A/n: This book is based on J.K.R wonderful world with OC added on, I do not claim to own any of J.K.R work this is all for fun.
I would like to say that my writing skills are rather lacking. This is the first piece of writing I've Ever written so I hope its enjoyed, please leave me feedback on how I should improve and thoughts on the story so far
Chapter 1: Beginnings:
On this April day in Chester, England, the weather adhered to its typical pattern - overcast skies, relentless rain, and a biting wind chill. The lively sound of little feet echoed on the pavements as children rushed, gleefully splashing through puddles. Laughter and giggles filled the air, creating a symphony of joy as they made their way toward the imposing black gates of Oaken Primary School.
Eve couldn't help but reflect on the fact that there were only a few more months of this school year left before the much-anticipated summer holidays. After that, she'd be on her way to secondary school. This thought brought a gentle smile to her lips as she trudged alongside her mother, sheltered beneath a transparent umbrella adorned with black spots.
"Eve, my dear, please watch your step. We wouldn't want your shoes to get soaked," Mrs. Warren cautioned, giving a gentle tug on Eve's hand to steer her clear of a treacherous puddle. A loose, purple curl broke free from Eve's bright yellow hood as she glanced up at her mother, their grey eyes meeting in a moment of connection.
"Mum, you can let go of my hand. I'm 11 years old now; I don't need you to escort me to school anymore," Eve declared with conviction, giving her mother's hand a determined pull.
"Sweetheart, I'll walk you to school every day until you go to secondary school, no ifs, ands, or buts, missy," Mrs. Warren replied with unwavering determination.
Eve stamped her foot in protest and made another attempt to free her hand. After a brief struggle, she managed to wriggle her fingers free. A mischievous giggle escaped her lips as she sprinted ahead, past the school gates, and into the bustling courtyard. Pausing briefly, she looked back at her smiling mother. In unison, they silently mouthed the words, "I love you." Eve turned and entered the school, ready to embrace the busy day of learning that lay ahead.
"Thirty seconds remained until the final bell of the day would release them from the classroom, every student's eyes were fixated on the clock. the seconds hand moving at a snails pace. For these young children those last few minutes of the day felt like an eternity. Then, with a sharp RING RING RING, the bell finally rang, an instant wave of excitement surged through the room. They all bolted upright, rushing for the exit and into the welcoming embrace of the afternoon air.
In the schoolyard, lively chatter filled the air as children awaited their parents. But for Eve, she knew better than to look. Her parents never picked her up after school, so she walked home alone. A yellow hood shielded her vibrant purple locks from the rain, which had intensified since the morning.
A timid glance back into the schoolyard cast a shadow on Eve's face, and a sense of longing tugged at her heart. She yearned for friends, but no matter how hard she tried, she was branded as the "Weird" kid. Her penchant for bright colours and an unexplainable aura kept the other children at a distance.
"Secondary school will be better, I just know it," Eve murmured softly to herself. With determination, she turned back around, her hands slipping into her pockets, her head tilted down, and she began her solitary journey back home."
"Days, weeks, and months had passed in a blur of everyday life. Today marked the final day of school before the summer holidays, with just one more hour standing between Eve and the sweet embrace of freedom. Mr. Fields droned on about something, but Eve paid no attention. Her head rested on her hand, and her light gray eyes wandered out the window. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she daydreamed about all the exciting plans she had for the upcoming break.
However, hushed whispers behind her pulled her abruptly back to reality. Eve was certain she heard her name mentioned. Spinning in her chair, she was met with two sneering faces. "What do you want, freak? Mind your own business if you know what's good for you," the two boys taunted, and one of them kicked the back of her chair, causing her to collide with the hard desk. A sharp yelp of pain escaped Eve's dry mouth.
Mr. Fields put down his marker pen and turned around to face the class. His gaze swept across the room, coming to a stop on Eve. It was clear she was fighting back tears, her bottom lip tightly bitten. He walked over to her desk and crouched down slowly. His kind eyes locked onto hers as he asked, "Eve, are you okay? Did someone hurt you?"
She nodded hesitantly, then turned towards the two boys. Mr. Fields' voice took on a stern tone as he addressed them, "Right, you two, gather your things and head to the headmaster's office immediately."
"But, sir, the day is almost over," one of the boys protested.
"Now," Mr. Fields left no room for debate. The two boys reluctantly gathered their books and backpacks, casting one last snarling look in Eve's direction before the door slammed shut behind them."
"The remainder of the lesson proceeded as usual, and when the final bell of the school day rang, an eruption of cheers and joyful jumping filled the classroom. Students scrambled to gather their belongings and hurried into the schoolyard. Just as Eve was about to push open the door to join them, a voice called her back.
