AN:- Thank you to everyone who has read the first chapter, reviewed and added it to favourites and alerts. Thank you for giving it a chance.
My original plan was to post this chapter on Sunday, but I have been working on it all day and its finished and I am a little excited (and nervous) to share the second chapter so here we go.
Quite possible when I look at this again tomorrow with 'fresh eyes' I will be - how did you leave that error there, or you need to tweak that a little, but until then please enjoy.
All mistakes are mine and mine alone.
XXX
Chapter 2
Holly didn't have much time to prepare for summer school, a few days passing in a blink of an eye but in that time she tried to read as much as she could. The more she read, the more questions she had, and she was left spinning with terms and explanations and examples that sounded both fascinating and unbelievable at the same time. Was it possible that one day she would be able to perform such feats of magic? Holly intended to ensure that it would happen as iron determination coursed through her, the only way she would achieve anything was if she chased after it.
She rose early Monday morning, excitement buzzing through her making any chance of sleep impossible, and dressed as quietly as she could. Professor McGonagall had instructed her with what she needed to bring, and even though she had packed her bag the night before, Holly had to double-check again, to make she did have everything she needed. Ink, quills, and parchment - she had even slipped in one of her textbooks so she would have something to read on the journey.
She dressed in the plain black school robes she purchased, catching her reflection in the mirror that hung on her wardrobe door, she barely recognised herself, so used to seeing herself in baggy hand-me-downs from Dudley, that was miles too big for her and usually torn in some manner. Her robes were new, as was everything else and she had replaced her thick-framed glasses with cello-tape across the bridge for a thinner black frame that suited her face more and had the right prescription for her vision. Holly had never been one to care about her appearance before, but as her reflection stared back at her, she couldn't help but see the improvement. Cleaner, tidier, looked after and while a few days out of the cupboard wouldn't exactly repair years of damage, she didn't look quite as neglected or like one of the lost boys from Peter Pan. There was an air that surrounded her that hadn't been there a few days ago. Not confidence exactly, but the realisation that she belonged somewhere, even if she didn't know exactly her place had given her something.
She rather liked it.
Satisfied that she was presentable, Holly tucked her wand into the pocket of her robe slipped her bag onto her shoulder and made her way out of her room. She ensured the door shut firmly behind her. A tickle ran up the length of her spine signalling the wards were in place. Professor McGonagall had given her assurance that as long as she closed the door firmly behind her when she left her room, nobody else would be able to open the door again. It gave her privacy but also ensured that the Dursleys couldn't throw her belongings out while she was at summer school. They didn't want her to attend Hogwarts, and had only reluctantly admitted defeat when Professor McGonagall informed them that if she didn't attend summer school on Monday morning, there would be severe consequences. Holly wasn't sure exactly what those consequences would be but the way her aunt and uncle had paled at the words the message had sunk in. Of course, she had no doubt they became mollified by the fact that other than provide a roof over her head and feed her, they would have little to do with her for the next eight weeks.
Holly made her way downstairs as quietly as she could, the sounds of Dudley and Uncle Vernon snoring following her down the stairs. Holly knew Aunt Petunia would already be awake, and in the kitchen starting breakfast. Narrowed eyes turned to her the moment she entered the room, before her aunt thrust a plate, with a slice of toast on it, in her direction with a crisp "Here. Don't get any crumbs on the floor."
Her aunt turned away from her the moment she accepted the plate, doing everything in her power to ignore her while she busied herself with the task she was doing before Holly entered.
Holly silently ate her toast, and helped herself to a glass of water, carefully ensuring she wasn't in her aunt's line of sight at any given time.
"You will not discuss it when you return."
Holly blinked in surprise, looking up at her aunt, who had turned to face her, her expression unreadable.
"Whatever you learn, whatever you do at that…that school," venom dripped the last word, as she hissed it, "No mention of magic, nothing about what you have learned. I do not care. I do not want to know about anything you get up to, anything that happens. Do you understand?" Aunt Petunia demanded, her lips pressed together, and there was a flicker of irritation in her narrowed eyes.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia," Holly said, blankly. She had learned a long time ago not to flinch at the words that her family threw at her. If she flinched she showed they hurt, she gave them the satisfaction they had hurt her, and they would continue to do so whenever they wanted to. To drive the message home a little bit more that they didn't love her that they didn't care. Holly refused to give them the satisfaction of making her weak, of making her hurt, of making her suffer.
Never flinch.
That lesson had helped her over the years here.
Aunt Petunia stared at her, holding her gaze longer than necessary, before dismissing her with a short, sharp nod, and once again turning her back on her. Holly cleaned her plate and glass before putting them away after she finished her breakfast. Picking up her bag, she left the kitchen behind without a second glance, making her way to the front door and slipped out of the house.
The instructions stated she needed to be ready and waiting outside, directly in front of the house for eight o'clock on the dot. She had no idea what to expect, but Professor McGonagall had assured her everything would be fine. From what she had gauged from Professor McGonagall, and a glance at Hogwarts: A History, summer school was a new addition to Hogwarts.
Holly was grateful that it was early enough that nobody would be out and about to see her standing on the pavement directly in front of number 4 Privet Drive in her school robes. Her aunt and uncle would have a meltdown if anything not normal were associated with their house, and while her school robes were fairly sensible compared to some of the wizarding clothes she had seen, they weren't exactly what a ten-year-old muggle would wear.
