Obligatory Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by the people what own Harry Potter.
Chapter One: Leaving Home
A little voice inside my head said, "Don't look back. You can never look back."
I thought I knew what love was
What did I know?
Those days are gone forever
-The Ataris, 'The Boys of Summer'
But still... it did seem.... familiar.
"Saaaaatuuuuuurniaaaaaaaa!" a feminine voice shook Saturnia out of her reverie. "You need to help the other girls with the chores! Don't lay about all day!" Grumbling melodically to herself, Saturnia floated ethereally out of bed and changed into her plain-but-elegant blue dress that was the regular priestess garb. She pulled her obscenely long, flowing hair that shone with the light of a thousand stars into a ponytail, and ran to the unicorn stable to help the other girls, as the voice we heard earlier had ordered her to do.
For you see, Saturnia wasn't your ordinary stunningly gorgeous 16-year-old orphan with curves in all the right places; no, she was more.
Saturnia Sparklepeu was a witch. A witch who was learning traditional magicks and training to be a priestess on the Lost Isle of Avalon. She had lived there for practically her entire life, ever since she lost her parents.
She became an orphan when her mother and father died from a mysterious accident when she was two, yet she was still somewhat traumatized by the incident... and she was the sole witness... the only one who knew what really happened... the nightmares still kept her awake sometimes...
"Saturnia!" said the same voice from before, shaking Saturnia out of yet another reverie. It was the voice of Lillith, one of the higher priestesses. She had blonde hair and green eyes, but neither shone as much as Saturnia's hair and eyes.
"What?" asked Saturnia, her lyrical voice the sound of tinkling bells humming out the sweetest song.
"A letter arrived for you today," said Lillith, holding out a rolled up piece of parchment. "The Lady said it was from your uncle... the one who sent you here..."
"The one who sent me here because he claimed it would be best for me?" said Saturnia ruefully. She had never left the island her entire life, because her mysterious guardian thought she was in some sort of danger. "Or should I say the one who couldn't be bothered to take care of me?"
"'Nia, you know that isn't true..." said Lillith. "Well, go on, open it up! It should be good news... the Lady already gave her blessing, she wants you to go as a part of your training".
Saturnia's eyes shone with excitement as her long, graceful fingers fumbled with the wax seal. All her life she wanted to leave, to see the outside world, and now... in her pale hands, in her perfectly manicured fingertips, she might have the key to her heart's desire... The Letter inside read:
Dear Miss Sparklepeu,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place as a transfer student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Should you choose to accept this offer, we await your owl by no later than July 31. We hope you choose to join us.
Enclosed is a list of necessary books and equipment. Term begins on 1 September.
Sincerely
Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress
"Well, what did it say?" asked Lilith excitedly.
"I... he... they want me to attend a school in Britain. To further my education," said Saturnia. "But... how did they know about me?"
"Your uncle decided it was time for you to experience the rest of the world," said a floating, misty voice. It was The Lady. "And I have already decided that you may go if you wish."
"I... I wan't to go, but..." Saturnia's voice trembled with excitement and uncertainty. "But, will I be able to keep up with the rest of the students? I... I haven't exactly used a wand..."
"Do not worry, child," said the Lady in a soothing voice. "The magick flows through you. You have spent many a year studying your books, and the ways of the land. You will have no problems."
"Well I better go write a reply, then!" exclaimed Saturnia.
It was in the twilight of the evening when Saturnia ventured into one of her favorite places on the island: the forest glen. She loved the smell of fresh pine and sweet apples that always hung in the air, and the aura of peace that surrounded trees and various creatures that lived there. She always had a special way with animals; they seemed to warm to her touch, and obey her every command.She heard a crackling behind her, and she turned to see Tinuviel, the Queen of the island unicorns. Tinuviel was one of her closest friends, and the two had a very special bond: Tinuviel allowed only Saturnia to ride her, or come near her children. Tinuviel knew that Saturnia would never bring the unicorns harm, and loved the girl as she would love one of her own foals.
Saturnia smiled a wistful smile and threw her arms around the unicorn's head. "I'll miss you, Tinuviel," Saturnia sobbed into the unicorn's mane, as she, the desperate maiden, desperately clung to her companion... and her childhood.
"Do not cry, Saturnia," said the Lady. Saturnia gasped and turned as diamond, Evian-like tears fell from her lashes.
"You... you were watching me?" asked Saturnia indignantly, once again putting on a tough front.
