Chapter 2!

Hey guys! Heh, I kinda forgot to leave you guys notes last time, so I'll try this time. This chapter I'm gonna try to explain some of the Garth Nix stuff if you haven't read it so you don't get too confused, though I have to say, that'll be really hard cause Lirael itself is about 705 pages long…yeah, I liked it that much. Then there's the prequel Sabriel and the sequel to both, Abhorsen. Man, I was totally sobbing at the end of that one sigh it was so sad and sweet. Well, I won't give it away, and I encourage you to read them if you haven't – at least Lirael and Abhorsen anyway. I always wanted to write an hp fanfic, and I thought adding a little charter magic would make it more fun as well as make it more likely that I would continue it. Hey, don't forget to review; I want to know what others think about it. Constructive crit is welcome too. I'd love to hear from you. Um, let's see…I want to eventually make the chapters longer than the first and I hope to do that with this one as well! Uh, I'm just gonna be busy a lot, though I'll try to get this in if it's worth anything to anyone. I hope it is even tho you don't really have anything to go off of yet. Just comment, let me know what you wanna hear for clarification. Luv y'all who's reading it!!! Enjoy! -----hey, um….i had a problem….starting here is a new (current) note…See, I started chapter 2 a long time ago but never finished it, and then a week and a half ago I started it over and was just about done…was taking awhile cause I was trying to add as much info as possible in as few words as possible that made sense, and I was stupid enough to lose my floppy disk…grr. What makes me sooo mad is that the day before I lost it I was reviewing what I wrote to add more to finish it as well as writing topics for next chapter and I was like, 'hmm, I wonder if I should save this stuff on my computer in case I lost it???' but then I decided not to cause whenever I lose my floppy I end up finding it like a day or two later. Of course, I end up losing it at school and I get all mad at myself- after totally freaking out, of course again. I have searched everywhere in my power, to no avail. So, a little half heartedly, I will explain everything all over again for you though it probably won't be as good as the first version, well, the 2nd version counting the little 1st attempt that I'm using for the beginning of the 2nd(3rd) version. Hmmm…well, hope you understood that. If I ever find the floppy I will post that version cause I put a lot of effort into it and all. So yeah, here we go….

"Ho-Hogwarts?" Laelia asked, hoping it was true. At least then she would know something of where she was. And she would enjoy it too.

"Yes-" Dumbledore began, a little curious. Laelia shoved some hair behind her ear, excited.

"Oh well, then…this will be interesting…what should I tell you-I don't know where to start!" 'It might be easier to figure this out than I thought…' She decided, feeling more confident.

"Where did you come from, how did you get here, why, who's involved- those always work well." The professor must have been used to this kind of thing since he was throwing them at her like he had them filed away, ready to be opened for use. Laelia wondered how much she should say. She figured as much as was connected to Hogwarts and then maybe what she had been thinking of prior to ending up here- how her family had suspected something might be brewing…it might actually end up affecting the old man more than either of them knew. This was probably more serious than she had made it so far. She wished she could have talked to the Dog about this. Remembering she was supposed to say something, she looked at the professor who was patiently waiting for a reply. Laelia was grateful that he understood she needed time to sort through everything. He would probably prove pretty helpful to her.

"I suppose I should start with how I got here, then," She began. ( end old part that I used for this new part that starts now ) "I bet it's really comforting to hear this, but I really don't know how, except that I woke up right before this white light surrounded me, and I was transported to a bed somewhere around here, and then I started exploring and managed to get myself here. Yes, transported –through what means, I can't begin to guess except that I when I woke up, I was muttering some kind of spell. I'm from a whole different world of magic, Professor. The advantage I have here is that I know a lot about it, since my mother used to read me the stories from a book of mine that magically updates itself, so I think it's pretty current. If it is, then the famous Harry Potter is about my age, and I'm pretty much caught up with the rest. There is a lot I don't know though, especially the magic, which could be a problem. I don't know how strong my magic is here, but fortunately I have a sack with a small charter stone that can help channel the magic that I know. My family has been suspicious of a possible uprising for awhile, so we decided to tie sacks filled with shrunken supplies – everything that we could think of that we might need. Fortunately we could fit a lot, and I have it with me now. I'm pretty sure you could use some info about where I'm from as well, but there is so much to say and probably not enough time if the school term is in session." Dumbledore nodded in agreement, trying to begin to comprehend the situation at hand.

