Happy Thanksgiving everyone to those who celebrate! Is it me or does Harry Potter always felt like a movie you played during the holidays?
Heads up, back straight," Aria had to hold back the groan as she did so, glaring at Andromeda Tonks (Call me Auntie Andi) as the older woman walked around her, "Now don't give me that look dear. I know for the last ten years you've been staying in the shadows but you can't do that anymore. And its not just because you are a symbol of hope to all of Galar," she smiles, brushing a strand of Aria's ebony locks behind her ear, "You are the future of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter and you are a Black. Neither Potter or Blacks bow to no one,"
"Yes Auntie Andi," Aria said, taking a deep breath. The last month has given her a lot of information. After leaving Diagon Alley, Professor McGonagall had set her up with a room, paid by Hogwarts, for her to stay at the Budew Inn for the remainder of the month. She would have love to stay with Remus and get to know Piers even more but people would look at the Black Family with accusing eyes, thinking they would try to lie to her about Sirius, as many call the trial the League was doing a farce.
But that didn't mean they couldn't visit her. Everyday, Remus and Piers would show up, Remus telling her stories of her parents. Aria drank them up, but also felt guilt churning in her for all the years she hated them, thinking they were drunks. Her father, while reminding her of Dudley a bit with his pranks but had grew up in his sixth year after the death of his parents. That her mother was kind to all, and had the patience of a saint to even those who looked down on her from coming from a non-trainer family.
She and Piers, during the month, slowly got to know each other. Both were silent, both were not used to other children wanting to be around them. Aria because of the Dursleys, Piers because everyone thought his Father betrayed Aria's parents and the fact that his many fellow Gym Leaders Heirs will love to see him be replaced with Nacissa's son. But Piers, while silent, was nice and could see that Aria didn't need just a friend, but family. He had taken himself to help Aria in her lessons with Aunt Andi, becoming like a brother to her.
Because of her lack of training, which Pettigrew had lied to the League, Lord Arcturus Black who while not acting as Gym Leader was still the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black had decided to send Auntie Andi to give her lessons so that she doesn't accidentally insult anyone and ruin the standards of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter.
She learned that the Main Eight,the eight families that stood as Galar's, were the Main Eight not just because they were strong. The eight families, those who held the Rank of Ancient and Noble were because they were The Great Hero's most loyal. While many know of the mysterious man whose statue laid at front of the Budew Inn. The Hero of Galar who banished the Darkest Day which had ripped Ransei apart so many years ago. It was said that afterward that he with the help of eight Families created their part of Ransei into Galar and when the Albion League was formed those Families became the Main Eight.
She learned that the Main Eight were the Weasleys, the Crouches, Greengrass, Durham, Fawley, Longbottoms, Blacks and Potters. That Louis Crabbe only held the spot of Stow-On-Side's Gym leader was because his mother was a Potter, a Potter from a different branch of the family, one from Unova but nonetheless it was looked over until Aria became of age and graduated from Hogwarts.
She learned of her family, of her grandfather Charles Potter who married Dorea Black. How the two fell in love on the battlefield, fighting down those of Grindelwald's Team Cipher. How they dance alongside their Pokemon, covered in their enemies blood. How Dorea Black turned many peoples head, that she made many rue the day they pissed her off.
She learned of her great grandmother, Grace Potter who while the Gym Leader of Penwimble City worked for the Expedition Society of Gringotts as an archaeologist. She would explore ancient tombs and long lost temples in many Regions to study the past civilizations. She even spitted Voldemort in the face at the beginning of his War back then a simple protest and told him that the ancient and Noble House wanted nothing to do with his petty tantrum against Dumbledore.
Her great great great grandfather Edward Potter was one of Galar's best trainers. The way he commanded his team of Ghost Types..even today many Regions use his videos of his battles as an example of what trainers should be. Aria had actually squealed in joy when going back to Gringotts that her parents left his journals in her Trust Vault.
Aria tenses up a bit, looking down at the ring on her thumb and rubs it a bit. Smiling sadly as she looks at the amethyst jewel. "This ring has seen so many deaths…" she frowns, rubbing it again, "It will see mine too..but I won't die without a fight.." Aria blinks when she feels a paw tapping against her leg and looks down to see Ripred looking up at her before squeaking. She smiles, kneeling down and picking him up into her arms, the Cyndaquil curling up. "At least I won't be alone…I'll have my Pokemon…Ripred by my side,"
"Now," Aria looked up when Auntie Andi spoke, "I think that's enough for today," she smiled at Aria, "I taught you the basics, hopefully during the summer this year I'll be able to teach you more," Aria nods her head, scratching under Ripred's chin, "Now I'm going to give you some advice. People will be staring at you, and will always be whispering about you. You are a symbol of hope and they'll be seeing you as they want to see you. They think they have the right to touch you, to be your friend because of your status in Galar," she kneels down, placing her hands on Aria's shoulder, "But what they don't realize, what they don't want to think about is that you are also a Black,"
Aria nods her head, "They think they know me… but none of them do, not really,"
Auntie Andi smiles, standing back up and pats her shoulder, "Not really kid..not really. Now Remus will be here to pick you and take you and Piers to King's Port," Aria nods her head and after wishing Auntie Andi a good night, heads back into her room.
