Disclaimer: Alterations to characters, concepts, and backgrounds are primarily fundamental. All characters, groups, and organizations, with the exception of OCs I own, are owned by their respective companies.
''Hel, I get it, now slow down!''
Cid shook her head as the smaller eleven year old's gestures continued to move frantically as they loaded her belongings onto the cart, including her familiar dark raven, which she silently proclaimed had been 'adopted'.
Cid honestly thought with the raven's attitude towards Helen, it was more the other way around. When Cid came by the horrid place Helen had to stay , she didn't miss the abrupt cries of the Dursley spawn, which she was angrily informed was the result of the raven going ballistic right in his eyes.
So naturally 'Tutela' found a way into Cid's...erm...nevermind. Regardless, if she was being honest with herself, it made her feel much better the raven was coming along on what Cid pretty much knew was a school disguised death trap.
Cid brought herself back to reality as the skinny girl tugged at her skirt.
''Er, sorry. How about you sign a little slower?''
The eleven year old rolled her eyes, but complied, asking more slowly. Cid smiled.
''No worries. My inventions are foolproof! It's kind of sad how one scrap of tech blinds a wizard,'' Cid muttered as she shut the car boot, the eleven year old already pushing her cart forward.
The two crossed Pancras Road, stepping into the waiting crowds of pedestrians heading into' King's Cross Station'. Cid inspected the exterior of the building in wonder, gathering every bit of information she could analyze as they made their way to the doors.
Once inside, the crowd began to grow thicker, the girl's usual stoic expression grimacing. Cid slowly offered a hand, which was readily accepted, and guided the girl through the crowd, admittedly proving difficult with a crowd of all things.
After a couple of shoves and insults, the two manage to mke it to their destination.
''Nine and three quarters,'' Cid muttered, immediately feeling the spell work as she came within the vicinity of the hidden setting. Analyzing it, she confirmed it was a spell wizards often referred to as the 'Notice-me-not' charm. Straightforward enough, but really, Cid could come up with a way better-
She felt a pinch, and yelped, finding the irritated girl peering up at her. Realizing she was daydreaming again, Cid snorted, and knelt down to get in eye level with her.
''Sorry...erm, look, about your...quest. It isn't the only reason you're here. Have fun, make friends-''
Cid rolled her eyes as the girl raised a challenging eyebrow.
''Friends your age, soror. Have fun. Learn some more magic. It's first year, this will be a slightly offending breeze for you. Bring me back spells to screw with.''
The girl rolled her eyes at this, causing Cid to chuckle.
''Good girl. Don't forget to send me a post every now and then, okay? Some things other than your mission. And who knows...there may even be others like you.''
The eleven year old nodded, slowly opening her arms. Cid smiled, taking the hint, wrapping her in a tight hug.
''I'll miss you ,'' Cid whispered. Helen tightened her grip.
''Go and make this automaton proud.''
The small girl gently pulled away, Cid standing back up to dust her outfit off.
''Well, I'm going to go get vacuumed. You sure you can make it from here?''
The girl nodded stoically, urging Cid on. Cid winked, waving goodbye to Tutela before she started heading back, getting a cheerful 'kraa' in response.
Tutela turned to her owner, gazing at the platform entrance intensely.
''...packed with Muggles, of course…''
The raven's gaze fell on the speaker, a plump woman talking to four redhead boys, each of them carrying their own luggage and companions.
Tutela's owner barely paid the family any attention as they stopped within a few feet of her.
''Now, what's the platform number?'' the plump woman wondered.
''Nine and three quarters!'' piped a red headed girl, who the raven just noticed was holding the woman's hand.
''Mom, can't I go…''
''You're not old enough Ginny, now be quiet. All right Percy, you go first.''
What Tutela guessed was the oldest boy marched towards the platforms, and vanished into the wall itself. Her owner seemed to shift at this , before her intense gaze returned to the platform.
''Fred, you next.''
''I'm not Fred, I'm George,'' said one of the boys, the raven quickly identifying them as twins.
''Honestly woman, you call yourself a mother? Can't you tell I'm George?''
''Sorry, George, dear.''
''Only joking, it turns out I am Fred!''
Off the boy went, and after a moment, his twin called for him, soon going through the wall himself. Her owner barely acknowledged it.
''Oh...hello dear,'' the woman greeted, now noticing the girl's presence. Her owner cast the woman a glance.
''First time at Hogwarts? Ron's new, too.''
She pointed towards the last son, who was tall, thin, and gangling, accompanied by a set of freckles, big hands and feet, and a long nose.