Not that she had to wait long, within minutes of her stepping outside a purple minibus appeared with a rumble that sounded more animalistic than like an engine, before braking to a stop inches away from her. On the front a black sign with golden letters proudly declared 'Hogwarts Transport'. The door opened, and a tall man with a square face, dressed in a black and purple uniform stepped onto the pavement.
"Miss Potter?" he asked cheerfully.
"Yes…?"
"Benjamin Pike, at your service, conductor and driver for the Hogwarts Transport," he beamed proudly.
Holly blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected something as ordinary as a minibus to pick her up and take her to magical summer school. Holly gave a tight smile, before following Benjamin up the few short steps onto the bus. She could feel curious eyes watching her, and her heart jumped against her chest.
Never flinch.
Never fear.
Her gaze swept across the minibus. Outside it appeared to be a sixteen seater, however inside was a whole different story, far bigger than it should be rows of seats lined the bus two seats on one side and a single seat on the other. Seven pairs of wide eyes fixed their gaze on her for a moment, before busying themselves with whatever they were doing before the bus stopped. She saw one girl with bushy brown hair, sitting near the front; return her attention to the book on her lap after eying Holly up for a moment. Holly could almost taste the nervous excitement that emanated from them.
Holly picked a single seat, smiling politely to a boy and a girl who was sitting the other side of the small aisle that separated her seat and theirs. There was a similarity between them that Holly would have hazard a guess they were siblings. Benjamin sat back in his seat, and the doors magically closed the moment he pulled a leaver which lunged the bus with such force, Holly hit the seat in front of her. A glance around at the disgruntled groans from those around her it seemed that it was a common occurrence that they had experienced more than once yet they still hadn't quite prepared enough for it.
"Just another eight stops before we reach our destination," Benjamin called over his shoulder, before turning the bus sharply left.
Holly could barely believe her eyes as she tried to focus outside, the world was moving far too fast for her to concentrate on anything, and when she could, it was because the whole bus slowed down to squeeze through something that should be next to impossible to squeeze through. It defied the laws of physics as magic seemed to do, but houses jumping out of the way were an impressive sight to see. It was amazing that the muggles didn't hear anything, or see anything for that matter.
"Benjamin was telling us that the Hogwarts Transport Bus is a smaller version of the Knight Bus, and has all sorts of spells and charms on it, so the muggles don't see a thing," the boy behind her declared happily. Holly glanced up at him, unaware she had voiced a question out loud or whether he was merely guessing as he had wondered the same. He was hanging on the back of her seat, head peeping over, and appeared unaffected by the impossible movement of the bus they found themselves on, "Kevin Entwhistle."
He stuck his hand out for her, which Holly took.
"Holly Potter."
"Pleasure. So were your parents surprised when you received your letter? My dad fainted when the Professor turned a vase into a bird," he grinned.
"I don't live with my parents," she answered evenly.
His smile faltered as though he wasn't sure how to answer her short answer; round hazel eyes blinked rapidly at her as if he was expecting her to elaborate further. Holly didn't, but then talking to other people wasn't something she was very good at, nor was making friends. As if sensing her mood, or not quite sure how to carry on the conversation she had shut down before it had even begun, Kevin Entwhistle sat back into his seat, as the bus drew to a stop. A sliver of guilt twisted in her stomach that she hadn't been friendly, but she pushed it aside. She didn't have to tell people about her parents if she didn't want to. And she didn't, because it wasn't any of their business. It was bad enough that the Wizarding World as a whole seemed to know what happened to her parents when she had known nothing about them; she had no intention of sharing things willingly that others could use against her in the future. She knew how cruel other children could be.
Holly silently counted the stops, each one a first-year stepped on, each one a combination of excitement and nerves that seemed to bounce through them until eventually, the minibus had all the students that would be attending the summer school. Benjamin announced that it would be five minutes until they reached their destination. Time seemed to be a difficult thing to track inside the minibus, it felt as though she had only been on the bus for ten minutes herself, yet as she listened to the others talk amongst themselves, she could hear the accents of different places. A girl from South Wales, a boy from North Wales, a girl from Birmingham, a boy from Yorkshire, and so it went. Nor could Holly make heads or tails in the order in which the bus stopped to pick up the next student, it didn't appear to be location, or alphabetically based on their surnames but rather a random mixture. Finally; the bus drew to a final stop. Benjamin rose to his feet, and the doors opened, he turned to look at them all, a grin split his face from ear to ear.
"Welcome to Hogsmeade. We have a short distance to walk before we reach our final destination. If you will, please exit the bus."
One by one the first-years piled out of the bus, Holly took her place in the middle of the group. Hogsmeade, as she was quick to discover, was a small village that was entirely magical. The minibus had pulled up on the outskirts of the village, near a train platform.
"In future, you will be expected to walk up to the school on your own and return here every day to the pick-up point at five-thirty. If you aren't on the bus by then, you will be left behind."
With that warning, Benjamin led them through the village that was only starting to wake up. Holly's eyes swept around, taking in the sights around her, lips twitching in a smile, at how much she was beginning to love the Wizarding World. There were a variety of shops and businesses ranging from sweet shops, to joke shops: tea rooms, post offices, hair salons, inns, greengrocers and butchers. Dotted amongst the shops and businesses were houses of all shapes and sizes, each one unique in its way. The village reminded Holly of the picturesque villages found on Christmas cards. Witches and wizards greeted them with friendly smiles as they set about opening up their businesses, goods floating out in front to entice passersby. Holly itched to explore but didn't dare leave the line of first-years that followed Benjamin.
As they made their way out of town, Holly could see what looked like an enormous castle off in the distance.
