*NOTE*
I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the characters within JKR's world. I will use them and return them slightly used. OC is my own creation.
*Translation*
Søde: sweetie
Artwork: Lidodido on DeviantArt lidodido/art/Fox-61667643
Freja looked down at the desk in front of her, completely void except for a lone slip of paper. She could feel her eyes darting between the paper, the pen in her hand, and the adults watching her intently. Her chest was tight, emotion creeping up into her throat making it hard to speak without tears springing to her eyes. Taking a deep breath and wiping the sweat from her forehead, she nodded once.
"There's no other way?" she asked, looking up at her mother and father.
Freja's mother, Elly, closed her eyes briefly, biting her lower lip before giving a jerking shake of her head. Her mother was a kind woman, and Freja could sense the pain radiating from her. She noticed the way her mother's curls bounced when she moved her head, eyes opening, blue locking with green in a knowing look. Elly was a beautiful witch; blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, uncommon kindness, and one of the brightest minds of her generation. She was of medium height, and had fair skin with freckles plastered over her nose and cheeks. What she lacked in size and weight, she made up in personality and wit. The creases around her eyes and mouth attested to her care-free and fun-loving approach to life.
"I am afraid not, skat," her father choked out, visibly upset. He wiped his eyes quickly, before taking his wife's right hand in his left. Freja watched him squeeze tight, before bringing his green eyes up to meet hers.
"Can I not go with you?" she implored, desperation cracking her voice. "Please!"
"I know this is hard for you, Freja. But your parents are right, this is the only way to ensure you are safe and that their work can continue on," said the soft, melancholy old man.
"We are leaving most of the estate to you, sødet. I have already contacted the fairies at Skat, requesting they begin the transfer over to Gringotts. The goblins will handle everything from here, you need only sign the paper." her mother whispered.
"I wish it didn't have to be this way, Mor," she whispered. "Far," she added, eyes darting between the two of them. "Will I ever see you again?"
"We will do everything in our power to ensure that you do, Freja," her father said seriously, finally stepping around the desk to crush his daughter in his arms.
Freja clutched his suit tightly, allowing a sob to escape. She felt her fathers hands stroke her back, attempting to calm her. Everything had happened so fast, she wasn't able to process what exactly was happening. Her memories were blotchy, chunks of time missing between events.
"Sign the paper," her father said, suddenly stern. Grabbing her wrist, he brought her hand to the paper. "Albus will take care of you and ensure you remain safe. I have his word."
Freja looked up to look at the older man again. His eyes met hers, and she could see the sincerity in those blue orbs. "I will protect you with my life," Dumbledore agreed.
Sighing, Freja quickly scratched her signature on the paper. Turning it around, she slid it to the older man before turning back to her father, clutching him tightly again. She felt her father lean over and bury his nose in her curls, breathing in deeply. A few seconds passed before she felt her mother behind her, wrapping both her and her father in a hug. For a moment, Freja allowed herself to enjoy their touch, and the sounds of their breath in her ears. They stayed that way for a while, until they heard a shutter and a flash of light from behind the desk. Turning to look in the direction of the light, Freja caught the older man holding a camera.
"I thought Freja would appreciate this memory, and I so do love this new camera," the older wizard smiled, before turning somber again. "I think it is time to say our goodbyes for now. Freja and I have a long journey ahead of us, and I know the two of you are needed elsewhere," he continued, looking knowingly over his frames at the older two wizards.
"Quite right," Elly said, sighing. "We must be going, søde. Remember to be kind, courageous, calculating, skeptical, and above all else– love fiercely, always. Study hard and learn as much as you can. Hogwarts has an outstanding faculty, and I know once you get over this hiccup, you will enjoy your last year of studies there. We love you more than anything, Freja. And no matter what, we will always be proud of you and whatever you become. I look forward to seeing how much you grow," she continued, kissing her daughter all over her face, before placing a lingering kiss on her forehead.
Her father did the same, before they both stepped away from her, arm in arm. With a final wave, they disapparated on the spot, leaving their only daughter and the elderly British wizard in the office.
Wiping her tears with the back of her sleeve, Freja turned towards the wizard. "How are we getting to Hogwarts?"
