Hi everyone! Here's another newly edited chapter of Year 1. It's sad to see no one else has read the new chapter 1. If you are reading this thank you. It means a lot that you would go back and read this. It also helps you get a better understanding seeing we add a lot more information. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
Warning! OCs
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN ANYTHING THAT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ORIGINAL STORY OF HARRY POTTER! IT ALL BELONGS TO J.K ROWLING. ALSO iPODS.
Jennifer's POV
After I change, the old lady tells me to grasp her arm. I look over at her hesitantly and grip it tightly. Then I hear a snap. What I feel next is fun but nauseating. It feels like I'm on a messed up roller coaster that keeps on twisting and turning. Soon, we hit solid ground; I shake the dizziness out of my head. Man, what just happened? Oh god, I'm gonna hurl...right on the old lady's shiny stilettos. After I finish puking, I look at the old lady with an apologetic look. She has a look of pure disgust on her face.
Who wouldn't after someone puked on their shoes...with a wave of her wand, she cleans up her shoes. I wonder if it's the same spell as before. I nervously chuckle and say timidly, "Uhh...I'm sorry for puking on your shoes Ms...?"
"It's Professor Moore, my dear." She answers. I take the time to scan my surroundings; everyone around us are wearing the same funny looking outfits as Professor Moore. There are so many kids around. Guess they're all going back-to-school shopping if you can still call it that. It looks like we're in a bar. I look around and as I glance around I see the sign "The Leaky Cauldron". Professor Moore indicates for me to follow her. We weave through the crowd and sit on a empty table. She orders the barkeeper Tom for one pumpkin juice and one butterbeer. I daze off a little, thinking how great my life will be now that I've found out I'm a kind of person, I thought that didn't exist. Great, I've been calling Joy a witch all my life and I've been insulting myself the whole time.
"What would you like to know, Ms. Wu?" Professor Moore asks me. I think for a bit.
"How do you know that I'm a witch?"
"The reason is, that at Hogwarts, we have this tool called the Magical Quill. Each and every time a magical child is born, it will write down the name of the child in a large book of parchment. Then when you turn old enough to go to the school, it will tell us who we should send the letters to which reminds me." She says as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small envelope. "This is for you." I quickly take the letter from her and open it up. I catch a glance of my name on the front of the envelope.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ABERFORTH DUMBLEDORE
Dear Ms. Wu,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Owl? What do they mean by that?
"I'll handle that for you Ms. Wu. By owling they mean they expect you to reply through a letter by then. In the wizarding world, owls replace postman. We just attach a letter to their foot and they bring it where you tell them too. Of course this owl would have to be trained first." Professor Moore answers. Oops, did I say that out loud. I flip to the next page that was also enclosed in the letter. I wonder what school supplies you need for magic school.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS:
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
As I continue to skim through the letter I begin to ask all the questions that pop into my head. I ask her a few questions about Muggles, Squibs and all the other terms she had mentioned I didn't understand. She then tells me about the different blood statuses of wizards and some of the circumstances of the blood statuses. After I ask her how Hogwarts works. She was pretty patient considering I was pretty much killing her with my curiosity about the world I never knew I was part of.
"At Hogwarts, you're expected to attend the school for seven years. It's quite short compared to Muggle schools, if I am not mistaken. You'll take different courses and the way we mark are different from what you're probably used to at Muggle schools. Like Muggle schools, you have to take exams at the end of year. In fifth-year, every student is required to take O.W.L's-"
"Owl's?" I ask in confusion, completely cutting her off. "I thought they delivered mail."
"They do but I mean it as an acronym. O.W.L stands for Ordinary Wizarding Level. It's an exam that all students take in their fifth year. Around that year, students must also decide what courses to take for their desired career. For example if you want to be an Auror, a witch or a wizard that tracks down Dark witches and wizards, you'll need to take Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and etc. During seventh-year, you must also pass N.E. which stands for Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test, to be qualified to get your dream job. You can't get a mark lower than an E, which means Exceeds Expectations, in all subjects you require."
I nod. My head is starting to hurt again from all this information. "Is that all your questions, Ms. Wu? If you have more, you can either ask me, teachers or your fellow classmates." she asks as a waiter comes up to give us our orders. I look at my drink in curiosity as Professor Moore drinks her own drink. I wonder what pumpkin juice tasts like. I lift my cup to my lips and take a sip. It tastes so good! Why don't "Muggles" juice pumpkins anyway? It's genius! As I freak out at how good it tastes, Professor Moore finishes drinking her butterbeer. I should really try butterbeer sometime. It looks pretty good as well. I quickly finish my juice as well as she checks her watch, "About time we should head to Diagon Alley.".