"Oh wow," one of the other children said, and Holly couldn't help but agree as her breath caught in her throat.
Benjamin chuckled, "Wait until you see inside."
"You mean that is Hogwarts?" the girl with the bushy hair asked quizzically.
"Sure is. I spent the best seven years of my life there, course it's changed somewhat since I graduated. More options with subjects to learn, and of course, the summer school is a fairly new thing as well. You lot are the fourth lot of first-years to attend summer school since the law that made it mandatory passed. People high in the Ministry have said there's considerable improvement in the grades since the program started. I wish I had the option you are getting before I started at Hogwarts. I was overwhelmed during those first few months."
Holly frowned slightly, chewing over Benjamin's words. She had realised the summer school was a relatively new thing, having found no mention in Hogwarts: A History, but also by the subtle distaste that had crossed Professor McGonagall's face when relaying the instructions. Holly doubted many people would have noticed it, but she had learnt early to read people to the best of her ability, especially adults. What had exactly happened for this law to pass and what were the reasons behind it? Benjamin, as enthusiastic as he was, was spewing well-practised words. Holly had heard Uncle Vernon rehearsing enough speeches or witty-lines, he thought would get him noticed, for work to recognise a scripted speech, but the question was why? And exactly whose 'company line' was Benjamin preaching.
It was half a mile walk to the castle, and the closer they got, the more in awe Holly became her stomach fluttering excitedly. The castle was rich in detailed statues and structure, with numerous amounts of towers, some of which appeared to have buildings attached to the side that seemed to float out of the side of the original tower. Bridges connected sections of the castle and considering the age of the castle; it was in excellent shape. Professor McGonagall met them at the castle gates dressed in forest green robes, hair pinned up in a neat bun, and looking considerably sterner than when Holly had last met her only days ago.
"Professor McGonagall," Benjamin greeted.
"Mr Pike," Professor McGonagall returned, nodding slightly. "I presume that you will be meeting them at the gates today before taking them back to the minibus."
"Just for the first day. So they don't get lost, wouldn't do for them to get eaten between here and Hogsmeade on their first day."
The Professor's lips gave a tight smile, "We will see you at five o'clock then."
Benjamin gave them an encouraging wave before turning on his heel and walking back the way they had come.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. For those of you who have not met me during your introduction to the Wizarding World, my name is Professor McGonagall. Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am the Head of Gryffindor, which some of you may soon become members of, and I am your soon-to-be Transfiguration Professor," she greeted, her eyes sweeping across them all. "You have all been raised in the muggle-world, due to your Muggle roots or as a Half-blood who has lived separately from the Wizarding World. As a result, it is required you attend a mandatory eight-week summer school that will ensure your lack of magical education does not put you at a disadvantage at the start of the school term."
Professor McGonagall studied each of them intently, as though to ensure that each one of them was listening closely before continuing.
"It would be wise if you did not waste this opportunity granted to you. As you are about to enter Hogwarts, you will find that the only accessible areas will be the Great Hall, where you will have your lessons and the girls and boys toilets on the ground floor. The rest of the school is out of bounds and warded to ensure you cannot enter. You may spend some of your lunch break outside provided you do not enter the Forbidden Forest. After today you will unlikely see me until the start of term. Now, if you would like to follow me, I will take you to the Great Hall, where you will meet your tutor for your morning session."
They followed Professor McGonagall up the sloping hill, and across a large bridge, before exiting into a squared courtyard which had a large tree in the centre, and seats around the trunk. Double doors stood wide open, welcoming them in. The Entrance Hall was so big that it could have easily fit the whole of the Dursleys' house in it. Stone walls rose above them, and the ceiling was too high to make out directly opposite them a magnificent marble staircase led upwards to the upper floors. The walls were decorated with unlit sconce and frames of different shapes and sizes appeared to have a mix of portraits, landscapes and objects in them. Holly blinked owlishly, as the portraits were capable of moving, as she noted one witch move from one frame to the next to get a better look at them. Professor McGonagall led them across the Entrance Hall to the second set of double doors, which led to a large hall which Holly presumed, was the Great Hall.
The Hall had tall walls that reached up to the ceiling which seemed to match the pale blue sky outside as if it there wasn't a ceiling there but rather an open sky. Small windows ran down the length of the Hall and directly in front of them was a large window where the light shined through. In front of the large window, Holly could see a long rectangle table where a golden throne-like chair sat at the centre, and chairs on either side. In front of the table, a short, squat woman stood, dressed in light pink robes. She had a broad, flabby face, a wide slack mouth and a little neck. Her eyes, bulging and pouchy, studied them intensely. A large black velvet bow pushed her mousy brown hair out of her face. Directly in front of her, Holly could see sixteen desks and chairs, with what looked to be a workbook on each desk. One for each student. Professor McGonagall led them to the tables and the waiting witch.
"Madam Umbridge, your students," Professor McGonagall said civilly.
"Thank you, Deputy Headmistress," she responded in a sugary voice, that was a little too high-pitched.
Professor McGonagall departed, leaving them standing in silence, waiting for their 'tutor' to instruct them in what to do next.
Madam Umbridge smiled at them, her smile reminding Holly of a toad, before she gestured at the desks, "Children, take your seats. My name is Madam Umbridge, and I am your Ministry assigned tutor for your morning sessions for the next eight weeks. It is my job, given to me by our esteemed Minister Thomas Gaunt," she gave a high pitched giggle as the name rolled off her tongue, and Holly could hear the admiration as clear as day in her tone. "To ensure that those with an unfortunate lack of magical education are at a standard one expects a student, deemed worthy to enter the great halls of Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to have. Something which has previous students have lacked."
