"~Parseltongue~"


I entered the great hall to see that all of the teachers had made it there before me. When Dippet saw me he stood from his chair, gaining the attention of the other teachers. "Miss Abby!" The rest of the teachers finally seemed to notice me.

"Let me introduce you to your teachers for the summer." He raised his hand over Dumbledore, "You have already met professor Dumbledore. He will be your transfiguration teacher." As he went on the only teachers I recognized was Dumbledore and Slughorn. The name Kettleburn was familiar but he wasn't in the books or movie.

During breakfast I was given my schedule for the week. If I thought school was bad then this was worse. The core classes were during the week, and then I had the elective classes on the weekends. At least my weekends are free.

Monday:

7:30-9:00 Transfiguration

9:10-10:30 Charms

10:40-12:00 Arithmacy

12:10-1:30 Lunch

1:40-3:00 Herbology

Tuesday:

7:30-9:00 Potions

9:10-10:30 DADA

10:40-12:00 Care of Magical Creatures

12:10-1:30 Lunch

1:40-3:00 History of Magic

(12:00-1:30) Astronomy

Wednesday:

7:30-9:00 Transfiguration

9:10-10:30 Charms

10:40-12:00 Ancient Runes

12:10-1:30 Lunch

1:40-3:00 Herbology

Thursday:

7:30-9:00 Potions

9:10-10:30 Defense Against the Dark Arts

10:40-12:00 Muggle Studies

12:10-1:30 Lunch

1:40-3:00 History of Magic

(12:00-1:30) Astronomy

Friday:

7:30-9:00 Transfiguration

9:10-10:30 Charms

10:40-12:00 Divination

12:10-1:30 Lunch

1:40-3:00 Herbology

They gave me every single class available. Why would I need to know Muggle Studies? I suppose I could use divination as an excuse for anything I accidentally slip about the future. I was most excited about Care though.

"You can start classes tomorrow. For today you will be shown around the castle so you will know where your classes will be." Dippet told me. Dumbledore rose from his chair and beckoned me to do the same. He led me throughout the castle and every time we reached one of the classrooms the teacher was already there. I figured they had left the great hall so they could get to the rooms.

We finished with the transfiguration get classroom. When we got there Dumbledore left me to my own devices. At first I didn't know what to do. You would think there would be tons of things to do when you go to Hogwarts but I couldn't think of one. I couldn't go to Hogsmead or Diagon because it was possible that somebody would realize I was missing. I haven't been taught how to fly a broom, and the Forbbiden Forest had the same circumstances as Hogsmead. I suddenly got a brilliant idea…and I just used the word brilliant. sigh, brilliant.

I raced up the stairs and made it to the Gryffindor common room. When I got up to the dormitories I called for Hatty. "What can Hatty be doing for guest mistress?"

I opened my mouth to give my request but quickly snapped it shut. I narrowed my eyes in thought, "Why do you call me guest mistress?"

"Because you be's a guest at Hoggywarts!" She claimed excitedly.

I nodded, "I see. But I'm not really a guest anymore." I pointed out.

Hatty looked at me in confusion. "You'd not a guest?"

"Nope." I claimed proudly, "I am officially a student, starting tomorrow." The news cleared Hatty's confusion and she began bouncing about the room. I laughed at her antics. "Hatty come here." the humor was heard in my voice. She immediately came to my side and looked at me for instruction. "Because I'm not a guest you will have to call me something else."

I rubbed my chin in thought, "Well I suppose you can call me Danielle. It is my name after all."

Hatty seemed horrified that I had just asked her to address me by me, "Hatty can't call mistress by her name! No she can't!"

"Well you can't go around calling me mistress! Danielle will do fine."

But Hatty was stubborn "You is mistress Abby and Hatty will call you as such." she bobbed her head as if that was that. But I wasn't giving up.

"Could you at least call me miss? Like miss Abby? Or miss Danielle?" I personally didn't care for the latter, but she didn't need to know.

I made it through her stubbornness. "Hatty will call you Miss Abby." I smiled at her in thanks. "I have one last request."

"Of course Miss Abby!" All traces of the previous conversation gone. Except for my new title.