We arrive at a plain brick wall at the back of the bar. She pulls out her brown stick- I mean wand and taps a few bricks which seem to be in a certain order. She finishes and the bricks begin to magically, which is probably true, move away and reveal a place full of students and their parents. This is Diagonal Alley? This is bigger than all the malls I've seen combined, not that I've seen that many.
"It's DIAGON Alley. Not Diagonal Alley, Ms. Wu," Professor Moore corrects. Oops, I've said things out loud again... "Come on, Ms. Wu. You need to buy the things that you need for Hogwarts."
"But I don't have any money," I say worriedly. Joy, who I really need to come up with a new nickname for doesn't give me allowance or anything. She makes me work for nothing and she probably wouldn't even lend me a pound.
Professor Moore says, "Oh, it's ok, dear. You can pay for the supplies with funds from the school." I smile gratefully. It scared me there, because I'm certain the orphanage wouldn't lend me money for something like this. I'm not even sure if the shop owners would accept it either. Do wizards have a different currency? "Don't worry dear, if you have enough Muggle money, the shopkeepers accept it as well. Even if you don't, Hogwarts will pay for your things." She says as if she had read my mind. Then she puts her hand in her pocket and takes out a pouch, "Let's get started shall we?"
Professor Moore and I walk to many different shops. Diagon Alley is no typical place to be in. Diagon Alley is a long road with tall buildings on both sides. It's what I would picture as an Old England shopping district but some parts look quite new. Almost like they've been destroyed and rebuilt. There were many statues around too; they seem to be war memorials. Do witches and wizards have wars too? Guess I'll find out soon enough seeing one of my books is for a subject called History of Magic. We buy robes, books, potion ingredients and almost everything else on the list. 'Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC' I see a sign read. It looks like a wand is that last thing on our list. This is what I've been looking the most forward too. With this I'll be able to do magic like Professor Moore can. It looks so cool. I want to try it so badly.
A bell sounded as Professor Moore opened the door, the place is a complete wreck. The owner then comes from the back of the shop. The man looks to be very old with pale skin and flowy white hair. His eyes look filled with knowledge.
"Difficult one," Ollivander says shaking his head, apparently explaining the mess, which didn't clear anything up whatsoever. He then notices the two of us at the counter. "Welcome to Ollivanders. This is the best Wandmaker shop you can find here in the United Kingdom! I assume you're here to find a wand." He says, looking at me with his silver eyes. "First-year?" I just nod a bit intimidated by the colour of his eyes. Silver? I thought that was even possible. Is he wearing coloured contacts or something?
He quickly measures me with a measuring tape before he turns away from us, taking a couple of rectangular boxes from the shelves behind him. The shelves are at least five times taller than the shop looked at from the outside. For one wand he even had to get on a ladder to get.
"Chestnut and phoenix tail feather, 11 inches. Good for Defense Against the Dark Arts." Ollivander recites as he hands it to me. I wave it and the box it had been in catches on fire. Oops... He puts the fire out with his own wand and takes the wand back, putting it aside. "Hmm... How about this one?" He says handing me another, Maple and dragon heartstring, 13 inches, Best for Transfiguration." I wave it and I see nothing happens at all. Well at least I didn't blow the store up. "No, not this one. He opens up another box. For some reason I feel a bit different as I pick it up. It just feels right in my hand. I try a light waves and blue sparks shoot out the front. "Well this is the one for you. Pine and Unicorn Hair, 10.7 inches. Another wand good for transfiguration."
The wand chose me, Professor Moore tells me as we leave the shop. Apparently there's some connection between the wand and the wizard, or witch in my case, that causes the sparks. I stop questioning her after a while as it begins to get confusing. We walk back to the Leaky Cauldron and get drinks again. The same orders as last time though I'm not really complaining. Pumpkin juice is just so good!
"Well, now you're all set for Hogwarts." She says as we finish our drinks. "Remember, don't use your wand outside of school. "Better get you back now, it's getting late."
