"Thank you for agreeing to this Professor," I say.
"It is of no consequence," Professor Snape replies.
We settle into something between an awkward silence and a comfortable silence.
"We shall go to Gringotts first," he instructed.
"Of course."
We quickly arrive at the spacious building. Approaching a teller to the left, Professor Snape gave a short bow.
"May your gold flow like the blood of your enemies," he intoned.
"May the blood of your enemies flow like your gold," the goblin replied. "How may I be of assistance?"
"We would like to arrange for Ms. Marotaive here to take an Inheritance Test."
"Follow me please," the teller requested.
We followed after our guide, ending up in a small, cozy office. Sitting in front of the cherry wood desk, we waited for a goblin to appear, as our guide had swiftly left the room.
"We're not going to find anything," I sigh.
"That is simply not possible," Professor Snape informed me.
I shrug. "I suppose. I'm just shocked that I actually have magic."
"You're a muggle-born?"
"No sir," I reply. "I'm not from this universe."
"Do not presume to lie to me," warned Professor Snape.
"Never," I swiftly respond. "I'm just stating the truth. It is up to you to believe it or not."
"That is n-"
"I am Ironeye," pronounced a goblin that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. "Stonemoth has informed that you are here to take an Inheritance Test?"
"Correct," Professor Snape drawled.
"Very well then." Ironeye promptly withdrew a silver dagger and a piece of parchment. "If you will please supply three drops of blood."
And just like that, I wanted to throw-up. "I'm… Not good with things like this," I admit. "It's freely given, but it may be wiser to have someone else prick my finger for me."
Professor Snape sighed. "I supposed you are referring to me?"
"I… well, yes sir. It would help greatly."
He sighed again. "Very well then. Your finger, if you please."
Hand shaking, I outstretch it towards my Professor, allowing him to make a small nick on my pinkie finger. Quickly, trying hard not to cry, I held it over the parchment. As soon as the third drop hit it, it started to glow.
"Here you are," Ironeye said, handing Professor Snape the parchment.
As Professor Snape read it, his eyebrows rose higher and higher. "You have most… Interesting results."
"May I see it sir," I request.
"It is yours," he agreed, handing me the parchment.
As I read it, I could understand why Professor Snape was surprised by it, for it read:
Name:
Marlee Merotaive
Blood Status:
Classified
Blood Lines:
Classified
Ladyships:
Classified
Vaults:
Classified
Abilities:
Classified
Marriage Contract(s):
Classified
Additional Notes:
Please see the head of Gringotts for further information.
"I… I'm sorry. What," I ask, turning towards Ironeye.
"Has this ever happened before," Professor Snape inputted, correctly guessing what I was trying to ask.
"As far as I know," Ironeye stated, "no."
"And is it possible to meet with the head of Gringotts?"
"I apologize sir, but the head of Gringotts is not available until after Yule. Please, by all means, allow me to schedule an appointment for the young lady to meet with her."
Professor Snape sat there quietly for a minute, then agreed. "When shall we come back?"
Ironeye smiled, showing his pointed teeth. "You may come back on the day after New Year's at three. Does this work for you," he inquired.
"It does."
"Excellent, then we shall be happy to see you then. Follow me out, if you please," Ironeye said, gesturing towards the door.
"We will go pick up your wand now," Professor Snape informed me.
"Okay." I was quiet for a minute as we walked towards Ollivanders. "Sir," I asked.
Raising an eyebrow, Professor Snape gestured for me to continue.
"Um… Do you have any theories as to why the testing results came out that way?"
"I do not," he replied stoically.
"Oh."
We walked into Ollivanders and it was the smell that first hit me.
It smelled like crinkled old books at the library, the weirdly satisfying dusty smell that accompanied the thought of books. It smelled like a forest filled with different species of plant and a subtle smell of something more than that.
"Hello," said a soft voice. "Welcome to Ollivanders."
"Mr. Ollivander, I am here to purchase a wand for my student," Professor Snape said in way of greeting.
"Ah, yes. Every witch and wizard needs a wand. Come, let us find the correct one for you." He gestured to the middle of the room. "Stand there please. Wand arm out."
I made my way to the center of the room, holding out my right arm. Almost immediately the magical tape measurer flew up and started to measure not just my wand arm, but also my left leg, my nose and the distance between my eyebrows.