Madam Umbridge waved her wand, and a large blackboard appeared. Another flick and white chalked words appeared on the board, 'Wizard Studies'. Holly nibbled on her bottom lip, as she looked between the board and the woman in front of her.
"There is a lot to cover in our three and half-hour sessions, and I will not tolerate slacking of any kind. Every morning throughout each of our discussions and workbooks, we will be practising the usage of a quill to ensure your writing is eligible and clear to understand. Over the next eight weeks, we will be spending equal time on each of the following topics Wizarding Etiquette, Wizarding Government which links to Wizarding Law, and Wizarding Britain. There will be tests each morning to ensure you have retained the information from the previous day. While I will not be setting homework, I do not have the time to spend marking it," she added, as though reminding them she had more important things to be doing. "It is heavily implied you make detailed notes of our sessions to study for a test at the end of the summer. Your results will impact what subjects will be available to you during your time at Hogwarts."
She smiled at them, and Holly could tell that it wasn't a genuine smile. It held no warmth to it. However, her words held a weight that she couldn't ignore. Holly refused to allow subjects be denied to her purely because she hadn't tested well. From the looks, on many of the first-years faces alongside her, they felt the same.
"Now for formality sake, we will each introduce ourselves, and as the first lesson in Wizarding Etiquette, it is usually considered polite on the first introduction to use both your first name and last name. Most witches and wizards will continue using your surname when talking to you until they feel familiar enough or have permission from yourself to use your first name. After all, names hold a certain power to them," Madam Umbridge twittered.
The class fell silent, except for one who had taken a position at the front. Her hand shot up so fast; Holly was surprised she didn't end up on her feet from the momentum.
Madam Umbridge pointed her wand at the girl, indicating for her to stand, and the girl pushed herself to her feet before turning towards them, her head held high, eyes shining and there was a smile on her lips.
"Hermione Granger."
Madam Umbridge made a sound in the back of her throat, that sounded like she was trying to clear it before indicating the next student to stand.
"Justin Finch-Fletchley," a boy with brown curly hair introduced.
One by one, students rose to their feet and introduced themselves, Kevin Entwhistle, Dean Thomas, Lisa Turpin, Natalie and Matthew Parker. Madam Umbridge's wand pointed in her direction and Holly rose to her feet, aware of sixteen sets of eyes watching her closely.
Holly ensured her face was blank to hide the nerves currently spiralling through her, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She hated attention on her; attention always led to bad things.
"Holly Potter," she said evenly before sitting back down, grateful that her voice hadn't betrayed her, with how dry it was.
Madam Umbridge cleared her throat as the last student sat down, her gaze sweeping across them, with a certain level of disdain in her eyes, as though in her opinion each of them wasn't worthy of being here regardless of the fact they had received their letters. Was she one of the wizardkind Professor McGonagall had warned didn't like those with muggle-blood.
"Now that we have all introduced ourselves, we may begin. You may turn over your workbooks."
Holly turned over the workbook, it was heavier than she had expected and bound in dark blue leather, on the front in neat golden letters was 'The Ways of Wizardkind; for Young Witches and Wizards'.
Holly opened the workbook, glancing at the first page, which had a list of questions, and space for them to write down their answers.
"Who can tell me what the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is and the year it was established? Madam Umbridge asked, bringing Holly's attention back to her.
Granger's arm shot up once again, with a level of enthusiasm that Holly hadn't seen before. She liked learning, but she had learnt to hide her love of knowledge and deliberately ensured she did worse than Dudley in everything. Despite knowing all the answers when it came to tests, the punishment for outshining her cousin wasn't worth the brief seconds of acknowledgement that she wasn't as stupid as everybody believed her to be. Letting others underestimate her served her far better than others seeing her as someone who knew everything.
"Miss Granger," Madam Umbridge called, "As you seem to be the only one who knows the answer, why don't you explain to your fellow first-years."
Granger beamed, missing the slightly condescending tone in Umbridge's voice. "The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is a law in the Wizarding World that was first signed in 1689 but wasn't established officially until 1692, almost three hundred years ago. The law was laid down by the International Confederation of Wizards to safeguard the wizarding community from the Muggles and hide its presence from the world at large."
Madam Umbridge smiled; it was a patronising smile. Holly had seen that type of smile twist her uncle's face too many times not to know what was to come.
"Quite. Though in future Miss Granger, do more than merely recite the textbook."
Granger's smile faltered slightly, and her shoulders sagged a little as she looked down at the desk in front of her. Holly may not know the girl, but it was an unfair comment. It was evident in her eyes that Umbridge was nothing more than a bully, and using her position in power to lord over them. Holly was used to bullies, but just because she was used to them didn't mean the next eight weeks were going to be easy, not when the bully in question was one who held power over them.
It will just be like living with the Dursleys, and you were good at ignoring them.
Holly promised herself that she wouldn't react to Umbridge, regardless of what the woman may say to her. The woman in question worked through the list of questions in their workbook, giving them only a few short moments to write their answers before moving on to the next question.
She could do this. She couldn't afford to fail.
They broke for lunch at twelve-thirty, after having spent their first-morning session discussing in length the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. Why it became necessary, how they achieved such a feat of magic and the benefits it brought to the Wizarding World. It was considered a defining moment in wizarding history. As fascinating as the information was, despite the subtle bias, Holly was able to interpret directed at the muggle world from Umbridge, it brought home an important point, that none of the first-years could ignore. How exactly did they fit in? Bordering between worlds, yet not quite belonging to either, at least not at this point in their lives. They who could learn magic, but never be able to share their accomplishments with their parents, their families. Was this how her mother felt so many years ago? Was this why her aunt hated her mother so much?
