Hogwarts Legacy and Mysteries

Chapter 1: Silas's Birthday Surprises

11 Years Later…

The 3 Bears Orphanage was as busy but cheerful as ever. Even with the kids of 8 and 14 attending; they currently played at the front yard as the teens were helping about. Helping then out was an eighteen-year-old redhead with her hair down to her mid back, with a bang brushed to the left, and had the same green eyes from the girl before. Her body was more developed and slender, as she wore blue work jeans, black and white sneakers, a white blouse turtleneck, and a gray apron. This was Briana Moffeton, the daughter of Kelley Moffeton; the headmistress of the orphanage.

At the moment, she had finished drying out laundry and was walking in, but also kept an eye out for a particular young man in their care for eleven years. Once inside, she saw her mother, doing the dishes, as she asked, "Mom, have you seen Silas?"

"Not since this morning," Mrs. Moffeton implied but then looked around, "Oh dear. Moreover, I can't find the silverware. And then the change disappeared from the change container."

"The change that you had collected in the 2 gallon water jug in your closet," Briana asked, to which her mother nodded, "But that doesn't make any sense. You and I are the only ones who add to that jar, and I add to it."

Mrs. Moffeton nodded, as she stopped, "I know, and that's the odd thing." She even scratched her head, as she said, "Even the kids' marbles are missing, and even stranger. All the metal buttons on some of the clothing have all gone missing too."

Briana looked at this in confusion, as she asked, "What's going on? This has been happening for nearly almost 11 years."

There had been strange things going about ever since Silas had been there. Silas said he began to see strange things in the woods, shadows that moved about. An odd man appearing at times and then disappeared. And even stranger, the locks on the doors had been disassembled and any shiny object had been missing.

But then Mrs. Moffeton asked, "Oh, speaking of which…" She then walked over and asked, "You managed to get that one thing, right for the, event?"

Briana smiled, "Oh yeah, we're all ready for tonight."

Meanwhile

Near the Town Brook

There was a brook river that connected the area to where the orphanage was near, all while on the other side was the town. Connecting the two was a stone curved bridge as the river passed below it. All the while a young boy was sitting at the side watching the town continue onward without noticing him. He was a Caucasian ten-year-old boy of Scottish-Polish descent, cute face, slim frame but not gamey, shaggy brown hair cut to his neck and clean cut, with spikey shaggy bangs sticking forward with his upper hair slightly sticking, and brown eyes. He was dressed in a green T-shirt with a silver jacket on top, black jeans and green, white and black sneakers. His name was Silas Snape, the same baby given to be cared at the orphanage… and this year, he was going to turn eleven.

Though every year, they celebrated everyone's birthday, but Silas always did his best to avoid the birthday. He went to celebrate everyone else's birthday, but he always avoided his own. In truth, it wasn't that he hated birthdays. He just hated celebrating his own. For it was that day, he knew… that he couldn't go to see his family or even know about them at all. There were no photos, no gifts, a locket for him. All that was on the card was his name and birthdate.

Honestly, there wasn't really much that he felt he didn't want.

"Hey, it's the freak," someone called out.

Silas knew who it was; it was a blonde boy his age and build, with his blonde hair combed to the right and piercing blue eyes, dressed rather well, was accompanied by two thuggish kids. One fat, and the other skinny; two loyal lapdogs, while the blonde was named Julius Driconus… and yes, that was his real name.

"Well, well, Silly Snake," Julius taunted, as he smirked, "Still gazing at the water. What did you see? A sea monster?"

"Mermaid," Silas replied. The boys chuckled, as Silas stood up, as he pointed to the water, "I saw one swimming in it and then swam back out of here."

"Right, just like how you said all those shiny stuff in your house keeps disappearing," Julius said, as his goons laughed, as they were unaware of someone slowly coming out of the shadows.

Silas blinked and saw the figure slowly walked up to them without even being heard. But Silas saw them, as he gulped, "Uh, Julius..?"

"Just like those spooky winged horses you saw in the middle of the night," Julius said, still ignorant of the being approaching them.

"Julius…?"

"Or how about that creepy skinny man you say pops up around this time of year but always disappears," Julius taunted him, unaware of the figure behind them now. "If he were real, I hope he takes you away, you freak."