Tutela took in her owner, who looked completely unimpressed, and turned back to the platform.
''Don't you know how to get onto the platform? Not to worry, I'm sure Ron would be happy to-''
The plump woman blinked as her owner walked straight into the barrier, her eyes soon widening as Tutela and her owner's belongings being silently pulled through , without even the wave of a wand or a mutter of a spell.
The raven never thought a human could turn such a shade.
''You got your things?''
''Mostly...if Raine returned my charms book!''
''Hey, what's wrong with me borrowing it?!''
''You had your own copy! Now give it back before you lose mine too!''
Their mother looked towards her wife as the two sisters began to bicker once again, the latter simply shaking her head.
The two's bickering abruptly stopped, the sound of the awaiting red scarlet engine roared. Their mother let out a soft sigh, a poker face intercepting as she knelt down, drawing their eyes in.
'' Now I need you to be on your best behaviors, young ladies. We know moving here was rough, but we'll settle in here in no time. So...be careful and...don't attract attention.''
The girl's took in the underlying meaning of her words, and nodded. A bright smile radiated in response, both caught in a tight hug, their mum watching with a small smile.
Once they pulled away, they immediately tackled their mum into a hug, rewarded with a soft giggle.
''Var säker, mina tjejer. Må din fortsatta resa genom Midgård vara full av säkerhet och följeslagare. Må Frigg vara med dig.''
Giving them one last squeeze, their mum relented, urging them to gather their things and head for the train. Seeing they were running late for an appointment, their parents wished them luck, and left for their duties.
Grey eyes beamed at the red engine, feet speeding forward. Annoyance took over her sister as a small girl was launched onto the ground, the other falling with her.
Grey eyes widened, glasses skittered a few feet away . Before she could apologize, her sister made her way over angrily, hoisting her twin up by the arm with a scowl.
'' To Hel, Raine! Watch where you're bloody going!''
''I'm sorry, I just-''
''Thought it was a good idea to run with pounds of luggage across the train station?! Not even you are this dense!''
''I said I was...wait, what is that supposed to mean?''
''There really is no hope for you. ''
''Excuse me?! I am perfectly-''
A firm yank of her sleeve stalled Raine's bite, their gaze settling their gaze on their victim, frowning as the small girl began motioning with her fingers, emerald eyes darting off to the side. A frown took place at Raine's lack of response, and with a wince, began making the effort to sit up. Raine, finally getting the message, rushed over, attempting to hoist the girl up quickly, the the wincing only getting worse.
''Raine, how dense are- pick her up more slowly,'' her sister muttered, walking over and spotting the girl's glasses. She noticed a raven sat not far off, unharmed in a cart, beady eyes zeroed in on her sister. Fighting a shiver, she grabbed the glasses and made her way over to Raine, who successfully had helped the girl up.
''Are you okay? I'm sorry that I-''
Soft hands rested on the blonde's shoulder, nodding her assurance, before moving to grab her luggage. Mara snorted and immediately stopped her.
''No need. I'm sure Raine would be happy to help you. Isn't that right, dear sister?''
''Of course I was!'' Raine exclaimed, clearly offended. Mara rolled her eyes as she handed the girl her glasses.
''... Well, come along, I'll help you to a compartment. You may refer to me as Mara.''
The small girl shook her head, and waved them on. Mara eyes narrowed.
''This isn't up for debate, sweetheart. Come along.''
Her feet shifted, pausing, before slowly relaxing. Mara supported her as they made their way onto the train, Raine amazingly not breaking a sweat as she loaded all the three girl's luggage.
Taking their seats, Mara immediately turned to the small girl casually.
''So...Helen Potter, correct?''
''Gran, I lost my toad again.''
''Oh, Neville…''
''Give it a look Lee, go on.''
Fia blinked as the boy lifted the lid of a box in his arms, causing the people around him to shriek as a creature poked out a long, hairy leg.
Deciding it's best to not intervene, Fia gently pressed through the crowd, coming upon an empty compartment on the train. She slowly but surely lifted her trunk up the steps, a blonde girl coming upon her path.
The girl considered her for a moment, before pointing towards her trunk.
''Want a hand?''
Fia blinked, her gaze settling on the girl's own trunk, which seemed to barely strain the girl.
''Erm..ye sure..''
The blonde simply answered by picking the trunk up, tucking both into a corner of the compartment.
''Thanks,'' Fia said gratefully, holding out a hand. The redhead readily took it.
''I'm Raine Dahlen.''