Holly wasn't sure it had been accidental that Umbridge had discussed this topic on their very first day, as though there were more sinister purposes to her actions to drive home the point that they would never truly belong. She was perhaps projecting her suspicious on the older witch, purely down to the fact the adults in her life always had an angle. Words always meant more, were designed to hurt, drive home messages that she didn't belong, yet Holly couldn't shake the twisting in her stomach that said this lesson was an 'intentional message' to them. She couldn't know whether the others interpreted it in the same way she was, however, Holly couldn't deny the sombre mood that had settled over the first-years and the way the mood lightened on Umbridge's departure.
Within moments of her leaving, a large table appeared out of thin air, and a soft pop accompanied as plates full with food filled the table.
"You would think they would give us some warning with this sort of thing," Entwhistle chuckled, as he helped himself to a plate full of food.
"How do you think it just appeared?" Turpin asked her eyes wide with awe.
It was a good question Holly mused, as she put a jacket potato and cheese onto her plate with a couple of slices of chicken, how did one make food appear.
"It's a transporter spell," Granger answered eagerly, eyes shining brightly. "Which is a part of the Conjuration branch. The food was prepared in the kitchens probably and then transported to us."
"Do you think we will be able to do that one day?" Thomas quizzed hopefully.
"If we work hard -"
"Oh, lay off Granger, we have an hour just to enjoy ourselves before we have our afternoon session, I hope that the tutor is far better than bloody Umbridge, I can't believe we have eight weeks with her," Entwhistle cut across.
"I suppose she was a bit mean," Granger conceded, looking down at her plate.
Perhaps they had been paying more attention to Umbridge than she had given them credit.
"Mean, she was awful, and she doesn't like us -"
"It's because your muggle-borns, or half-bloods that were muggle-raised," a boy with a sharp face, and black hair answered, Holly, turned her attention to him, recalling that he said his name was Jack Sloper.
"What do you mean?" Granger asked brown eyes fixed on Sloper.
"There are some witches and wizards who believe that children from non-magical parents are not as worthy as those who are pure-bloods, or even half-bloods. It was one of the things the last War was fought over."
"You mean, You-Know-Who?" Thomas whispered loudly.
"I read about that, but he was defeated," Granger added, "By Neville Longbottom, the Boy-Who-Lived."
Holly tensed; listening intently to see if Granger would expand on her answer if she would mention her because having fifteen curious eyes looking at her was the last thing she wanted. Thankfully the other girl added nothing further. Even so, Holly found she couldn't relax as they were talking about a subject that was too close to home. She swallowed slowly and focused on calming her racing pulse and keeping her face blank. To them, she was nothing more than a muggle raised first-year. They didn't know she was a half-blood; Potter wasn't an uncommon name in the muggle world after all.
Sloper snorted, "You think that matters. You aren't pure-bloods or even half-bloods raised in the wizarding world. It means you have lesser standing in some witches and wizards eyes. Not all mind, but some. Why do you think they created the summer school, muggle-borns or those Muggle raised never attended a summer school before. The Minister, passed new laws to ensure that those muggle-raised were up to standards to enrol into Hogwarts. He hasn't been able to ban your attendance completely, too much opposition, and the Headmaster of Hogwarts is very pro-muggle-borns, but he has still ensured you have to earn your place here. And you heard what Umbridge said, if you don't do well here, you have limited options available to study."
Holly watched the other children digest that information, horror and outrage crossing their faces.
"That is horrible!" Turpin said.
"That is so elitist, and unfair, how can we help who are parents are, and why should we have such a disadvantage because of it?" Granger asked.
Sloper shrugged, "A lot of new laws passed after the war."
"You're here to Sloper," Entwhistle pointed out.
"I'm a half-blood, my dad was a wizard who died in the Wizarding War, it my mum was muggle-born, but after my dad was killed she returned to the muggle world, felt it was safer. So while I am here because I am muggle-raised, I have known about the Wizarding World and magic since I was a baby."
The others fell silent, Holly could see that none of them was sure what to say, and each of them coming to terms with the idea that the odds stacked against them down to their heritage. Something none of them could change. It was unfair, unjust but as first-years, experiencing their first taste of magic what power did they have to change how the world run. She could see a determination settle over a few of them, determined that they would prove to everyone that their muggle-heritage would not hinder them from being the best they could be and perhaps one day they would have the power to change things.
Holly finished her lunch before everybody else and left the Great Hall to get some fresh air. She found a quiet spot near the lake and took out one of her school books to read. The others trickled out eventually, using the remaining time of their lunch to explore the grounds, and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. A few of the boys skimmed stones in the lake which resulted in startled cries as large tentacles pushed above the surface before dipping down below. And so a game was made in who saw the most tentacles as they tried to guess the creature they belonged to.
Lunch drew to a close and together they returned to the Great Hall to find the lunch table had vanished and their desks returned. Standing in front of their desks was a tall thin wizard, dressed in pale grey robes. He had white-blonde hair that came to his shoulders and framed a long narrow face. He appeared only to have a few wrinkles, yet there was an air to him that said he was older than he looked. Pale blue eyes shined with wisdom that most associated with age and life experience, though Holly couldn't guess how old he actually was.
