Hello!
If it weren't for Arana_Aranehn on AO3, this would not have been posted. So, thank you so much for reminding me!
My roomie and I had finals last week, and I was traveling all last weekend. I came back home for break. I got caught up with seeing my family that I completely forgot. I'm really sorry you guys. Although, this is the first story we have ever uploaded anywhere and we're still figuring everything out. Bear with us, please.
On another note, this chapter has around 1000 more words than normal!
Please enjoy and thank you for reading. :)
Disclaimer: This work is purely for fun and anything recognizable is more than likely not our work. If there are similarities, please take it as a compliment from us and give credit to those deserving.
CHAPTER EIGHT: We Could Not Be Any More Sirius
POV - Cassie
Date – Summer of 1898
Location - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Reference - Beyond Outdated
"So, Kate, my dearest friend, what is the plan exactly?" I asked excitedly as the two of us walked up the path from Hogsmeade.
"Well, you see, there is no plan," Kate responded with a wicked grin. "We're gonna to wing it, and it's gonna be AMAZING!"
"How are we going to wing it? He doesn't know who we are, and he could care less."
"Cassie, you left the plan making up to the person who doesn't make plans. I'm following your lead here. I just thought it would be funny to fuck with him and I want to see if I can steal a quill from him."
"Okay then, let's go I'll figure it out on the way."
"What no comment on the quill? Not even gonna say anything?"
"Nope, I didn't hear anything from you. We are walking now." I turned and continued to make my way up to the castle gates. Kate smirked impishly and proceeded to follow behind me.
Upon our arrival at the gates of Hogwarts, we were met by a cohort of people. At the center of them all was the esteemed Headmaster Phineas Black. His arms were folded over his chest presenting himself as unbending and formidable.
Little did he know. He was in for a treat.
"Welcome back to Hogwarts, what can I do for the Ministry today?" Headmaster Black said cordially.
I tilted my head in a fashion that was probably a startling resemblance to Dobby, not hiding the confusion on my face.
Ministry? We aren't the ministry.
Kate being quicker on the uptake barged ahead, "Yes, we are from the Ministry and we have important information that needs to be discussed with you, the Headmaster, and you alone!"
I quickly nudged her in the side. She always forgets her manners!
"Please, if you have the time," Kate added quietly.
"Of course, we can head to my office right away. But first I need to see some identification." The Headmaster asked. He could clearly see the confusion on my face, once again I failed to showcase the skills taught to me by Narcissa.
"Headmaster Black, why would you ask such a thing? You know that the ministry doesn't have identification. Are the robes not enough proof? I assure you that I would not be caught wearing robes of this quality if it were not necessary." I spouted off, completely bullshitting my way through the conversation, praying to the Queen of Bullshit, Narcissa Malfoy.
The Headmaster stood in silence for a second or two before responding with a small smirk on his angular face.
"Ah, I see the Ministry is hiring help made of a finer pedigree these days. What is your name, my dear?"
"I am Cassandra Trelawney, and this is my partner Mary Addams."
I could see the moment that the realization of Kate's blood status had registered in the Headmaster's head. The instant disgust was expertly hidden, but not fully.
"Cassandra Trelawney, you say? You wouldn't happen to be the famous seer that I have been hearing such wonderful things about?" He asked completely ignoring Kate. It was an obvious tactic many Slytherins used. Narcissa had told me in great detail how this was a ploy to gain favor from a high-status individual without actually having to interact with the dirty muggle-borns.
Well, NOT TODAY ASSHOLE! If you want to be like that, then two can play at this game. And I have KATE on my side.
"Yes, that would be me. My abilities as a seer are the reason we are here. So, if we could please make our way to your office to discuss things, it would be much appreciated."
"Very well. Please follow me." The Headmaster turned and gestured for us to follow him into the castle.
LINE BREAK
"Now, let me get all of the facts straight. You are telling me that in a few hours, there are going to be two young ladies coming to meet with me. They are going to require my help in receiving their admittance to both Hogwarts and Durmstrang. I am to help them due to the two of them being insurmountably important to the future of all wizarding kind. One of them, I might add, is of muggle descent. Does that not seem rather fictitious to you?" Headmaster Black asked from behind his desk.
