DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter or The Labyrinth nor the actors that portray in them. Honestly, did anyone really think so? Now let's get on with the story!
Slowly but surely Sarah's Labyrinth after party slowed down and the goblins were the first to leave through the mirror of which they came, followed by various other strange creatures. She was sad to see them go but her close friends remained. They were the ones who really stuck with her through her life-changing journey.
Ludo, a large kindhearted beast with large horns and equally long floppy ears, was busy pulling silly string from his unruly orange fur. Sir Didymus, the eccentric gentlemen fox, decided to help by crawling up his body and hitting the creature's head with his walking stick repeatedly. As the beast yelped in displeasure Hoggle cried out, "Oh, stop that you two. You'll wake the whole house!" Sir Didymus froze as he looked over to the Dwarf. Ludo grunted in confusion, which was how he normally commented apart from broken words. The small fox gave one last good hit without breaking eye contact from Hoggle and jumped down from the mass of fur onto the bed as beast made a small sound and rubbed his head.
Sarah looked around the disheveled room and wondered to herself how her parents hadn't come in to see what all the noise was. She also wondered how much cleaning she'd have to do when it was over. There were pillows, stuffed animals, books, and clothes strewn about with streamers and silly string thrown all over her bedroom. Instead of harping on such trivial subjects she turned her attention to her beloved companions.
With a heavy heart she asked the question she was dreading the answer to, "You guys aren't going to leave, are you?"
Hoggle was distracted with a jewelry box, staring wide-eyed at a plastic gem. Sir Didymus was the first to answer. Looking down to the floor he slowly moved his gaze to the girl as he spoke, "Yes, fair maiden, I'm afraid we must."
Sarah nodded hesitantly and questioned, "Will I ever see you all again?"
"Should you ever need us…" Hoggle said waking from his trance, "Just call."
As if on cue Ludo yawned and stretched his large arms out, then hunched back over into his normal stature. Sir Didymus, feeling much the same, chose this time to say his goodbyes. "Till next time, my lady." He bowed while taking off his yellow-feathered hat and his long mustache brushed the floor. With that he left the room through the vanity mirror.
"Bye Sarah." The beast said slowly in a low drawled voice and hugged her tightly, the skinny brunette getting lost from view in all the fur. She gave a muffled bye and did her best to wrap her arms around him.
Next she turned to Hoggle whose eyes were turned away. She knew he was uncomfortable with goodbyes and she didn't want to see him go so she stayed quiet. Remembering his love for jewelry, she picked up the necklace he was admiring not long ago and knelt down in front of the short man.
"Here, I want you to have this." She said, holding the cheap necklace out to him. His eyes grew large with wonder. He took it and held it close before putting it in his side pouch. "What for?" he asked.
"To remember me by," She cocked her head to the side and gave a friendly smile, "besides, you'll appreciate it more than I would. Take care of it."
The small man smiled and gave her a short hug and said his goodbyes. Then just like the others he disappeared through the mirror.
Sarah fell onto her bed and sighed laying down, feeling empty and slightly different, yet in a strange sense fulfilled. It had been a very long day. She had wished her brother away that very night, went to an entirely different world filled with magic and danger beyond her wildest dreams, saved her brother by defying and proving herself to an immortal, got back to her normal world and finished it off by partying with fairytale creatures. If she ever told anyone she'd probably get sent straight to a loony bin. The thoughts were roaming around her head so fast she couldn't even put together her feelings. She should be happy. She won. She just went through a magical world and defeated a king! Still, an aching feeling hit her gut and her skin felt warm and prickly. Never had she felt anything like it.
Pushing the thoughts out of her head she turned off the lights and decided to leave the cleaning for another day.
The next morning Sarah awoke to the sound of nails scratching glass. Groaning, she folded the pillow over her ears. Still the noise persisted and got increasingly louder. With a deep sigh she angrily let go of the pillow and turned, lying on her back. Her lips thinned with frustration and she crawled out of bed drearily. Disheveled and eyes lazily half open she looked for the source. It was the window. Her eyes widened dangerously and she jumped back when she saw an owl that was still trying to get her attention. Remembering the night before her heart jumped in fear. Fully awake now, she slowly moved forward.
