Chapter Text
Sitting in the house's parlor, the gloomy sky leaked through the wide window s. The bright marble and stone of the house however kept the sad clouds away from darkening the manor. The bustle of the house with servants preparing your parents before heading out the door. Feeling a hand against the plush couch it's intricate embroidering. This was definitively a step up from the house you had back in America. Locked in between the bustling City of New York, though still spacious for the cramped city. The chandelier giving a soft glow to the ceiling and the fireplace crackling from across where you sat.
Above the fireplace hung a painting of your family, though pictures littered the house, even the table next to the couch had photos of the family. The moving photos mostly consisting of you or, occasionally, your cousins when they would come during holiday.
Focusing back to the painting on the wall sat your full family. A mixture of brown and pale hair scatted around sitting in chairs and standing around each other. The family had sat for the painting not to long ago, the birth of her new cousin caused demand for a new painting once the child would be enrolled into Ilvermorny. Looking back, you must have sat for at least over three paintings in your life. Each one showing how the family grew, but you never quite knew where those old paintings ended up.
Playing with a strand of brown and pale curls near your ears. The sharp tips of your nails brushed against your cheek. The dark color of your nails blended in with your hair as you ran a few fingers through it. Careful not to ruin the neat bun you had tied back patting down any stray hairs. Reaching with another hand at the small tiered dish in front of you, stacked with different pastries and breakfast items prepared that morning. Grabbing one, stuffing a small piece of cheese Danish between your teeth before fixing the already perfect flowers that sat on the side table.
Your mother appeared from the hall, moving the double doors to let more light in despite the windows that were already provided with them. You cringed, though New York was used to the way your family dressed, England, perhaps was not. The top half of her hair tied in to a bun while the rest fell on to her shoulders, the curls and strands of grey hair curing around each other. The grey mixing itself at the ends. The same curls you had pulled in front of her ears. A large hat toping her head, with multiple flowers, sticks and feathers. Her outfit luckily hidden by her dress coat, as usual the family afraid of too much color, wearing shades of black and beige. Getting up from your seat and fixing your shawl that lay across your shoulders and tied in the front. The flowers embroidered glistening when the light hit it at the right angle.
She reaches her hand to you as you make your way through the hall and take one last look at the new house before living at your new boarding school. Sitting in the car alongside your mother as your father sat in the passenger seat. The driver heading through the bumpy gravel road before pulling onto the smooth concrete. The silence filled with your parents chattering, your father wearing his usual black suit and coat, long hair braided and thrown across his shoulder. Just like you and your mother his gray hair shining against the dark clothes worn.
Moving your head towards the window and watching the moving scenes, messing with the locket on your chest.
***
Pushing your way through the crowd as you wheeled your own cart of luggage to the set destination. Your owl makes sounds every time it got hit by a passerby. Quickly giving you an odd look before returning to their business. The train station bustled with people the sounds of echoing trains against your eardrums. As you got down to platform 9 your family stood quite confused. While you had come early, you had expected the platform to exists, or a train at least. Your father walked down farther but came back shrugging. Your family stood a bit before you saw a worker.
Quickly you rushed over, “Excuse me, do you perhaps know where platform 9 and 3/4 is?”
He gave you a funny look while looking you up and down, “Delinquent Americans.” Before rolling his eyes and continuing on his way.
Standing a bit exasperated by his response and touching your hair. These really were a problem in the no-maj world. But your thoughts needn't linger as your eyes caught the flash of a cart the same as your slamming into the wall. But no impact came, as they slipped through. Watching further as another went through followed by two adults. Rushing back to your parents where they stood dumbfounded. Grabbing your cart and pointing with your head to lead them.
Now standing at the wall you saw the previous family pass through. “How clever,” your mother said, “though, they should have been a bit more clear on what they meant.” Your father nodding before tilting his head, he always looked like an owl doing that. “And they just ran through?” Your mother continued, her soft voice barley heard over the sound of a train pulling into the station.
“Yes, they just ran through and they were gone.” Just as you spoke another family passed demonstrating for your mother as they ran with no hesitation.
You sighed gripping your cart, moving your head to look past your owl and to the wall, lining yourself up before praying to anything that you weren’t tricking yourself. Sprinting towards the brick wall and suddenly being sucked into another station. Looking up seeing the sign, 9 3/4. Your family following closely after before quickly moving from the wall and to the train. A significant crowd was there but not enough where you couldn’t maneuver.
Getting to an opening where you got your things. Your mother whispering a spell as the trunks floated, leaving you with your owl and a small bag to carry. Your mother pulling out a wand from her coat, one you recognized well.