"I only wanted to give you a proper farewell," said the Lady. "I will not have time later, and you must leave at first dawn tomorrow." Saturnia nodded, obviously relaxing. "You may come across hardships in the world, but you will always have a home here, Saturnia. Avalon will wait, but you must live."
"I want to go... but I'll miss it here," said Saturnia.
"I know you will, my child. But this needs to be done... you need to do this," said the Lady. "I must give you a warning, though: you are destined for great things. And with great power, comes great responsibility: love, and be loved, learn, forgive those who may betray you, and always remember to avoid confrontations during your moon courses." The Lady shook her head remorsefully. "That always ends badly... but chocolate helps, sometimes."
"I've read about the medicinal properties of chocolate," commented Saturnia.
"Yes, Medicinal properties," mumbled the Lady. Saturnia thought about what the Lady had said: she did want to live, and to love and be loved in return, and that leaving was what she had always wanted for her entire life.
She dried the tears from her sapphire eyes that shone like diamonds, and smiled her ruby red lips at the Lady. "I'm ready now," she whispered.
"The other girls wanted to give you a farewell party," said the Lady. "Shall we go there now?"
Saturnia nodded her head, and the two headed back down to the lake.
The next day, Saturnia and Lillith, who was escorting her, arrived at Diagon Alley to purchase the items that Saturnia would need at school.
"Where do we go first?" asked Saturnia. She had never seen so many stores in her life! But she clutched her leather purse nervously: on Avalon, there wasn't a need for money, and she wasn't sure how she was going to pay for her supplies, because she didn't have any money.
Lillith, noticing the distraught look that crossed Saturnia's face, spoke up: "Don't worry, Saturnia. We will go to Gringotts, the Wizarding bank." and so the two headed down the street towards the Wizarding bank, turning heads as they went (Saturnia, mostly).
Inside Saturnia and Lillith were led by a goblin through the winding, roller-coaster like tracks down into the heart of the bank. Saturnia calmly and gracefully leapt from the cart once it came to a stop. Lillith was rather sick from the journey.
"Aren't you dizzy, Saturnia?" asked Lillith, looking a little green. Saturnia shook her head; her long, straight onyx-black hair sweeping across her face. Her hair was so dark and so shiny that it appeared silver in the late morning sun.
"Amazing," said the Goblin (who was named Grillsmalad). "Most mortals are most affected by the journey down here."
"I guess I'm just not average," said Saturnia humbly. Lillith pulled out a key for the vault (Vault 333), and they stepped inside.
Saturnia gasped. She had never seen so much gold in her life!!!
"Your parents left this for you in their will," said Lillith. "It's all yours."
Saturnia laughed melodically, and even the goblin had to smile at the sound of her voice. She filled her purse with sickles and galleons, and she was on her way.
First, they stopped by Flourish and Blotts, to purchase parchments, quills and ink. She bought a Bird of Paradise feather quill, and sparkly purple ink for everyday use.
Next, she went to the bookstore and bought the items on her booklist (A/N i'm not gonna into that, 'cause books are boring lol).
Then she went to Madame Malkin's, to buy her school robes. As the helper-lady took her impeccable measurements, she commented: "You're such a pretty girl. There's a new store opening down the road, and the clothes there would suit you perfectly."
"Really?" asked Saturnia, blushing bashfully. "Can we check it out, Lillith?" Lillith nodded. "Awesome!"
And so, the pair vent to The Gape, the hottest clothing store in Wizarding London. As soon as they went in, Saturnia turned heads, and an attendant rushed to help her.
"How can I help you?" said the attendant, Stacey.
"I'm looking for some clothes," said Saturnia.
"Hmm... A Hogwarts student, eh? I think I know some clothes that would suit you," and so, Stacey levitated some clothes and boxes towards them, and herded Saturnia towards a change room. "Of course, anything would suit you, I'm so jealous of your complexion, and your eyes." Saturnia blushed again: she didn't think she was that pretty.
In the change-room, Saturnia tried on a pair of tight, hip-hugging studded jeans, halter tops, shirts, sweaters, skirts, dresses, shoes... everything! It all looked great on her, but it was all in white, and Saturnia thought this was strange.
After about an hour, she came back out of the changerooms. "These are great and all," she said. "But what if I want it in different colors?"
Stacey laughed. "That's the brilliant thing about all of our clothes is that it magically changes to whatever color you want! Isn't that fabulous?!"
Saturnia laughed. "Well, I'll take it all, then!"