This owl was different. It was a mixture of black, brown and white whereas the one from before was all white. Also, it was carrying what looked to be an envelope. Curiosity taking over she cautiously opened the window. Dreading what would happen next she shut her eyes and waited. She heard a plop and she gradually opened one lid at a time. The owl didn't waste anytime; it took a turn through the room and flew right back out the window it had come from.
Sarah bent down slowly, wondering why on earth an owl would carry such a thing let alone leave it there. Even stranger, when she read the front of the envelope- it was indeed addressed to her. Her heart raced, could it be from him? Taking a deep breath, she pulled the tab from a thick wax seal that held the paper in place.
Dear Sarah Williams,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to The Salem Witches' Institute. In normal circumstances students' start at age eleven. It has come to our attention just yesterday that you are on the registry. Our sincerest apologizes for not recognizing earlier. We do, however, have a plan in motion to rectify the situation if you'd like to enroll. I will be visiting your home in three days for your decision.
Sincerely,
Serine Foster
Deputy Headmistress
Sarah re-read the letter multiple times before putting it down on her vanity. This had to be a joke, right? Salem Witches' Institute? Deep down she knew it wasn't too far out there. She herself just had a party with strange creatures that no sane person would believe. Who was she to say witches don't exist when she had a conversation with a British worm and the closest friend she had was a Dwarf? This was all happening so fast. She always dreamed of such things to be true and it had only been a day since she had wished her brother away. So much has transpired and she felt years older than when she was reenacting fables in the park.
Rationalizing, she decided she wouldn't fully believe the strange letter until the so-called witch shows up at her door. In the meantime there was no harm in thinking about the possibility. Would she really go?
"Sarah!" Irene Williams, her stepmother, cried out in horror. The young girl snapped out of her daze, dropped the letter, and turned quickly giving her an apologetic look. The older woman looked around at the destroyed room and gave her stepdaughter a severe disapproving look. "You will clean this up immediately! I can't believe this! How can one little girl make such a mess?" she exclaimed.
"I'm not a little girl anymore!" Sarah protested, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.
Irene snarled in aggravation, "Then start showing some responsibility. This is just ridiculous! You better start straighten up in here, do you hear me?" She gave one last stern glare then turned to leave. While walking away she called out, "When your done come downstairs and get some breakfast."
Sarah mocked her quietly under her breath when she was out of sight then reluctantly got up and started to clean, irritated that her mess was caught. Not only was she caught but by the worst person possible, her stepmother.
Three days had passed since receiving the letter and Sarah was pacing in her room nervously. Sighing, she picked her nails anxiously thinking of what she would say and what her decision would be. She never told her parents about the letter and was getting more and more restless by the second. How could she tell them an owl dropped her a letter? They would never believe that. She would peer out her bedroom window every so often as she continued to make a trail through her carpet. All there was left to do was wait eagerly for the arrival of her mysterious guest.
Then there it was, a knock on the door.
She rushed down the stairs to see her father was already in the process of opening the door. She took in a deep breath and held it.
"Hello?" He said kindly but curiously.
The woman was dressed in long dark robes with accents of yellow and purple. Her greying hair was tied back in a loose braid and glasses were perched on her thin nose. "Hello, you must be Mr. Williams. My name is Serine Foster." She offered her hand and he accepted. "I'm here to talk about the future education of your daughter, Sarah Williams."
He nodded, still a bit confused. She was already enrolled in the local public school. Still, respectfully he invited her in. The woman took in the house kindly, looking around inquisitively until her eyes met Sarah's.
"Ah," the woman said with a smile, "You must be Sarah. I'm very pleased to meet you, my dear." Sarah shook her hand. "Please, have a seat. You too, Mr. Williams, I'd like to have a little chat with the family. If you can get the Mrs., I'd be much obliged."