She sighs as she flops onto the bed, Ripred squeaking a bit before sneezing out some embers, making her giggle. Turning her head, she looks over to her bag, which she had packed this morning and sighs. She had looked over her books during the month and she was worried. All of it was on a much higher level than the books she read at Surrey Primary…she was worried about how she would be able to keep up in her classes. Petting Ripred softly she slowly closes her eyes. Maybe this isn't how she imagined her journey would had been, but she wasn't going to look a gifted Ponyta in the mouth.
Fingers drumming against a table, tired blue look over his staff, quickly moving away from the glare of his Deputy. How could things go so wrong so fast? How could the Dursleys miss the girl doing her own studying?
Albus Dumbledore fought the urge to sigh angrily. It only has been a month and so many plans had gotten off the tracks. The plan was that on Young Aria's birthday he would send Hagrid to Surrey, telling her about her enrollment, allowing her to see him as a kind old man. The Durselys who were afraid of Pokemon, just as many of the people who lived in that small town.
But it seems like as many Potters and Blacks, the girl just didn't want to follow the Greater Good. Having taken the test for the license exams and made the Albion League aware about her lack of training and had all but ordered him to send Professor McGonagall instead of Hagrid as he planned. They also had arrested Pettigrew and Lord Black was able to finally get a trial going for Sirius.
"So many plans ruined…" he fights the urge to shake his head as he looks among his staff, "Now I want to welcome you all back for another year at Hogwarts, both old and new," he gestures to the woman with blonde hair with curls in her hair, "Taking the position as Social Studies teacher, welcome Professor Burbage,"
The woman smiles, standing up and bowing to them before sitting back down. Albus then gestures to the man sitting beside her, trembling slightly and wearing a turban, "And I wish to welcome back Professor Quirrel, who gladly taken the position of Battle Coach," claps could be heard as Quirrel shakily gets back up and bows to them.
Albus sighs as they begun to talk about the new school year, sipping his tea. Hopefully once Young Aria takes her first step into the school, he can show her the way to her destiny.
Only he knows the way.
Aria takes a deep breath, looking at herself in the mirror in her room, staring at herself wearing Hogwarts uniform. She had woken up at 5:00 in the morning, putting it on and putting her hair into a ponytail. She turns to Ripred who tilts his head before he squaks happily, the red spots on his back glowing. Smiling, she grabs her bag and picks him up, the Cyndaquil crawling onto her shoulder as she heads downstairs.
Both Remus and Piers were waiting for her in the lobby, Zigzagoon was running around Piers legs in a circle. Piers, with shadows underneath his eyes and looking tired, Aria couldn't help but giggle, "Stop laughing Ari," Piers groans as he picks up the wiggling Zigzagoon.
They settled off, the port not far from the Budew Inn. Walking down the stairs, Aria could see all people and Pokemon all mingling about. Families hugging each other, kissing as they said their goodbyes. Aria's attention was pulled towards the large ferry that was docked behind them with the Hogwarts Symbol and the words S.S Hogwarts Ferry painted on the side.
Heart hammering with excitement, Aria then squeals when something knocks into her. Grunting as she falls onto her back she wheezes, trying to get air back into her lungs. She could hear Ripred squeaking angrily. Opening her eyes she stares at the dark skin boy who was blinking at her with golden eyes. His purple hair was busy and went to his shoulders and like Aria and Piers, he was wearing the Hogwarts male uniform, but had a hat on his head.
"I'm not late am I?" he asked before he looks down and his eyes widen, "Oh Emrys, I am so sorry," he quickly stands up and gently grabs Aria's hand and pulling her up, "I'm just so then I got lost," he rubs the back of his neck, "I'm Leon Granger…sorry about that,"
"It's fine…" Aria smiles picking Ripred back up after he fell off her shoulder, "And I can get that. It is pretty exciting,"
"I know right?" Leon smiles, bouncing on and off his feet, "I'm the first in my family to become an official trainer..heck I'm surprise that I was able to pass the License Exams for the Sponsor License let alone to be enroll into Hogwarts,"
"I know the feeling," Aria smiles, "I'm Aria," she holds up Ripred, "And this is Ripred,"
"Piers," her cousin walks over, looking at her with raised eyebrows and she just smiles at him. He sighs but then turns to the ferry when a whistle blows in the air.