"That is enough," instructed Ollivander. "Now, let's see… Yes, yes. I do think… Here, try this one. Applewood, dragon heartstring. Eleven inches, nice and sturdy."
He tried to hand me the wand and I made a face. "I don't think this one is it," I tell him.
"The wand chooses the wizard," he insisted.
"But I already know," I gripe. "I should feel the connection to it, even before I hold it. Is that not correct?"
I hear Professor Snape shift uncomfortably behind me, but I ignore him, staring right into Ollivander's eyes.
"That… Is true, yes," he admitted.
"Very well. Then would it not be more prudent for me to peruse the shelves until I feel the connection?"
Professor Snape coughed this time.
"I… Well… I suppose," Ollivander sputtered, knowing he was backed into a corner.
"Excellent," I say with a smile. "Professor, I'll be right back."
"Of course," he replied.
And with that, I went down five shelves, turned right and headed all the way to the back, where I turned left and walked slowly along the back wall. Almost immediately I felt a connection to a wand. Like he had a radar for when a wand chooses a wizard, Ollivander was suddenly at my side.
"Which one is it Ms. Merotaive," he asked.
"This one," I tell him decisively, taking a box from the shelf.
"Ah." Ollivander's eyes grow wide. "Are you quite sure it is this wand?"
"Positive. I can test a spell with it. That should prove it, right?"
"Correct. Come, let us return to the front where we won't damage any of the other wands."
We made our way to the front where Professor Snape was sitting down on a wooden chair.
"You've found a wand," he asked.
"Yes sir."
"Now Ms. Merotaive, if you will," Ollivander said, handing me the wand. I took it from his grasp and immediately I felt the connection, a rush of magic being brought forth until it spewed out in a jet of silver.
"Astounding," whisper Ollivander in a reverent tone. "Simply astounding."
"Why," I ask.
Ollivander's brow furrowed. "My ancestor," he began, "loved to experiment with wand making. This is the only experimental wand he ever produced. The strangest thing about it is that it is cataloged only as 'experimental' and there is nothing else on it. I cannot tell you what it is made out of, for I simply cannot seem to recognize anything about it. Nobody has ever found this wand besides for those in my family line. And even the Ollivanders have been unable to use it."
"Wow… That's some history."
"Indeed," Professor Snape drawled. "Mr. Ollivander, if you will please direct us to the wand holsters?"
"Of course," Ollivander said, summoning all the various types.
"I want an arm holster," I stated.
"A wise choice," Professor Snape agreed.
"We have dragon hide, leather and phoenix woven."
"What's phoenix woven," I ask.
Ollivander gave a weird smile. "It is woven phoenix feathers."
"Oh," I say, feeling a little foolish. "Um… Phoenix woven please."
"A good decision," approved Ollivander, handing me the holster. As I place it on my right arm, adjusting it so it fits correctly, Professor Snape is by the counter, paying the 43 galleons, 7 sickles and 2 knuts that was the cost of my wand and holster. Professor Snape finished paying just as I slipped my wand into my holster.
"Are we ready to go now sir," I ask him.
"We are. We shall stop next at Flourish and Blotts."
After an hour or so of shopping, Professor Snape dropped me off in the Slytherin common room.
"I should hope," he said in quiet voice, "that you realize that it is an incredible privilege to stay at any point over summer break here at Hogwarts?"
"Yes sir," I reply. "For whatever absurd reason not even those who had abusive homes are allowed to stay here over summer break. Go figure."
Professor Snape started to death glare me.
"And how," he drawled, "would you know this?"
"I told you," I sigh impatiently. "I'm from a different universe. This whole world that we are currently occupying does not exist there in anything but books."
Professor Snape didn't deign to answer, as he merely stalked away, his robes billowing about him.
00
(TheLegacyOfMerlinTheLegacyOfMerlin)
00
It was finally September 1st and Dumbledore had me floo to the Burrow to go onto the train with the Weasleys, as he didn't want me to stand out as someone who hadn't gone onto the Hogwarts Express.
"It's so nice to meet you dear," Mrs. Weasley greeted me warmly as the twins clattered down the stairs.
"And it's lovely to finally meet you," I reply.
Distracted by Ginny who was whining about being able to attend Hogwarts, Mrs. Weasley didn't take any notice to my seemingly odd sentence.
"Are we all ready to go then," she asked.
A chorus of 'yes mum' answered her.
