As promised, here's the start of a Harry Potter fanfic with a vampire OC. I should be updating other stuff but haven't been in the mood so you get this instead. :P
I'm also part of a discord channel if you want to find me, unpublished chapters of this, and other unpublished fanfics.
discord. gg/KeMEe2F8eC
I hauled my catch back towards the coven—eyes sharp and on edge. They would've smelled it already and I wasn't exactly well-liked among the other Beings. I was different from them. Or, well, I tried to be. I was still young, and my control could be shaky at times depending on my last meal. Already, I was salivating at the thought of tearing into one of the two rabbits I'd caught. But not here. They know I'm weak. They'll come to take it… and I have better manners than that.
I swallowed thickly as I reached my tent. It needed a bit of patching up, but it was home. They wouldn't give me a house in the coven. They were content with me starving on the streets. Only the strong survive here and those witches and wizards who packed us all here had no idea what it was like. They'd rather throw an otherwise healthy child to the wolves than admit that they have no control over us.
I'd been luckier. My parents had been drained but I'd survived long enough for them to find me chewing on rats. It was disgusting to think about now, but I'd been so hungry. Then, when they realized what I was, I was shipped here to the coven; abandoned just inside the gates like an unwanted dog.
A man found me, Cain. One of us, but different. Less wild, hungry beast and more… human. He took pity on me, I suppose; a young changeling with no knowledge of how to make a place in this world. He taught me how to hunt, to survive but most of all, he taught me control. Controlling the hunger would allow me to leave the coven alone, to travel and find a home for myself. Learning how to get by and live a life worth living didn't make it any easier to let him go. I still expected him to come back, some days; to step into my tent and find him waiting for me with a toothy grin. Maybe he could explain the strange things that had been happening around me lately.
I'd nearly set my tent on fire when I got frustrated patching a hole. I'd somehow thrown one of the Beings across a field without touching him when he attacked me for my food. It only happened when I was frustrated, angry or scared. Perhaps it was a warning. My control over my emotions needed to be better because if I couldn't control them, then how would I control my hunger?
I stepped out of my tent to start butchering the rabbits but nearly dropped them in the dirt at the sight of the man in front of me. H-How… I should've sensed him. I took a small step back, tightening my grip on the small blade in my hand, but he smiled behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Hello, Sven. Could I come in?"
I could sense him now; the blood pumping in his veins and his calm heart beating in his chest. I'd met men like him before—feeble-looking but powerful. People like him sent me here—to the coven—and persecuted us when they found out what we were. Cain told me there were kind wizards and witches, but I'd only been outside the coven when I was with him. He was gone now. I had no one to protect me but myself. I needed to be cautious about this man.
He smiled and slipped into the tent before I could stop him. I quickly scrambled after him but he was already seated at the small table with a warm set of tea. Where—I slowly moved further into the large interior, placing my rabbits in the kitchen sink for now; feeling more uneasy than before.
"Take a seat, Sven. I'm only here to talk."
I hesitated but sat across from him before he slid a letter over toward me. I reached out and took it, eyeing my name scrawled across the front.
Sven Rydell
Brown tent two kilometers
From the edge of the coven just
South of Edinburgh
I flipped it over, glancing at the coat of arms pressed into a red wax seal that held the letter closed, before opening it and reading.
Dear Sven Rydell,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
A second piece of parchment had a supply list and I wasn't sure what to think.
"I… don't understand," I muttered, voice quiet and raspy from lack of use.
"You haven't experienced anything unexplainable?" He questioned. "Objects moving on their own, disappearing, anything of that sort?"
"I have," I admitted.
"That is magic and upon turning eleven, any child exhibiting such is invited to join Hogwarts to better learn how to use it. A letter is sent, and professors are also distributed in order to explain for those cases involving Muggle-borns. You, however, are a special case which is why I am here to explain. I am the headmaster of the school, after all, and received permission from the Ministry to cordially invite you to attend."
I looked down at the letter on the table before pushing it away. "I don't want it."
He raised a brow, curious. "May I ask why?"
"'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,'" I repeated, lifting my gaze to his without fear. "Witches and wizards put me here. They didn't care what that meant for me. If it weren't for—" I glanced away, not finishing that thought. "I got lucky but I'm not going to school to become like them."
"I see," he mused, not looking surprised. "However, would you attend if it meant repairing the relation between your kind and ours?"
I frowned. "They're not my kind. I'm different from them."
"Not to the wizarding world," he argued calmly. "But yes. You are different from them which is why this invitation was offered to you and not any of the other young children here in the coven. Cain was the one who suggested such an agreement."
I perked up at the name of my teacher, feeling my heart race. "You know Cain?"
He nodded with a fond smile. "An excellent example of what could occur should the proper discipline be given to your situation."
"You mean controlling the hunger," I noted, earning a sympathetic nod. "Cain really wanted me to go?"
"Knowing the strained relation between wizards and Beings, he made the suggestion of having a young Being entered into Hogwarts so long as they were provided the means of which to control themselves." He watched me, looking for understanding. "You are the best candidate to help bridge the gap between us."
I was quiet, brows furrowed. Why did he leave then? Was I just being used by him for this?
The headmaster smiled at me then, drawing my attention away from the scratches in my table and back to him. "Cain mentioned you were different from the start—when he found you. 'A quiet child with sharp, knowing eyes.'" He chuckled. "I can see what he means now."
The warm heat of embarrassment rolled over me and my eyes hastily turned back to the table.
"What… um, w-what would I be doing?" I asked him quietly, considering his offer since Cain had gone out of his way to suggest me.
"Learning how to use and control magic," he hummed, sipping his tea with a smile that said he already knew I would be going. "Among other things, of course."
"I don't have any money," I countered then, sinking a little in my chair.
"We have funds for those who cannot afford their supplies."