With that Sarah's dad left hurriedly to call for Irene, then sat right on the couch next to his daughter. Within a few moments Irene appeared with a glass of wine and a questioning look in her eyes considering the oddly dressed woman sitting in a chair across from the other two. Slowly, never letting her eyes leave the guest she sat down in a nearby chair.
"Mrs. Williams." Serine nodded politely. "Now that we are all here there are matters I'd like to discuss." She paused dramatically, "Your daughter is very special girl with lots of great potential. At my Institute we strive to bring the very best of our students' abilities to the surface. Now, It is a boarding school in Salem, Massachusetts. Therefore, she would be gone for the majority of the year. We do allow students to go home for the holidays and they have a break each summer. It is of no cost for you or your family." She stopped for a moment, gauging their reactions. Her father looked from his daughter to the old woman in front of him disbelieving. "I assure you that this is no joke. What I'm about to say may sound crazy but it's the absolute truth. We only teach students with a special talent. And your Sarah," She turned to the young brunette, "Is a witch."
Irene huffed out a skeptical laugh but with a discerning strict glare from the robe-clad woman Irene quickly took a swig of wine to ease the tension.
"The Williams family," The witch started, "has had a large part in wizarding history. It has been quite a while since one has surfaced power- since the early 1600's if I'm correct. It ended right before Abigail's generation, she was a squib who grew sick with jealously and lashed out causing great mayhem in the puritan community." All three of the Williams were wide-eyed at this. "I'm surprised no one told you Mr. Williams. It is your family after all."
"Well," he stammered, "I always just thought they were stories, after all Williams is a very common name."
"Well believe what you want," Serine said politely. Brushing it off she continued, "We don't know why, but for some reason something woke the inner powers within Sarah. Normally students start this school at age eleven. However, we have procedures to rectify the situation, should Sarah wish to enroll. Before you blow this off I do highly suggest you consider. You should all embrace the gift she was given. And you ought to know her abilities will not go away if you ignore them, they will only be uncontrolled and my cause harm if not properly taught. "
So much was going through Sarah's head and she could only assume it was the same for her father and Irene. She was actually a witch! And there's a school for it! One far away from home! Sure, she'd miss it but she could sense the wondrous adventures that could lie ahead! It seemed so surreal, but so right. The prickly feeling in her skin intensified with excitement. It somewhat all made sense. There was that constant strange feeling bubbling inside her. After all, the Labyrinth was jam-packed with magic; perhaps she brought some home with her.
Serine connected eyes with Sarah, "So what will it be? Would you like to enroll in The Salem Witches' Institute?"
"Yes!" she replied without hesitation. She then cautiously looked to her father, "I can, can't I?"
He took in a deep breath and turned to Irene who was clearly not buying any of it, "Sounds like a bunch of fairytale rubbish to me." She was always the rational one. A true realist with no imagination. "I sat back and listened patiently and I've heard enough. You just come prancing into our home and tell us your going to take away our daughter for a magic school. Stop wasting our time. To think someone of your age…" she trailed off taking a sip from her glass.
"That's not fair!" cried Sarah, irritated.
"Sarah, she's right. It's outrageous. We have no idea who this woman is really." Her father reasoned.
"That's right!" Irene went on, "She could be a crazed. There's absolutely no credibility."
"Excuse me," the witch snapped firmly, "I assure you I'm not a lunatic." To prove her point she took out a stick of wood and waved it briefly turning Irene's wineglass into a dove. "Ah!" Irene screamed jumping out of her seat. They all watched as the white bird flew around the living room knocking down a few knick-knacks. Then the window opened on its own, letting the bird fly away before closing with a bang. The Williams were all taken aback and breathless. Sarah smiled wide and gave a clap of elation. Her father was dumbfounded, transfixed on the window.
Irene snapped her head towards Serine, "How'd you do that?" The witch just gave her a knowing look, one brow raised. "No, no, no. Don't give me that. Who's working with you? You have some people with you, don't you? My wineglass? That's not even possible!"