"Looks like it's time," Remus says, turning towards both Aria and Piers and smiles, "Now I want you two to study hard but I also want you to have fun," he places his hands on their shoulders, "This is your journey, even if you two aren't being on the open road. I want you two to learn from this, to grow," Aria smiles and nods her head while Piers huff. The two grunt, Ripred and Zigzagoon squeaking and yipping respectfully when Remus pulls them into a hug. Aria felt her face glow red but she smiles, tears in the corner of her eyes. She quickly wipes them when he lets them go, "Well go on then," Remus smiles at them.
Waving goodbye Aria and Piers headed up the ramp onto the ferry. She turns when she hears a yell and sees Leon running after them, leaving behind a woman with purple hair who was slightly crying and a man with brown curly hair, "Hey!" Leon stops behind them, "Do you guys mind if I sit with you? I mean," he rubs the back of his neck, "You two seem friendly enough and I really don't want to find myself in a cabin with people who will hate my guts,"
Aria blinks but shrugs looking over her shoulder to Piers who sighs and shakes his head. Smiling at the two, Leon thanks them following them onto the ferry.
It didn't take long to find a cabin for them to sit in, but it took a bit because Aria became so distracted. The ferry was one of Galar's state of the art ships but the trip to Sceptor Island would still take six hours. So the ferry had a battlefield on the deck, a trading room, an arcade..and a dining hall.
After grabbing some bagels (Aria had begun to love them after the first one Professor McGonagall gave her) they found an empty cabin. She giggles as she munches on her cinnamon with cream cheese bagel, watching as Ripred wrestles with Zigzagoon and Leon's Charmander, who he had let out once they were seated. At that moment the ferry blew its whistle once more and started to move. Looking out the window she waves her hand at Remus and Moony who was running along the edge of the dock.
Sighing, she takes another bite of her bagel as Piers looks over to Leon with a raised eyebrow, "Wait your Sponsor is the Noble House of Drew?"
Leon nods his head, "Yeah..well really my Sponsor is Minister Rose. He said he can see something in me, that I can reach new heights.." he winces a bit, "He wanted me to do the Gym Challenge…but when Hogwarts sent the letter I decided to take the seven years here…he wasn't really happy about that but I did said that I wanted to prove myself,"
Aria blinks in confusion, tilting her head while Piers sighs, "Not many trainers who go to Hogwarts and aren't from Trainer families thrive...sometimes they even drop out after their third year. I think your mother was the last one to complete a full year at Hogwarts,"
Aria blinks at that, she knew that Hogwarts being the best Training Academy in Galar was going to be tough. But to learn that hardly anyone from non-trainer families made her stomach churn, placing her bagel down. What if she was bad in class…what if she couldn't keep up…what if she was expelled…hearing a squeak she looks down at Ripred who climbs up the seat and crawls into her lap, nuzzling her stomach.
Smiling, she goes to her bag pulling out a string that had small wooden blocks and colorful balls on it. Ripred squeaks as Aria holds it up above him, shaking it and he grabs it with his mouth, pulling at it. She gently tugs at it watching as Ripred tugs it back making little squeaking noises. She could hear him slightly gnawing on the blocks which made her smile. During the month she had research about the Cyndaquil line and because he was a rodent Pokemon his incisors would keep growing, so he needed constant things to chew on.
All six then looked up when a knock alerted them before the door of their cabin opened, "Hey, sorry to bug you but is it ok if we sit here?" a tall boy, thin, his skin a russet, reddish brown that made his blue eyes pop out even more. He wore the Hogwarts uniform like them but had an orange bandanna wrapped around his head, his black hair was spiked up the sides shaved. Behind him was a boy with blonde hair, highlights of pink in them. His eyes were slightly red and he sniffled as he cuddled with a Budew in his arms.
Aria looks over to Piers and Leon but blinks when she notices that they were looking at her. She waves her arm towards the boys and they smile, the taller one having sharper fangs as he walks over flopping into the seat next to Piers. The other boy shyly walks in, sitting next to Leon who was sitting next to Aria.
"So I guess congratulations are in order, Heir Weasley," the blue-eyed boy blinks before he chuckles, pulling at the collar of his school blazer.