"Yes, the school year has started, and I agree. You can tell me a simplified version of your story and we can get down to business. I do believe that my school and I will be a big part of your future and you of ours, so we might as well start working together now. So, go on, where you came from," the professor prompted.

"Alright, so- I'm from the Old Kingdom, a country of charter magic, which borders Ancelstierre which in turn borders several other countries that until 30 years ago were feuding amongst themselves. Both Ancelstierre and those countries are without magic, sort of like your, um, oh yes- muggles here. Separating the Old Kingdom from Ancelstierre is the Wall, which also separates the magic from the non-magic nations, creating quite an interesting visual effect. It is heavily patrolled to protect unknowing 'muggles' from the dangers that plague the Old Kingdom. These dangers are known as the Dead and Necromancers. The Dead have a sort of unwritten ranking system, with the lowest and most numerous Dead Hands up through a great variety of very powerful creatures and evils. The higher the ranking is, the more intelligent and powerful the Dead get. I say that because the Dead Hands are pretty stupid, but what they lack in brains is generously made up for in strength. Now I warn you: many people misjudge that strength not only because of their stupidity, but also their appearance. These things are rotting human or animal corpses that are infused with the spirits of those who have died but not yet moved on. Most Dead are created by the infusion of a life-hungry spirit by the power of a necromancer's bells. These are seven bells that grow more powerful with size. I can further explain everything later as needed, don't forget. But for now, I'll move on. What the bells basically do is control spirits in and out of Death. Death, in a most simplified description, is a very cold river that travels through several precincts, the final one being the place where the dead spirits travel on when it is their time. Most spirits manage to be pulled by the river's strong current to the final destination, but some manage to hold on, lurking in the in-between precincts trying to find a way out into Life. They crave life, which they get by taking it from others if they manage to get back into Life. They usually get there through the work of a necromancer. The bells that they use are also used by the Abhorsen and the Abhorsen-in-waiting, only to reverse that which was done by a necromancer. Both necromancer and Abhorsen can go into Death, but staying there too long or too often takes a toll on their bodies, the most tell-tale sign being really pale skin. Mine is an example. At the moment, I am Abhorsen-in-waiting, and my aunt, Sabriel, is the current Abhorsen. To be Abhorsen, you must have it in your blood. It's a family thing, and you know if you're the family member to be the next one. I was actually supposed to follow my mother, but she died when I was young. The mark on my forehead is the mark that all charter mages have, and not all in the Old Kingdom can use the magic. The royal family, the clayr and many citizens have the power, but many do not. I am part of the royal family by marriage of my aunt to my uncle, I have the blood of the clayr from my mother, and because I have both the blood of the clayr and Abhorsen, I am the second Remembrancer, my mother being the first. The clayr are the Seers who live in the Glacier on a mountain, separated from the rest of population, but are in contact mainly with the royal family. The Remembrancer can go into Death and see the past. It makes sense. The blood of the Seeing Clayr and of the Abhorsen who can travel into death creates the Remembrancer who, in Death, can See the past, something that the Dead have in common. Anyway, that's the gist of the Old Kingdom, but there is so much more. Oh! Before I forget, I need you to understand something." She paused to see how Dumbledore was doing. He seemed to have absorbed everything pretty well. Laelia was impressed.

"Sure. Go ahead." That's all that the old man chose to say.