Saturnia and Lillith left the shop, arms laden with heavy parcels and bags from the Gape. They were headed towards Eeylop's Owlry to purchase an owl (on Lillith's suggestion), when Saturnia and Lillith were walking so fast that they did not see the figure stopped in front of them. They collided with the person, sending parcels and persons to the ground.
"Oh, I'm so terribly sorry!" cried Saturnia with genuine concern. They had knocked over a small, fragile looking old lady dressed in shabby clothes. The old lady was huddled over and shivering, and looked so lost amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy Diagon Alley Streets.
"Not to worry, m'dear," croaked the old lady, trembling with cold. "Partially me own fault. I shouldn't try to study the sun patterns in the middle of the street like that. Me old mind's been wanderin' lately." Saturnia was filled with pity for the old lady, who seemed so cold in the chilling July breeze.
"You look cold," said Saturnia, rummaging through one of the fallen parcels. "Here. Take this. You look like you need it more than I do." Saturnia gave the old lady her brand new Abra-Ka-Gucci brand cloak, and, reaching into her purse, gave her a few galleons.
"I can't take this," said the old lady. "It's much to pretty for old me. You take it, lass. It belongs on a beautiful lady such as yourself."
"It's already yours," said Saturnia, brimming with the milk of human kindness. She really didn't need the cloak; her old one, which was woven from the fine wool of the Avalonian Yak, was still perfect.
The old lady smiled. "I've been looking a long time for a girl like you," she said, rummaging in one of the many pockets of her coat. She pulled out a small, flat credit card shaped object and pressed it into Saturnia's hand. "I've been wandered these streets for years and not once has someone tried to help me." Saturnia looked puzzled, and the lady laughed. "I'm not poor, contrary to what most people think. I've actually quite wealthy, although it isn't wise to say the exact amount out amongst listening ears. I've only bee married once, and never thought about having children until it was too late, so I've no one to share my money with. This card links to my bank account; use it wisely, use it to help others. You will inherit it once I pass beyond the mortal realm." Saturnia was shocked.
"I... I can't accept this!" said Saturnia, her milky-white, slender hands trembling while holding the magical card.
"I'm afraid you'll have to," said the old lady. Suddenly, a surge of people swept over them like a tidal wave, jostling the two apart. After regaining her sense of direction, she looked around for the old lady, but the mysterious woman had disappeared.
"But... I don't even know your name!" Saturnia called into the crowd, but no one was listening.
After receiving the card, Lillith took Saturnia out to lunch at the Leaky Cauldron, because the raven-haired girl was very shaken by the whole incident earlier. Saturnia ate only sparingly; she felt like an ebony- haired Alice tumbling down the rabbit-hole that was Wizarding London. And then, there was the matter of the dream that haunted her a few nights before – her own proverbial white rabbit.After lunch, they went to the Owlry, choosing to pass on Madelle's Beautificiary (Lillith claimed that Saturnia "didn't need any of those silly make-ups"). In the darkness inside, the tall ceilings were filled with perches and thousands of the nocturnal birds, and a symphony of smalls hoots and rustlings met their ears. Saturnia admired the snowy owls, the eagle owls, the tropical screech owls, the Indian scops owls, the flammulated owls... there were so many, and they were all so beautiful that she couldn't choose between them.
She heard a small whooshing noise in the air, and a small cinnamon brown owl with sugary white patches on it's stomach landed on her shoulder. She rubbed her hand against the owl's cheek, admiring it's golden sun-like eyes as it hooted affectionately.
"I want this one," said Saturnia to the clerk. "I'll call him Yugioh." "The Elf Owl, a wise choice," said the (rather unimportant) clerk. "Small, but sturdy, and very faithful." Saturnia helped the owl into a covered cage for safekeeping, and she and Lillith left the shop.
"Where do we go next?" asked Lillith.
"All I need now is a wand," said Saturnia, checking her list. Her topaz eyes sparkled with excitement: she was looking forward to getting her first wand most of all.
Ollivanders was a dark, dusty, smoky place; thousands of rectangular boxes haphazardly littered the many shelves, tables, chairs and, well, anywhere a wand box would fit. A pair of moon-like eyes shone through from the back of the store, and Mr. Ollivander emerged into the faint light that filtered through the grimy windows. Lillith appeared to be startled by the sudden appearance of the wand-maker, but Saturnia remained completely unnerved by his obvious spookiness."Miss Sparklepeu, I presume," said Mr. Ollivander in his soft voice. "My it has been a long time since I saw your parents in here. But you don't look particularly like either of them... you look rather like something I saw in a dream, long long ago..." he trailed off, staring at Saturnia over the top of his glasses. Saturnia stood her ground, and stared back.