The offer was looking better the more I thought about it. Someplace to live, to learn, to sleep without the worry about whether they'll come after me…
"What about my…" I hesitated, wondering if this would be the deal-breaker. "…problem? I can't always control—"
"Cain has informed me of how to handle it," the man mused, rather relaxed. "We will provide you with the meals you need four times a week and will limit it further as your control improves. If there's a need to have them more often than that, let myself or one of your professors know."
I winced. "The professors will know?"
He nodded, looking slightly apologetic. "Unfortunately, I need to have them aware of your condition should any problems arise. The only one who won't know is the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor as they tend to not last very long and I'd rather not have word get out about you just yet."
"Because people will be upset a vampire is in your school," I replied bluntly, and he nodded.
"Until it is proven that your kind can be trusted to control themselves… yes."
"But they can't," I argued. "I'm different from them."
"While that may be true, your agreeing to come would give the Ministry the push towards looking at how they handle things. Your cooperation could prevent another young boy from ending up in a worse situation than this."
"You don't like my tent," I said bluntly, earning a smile from him.
"It's a lovely tent."
I watched him for a moment as he finished off his tea and stood.
"Are you willing to accept my invitation, Sven?"
"What if I attack someone?"
"Do you think you will?" He asked, a brow raised in challenge.
"I could," I shrugged, making him smile again.
"I would like to think that you'd remove yourself from a potentially dangerous situation that may cause you to harm someone. Cain is not someone who would come to me with such a proposition if he didn't believe in you."
My heart swelled as I stood too, following him out. "Where is he?"
The headmaster shook his head solemnly. "Unfortunately, I do not know."
I frowned as he took a deep breath and let it out.
"I will have another professor come to escort you to Diagon Alley where you will get your things."
"You won't come?" I asked, earning a small shake of his head.
"I have some other things to attend to."
Disappointment welled in me at the thought of having to deal with someone else. The headmaster was strange enough, but apparently one of the better wizards. He vanished though, leaving me to return to my tent begrudgingly to start butchering the rabbits in the sink. I had mixed feelings about what I'd just agreed to. I'd learn control, magic, and whatever else the school would teach. I'd have someplace to live and sleep peacefully for a good portion of the year. Yet, I would be surrounded by other witches and wizards, strangers who could turn on me without a moment's notice. Kids whose hearts pounded quick and easy, pushing blood through their veins as easy as water pouring from a tap. Not just one or two people, but hundreds.
I blinked and felt a hint of disgust and shame as I smeared the blood on my face. The rabbit that was supposed to have been butchered and cooked properly lying limp in my hand with its throat ripped out—empty of blood.
Professor McGonagall appeared at the edge of the coven as Dumbledore had instructed and started the short walk to where she was told the tent would be. Her expression was stern, and her brows pinched as she walked, frustration welling up in her over the boy she was going to go meet. Because that's what he was, in the end. Just a boy. Yet, he'd been thrown aside by wizards and by his own kind. Despite her appearance, McGonagall was rather soft-hearted when it came to children and those in poor situations always tugged on her heart. Even given his circumstances.
She spotted the tent and felt that ache in her chest as she found the young boy in his oversized clothes sitting in the dirt with a knife in his hands, whittling away at a stick. He was slim and pale, looking very much like a starving street urchin until his eyes snapped up to hers. There was a fire in them, something she was glad to see. He wasn't lifeless like those kids she'd seen before during the first war against You-Know-Who—those children who'd lost everything to the Dark Lord. He had hope or a form of it.
He stood when he spotted her, immediately defensive before becoming more hesitant. She cleared her throat, doing her best to appear as unthreatening as possible. Dumbledore had mentioned that the boy hadn't had much positive wizard contact until now.
"I'm here on the Hogwarts' headmaster's orders to escort you to get your school supplies," she informed him, offering a small smile. "I will be your Transfiguration teacher while you attend; Professor McGonagall."
He slowly put the knife away and abandoned the stick that had been occupying his attention.
"Sven Rydell," he introduced cautiously, and she nodded, offering her hand.
"Then, Sven, if you wouldn't mind taking my arm so we might be on our way."
He approached before taking her hand with his, and she relaxed somewhat. She hadn't known what to expect from him. Dumbledore had said he was a quiet kid, mature, intelligent. He hadn't mentioned any of the negative qualities one might expect from his kind, only that the boy was very much someone used to isolation and unkindness from others. He would be cautious and hesitant. It was up to her to show him that not all witches and wizards were to be feared, and Sven's exposure to Diagon Alley would be the boy's first test.
She apparated them outside the Leaky Cauldron, giving him a moment to orientate himself as he sank to the ground, panting and sweaty. She knelt down and rubbed at his back, startling him, but he accepted the small sign of comfort before getting back to his feet with a small flush of red spreading across his face.
"It's okay. Everyone's first Apparition is like this. You handled it very well, actually. There are some who get sick."
The boy didn't reply, so she simply ushered him forward and led him into the pub. He hunkered down into himself slightly at the sight of the others in the pub, but the sign of uneasiness was so subtle it was nearly unnoticeable unless one was looking for it. She led him to the back though and pulled out her wand, drawing his attention as she tapped it on the bricks to move them away for them to pass through into Diagon Alley.
He winced away from the bright sun that chose that moment to peer between the clouds but continued on with her as she tried to explain some things.
"I have the money you'll be needing to purchase your things. Would you be alright getting your robes while I purchase a few of your items?"
It was a risk to leave him on his own, but Madam Malkin's Robes tended to be mostly empty. There shouldn't be much of an issue if he was as well-behaved as Dumbledore believed. The boy nodded, agreeing and she handed him the money he would need.
"Just let Madam Malkin know you're there for school robes. She'll know how many and what to prepare."