"Eve, are you sure you're okay? This isn't the first time this has happened, is it?" The concerned voice belonged to her teacher. Eve nodded but kept her gaze on the floor, shifting her feet uneasily. "I don't want to talk about it, sir. I'm sorry. I have to go; my parents are waiting for me," she stammered, forcing down the lie that left a bitter taste in her throat. She hated lying, but at this moment, she couldn't bear to confront the memories of those tormenting boys. She pushed the door ajar and made her way down the hall, where the afternoon sunshine streamed through the windows. "It's over. I'll never have to see them again. It's all okay," she whispered to herself as she headed outside.
The instant she stepped into the schoolyard, a deluge of water drenched her like a sudden impact, knocking Eve to the ground. Laughter erupted all around her as fingers pointed and taunts echoed. "The freak peed herself! What a baby!" one of the boys sneered. The noise was deafening, and tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. Cold, wet hands clamped onto her ears as she cried out, "Stop it, stop it!" But her protests fell on deaf ears, and the laughter only grew louder.
"Please stop! STOP!" Eve screamed in desperation. A chilling aura seemed to spread across the pebbled ground around her, and suddenly, the noise ceased. She slowly opened her tear-stained eyes, letting out a tiny gasp through her parted lips. Everyone stood frozen, as if time itself had halted.
Eve reached up, gently pushing a chubby finger out of her face. It felt much heavier than it should have, an unnatural sensation that sent shudders down her spine. Eve rose from the ground, dusted off her skirt, and ran out of the school gates. She was unsure and confused about what had just happened but relieved that it had."
Eve sprinted home as fast as her petite feet could carry her, tears flowing down her flushed cheeks. Her breath caught in her throat as she ran, she hunched over, gasping for air. Her heart raced at an alarming rate, and her mind swirled with unanswered questions. What had just happened back there? How had everyone frozen in place? "Did I do that?" she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought. Such things couldn't be real; things like that just didn't happen.
With determination, she quickened her pace, setting off on the final mile to reach the safety and comfort of her home, which she longed for with every step.
As she turned the corner onto Glenside Close, her eyes fell upon her family's home, unmistakably numbered 102. It was a typical British semi-detached house, its exterior adorned with red bricks, two bay windows, and a brown wooden door featuring a central glass pane. With the last remnants of tears wiped away by her fingertips, she summoned her courage and pushed open the front door.
Inside, the house was as quiet as she had expected. The only occupant was her older brother, Sebastian, who was a whopping eighteen years old and seemed as lazy as a sloth. Day after day, he remained at home, engrossed in his video games from dawn till dusk.
A masculine shout from the top of the stairs jolted her back to reality. "Is that you, Eve?" Sebastian's voice echoed from his bedroom.
Eve, with a hint of humour, replied, "Yes, it's just me. You forgot to lock the door, you doofus. I could be a burglar!"
She nonchalantly tossed her backpack and coat beside the shoe rack before making her way into the lounge. Cream leather sofas stretched out before her, facing a generously-sized television mounted on the wall. Pictures of their family adorned the walls, four smiling faces frozen in time.
A gentle voice sneaked up behind her. "That was such a great holiday. Do you remember when the seagull swiped Dad's ice cream right from his hand?" Sebastian pointed towards the photo, emitting a light chuckle.
Eve pivoted towards the doorway that separated the hallway from the lounge, where her brother leaned casually against the doorframe. Tall and slender, his messy ear-length platinum blonde hair and striking grey eyes mirrored their mother's.
"Yeah, that was hilarious. I loved that vacation. I wonder where we're headed this year. Have Mum and Dad dropped any hints?" Eve inquired, her expression curious.
Sebastian shrugged. "Well, I did spot a cruise pamphlet in the mail the other day, but we both know they can't afford that, so I'm clueless."
Sebastian casually pushed away from the doorframe and gracefully leaped over the back of the sofa to take a seat beside Eve. "How was your last day of baby school?" he asked in a relaxed tone. Eve fidgeted with the loose threads on her jumper, her gaze rising to meet her brother's keen eyes. She couldn't hide the truth from him; a single tear trickled down her cheek as she recalled the distressing events.
"It was awful," Eve admitted, her voice quivering. "Someone poured water all over me, and everyone pointed and laughed, saying I peed my pants." Overwhelmed by emotion, she leaned forward, wrapping her arms tightly around her brother's torso and burying her face in his chest.
Sebastian tenderly ran his fingers through Eve's hair, soothing her with his touch. "If I were seven years younger, I'd take care of those bullies for you. But you won't have to see them again, sis. They can't hurt you anymore," he reassured her with unwavering confidence.