"That's right, it's not. Or is it?" Serine tested. The lights started to flicker and for once Irene didn't know what to say. None of it was logical. Finally, to validate her claims she lit the fireplace without a single movement. Irene stumbled back into a chair stunned and defeated.
"Alright!" Sarah exclaimed eagerly. "See! She is a witch!"
"As are you." Serine smiled warmly throwing a wink in her direction. She then turned towards the parents of the house, "My apologizes. I did not wish to scare you."
The father coughed uncomfortably, "No, no. Not a problem at all." He gave a deep sigh. It was silent for a moment and Sarah waited anxiously. "So," he started, "She comes home for Christmas, right?"
Sarah jumped up in delight, "So I can go?"
"Yes. You can go." He smiled and she hugged him tightly, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
A month later Sarah walked down a rustic alley in Salem accompanied by Serine. The witch tapped a couple times on a stone wall with her wand and kicked it causing the rock to mold away into a beautiful arch. The opening emitted a warm glow as they strolled into a thin hall enclosed with decorative iron on either side exposing the tavern they were passing through. Gates were placed to enter the popular bar but they strode past to a large wooden door.
The young girl gasped as she entered the main shopping district in the area for witches and wizards. The Headmistress made it her personal goal to ensure Sarah was set and ready for every aspect of the new term, which would start in only a few weeks. Sarah was in awe looking curiously into every window display.
"Come now Sarah, we've got a lot to get yet. First lets get your robes and books."
"Oh," Sarah started a bit ashamed, "I didn't bring much money. I don't think I could affor-"
"Nonsense. I'll be purchasing your supplies. Our school has money stashed for occasions such as this. Besides, your money is no good here." Sarah wanted to protest but realized it was pointless. Serine turned into a shop and the brunette followed suit.
An hour passed and Sarah was carrying a load of bags containing various heavy first year books and under sized robes. In the store Sarah had questioned the Headmistress as to why everything she bought was so small and the elder witch shortly justified in a hushed tone, "All will be explained later."
"Alright, to Winston's Wand Shop? It 's right around the corner here."
Sarah beamed. Finally, she was going to get her own wand! She hopped into step following behind Serine's long strides. As Serine opened the door Sarah felt a slight nudge on her leg. Surprised, she looked down to see a small black kitten rubbing up beside her and glancing up briefly.
"Awe, hi there little guy." She knelt down petting the kitten's cheek with a finger. "Aren't you precious? What're you doing out here?"
"Sarah?" Serine questioned opening the door. "There you are. Coming in?"
"Yeah." Sarah said, giving the cat one last pet. Upon entering the dimly lit collection she was greeted by a wrinkled aged man with snow-white hair. "John Winston. This has been my family's business for centuries, rest assured I will find you your perfect wand Miss…"
"Sarah Williams."
"Ah! A Williams. How fascinating!" He said peculiarly and hurried behind a large mound of thin boxes. Sarah brushed off the confusing comment and peered into the small gap to see where the owner had gone. A few seconds later he came bustling through with a stack of boxes balancing between his hands and chin.
"Try this." He handed the girl a crafted piece of wood and with a brief wave papers started flying erratically. Disappointed, the shop owner handed over a few more which all gave devastating results. Finally he offered a beautiful warm brown polished wand encrusted with dew like crystals on the handle. Instantly Sarah fell in love with it. Praying for success she gave it a wave and the stick responded with a fountain of colorful sparks. Smiling, she turned to the two elders who appeared pleased.
"Interesting! It's the only kind like it in this entire inventory." He gestured to his stock, "It arrived here only a few days ago. Normally they come in large shipments but this particular one came all by itself. Curious, it picked a Williams!"
"What do you mean by a Williams?" she asked interestedly.
"You don't know?" he said in a disbelieving tone. John Winston turned toward the Headmistress. "You didn't tell her?"
"I gave her a brief synopsis." Serine replied, annoyed of the accusation.