He rolled the coins over in his hands, eyeing them with his calm cognac-colored eyes that looked almost red in the sunlight. She brought him to the door and ushered him in before hurrying off to get what he would need, hoping she'd be able to purchase a pet he would like before he was finished.
I exited the robe shop feeling a mild headache coming on. I wasn't used to having someone in my space like that, but I'd withheld any urges easily enough. It's just the sun that's bothering me. Why couldn't it be cloudy today like it usually is? I tucked myself under the shade of the awning, looking around for the green-cloaked witch who'd been showing me around. Just the people passing by though made me flex my hands uneasily. Each person had a heart pumping blood through their body that sounded as loud as a chorus of drums in my ears. I'd had a decent meal the evening before I came here, but because I wasn't on a consistent diet, its effects were lessened. I need about four meals a week to allow me just two days of reprieve. Having one decent meal the evening before isn't enough. What's it going to be like that first day? All those students packed into one room.
Just the thought had me gripping my coat tightly before a noise startled me out of my thoughts and I turned to see McGonagall returning. In her hands was a carrier with a dark ruddy colored cat. I watched the creature as it eyed me in return with vibrant green eyes before the carrier was suddenly held in front of me.
"For you," McGonagall said, surprising me.
"I… What do I do with it?" I asked.
Her expression softened briefly. "He is yours. A student is allowed one pet to bring to Hogwarts; a toad, an owl, or a cat. This is Hogwarts' gift to you."
I held the carrier carefully. "Why?"
She blinked, not having expected that response, but I was never good at understanding what was and wasn't okay to say.
"Well, you are doing us a favor as much as we are for you, and I felt that you would like a companion that you can bond with while you're there."
"Because I have trouble with people," I concluded, getting a wince before she cleared her throat and gestured for another shop.
"You are feeling okay?" She asked on the way and I nodded, though I shifted away from someone who came a bit close. "Because it is up to you to tell us when a situation is becoming overwhelming."
"I'm… okay, right now," I muttered. "The sun is a bit… much, and there's a lot of people."
"If you feel uncomfortable, let me know and I will move us somewhere for you to relax." She reached out and wrapped something around me, shading me with a hooded cloak. "Dumbledore suggested I bring this for you. He has said you're welcome to keep it."
I relished the shade the cloak provided, muttering my appreciation as I was led to another shop.
"I will leave you here, as the wand-choosing process can be rather intimate," she explained. "I will pick up your books and then we can get something to eat before I take you back."
I nodded, stepping into the shop and hoping it would be less intimidating than the robe fitting. The shop was small with nothing but a single chair for people to wait in and narrow boxes piled up to the ceiling along the walls. I felt a trickle of unease go through me as I stood in the shop before a voice spoke up.
"Good afternoon."
My gaze snapped to the man who had been standing in the shadows in front of me. He was like Dumbledore in the way that I hadn't sensed him until he revealed himself, which unnerved me. McGonagall left me here, so he should be fine… right? I wasn't about to admit that McGonagall had earned some of my trust by giving me a Somali cat and a cloak as a gift.
"It's not often I get someone from your kind in here. They always prove interesting though."
How did he… I didn't get a chance to question him before he was digging through the piles of boxes, pulling out a wand and handing it to me.
"Oak wood with a unicorn core. Twelve and a quarter inches. Go on, then. Try it out."
I picked up the wand after setting down the cat carrier and held it, wondering what I should do.
"Give it a flick," the man—Ollivander, I assume—replied.
I twirled the wand lightly only to flinch as it sparked and forced me to drop it. It landed lightly back in its box and the older man hummed, putting the box away.
"Curious. Perhaps… here. Pine wood with a dragon core."
I was more hesitant now to take the wand being offered, earning no sparks this time, but no magic either. Ollivander clicked his tongue, snatching the wand out of my hand and asking for me to wait before he went into a sort of backroom to dig around some more. I waited calmly, looking over at the cat carrier on the chair behind me and the slumbering cat within before he returned, looking triumphant.
"Yes. This one should work. Try it."
I took the wand and felt warmth flow through me as it emitted a soft, golden glow.
"Ah, yes. Perfect, as I suspected. Hazel wood with a Thunder bird feather core, ten and a half inches. Rigid. I received it when its owner passed, wishing for the wand to find a new master despite having been made in the New World. This wand will not change masters easily though. I trust you will take good care of it."
I accepted the wand and its box, paying him the money he required before stepping out to find McGonagall already waiting for me. She offered me a small smile before we headed over to eat and she handed me a lollipop. I took the candy and popped it in my mouth when we'd finished eating, mildly surprised by the flavor and looking at her without veiling my expression.
"It's good."
She nodded, offering me a small bag of them. "Then, I will let Dumbledore know. I suggest you keep some with you at all times while at Hogwarts, should you need one to occupy your… hunger."
I nodded as we started to leave, carrying my things and feeling the ache that came with not wanting to return to that tent in the coven's forest. The trip back was quick though and I had no other choice but to put my feelings aside as I moved my things into the tent, and she cleared her throat once more.
"Then, I will leave you to return to the castle." She handed over an envelope. "Inside are your tickets for the train. I will have someone escort you to the train station. Also, take care not to use magic outside of school, as it is against the law and you could end up suspended for doing so."
I frowned at being told I wouldn't be able to use magic, but she offered me a small smile.
"Then, I hope to see you in my lessons, Mr. Rydell."
And she was gone, vanishing and leaving me to head back to my tent to start my wait.
Time passed far too slowly for my liking and I wasn't thrilled to pack my tent into my trunk only to find a tall, slender adult from the coven standing there hours before I was to be at the train station. I immediately went on edge, reaching for the blade I kept on me, but the vampire had grabbed my wrist before I could draw it, lips lifted in a snarl.
"Don't try it, youngling."