She indicates for me to follow her but is then swallowed up in the crowd of people. I spot a woman with a black robe and hat. Oh that must be her! I follow, ending up in a dark alley. Dang, where the heck is she taking me. After a few minutes, Professor Moore turns, just enough for me to see her face. Except, it isn't Professor Moore. I freeze. Oh shoot, I'm lost. In a place I've never been in my entire life until now! I start walking, hoping to find where I had come from. I see a sign as I enter an even darker alley. The air just has the feel of evil in it. Knockturn Alley. I continue walking, when I suddenly crash into someone, literally.
The man turns around. He has a stern look glued on his face, jet black hair that matches his equally dark eyes. He studies me from head to toe, with a look of disgust. I hear him mutter "Mudblood" under his breath, mudblood? "Excuse me? Mudblood?" I say a bit enraged. Is that supposed to be an insult?
"What do you expect me, a pure-blood, to call someone who's born from two muggles," he said in disdain. I glare at him. How could he insult my parents like that!? He never knew them! "At least I don't look like a git wearing a coat with frills," I shoot back at him. Ok, bad idea...I can see him pulling out his wand from his inside pocket. A boy around my age stands next to him, I'm guessing he's his son. I can tell by the family resemblance, black hair and eyes. Guess it runs in the family.Unlike his father, he eyes me with amusement. Oh god, help.
"Patrick!" Someone cries, all of us turn in the direction of the new voice. There stood a family of five. They all have brown hair. The father starts walking toward Patrick and they share a long hug. Awkward... His three daughters stand there, triplets I confirm in front of their mother watching the events in front of them. One of them gives me a small smile and resumes fidgeting with her wand. They all look to be around my age. The dads continue to have their arms around each other, deep in conversation. I stay glued to my spot, not moving and unsure what to do. Maybe I should just sneak away...he might not notice...
Suddenly, a light flashes from the girl's wand, right into Patrick's hair. He immediately brings both hands onto his head of hair, which started to turn pink. Within seconds, his hair turns neon pink. Everyone bursts into laughter. Patrick remains confused until his wife gives him her compact mirror. His eyes grow wide.
I take this time of chaos to escape, just hearing a scream as I leave the alley. I release a breath I didn't seem to know I held. I skim the crowd, eventually finding Professor Moore, or more rather her finding me. She gives me this entire rant I half listened to, something about staying in her sight at all times and blah blah. After bringing me back, she hands me a ticket for tomorrow.
"Everything you need to know for tomorrow will be on that ticket" She explains. I sigh, wondering where tomorrow will bring me.
I look down at my ticket: Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Where would that be? All I see is an ordinary train platform in London. All around me, I see people rushing to get on their train. The platform signs are quite clear but I don't see a platform labeled nine and three-quarters. Did they make a mistake or something...? It has to be. How can there be a platform and three-quarters. It's not even logical...but then this is a magic train... I look around to see if I can ask someone. Then I see a girl pushing a big cart with a snowy owl on it, running straight into a brick wall column. I scoff, is that girl stupid or something? Trying to run into a wall. I mean like seriously, who does that? Right when I think she is going to have a collision with the wall, she just goes right through it. I blink. What just happened!? Am I imagining things? She just disappeared! AHHH I'm getting crazy! Or am I hallucinating? If that happens to her when she does that... Without thinking, I charge towards the wall, holding my breath the entire time.
Within a second, I'm on solid ground, unharmed, and not in the state of a concussion. I realize that around me were people just like me, wearing their Hogwarts robes. There were kids rolling carts like that girl with animals on it and adults rushing kids to go on a big red express train. I came to the conclusion that I made it, and most importantly, I know I'm not going psycho. At least, I don't think so. I scan the crowd, spotting the same girl. I run towards her. It was starting to feel like she was my new GPS system or something. Shaking the thought out of my head, I board the train.
The aisles were crowded with parents and children of all ages. By the time I had my luggage put away, most of the, I guess what you would call cubicles were taken. I spot the girl again, in her cubicle (great it sounds like she's in a restroom) sitting with a girl around our age. I walk as casually as I can towards her. Trying to hide how nervous and lost I am. The train starts to move forward as I take a mighty stumble into the cubicle(not restrooms), landing in a face plant. Great, what a way to give a good first impression. I quickly pick myself back up and look up to see two girls with concerned looks on their faces. As I stand there I get a close look at their faces. The first girl, the one I had been following, has long black and straight hair, very pale skin and brown eyes. The second girl has long flowy black hair with highlights of brown, matching her brown eyes.
