Witch: The Unknown
Written by: Ceriadara and darkangel333
Prologue
The Letter
Kailyn Bradford thought she was average. Than a letter arrives at her New Orleans orphanage, stating that she is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Europe.
And so she embarks on what turns out to be a journey of a lifetime. Befriending Gryffindors and Slytherins alike, crushing on boys, and discovering her past, come join Kailyn in her first year at Hogwarts.
Set during PoA, Harry and the gang are thirteen. (Duh!)
It was Saturday in New Orleans, Louisiana, sunny and hot. The 100+ temperatures of summer were just setting in, the July sun beating down on the large port city.
The headmistress of Saint Mary Orphanage was sitting in her office, watching the small orphans play from her large window. Her brown eyes wandered from small orphan to orphan, searching.
At last her eyes found what they had sought: a pretty eleven-year-old girl named Kailyn. She sat on a bench beneath the beech tree, apart from the other children, reading, as usual.
The headmistress once again gazed down at the piece of parchment held between her fingers. She glanced for a thousandth time at the heading. Her lips moved silently, mouthing the words, "Witchcraft and Wizardry" again and again.
"Dear Miss Bradford," the letter read,
"We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.
"Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl no later than July 31st.
"Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall."
The woman's head was spinning. Accepted? Hogwarts? Witchcraft?
On her spotless desk two more pieces of parchment sat. One appeared to be a list; the other was another letter, this time addressed to her from a man named Albus Dumbledore.
He had told her of Kailyn's past, of her parentage, of her history. He had explained why she had been left of the orphanage's front steps on a stormy December night. He had said that he was well aware that Kailyn was coming; that an owl would be unnecessary. He had also included a one way first-class ticket to London, England.
Her eyes sought Kailyn out once more. She was a sweet, kind, affectionate little girl; there was no sign of any magical things about her! Using the loudspeaker, she called Kailyn to her office, her eyes following the girl across the playroom, up the stairs, and into the front door.
She entered noiselessly, closing the door behind her. She moves like a cat, the headmistress thought. She gestured for the girl to take a seat.
The head surveyed the girl. Her black hair fell to her shoulders, shining and paper-straight. Her silver blue eyes were bright and sparkling, her skin unblemished, if slightly tan from sitting outside reading.
All in all, she was a normal (if very pretty) eleven-year-old girl.
"Kailyn, I have some startling news for you. I…have just received a letter that states you are…magical. That you are a witch." The headmistress watched her closely.
Kailyn's slim fingers trembled in her lap. "I thought that might be it," she almost whispered. The headmistress gasped.
"What!"
"You see, Ms. Montoya, I've had…strange things happen. Around me."
"Such as?"
"I was bored one day in class and I made a book float on accident…and once when I got mad in the kitchen I made a toaster explode."
"That was you!"
"I'm afraid so, ma'm."
Ms. Montoya took several deep breaths in an attempt to steady herself. She glanced sharply at Kailyn. Her gaze softened as she saw the look of fear and confusion written plainly across her face.
"Kailyn dear, I received an accompanying letter from a man named Albus Dumbledore. He said that you were to fly to London and meet up with a man named Rubeus Hagrid.
"He enclosed your plane ticket. Here's your letter and ticket and booklist. Now you better pack, my little witch!" she told her affectionately, giving the papers to the now excited-looking girl.
Kailyn gave a broad smile and took them. "Thank you so much, Ms. Montoya!"
She practically bounced out of the office.
Ms. Montoya smiled sadly.
"I'll miss your smile, Kailyn. We all will in time."