He was much stronger than me, even by our standards, and I shrank a bit as fear welled up in me. Then, I was released, and the vampire straightened out his coat, letting out a sharp scoff from his nose.
"Come. We're wasting time and the sooner I escort you to the train station, the sooner I can return. I want to be back before sunrise."
It clicked that he was the one who would be escorting me to where I needed to be, and I reluctantly followed him. We didn't talk as we left the coven and—with more Apparition—soon entered civilization, standing before the train station.
"You are to go inside and pass through a barrier between platforms nine and ten," he instructed, not bothering to help me with my trunk as I tried to put it on a luggage trolley. "I will pick you up at the end of term. Do not return before then."
I bit my tongue as he turned and left, leaving me on my own. I didn't mind and hastily made my way to the platforms he mentioned, looking over my ticket. Platform 9 ¾. Pass through a barrier… There were a couple of barriers between the two stations, so I settled for placing my hand on each side of them one at a time until something happened. I found it soon enough and slipped through to another near-empty platform. The train hadn't even arrived, I was so early. This meant I was stuck sitting on a bench and waiting, skimming my school books until the train arrived and other students and their families began to filter in.
The influx of fresh blood made me wince and hastily move onto the train in search of an empty compartment I could wait in. I found one near the back easily and curled into the cloak given to me by McGonagall as I let my cat free of her carrier and ran my fingers through her soft ruddy-colored fur before pulling back out my schoolbook. Time passed slowly as the noise outside grew with the influx of people. I glanced out the window briefly before drawing the blinds against the light that had undoubtedly risen. After some time, the train began to move, and voices approached. My hope to have a compartment to myself was dashed when the sliding door was opened by a bushy-haired student.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't know someone was in here. Do you mind if we join you? The other compartments are full."
"No," I said, earning a smile as she stepped in with a shy boy and a redheaded girl.
I frowned slightly. I meant that I didn't want them to stay but maybe I said it wrong… I brushed the thought aside as the girl sat beside me and the other two sat opposite me.
"I'm Hermione Granger, by the way. This is Neville and Ginny."
"Hey." Ginny smiled with a wave before pointing at my lap. "I like your cat. What kind is she?"
"A Somali," I muttered, eyes fixed on said cat, unused to talking to anyone my age.
"She's real pretty," Hermione replied, gesturing to her own large, shaggy cat. "This is Crookshanks. It'd be nice if they could get along."
Both cats eyed one another but neither appeared interested as they settled into our laps.
"A-Are you a first-year?" Neville asked, looking curious.
I nodded, keeping my eyes on my lap as Ginny grinned again.
"Me too! Hey, what house do you want to be in? My family is all in Gryffindor, so I figure I will be too."
I finally looked up, confused. "House?"
Hermione blinked. "Oh, you must be a Muggle-born then, if you don't know. First years get sorted into one of the four founding houses of Hogwarts. There's Gryffindor—which Neville and I are in. Then, there's Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."
"Slytherin's the worst," Ginny remarked with a wrinkle of her nose. "My brothers are always talking about Slytherins. They're prats. Think they're special because they're purebloods. I'm a pureblood too, but I don't act like that."
"Neville is too," Hermione pointed out, making the shy boy flush. "But I'm a Muggle-born like you."
"I don't know if I'm a Muggle-born," I remarked.
"What?"
"How can you not know?"
"My parents died," I said bluntly, earning looks that I didn't feel comfortable with.
"I'm sorry," Ginny murmured, as Hermione nodded.
"We didn't know. Sorry if we offended you."
I shrugged, not really bothered. It was just a fact. My parents were dead. I didn't know if they could do magic or not. The group's expressions bothered me more than mentioning that. They had sort of pinched, uneasy looks.
"Hey, you guys didn't see Harry or Ron get on the train by chance, did you?" Hermione asked the others then, changing the subject to two of their other friends that may or may not have missed the train.
I settled back to reading my book while they talked until conversation drifted back towards Hogwarts and things like the sorting ceremony and professors. Hermione and Neville were apparently second-year students whereas Ginny was in my year. Still, I wasn't comfortable. It was only the four of us but being put in the small space made me uneasy. My control on my hunger was decent and I'd had a meal before I'd been escorted, but still. Their heartbeats were loud in my ears and I dug into my cloak for some of the Blood Pops I still had left from my trip to Diagon Alley.
"Hey, aren't those Blood Pops?" Ginny asked, making me pause as I'd started to unwrap one. "I heard they taste like real blood and only vampires eat them."
My blood ran cold at those words, fear filling me. Was I caught already? Did they already know what I was and if so, what now? Would the headmaster kick me out before I even got there? Would they take my cat and leave me back at the coven to struggle on my own again?
"Ginny, stop it! You're being rude!" Hermione scolded, giving me an apologetic smile. "Sorry. It's not a big deal, really. Just one of those rumors that go around. I'm sure plenty of people like them, and I doubt they taste like actual blood."
"Fred and George said so," Ginny grumbled but seeing my unease made her offer a small sorry smile herself. "But I didn't mean anything by it. My brothers like all sorts of weird things. They make Blood Pops look normal."
Someone knocked on the compartment then and an older woman offering treats distracted them as I calmed down. It was nothing. Just a… a joke. Still, I was unsettled and finished off the lollipop in silence as the hours went by. Soon enough, the light gave way to the darkness of night and I sank into the glass of the window in relief after pulling open the blinds.
I must have drifted off at a point, for I was startled awake by Hermione who'd gently shook my shoulder. I grit my teeth, having reached for my hidden knife, but slowly released the hilt and focused on what she was telling me.
"We're nearly there now. You'll want to change into your robes."
I nodded slowly, begrudgingly moving my cat off my lap to pull on my robes and hooded cloak. The train slowed finally and there was added commotion as everyone began to exit the train. My first big test, I reminded myself, trying to take a steadying breath in preparation for the hundreds of students waiting outside.