"People who usually say such things are more akin to their fears than actual hard courage," The figure spoke up, spooking the boys but then got more freaked out as they saw the man. Even to Silas, the man looked like a man rendition of a human bat.

The boys were about to say or do something, but the man was so… intimidating, simply just calmly looking at them. Until he said, rather calmly, "Go."

And then then trio just ran away screaming, running so far to try and get back to the other side on the bridge. And then it was just Silas and the man… the man known as Severus Snape.

Silas looked to the gentleman who seemingly stood there watching the boy as he gulped and asked him, "Um… are you…?"

"Tell me. Why do you let them torment you every day of your life," Snape suddenly asked, not flinching or raising his voice, but earnestly asking him on this.

Silas, a bit unnerved of the man's stoic nature, thought it would be best to answer his question and simply answered, "I'm just waiting for them to get bored with me is all."

Snape didn't seem all that impressed as he simply said, "Believe me, people like that won't stop at tormenting those who are weaker than them." He then turned to leave as he replied, "If you want it to stop, then you'll eventually have to make a stand."

Silas took that bit of advice in as he thought about it for a moment. On one hand, it was true that some bullies hated being ignored by their victims and would eventually get bored. But if their current victim does nothing, who would the bullies target next? But on the other hand, if Silas stood up to them, who would back up a loner like him?

Silas then asked, "Well, why do you care if I get tormented?"

Snape stopped as he slowly turned to the boy as he replied, "Because I know what it's like."

"Is that why you show up every time this year," Silas implied, as the man didn't turn to face him, as Silas said, "Every year, this particular date, I see a man in shadows always watching out for me, and then he just disappears."

Snape remained silent and kept his back turned, and then replied, "Have I disappeared?"

Silas shook his head, "No."

"Then I'm not the man in shadows," Snape replied. Silas sighed on this, knowing full well it was the man, and then ran off back to the orphanage. Snape though walked up to the bridge as he looked down as he spotted mermaids hiding in sight but saw Snape and could sense he was a wizard. Then they swam away, making certain to get away, as Snape implied, "Well, the boy does have a sharp eye on him. Magical talent is still not noticed."

At that moment, a familiar fellow with a case showed up, as he stood next to Snape, who replied, "You're late, Scamender."

"Sorry. Bit of a rough time with the Billywigs,"

Newt replied, "Fast little buggers."

Snape said nothing as he stared at Newt. Newt cleared his throat. "I take it Silas hasn't discovered his magic yet," Newt asked the Potions Master.

"Not yet. His eyes are sharp though," Snape said, "If he continues, he may find out about our world before he discovers his magic."

"There's a scary thought," Newt joked, "If Muggles had keen eyes like him, there would be more of those conspiracy theorists sticking their noses into the wizarding world."

Snape simply shot a quick glare not finding any humor in Newt's joke on muggles who tried to expose real magic in the world.

Newt then cleared his throat as his Bowtruckle Pickett stuck out from his collar and chirpled, as Newt said, "So um.. he's almost eleven. Shouldnt it be time...?"

"Yes... and seeing his reaction to his bullies is now a larger concern," Snape answered, "Rather, his lack of a response to them."

"Aaaaahh," Newt said as he understood what Snape was getting at, "Magic often response to ones' emotions. You think Silas's lack of response to his tormentors is a sign that he's keeping his emotions held back." Snape nodded at Newt's words. "This could be a problem if Silas snaps," Newt said seeing where this was going, "The last thing he needs for his introduction to that world is a meeting with the Ministry of Magic if Silas loses control. Or if he keeps his magic locked, he could end up becoming an Obscuro."

But after that, Snape was a bit silent on this, but then Newt asked, sensing Snape's worry, even though he was good had having a stoic and strong face, "You're afraid he might end up like you... Like um... a..." Snape looked to him, silently telling him not to go any further of his past. Newt nodded, "Right. You should um... go back to Hogwarts." And then walked to head into the town, "I'll be sure to help."

Late that Night

The orphanage was quiet and dark, with only small nightlights to help light the hallways. At that moment, shadows loomed over to the door that led to Silas's room, as it crept open a bit. The bulge on the bed showed that Silas was asleep, as the shadows crept up closer. Suddenly the lights flicked on, as Briana, her mother, and a couple of the kids all shouted, with a nice birthday cake, "SURPRISE!"