Eve sniffled and wiped her eyes. "Please, don't tell Mum and Dad. They don't need to know. You have to promise me," she implored, desperation evident in her eyes.
Sebastian furrowed his brow, puzzled by her reluctance. "Why don't you want to tell Mum and Dad?" he inquired.
Eve let out a sigh, releasing her pent-up breath. "Because something strange happened, something I can't explain. I don't even know if it was real. Mum and Dad would think I'm crazy."
"tell me" Sebastian said.
Eve nibbled on her bottom lip, her hesitation palpable. "Okay, but promise me, don't tell Mum and Dad," she implored. "I yelled at them to stop laughing and pointing at me, and when I opened my eyes again, everyone was frozen, like statues. It was so bizarre, I can't make sense of it. So, I just ran out of school, leaving them all standing there, frozen in time," she recounted, shaking her head at the memory. "It can't be real, right? I must be making it up. I was pretty upset," she added, heaving a sigh, and slumping onto the opposite side of the sofa. She rested her feet on Sebastian's lap.
Sebastian wore a perplexed expression, the lines of thought etched across his face. He privately mused that she might be conjuring this all up; people didn't just freeze like that. "I love you, Eve, but you've always had an overactive imagination. That's what I think it was. You were scared, and your mind created a safe haven for you," he suggested, pushing her feet gently off his lap. "As fun as this is, my game is paused and I kind of have to get back to it. Let me know when dinner's ready. See you later," he patted her head briefly, then vaulted over the back of the sofa and scampered upstairs.
The following morning, Mr. Alex Warren, a slender man in his mid-forties with tousled brown hair, stepped outside into the warm embrace of the July air. Clad in nothing but a blue dressing gown and slippers, he made his way to the letterbox. With a key, he unlocked it, retrieving the morning paper and two letters. As he closed the lid, a sudden, ear-splitting hoot echoed from above. Startled by the noise, Mr. Warren gazed upward and locked eyes with a majestic brown barn owl. The owl's large yellow eyes bore into him as it hooted once more.
Reacting quickly, Mr. Warren waved the newspaper in the bird's direction, attempting to shoo it away. The owl, with a graceful flap of its wings, glided across the road and perched atop a car, regarding Mr. Warren with a quizzical expression. Shaking his head in bemusement, Mr. Warren returned to his home, heading into the lounge where Mrs. Warren, Eve, and Sebastian were engrossed in the morning television.
Sorting through the two letters he'd collected, Mr. Warren found a bill from the electric company and an unusual mauve-coloured envelope addressed to his daughter, Evelyn Ann Warren. Turning the letter over, he noticed an unusual crest on the back, featuring a lion, snake, badger, and eagle, all stamped into red wax.
"Sweetheart, it appears you've received a letter, although I'm not quite certain from whom. I'll open it and have a look first," Mr. Warren said, a perplexed expression on his face. He carefully tore open the mauve envelope and pulled out two thick, aged pieces of paper. Clearing his throat, he began to read aloud the contents.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmistress:
Minerva McGonagall
Dear Ms. Warren
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 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July
Yours sincerely
Filius Flitwick
Deputy Headmaster
"This has to be some sort of prank, Eve. Did you happen to sign up for a joke school on the internet while you've been using the computer?" Mr. Warren questioned, his eyes fixed on his daughter, a hint of disbelief evident in his expression as he clutched the letter in his hand.
"No, Dad, I only use it for my homework, just like you told me to," Eve replied earnestly. She scratched her head, clearly perplexed by the situation. Mr. Warren turned his attention to his son.
"Sebastian, can you please search for this 'Hogwarts School' on Google? I'm positive your mother and I never enrolled Eve in any ridiculous prank school," he requested, a furrow forming on his brow. Sebastian deftly tapped away on his phone, a smirk slowly spreading across his lips.
"Well, Dad, it doesn't seem to be a real place. All I can find are funny pictures of hogs with warts," he reported, punctuating his statement with a chuckle.
Mrs. Warren held the letter, her eyes meticulously scanning each word. "Why don't we give this number a call, dear? Pass me your phone; I'll dial it right now," she suggested, extending her hand to receive the cell phone.
The phone was handed over, and the number was promptly entered. Mrs. Warren pressed the dial button. "It appears to be an automated message. Hold on, let me put it on speaker," she explained as she activated the speakerphone function.
The soft melodic voice coming from the phone spoke these words.