"I cannot stress enough, but I have my bells with me, shrunken down, and I will carry them around as I don't think I would have been sent here for nothing to happen – there has to be a reason – so I want you to know that these bells can be very fickle, and if not used correctly, if they don't sound right, then something bad could happen, usually the reverse of the command put on the ringer. So, my point is that no one, especially students, is allowed to touch my bells except for me." Looking at the professor she noticed that he was in deep thought. It only took him a minute or so to reply.

"I understand. I will make that known. Now. We will be working on this together, and you can't very well get around here without someone noticing so I have decided to ask you to stay as a student. You will have to take all classes in your grade and study topics that a student at your age has been taught already. That is a lot of work, but I can talk to the teachers and we will make it as easy and efficient as possible. Maybe being knowledgeable in our magic as well will prove to be a very good thing. Also, you will need your own supplies and wardrobe as well as a house to belong to. So - well at this point it's Saturday morning, so we can use today as the transition and major plan day, I suppose. Hogsmeade isn't too far away, so you can shop for your things there, and then you can get settled into the room that you appeared in, which will easily decide your house, and I will send an elf to find you and bring you back to me where I will have some of the teachers for a last meeting before I will introduce you tomorrow morning at breakfast. It's a lot to do, but I think we can do it." Laelia smiled and nodded. 'Well, at least this could be fun!' Right then she remembered the Dog. She wondered if the Dog had actually put the thought in her mind. She still hadn't managed to figure out what all that thing could do.

"Oh! Professor, I forgot to mention one thing…I have a companion with me that you may want to know about. You see, there is a creature named the Disreputable Dog that is very attached to me and wouldn't betray me, so you don't have to worry about the name – heh – but she is very, very intelligent and happens to be very knowledgeable about many things. To make a long story short, she's been around for a long time, and she'll be wandering around and hanging out with me. Even though I pose as her owner, I don't have much control over what she does, though whatever it is, she usually knows what she's doing. So you don't need to worry-"

Suddenly the door flew open and in huffed a very irritated, tired looking lady.

"-about her…" Laelia trailed off as she watched the woman enter. Probably from lack of enough sleep and her concentration on Professor Dumbledore, the woman looked right passed Laelia and once Dumbledore had acknowledged her, she burst into her story in hopes of getting back to bed before she had to get up again for breakfast.

"Why, good morning, Professor McGonagall! How has your night been?" The old man's eyes glittered with the slight grin playing on his face. McGonagall – ah, Laelia remembered her! – missed the humor and looked at him incredulously, her eyes huge.

"Albus, I don't think my head has rested on my pillow for one single minute tonight! It seems that I have had another student out of bed and apparently Filch had it in his mind to set the punishment immediately, so he wouldn't stop pestering me until I went to talk to you. Oh, that man can be so annoying! And deranged – he finds so much pleasure in torturing the poor students. But, anyway, it was Harry again tonight. I don't know what to do about him. I don't know how far his dreams have managed to take him – literally, at this point. It's getting really bad, Professor, and I would feel awful if I had to punish him. I know it's the dreams and he can't help it. I know it's against the rules, but I really don't think he deserves any more punishments and-"Dumbledore put up his hand to stop the upset woman.

"Ah, don't worry. We can let it go. I agree with you. We'll just have to work with him to figure out what we can do to ease, if not control, the problem. Filch will just have to believe the meetings we'll have are Harry's punishments." He paused a moment, seeing her calm down. "I'm afraid I'll have to keep you out of bed for a moment longer though. I can explain the bulk later, but I need to make sure this gets done as soon as possible. Professor, you are going to go shopping in Hogsmeade today." McGonagall looked confused and Laelia shifted when she heard the mention of the plan, causing McGonagall to notice the girl sitting in her pjs in the chair next to her. The professor jumped.

"Oh! I didn't notice you there! I'm sorry, um…what's your name? Er, do I know you?"

Laelia smiled and replied simply with "That's alright, no, I'm Laelia Sayre, a new student here." McGonagall wasn't quite satisfied, but Dumbledore continued before she could further question her.