"Do you think you could take me to the kitchens?"

"Yes she could!" Hatty took my hand in hers and in the blink of an eye we were in the kitchens. I was surrounded by many other house-elves, and our sudden appearance startled them. Me more so than Hatty. When they saw me they grew instantly silent for about two seconds before they burst into excited chatter. The noise level was quite loud because they were all trying to talk to me at once.

A sudden bang went off next to me. It silenced all of the elves and we all turned to see Hatty standing on a table with her fingers in the snapping position. I realized she was the one to cause the bang and I was never so grateful for Hatty's help.

"You's be making Miss Abby uncomfortable!" The elves all looked to see my uncomfortable stance and they all backed down and returned to their business. Their voices a little more subdued than before.

Hatty ushered me into a nearby chair and set a plate down in front of me. Just a turkey sandwich, some chips, and some orange looking drink. I looked at Hatty, "You wouldn't happen to have any fruit would you?" Hatty snapped her fingers and a bowl of fruit appeared next to my plate. "And, erm…" I straightened my arm and placed my hand on the table top. With a hiss Basil slowly slithered out of my sleeve.

Her sudden presence scared house-elves but I was quick to reassure them. "Don't worry she's harmless! I've had her since I was twelve and she's very dear to me." I looked back at Hatty when the other elves returned to their work, still throwing cautious glances at Basil.

"Do you have any mice or something she could eat?" Hatty was looking at Basil just as warily but nodded her head. She popped away for a few moments before returning with a box. She set it on the table in front of me quickly. "Will you's be needing anything else?"

"No. Thank you Hatty." I gave her a sincere smile. My actions must have shocked the elves because they went silent again and were staring at me in awe. I awkwardly cleared my throat and reached for the box. The house-elves all returned to their work by the time I opened the box to reveal two mice.

I set one in the table and trapped it by its tail. Basil slowly slithered up, and reared back before striking forward and biting into the mouse. Once she swallowed it we did the same with the other. She settled back with a satisfied hiss. "~Thankss~"

The sudden voice made me jump and I turned to look every which way, but I was the on,y other person in the room the house-elves glanced at me but otherwise continued. I sat back in my chair and saw Basil's head was raised from the tab,e and she was looking at me.

"~You heard me~" it wasn't a question.

I looked at her with wide eyes and nodded slowly. She cocked her head, "~You spoke to me last night as well~" I raised my brows at the information. I didn't understand why I was able to talk to her when I remembered something. I pulled the papers out of my robes and found the list of my abilities. "Parseltongue" clearly written as one of them. I looked at the other abilities and decided I would work on those later.

I was gonna speak back to her but I remembered the elves' reaction to just Basil and figured I would save it for later. I allowed her to return to my sleeve and I took a sip of the orange liquid and tried my hardest not to spit it back out. I thickly swallowed it and made a note not to have the drink again. By the taste of it it was pumpkin juice.

I finished the rest of my lunch without a problem and called for Hatty, letting her know I was going to leave the kitchens and wander around the castle. Before I left though I called for her, "If it's no trouble, I would really appreciate it if you gave me water, or even soda, instead of pumpkin juice next time." I gave a thankful smile and left the kitchens.

I memorized the way to the kitchens so I could get there next time without the need of Hatty. I decided that, because I don't really know what to do, I would try and find the library. Maybe I could find some books about the wizarding world to help me understand it more. Mostly on current times, because I don't want to have people talking about something that should really be common knowledge. Of course, I could play it off as being American.

I finally found it on the third floor after three hours of searching. When I entered I looked around at the huge library in amazement. It was larger than the library from where I was from!

I must have been gaping for too long because a clipped voice sounded from my left. "Well, are you just going to stand and gawk there all day or come in?" I turned to the voice and found a young woman giving me a piercing stare. I swallowed an angry retort, not wanting to get on her bad side incase I might need her help later on.

"Sorry madam it's just," I gestured to the library around me, "when I was in America I was never in a library as…" I tried to find the right word, "Extravagant? Amazing? I was just taking my time to admire it."