"Thank you for calling the Hogwarts Helpline, Mrs. Warren, mother of Evelyn Ann Warren. I can assure you that this letter is no joke; magic is as real as the sun. Your daughter is indeed a witch, even if she may not be aware of it yet. Please have Evelyn sign the bottom of the letter within the next five days to confirm her acceptance at Hogwarts. An owl will then be dispatched to collect it. The next step is to attend the 'Magic for Muggles' introduction meeting on August 1st, 2017, at 7 Stoney Street in London. Further details will be provided at the event. Have a wonderful day."
The phone call abruptly ended, leaving four gaping mouths in its wake, each person staring in dumbfounded disbelief at the device. Mr. Warren was the first to break the silence, his brow furrowing in confusion. "How did an automated message know your name and our daughter's name?" he wondered aloud.
Mrs. Warren, equally bewildered and feeling a sense of invasion of privacy, could only shrug in response. The situation was as bizarre as it was inexplicable.
Eve, however, decided to take matters into her own hands. "Let me sign the letter. If an owl swoops in to pick it up, we'll know this isn't a joke," she suggested, giving her brother a playful scowl. "I have a feeling this is your doing, doofus," she added with a teasing tongue-out and a raspberry.
A pen was placed in Eve's hand, and she promptly signed her full name at the bottom, as instructed. The moment the pen lifted from the paper, a sudden knock on the window and a muffled hoot filled the room. Everyone inside 102 Glenside Close jumped from their chairs, spinning to face the window. There, perched on the windowsill, was a large brown owl, pecking gently at the glass.
Mr. Warren approached the window cautiously, unlatching it and opening it just wide enough for the owl to enter. The majestic bird flew in gracefully, circling the room briefly before landing atop the coffee table in the centre. It tilted its head, its sharp eyes fixated on the letter in Eve's hand. Slowly moving forward, the owl pecked at the letter, prompting Eve to release it. With the letter securely between its beak, the owl took flight once more, soaring out of the window and disappearing from view.
Several hours had elapsed since the peculiar incident involving the letter and the owl. Breakfast had been consumed, and the Warrens found themselves once again in the comfort of their lounge, engrossed in watching the news. As the broadcast transitioned to the local news segment, their collective attention became riveted to the screen. A news reporter began to speak, "I'm reporting live from Oaken Primary School, where a baffling occurrence unfolded yesterday. Nearly twenty children were observed standing perfectly still for as long as 30 minutes, as reported by eyewitnesses."
"I have here a statement from one parent," the reporter began, "When I arrived through the school gates, I was utterly shocked to see so many children standing still. At first, I chalked it up to some end-of-year prank, but it was undeniably strange. I tried to shake my child, and, as I did, it seemed like they all snapped out of it. When I asked my child why they were standing still, all they could tell me was that they weren't and asked what had happened."
"Indeed, a most puzzling case," the reporter continued before turning her attention to two gentlemen nearby. "Lets see what these parents have to say on the matter." Both men were dressed in dark grey overcoats and wore grey fedora hats. Both of them were intently focused on the ground, clutching unusual devices in their hands. These devices appeared to be shiny metal balls with an hourglass in the centre.
As the reported looked towards the camera and then back towards where the men were standing moments ago. She remarked, "That's strange; I could have sworn there were two men right there how odd." she pondered for a few seconds before realizing she was still live. "Anyway, back to you at the station!"
Eve cast a guilty glance toward Sebastian, her conscience weighed down with unease. In response, Sebastian nonchalantly shrugged and declared, "Well, that was weird. I'm off to play video games. See you folks later." Without further ado, he exited the room, his hurried footsteps echoing as he ascended the stairs.
With both Mr. and Mrs. Warren now focusing their attention on Eve, Mrs. Warren adopted a stern posture, hands on her hips, and inquired, "Do you know anything about this prank? I hope you weren't a part of it." Her expression conveyed a sense of seriousness.
Eve felt the truth weighing heavily on her conscience, but she opted to suppress it and concoct a falsehood instead. Her voice trembling, she replied, "I must have already left; I didn't see anything. I wasn't a part of this." A brief moment of silence hung in the air as both her parents exchanged glances before returning their gaze to her.
"I'm glad you didn't get involved in this silly prank," Mr. Warren finally spoke, his tone relieved. Mrs. Warren nodded in agreement. "Now, go play outside while it's still sunny. We wouldn't want you to waste your summer indoors."
Eve pushed herself up from the sofa, slipped on her shoes, and made her way outside toward the park down the road. As she strolled along, her thoughts were consumed by questions. Who were those mysterious men, and what was that peculiar object they held? With so many unanswered queries, she could only hope that the meeting scheduled for August 1st would provide the answers she sought.