He spread his arms wide, and a smile crossed his face, "Welcome to the afternoon session of your summer school, please be seated so we can begin." He spoke softly and clearly with a hint of a French accent, capturing their attention instantly.
Chairs scuffled against the stone floor as the students took their seats and waited nervously. Each of them understood just how important these lessons were and the impact they had on their school career.
"I am Professor Nicolas Flamel, and I will be your Magical Theory Professor once you enter Hogwarts at the start of September. My job over the summer, however, is to give you a better understanding of magic, its laws, that those living with magic every day would already know."
He paused, ensuring that he had their full attention, before continuing.
"What is magic?"
Holly wasn't surprised when Granger's hand shot up in the air.
"Yes, Miss Granger," Professor Flamel, acknowledged.
"Magic is the ability to enable effect and change the world."
Professor Flamel inclined his head, "That is one way to look at it. That is what magic does, rather than what magic is and you will find over your years of study, there are many different branches of magic and many different ways to affect and change the world around you. On that, I suppose you could say magic is a method of talking to the universe in words that it cannot ignore."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over them. "However. Magic is more than what it merely does. Magic is energy, a force that is all around you woven into the very fabric of the world. It is the essence of life and creation. Along with the human heart, soul and emotions. It is what binds us all together."
Thomas raised his hand waiting until Professor Flamel acknowledged him before asking his question.
"If magic is life and we all generate it, then how come only witches and wizards can use it?"
"An excellent question Mr Thomas," Professor Flamel smiled, his eyes brightened. "This brings us to our next point. Magic users have a long history, and over that history, there are many terms used to describe us. Druids, Enchanters, Mages, Shamans, Sorcerers, High Priestesses, the list can go on. In every country, there is some form of magic-user that has existed, dating back to Ancient Egypt, to Atlantis, to the lost continent of Lemuria."
Holly quickly wrote her notes, as Professor Flamel took a moment to gather his thoughts, pressing a single finger to his lips. She did not want to miss anything he said. Flamel had a way of painting a vivid picture in her mind as he taught that made things clearer to understand, but not only that he was touching on the history of the wizarding world, a history that stretched back further than Holly had imagined. She didn't know much about Ancient Egypt except that they built the pyramids and she had never even heard of Atlantis or the lost continent of Lemuria.
Holly looked up to Professor Flamel, waiting for him to continue, shuffling to the edge of her seat. She hadn't had a teacher that had captivated her attention so quickly before.
"Magic users have existed; have practised magic for a very long time. Not in the way we wield magic now perhaps, much has been lost throughout the millennia. Now there are many theories on how the first magic users came to be; some speculate that they were born of magic. Much like some magical creatures are born of magic. Others say the talent developed over time, through trial and error, others again state it was gifted to us by the Others - beings ancient even then."
Flamel paused, eyebrows furrowed, as though he was choosing his next words carefully.
"The how isn't necessarily important. We have magic. We can wield magic; we can make a connection to this force and bend it to our will, to our intent. Whether for good or for evil will depend entirely on the individual and the interpretation of good and evil when questioned, but that is another day's lesson."
Holly mused over Flamel's words. It felt as if her insides were vibrating, and she eagerly waited for more. The books she had read over so far hadn't even scratched the surface as to what magic was. The more she listened to the Professor, the more her mind spun with possibilities, avenues she wished to explore, to delve into, to discover the wonders that filled the world she was a part of.
"Now, how does one wield magic? We have our wands, specially crafted to help us channel magic, the wood combined with its magical core, is magical in its own right, but it is a tool to help guide us. The spells we learn are just another tool. They give focus to the magical energy; they shape it into the desired intent, as does the wand movements."
He held up his right hand, pointing one finger upwards as he continued, "But it is our will."
A second finger joined the first.
"Our intent."
A third finger followed.
"Our visualisation that brings forth our magic, that shapes it into the spell that we cast. Without that no amount of correct wand movements, correct incantations are going to allow you to cast magic. An example of this would be a child's accidental magic. How many of you performed accidental magic over the years, had things happen to you that couldn't explain."
One by one, they raised their hands in the air.
Flamel beamed at them, clapping his hands together. "Your magic, acting to your will, to your desires, even if you weren't aware of what your desires at that moment. You wouldn't have even heard of magic as anything more than a wishful dream. What sets us apart from muggles is not that we generate magic, or that we can wield magic, but that we have magic running through our veins, running through our entire bodies. It is a part of who we are, and without magic, we would not be here. We have our own magical core. A core that acts as a bridge between us and the magic in the world."
"Now," he continued, "just because you have a magical core doesn't mean you are instantly able to wield magic at will. You will still require training and knowledge, and using your wand will make your magic more controlled; it is why we have them. Witches and wizards have studied magical cores over the centuries, they have theorised that they develop over time. As a child grows and develops so does the magical core, becoming more stable and less prone to accidental magic but also allowing a witch or wizard to wield far larger and more complex magics."
Flamel paused, looking down at all of them, before continuing.
"We can measure magical cores on a scale of thirteen colours. There are six light colours and six dark colours with a single colour as a dividing line between light and dark as it fits both. The darker the colour, the more powerful the core is. The colours are as follows: - White, Rose-Quartz, Yellow, Amber, Sky Blue, Purple Dusk, Opal, Green, Sapphire, Red, Grey, Ebony-Grey and Black. Now I expect most of you to be between white and opal at this stage of your magical development, with perhaps one or two of you bleeding over to green or sapphire."
He paused before asking, "Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Does the strength of your magical core impact the magic you can do?"