However, no movement from the bed was shown, as a six-year-old blonde girl with her hair braided in a bun and blue eyes spoke out, "Silas." And then pounded her hands on the bed, "Wake up!"

Briana and the others were a bit confused as the girl pulled at the sheets, showing pillows to form a body to fool them.

Everyone stared at the bed with wide eyes. "Wow... I know he dislikes his birthday," one of the kids said, "But I didn't think he disliked it enough to do this."

Briana just stared at the bed with shaking fists. 'We go through all this for him and he does this,' Brianna thought in anger.

Mrs. Moffeton sighed, "Oh, bugger, where is he?"

Briana thought on it, "I think I know."

Basement

Silas was looking around the basement using a flashlight as he looked around. He currently twirled something in his right hand while using his flashlight in the left, as he looked around. In truth, he was just there to avoid his birthday altogether. Avoiding the reminder as it were. But at the moment, he was looking for something. Something he'd been aware of since he was old enough to know.

'I know it's in here,' Silas thought as he looked around while keeping as quiet as he could to avoid being discovered.

Something scurried across in the shadows, making Silas turn to it. He walked carefully to that location, unaware that he heard footsteps coming to the door of the basement. he then lifted his right hand a bit as he then shook it a bit to make change sounds.

'There you are,' Silas thought to himself as he went to open the box.

The door suddenly opened, as Briana stood there, "There you are, Silas."

Silas turned as he saw her, "Briana?"

"I can't believe you," Brianna said to him with anger in her voice, "How can you keep skipping out on your birthday like this?! Everyone went the extra mile to prepare everything for you!"

Silas shook his head, as he turned back to his work, "Briana, you can't be here."

"Neither should you," Brianna argued back, "This place is forbidden to all kids but that never stops you!"

"Well, it's the only place that I followed it," Silas replied.

"It?! What do you mean it," Brianna asked him before looking horrified, "Is it a mouse?! A rat?! KEEP IT AWAY!" Brianna jumped onto a chair to get away as her mind filled her with fear from what Silas was looking for.

Silas knelt down as he heard the skittering from before, and then turned of the flashlight. He then reached out with his right hand slowly and opened it. There, raining down were shiny new quarters and dimes.

"Money," Brianna asked as she began to calm down.

As she stepped of the chair, more silver items fell out of the box. From the silverware, buttons, marbles, anything that was made of metal fell out of the box as though they had been horded there. "It's everything that has been missing," Brianna said in surprise, "Silas, how did you know these were here?"

"Because that's what It goes for," Silas replied, waiting as it looked around.

And then suddenly, scurrying fast out was a small brown mole-like creature with features of a platypus suddenly bolted to the change and began to scoop it up in an unforeseen front pouch.

But then stopped as it saw Silas, who seemed calm about it, and Briana, whose jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she seemed shocked by all this. Though the little creature was a bit shocked to see them as well, as they all stared at one another, with the little creature slowly tucking in the change ever so slightly. Like it had been caught with its paws in the cookie jar all while still biting the cookie.

"What the heck is that," Brianna asked in alarm, "Some sort of newly discovered species of platypus?!"

"Whatever it is, it has a thing for metal," Silas said, "That's why it has been hoarding all the metal items it can find."

"A picture! We need a picture for proof," Brianna said as she scrambled for her phone to take a picture of the creature.

The creature was about to bolt, but Silas grabbed him, as it flailed and did its best to run, as he said, "Kitchen."

Kitchen

The two were up and closing the door behind them, as Briana was looking for a camera, and Silas held the little bugger from getting away.

"He's a feisty one," Silas said as the creature continued to try and squirm its way free.

At that moment, the others were coming downstairs, as Briana grabbed a polaroid, as she smiled, "Got it."

"Honey, did you find..." Mrs. Moffeton started, but then smiled as the kids and her saw Silas's back, "Silas? there you are. You..." But then he turned around, showing everyone the strange mole-platypus he had in hand.

"What is that," one of the kids asked, "A mole?"

"No... I think it's a duck," another kid said as she looked at the creature.