“Here you are darling,” placing it in your the belt of your skirt, “remember to being this home during the breaks, this isn’t like Ilvermorny you can have your wand, just no spell casting.” You nodded your head, using your arm to move the wand more comfortably against your hip. “And do write darling, I want to make sure this school is right for you. If it comes to it I will send you to your aunts for the rest of your three years.” Her hands on your cheeks before sweeping a stray hair back into your bun. Her hat as she bent down blocking the area around you, leaving you just with her face before she kissed your cheek.
“Don’t get so sentimental now dear,” your father spoke as your mom took a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes with it.
“It’s ok dad I know mom crying makes you cry too.” You chuckled lightly.
He shook his head, crossing his arms and looking down to your owl, “Ascalpus do watch over her.” The owl only turning it head and in a slow blink replying. “Oh sassy today are we? Well I’ll have to see what other better behaved owls we can provide.”
Kicking your leg over to him but missing, “Dad, don’t say that! Ascalpus is a good owl, he has done well since you gave him to me.” Scratching his head through the metal cage.
Your father ruffling the top of your hair, hearing your mother click her tongue as she saw the hair ruined. Your father leaning as he placed a kiss atop your head. Your mother rushing over to your aid re doing your hair with her wand, making it a bit tighter than you liked but appreciating the effort.
As they stepped back to look at you once more you rushed to them giving them one last hug, it was far to early to say goodbye again. Unknown country, new school, new house… new everything, and then being brought to Scotland to attend school. To much all at once, had it really been two months since moving here?
Soon taken out of your thoughts as your mother pushed you away, starting to get teary eyes once more. You held in a smile, she always got like this every year. Your father looking away, blinking rapidly, holding his tears most likely. You adjusted Ascalpus once more before turning to get into the train. Your luggage following suit as you walking into the car taking in the surroundings. You had stepped into the cart with private seats. Though normally you would feel bad for being alone in a car you didn’t quite feel the guilt as it was rather uncrowded on the platform. Placing the luggage at the top as the net shrunk to hold the trunks in place. Sitting your owl next to you and then placing yourself the opposite seat. Taking out the wand that poked you in your leg uncomfortably and looking at it. Tracing your fingers over the wood and its curves. It felt wrong to have a wand outside of school before 18 but a feeling worth getting used to. You could only count how many times you wished to have a wand at home, even when you weren’t allowed to cast spells before 18.
You set the wand down on your lap before looking at Ascalpus. “What do you think hm? How are the owls of England treating you so far?”
***
It must have been an hour you talked to Ascalpus because your conversation was cut short by a slam against the door. A boy pushed up against it his dark hair pressed against the window. Another boy looking angry as he talked to him before walking away, some others trailing behind him. The boy quickly coming into the car before pressing himself to look where the other boy had walked off to. Sighing as he turned, your eyes locking on each other. He wore round glasses and his hair was disheveled. He also held a trunk and owl in his hands.
“Oh, sorry to barge in,” he looked back. “Malfoy and his gang, I’m sure you know.” The boy spoke, annoyance dripped from him as he shifted his trunk against his knee.
You shook your head slowly, “I’m afraid I don’t…”
His face flicked up from his trunk and to you, “Oh you’re not from here.”,
“You could say that.” Giving a crooked smile not knowing if that was a question or statement.
“Well, sorry to bother again, I think all the cars are taken but I’m certain there’s a place for my friends and I here.” He looked out the window as did you, the crowd had built up quite a bit now with more heads than spaces to see the concrete platform.
You quickly replied seeing the absurdity of the crowd, “No, it’s fine. I’m not waiting for anyone anyway, it my first year here.” Motioning to the seat next to Ascalpus. “Don’t worry he doesn’t bite, he’s quite calm around other animals.”
The boy sat down on the blue seat setting his own owl next to yours. “I’m Harry by the way, Harry Potter.” He lifted his hand to shake.
You reached over, “Surnia Strigidae,” giving a small smile.
Time passed in silence, you listened to the conversation of Harry’s owl and Ascalpus before another boy burst in. Bright red hair calling your attention followed by a girl with curly hair chasing him. The two argued a bit before saying hello to Harry. Then once again arguing. Harry coughed trying to get their attention, then again, and again, until he gave a sharp “guys!” grabbing the two’s attention, his head tilting in my direction. Suddenly nervous of three strangers’ eyes staring at you. Harry quickly introduced the two who continued to stare at you as if you interrupted them.
You looked at them wide eyes and nervous, lifting your hand to the group waving your hand slightly. “Surnia Strigidae, nice to meet you…” you said nearly quietly.