I didn't want to get off the train. Already I could hear the voices of excited first years and their rapidly beating hearts. A part of me missed my tent in the woods, far away from crowds and children. Then, a hand grabbed mine, startling me and making me whip around to the redhead girl from before.
"Come on! There's nothing to be nervous about!" She crowed, pulling me along behind her off the train and into the throws of people.
It didn't give me a chance to focus on the sounds, just solely on her hand wrapped firmly around mine and her back as he dragged me to the front of a group heading for boats. A large giant of a man stood before them, calling out for first-year students to board until he spotted Ginny and grinned.
"'ello, Ginny! How's the rest of ya?"
"Good! You haven't seen Harry or Ron, have you?"
He shook his burly head. "I 'aven't. But I'm only in charge of the first years. They should've boarded the carriages."
"We didn't see them on the train," she argued as I stood awkwardly, eyes fixed on our hands once more with an uncertainty rolling in my gut.
I wasn't used to prolonged human contact. I wasn't sure how to get her to let go though.
"They'll be alright. Who's this then?"
Realizing I was being talked to, I lifted my head and hesitantly responded.
"Sven Rydell," I replied, earning a grin and nod from the giant.
"Right! Dumbledore told me about ya! Ya doing good work, ya are. Don't let no one bully ya. If they do, come see me and I'll give them a talkin' to."
I slowly nodded, rather uncertain about doing such a thing but he seemed decent enough. And if the headmaster told him about me, he must be a teacher.
"Alright. Get in, get in. We best be off or we'll be late for the feast."
We were ushered into the boats and Ginny finally released me to sit and chat with another first-year who'd mentioned Quidditch. I eyed the dark water uneasily though, having never been thrilled about being on water with my inability to swim. But anything is better than focusing on the rest of those on the boat. Soon enough though, we were brought up to the underground harbor and got out, heading up a set of stairs and into the castle that towered before us.
I eyed the high ceilings and the moving paintings on the wall as much as the other first-years who were unused to dealing with magic in their everyday. Then, I was nudged from the side and Ginny eyed me curiously.
"What was that Hagrid was saying before? About Dumbledore? Did you get recommended or something?"
"O-Or something," I muttered, tugging at my collar as our group was pulled to a halt in front of a large pair of double doors.
Everyone had started to bundle together closer to the doors in an attempt to see something, anything, really. My other shoulder was jostled by an exuberant first year and I swallowed thickly. Their hearts were loud in my ears and I could feel my throat tightening and becoming parched. I dug through my coat and took out another Blood Pop, fumbling with the wrapper for a moment before finally placing it in my mouth.
"Wow. You really like those things, huh?" Ginny commented before a familiar voice rang out above the noise of excitement.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall chimed. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."
She continued on to explain a little about the houses and their rules and point system before stepping out once more, allowing the murmurs to start up again.
"How do you think they'll do it? The sorting?" Ginny asked me as I occupied myself with twisting the Blood Pop around in my mouth to avoid thinking of the close proximity I was in with the others. "My brothers said something about some big test having to do with fire but they always make things up. Hermione mentioned a hat, and she wouldn't really lie but it seems a bit boring, don't you think?"
"I… suppose?" I replied not sure what else to say and being more occupied with controlling my hunger than dealing with wizarding rituals.
Then, McGonagall reappeared and ordered us to form a line. We did as she asked, alleviating some of the pressure that had been forming within me, and brought us through the doors into the Great Hall.
Tables were lined up with even more students and a long table at the head of the room where the professors and headmaster were seated. Candles were floating above and a brief glance at the ceiling to calm my nerves revealed a starry night sky, not unlike the one outside at that very moment. Bringing my gaze back down, I risked a glance at the tables on either side of our line.
Students were packed along the benches in dark robes lined with one of four different colors; red, green, blue, and yellow. In front of them were golden goblets and plates not yet filled with food, which I was mildly grateful for. The smell of roasted meat would only add to the gnawing hunger in the back of my mind. Ghosts were also scattered around, drifting idly or passing through students who shuddered. It was certainly better than my tent, though I missed my small home away from so many others.
A stool was placed before our line and a ragged hat set atop it. Said hat stretched at its seams before a mouth formed and began to sing. I didn't listen. I just wanted this moment to be over. I wanted to either sit and have a meal—a proper meal for my kind—or leave to find a replacement of my own. Names started to get called and after a long moment of standing around being forced to wait, I got a gentle shove from Ginny behind me.
"Sven. Sven, she called you."
I jolted, head snapping up from its bowed position and I hurried forward at McGonagall's look. Murmurs started up and I realized it was because she'd called my name more than once and I was still biting at the Blood Pop remnants in my mouth. I hastily put the stick in my pocket and muttered an apology to McGonagall as she brought over the hat.
"Just hold on for a moment longer," she breathed, soft enough for only me to hear.
Then, the hat fell over my eyes, giving me a small reprieve from looking out at the hundreds of students in front of me.
"Curious," a voice purred in my ears. "I've not met one of your kind before. Not like this."
It was the hat talking, I realized, silently hoping it was only being heard by me.
"Fear not, youngling. Your secret is not one for me to share. I am only here to choose your house. Let's see. Where to put you…Yes, you're very different. Not just in the obvious way so perhaps… Oh, but deep down… Very smart, very… cunning. Yes. That's it, I think. You belong in—"
"Slytherin!"
Cheers rang out from the far left table as I was shooed off to join those with robes of green lining. The other tables grumbled or booed, but those at the table were ignoring them with their noses held high and chests puffed proudly. Sorting continued with Ginny being placed with the other two I met on the train, seated far from me at the opposite end of her table full of red robes. A feeling of loneliness filled me for a moment at losing the few people I'd become a little familiar with, but it faded to the back of my mind when food appeared on the table.