"Alright," she said enthusiastically. "Let's get going. Percy, you first."
I quickly searched the crowds for Harry, knowing that he would be lost as to where to go. Spotting him, I make my way over.
"Hey Harry," I say, waving my hand. "Over here."
Grinning and looking relieved, he made his way over to where I was standing with the Weasley's.
"Did you just say Harry," Ron asked, looking amazed.
"Yes," I reply. "Don't act weird though. Treat him like a normally person."
Ron scoffed but I ignored him.
"Hi Marlee," Harry said quietly, coming up right in front of me.
"How was your week?"
"It was fine."
"Your family leave you alone okay?"
"Um… Yeah."
"Good." I smile at him. "We're about to go to Platform 9 1/3. Care to join us?"
"Please."
"Alright, run right through that brick wall, as crazy as it sounds," I tell him. "For whatever weird reason, wizard cannot seem to use logic."
Harry, Ron and I settled into an empty compartment, Ron seemingly more interested in Tom Riddle and the night he 'died'.
"Ron, lay off," I tell him gently. "I mean, do you remember anything from when you were one years old?"
"No, but he's-"
"Human. Not a god. He's a human being. Sorry Harry," I say, turning towards him. "I know you're here. You can speak for yourself."
"It's fine," he assured me.
"Anything from the trolley dears?"
Harry was quick to purchase at least half the cart.
"Pass me a chocolate frog, will you," I ask him.
"Sure," he said, handing it over to me.
Ron looked over at Harry's stock pile of candy longingly.
I hide a chuckle. "And I think Ron want's some too, if you please."
"Okay," Harry agreed with a shrug.
Ron's eyes widened. "Thanks mate!"
That's when Draco Malfoy slid open the compartment door.
"Ah, excellent," I say before Draco could make a fool of himself. "Scion Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you at last." I rise and give a small curtsy, earning myself a bow in return.
"I apologize," he smoothly says, "I do not know who you are."
"Marlee Merotaive."
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise," I smile, trying very hard not to break out into laughter at Ron's shocked face. "May introduce my companions, Lord Potter and Scion Weasley?" I gestured to Harry and Ron when I mentioned their names.
Draco, being a Malfoy, is wise enough not to say anything bad against the two. It may have also helped that I death glared him not to.
"Lord Potter, Scion Weasley," Draco drawled, holding out a hand to Harry first, who shook it and, hesitantly, held out a tentative hand to Ron, who, just as doubtful looking, took it.
"Lord Potter," Harry asked, looking at me.
I smile. "You are the last of the Potter bloodline," I tell him. "That makes you lord."
"Um…"
"I'm sure Scion Malfoy will be delighted to teach you all about the wizarding laws," I assure him. I turn back around to face Draco. "Is that a fair arrangement?"
Both boys looked at each other and nodded.
"Excellent," I say, clapping my hands. "Now, why don't you join us? Do sit down," I insist.
"Is there room for Crabbe and Goyle," Draco asked.
"Of course," I agree.
The three of them quickly file in.
"So what House do you think you'll be in," questioned Harry.
"I want to be in Slytherin," I tell him.
"Slytherin?!" Ron looks shocked.
"Well, yes. Did you know that Merlin was a Slytherin? And you do realize that stereotyping Houses is a poor idea. Would it be fair to call all Gryffindors idiots or all Hufflepuffs pushovers?"
"I… Well… No," admitted Ron grudgingly.
"Exactly," I agree. "I want to be in Slytherin because I feel like I could grow the most there. That's all that should matter."
"I guess," grumbled Ron.
"Well I want to be in Slytherin too. I know I will be," Draco announced.
"Snake," muttered Ron.
"Harry, what House do you want to be in?"
"I think that I wa-"
"Have any of you seen a toad," a bossy voice asked.
"Ah, Hermione," I say, rising to my feet. "Is Neville behind you?"
She looked startled.
"Who said my name," a nervous voice inquired.
"I did Neville," I reply cheerfully. "Why don't the both of you come on in? Trevor will show up, don't worry too much about that toad."
"I… Well…"
"Oh, please," I insist. "I would love to get to know more first years. We were just talking about Houses. Right Harry? You were saying that you wanted to be in what? Gryffindor?"
At Harry's name both Hermione and Neville came in and sat down, staring wide-eyed.