Feeling awkward from the interaction you had witnessed and the look the other two gave you. But it didn’t last long before the red head’s eyes lit up. “You’re American!” Sounding proud of himself. Sitting himself next to you. You nodded slowly. Watching as he picked through the candy he splashed on his lap. “Mum packed me some candy for the trip,” picking up a small shaped package, “but now that I know this I suppose I could share.” Holding out the package to you, “I’m sure Americans have different sweets there.” His other hand popping a small gummy inside his mouth. Slowly with left arm you reached for the package. The group gasped, stopping you in your tracks looking at them.
The girl, Hermonie?, stared at your arm. The group gawking at your forearm that was on display, the dark lines dancing around it. “Is that a… darkmark?” Hermione spoke. The tension in the air thick.
“A what?”
Harry spoke, “A dark mark, for dark wizards.” His eyes now piercing you with disdain than the shyness he once had.
“Oh, no! Of course not!” Shaking your head fiercely. “I guess its not popular here then,” bringing back your arm tracing the black marks on your arm, “amicitia seals.” Looking up to them, still their faces giving you a suspicious but curious look. “Amicita seals are found on many people in the US. It’s really popular among younger people. You can have as many as you want but at a cost.” Pointing to the one just below your palm. “This is the one my friends gave me before I left.” The sun, moon, and star dark, nearly pitch black against your skin. Pointing to the one below it, the largest one, “and this one is I gave to my boyfriend and I.” The two snakes wrapped around a rose, their bodies dodging the sharp thorns before their faces looked at each other through the rose.
“Most people have these for their friends or their partners when they are on trips away from each other, it’s a pleasant reminder of them. When you looked back up the car’s tension had dissipated, and now everyone looked at your arm with curiosity.
“You said at a cost, what cost?” Harry spoke up, still eyeing you suspiciously.
You laughed a bit, “Just that when they dissipate, if everyone isn’t in full agreement of it being removed, it tingles and burns a bit as it fades. Annoying really, every child in America probably knows the feeling.”
Harry hummed in response, “It’s probably best you cover it, many people here would get the wrong idea.”
You nodded understanding; you didn’t exactly want people thinking you were a dark witch. Pulling your white sweater down over your arms. Finally reaching for the said box… Ron… yes, Ron, was still holding out.
“A chocolate frog?” You asked. “We have these, well sort of, we have chocolate turtles. Same premise, but different famous wizards and witches.” Flipping the box over the face of Dumbledore staring back, sighing slightly, you already had this one. “I already have him,” showing everyone your box and then opening it to eat the sweet, mumbling a thanks.
“So, your first year at Hogwarts?” Hermione asked.
“Yea, I hope to finish my years here though I’m not opposed to going back home and to Ilvermorny again.”
Hermione nodded, “Do you have houses their too?”
“Yes, we do, I was in Thunderbird.”
“Oh, so like Ravenclaw?” Ron asked, mouth full of sweets.
“I’m not sure… Oh how about this,” clapping your hands together, “I tell you something about Ilvermorny and you all tell me something about Hogwarts. I don’t wanna enter the school without knowing a lick about the place itself.”
All three nodded, clearly ready to tell you all about Hogwarts.
***
Stepping off the train disoriented by the enormous crowd moving in many directions. The three told you that your things would be collected and dropped off in the house room once dinner was over. So you followed the three before they left in a flurry. Leaving you lost and wondering who to follow. Almost opting to follow another person who looked around your age but before you could take a step a large hand fell upon your shoulder.
“Surnia Strigidae!” A man’s voice said. You looked up, the man towered over you and though you would often be intimidated by the daunting height, you found yourself comforted. His aura not matching his intimidating look. “I am Hagrid, Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.” He lightly pushed you to turn directions from the others, “I will be assisting you for now with settling into Hogwarts As a first year you are brought to the great hall and are sorted into your house by the sorting hat. Though I suppose you must have something like that in America!.”
“Yes, sort of.” You mumbled. You were being led elsewhere than the older students, getting looks as you made your way with first years. Following a path that eventually led you down to the river. Hagrid motioned to a boat near the end of the pier, stepping inside of the wooded structure. The lamp that hung off the boat gave small light against the river, though it did not compare to the enormous castle before you. Despite being far and night covering the grounds the windows of the castle could be seen from where you sat, lit and dancing across the dark water as it was disturbed.
Eventually once all the first years were seated into their boats, we floated across. Although you had never wanted to move from America much less Ilvermorny the way over to the castle felt quite grand, and for a moment the homesick feeling stopped bubbling in your chest. A long walk upstairs from the dock and into the castle is when a real bustle and murmur started amongst the first years. You as well, though you kept it to yourself. But when you looked over to Hagrid, you realize that perhaps your awe had shown on your face as well. He looked quite happy as he gauged your reaction to the school.