She nodded with an imperceptible smile and looked down to her desk. I was going to go deeper into the library but I had no idea where to start. I glanced at the librarian before deciding to ask her for help. It's worth a shot anyway.

I lightly cleared my throat to get her attention. "I know I'm probably bothering you, but do you think you could show me some books that could help me get acquainted with the current events?"

She looked at me over her glasses before giving a sharp nod and leading me through the library. She brought me to a section of wall and took down one of the books. She handed it to me. "This is the book you are looking for. Anything more recent and you can look through some newspapers I have near the front desk."

I took the book from her carefully and gently pet the cover. I always had a soft spot for books. They were my only escape from the orphanage. I looked up at the librarian and saw she had returned to her desk. I saw her looking at me before returning to her work. I'm pretty sure she approved of my actions towards the books.

I sat down at a nearby table and cracked open the leather-bound book. I was so immersed that I didn't know how much time had passed by until I heard someone clearing their throat from right next to me. I jumped and looked up to see the librarian looking down at me. "The library is closing."

I looked for a clock but when I couldn't find one I shrugged and closed the book, memorizing the page I was on. I saw that I was about two-thirds of the way done. Not wanting to stop reading I walked up to the front desk, "Would you mind if I borrowed the book?" I smiled when the librarian gave me the permission.

I left the library and rushed up to the Gryffindor common room. I made it up to the dormitories and set the book on the nightstand. I called for Hatty and asked her to get me the clothes I had been wearing when I got here.

She returned with my beat up black converse, my ripped black skinny jeans, a red tshirt, and a back hoodie. Basil was wrapped around my shoulders for everyone to see. I lifted my hood to make sure my face was hidden. It wouldn't do much good if anyone in the castle saw me, they would know who I was right away. I stuck my wand up my sleeve and put my money pouch in my hoodie pocket.

This was one of those moments when I wished I had a Marauders map of my own. I paused at the thought I should make one. That would be so cool. I filed the idea away for later.

I called for Hatty again. I felt kinda bad for using her so much, but I didn't have many options at the moment. "Do you think you could pop me over to Diagon Alley without anyone noticing?"

Hatty sadly shook her head, "The headmaster would notice Miss Abby."

I pursed my lips and wondered how else to get out of the castle undetected. I couldn't use the humpbacked witch because I didn't know where the passage even was. "Hatty do you know any ways to get out of the castle undetected?"

She thought for awhile and seemed to think of something, "The come-and-go room be's one way!" My eyes lit up. Of course! Why didn't I think of that?

"Could you take me there?" Hatty nodded her head, causing her ears to start flapping. She grabbed my hand and we popped away.

We reappeared in front of a large stretch of wall. The other side of the hallway he a portrait of trolls trying to do ballet. I couldn't remember the paintings name but I knew we were in the right place.

"Thanks Hatty. But you need to make sure this stays between you and me. You got that?" I looked at her sternly.

The nodded again, "Hatty gets that, yes she does!"

"You can't even tell the headmaster."

Hatty shook her head. "You's be the heir of the Slytherin and the Ravenclaw! Your word be higher than the headmasters." With that she popped away. How she knew I was the heir I didn't know.

I looked at the wall and began pacing. I need a way to get out of the castle undetected… I need a way to get out of the castle undetected… I need a way to get out of the castle undetected…

A door suddenly began appearing in the stonework of the wall. I grinned and opened the door. I was greeted with a basic room with shelves stuffed with books on one wall. A plush couch was next to the shelf should I choose to read one. But looking at the covers I saw they were all on apparating and there was no way I was about to try that.

I saw a bowl by a roaring fireplace and saw it was filled with a silvery powder. I looked between the powder and the powder before taking a handful and throwing it into the flames. I jumped back when the burst into green flames.

I held my hand towards the flame and waited for it to start burning, but nothing happened. My hand finally touched the flames and I drew it back quickly, expecting to be burned. I furrowed my brows when my hand turned out to be perfectly fine.

I stepped into the flames and found that the flames were perfectly harmless. Instead they kicked at my hands and left a small tickling sensation behind. I stood up straight and pronounced "Diagon Alley" as clear as possible.