"We need a wand," said Lillith. "Saturnia's transferring to Hogwarts this year."
"Yes," said Ollivander, averting his eyes from Saturnia, "Yes, well, it is the wand that chooses the witch. Or should I say, priestess?"
"I can be both, can't I?" said Saturnia, growing impatient with Ollivander's meandering ways.
"No offense meant. Now, I will need to take your measurements..." Ollivander began searching his pockets for his magicked measuring tape. Saturnia huffed impatiently, gently tapping her impeccable feet encased in two-inch black leather shoes on the cold stone floor.
'Ugh, I just want a wand so I can go to Hogwarts and find my true destiny!' Saturnia thought to herself. Her thoughts beckoned outwards to the wands, and they shuffled in their boxes, rattling as though they all wished for her to use them. Pick me! Pick me! they all seemed to call to her in words that were beyond language. I'm better at transfigurations called one. Transfiguration is useless! Charms are what you need a wand for said yet another. Their voices jumbled and garbled together until Saturnia couldn't understand any of them. The relentless noise spiraled inside of her brain, tossing and turning her mind like driftwood caught in a whirlpool. Down, down her mind went into the darkness, tumbling down the rabbit hole, over and over and over until time itself seemed like a dream.
Saturnia clapped her soft hands over her petite ears and screamed.
One wand answered her silent call: the wand that lay on the purple cushion in the dusty window floated through the air and placed itself into Saturnia's slender hand. Grapsing it firmly, she raised it into the air and sent a shower of purple sparks over herself. Ollivander's jaw dropped, and like a fish struggling on land, he struggled to force his mouth open and find the words that completely escaped him.
Saturnia stared at the wand, shocked. "What just happened?"
Ollivander sighed. "Two thousand years ago, a legendary wand existed. It was rumoured to have elements from three magical creatures: the Majestic and Pure Unicorn, the Loyal and Healing Phoenix, and the Beautiful but Deadly Veela. It was said to belong to one of the Four Founders of Hogwarts, and, to use a Muggle analogy, was the Holy Grail of our world.
"My ancestors collected all knowledge they could find about this wand, and passed it down throughout the generations. Fifty years ago, when my father died and I inherited the family business, this knowledge passed to me. And instead of searching for the wand, I endeavored to recreate it.
"I knew where to find the phoenix feather, but the Veela hair was difficult to obtain, since most Veela are protective of their magicks. I searched for a whole year to find the purest Unicorn, and another year more to find the proper wood to encase magick. I slaved for thirty days and thirty nights, not daring to make one mistake on the carving of the wood, or the fusing of the magickal elements. On the final night, the night one which I completed the wand, I had a strange dream. A lady in a bright purple dress told me that I cannot sell this wand to any person, and that when the time came the wand would choose its master."
"So… the wand chose… me?" Saturnia squeaked in a flute-like manner. She looked down at the wand in her hand, and noticed the wood seemed to have a purplish-hue to it.
"Yes, Saturnia," said Mr. Ollivander, "You are the wand's master. I suggest you use it wisely." Saturnia nodded solemnly, her silvery-black hair shining in the faint light. Mr. Ollivander bowed silently, then turned and busied himself behind one of the counters, and the two girls left the store.
Back at The Leaky Cauldron (where Saturnia was staying until the school term began), Saturnia and Lillith had finished their dinner and were talking on the hotel room's balcony. During a pregnant pause in the conversation, Lillith sighed heavily.
"Saturnia," began Lillith. Saturnia raised a slender white hand to stop her.
"Don't worry, I know," began Saturnia, trying to hide the crystalline tears in her eyes. "You need to leave, and go back to Avalon. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine here. Just take care of the unicorns for me, okay? I promise I'll write often, and let you know about my adventures at school, and how my new wand is working, and if I meet any nice new friends. I just wish…. I just wish this wasn't the last time I was going to see you. I'll have to stay at school for Christmas and Easter, and I'll miss the island most of all at those times. Oh, how we used to decorate the mighty pine trees during the Yule, and sing songs by the fire, and how beautiful the unicorns looked galloping across the crisp white snow, racing the very wind itself…" Saturnia squeezed her eyes shut, and tears of pure spring water meandered down her cheeks and clung to her chin, as though reluctant to part with her face. The two sisters embraced (not literal sisters, but sisters in the sense that they were both from the same place and were very good friends and all that), and Lillith turned to leave.