"That's the weirdest looking duck I've ever seen," another kid said.

"Silas! Brianna," Mrs. Moffeton said with a stern expression, "How many times have I told you that this orphanage does not allow animals?!"

"But this little thing's been stealing all the change and silverware," Silas implied, but Mrs. Moffeton didn't look to believe it.

"You expect me to believe that thing managed to steal everything and not go unnoticed," Mrs. Moffeton asked him not buying that for a second.

"It's true, mom," Brianna said to her, "Silas and I found the box where it was keeping everything in the basement!"

However, they heard the door, the front door, being unlocked, as everyone else heard it. They all gathered in the main living room near the chimney, as the door suddenly was picked open. The door swung open a bit as Pickett was on the knob as he leapt out to an open hand, as Newt walked in with his briefcase and placing Newt on his collar.

He looked to them all, as he politely said, "Terribly sorry about all that. I kept knocking but nobody answered."

Everyone just stared at the man for a moment as they stared at the man who had just broken into the house. "I'm terrible sorry," Mrs. Moffeton said while regaining her composure, "We didn't hear you and the we're waiting to have our doorbell fixed."

Newt nodded to that, but then looked to Silas as he smiled, "Silas. It's finally nice to meet you." He then strode passed Mrs. Moffeton as he stopped to the young man as he smiled, "It's not every day one celebrates their 11th year and..." But then looked confused as he pointed to the creature, "How did you get possession of a Niffler? And out here."

Silas looked at the creature, as he asked, "Niffler?"

"Yes, they're more confused with either a mole or platypus as its appearance is a combination of the two," Newt then gently bent down and took the Niffler, but seemed a bit rough with it.

"No, don't hurt it," Silas pleaded calmly, but looking distraught, "He may be a menace but he hasn't hurt anyone."

And then much to everyone's surprise, he began to shake it like a laundry bag. It didn't hurt him, but what happened was that a massive amount of change, silverware, and shiny objects began to spill out of its pouch. Everyone was a bit in awe at this, as the pile kept going. IT was so tall that it stopped nearly six inches from the Niffler's nose.

"Blimey," one of kids said, "That's everything that was taken!"

"Silas and Brianna were right," another said in awe.

"You've been a busy little Niffler, haven't you," Newt said while glaring at the Niffler that was looking nervous at being exposed like this.

But Newt turned his attention to Silas as he nodded, "Oh, Happy Birthday though, Silas. If you give me a tick, I'll get your present at the..."

But then suddenly, the suitcase he had brought began to jump a bit. It almost startled a bit of everyone until it landed on the table. And then at the moment it slowly opened up, as a black Niffler, an adult one, which was as big as a kitten but bigger than the one Newt had on. It spotted the pile of shiny objects but then Newt stopped him, "Teddy. No." Teddy stopped for a moment, but slowly made to go for it, but Newt scolded politely, "No. Remember what happened last time. We almost got arrested because you were taking change from the bank."

Teddy sighed as he shook his head. But then Newt walked over as he gently placed the brown Niffler down, "Though I found Toby. Almost gave up from 11 years of searching."

Newt then sat down on the couch as he pulled out a wand and then aimed at the fireplace. Three shots were made as it lit up the fireplace as a warming fire brewed. But then he pointed the wand at the cake, as suddenly, slices were being made and passed on to everyone, with plate and a fork from the pile. Newt rubbed his hands together, as everyone walked in, with Silas standing next to him.

Finally gaining the courage to ask, Silas spoke, "Um, sorry. But who are you?"

"Newton Scamander. Or Newt to my friends, which includes you," Newt introduced himself. "The only known Magizoologist of the Magical Community. Though I do make guest appearances at Hogwarts as a guest instructor of Magical Beasts."

Silas blinked, "Hogwarts?"

Newt looked to him and asked, "You mean you..." But then he remembered, "Oh. Right you were a baby when we left you in this orphanage's care." He then looked to Moffeton and her daughter, "Thank you so much for looking out for him."

Briana, a bit shaken up by the magic show, nodded, "Anytime."

"Hogwarts is actually the European branch for teaching magic," Newt replied to Silas as he explained, "In my opinion it's the finest in the world, and it's where your late parents learned the trade."