"So you heard the news huh?" he grins a bit, "But yeah, I'm now the next in line for Hammerlocke Gym. Percy decided against being the Gym Leader, wanting to work for the Albion League when he graduates and my parents would never trust the Twins,"
"I guess they did not take that well, huh?" Piers said and the boy winced.
"No…no they did not," he grins a bit before he turns his head to Aria and Leon, "Forgot to introduce myself. The name's Raihan Weasley, Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Weasley,"
The blonde and pink hair boy quickly sits up, his blue eyes wide as he squeaks out, "And I'm Neville Longbottom, Son of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom,"
Remembering her short lessons Aria smiles and nods her head, "Please to meet you, I'm Aria Potter, Heiress to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter," she heard Leon choke a bit, staring at the three of them while Piers sighs.
"Damn social manners," he grumbles as he sits up, "Piers Black-Lupin, Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Black,"
"Oh Arceus…" Leon whispers, placing his face into his hands. Raihan laughs, smirking at the other boy.
"Let me guess? Didn't realize who you were sitting with?"
Leon makes a muffled noise, shaking his head while Aria tilted her head in confusion. Neville, looking nervous, shyly patted him on the back. "Its ok…I mean I know it doesn't make it better but I'm not an Heir like these three," he gestures to Aria, Piers and Raihan, "My brother Milo is though," he smiles gently as Leon takes a shuddering breath and sits up, "He's in his second year,"
"Yeah, I think I heard of him," Leon mutters nodding his head, "Sonia told me about him…and his rivalry with Nessa,"
Neville snorts, "I think it's more of a one-sided rivalry," he shrugs his shoulders as he gently pets his Budew's side making them giggle, "Milo is more focus on simply having fun in battles,"
At that moment the door opened again and two boys, twins, looking a lot like Raihan but with red hair poke their heads through the doorway. Aria blinks at the Rayquaza sewed onto their blazers and the green and silver scarves wrapped around their necks, "Oh Rai there you are! Just wanted to make sure you're ok?"
Raihan sighs but smiles, "I'm fine, Fred, George. I'm not bother with what mum and Ginny said," he rolls his eyes, "I am kinda use to it, being the youngest son,"
The twins looked at each other but nodded their heads, "If you're sure. We're going to go and find Lee now,"
"But know that you are always welcome to find us!"
The twins waved goodbye, closing the door behind them. Raihan shakes his head but Piers raises an eyebrow, "Your mum giving you troubles still?"
Raihan shrugs and gives his hand a wobble, "Eh 50/50. Percy got chosen to become Gryffindor's Prefect this year so all her attention was pulled towards him," he places his arms behind his head, "and Ginny was being a brat saying that mum would throw party about her getting into Hogwarts instead of just ignoring it like she did with me when I got the letter," he smiles at the disgruntled look that Piers had on his face, "Hey I'm use to it. I'm the sixth son to go to Hogwarts so it is hard to standout,"
"Sixth?" Aria mutters and Raihan nods his head with a grin.
"Yep! My eldest brothers Bill and Charlie already left Hogwarts. Bill was in Ravenclaw and was Head Boy, perfect grades and pretty popular too. He's now working for the Expedition Society in the Gringotts Branch of Marco Cosmos. Charlie was in Gryffindor and was the captain of the Royal Raid Team," Aria tilts her head, scratching under Ripred's chin wondering what a Royal Raid was, "And now he works in Johto at the Dragon's Den working under the Ancient and Noble House of Blackthorn and learning about Dragon Types from them. Percy a Prefect now which he brag all during Summer saying that he was going to finally be able to straighten Gryffindor out," he shakes his head, "And Fred and George are in Slytherin, both of them play on the Royal Raid and their pretty funny even if Mum yells at them a lot," he shrugs, grabbing his Pokeball and throwing it. She watches as the Trapinch that was released from it shakes his head before chirping as Raihan scratches at his back, a purr erupting from them, "Ginny is my younger sister and mum's only daughter so I have given up trying to get mum's attention,"
"It still sucks on how she treats you and the twins though," Piers said and Raihan grunts.
"As I said, I'm used to it. And anyway it doesn't matter! We're going to Hogwarts!" He throws a punch at Piers' shoulder making the boy wince and Zigzagoon to look at the boy with a glare but huffs before going back to pounce on Charmander.
While they were talking, the ferry had carried them out deeper into the open waters. Aria looking out the window watches as fog begins to slowly cover and begin to surround them. Leon, seeing her curiosity smiles, "Scepter Island is covered by endless fog, making it very hard to find unless you know exactly where to go,"
"Of course it is, the Founders made it that way," Raihan said and Neville nodded his head.