"I thought we would disapparate for most of the journey. We will only need to make a few hops to get to the British mainland. After, I thought we would fly together. You see, Hogwarts is known to be not only magical in education, but in appearance. It's located in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by mountains and gorges. Each year, students take a train to the outskirts of the castle, before rowing to our gates. I daresay it is as magical to a seventh-year, as their very first time. I would love to give you this experience, should you wish. I hope to make you as comfortable as possible, and hopefully you will come to see Hogwarts as your home in time," he said sincerely.
"Yes, that sounds nice, thank you," she nodded, flashing him a small but sincere smile. "Do you have a broom for me?"
"Ah, no. I am afraid that I stopped using brooms to fly a long time ago. I learned a neat little trick that allows me to fly without one," he chuckled. "Your parent's disclosed to me that you are an Animagus. A little red fox, no?" he continued, smiling widely.
"Yes, that is correct."
"Excellent. That is an impressive feat for a witch or wizard your age, my dear. I believe if you transfigure and hop on my back during flight, it would be much easier for me to carry you. I am afraid my bones are rather fragile in my older age," his eyes twinkled before continuing. "Now, I was told that Animagus' are not required to register themselves in Denmark. I'm afraid in Britain, our Ministry requires it," the older wizard shrugged, holding up his arms. "However, I believe it to be beneficial to keep that information between the two of us. The secret may serve you later. Be very careful with whom you share this information, especially until you learn who you can and cannot trust."
Nodding, the young witch waved her hand, shrinking her suitcases before placing them in her backpack. "Let's go, then," she said, reaching out a hand to grab his forearm.
"An animagus, and a talent for wandless magic… We are lucky to have you joining us at Hogwarts, Freja," said Dumbledore sincerely. Offering his arm, he waiting until he felt her tight grip before disappearing with a crack.
Freja stared in awe at the castle before her. While her senses were heightened in her animagus form, she was certain that the castle was just as impressive with her human eyes. The journey was long, and night had long since fallen. The lights of the castle twinkled through the darkness, casting a light show on the dark lake under them, setting it on fire. Several towers of varying heights jutted into the sky, creating a grandeur effect. The school was massive, and she was suddenly very aware that she only had a year to explore it in its entirety.
"We are here," the older wizard's soft voice rumbled. He reached up his hand to scratch her head. "Welcome to your new home."
Freja gave a little chirp, trying to convey her excitement. She dug her claws into the wizard's thick cloak as he descended. Once she felt his feet touch solid ground, she sprang from his shoulder into the air, transfiguring back to her human form.
"Albus, that was truly magical," Freja whispered, green eyes twinkling. "Thank you for bringing me here safely. I am excited to explore this beautiful school."
"My pleasure, my dear," chuckled the old man, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I understand that a lot of changes have occurred in the last 48 hours, and I am afraid that I will need to overload you with more information for the remainder of the night. At Hogwarts, we have four houses: Griffyndor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own characteristics– Gryffindors are known for their bravery, chivalry, and the desire to help others. Hufflepuffs are hard working, fiercely loyal, patient, and fair minded. Ravenclaws are intelligent, witty, have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and are often three steps ahead of everyone else. Lastly, Slytherins are cunning, ambitious, resourceful, and value heritage."
Nodding her head, Freja said, "We have a similar system back home in Denmark. Based on those characteristics, I was sorted into Ravenclaw my first-year."
"Wonderful, so it is not much of a change. I often think we sort too early. So many have various traits from each house, and some often do not shine through until adulthood. Do not be discouraged if you find your house has changed, my dear," he said kindly, leading her away from the balcony, to a door on the other side of the room. "On the other side of the door, I have four professors who act as the Head of their respective houses. They are excited to meet you and potentially welcome you to their house. Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir."
Smiling, he pushed the door open, allowing her to enter first.
Freja glanced around the office with fascination, watching the countless magical trinkets around her. Dancing chimes floated past, playing a familiar childhood melody. Sparklers suddenly circled her, spinning around a few times before flying back up to the ceiling. Books flapped around aimlessly. Finally, her eyes traveled to the front of the room, where four adults stood watching her with various expressions on their faces.
Freja noticed an older woman, who looked stern but kind. The witch was watching her with slight amusement, and Freja sensed immediately that she liked this woman. Next to her was a rather short human. Dwarf, maybe? He wore a huge smile, practically bouncing on his feet with apparent excitement. She smiled at him kindly. Freja's eyes shifted over one more, to a round older woman who gave her wonderful grandmother vibes. She noticed the other woman's robes and hands were covered in dirt.