Kate and I had spent the last few hours explaining to the Headmaster all the macro and micro details of the situation. The Headmaster seemingly unable to comprehend what we were saying, asking for clarification left and right.
I don't think I have ever been this exhausted from purely talking, and how this man can add that many racist quips, is a skill.
"Yes Headmaster, I know this sounds rather far-fetched, but it is the truth," I added.
This man is not going to get away with any more comments on blood supremacy. I may have the last name of a pureblood, but this bitch was muggle raised MOTHERFUCKER!
"I understand what you are telling me, and who am I to argue with the words of a renowned seer. But this is a large task you are placing upon me, Mrs. Trelawney." The Headmaster said.
"But Headmaster, this is vitally important for the future of the Wizarding world. What kind of bone would you have me throw for you? Is it too much to ask for you to jump through this small hoop for the fate of the future?" I said, turning my head slightly towards Kate to see her reaction.
She was barely containing her laughter. I knew she would appreciate the dog jokes, what with her love for Sirius Black.
"It is a large task, Mrs. Trelawney. However, now that you mentioned it. There is one small thing you could do for me." The Headmaster said as he leaned forward in his chair to clasp his hands together, resting his chin on top of them.
"And what would that be, Headmaster?"
"As we know you can see visions of the future, but I was wondering if you could tell me specifically about the future of my family? They are very important to me, and it would ease my mind to know if they are prosperous."
"Ah yes, in fact, I've had a few unique visions of one of your descendants, one Sirius Black. Mary here does a wonderful job recording all the visions I have. She can tell you in further detail about him." I said, before turning my attention to Kate. "Would you mind terribly, I have spoken a lot today and my voice is tiring?"
Kate's eyes were widened ever so slightly, her mouth hanging just barely open, and her breathing accelerated. I could see the wheels turning in her head, all the mischief just waiting for the right opportunity to be unleashed from the dark and tightly confined bowels of her head.
Yes, Kate, this is the one time I will let you be free. I know you realize exactly just what it is that I am doing. I give you FULL permission to annihilate this blood supremacy loving asshat. Give him hell!
"Of course, I wouldn't mind," Kate said. "Now, what is it you would like to know? Ask me and I shall tell you if I have the information."
The Headmaster could barely contain himself. This was a chance of a lifetime! He was going to know the future, and all it took was to help two random girls attend school. He had successfully swindled a seer!
"Is the family still in good standing?" He asked.
"Yes, plenty of reputable people have joined the family. Their breeding is off the charts. They did, however, mix with the Lestranges and my condolences, that branch of the family is barking mad."
"Yes, yes, of course, sadly accidents happen. What about this descendant you mentioned? Is he from the main line or one of the side branches?"
"He is of the main line. Sirius was able to avoid the wolfish blood of some of his more unfortunate kin."
"Marvelous! Is he well-respected? What was he like in school? His House?"
"He has earned the respect of many of his colleagues. They marvel at his expert training of those from his house, Gryffindor."
"Gryffindor?!"
"I know, don't let it ruffle your fur. Gryffindors are like wild beasts, but you could almost say he has them housebroken. His friends are proud to know him."
"Friends? What kind of people does he associate with?"
"There are the Potters, who have changed their ways of thinking and have pranced their way into more acceptable schools of thought. The Lupins have always been a melancholy and moony type of folk, but their son Remus was absolutely howling at the chance to be friends with Sirius Black. Then there is Pettigrew. He took to Sirius like fine cheese to wine. Sirius is every man's best friend, or so they wish."
"I am astonished! He seems so well connected and liked. He must be loved greatly by his family. But you didn't mention his academic achievements."
"Oh, how could I forget, the man has beyond mastered the school of transfiguration. But he never could get on with potions, was consistently barking up the wrong tree with that one. Tragic really."
"This is wonderful news! I am delighted to hear that the future of my family is going to be in such great hands. This is beyond what I expected you two to tell me."