''Fia Pilkvist.''
''Would you like to share a compartment?''
Fia happily nodded, and the two easily settled in, falling into conversation as the train finally began to pull off.
As they began passing green pastures, Raine sighed.
''I know they usually start at eleven here, but we pretty much arrived here late. Sweden, well...I miss it….but let's just say my sister and I attracted trouble there easily.''
''I...can relate. Love Ireland to the fault, not the worse of 'em, mind ye, but, well, trouble pops up around every corner it seems. Pretty tiring really.''
Raine nodded at this, looking outside the window for a moment.
''Yeah, well...life you know? So...how's your experience so far?''
As the two began trading their experiences with the Wizarding World, their compartment door slid open, a redheaded boy peeking his head in.
''Uh...sorry,'' the boy said, realizing there were only two girls in the compartment. He looked ready to run, so Fia quickly spoke up.
''Yes hi! We have another seat if yer looking for somewhere to sit,'' Fia offered, sliding over to make room.
The redhead blinked, before slowly nodding, taking the offer and sitting down. Taking a glance at Raine, the two awkwardly stared at each other, before quickly averting their gaze.
Fia shook her head, cut short by the arrival of two pairs of heads sticking themselves in.
''Hey Ron, we're...blimey.''
The two twins looked back and forth between Fia and Raine, smiles slowly growing on their faces with each movement.
''Why Ron, you didn't tell us you had such lovely company! Did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And that is Ron, our brother. You are?''
''Fia,'' the magenta haired witch greeted, a giggle escaping from her lips. Raine furiously blushed.
''I-I'm Raine. Nice...to meet you two.''
The twins flashed her a charming smile, Raine's blush growing even worse. Ron responded by glaring daggers at the twins, who responded with two innocent pouts.
''Alright, alright, we know Ron. Just at least attempt to be gentlemen, eh? We'll be in the middle of the train-Lee's got a giant tarantula down there.''
''Right,'' Ron said through gritted teeth, Fia sending him a look.
''Well, we'll see you all later then.''
''Bye,'' Raine and Fia answered as the twins shut the compartment door shut behind them.
''They seem...nice,'' Raine muttered, the blush refusing to leave her cheeks. Fia simply chuckled as Ron snorted.
''Trouble, that's all they are.''
''Well, at least they have something in common, Raine,'' Fia teased lightly. Raine looked away, refusing to acknowledge this as she turned to Ron.
''Must be fun having two brothers.''
''Five. I'm the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts. I have to live up to the others, you see. Bill and Charlie already left-Bill was head boy while Charlie was the captain of the Quidditch team. Percy's a prefect, the twins, despite messing around, still get good marks. I have to do as well as the others, and even if I do, they did it first, so it never really matters. I've got Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand, and Percy's old rat.''
Ron pulled out a rat, which was fast asleep. Fia frowned.
''Why not an owl?''
''Well, Percy got an owl for being a prefect, but they couldn't...I got Scabbers instead.''
Ron's ears went pink as he looked down, the rat barely reacting to the shift. Raine sighed, taking a seat next to him to put a hand on his shoulder.
''I...distinctly know how you feel. I'm constantly compared to my twin, and it, well...it hurts. Even my parents, although they don't mean it, falls into this. Mara...is pretty much the Swedish ideal. Private, reserved but charming, intelligent, always knows the right thing to say...and I'm just reckless and always get into trouble. I'm glad we at least don't have to wear the same clothing but...I don't know. That's why I left to find another compartment. To find something of my own...my friends...so I can at least be my own person. I think...that's the best we can really do.''
Ron looked at her, hearing this seemingly cheering him up. Fia, not being able to take it anymore, flung herself at the two, pulling them into a tight hug.
''What are you-'' Raine began, only to be shushed by Fia.
''There, there. We're havin' a moment.''
After the awkwardness broke off, the three participated in small talk for a while, only stopping at the sound of clattering. Raine excitedly slid the door open, her smile dropping at the sight of the treat trolley being completely void of treats.
''Sorry dears, completely cleaned off. May take a while to restock. Be back soon,'' the woman promised, who seemed to be still in shock over the circumstance herself.
Raine groaned, slipping her money pouch back into her pockets, catching Ron's strange look.
''Uh...you okay there?''
Fia gave Ron a hard look , his attention quickly going back to the window.
''No worries, sure the cart will be ready in no time,'' Fia assured her. Raine nodded, settling back in as the scenery morphed into woods, twisting rivers, and dark green hills.