"She must be the Herbology Professor," thought Freja with amusement.
Finally, her eyes traveled one more over, to lock with a pair of obsidian eyes. Freja involuntarily took a sharp breath in, struck by the intensity of his gaze. He was tall and slim, with broad shoulders. The man was covered from head to foot in black, save his porcelain skin and long, elegant fingers. He flicked his long hair to the side before giving her a stiff nod, turning his attention to the older wizard behind her.
"Good evening, Professors," Albus called, clasping his hands together before resting one on the young witch's shoulder. "This is Freja, and she will be joining us for her last year of education. She is an 18 year old Danish witch, and as the education system is a bit different in Denmark, she is ahead of the current seventh-years. However, in order to graduate in the eyes of her Ministry, she has to take one more year of education. Unfortunate situations dictate that she must finish her education with us, instead of back home. While this is a hard change, I am confident that you will all assist me in ensuring that Freja feels at home at Hogwarts."
"Of course, Headmaster," the stern witch responded immediately. "But if she is already ahead, won't our current curriculum be inadequate for her education?"
Smiling, Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, Minerva, you are correct. Freja will not be taking standard classes, but instead she will have private lessons in the areas she decides to continue her education in."
"You mean, extra work on top of our already pressed schedules" scowled the black-clad wizard. "Albus, surely you haven't suddenly slipped into a demented state in your old age."
Shocked, and a bit hurt, Freja stiffened before replying, "I have no intention of taking up too much of anyone's time. I am proficient at self-study, and do not need daily one-on-one lessons. One meeting a week to ensure I am on the right track in my studies, where I am able to ask questions and clarify concerns is enough for me."
"Indeed," said the older man softly. "You will find Freja to be a highly capable, intelligent, and hard-working witch, Severus. She is quite gifted at potions, and I am sure she would be more than willing to assist you in brewing potions for Madam Pomfrey should you need it."
"Of course this prick is the potions professor," thought Freja, groaning inwardly. Swallowing her discontentment, she nodded her agreement. "I will be happy to assist in any way I can. It will be wonderful to keep my brewing skills sharp."
Snorting, the wizard crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes on the young witch before him.
"We can work out the details and Freja's schedule tomorrow, but for now, we must have her sorted and made comfortable. As I have said, it has been a long day and the girl needs rest," said Albus, floating a chair and an old leather hat to stand before the four adult wizards. "Have a seat, my dear."
Doing as she was told, Freja sat before she felt the cold leather placed atop her head. She jerked when it spoke.
"Interesting, very interesting…" the hat rasped. "Never sorted a Danish witch before. Exceedingly bright… Kind, you are. Fiercely loyal to those you love… You'd do great in Hufflepuff… But no, no, no.. I sense something else. A sharp and witty mind, with a growing need to prove yourself and your family. I see… It's all right here, inside your head. Do you have a preference, girl?" the hat suddenly asked.
"No," she replied simply, shrugging. "Albus did mention a house point system on our way here. Perhaps the house with the most points?" she added, smirking from the laughs she received. Even the stiff black-clad wizard's lips twitched before settling back to indifference.
"Cunning, too. Yes, I know… Better be… SLYTHERIN!" the hat finally roared, before going stiff again.
"Excellent, my dear," said the older wizard, a smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Slytherin is very lucky to have you."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Freja responded, standing before placing the hat on the stool. Glancing at the professors before her, she smiled before asking, "Who is my head of house?"
"That would be me," the dark-clad wizard rumbled, stepping forward. "Follow me, Miss…?" he stopped short, glancing at Albus questioningly.
"Freja Nørgaard," the young witch offered, before smirking at the bewildered looks on her new professors' faces.
"I'm sorry, my dear, can you say that again but slower," the stern witch asked with a clipped scottish accent.
"N-ø-r-g-a-a-r-d," Freja spelled it out before frowning. "Perhaps just "Freja" will suffice, as I am not a traditional student?" she continued, unsure, looking to the Headmaster for guidance.
Nodding, the older wizard smiled and said "Freja it is. Welcome to Hogwarts! I am so excited to see what you accomplish here."
"Follow me…. Freja," Severus grimaced, turning sharply to leave, robes billowing behind him.
Freja ran to catch up, waving goodnight to her new professors. "His voice is like velvet chocolate. But why is he so unpleasant?" she wondered to herself.