The scent hit me hard and my hand went straight for my goblet, drinking the warm, red liquid and recognizing the taste immediately with a small grimace. Pig. At least it's good quality. Fresh. I felt the constant buzzing of hunger in the back of my mind calm. With that taken care of, the tension eased from my shoulders and I turned to the platters of food in front of me. My stomach rumbled at the sight of everything I could possibly imagine and was barely able to restrain myself from piling up my plate high with food. Swallowing thickly, I gathered what I believed I could finish and started to eat before someone spoke.
"Hey, Sven, right?"
I looked over at the blonde boy seated diagonally from me—two larger students on either side of him. They look like second years. I nodded to his question, eating some of my roast chicken.
"What's your last name again?"
"Rydell," I muttered, earning a frown.
"I don't recognize it. What family are you from?"
I wasn't sure how to answer and just shoveled some potatoes into my mouth.
"I asked you a question," he complained, looking annoyed. "Don't tell me you don't know what family you're from."
"I don't," I replied in return. "Parents died when I was young."
His expression soured then. "You're joking. You're not a Pureblood?"
My area of the table seemed to go quiet as eyes turned to me. Oblivious to why that was important, but sensing the change in mood, I tensed.
"I… don't know."
"You don't know? Are you stupid?" He scoffed, earning snickers from the two beside him. "You either are one or you aren't."
"How would I know if my parents are dead?" I argued, mildly annoyed. "I don't have anyone else." Not with Cain missing… He's the closest thing I had.
"Tch," he clicked his tongue, pointing his fork at me. "Well, you better watch your back. I'm not taking the chance that you're one of them. No one wants a Mudblood in Slytherin."
Murmurs started up as he sliced into his pork chops and I steadily returned to my food as well. Soon, dinner was gone and replaced with dessert. I helped myself to a slice of treacle tart, enjoying the dessert that I'd never had the opportunity to try. Then, I saw movement ahead of me and blinked at the ghost who seated himself before me. I eyed the bloodstained robes and shackles but paid him no more mind and returned to my meal.
He chuckled then, startling other Slytherins around us as I lifted my gaze to him.
"Interesting," he commented, a chain rattling as he leaned forward over the table. "It's rare I see the gaze of the dead on one so young. Unfearing of death, intelligent, dangerous. Yes, you'll be one I keep an eye on."
He chuckled deeply once more before slipping through the blonde boy and moving further up the table to haunt others. I believe… I may have just befriended a ghost. Is that normal? A quick glance at the other Slytherins who'd witnessed the exchange told me that no, it wasn't. Still, at least it's someone… As I ate, more and more students began to murmur about something I'd missed.
Dumbledore and McGonagall were missing from the head table along with a professor named Snape. People kept mentioning a flying car and the names Potter and Weasley. Weren't those the names of the people Ginny and the others were thinking missed the train? I didn't miss the way the blonde—Draco Malfoy—spat Potter's name like a curse when he mentioned the hopes that they'd get expelled. It doesn't matter to me either way. I don't know them.
A glance down made me frown as what was left of my dessert had vanished and everyone went silent as Dumbledore returned and stood before everyone with a smile.
"Just a few start-of-year notices. First years should know that the Forbidden Forest, as the name suggests, is forbidden. Mr. Filch, the caretaker, wishes to remind you all that magic in the corridors between classes is also equally forbidden. Quidditch tryouts are held the second week of term and you're all invited to discuss that with Madam Hooch."
He then shooed us all to bed and I stood with the other first-years to trail after the prefects of our house, who would show us where the dormitories were. We took a set of stone stairs down into the dungeon of the castle, something I was rather grateful for. There weren't any windows underground to let in sunlight, after all. Then, we approached a bare stretch of wall, lacking portraits, doors, and lanterns.
"Salazar," the prefect stated, informing us that this was the password for now as the bricks shuffled aside into an archway to allow us into the common room.
A fire crackled lightly in the fireplace and the room full of carved chairs and tables and sofas was lit with an eerie green glow from the lamps hanging around the room. The prefect explained that we were actually under the lake, which only added to the green-tinged lighting, and then he explained the rules. No one was to know the password or be allowed entrance into the common room unless they were of the Slytherin house. The password would also change every fortnight; the new one being posted on a nearby notice board. A few first years cried out then when a large eye swam by the nearest window and the prefect sighed out an explanation that the lake's resident—a giant squid—and other inhabitants would occasionally take a peek into the common room or swim by. We were not to worry as they had no feasible way in.
We were split into girls and boys, and then into smaller groups to be sent to bed. Said beds were elaborately carved, dark wood, canopy beds lined with emerald curtains. Far better than my cheap bundle of blankets tucked away in my rolled-up tent. Each bed was grouped up with three others in the same area, an open doorway connecting the first-year boys' rooms together. Each boy had a space for their trunk at the end of their bed, wardrobes for their clothes, and a small end table with a lamp. Already, people were getting settled and I hesitantly ran my hand over the blankets before there was a quiet mew.
I relaxed instantly as my cat stretched, digging her claws into the sheets before bumping her head against my hand. Tired from the long day, I discarded my robes and pulled on some pajamas, being sure to place my knife under my pillow as I climbed into bed. The mattress sank under my weight and I curled around my cat with a soft sigh, comfortable for the first time in years. And tomorrow, I get to learn to control myself… and my magic.
I woke abruptly in the middle of the evening and upon realizing that it was simply because I wasn't used to sleeping during the night—nor sleeping around others, who lightly snored and breathed—I moved down into the common room. The fire was still going, though at a level far lower than before, and I idly wondered who set the fires and tended to them through the night. After a moment, my eyes started to droop once more and my cat hopped up into my lap, having followed me from my room.