"Your ancestors," he began, "were a very prominent pureblood family from England who took the move to America. They were very prosperous and generous in an age where people needed help the most."
"Excuse me, sorry" Sarah interrupted, "but what's pureblood?"
"That just means their whole family had magical blood." Winston went on, "Before the Salem Witches' Institute was built they offered their own home to teach the young witches and wizards in the area. It started out with just a few visiting weekly but the word spread. Soon enough they had over thirty students coming through their home. Superstitions were high in Muggle- or non-magical- societies, calling witchcraft the deed of the devil. It became dangerous for the children to travel; a few of the little ones got caught and were murdered viciously. For this reason, Mrs. Williams insisted they provide housing as well for all their students. Mr. Williams agreed and built their quaint home into a beautiful mansion. They became the largest unofficial school of witchcraft in America.
"Unfortunately, talk got to the wrong people. Late one night, a riot of angry puritans burnt the house down killing some students in their sleep. The rest who made it out fled the scene. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were devastated. They had lost practically everything; their home, school, and students. Luckily, Mr. Williams was a clever man who hid his wealth in various locations. He bought a small cottage in Salem village. Then with the last of their money he gave a large donation to a group of highly respected witches and wizards in the area entrusting them to build a glorious institution that would be unseen by Muggles, ensuring the safety of it's students. Years passed and the Salem Witches' Institution was built.
"A few generations later Abigail was born. She was the first in the family to show no magical powers and so she was sent away to live with the villages' Reverend. She started to accuse many people in the town of witchcraft. Word spread quickly, and even though most of the accused were Muggles, the wizarding world went further into hiding. Most say it's because they were ashamed or had something to do with the trials but after that great scandal the Williams were never seen or heard from again. Until now!"
Sarah took the story in feeling some pride that her ancestors were so influential in the world she had only just discovered herself. There was still a doubt in her mind; sounding like her father she said, "Williams is a pretty common name."
"Yes," he agreed, then retorted, "But I have faith that you are indeed who I think you are. There's no mistaking a Williams."
Serine was getting impatient and interjected, "How much for the wand?"
John Winston snapped out of storyteller mode and went back to business, "Thirty galleons."
"Thirty?" Serine gasped.
"That's right, thirty. There's only one of those. Plus, crystals cost more."
Serine reached into her satchel, pulled out a handful of coins, and shuffled through them leaving a small mound on the counter. "Let's go, Sarah." She ordered, leading the way to the door.
"Thanks." Sarah said kindly to the old shop owner, gently gesturing to the thin box that held her new wand. He gave a nod and she left the store with Serine.
"And thank you! For everything! I love the wand." Sarah continued to Serine.
"It's my pleasure." She smiled and as they walked Serine went on in a hushed tone, "Now, we're about finished here. I was hoping tonight we could fix the little problem with your age. If all goes right, you will remember everything only your body will go back to age eleven. It does not increase your life-or take it away. It's simply just appearances."
"If all goes right? What could happen?" Sarah worriedly asked.
Serine blushed slightly and admitted, "I've never been too good at charms." Sarah's eyes widened. "But," she hurriedly explained, "I got help from one of the best wizards in the world. I'm fully confident he'll make it perfectly."
Sarah nodded. Butterflies were swarming her stomach but she knew it had to be done. "So where are we going to do this at?"
"Scotland."
"Scotland? I don't think we can even get there tonight!"
Serine laughed, "Don't worry. You'll see." She turned another corner down the busy town square.
Sarah looked around as they made their trek and spotted the same little black kitten sitting in the doorway of a pet's store. It meowed as it's orange-ish green eyes made contact with the girl. Stopping, Sarah called out, "Can we look at one more store?" The older witch nodded causing the girl to smile. She handed her things to Serine, picked up the kitten, and walked into the store.
It was a pleasant shop with a wide selection of snakes, rats, frogs, cats, and owls. Signs were placed throughout clarifying which pets were school friendly. Inwardly, she jumped for joy and held the kitten closer. She heard a loud hoot from behind her and she did a double take as she saw a white barn owl staring. Trying to ignore it's piercing eyes she busied herself by looking for a clerk.