"You are most welcome," Cassie interjected before Kate could throw out another pun. She could go for ages.
"I trust this means that there will be no issues with helping the girls receive their acceptance letters?"
"No, I assure you that the girls will receive everything they need and more. You have been more than accommodating to my questions of the future. Please, let me know if there is anything else, I will help in any way I can?"
"Wonderful, the girls should be arriving soon. We will escort them to your office but sadly, Ministry work does not stop. The girls will have to meet with you on their own."
"As I said, they will be well taken care of. Please have a wonderful rest of your day, Mrs. Trelawney and Mrs. Addams."
"You as well, Headmaster." I nodded and gestured for Kate to leave the office.
As the door closed behind us, Kate spun to throw me a blinding grin.
"This is the BEST. DAY. EVER! I can't believe you let me do that. You never let me do that. Did you catch all the puns I made?" Kate asked.
"Did I catch all of the p... Kate, I think it would be impossible to not catch them. The poor man is going to be so disappointed when he finds out. It will be wonderful. I don't think I have ever met someone more disgusting. But regardless, we need to take the potion and go back in to deal with his nasty self again."
Kate looked at me with unconcealed concern. "This one doesn't have any glass in it, right? Did you make sure to make a new one? Cause I have a semi-weak digestive system and I don't think the glass is good for that kind of stuff."
"Kate?"
"Yes, Cassie?"
"Just shut up and drink the potion!"
"Alright, alright!" Kate said as said grabbed the vial and downed it. I watched as her hair lengthened and her curves straightened to give her the appearance of a string bean. All signs of maturity, fading away.
We're going to have to go through puberty again. Shit!
I grimaced and downed the potion before I could change my mind. My skin felt like a bag of beetles had been released underneath and were slowly trying to find their way out. A cold chill ran down my back and goosebumps erupted all over my body. Overall, not the most unpleasant potion to take, but definitively not my favorite.
When the effect of the potion started to fade away, I looked up to see a faint glimmer of disgust on Kate's face.
"That was super gross to watch. Plus, you are tiny." She laughed.
"It's not my fault that my last growth spurt didn't hit until I was eighteen! You don't look any better missy. You're all limbs." I snapped back.
"Okay, okay, the hormones are kicking in fast I see."
"Let's just get this over with please." I pleaded.
"Lead the way."
I nodded and proceeded to knock on the Headmaster's door, waving my wand to change our ministry robes into standard ones.
"Come in."
"Hello, Headmaster. Thank you so much for meeting with us." I said leading Kate into the room.
"It was no trouble at all my dear. Please, sit. We can introduce ourselves." He said while gesturing to the armchairs Kate and I just left. We gracefully took our seats before starting.
"My name is Charlotte Lowe, and this is my good friend Katherine Addams."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. Miss Addams are you by chance related to Mary Addams, the Ministry worker that just left my office?" The Headmaster asked.
"Mary is my older sister. She helped raise Charlotte and me." Kate answered.
"Ah, yes, of course. Now, you two are here because you require my help regarding school, yes?"
"That would be correct Headmaster. Kate requires assistance in reaching Durmstrang, while I intend to go to school here at Hogwarts." I said.
"Durmstrang? Is there a reason you decided against Hogwarts?"
"I have nothing against your school. I am, however, interested in Defense against the Dark Arts and Dueling. Durmstrang is known for their leniency towards the Dark Arts, and my family and I felt it was a good match considering." Said Kate.
"I see, that is a sound decision. I can send off an owl later today with your records and the required paperwork. You should receive a letter regarding your acceptance in two to three days. You, Miss Lowe, will not have to wait as long. I just need to verify your records are sound and we can discuss your class load and sorting today." Kate and I handed over our papers to the Headmaster. He sorted them into piles and started to read through my records.
"This is going much smoother than we had thought it would. Not to say that you wouldn't work with us, Headmaster. But that there would be more we had to do. Once again, thank you so much for helping us to make this process much easier." I stated.