"It will be a long year, Sorina," I murmured, settling into the chair and feeling as though I'd only just fallen asleep when I was suddenly drenched in icy cold water.
I shot up out of the chair, my cat long gone, and dripping from head to foot as laughter echoed around me. Draco was holding his side with his wand in his hand as the other Slytherins around him snickered and laughed.
"That'll show you, sleeping in the common room as if you belong here, you Mudblood."
I frowned at him as he walked out with the others, moving up to the room I'd been given to change into my robes. I then heard a bell chime and checked a nearby clock. I'm going to be late. I spat a curse under my breath, grabbing my things and checking my first class. Herbology in the greenhouses, but where… I hurried into the common room, hoping to find someone who might show me where to go or a map, but no such luck. The prefects were supposed to help, weren't they? Resigning myself to the fact that I was once again being ostracized, I hurried out of the dungeon and upstairs.
Finding the front doors was easy enough, but once outside there was no sign of where to go. On one side of the grounds was a hut, straight ahead was a large tree, and on the other side a path that seemed to lead out to the Quidditch pitch in the distance. I wasn't sure what else to do than wander around the castle aimlessly when I spotted the large man from the boats near the hut. I quickly ran for him and stopped when he spotted me and grinned.
"'ello again!" His smile fell then, looking me over and frowning slightly. "Shouldn't ya be in class?"
"I… don't know where the greenhouses are."
His frown deepened. "Ya house prefects should've shown ya or given ya a map. Where— "
He'd seen the green lining of my robe, posture changing immediately and becoming less friendly.
"Right then," he muttered, lifting an arm and pointing around the side of the castle. "Follow the paths over there. Ya should be in greenhouse one. It's the first one ya see."
I hesitantly nodded and scurried off, remembering how Hermione and Ginny had spoken of Slytherins back on the train. Seems they've built up a reputation for not being friendly. I'm on my own again… Nothing's changed. The thought made me frustrated given I'd just gone from one terrible place to another. I finally found the greenhouse though and hurried in to find a stout woman standing at the head of the class turning to me with a frown.
"You're late, Mr…."
"Sven Rydell," I muttered, hearing the Slytherins in the back of the class snicker.
"Mr. Rydell. Now, while it is your first day, I expect this to not be a habit of yours." Her eyes narrowed on my robes. "No matter what house you're in."
My grip tightened on my books as I bowed my head in apology and she waved me off to go take a seat. The only open seats were with the rest of my house—those that weren't, hastily covered with books to prevent my sitting there—so I sat down and winced, jumping back up and pulling a sharp tack off my chair. More snickers made me frown as the professor called out.
"Take your seat, please."
I sat and opened my book to the proper page as she discussed various plants and fungi, some of which I already knew and experienced in the forests surrounding the coven. From there, classes didn't get much better. History of Magic was one of the worst with the professor being a ghost that droned on and on, giving the others of my house ample opportunity to test out their wands under the desks, setting the edges of my robes on fire or sticking my shoes to the floor. Charms class was only moderately better, with us being taught theory before we would begin actual spells, and don't even get me started on Defense Against the Dark Arts with that idiot Gilderoy Lockhart.
Once a week in the evenings, I actually had a class I was more awake for than the others. Astronomy was something that came easily to me, given I relied on the stars and planets to find my way through the coven forests on my own. I owed Cain for those lessons, or I would've accidentally stumbled off the side of a cliff face years ago. Given the dark rooms, it was expected that the bullies of my house would use it to try my patience once more, but the professor had a strict "no wand" policy during class and even the slightest spell would catch the woman's attention. They gave up after the first day.
The only other class I was given a reprieve was in Professor McGonagall's transfiguration lessons. Her sharp eyes gave no room for shenanigans and she could tell I was already dealing with enough. Her eyes had softened the second they landed on me, given my singed robes, scratches on my hands, and flecks of paint still in my hair. I ignored the sympathy but appreciated her gaze silencing the Slytherin students as she went on with class. Hers was one of the most interesting to me as well. Changing inanimate objects into animals or animals into objects. The notes were long and complex. But if understood and applied…
It took me a little longer than others who knew magic to change my match to a needle, but once I understood, it was far easier to change it back again. Still, it had taken almost a week to get that far, and when I had shown up to class just as haggard as before, she finally stopped me.
"Mr. Rydell, a word."
The Slytherins "ooh-"ed and snickered before her wand slammed the doors shut on their heels, leaving me and her alone.
"Have a seat," she said calmly, waving over a chair in front of her desk.
"I have potions next," I argued poorly.
"And I will give you a pass for being late. Sit."
I did so, settling into the chair and placing my books over my lap, settling my gaze on her calmly.
"How are your lessons?"
"Fine," I muttered.
She held out a bowl of hard candies and I begrudgingly picked a Blood Pop from the offered sweets. "Professor Sprout says you were late the first day."
"I didn't know where the greenhouses were."
She raised a brow as I unwrapped the sweet. "Did your house prefects not show you?"
My gaze went from the sweet to her eyes coldly. "Why am I here, professor?"
She sighed softly before getting to the point. "I am concerned that you're being mistreated between classes. Did you—"
"No one knows what I am," I cut her off, placing the sucker in my mouth for a moment before removing it to speak. "My house just assumes I'm whatever a Mudblood is."
She winced, frowning. "That would explain things. Why not correct them?"
"I don't know anything about my parents," I explained. "Everything before getting bit is blurred. I can't argue when they might be right."
She sighed softly. "Very well. There isn't much I can do since I am not your Head of House. I would offer to speak to him, but I don't believe it would do you any good. I suggest that if things progress, you speak with the Headmaster."