I was soon sucked through the fire place. It felt like I was being stretched in every direction and I saw colors of all kinds quickly passing by me, making me even more dizzy. I was soon spat out, and from experience with the portkey-sock, I was able to stay, unsteadily, on my feet.

I looked around and found myself in some kind of pub. The rowdy customers told me that maybe the shops around the Alley haven't closed yet.

I left the pub and saw the sign saying it was the Leaky Cauldron. I smiled at the familiar name and turned to the Alley. The shops were still lit up with a few customers here and there.

I knew I was going to be getting a lot of stuff so I went to find maybe a bag of some sort. Looking around I finally found a shop with trunks displayed in the windows. I entered the shop and a ringing sound announced my presence. I saw no one in the shop so I started to look around. I had just found a beautiful black leather trunk when the shop keeper came out.

"Hello there?! Can I help you?" I turned around and saw an older man, with greying brown hair and kind green eyes, make his way over to me. He was looking as Basil with worry but otherwise came right up to me.

I smiled "Good evening sir. But I was wondering if I could get this trunk?"

"Of course you can! But it will be a little pricey." He warned me.

I smirked, "Price is no option. Don't worry." My response seemed to make him cheerier.

"Well, this particular trunk is made from dragon hide. It will be protected from certain spells, and is more expensive than other trunks. Is this the one you wanted?"

I placed my hand on the trunk, "This one. But is there a way to customize it?"

"Sure, sure!" He picked up the trunk and brought it to the counter. He took out some parchment and readied a quill. He looked up at me. "Do you know what you would like?"

I tilted my head. "I would like the lining to be red, And my initials, D.R.A., can be red as well. I want my initials near the handle while my family crest is put on the side."

He looked up to see my family crest and I allowed him to see the Morrickson heir ring. He looked like he recognized the ring but otherwise said nothing about it. "Would you like any wards?"

"Please. But I'm not sure what wards there are. I'm not good at school so I don't know what would work."

He tapped the feather of the quill against his chin. "You'll want some privacy charms Im sure…" he trailed off and started listing a whole bunch of different charms. He turned the list to me and pointed out which one did what. From a shrinking charm to a ward that zaps anyone who gets the password wrong.

Next were the compartments. "I would like a library. A wardrobe would be lovely. If you could put a secret compartment in there that's password protected as well then that would be lovely."

He finished writing with a flourish. "When will you need this by?"

"Hopefully by tonight. I'm not sure if I will be able to return tomorrow." He seemed to think it over, calculating how fast he could get the job done.

"I should be able to finish it in two hours." I gave him a grateful smile and he told me the price. I gave him half held up a hand in defense at his look.

"You'll get the other half when you're done." and with that I left the store.

I walked throughout the Alley once more and found Madam Malkins Robes for All Occasions. I had always detested clothes shopping, so I decided might as well get this over with as quickly as possible.

The bell above the door chimed and the woman behind the counter looked up and saw my figure standing uncomfortably in the door. "Hello there dearie. What can I help you with?"

I cleared my throat. "I need a new wardrobe."

Her eyes lit up like Christmas came early. It gave me the shivers. "Oh wonderful! Come on in and stand right up here." I was led onto a pedestal and she went to measure me when she finally noticed Basil around my shoulders. She gasped and laid a hand onto her chest. "Oh my. I'm sorry my dear but your snake will not be able to stay on your shoulders while I measure you. Neither can that odd coat you're wearing."

I conceded to Basil needing to move but not my hoodie. "I would much rather my face be hidden madam, please. I am only in need of casual robes and maybe a few cloaks. And pajamas. And socks. And shoes…" I trailed off when I realized my list kept getting longer.

I huffed "Can you not do this with my coat on?"

"If you wish to conceal your looks would you like me to put a glamour on you?" She put her hands in her hips.

I nodded, "Yea that will work." I stepped down and set my hoodie on a chair. Basil curled up on top, protectively watching my money and my wand. I returned to the pedestal and was subjected to what seemed like hours of various measurements, but was probably only about half an hour or so.

