A/N: This is the first time I am writing and posting an original fic, though I have probably read hundreds, haha. I thought I would join in the fun! Please let me know what you think. :)
Obligatory Disclaimer: I do not own any of this; The world and characters all belong to J.K Rowling!
Chapter 1
The echo of footfalls faded into the night as two women climbed the stone steps to the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The younger of the two women sighed as they reached the ominous wooden doors.
"I still don't understand the necessity of you escorting me in, mother. I would have been perfectly fine to take the train in with everyone else."
The elder woman, refined and beautiful still in spite of her age scoffed, "Allegra, darling you are not just any student. A Bennett woman does not simply arrive, she makes an entrance." Allegra rolled her eyes in response. Ignoring her daughter's obvious scorn she continued, "Besides, we discussed this. Now is not the time to take a gamble with your safety. While I believe Hogwarts may be the best place for you just now, I still need face to face confirmation with Dumbledore that you will be safe and treated according to your proper rank and place."
As the entrance doors groaned and opened to them, Allegra merely sighed to herself without responding. She knew arguing with her mother was futile. Cordelia Bennett was not a woman to be swayed once she had something in her head.
The two women were soon greeted by a couple of House Elves who bowed and bobbed their welcome. The elves relieved them of their heavy traveling cloaks, took Allegra's floating shrunken luggage and began guiding them through the grand entrance hall. Allegra was struck with the magnificence of the castle. Beauxbatons had been beautiful and ornate, but nothing like the ancient grandeur Hogwarts exuded from each stone and arched entryway.
Allegra's appreciation for the castle's architecture was interrupted by the arrival of a woman in dark green Tartan robes and a severe countenance that brooked no nonsense.
"Mrs. Bennett. Ms. Bennett. I see you have arrived no worse for the wear. I am professor McGonagall-Deputy Headmistress here at Hogwarts, as well as the Transfiguration Professor." She turned towards Allegra.
"I understand that you are quite the student, Ms. Bennett, and I hope that your educational strengths will continue flourish here, despite the rigor of 7th year. Now, the other students do not arrive for another hour, and the Headmaster is expecting you. I'll take you to his office directly."
"Thank you, Professor. We follow your lead." Cordelia Bennett replied gracefully and with the detached coolness that Allegra could never seem to fully emulate.
As they made their way through the castle corridors Allegra silently studied her new professor. She was an older woman, lines of gray clearly visible as they knotted into her tight, tidy bun. She walked with swift strides, no hint of laziness to her gait. Allegra enjoyed transfigurations. She hoped she would not disappoint the intimidating Scottish woman.
At last they arrived to a curling spiral stone staircase, lit by the flickering light of floating torches lining the walls.
"The door to Headmaster Dumbledore's office is at the top of the stairs. His password is cream puff. You may go directly in." She inclined her head towards her mother, then turned to face Allegra. "After all pertinent business is attended to, a House Elf will show you to the Great Hall, where the Welcome Feast and Sorting Ceremony will take place. You will be sorted into your House at that time, after the first years have been sorted. I must go and prepare for their arrival, good to meet you both." With that said she bustled off, her dark green robes rustling as her steps faded down the corridor.
"Come along, darling. The Headmaster awaits." Her mother said, already beginning to climb the stairs. Allegra sighed once more and started after her mother.
It hadn't been her idea to have this meeting with the Headmaster. In fact, the whole transfer had been her mother's idea. Last year, Beauxbatons had been infiltrated with Deatheater and pureblood propaganda. The politics split the school and tensions ran high, and at the peak of dissension when some students were hurt, its closure had been discussed. While the school had ultimately remained open, her mother had plucked her from its halls and promptly announced she would be transferring to Hogwarts. Allegra had not been keen on this plan. If the idea had been to escape Voldemort and the ever further reaching fingers of the war, why on earth would her mother place her at its central hub? The famed Harry Potter attended this school. It was well-known, even internationally, that Voldemort had fixed a target on "the Chosen one" and anyone associated with him. Her attempts to logically explain this to her mother fell on deaf ears, as had her suggestions of magical home-schooling.
"As if you need to isolate yourself any further, really Allegra." Her mother had scoffed.