"Yeah," Harry said, clearly very self-conscious of the audience I had gathered.
"Why," asked Hermione.
"Well, I don't know… I guess because my mum and dad were in it," Harry answered quietly.
"An excellent reason to be sure, however, what do you feel like you would gain?"
Harry shrugs. I smile, turning to Ron.
"I suppose you'll be a Gryffindor too?"
Hermione caught my choice of words.
"Will be? None of us knows until we're sorted."
"Besides for me," I correct her. "I know that everyone here besides for me, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle will be in Gryffindor. The rest of us are Slytherin."
"But you can't possible know that! I read in-"
"Hogwarts: A History," I finish. "Yeah, but I'm not from here. I know what's going to happen in six years from now. Remember Harry? Horcruxs?"
"Horcruxs," interjected Hermione.
I grin at Draco. "He should know," I say, pointing a finger at Draco. "His dad's keeping a piece of Tommy's soul in a diary. Ginny'll get it next year."
"Ginny," Ron sharply asked.
"Ginny," I agreed amiably. "But I shan't say no more."
"Why not," whined Hermione.
I look at her, giving her my patent 'did-you-really-just-say-that' look. "Because knowing ones' own future, Ms. Granger, is a dangerous thing. For instance, if I convince Harry to join Slytherin, he would end up there due to the Horcrux that enables him to talk to snakes."
Draco jerked up in his seat. "Potter's a Parseltongue," he asked, shocked.
"No. Voldemort is." I ignore the flinches. "And Voldemort accidently left a piece of his soul in Harry. So…" I shrug.
"That's not possible," Neville whispered, staring at Harry with a scared look on his face.
"Oh honestly," I cry out, once more stealing Hermione's catchphrase. "Harry is fully in charge and will always be fully in charge."
Of course, one thing led to another and I soon found myself explaining where I was really from. Shockingly, Draco was silently nodding along once I mentioned my world. But I didn't take too much notice, as Hermione, naturally, bombarded me with questions, which I gladly answered.
00
(TheLegacyOfMerlinTheLegacyOfMerlin)
00
We approached the castle in the boats, and I exchange an excited look with Draco, Harry and Neville, as we were all on the same boat together. Once we get up to the actual castle, Hagrid uses the doorknocker to announce our arrival. Professor McGonagall promptly opens up the door.
"Professor," I smile.
She raises an eyebrow, though I could tell she wasn't annoyed with me. "Follow me into the room where you will wait to be sorted." All the other first years were clearly in awe of everything, although I couldn't be bothered.
We came into the room, and as soon as Professor McGonagall left, the ghosts came through.
"Baron, sir," I called out. I was immediately was face to face with the infamous ghost. "Pleasure to meet my House ghost sir," I tell him, grinning. He frowned.
"No one knows what House they will be in until they are sorted."
"Not unless you casually mention a seam ripper," I reply. I got a grim, twisted smile in return.
"I am looking forward to seeing all the things you will accomplish for the Slytherin House," the Bloody Baron agreed. He then disappeared, floating off with the other ghosts.
"The sorting shall now commence," announced Professor McGonagall. "I shall hope that you are credit to your House, rather than an embarrassment. Points will be awarded for good behavior and they will be deducted for any rule breaking."
"For instance," I say, "the House Cup is just a silly competition to get all the students to behave so the teachers don't have to deal with a few hundred magical kids causing issues. That probably will earn whatever House I'm sorted into about twenty points. Would I be incorrect in that estimate Professor?"
Oh, now she was annoyed.
"You are not incorrect Ms. Merotaive," she snapped. "Twenty points from Slytherin."
I grin. That's when Professor McGonagall realized her mistake.
"That is not to say I assume that you will be in Slytherin, I-"
"No worries," I assure her. "I actually want to be a snake. In any case, we really ought to get a move on, no?"
Even more irritated, she gestured for us to follow her out of the backroom and onto the raised platform for the Sorting.
"Granger, Hermione."
GRYFFINDOR!
I, once more, led the first years into a round of applause, just as I had been doing since 'Abbot, Hanna'.
Quickly enough, it got around to me, and I smiled and confidently walked towards the Sorting hat. Taking it from Professor McGonagall, I slip the hat over my eyes for a second time.
"You're not going to change it, are you," I ask it.
"No, you are well suited for SLYTHERIN."
I was pleased to note that the first years on stage were still clapping.