"Actually, the plan is that you can go back to your room for a few hours and sleep and get ready to go shopping with Laelia once the stores open and you will help her buy all the supplies and clothing she needs for her stay here. I'll talk with you privately before you go to fill you in a bit, and when you get back I'll give you the rest before Laelia continues to inform myself. So now, Laelia, you can go ahead and sleep on the couch in the room on the right and I'll wake you up when it's time." Laelia got up, thanked the professor and went to rest on the couch, realizing just how tired she was as she sat down. After a moment, she fell asleep staring at the wall and wondering what that spell had gotten her into.

Meanwhile, Professor Dumbledore gave the main ideas to McGonagall and told her an elf would be sent to pick her up and what was needed to be purchased. He guessed it would be okay if McGonagall asked Laelia about some things, as long as no one overheard them. Then McGonagall left looking forward to falling asleep on her bed. Finally, Dumbledore sat at his desk to ponder the current events before he dozed off.

Several hours later, Laelia woke to the pleasant feeling of an elf poking her awake. After a particularly sharp jab, she sat up to acknowledge the little creature.

"Yes?"

"Master Dumbledore would like you to get ready to leave in a few minutes. Professor McGonagall has arrived." The elf stood there staring at her.

"Well, alright. Tell them I'll be right out, then." With that the elf scurried out the door and closed it behind him. Sighing, Laelia stood up and stretched, looking around. 'What an odd room,' she thought. 'The pictures are particularly unnerving.' She watched as someone waved at her and smiled back. Once she had managed to get them to all look away, she changed into some normal Old Kingdom attire, but didn't dare to put on her Abhorsen-in-waiting outfit. It would definitely make her stand out. Checking to make sure that she didn't need to do anything else, she walked to the door and entered the room where Dumbledore and McGonagall were waiting. It took a lot for Laelia to suppress a yawn. She was so tired.

Well, she was, until a sharp squawk sounded from somewhere behind Professor Dumbledore. After that, she was pretty wide awake. Dumbledore moved to shush the bright bird behind him and Laelia got a chance to see what had managed to be so loud. 'Oh yes,' Laelia remembered, 'that phoenix or whatever. How, er, nice.'

"Good morning, Miss Sayre! It's time to head out to get your supplies. My, what an interesting outfit you have there!" exclaimed Professor McGonagall. Laelia looked down and shrugged. It was only a plain gown her aunt and cousin insisted on her wearing around the castle back home as she really didn't care to wear the more elaborate ones on a daily basis.

"Good morning, Professors." She looked at Professor Dumbledore and noticed the phoenix again. "Oh and you too, Fawkes…?" She hesitated, unsure if she correctly remembered the name of the bird. She smiled when the bird ruffled its feathers, looking satisfied. Turning to McGonagall she told her she was ready and once they said goodbye to Professor Dumbledore the pair left the office and headed through the castle to the massive front doors where they started on their way to Hogsmeade. Laelia tried to remember the path they took to lessen the chance of getting lost. Not that she didn't like to explore.

It was weird seeing the places that she read about every night with her mother. She took in as much as she could. She wished she could show her mother, even the Dog, but neither were around. She sighed in the silence that surrounded the two people. Which reminded her how much weirder and exciting seeing the people she knew about when she got back. They hadn't made it off Hogwarts grounds yet, so she looked around to become familiar with it. Then she noticed the forbidden forest. For some reason she felt like she couldn't tear her eyes away for a moment. She managed to begin pulling herself away from the forest, but just as she turned toward the professor, she thought she saw a shadow move amongst the trees. She didn't have much time to dwell on it as her eyes caught the sight of Hogsmeade in the distance. Pushing the shadow to the back of her mind, she filled her thoughts with Hogsmeade and Hogwarts until Professor McGonagall finally broke the silence to question her about her appearance. By the time she gave the Professor a better idea of the situation, they finally reached the stores, and they both decided to get a butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks for a quick breakfast before they got started.