She had not realized that her mother had been aware of the distance she had put between herself and the other girls at Beauxbatons, though she shouldn't be surprised. Her mother knew everything. There was bound to be some natural isolation when she arrived to the French school her 5th year, being the only American, her family's well-known wealth and political prominence in the States preceding her. However, Allegra had furthered her isolation by not particularly trying to make any friends or connections. She found it… difficult… to relate to the other young girls. Not after everything that had happened…
She was shaken out of her reverie as she heard her mother crisply announce, "Cream puff," distaste dripping from her tone.
The Gargoyle guarding the entryway jumped to the side, startling both mother and daughter momentarily. Cordelia Bennett soon regained herself and swept into the headmaster's office, Allegra trailing just behind her. She was immediately struck by the whimsical oddity of the room she found herself in. Bright and bold colors pervaded. Odd instruments and large tomes were strewn about on shelves and small tables, and a beautiful ruby-plumed phoenix stood on a tall golden perch in the corner of the room staring at her with wise obsidian eyes.
Then her eyes fixed on the Headmaster himself as he stood from behind his desk. The pictures she had seen in the papers had simply not done him justice. He looked almost ridiculous in his purple robes, his silver beard reaching the golden sash tied about his waist, with a twinkle evident in his crystal blue eyes from behind half-moon spectacles. What the pictures could not capture was the inarguable powerful presence he held. This man was without doubt one of the most powerful wizards in the world. She began to understand her mother's trust in him.
"Ah, Mrs. Bennett, Ms. Bennett. I warmly welcome you to Hogwarts. I hope your travels were safe and comfortable. May I offer you some tea? A lemon drop?"
Allegra's mother dropped a slight curtsy in greeting, "Thank you for your welcome. Tea would be lovely. And, uh, no thank you to the sweets, if you don't mind." Allegra merely nodded her concurrence and continued to observe the strange man before her.
"Of course, of course." He snapped his fingers and tea appeared on the desk before them. He gestured for them to sit in the over-sized yellow arm chairs across from the desk. "Not everyone has the penchant I do for these muggle treats… alas, it is an indulgence." He took a sip of tea before popping a lemon drop in his bearded mouth.
"Now. I believe, Mrs. Bennett, you had some things you wished to discuss with me before term began…" Dumbledore said nodding towards her. Her mother sat up straighter in her seat.
"Yes, Headmaster. I know you received my owl detailing the reasons for our sudden… departure from France. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's army and ideology is spreading its reach, infiltrating the schools to try and brainwash the children to his cause. We had our fill of his "cause" in America… it is why we left in the first place. My husband… God rest his soul… lost his life for getting mixed up in that evil, and Allegra…" she trailed off, swallowing thickly before giving her head a slight shake and continuing, "Allegra has been through enough."
Allegra looked down at her knees. She did not want to discuss this. She did not want her mother discussing this like she was not in the room.
"I need assurance that my daughter will be safe here. This is her seventh year. She is an outstanding student and a credit to her family name, in spite of all that has happened. I expect much from her, as she well knows." Allegra shifted slightly in her chair as her mother continued. "You are rumored to be the only wizard that… You-Know-Who fears. Hogwarts is renowned for its fortitude; it is the oldest wizarding school in the world. Now, I know this Harry Potter child attends here and seems to get himself mixed up with more trouble than a young man ever should. Unfortunately, that trouble seems to always tie in with You-Know-Who and his Deatheaters. I need your assurance that my daughter will not be involved in any such happenings and will be able to finish her schooling safely and peacefully." Her mother finished her speech keeping hawk-like eye contact with the headmaster.
"Your concern for your daughter is commendable. These are dark times and I was sorry to hear of the trouble at Beauxbatons. Our French comrades have always been close educational allies of ours. As to your daughter's safety, while no one can give a 100% guarantee, I assure you madam, that we do everything in our power to keep all of Hogwarts' students safe in an environment to foster their magical learning."
He turned from them and walked to the Phoenix in the corner, stroking its feathers. His voice took on a slightly far away quality.
"Voldemort's power continues to grow, but we have not lost our ground at Hogwarts and the side of the light will see that it continues that way." Allegra gave an involuntary shudder at the sound of Voldemort's name. Her skin began to crawl the way it always did and she began to sweat and pull in quiet, shallow breaths. Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes fell on her, taking in her reaction. His voice gentled. "My dear girl, I am truly sorry for what has happened to you. No young person should carry a burden such as yours." Allegra looked up quickly, meeting his gaze. How much did he know?