When she was done she stepped back and I sighed with relief. She looked at my black glamoured hair and regular blue eyes. I actually looked a lot different. "All right dearie. Be back in an hour and your clothes should be ready." I nodded my head and put my hoodie back on. Picking up my wand made me remember I wanted a wand holster.

My hood was replaced and Basil was around my neck. I turned around and saw Madam Malkin pointing her wand at me. I felt the glam ours effects fade away and I smiled gratefully.

I left the store and headed in the direction of Ollivanders. But before I could get there I found a bookstore called Flourish and Blotts. Entering the store I looked around at all the different books. I started at one end of the store and went from there. I found Hogwarts A History, Quidditch Through the Ages, several books on Animagus transformation, and a couple more on Occlumency, some on various magical creatures. I found a book about the theory behind magic, hoping it would help me learn how to use magic.

I had a good, heavy stack of books going and I was thankful the store owner allowed me to keep them up with him. I made it to a darker corner of the store and began looking through the books. Some were pretty gruesome and made me raise a brow, but I said nothing.

I wasn't really into learning about the dark arts. Sure it's magic too but I just never wanted too. Although I could read a book about dark magic. I took a book down with a title claiming it to be the history of dark magic and a voice sounded behind me.

"I've read that book before. There wasn't any good information in it." I turned around and saw a boy about my age with aristocratic features staring at Basil with calm, midnight blue, eyes. His dark–maybe black–hair was short and parted to the side. He was handsome, I'll give him that, and had an intelligent air about him. Even his voice was something we ladies would go to great lengths to hear. It was smooth and fairly deep.

"I'll be the judge of that." My voice held no emotion as I spoke, but he didn't seem to hear as he was having a staring contest with Basil. "~Master he is a speaker. I can sense it~" when she said that I realized that this boy was one Tom Riddle.

Shouldn't he be at his orphanage?! I internally screamed, but on the outside I was perfectly calm and collected. "That's wonderful. Unfortunately it seems we need to return to our shopping."

I was going to walk to the register to buy my books but Riddle stepped in front of me. He held his hand out in front of him, "Tom Riddle."

I looked at his hand and debated whether or not I should return the gesture. I saw no harm in it and was intent to shake his hand, but he had other ideas. He grasped my hand and instead of shaking it pressed a kiss to my knuckles. My only response was "A pleasure." before I brushed past him.

I bought my books and had them put in a bag with a featherlight charm. I left the store without so much as a glance in Riddles direction, but that didn't mean I could feel his heavy gaze on my back.

When I made it out of the store I started reprimanding Basil. "~Honestly why would you point that out! You foolish snake. I don't want anything to do with him~"

"~Forgive me Master, I didn't know.~"

I sighed "~I will forgive you if you actually call me by my name~"

"~Agreed~"

My time in F&B took longer than I thought. Before I knew it I was in Madam Mallins once again to collect my new clothes. "There you are dearie. That's seven cloaks, socks, undergarments, night wear, pair of shoes, and ten everyday robes." I paid her the required amount of galleons and thanked anyone who was listening that I was rich.

After that I had time to spare and I continued towards Ollivanders. I entered the dusty shop and was greeted by the same creepy Ollivander. I made Basil hide, but for all I knew he knew she was there. "What can I help you with today, Miss Abby?"

"I would like to get a wand holster, and for this meeting to stay silent." By agreeing I would never have to sneak out to his store at this hour again he agreed to stay silent that I was ever there, and he showed me to the several wand holsters.

The one I chose was black dragon hide, just like my trunk. And it had a purple rose decorating the side.

I left and made it to the trunk store to see the man coming out of a back room looking a little weary. When he saw me his weariness disappeared and he went back into the room before returning with my trunk. He laid it out before me and I looked at it with awe. It was the same black dragon hide, but this time there was red lining on the seams. My initials were printed right next to the handle in the same red color.

The best part was the very top of the trunk. Laying on a field of red was a black wolf with its head raised high, the same wolf from my ring. The only difference was that the wolfs eyes on the trunk were the same purple color as mine. That looked as though they were staring into my soul.

I looked at my ring and saw that the wolf did, indeed, have purple eyes like mine. I wordered why the man made them purple when my eyes had been covered.