Silas was still confused as he asked, "I'm sorry, what now?"

Newt smiled as he said, "You're a wizard, Silas. And even if your abilities haven't shown, you actually adapt and learn quickly. And once there, I think you'll be quite one powerful and wise."

Silas shook his head on this, as he backed away a bit, as he denied this, "No. You got the wrong kid. I'm Silas. Just Silas."

"He's right," Mrs. Moffeton said quickly getting in front of Silas, "Now I don't know what you're up to, but I'm not about to let you scam Silas or anyone else here! Now get out before I call the police!"

Newt, ignoring Mrs. Moffeton's fear, and then calmly asked, "Well, then... just Silas... have you ever felt there was something hiding in the world? Things you saw that everyone eluded as imaginary? Things that nobody like you are anyone could explain?"

Silas seemed to take that in a bit, but then Pickett jumped down into the suitcase. Seconds later, he wobblingly pulled out a letter, as he squeaked, getting Teddy and Newt's attention as he nodded, "Oh, thanks Pickett." He then gently took the letter, as he handed it to Silas, "This is for you. Your birthday present."

Silas opened the letter carefully, as he pulled it out and saw it was a letter of acceptance. And read it lout for all to hear, "Dear Silas Snape," but then blinked, as he asked, "Silas Snape?"

"It's the name given to you when you were brought here," Newt replied. "But go on, read the rest."

Silas then read the letter fully…

Dear Silas Snape,

We are pleased to inform you that now you have come of age of eleven, you are now accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment. School Term begins September 1st.

Sincerely,

Professor Minerva McGonagall. Professor of Transfiguration

Newt then stated, "And it's August 20th, so you have a bit of time, if you'd like."

Silas stopped and was lost in his own thoughts. Was this really happening? Was this man really who he claimed to be or was this some sort of elaborate ruse to kidnap him? The meeting with the black robbed man earlier today made him feel like he was being set up.

"Now wait a minute," Brianna suddenly spoke out getting everyone's attention, "How do we know this isn't some sort of trap?! I mean, you broke into our home and just dropped a supposed bomb like this?! Where's your proof?!"

"She's right," another kid said, "I don't know about this magic stuff but we're not going to let you hurt our friend!"

Newt then asked, as he pointed around, "Wait, you mean like the cake, the fireplace, and the Niffler and Bowtruckle with me?" He then stood up as he opened the suitcase a bit more, and then stepped into it, and then to shock everyone, proceeded to walk down into it. He kept going down like a ladder, until he disappeared. But then his hand shot out, signaling for everyone to follow.

Silas and the others looked shocked by this new development as Newton went further down. All of them stood frozen at what they just saw. An action that went against all sorts of science and logic in this world.

"Do you... think we should follow him," one of the kids asked breaking the silence. No one replied though.

Finally, Silas stepped forward and headed for the ladder. "Silas! What if it's a trap," Brianna asked in alarm for her friend's safety.

Silas, a bit jumpy on this, decided to go and follow, as he blinked in shock, going down like a ladder into the suitcase, as he looked to everyone, "It's bigger on the inside."

The Brown Niffler then scurried to him, and hopped on his shoulder, as the two went down further. Briana sighed, and followed after, with the blonde girl going with her, until finally, everyone was down in what appeared to be a work shack.

Newt looked at them, as he prepared to open the door, "Now before I show you, you need to understand. What's behind here isn't from your world. Most of the rules might not apply the same way." And then Newt grabbed a bucket full of chopped chicken meat, as he said, "So to be fair, only a few Muggles I've met are aware of this."

Silas blinked, "Muggle?"

"Oh, it's a term in the Wizardry community known as 'Non-Magic Humans'. In America they're called No-Maj," Newt explained. And then opened the door, as everyone slowly walked out... and were amazed at what they saw.

The area was far more expanded and vast than what they thought possible. Even more so, the entire place was levels up and down, resembling a large building. But what they saw was a Zoo of sorts. Each section a different ecosystem on a different upper and lower level, while on the sides it stretched onward. End even nuttier, there were sections of night and day all at the same level of areas in different biodomes.