Holly looked up from where she had been writing her notes, fixing her gaze on the Professor at the question, nibbling on her bottom lip. A sliver of doubt crawled its way through her body before settling in her stomach hardening and turning heavy. She may have a magical core, but if it was a light colour, would it affect her chance of healing her parents?
"Some professions require a particular strong magical core. You will find most Healers will fall in the spectrum of greens to reds," Professor Flamel said kindly. Holly shuffled on her seat with the mention of healing. "That is because Healing magic takes a large portion of the Healers magic as well as the individual that is receiving the healing, own magic to work successfully. After all, they are usually countering something of a magical nature."
Her mouth felt dry. She needed to be strong enough to pursue the Healing Arts. Her goal couldn't be denied merely due to the strength of magic that ran through her.
"Some traditionalist purebloods have their children's magical core tested before they start school. It allows them to gauge and plan prospects for their child's future. Officially though, you are tested when you reach the age of thirteen, when your magical core has gone through one transition of maturity and again when you graduate." Flamel explained to them patiently, "Now in the name of fairness, we can have your magical core tested today should you wish to do so. If you do decide to do so, I want to make clear your results today will not affect your education, nor will they truly represent what your potential is. Never forget. You decide what you make of yourself when learning magic."
Holly knew she would get tested if only to allow her to plan appropriately for learning to heal. If her results today meant she would need to wait until she was a little older, then Holly would learn everything she could before trying again when she reached thirteen. If the results hadn't changed then, and her core hadn't reached the acceptable level for healing, she would need to adjust her plan accordingly and find someone who could.
He clapped his hands together loudly, making them jump in their seats, "we won't be testing your magical cores until the end of the session, and I still have much to go over today."
He proceeded to explain both the laws of magic and restrictions and the regulations set by the Ministry. From what Holly could see, magic had a wide range of possibility, and besides the limits that seemed set in stone, like returning someone to life. The only thing holding witches and wizards back was the lack of imagination of the wielders in question rather than magic.
Professor Flamel touched on each of the laws, giving them time to write them down, before informing them they would review each one, not as an in-depth as he preferred but enough to help them have an understanding. The first law they started to study was The Rule of Creation; he provided textbooks for them to read and asked them to come up with examples of what the rule meant.
Holly scribbled down her notes, hating the awkwardness of using ink and a quill and that she kept smudging words and having to rewrite sentences so she could understand them. They asked questions and he answered patiently, and overall Professor Flamel gave a much nicer impression to the first-years attending the summer school and didn't make them feel as though they were unworthy in any way. Eventually, it reached that time in the day where they were going to test their magical cores, and Holly couldn't help but wonder what that entailed. Not that she had a chance to witness the test before her own, Professor Flamel called each student up individually and took them to the far side, just out of their line of sight. Holly studied the faces of each first-years that came and sat back down. None of them looked utterly deterred from the results, whatever they happened to be, though she could see Entwhistle mouth to Finch-Fletchley the word Amber.
Holly stood when the Professor called her name, and moved away from the desks, to where he was standing waiting for her, before he took her behind a privacy screen.
"Miss Potter," he greeted with a gentle smile.
"Professor."
"Do you wish to take the test?"
"I do Professor," Holly nodded firmly, refusing to allow the twisting ball of nerves in her stomach make her turn back now.
His eyes softened a little as they met her gaze before he gave a nod.
"Very well. The test is simple; all you need to do is take the cylinder and hold it in your wand hand. Your hand may feel warm, but that is normal. Do you have any questions?"
"No, sir," she shook her head.
"Shall we begin," he held out the cylinder for her to take.
Holly took the object off him, grateful that her hands weren't shaking. The item was a long thin cylinder, much like a wand, but rather than wood it was made of different metals though she only recognised the reddish-brown hue of copper. Holly held it in her right hand like she did her wand taking note of the glass sphere on one end of the sphere.
She took a breath and waited patiently, ignoring the pounding beat of her heart.
At first, nothing appeared to happen, and she couldn't help but look up in surprise at Professor Flamel, who gave her a reassuring smile. Holly felt foolish the longer she stood there waiting for something to happen until a warm sensation spread from her hand up her arm and through her; alive and energetic. Her magic, as it was the only possible explanation as to what it could be, thrummed and hummed. The sphere started to swirl with a sea of colours, and still her magic flooded through her. Holly smiled; it felt pure, and so much more. It was hers, her magic, and it felt perfect. Before long the cylinder began to vibrate in her hand, and the colours swirled faster and faster together, bleeding from one to the next to the next, making new colours as the seconds ticked by until finally, the vibrations stopped. Her magic lay quiet, and the sphere at the top of the cylinder was a solid colour.
Holly froze as she fixed her gaze on the sphere.
Black.
It was black.
Holly looked up at Professor Flamel, who was studying both her and the sphere closely; he didn't look surprised, merely pensive as though he was thinking long and hard at what this possible mean could.
She licked her bottom lip, "Did I break it?"
Pale blue coloured eyes focused intently on her, a smile curled the edge of his mouth.
"No, Miss Potter, you haven't broken it. You appear to have an exceptionally strong magical core, unusual in one as young as you, but not unheard of. You are full of surprises, aren't you?"
"Sir?" Holly frowned, more than capable of determining that Professor Flamel had just given her a half-truth. Though she couldn't say what he wasn't telling her or why.