The compartment falling back into silence, Ron rummaged through his trunk, pulling out a poorly kept wand. As he brought it out, the door slid open.
''Hermione, you shouldn't have let what happened get to you-''
''Hush, Neville. She pushed me right into the- oh, right, hello, has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one,'' the bushy haired brunette greeted, before her eyes widened, settling on Fia.
Fia immediately brightened at the sight of her friend, darkening slightly as she took in the argument beforehand.
''Hermione...did ye say some git pushed ya?''
Neville shrunk back at the girl's shift in attitude, while Hermione sighed.
''I'm glad I found you, Fia. Remember the girl I talked to you about? Well, I didn't know it at first, but she had been using some sort of glamour charm, and it turns out she's Helen Potter! While helping Neville look for his frog, I ran into her, and I asked for an apology, only for her to have her friend push me out of the compartment into a wall! Why I never-''
''Take me to her,'' Fia said, standing up. Hermione frowned.
''If you plan on breaking school rules-''
''No lad, I just want to talk to the git,'' Fia assured her. After a moment, Hermione slowly nodded.
''Well...I guess it wouldn't hurt. She does need a talking in manners, especially her friend. But Neville-''
''Ron and I will help look for his toad,'' Raine offered, ignoring Ron's affronted look. Neville sighed in relief, Fia sending her a grateful smile.
''Ye are the god's send. Lead on, Hermione.''
AN HOUR EARLIER
''Mara, I decided...I'm going to find another compartment.''
Helen and Mara looked up at her for a moment, before Mara sighed. Clearly Raine wasn't listening to a word they were saying or she would never want to leave. Sometimes it pained her how non attentive her sister was.
''I figured you'd tire of my company eventually. Go on, do as you will. No need for my permission.''
Raine beamed at her sister's assurance, softly thanking her as she quickly departed. Mara sighed.
''Didn't bother to at least say goodbye to a person she knocked over. The nerve of that girl.''
Mara looked towards Helen, inspecting her, before smiling.
''I'm guessing you're mute? No shame I suppose, makes observation much more natural. Besides, I know a little sign language, so you won't truly go unheard. As for knowing who you were...your scar is...faint. I would even bet it will be fully healed and gone by next year...at least by the look of it. And you pretty much match the descriptions of you...without the height and golden nature...yet none of them really do you justice.''
Indeed, the small girl was at least the height of a bin, her slight skinny frame not helping matters. As described, her skin was deathly pale, although when Mara looked closely, she could see hints of bruises, hidden mostly where her clothes concealed her the most. Her dark thick glasses did manage to bring out her famous emerald eyes, although personally, Mara would describe them as jaded.
Her clothing was decent enough, obviously homemade, but at the very least looked done intricately with care. Her dark tee and jeans were, while loose due to her frame, at the very least was fitted enough to cling to her. As Mara inspected her further, she could very much tell Helen would at least be highly attractive in the near future, at least more so than now.
Bringing herself out of her thoughts, she took note of the eleven year old growing more and more uncomfortable.
''Oh, erm...sorry, I was just,''
The girl waved this off. Mara smiled.
Helen, predictably tiring of the silence, pulled out what appeared to be a journal, the title concealed in what only could be latin.
So.
Helen was a demigod.
A roman one at that.
Of course, it was rare for Mara to bother to jump to conclusions, but once you add in the pieces, it made perfect sense. The unnaturally formal attitude, the evasion of getting too much into past talk, and obviously, the fact she seemed to enchant the books she had in her pack in solid latin. It even explained the weird buzz Mara had through her body ever since meeting her.
And the girl wasn't going out of her way to not be obvious...at least to her. Which could only mean she wanted Mara to come to this conclusion.
Meaning she knew exactly what Mara was.
A shiver ran through Mara's body as she regarded the girl. Clearly she was heavy on preparation but...well, what does she want? If Mara didn't know any better, she would think the girl wanted to be-
''Would you like to be friends?''
Mara's cold green eyes regarded Helen Potter, who softly set her book down onto her lap. Jaded green eyes pierced into Mara's very being, a calculative yet...scared sensitivity traveling through the respective demigods. No ounce of trickery was present, no ounce of judgement...only understanding.
The connection broke the compartment door slid open, revealing a smiling, dimpling woman.
''Anything off the cart, dears?''
Feet shifted from the left side of the compartment, a space being left open. A reassuring gaze later, a soft patter of footsteps crossed, stopping as the left open seat was now occupied.