"Are you okay?" the girl with the highlights says as she notices I had been staring at them with a glazed look on my face.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I do that all the time. I'm Jennifer by the way." Hoping to make some friends. I know no one here at all. Hopefully they have more experience with magic than I do.
"My name is Tamara and that's Natalie." The other girl says "Would you like to sit here?"
"Sure." I reply, glad to have somewhere to sit.
I sit down next to them and the three of us sit down and get to know each other. Tamara and Natalie had just met as well. I learn that both Natalie and Tamara are both half-bloods. Natalie's mom is a witch and Tamara's dad is a wizard. Soon another girl walks in. I recognize her as one of the triplet's from Knockturn Alley, the one that smiled at me I think.
"Can I sit here?" She asks politely. "Everywhere else is full."
I nod. I learn that her name is Michelle and that she's a pure-blood. After another round of introductions another person walks in. We just seem to get interupted today. Well, it has only been ten minutes anyway. Guess not everyone has found their seats yet. This time it's a boy. Michelle seems to recognize him.
Michelle says, "Hey Keith" Is it just me or are her cheeks turning red? Hmm, I wonder what's going on between those two. I then notice he was also with us in the Alley. The rude guy's son.
He says, "Hi Michelle, can I sit here?"
"Of course you can." She answers without even pausing for a breath.
I decide to move to the opposite seat from me so Keith can have my spot. Now me, Jennifer and Natalie are sitting on one side and Michelle and Keith are on the other.
"What house do you want to be in?" He asks, trying to make conversation.
House? What does he mean by that? I rack my brain to see if I could remember Professor Moore telling me about them. Oh yeah. The four houses. I can't remember their names but people with different attributes are usually in each. What were they again. I just shrug seeing I couldn't even remember what each of them were.
I learn that both Keith and Michelle want to be in Slytherin, Tamara wants to be in Gryffindor and Natalie wasn't sure either. It looked like she knew what they were talking about though unlike me.
Soon the sweets trolley rolls in and we all buy a bit of food. After that, we all start doing separate things. Keith and Michelle seem to be having a great time judging by how much they're smiling and laughing, Natalie took out a book and began to read. By the looks of it, it's one of the books on our shopping list. She's reading it already? I've hardly even looked at it. I read a bit yesterday but it didn't make too much sense to me. I got a headache after a while and stopped. Guess she knows more about the wizarding world then me. Tamara appears to be reading on her iPod touch as she listens to music. I decide to take out mine as well. I go through a few apps when I notice the time. Looks like we're almost there. I excuse myself to go change into my new uniform. I almost fall over in the small stall as the train comes to a stop. I meet up with my new friends as we get off the train.
"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!" I hear someone with a strange accent announce. We follow the sound and stand in front of a person? Whatever he is, I've never seen anyone so tall or big. Is he a wizard too? "I'm Hagrid. Keeper of Keys and Care fer Magical Creatures Professor. Now follow me!" I see other students my age follow as well. We arrive at a lake. The water is dark and as flat as glass. I can see my reflection in it. I look up to see my first sight of Hogwarts. It's taller than any building I've ever seen! It looks old yet new at the same time. It has the same feeling as Diagon Alley. It's like it's been rebuilt recently. I can still see that the building has had a lot of history and been through a lot. I wonder how old the school is. We're told to get on the boats that lined the shore and we soon set off.
Soon after the long journey across the lake, we arrive at the other side. An old woman stands there waiting for us. She has grey hair tied up on her head and has a feel of authority. She has a bright look as she looks at all of us and begins to lead us into the massive castle. She leaves us in this waiting area and tells us to wait. She tells us she will come get us when the sorting begins. How do we get sorted? I really wonder how. Oh no...what if it's a test? I don't know anything about magic. What will I do if I can't answer any questions? I left my books on the train. Well guess I can't do what I usually do. Last-minute studying isn't an option. I just stand there along with everyone else looking around. Everyone was probably thinking about what house they would be in. I'm starting to get nervous. It looks like everyone is. I hope I get into a good house...
I look to Michelle to see she was staring at Keith. "What are you looking at?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. She blushes in embarrassment when she notices she had been staring.
"O-oh nothing." She stutters trying to hide how red her cheeks were getting. "Just looking around." Looks like she really likes him.
