Liz looked back down at her ticket and then back up at the signs.
"What have I gotten myself into?" she thought, trying to keep from panicking. Looking around, she saw a silver headed boy with a tawny owl. What Muggle in their right mind would have an owl in a train station? "Excuse me," Liz said walking over. "I'm a bit lost."
"So, what's it to me?" the boy replied in a tart British accent. "Ask an attendant."
"Well, see, I don't think they'd know where it is. But perhaps you would, seeing as you're a wizard and all..." Liz trailed off.
"Aren't you a bit old to be going to Hogwarts for the first time?" the boy asked, giving her an odd look.
"I'm transferring. I'm an American."
"Like I couldn't tell from your bloody accent," the boy snapped. "Oh, well. You walk straight at the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. My name's Draco, by the way. Draco Malfoy." The way he said his name, it made it sound like she should fan over him, that he was royalty or something.
"Liz Riddle. Thank you very much for your help... Draco," Liz said. She then turned her cart and walked towards the barrier, almost expecting to hit something solid. Instead, it gave way, as if she were walking through a wall of dry water, and before her eyes lay the Hogwarts Express: a long, gleaming red train with children of all ages milling around it, waiting for it to leave and saying good bye to parents. Liz, however, had said good bye to her mother back in Connecticut and didn't want to waste time, as knowing her luck she'd miss the train all together.
Lugging her trunk up the stairs, she was amazed at the décor in the train. You see, Americans don't often take trains, and this was Liz's first time on one. Finding an empty compartment, she squeezed in and lifted her trunk over her head to store on one of the over head racks. Then, she sat down in a seat and took out the letter she had received, to look at it once more.
Dr. Ms. Riddle; It has come to our attention that you wish to seek asylum at our school, yet you will not be able to attend as a student due to your status as being a fully trained witch. Based on the circumstances of need, we will kindly extend a hand of hospitality towards you.
We have also been informed that you are well equipped in your abilities in both the Dark Arts and the Defense of the aforementioned subject. Because at this time we are missing a teacher in that subject, we are offering it to you.
Please report to Platform 9 ¾ of the King's Cross Station in London, England on September the first and catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express. Then, please report to my office as soon as you reach the school for further instruction.
We look forward to seeing you. Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts
So here Liz sat, on the train, trying not to have a panic attack. "What if they don't like me?" she asked Locke.
"They're teenagers, students. They don't like any of their teachers," he hissed back at her.
"That's real comforting, Locke. Thanks a lot."
"You liked some of your teachers. They'll like you."
"Nice backpedaling. What if it happens again, though?"
"That's why you have your medication. And me. If you get too out of hand, I promise to bite you."
"Real funny. Truth is, I'm gonna forget everything I know when I get up in front of a class, and they won't think I'm qualified as it is. I'm younger then at least a hundred of them."
"You're almost 16. You will survive. If anything, they'll be able to connect to you better. Now shush. Someone's coming and I don't think you want them to know you're a parsel mouth right off the bat."
Sure enough, the door was sliding open. Locke slid back into her bag and Liz looked up from the letter.
"Hi. Do you mind if we join you in here?" asked a red headed boy.
"No, not at all," she replied, taking a good look at him. He was lanky, with long red hair and brown eyes. Behind him walked a pretty girl with wavy brown hair and brown eyes, about 5'7" and creamy white skin. As the two of them stowed their trunks, another boy walked in, the boy from Diagon Alley to be exact. Close up, his emerald eyes were even more stunning, even if they were hiding behind big, black, circular glasses. Messy black hair covered his head, and a tall, well built body lay beneath it.
"I'm Ron Weasley," the red head said, "this is Hermione Granger, and the prat who can't stop staring at you is Harry Potter."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Liz," she said. Harry looked relieved that that she wasn't gaping, for some odd reason, and Hermione looked curious.
"Do you have a last name, or are all of you Americans like Cher and only have a first name?" she asked.
"Oh, Riddle. Liz Riddle," Liz corrected, getting really nervous.
"Riddle. Any relation to Tom Riddle?" Harry asked, looking at her with worry.