The Three Broomsticks was pretty quiet at this hour, but they weren't alone. Once they sat down, the two started to chat and found they enjoyed each other's company more than they expected. They didn't dare talk about the Old Kingdom though, as there were some curious customers nearby. Finally, they left to get the shopping done.

"Wow, this is a nice little place. Too bad shopping isn't really my thing. Not that I had much time anyway." McGonagall agreed.

"Well, we can make it quick and easy so we can get back to work with Professor Dumbledore." They stepped into a robe shop. Laelia found it strange to see such a different kind of robes. You'd think they would be more similar. Fortunately, she was fitted quickly and found the perfect dress robe for a more formal occasion and they left satisfied.

The next shop proved to be more of a favorite of both student and teacher. The book store. Professor McGonagall decided what Laelia would need to catch up on previous years and for the current year. After, they both spent a considerable amount of time engrossed in their own random books. McGonagall noticed Laelia's interest.

"It looks like you really enjoy reading." She raised her eyebrows. Not looking up from the page she was reading, Laelia explained.

"My mother was a Librarian's Assistant for several years. All that time gave her an interest in knowledge and exploration. It was passed on to me. I definitely didn't get it from my father!" Laelia laughed to herself and grinned. Her father, her uncle's best friend from school in Ancelstierre, was very different from her mother when it came to school. But then, there was a reason she got that interest…why she had spent so much time by herself in that library. Well, there was the Dog, but besides that life saver – literally – it was a pretty lonely time for her mother. When she finally looked up, she noticed McGonagall was a little curious about what she just said.

"What do you mean the library got her interested in exploration?"

"It wasn't exactly a normal library. It's huge and not even the highest position in the clayr's library knows all it contains. Trust me, it's very special. There were many rooms that could only be opened with special keys as they were too dangerous for various reasons. Let me tell you, it would take way too long to describe even a little bit about it. It was a little world in itself. Speaking of time, I would suggest that we get a move on and get some of my other supplies!" McGonagall seemed very surprised and had to snap herself out of her thoughts before she reacted to the last statement. She paid for the last few books and they left.

After about another hour, they had purchased all her potions supplies as well as all the other supplies she might need for her other classes and regular clothes. Before they left, Laelia exchanged some of the money she had with her into the correct currency. It wouldn't do to have other students notice the peculiar money and question her. It wasn't until she could once again see Hogwarts nearby that she realized that the bank had been able to exchange her money. She stopped in her tracks and looked at the professor, who was laden down with stuff. "But- but, how…?! The money- what?!" The professor immediately realized what she was talking about.

"I don't know. Ithought aboutthat right after we left. I never cease to be amazed by something or other, and I've been at Hogwarts for too long for my health. I'm assuming it's nothing, but maybe I'll mention it to Dumbledore." Laelia nodded, a little apprehensive, but managed to start walking again.

"Yeah. Yeah that's a good idea. Weird." Once they got back to Dumbledore's office they were greeted by the headmaster as well as a few other teachers. Laelia recognized one almost instantly, and not because Professor McGonagall had mentioned a few of her collegues at the Three Broomsticks.

"Welcome back. Laelia you can go change into your new robes and clothing and we'll get started on settleing you in as a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Wanting to get out from under the intense stares of the new arrivals, she nodded and hurried into the room she had changed in earlier. Wow, making her first appearance as a real student wasn't so far away and she still had a lot of kinks to work out. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the inevitable drama that waited to unfold.

END! Well, there you go. Chapter two. Ugh, I have to get more used to dialogue. And I have a lot to figure out. If you ever have any suggestions, feel free to suggest! Um, I hope you were able to get a lot out of the info I've given you. Oh yeah, and about the Hogsmeade trip, it was pretty vague. Yeah, that would be mainly because I haven't read the books for awhile and I don't remember a lot of specifics at the moment. I guess I'll have to read and refresh my memory so I can add more info. That always helps me to get into a particular story. Well, review! I need feedback. Thankies! I gotta go read up, so that's it for now. Oh and thanks to my first reviewer, Destiny's Dragon!