"Then why are your cheeks red? Are you feeling sick?" Natalie asks, joining in on our conversation. The old woman from earlier returns, saving her. I hear a small sigh escape from her lips. I act as if I don't notice. I'll figure out later. Curiosity always gets the better of me. We walk into this huge hall. Students sit at four long tables and the ceiling was deep blue like the night sky with many twinkling stars. This place looks amazing. I can't wait to see the rest of the castle.
Professor McGonagall takes out a stool and places an old looking hat on it. It looks old and tattered. I can see a few burn marks on the edges. To my surprise, the folds of the hat form a face and it begin to sing. Sing?! I have not seen enough of this world. Singing hats? What else could there be?
I am a old hat
I've lived a long life
You may think that I cannot sort
but you are wrong about that
I will place you
and then you'll see that I'm not
just an old hat
Gryffindors, they're brave and strong
They're daring and have nerve
They're chivalry is what will always
Save the day
Ravenclaws, they're wise and smart
They have wit and intelligence
They'll solve all our problems
And provide all the solutions
Slytherins, they're the cunning kind
When they've set their mind
They'll do whatever it takes
to achieve their plans
Hufflepuff, they're a friendly bunch
They're true, patient and loyal
They're the best of friends
And will save you from all your troubles
A enemy will rise
One like and not like before
So don't let down your guard
or you'll be in a big amount of trouble
Put me on
I'll sort you
Don't be afraid of me
After all
I'm just a hat
But a smart one indeed
An enemy like and not like before? Does the hat usually do that? Okay...now I'm a bit worried. What is it talking about?
Professor McGonagall takes out a large piece of paper. Parchment I think. Why do wizards use such old paper anyway? She begins to read the parchment as I finish my last thought.
"Chang, Michelle." Michelle walks up slowly and the professor gently places the hat on her head.
"Slytherin!" The tables clap as she goes to sit at the table decorated in green and silver. This is how you're sorted? A hat decides for you? I just learn more and more each minute I'm here.
Both of her sisters get sorted into Gryffindor. I see a betrayed look on her face. Well if I had sisters I guess I would be too. Though, I really wouldn't want Stephen in my house though. I'm done picking up after his messes.
"Lynn, Tamara."
"Gryffindor!" They've both got what they wanted so far. What will happen with me?
"Tan, Keith."
"Slytherin!" I see Michelle with a huge grin on her face as she gestures for him to sit next to her.
"Wu, Jennifer." Wait..that's me. Butterflies begin to fly around in my stomach. Well this is it... I sit down as the hat is carefully placed on my head.
"Hmm...Where to put you, where to put you?" I almost scream as I hear the voice. The hat's talking to me! I thought it was just programed or something. "Surprised huh, well I guess that's to expect with a Muggle-born. But you're parents, I remember sorting them. Why so clueless? Ah oh well. I think you're best suited for...Hufflepuff!" I take my seat at my table. The people with me have friendly and welcoming smiles. Guess what the hat said was true but... it sorted my parents? They were wizards?! I can't believe it! My parent's were wizards!
"Xiang, Natalie." I hear, stopping my thoughts.
"Ravenclaw!" Hmmm...all the friends I've made so far are in different houses. I hope that isn't a problem. Guess I'm going to have to make some other friends in my house.
Someone then gets up from what I assume is the staff table and walks up to a podium. He has a grey beard and stands quite tall. "Welcome to Hogwarts. For those of you who don't know, I am Professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts. I hope you've all had a great summer and are ready for a new school year. A reminder to first-years to not enter The Forbidden Forest unless you wish to be seriously injured. Also Mr. Filch has retired and there will be a new caretaker, Arnold Baker. Everything remains the same as last year. Now dig in!"
We will post a chapter for Year 4 next week (August, 16, 2013). The next chapter for Year 1 will be posted on: August, 23, 2013. Sorry if this is confusing but we really find it necessary that we fix it. We just go back and cringe at the lack of details and how short it is and want to fix it. Also, almost all of us have serious writer's block so the back and forth thing helps. Another reminder, I(whoever's posting it), will be going on vacation so I'm posting Year 4 from some hotel room. I've checked that they have wifi but sometimes things happen and it doesn't work so please understand if I don't post. I will post as soon as possible if it doesn't happen. It also might not be at the usual time I post it. It should be earlier though if I do. Sorry for going on and on and please review what you think of the story. Anyone can review.
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~angel-knightx3, michi_pandax3, AquamarineCloverx3, SweetCupcakex3