Where's the asshole who was bitching about blood superiority? Damn, if I knew it would be this easy…
"It's no trouble at all Miss Lowe. This is my job, and I'm here to help all students who wish to further their education." He said smiling gently. "Your papers are in order and you are qualified for a normal class load. Are there any specific elective classes you wish to take?"
"Yes, I would like to take ancient runes and arithmancy please."
"Wonderful, you are now enrolled for your fifth year. Welcome to Hogwarts." He stood from his desk to walk over and pluck the sorting hat off a bookshelf.
"The only thing left for you to do, other than buy your supplies, is to be sorted. Normally, you would be sorted during the welcome feast as a first year. However, with most transfers, we give them to option to be sorted individually. Would you like to be sorted now or later?" He said as he walked over to stand in front of me.
I looked over at Kate to see what she thought. Her face held nothing but excitement. I knew if I didn't do it know she would forgive me.
Honestly, I have dreamed about being sorted and I would never forgive myself if I waited!
"I would like to do it now, please."
"Excellent! I shall place the hat on your head and it will begin." He leaned forward, raising the hat to my head and sheltering the office from my view.
"Ah! Miss Cassandra, it's wonderful to meet you. Yes… you have been dreaming of this a while. Hmm, let's see… where to put you?" Said the hat.
"You have planned very well for this trip into the past, and I do see what you plan to do in the future. Should I? It goes against… hmm." The hat seemed unable to decide where it wanted to put me. I really didn't want to influence its decision in any way.
"I can see that you want me to make the decision Miss Cassandra. I respect that you know. So many little boys and girls coming to Hogwarts trying to tell me where they belong. HA! I'm the sorting hat for a reason you know. But never the less, where should you go?"
The hat seemed to grumble to himself for a little while longer before speaking up again.
"Miss Cassandra, I think I have come to a decision. While you do embody the traits of Salazar and would fit very well in his house, I think that you would benefit from another. Yes. The more I ponder the more it fits. I don't believe I shall let this opportunity pass me by. You, Miss Cassandra, shall learn what it's like to be a HUFFLEPUFF!"
WHAT!
I was in shock. I don't belong in Hufflepuff. What the hell!
"Congratulations, Miss Lowe." The Headmaster said as he moved to place the hat back on its bookshelf.
"Now that your sorting has been completed, the only thing left for you to do is to gather your school supplies and wait for the start of term. As for you Miss Addams, you will have to wait a few days for your acceptance letter, and supply list. Otherwise, I have done all I can for the two of you for now. Is there anything you require from me today, ladies?" the Headmaster said, returning to sit behind his desk.
"No Headmaster, that would be all we need from you. Thank you once again for helping us with this. We both really appreciate it." Kate said as I was still sitting in complete and utter shock.
"Then I must bid you farewell. Work never waits and I have much to do before the day is over."
"Of course, please excuse us," Kate said standing. She walked over to my chair and nudged me hard enough to get me moving.
I stood and walked with her out of the doors and into the quiet halls of the castle. It only took a few minutes of silence before Kate started barking in laughter. She was bent over at the hips with her hands on her knees, uncontrollably laughing.
"What is so funny? Hufflepuff is a perfectly respectable house! I will admit it was not the house I thought I was going to go into, but there's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff. They are friendly and nice and hardworking and loyal and good and… STOP LAUGHING!" I cried.
Kate continued to laugh for a few more seconds before she pulled herself together long enough to say, "I'm sorry. I just can't believe the hat put you into Hufflepuff! We all thought you were a slithering for sure."
"Well, the hat did say I would fit really well in Slytherin, but it didn't want to miss an opportunity. It knows all about our plans and came up with one of its own. Who am I to argue with it?"
Kate looked pensive for a moment before responding, "I guess we are only going to be here for a year, so you won't be a Hufflepuff for too long."
"Exactly, so quit it!"
"Okay fine, whatever. It's still funny as hell, and you can't take that away from me." Kate said. "Let's go. I've seen enough of this castle for one day."
Thank you so much for reading! If you want, reviews are always welcome.