"Yeah, but it's a common name. I doubt we're talking about the same one," Liz said, knowing full well that they probably were talking about the same one. Her father's name was Tom, and he was British. He had gone to Hogwarts over 50 years ago, her parents had an age difference of over 20 years, but if they loved each other... He was also one of the most feared wizards in the world, and if they knew his real name, they had every reason to be cautious.
"Probably not," Hermione said quickly, seeing the tension mounting in her friends' eyes. "I've never seen you before. Where are you from?" she asked, trying to divert their minds.
"Um, America. Connecticut to be exact," Liz replied, flipping her wand around her thumb.
"Did you go to the American school, what's it called, Rockwall?" Ron asked.
"No. I was home schooled. I went to a Muggle school as well, so it just seemed to make sense," Liz lied. The truth was she hadn't been allowed to go to The Rockwall Academy for Magic. Partly because of whom her father was, and partly because of what was going on in her life at the time, they didn't want to accept her.
"How old are you?" Harry asked, looking back in from the window.
"16," Ginny said as she walked in, getting a look from Ron, Hermione and Harry. "Right?"
"15. I'll be 16 next month. How'd you know?" Liz responded.
"I heard my parents talking. They said we were getting a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A 16 year old one from America. I put the pieces together. Ginny Weasley."
"Liz Riddle."
"Nice to meet you. Let's hope you're better then last years teacher," Ginny said, shocking Liz.
"Why, was he bad?" Liz asked.
"Let's put it this way. We have problems keeping Defense Against the Dark Art teachers for more then a year. First year, the guy was a supporter of Voldemort. Second year, the man was a dolt who knew nothing and wiped his own memory. Third year was the best, but the guy was a werewolf and parents weren't too happy about that. Fourth year the teacher was using a polyjuice potion to pretend he was who he wasn't and then last year, the woman was a bitch who no one liked. Here's wishing you luck that you'll last longer then a year," Harry informed her, raising his hand as if it contained a glass.
"I wish someone had warned me before I took the position," Liz said shortly.
"Well you must be really talented if you got the position this young," Harry said, hissing from talented on as Locke had slithered out of Liz's bag and was sitting on her lap.
"Oh, um, Harry's a parsel mouth," Hermione said stating the obvious.
"So I figured. I'm sorry, Locke doesn't really like sitting still," Liz said, speaking parsel tongue for the last part. She watched jaws drop around the compartment.
"Well, at least I won't be the only freak around," Harry muttered.
"Something tells me that people don't look at you as a freak," Liz said, smiling.
"And besides, mate, we're all freaks in one way or another!" Ron cheered merrily.
"Yes you are," Draco said, standing in the doorway. "You know, love, if you want to be popular, you shouldn't hang out with these blokes."
"Well then, it's a good thing I don't think she cares about being popular," Ginny growled at him.
"I'm serious. Hanging out with a bunch of blood traitors, mudbloods, and, well Potty Potter here will only make you enemies."
"I think I can handle myself, Draco, was it?" Liz said, staring him straight in the eye.
"Well, if you're looking for decent friends, come see me," Draco said walking out.
"I think he just wanted to fuck you mate," Ron said, looking at the form of the new teacher. Without realizing it, all three girls burst out laughing.
Harry couldn't help but look her up and down. She had chocolate brown hair and her green eyes seemed to keep changing shades. She had rosy cheeks, but otherwise her skin was pale ivory, and she really was pretty. He couldn't blame Draco for thinking inappropriate thoughts about her.
"What is it with girls, that they have to giggle at everything?" Ron moaned.
"It makes us happy!" Liz said, smiling at her new friends. At least she had someone who liked her.
The five of them spent the next few hours talking and playing games of exploding snap and chess, as random people they other 4 knew from previous years came to stick their heads in and say hello. Before she knew it, the train was pulling into the station at Hogsmead, and Liz was departing to go get instructions for the following year from the headmaster.
Wow, that was fun. I'll try and get another chapter up by the end of the week. Please review. I think I have two, and I really would like to know how I'm doing.