Though as the others were in awe at this, especially Silas, what they saw next was a bit more of an eye opener. Newt stood in an area resembling the Arizona desert lands, with rain, as his wand created an umbrella above him. But suddenly, swooping down as it cried out, got everyone's attention. Above them, was a creature having a head that was similar to that of an eagle, with golden yellow eyes looking down at them, and it possessed three pairs of powerful wings, and had feathers that shimmered with cloud-like patterns. Its tail was almost reptilian but long and powerful covered in feathers. The skies around it briefly rained and thundered. This was a Thunderbird. The creature was powerful and regal among them, but as it landed in front of Newt, it seemed to treat him like a friend, as it gently nuzzled him. Newt smiled, as he gently petted his head, "Easy, Frank. Sorry I didn't mean to leave you for so long."

Everyone was a bit shocked, but Silas asked, "Frank?"

"He's a Thunderbird," Newt explained, as he gently eased the nervous Frank, "They're an indigenous magical creature in North America, said to bring the rains. Frank here, I rescued from a Black Market in Egypt. Before I was asked to deliver your letter, I was tasked to bring this fellow back to Arizona."

Suddenly, the kids behind saw giant beetles with spikes or horns, moving big mounds of dung to a pile making structures. And a few of the kids were in awe seeing from a night African part, a greyish leopard-like creature roar out, with its neck inflating like a puffer fish with spikes around the neck.

"Okay... These are either scientific mutations, or real magical animals," one of the kids said out loud, "I'm going with magical animals."

Around in the trees, and that flew above them were birds with rightly-colored feathers, which could include orange, pink, lime green and yellow, singing silent for some reason, as a kid pointed out, "Are those bird's silent?"

Newt turned to them and stated, "Oh yes, those are Fwoopers. Don't let the name fool you, they have a high-pitched twittered song that would drive anyone insane. But don't fret, there's a charm on them to keep them from singing loudly to make that happen."

Though while the kids and the adult and teen were trying to make sense of this, Silas walked up to the Thunderbird for a moment, still in awe. though the Thunderbird then looked to him a bit startled, Silas backed up a bit. But Frank, despite being nervous around strangers, gently squawked a bit, and then leaned in close. Silas was a bit nervous on this, as Newt turned around and gulped, "Oh no, Silas. Wait a...!"

Everyone turned to see as they heard Newt's frightened voice... But the Thunderbird... instead of attacking, gently nuzzled Silas's side, as the boy gently petted him in response. Newt was a bit in awe himself now as he smiled, "Heh. Seems Frank warmed up to him."

Briana, taken that to heart, looked to the wizard and asked, "I'm sorry but.. what do you mean?" Newt then explained as Pickett looked at the two, "Well, I did tell you that he was trafficked by the Black Market." He then pointed to Frank's left leg, showing scars on it, as he said, "They weren't that careful or kind to him."

Brianna's mother then realized as she recalled how poachers sometimes caught animals, and seemed sympathetic to the giant creature, "Oh dear…"

"Even worse, he had brothers and sisters," Newt replied, as the others heard the story. "They were slaughtered and taken for ingredients. It's true that Thunderbird's ploomage, once molted, can be used in the creation of some wands used by witches and wizards, but Dark Magic users… they'll take anything down to the bone. And Frank… he's the last one of his nest."

Briana looked in horror at this, as Silas heard that too. He looked to the Thunderbird as he looked at his eye almost, but whispered, "You're an orphan. Like me."

Frank gently nuzzled to him, as Silas gently hugged him back; the feelings of a pain of losing someone close to them wasn't easy to die, but made it some times bearable. But at times, when one is reminded of that pain… it comes back as a means to help the others empathize with this. Though as this happened, oddly enough, much to Newt's surprise, Frank's wounds on his leg was beginning to heal.

Newt knew that it was impossible for a Thunderbird to heal on its own. And then looked to Silas, as he realized… the boy's magic was fully awakened.

And even more so, Silas looked to him and asked, "Mr. Sca… I mean, Newt? Would it be okay if you were to help me prepare?"

Newt blinked, as he asked, "I'm sorry, but prepare for what?"

"I'll do it," Silas said as he gently held the brown Niffler close to him with his right arm, and still petted Frank, "I wanna go to Hogwarts."

Next Chapter: Diagon Alley's Supplies and Stories