So, they can't do anything until I get hurt. Why stick your neck out for someone like me? If this doesn't work out, then I'm just going to end up thrown aside anyway. Just like before. I nodded to her, keeping my angry thoughts hidden as I stood, leaving with her note to Professor Snape. Said man was not pleased when I showed up late to our combined potions class with the Gryffindors. Even with the note, he wrinkled his nose in displeasure and waved me off with a sweep of his hand to join the other Slytherins with my cauldron.
Potions, as expected, did not go well. We were put into pairs and told what page our potion ingredients would be on, then expected to brew it with our partner. The Slytherins all teamed up together, leaving me with a Gryffindor who looked like he'd rather strangle himself than be stuck with me. The one plus was that I could hear Ginny nearby chatting with her friends. She sounds... happy.
I noticed the Gryffindor partner I had wasn't crushing the snake fangs enough and went to point it out only for him to jerk away, flinging the ingredients in my face.
"Don't touch me, snake!" He snapped, drawing attention to us as I wiped at my face, using the inside of my robe to paw at my burning eyes.
"I was just saying to grind them more," I grumbled, frowning lightly before there was a rustle of cloth and Snap stood before us.
His cold gaze flickered over the two of us before his lip twisted up in a snarl. "Five points from Gryffindor for interrupting class and wasting ingredients," he spat. "Rydell, head to the hospital wing. While there might not be much, it is possible for minute amounts of venom to remain. Madam Pomfrey will deal with you."
Grumbles from the Gryffindors echoed in the chamber since they'd lost points and a few Slytherins were muttering as well at my early leaving. Still, I was grateful for the escape and gathered my things to go to the infirmary. Already my eyes were watering, whether because of just the particles or actual venom, I couldn't be sure. Though, I doubt this helped with my chances of making friends with any Gryffindors… Not that I'd be able to anyway.
I made it to the infirmary without injury and upon explaining what had happened, Madam Pomfrey sighed and gently led me to a sink to wash off my face and eyes. After I was given something to help clear my vision before being sent on my way. I'd had just enough time to go eat dinner in the Great Hall, where not long after entering, something splat across the side of my head. The Gryffindor from earlier smirked as he lowered his spoon of mashed potatoes and I wiped the mush off as he and his friends laughed. I simply ignored them and drank my goblet dry before grabbing a few items I could wrap in a cloth and take with me out into the halls.
As the days went by, things continued as they had been. My lack of a dramatic reaction had made some of those in my house lighten up, but most took any opportunity they could to mess with the only Mudblood in Slytherin. The rumors had spread to the rest of the school as well, earning odd looks from everyone whether they were in my house or not. A few of the bolder ones took advantage of this and my quietness, trying their luck at bullying me too.
I didn't bother retaliating. There was no point. I'd dealt with worse than their petty tricks and pranks. I'd lived my entire life digging through garbage and fighting off others for a decent meal. I'd been brutally attacked by those others who were starving like I was and thought they could take advantage of me because of my age, my weaknesses. Some kids like these, who'd never experienced something like that, wouldn't understand. Not to mention my hiding out here. It's hard enough trying to balance sleeping during the day and my classes. I can't sleep at night. I've tried.
Retaliating with magic as well, didn't seem right. While there was dueling—something Lockhart had briefly mentioned in his class—everyone who came after me tended to be more skilled in magic than I was. That, and I felt… older than those who were messing with me. I knew better than to mess with someone who could kill me in a second. They didn't know what I was, what I could do. As it is, trying to control that side of me… my strength…
I sighed, breath fogging in the early morning air. The sun was barely starting to rise, tinging the sky pink and gold. I hadn't slept all night but it didn't bother me when I was still able to sleep during meals and my free time. I used the evenings to study, the mornings to borrow books from the library, the night to enjoy the quiet calm of the common room when everyone else was sleeping and wouldn't bother me. Breakfast will be soon. I clenched and relaxed my fists a few times, testing my strength. Best attend for my drink if nothing else. I sighed softly and stepped around the corner only to bump into someone.
He fell to the ground with a grunt, his broom clattering to the grass as a younger boy at his side let out an indignant squeak of surprise.
"Harry, are you alright!"
The boy, Harry, pushed himself onto his hands, giving the first-year Gryffindor a mildly annoyed look.
"I'm fine, Collin. You don't need to—" He cut himself short at the sight of me or, more accurately, my green-lined robes.
His body went tense, lips turning down in a frown before I reached out, offering him a hand up. He looked at my hand in confusion before looking back up at me as I spoke.
"I apologize for bumping into you. You're not hurt, are you?"
"Why would you care?" Harry spat, giving me a look over as he picked himself up and I retracted my hand, brushing dew off his robes.
I didn't respond, assuming my conversation with anyone would have ended up like this, and instead picked up his broom and offered it to him calmly. He snatched it back, eyeing me as though I was going to do something to him, but I simply bowed my head and stepped around him.
"Have a good practice."
I moved for the doors leading into the castle before he called out after me.
"Hey!"
I turned, hesitant as he adjusted his glasses.
"You're from Slytherin, right?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"First-year?"
Again, I nodded.
"And you don't… you don't know who I am?"
"You're Harry, from what he just said," I offered, gesturing to Collin. "From the same house as Ginny, so probably the one who missed the train… Draco doesn't like you."
Harry snorted. "Yeah, well, that's not new." He eyed me again. "You… really don't know me? Nothing? Harry Potter? The boy who lived?"
I shrugged, not having anything to offer him as Collin tugged on his robes, eager to leave.
"What, uh… What's your name?"
"Sven Rydell," I said. "And if it helps, Draco doesn't like me much either."
"Well… I need to go. Quidditch and everything," Harry muttered, glancing over at the pitch in the distance. "You should be careful. If he spots you anywhere near me—"
I nodded in understanding, heading inside as he finally turned to go. I think that was the first actual conversation I've had… It was… nice.