The man explained to me how to set the password and how to shrink it, before I then opened it. Inside I saw two compartments lined with red fabric. The one on the right held the library while the one on the left was my wardrobe.

The bottom of the trunk was solid, but if I tapped it with my wand three times then I was able to put things through the floor and into the room beyond. I took my bags of clothes and gratefully dropped them into the wardrobe compartment. I heard the sound of clothes hitting the floor a couple seconds later, before solidifying the bottom and setting my books into it.

He showed me that the floor of the trunk was actually the secret compartment, and if I wanted to open it I had to tap my wand against the inside of the trunk and say the password. Before the bottom came up and revealed the empty space that turned out to be bottomless.

I closed the trunk and decided to set the password later when nobody would hear. I paid him the rest of the money and left the store, intent on getting back to Hogwarts. I had to backtrack when I found the Quidditch store though, and I couldn't resist.

When I left the store I had the newest model and a broom kit, both safely stored into my secret compartment. I shrunk the trunk and put it in my pocket along with my money pouch.

I found the Leaky Cauldron and went to use the Floo powder again but I didn't know what address to use. Stepping into the fire I threw the powder and pronounced "Hogsmead " before being promptly sucked to that vary place.

I don't know where I was spat out, but I do know I needed to find that candy store. I finally found the store, Honeydukes, before trying the door. Naturally it was locked. I took a deep breath before taking out my wand and pointing it at the lock. "Alohamora." Naturally nothing happened.

I took another deep breath Come on magic I need you. Please? I focused on the lock and grew determined, "Alohamora!" I heard a click and when I tried the door it actually opened. I couldn't believe it actually worked. I jumped up and down and kissed my wand. "Thank you magic." I whispered.

I gasped when I felt a warm, tingling sensation rush throughout my whole body. But after a few moments it was gone. I thought nothing of it and closed the door behind me, re-locking it. I held up my wand again and tried another spell. "Point me; Honeydukes cellar." My wand spun a couple times before pointing a little to my right. I followed it down into a dark looking room.

My wand started spinning uncontrollably and I determined I was on top of the trap door that would lead to Hogwarts. I tried more spells, "Lumos." When my wand lit up I could have done a happy dance. I couldn't believe that I was doing magic, successfully.

Turning my attention to the floor I searched until I finally found the outline of a square. I cut the light and pronounced "Wingardium Leviosa." I heard the scraping of moving tile and I felt the slab slowly lift from the air. I stopped and lit my wand again to see a set of dark stairs leading underground.

I kept my wand in front of me as I carefully descended the stairs. When I was low enough I replaced the stone slab and continued down the stairs. When I reached the bottom I started jogging through the tunnel. I wanted to try and get to bed as soon as possible. I had classes the next day and I didn't want to be all droopy eyed while they were trying to teach me.

It must have been close to an hour when I finally reached the end of the passage. I didn't want to risk stepping into the hallway because one of the teachers might be walking by.

"Hatty?"

A loud pop echoed throughout the passage. I quickly shushed her and held out my hand, "Can you bring me back to the dorms?" She quickly nodded and grabbed my hand, returning me to the dorms as I asked.

I set the trunk down on my bed and enlarged it before deciding to set the password. "~Morrickson~" Nobody would guess it, and it was in another language.

I opened the trunk and tapped the bottom, allowing me access to the wardrobe. "Accio Pajamas." Nothing happened. Well it can't always work.

I grudgingly set the trunk on the floor and cautiously stepped in. Nothing happened and I started feeling stupid for standing in a trunk when I started to descend. Kind of like an elevator.

When I reached the bottom I found my dream closet. It was as big as my room in the orphanage, with one side dedicated to hanging my clothes on a hanger. The opposite side had various boxes where I could put my various accessories. And on the third wall in front of me was slanted shelving that looked like it was for holding shoes.

Too tired to deal with my clothes I sifted through them all and found a set of pajamas before stepping back onto a square object that lifted me back out of the trunk. Pleased, I solidified the bottom and closed the trunk before shrinking it and putting it on the nightstand.

I changed and gratefully fell onto the bed. Falling asleep before my head even touched the pillow.