Swallowing the lump that had formed at the back of her throat, she returned to the others, her mind spinning at what it meant for her magical core to register as black. He had told them not to dwell on the outcome if they showed a light colour as there was room to grow and develop, but how could she grow from black if black was the strongest colour. What did that mean for her? It certainly negated her worry about not having a strong enough core to heal her parents, but something about Flamel's expression gnawed at the back of her mind, and she couldn't ignore it. She added it onto the list of things she needed to look into when she got to Hogwarts. There was no denying her list was growing.
Holly only half paid attention as the last two students disappeared behind the screen, and before she knew it, Professor Flamel was dismissing them for the day, and they were making their way back towards the gates of Hogwarts where Benjamin was due to meet them. The others chatted around her cheerfully, laughing and joking with each other, and discussing in great length how Flamel was far better than Umbridge. Eventually, Entwhistle brought up their magical cores and announced proudly that he had registered as amber. One by one the others revealed the colour they registered, ranging from white to opal, though Granger had broken the record by registering as green.
"What about you Potter, you have been rather glum since you did your test, did you register as white?" Entwhistle asked, a teasing note to his voice.
Holly threw him a look, she had the option of saying nothing, but got a distinct impression that Entwhistle wouldn't let it go, and saying nothing could be equally a mistake as saying something. She had no intention of giving her real results; she had seen how the others had acted towards Granger who they considered the strongest amongst them followed by Thomas and Sloper as they registered as opal. Yet if she went too low they would see her as the weakest, and while Holly had little care for their opinion of her, she knew how the pecking order in the playground often worked. So she opted for a safer option, choosing her colour carefully, without appearing to be on the top end of the scale amongst them.
"Sky blue."
"So why the long face, that is good standing."
Benjamin saved her from responding as he greeted them with a grin at the gates. Taking their attention from her, Holly stayed silent and let her mind wander over to what it could mean for her magical core to register as black when by Flamel's explanation she had yet to finish growing.
Holly's first summer as a witch, or at least her first summer where she knew she was a witch, passed in a blink of an eye. Her mornings were filled with Umbridge and learning about Wizarding society. While they had to endure daily tests, and the disdain that Umbridge didn't even try and hide from them about their upbringing and family roots. Holly found the material interesting, it was clear even today that the war had left an impact on their world.
They learnt about the pure-blood families and relations with magical creatures and the rest of the Wizarding world, Umbridge talked at length about the Minister of Magic, who Holly got the impression the woman was a little obsessed with. Lunch became less formal between them and more often or not resulted in them piling plates of food and taking it outside so they could enjoy the fresh air and exploring outdoors, where they crossed paths with more than one magical creature. Holly quickly formed an odd sort of friendship with Hagrid, the groundskeeper while she helped him with some of the smaller animals, and found that when it came to magical creatures, he was a wealth of information.
The afternoon sessions with Flamel were Holly's favourite. The wizard had a way of helping them understand the different laws of magic with practical demonstrations just as much with the theory, and it was enjoyable to see demonstrations of magic, even if she itched to try out spells herself.
After the afternoon session finished at 4.30, they had a whole hour to themselves before they had to be back on the bus. Most often or not they explored Hogsmeade together and the different shops there, or had a butterbeer every Tuesday and Thursday when Madam Rosmerta allowed them into her inn. Holly couldn't say she was making friends with the other first-years but there was a comradeship between them. However, she was quick to realise that Granger, while incredibly intelligent, was quick to cut across others in her eagerness to prove she knew the answer and that she was right, not truly allowing others a chance to answer.
Flamel was fair with whom he called upon to answer, ensuring he gave them all a chance to answer. Entwhistle was the loudest and more boisterous of the group and tended to show off in a different way than Granger did. Sloper kept to himself, making even her seem friendly.
Holly's spent her evenings reading through her school books, and those extra ones she had bought in Diagon Alley, even adding a few from Hogsmeade and working on the equations with the strange symbols her mother had left her without much success.
Sooner than she expected it was the last day of summer school, they had taken their tests in the morning, and Professor Flamel handed the results out in the afternoon. Holly received an Exceeds Expectations for both her Wizard Studies and Beginners Guide to Magical Theory, and she was pleased that she had finally mastered writing with the quill and her writing to be eligible and without smudges.
With only a few days left before the 1st of September Holly was already missing Hogwarts as she returned to Number 4 Privet Drive on that final Friday, despite not stepping further into the castle than the Great Hall, and she couldn't wait until she could start properly. She had compiled a list of spells she wished to try. Despite her excitement, Holly couldn't ignore the results of her magical registration and what it meant, and she couldn't forget her mother's puzzle. Nor could she forget she would be entering Hogwarts with all the other students, some of them enemies purely for the beliefs they held about blood-status, and which side of the war they fought on, nor could she forget her goal to heal her parents. She was determined though she wouldn't let anything get in the way of her goals.
XXX
A/N:- Reference to the colours mentioned in this chapter is linked to The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop though I have tweaked a little.
I have always pictured Hogwarts to be a little bit bigger than how it was portrayed in the books but not as large as it could be as the magical world seems to be on the decline. That being said I am picturing around 70-100 students a year though not necessarily an even split between houses (and some years there will be less)- but it works out roughly as at the top end 25 per year being 175 students per house. However taking into account the war would mean less students. So Harry's year would be smaller as well.
Some of the names I have used for 'students' can be found on Harry Potter wiki - as well as some of my own making. Now while there will be original characters in this story, I am going to ensure that they are only used sparingly and for an actual purpose rather than merely filling the story full of names that hold no significance.
Nicolas Flamel - I never pictured him in my head how he was portrayed in Fantastic Beasts Crimes of Grindelwald - so he will be a bit different.