Helen Potter settlesd in closely with Mara Dahlen, both looking up towards the woman, a combined grace in their movements as they regarded her. Mara grinned.
''We'll take everything.''
''A little curious how there are no qualms of having two children have an entire cart of treats...then again, you are a celebrity.''
Helen glared lightly at Mara's taunt, quietly but playfully yanking a chocolate frog from her grasp. Mara simply smirked, shrugging as she reached for another.
An army of 'Bettie Bott's Every Flavored Beans, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pastries, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands, and other countless candies occupied heir table. With enough control, the assortment should last them the whole week.
''Eat up...your frame does worry me a little,'' Mara admitted. Helen shook her head, naturally brushing off the concern.
As Helen took another frog, she frowned as she picked up a card, showing a man with half moon glasses, a long crooked nose, and a silver white beard.
''That's Albus Dumbledore,'' Mara said, having scooted closer to inspect it. Helen nodded, hearing of the great wizard, and agreed his methods were...well…
''Foolish. Sees the world black and white. Not too much wrong with that, I suppose, but mother says his methods end up doing more harm than good. Like his refusal when it comes to killing in the last war. Got lucky with Grindelwald if you ask me. The nerve of the arse!''
Helen simply nodded, noting that the Headmaster was a touchy subject for her friend. Still the man couldn't be completely written off...he's a serious obstacle for her mission.
She offered the card to her dark haired friend, who gleefully took it, only to set it aflame in spite. Helen rolled her eyes at this, interrupted by a knock coming upon their compartment door, sliding open to reveal a tearful round faced boy popping his face in.
''Sorry...erm, have you seen a toad at all?''
''No,'' Mara said dispassionately. Helen decided to take pity on the boy and shook her head, motioning towards their sweets as an offer of apology. The boy flushed.
''Erm, thank you, but I should really find him...If you ever see him…''
The boy abruptly left, Helen taking the chance to slap her friend across the head.
''Oi! What the Hel, Potter?''
Helen glare refused to falter. Mara relented.
''Fine...I'll show some courtesy next time. So...how much do you know about Norse-''
The compartment door slid open again, the boy now back, this time with a familiar girl, already dressed in her robes.
''Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one.''
Mara narrowed her eyes at the bossy tone of voice, disdain quickly starting to grow for the bushy haired girl.
''We've already told you we haven't seen him. Get lost,'' Mara proclaimed, courtesy clearly forgotten as annoyance set in. The girl, however, wasn't listening, her gaze intensely focusing on Helen, realization setting in.
''...IT WAS YOU!''
Mara frowned. That wasn't the sort of realization she was expecting.
Helen's cold gaze settled warningly on Hermione, who was too busy ranting to notice.
''You grabbed the last copy! You didn't even have to courtesy to apologize! And don't think I don't now realize who you are, Helen Lily Potter! Just because you're famous doesn't mean you parade around getting whatever you want! There are people, like me, who work hard to get where they are! Nobody in my family is magic at all, so it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter! I was pleased of course, I mean, it's the best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard- I've learned all the course books by heart, although I do wonder if that will be enough-sorry, didn't see you, I'm Hermione Granger , by the way, who are you?''
Mara's eye twitched as she stared at the outstretched hand, considering breaking her wrist. Instead, she stood up and approached the bushy haired brunette, towering over the girl by a few centimeters.
Before Granger knew it, she hit the corridor wall, the compartment door slamming shut.
Helen blinked as Mara took deep breaths, calmly making her way back to sit next to Helen. Seeing Helen's look, she shook her head.
'I'm fine. It's just...from what I could gather from her rambling, she's losing her shite over not getting a book. I highly doubt she'll get into Ravenclaw. With an attitude like that, she belongs straight in the lion's den.''
Helen shrugged, and softly signed the encounter with Hermione in the bookstore, the girl completely bonkers when Helen got the last issue of a book, one that wasn't even a requirement for school. This ended by Helen finally having enough and simply apparating away, probably pissing the bushy haired witch off even further. She was honestly surprised Hermione didn't demand an answer of how she did it so young. Helen expected to come up eventually.
''Complete nutball, that one. And you apparated...been apparating for a while?'' Mara questioned. Helen simply nodded, beginning to put their candy into a container. A slightly unsettling epiphany grew into Mara' head. Clearly Helen showed signs of easy control over magick. Her skin was pale, her hair unnaturally dark, even more so than Mara's own. Obviously , she showed at least some level of being taught sophistication, and adding to the fact she was a Roman demigod…
''Helen...who is your godly parent?''
The compartment door roughly slid open.