"But why?" Aria asked not understanding why the Founders wanted to keep the school hidden.
"It's because the school wasn't a school when the Founders made it," Piers explained, "Back then people and Pokemon… Well, we didn't get along that well. Most humans were afraid to even get close to Pokemon let alone even catch one," he scratches at his head, "And well those humans who hated and fear Pokemon, they started attacking those who trained and had a partnership with Pokemon,"
"The Great Purges," Raihan butts in making Piers sigh in annoyance, "It was a full out war and anyone found guilty of caring for Pokemon were killed. Many Families had to go into hiding, living double lives to protect themselves. Helga Hufflepuff, who was from Hisui, had the great idea to establish an Expedition Team, like the Galaxy Expedition Team. With the help of her three friends, Godric Gryffindor who was the leader of the Druids of Sword, Rowena Ravenclaw who was the Leader of the Druids of Shield and finally Salazar Slytherin who came from a different Region like her,"
Piers nodded his head, "They trained and saved many people, teaching them how to raise and care for Pokemon. It's only after 100 years after their death that the Hogwarts Guild became the Hogwarts Academy,"
Aria hums at this listening to the story when the door opens again. Raihan growls and Neville flinches as a boy with sleek white blond hair that was slicked back. His grey eyes looked around, narrowing in disgust when he spotted Piers, Neville and Raihan. But when his eyes catch the sight of Aria, or more specifically her scar. He gives a smile as he walks into their cabin followed by a boy with bristly black hair and long arms. Next to them with an annoyed look on her face was a girl with gray hair cut just above her shoulders with a black bandana wrapped in a bow around her head.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Heiress Potter," he gives a slight bow, "I am Draco Malfoy, Son of the House of Malfoy," Aria could see the smirk on Piers' face and she also heard the snort coming from Raihan, "I thought that it would be best to welcome you back," he stands up and Aria could see a fake pity shining in his grey eyes, "Dreadful business really, with you being left in Surrey of all places. I thought it would be best to offer my hand," he eyes the others, sneering at Piers who just smiles as he lays in the plush seat.
Aria looks at the hand and holds back to urge to slap it away as she takes it. Shaking it she gives a smile, a smile that made both Draco and Piers pale, "I thank you for the advice Malfoy but I think that I'm smart enough to figure things out myself," she lets go of his hand as she stands up, Ripred growling, flames erupting from his back.
Malfoy glares, "I think you should be more careful on who you are making friends with…or enemies. You may think you are so special with that bloody scar on your head, but not all of us bow to you. You're nothing but a little girl who is riding along the fame of her parents," Malfoy sneers a dark cruel smile as he looks her up and down and snorts, "I bet you will bring shame onto the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, which won't be too hard with you're hanging around with,"
A voice then echoes throughout the ferry, "We'll be reaching Scepter Island in five minutes, will first years come to the deck. I repeat we will be reaching Scepter Island in five minutes, all first years come to the deck.,"
Malfoy looks up at this before giving them all a sneer. With the spin of his heel he walks out of their cabin, the boy following him quickly while the girl falters, "Sorry about him," she said before she quickly runs out of the cabin.
Raihan, now that Malfoy was gone, quickly runs out of the cabin after returning Trapinch to his Pokeball. Quickly following his direction they did the same, Aria petting Ripred's head before doing so. Shivering as they walked onto deck, they all gasped at the sight before them.
Under the night sky of twinkling stars they caught their first sight of Scepter Island. Surrounded by sea stacks was an island. Even this far on a boat they could see that the Island consisted of cliffs and vast forests. But what really caught their eyes was the castle that was built into the largest cliff on the island that was set above the loch . But the castle was huge, and even after a thousand years stood tall and proud. Years of improvement thanks to the many students who had walked through the halls of the castle, made sure that the academy has adapted throughout the years.
Aria stares in awe, a smile growing on her face as she stares at the castle. The sight of it was cross home with Aria. So far from Surrey, with Ripred and her new friends, that her journey was truly beginning.
Ok so I know lots of people say that Sonia would fit HErmione better but the thing is that Sonia has a grandmother who is a Professor. While in other Rgions that wouldn't matter in Galar with its way of thinking that trainers not coming from trainer families can't go very far up in positions. So Sonia and her grandmother are from trainer families, not as high but still they come from a family that has been training Pokemon for years. Leon I decided isn't and is in fact Sponsor by Rose Drew. It will give him a better storyline with what I have plan in this version.
Malfoy why you so hard to write? Why?
And so we have met Aria's friend group! Two more will be added next year One during the begining of second year and one during the end. But I have many plans! Anyway I hope you like this chapter please leave a review!