"Excuse me." She spoke to get the workers attention. "I found this little guy outside. Is he yours?"
The man turned and looked over the cat. "That thing is a stray, keeps begging. I ain't got no more room for cats. Everyone wants owls nowadays."
"So I can take him?" she offered hopeful.
He huffed, "Yeah, take 'm. He's your problem now." He turned back around to organize his stock behind the counter. Sarah beamed and made her way back to the Headmistress.
"The guy told me I could have him. Look at him! He's adorable. Can I keep him?" She asked, holding it's furry little paw and waving it to Serine.
Serine grinned and answered, "Sure." She motioned to the door, "Ready to go now?"
Sarah nodded and followed behind as she gave her new pet a name, "I'm gonna call you… Rox."
True to her word they had made it to Scotland that very night. After reaching a pub in the Salem town square they stepped into a fireplace and with something the witch called floo powder they had made it to their destination instantaneously. They exited into a quaint village named Hogsmeade and got into a carriage. With nothing pulling the cart it thrust forward and lead them up a trail revealing a beautiful stone castle. Sensing her excitement Serine kindly stated, "Welcome to Hogwarts." Sarah smiled and lifted the kitten up to the window to see it too. The carriage came to a stop near the front of the castle and the two ladies got out. Sarah held onto the kitten and her wand while Serine charmed the rest to float behind her.
The castle was cold and empty but its architecture was enough to amaze the young girl. Serine led they way taking them through various halls with moving paintings until they reached a gargoyle.
"Lemon Drop."
"No thank you." Sarah politely declined; Serine gave her a knowing smile before the gargoyle started moving and the wall turned revealing a circular stone staircase. Sarah blushed realizing her mistake and followed the headmistress up the steps.
The large door in front of them was cracked open so the elder witch opened it further calling out, "Dumbledore? You in here?" She took a step in looking around the circular room. All the shiny moving objects spewing out puffs of smoke amused Sarah as she glanced around for another person.
"Dumbledore?" she tried again, "He said it's finished and that he'd be here…" Serine glanced around looking for something, her eyes stopped on a golden object. "Ah here it is." She picked up the necklace inspecting it and handed it out for Sarah.
Not having any hands free she put the small cat in her pocket opposite her wand, thankful she was wearing a large coat, and took the delicate necklace. It was a very intricate design; three separate gold rings outlined stars surrounding a tiny hourglass.
"Now just put it on and spin it four times, one for each year." Serine explained simply.
"Okay, here it goes." She did exactly as told, turning the little knobs four times.
She was getting dizzy and the last thing she heard before it got completely dark was Serine's voice calling her. Her world was spinning out of control and Sarah was terrified. Something had gone wrong. As the world flashed back Sarah lost her footing and fell forward, Rox jumped out of her pocket just in time to avoid getting squished. Closing her eyes she took a breath to regain her stomach and opened them reveling the same office, only something was off. Things were placed differently. She pushed herself up and heard a cough behind her.
It was a kind looking old man with a long light brown and grey bread and half-moon glasses perched on a crooked nose. He looked at her curiously.
"Am I eleven?" she asked anxiously, rubbing her head.
He laughed and answered with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes, "No, I don't think so. If you are eleven you look quite tall for your age. I don't mean to be rude but what are you doing in my office, child?"
"Well, you see, I was trying to turn eleven." She said, fingers touching the golden necklace, which now harbored a broken hourglass. "But I don't think that's what happened."
"Ah I see. That there around your neck appears to be a time turner." He stated getting up from his chair which Rox swiftly took over, sniffing the contents of the desk curiously. The old man searched his pocket and pulled out some candy. "Lemon Drop?" Sarah politely accepted and he continued, "What year is it?"
Confused, Sarah replied, "1986, of course."
He gave a small significant smile, "Welcome to 1974."
Thanks for reading! Reviews are always welcome!