"Yes, well." Her mother said briskly. "I am pleased to hear you say that. I will have Allegra owl me weekly, and if something out of the ordinary happens I expect to be informed at once. Come darling, I want to assure myself of your appropriate accommodations and get you settled." She stood from her seat and brushed imaginary lint from her impeccable navy blue robes.
Allegra stood up as well, aware that the headmaster's eyes were on her still. "Actually, Mrs. Bennett, Allegra will be going down to the Great Hall for the Welcoming Feast, after which one of the Prefects of her selected House will accompany her and the other students of her House to their dormitory. We feel it is important that every Hogwarts students begins the year together."
Her mother looked as if she was going to argue, but Allegra quickly interjected, "Mother its fine. I don't want special treatment and I'd rather just begin as a normal student." Her mother looked unhappy but ultimately kept silent.
"Well then! It is decided." Dumbledore's twinkle was back in full force. "Now, Ms. Bennett tell me, are you familiar with our House System? Its implementation is as old as these stone walls" he said jovially, gesturing around the room.
Allegra shifted her stance, and glanced up from beneath long lashes. "I know a little about them—four houses based on the four founders of Hogwarts?" She answered timidly.
"Indeed, you are correct—named for them too: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Each house with its own unique values and qualities. I'm sure you'll hear about the 'associated traits' of each house, but keep in mind that every house has its merit." He smiled at her. "If you are unopposed, Ms. Bennett, you will be sorted by our traditional sorting hat into one of these proud Houses. From that point forward, your House becomes like your family. You take classes together, eat meals together, share a dormitory, and so on. There are even House Cup points to be won and lost based on behavior! It's quite a wonderful system. And of course each house has its own Quidditch team if you fancy sports" He winked at her.
"Uh, I will certainly consider it. Thank you for all the information, sir." Her head swum with the information. Her House would be like her own family? It appeared she would eat, sleep and breathe with her housemates… Sleep…Share a dormitory…Oh God…She thought with dread. "Sir… you mentioned dormitories… will I be able to have my own room?"
Sympathy and something close to understanding filled Dumbledore's eyes as her slowly shook his head, "No, Ms. Bennett. I'm afraid you will not. The young ladies from your year and house share a room and bathroom. Your four-poster bed does have curtains however. There are spells that aid one who may not wish to be disturbed…" She nodded in reply with a sinking heart. "Of course sir. That will be… fine I am sure."
Mrs. Bennett took that moment to step back into the conversation. "Well I think it is preposterous for her not to have her own room. This castle is enormous, what are you using the excess space for, broom closets? She is a Bennett, and we are a private family. She is a seventh year, she deserves to have her own room!" Cordelia huffed indignantly.
"Madam, I understand your concerns. However, we foster the idea that communal living helps foster the growth of young minds. Youths are not meant to be too isolated," He said turning piercing eyes upon Allegra, who flushed. How did this wizard seem to know everything? Her mother opened her mouth to protest again, but was interrupted with the arrival of Professor McGonagall.
"Headmaster, the train has arrived and the children will be entering the castle soon. We need to make our way down to the feast." She said glancing over at Allegra and her mother.
"My, how time flies when we are having fun. Mrs. Bennett, I am sure Ms. Bennett will adjust to the new sleeping arrangements. I will not forget what you have stressed in our conversation. Your daughter will be safe. Now, I'm quite certain Minerva would be delighted to accompany you to the grounds to the apparition point after you have said your goodbyes to your daughter." Dumbledore smiled getting to his feet and making his way around his large desk.
Allegra turned to her mother, moving to hug her. Her mother stuck one arm out and placed it on the shoulder of Allegra's new black school robes. "Do well, Allegra. I know you will." She stated crisply and without further ado, strode out of the office and began to descend the stairs. Minerva rose one eyebrow, but only hesitated a moment before following after her, leaving Allegra staring mutely after them both, only mildly surprised at her mother's abrupt goodbye.
Dumbledore placed a kind hand upon the opposite shoulder. "Come now, Ms. Bennett. Your future at Hogwarts awaits you!"
Allegra nodded in what she hoped was a mildly excited and hopeful manner, unable to dislodge the sinking feeling of dread that came upon her as they made their way towards the Great Hall and the Welcoming Feast…