"Good-bye, then," said Lillith.
"Until we meet again," said Saturnia, smiling wistfully.
And then, she found herself alone under the pale moon.
Later that evening, Saturnia ventured back down to the pub. She ordered a glass of butterbeer, then went and sat in a darkened corner where she could watch the people as they entered and exited. It was enjoyable, she found, just to sit and watch the people. Almost like watching the unicorns back on Avalon. Almost… but not quite.
Suddenly, a tall, handsome pale boy with slicked-back silvery-blonde hair and a brunette girl with a pug-like face entered The Leaky Cauldron. They appeared to be around Saturnia's age, Saturnia noted. Maybe they were also Hogwarts students?
The eye-pleasing young man and the girl both scanned the bar area, apparently looking for something, or possibly someone.
Wow… I wonder if he'd ever notice me, Saturnia thought dreamily, a peaceful expression adorning her youthful face. She could almost see herself reflected in his silvery-grey eyes, and could envision her slight frame wrapped in his arms.
As if hearing her thoughts, her pale prince looked up and met her shining iridescent blue eyes, which were an other-worldly blue that sparkled with the Light of Neptune. He nudged the girl beside him, and the pair headed towards Saturnia's table.
"You must be the transfer student we've all been hearing about," the boy said, drawling with a smooth voice. Saturnia blushed radiantly and nodded coyly. "My Mother told me earlier this summer."
"Everyone who's heard has been talking about it," said the girl.
"Really?" Saturnia asked.
"Nothing interesting happens at Hogwarts," said the pale boy. "I'm Draco Malfoy, by the way. This is Pansy Parkinson. We're both in Slytherin, the best house if you ask me."
"I'm Saturnia Sparklepeu," said Saturnia in her melodic voice. She reached out her delicate hand to shake Draco's, and he took it. He could not stop staring at her, as he had never seen a beauty so beautiful; not even in his dreams. She reminded him of the tales his mother used to tell of Elves, long long ago before the wizarding kind were born.
"Is that… French?" asked Pansy. Saturnia shrugged; she wasn't sure of her heritage . Draco ignored his pug-faced friend; he was too interested in Saturnia.
Draco and Saturnia chatted amiably; they both found they were able to talk about anything. Soon, however, Pansy grew jealous and impatient with the pairs fast-growing friendship, and couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Is your hair…. grey?" sniffed Pansy jealously. She obviously noticed that Saturnia's hair shone with the silvery light of the stars, but was trying to cover this up.
"No, it's more of an onyx color," said Saturnia, playing nervously with a strand of her floor-length hair, which was tied up into a simple yet elegant ponytail.
"Premature greying is such a tragic thing," said Pansy, ignoring her. "And it's so long. I bet it's impossible to keep clean. Is that why you're playing with it? To make sure it doesn't have any rats in it?"
"At least I don't have the face of a Death Eater's Lapdog!" growled Saturnia ferociously. Pansy was obviously hurt by this comment; her porcine visage was a sensitive issue, and she was struck speechless. Draco looked shocked at Saturnia's obvious wit, as though he hadn't expected a comment so intelligent from one so beautiful.
Saturnia, not wanting to hear anymore, turned and fled to her room, leaping up the stairs with the grace of a ballerina; by doing so, she missed the ensuing argument that occurred between Draco and Pansy.
Inside her room, Saturnia ran over to the mirror, scrutinizing her face with desperation.
"Am I that freakish looking?" lamented Saturnia to herself. "My hair's too long, and looks like it's grey and everyone at school is going to think I'm a freak. Is this why everyone was staring at me in Diagon Alley?" She sobbed, the tears that had threatened to fall back at the pub finally trembling down her face. She looked back at her reflection.
Suddenly, as though bending to her wishes, her raven hair shortened itself to a mere waist's length, and dulled itself so that it would not appear to have such a radiant silver sheen. She gasped, and stared at herself in shock.
"How… how did I do that?" she asked to no-one in particular. Her wand was in her trunk, and she did not know how to perform any glamours. As she puzzled over her hair's sudden change, she climbed into her bed and wondered what she could have done to perform such a miraculous feat.
The exhausting day finally took its toll on the young priestess, and she accepted the comforting darkness of the Dream World.
Tomorrow, Hogwarts awaits.
Next Chapter: Saturnia goes to Hogwarts and gets sorted yay!