Hello everyone,
I've finally decided to publish this fanfiction. It's the first one I've ever written. I've had this idea in mind for a while.
The first thing you need to know is that I am French and my English is really far from perfect. I am using a translator to publish this fanfiction in English. It already exists in French, but I hope to reach more readers in English. Do not hesitate to correct me if you see any mistakes !
Let me make a disclaimer right away: I've created the main character and included her in the story. So, until the final battle, you'll find entire passages taken directly from J.K. Rowling's books. Please don't hate me in the comments or behind your screens; you've been warned. I repeat, there are entire sections where I haven't made anything up. However, these passages obviously serve the story.
So, you'll be introduced to the main character: Mio. I won't reveal her full name right away. You'll have to discover it in the chapters. There are two pairings in the story.
Warning, one of the pairings is a male/male relationship. If this displeases you, don't read on. There are plenty of other fanfictions without same-sex relationships.
A small detail: I generally use the names from the French translation, except for Severus Snape (I prefer Snape over Rogue) and Draco (I prefer Draco over Drago). But, sometimes I use the English name. Sorry if it might confuse you.
Any constructive criticism is welcome. Don't hesitate; this is my very first fanfiction, and I think I have a lot to improve.
A big thank you to my first reader, a friend who will recognize herself and who helped me a lot in writing the story's plot.
Happy reading.
Chapter 1
- Miss Weasley, Professor Sprout wants to see you!
- Yes, Professor McGonagall, I'm on my way.
Mio Weasley had been running through Hogwarts for several hours now. It was her job. Well, almost. She was what a Muggle might call "a teaching and administrative assistant, tasked with helping the faculty." In other words, Mio was a secretary, running from professor to professor to carry out the various tasks assigned to her. Was the infirmary missing a potion? No problem, she could get it. Did Professor Flitwick need quills for the first years? No problem! Did Professor Snape need an ingredient? Let that "not so old" grumpy man deal with it on his own; he didn't deserve her help. Did Professor Dumbledore need to speak with a student? She'd go find them immediately.
Mio loved her job. What a brilliant idea Dumbledore had when he created her position. He was tired of always having to send an owl (or more often, a student) to fetch this or that student or teacher. He could no longer manage the professors' constant requests. Hogwarts was always lacking something, and Dumbledore seemed to think he wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer. So, he had hired Mio at the end of the last school year as soon as she'd gotten her NEWTs. Mio didn't have any clear career plans, and Dumbledore had offered her one.
- Professor? Are you here?
After pushing open the door to the greenhouse, Mio searched for Pomona Sprout, the Herbology professor at Hogwarts. A voice from the back of the greenhouse answered her:
- I'm here, Mio!
Pomona was crouched by a tiny young Chinese Chomping Cabbage. It was so small compared to the size it would surely reach as an adult.
- It's so young, this cabbage!
- Yes, it's only a few days old!
Meanwhile, the botanist was adding some brown powder to the soil around the little cabbage.
- And I suppose this baby will need a lot of things?
- Exactly! I can't seem to find the small cumaru wood stake.
- Cumaru?
- Yes, you know, that very sturdy wood from South America! If I use anything else, this little chomper will gnaw through it in no time.
- And without a stake, it will grow crooked?
- Exactly. But I can't find it…
Task #12 of the day: finding a needle in a haystack—uh, no, a piece of wood in Hogwarts.
- Alright, Professor. I'll find it for you as soon as possible.
Mio left the greenhouses and climbed the stairs when she had an idea.
- Accio, cumaru stake!
She waited a few seconds. But nothing happened…
- Of course… But you never know unless you try! Alright, to the school's storage!
The young assistant crossed the courtyard, entered the hall, climbed the stairs, higher and higher, until she reached a long corridor in the Astronomy Tower. "Storage! I need to get to storage!" Mio thought hard as she paced the corridor. At her thoughts, a beautiful carved wooden door appeared on the stone wall beside her. She gently pushed it open. This strangely appearing room was the Room of Requirement. It took the form of whatever one needed. In front of the young woman stretched an endless maze of wooden crates, more or less valuable chests, furniture, stacked chairs, old empty bird cages, and all sorts of other old objects. A faint bird noise was heard.
- By Merlin, I've done it! Finally!
At this voice, Mio moved forward stealthily and knelt behind a crate. In front of her stood a massive dark triangular wardrobe and a young blond man barely younger than her. Standing before the wardrobe he had just opened was a small bird flapping its wings.
- Dray, what are you doing?
Draco Malfoy jumped.
- Mio? What are you…?
- I'm looking for something for Professor Sprout, she cut him off. And you? I see you've succeeded in your mission. So, it's happening soon…
- You don't seem thrilled!
- Thrilled? Honestly, Dray, I…
- Don't call me that!
- As I was saying, honestly, Dray, she insisted, why would I be happy to see the only place I truly feel at home invaded by Death Eaters?
- Mio, we've had this conversation already. Don't start again!
- No, no! Of course, it's kill or be killed, right?! I just don't understand why you're so stubborn about doing everything alone! Why do you refuse my help or Snape's?
- NO! It's my job to do it! He chose me! Among all the others. Me! And I won't disappoint him. Look! he said, pointing at the slightly open wardrobe.
- Well, how brave of you! she said sarcastically.
- Don't insult me! I'm not one of those stupid Gryffindors who rush headlong into things! I've thought this through, planned everything!
- No, you're a stupid, prideful Slytherin running headfirst into disaster and taking everyone down with you.
With these last words, she turned and left the room.
Hurry, she needed to hurry! Soon, Hogwarts would be filled with Death Eaters. She had to warn Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore right away!
That's it for this first chapter translated into English. What do you think? I can't wait to hear your feedback!