“This way children,” as he moved his arm to motion to a room. “Grab a uniform and change in the lavatory, then meet all back into the hall.” As the kids moved past you into the room, he pulled out a crumpled uniform. “Sorry about that, the children’s sizes are to small I assume for a fourth year. Professor McGonagall gave me this so you could join the first years in sorting, you’ll meet her soon.”
You took the uniform thanking him and slipping into a stall to change. Before leaving you brand your wand from the pocket whispering a ‘corrigo’ to make your uniform more presentable from its crumbled state. Placing your old clothes onto a tag with your name. Later to be transported to your luggage when your house had been selected. Hagrid continued to lead you throughout the school. Your ears picking up the clamor beyond the stairs. He turned to you as he sent the rest of the students up. “If you have any further questions Ms. Strigidae, do not be afraid to ask.” You nodded thanking him before running up the stairs to catch up.
Above the stairs stood and older woman, telling the first years of the houses, but you had missed little, as the trio from the train filled you in. Her gaze flicked to you and motioned you to come up. Careful to go up between the children not quite ready to hear the anger of small British children.
“Ms. Strigidae, I am Professor McGonagall, I will lead you into the great hall where you will be sorted into the four houses. Although we often do this in alphabetical order for the sake of your sanity, we will have you go first.”
You nodded, barley listening to her, the doors barley keeping the sounds of the great hall silent. Professor McGonagall opened the large doors, the sounds of the people inside making you flinch. ‘Just breath’. You told yourself, but you found it almost impossible. You could hear the people talking. There silent whispers sounded no different than water dropping in a cave, it echoed. Littering itself amongst other drops till they sort of came together will a halt, a large clap from the Headmaster. This time you flinched, one of your ears coming to your shoulder as the quick yet loud sound silenced the hall. He nodded to Professor McGonagall allowing her to make her speech to all the sitting students before being handed a hat. A very traditional witch hat, one that you were sure your aunt owned when she was working in her garden.
Quickly though you were snapped from your thoughts as you heard your name. Again whispers came across the hall, your name slipping from so many people’s lips. You slowly came up to the seat and sat awkwardly. You much rather be back in your first year in Ilvermorny, because at least there when you looked straight you saw the dark circular room. The older years standing above you, leaning over the railings to see you and the houses which lit up for you. Professor McGonagall slowly placed the hat on your head stepping away. You searched the tables looking for the trio from the train. Quickly spotting them, there eyes watching you and the red-haired one giving you a thumbs up.
“Not a first year hmm!” The hat yelled. You jumped, though you were told that it spoke it scared you non-the-less. “A former Thunderbird? Soul-searchers, travelers, breakers of boundaries, and those who defy expectations. A house of the element soul.” His voiced echoed loudly in the hall. Well, no need to say what house you used to be in then. “Call yourself a trail-blazer? Feel as though you could take the reins of something you are denied? Make it better, be more successful than those previous to you?” Why was it so good at reading you?
“Yes, I would say that, though I’m willing to wait…”
“But that’s not what you want is it?”
“Not quite, I could do so much better than them.” You spoke quietly back.
“Ah, ambitious, but still flexible to wait for your turn, that must require some determination… One might be quick to sort you in Ravenclaw, the house may look so similar on the surface.”
You looked to the banners that hung, the raven standing against the blue background. Then looking down to the others, they all looked quite eager looking at you.
“I was instructed to pick only ones with the best traits for this house.” The sorting hat lowered its voice to you. “Quiet cunning as well, though you are quite open of your family you’ve silenced your voice to persevere yourself from judging eyes.”
‘Nothing hides from this thing does it’ you thought, though you felt it probably knew your thoughts.
“Yes well I know perfectly where you fit, you will find those who you can climb to reach your goal.” Slowly it raised its voice.”
“SLYTHERIN”
The table at the end of your right erupted into cheers. Professor McGonagall lifted the hat from your head, a wave of her wand and your tied slowly faded into a silver and green. Walking over wary of the table and everyone there. The trio’s words echoed into your head, “Just try to stay away from Slytherin.” Perhaps they said it to scare you, a stupid prank they play on all first years, a popular house that most inevitably are sorted into. But as you sat down at the table, you doubted your comforting words. Some looked at you with distrust in their eyes, not quite sure were to gage you in their house. While others looked ready to steal any coins, you may have left in your pockets like lunch bullies.
“Nice hair, dye it?” A girl next to you spoke, her hair definitely was, it was long and blond, but her roots showed the true color, black hair shown through.
“Huh? Oh no… familial hair, everyone has it.” White lies would work for now, not till you knew how this group reacted to non-pure bloods. You had heard rumors in Ilvermorny that Hogwarts wasn’t notorious for its blood acceptance.
“That’s so lucky, I have to dye mine, its a real chore,” She stared down one of your curls, “the names Belladonna Cygnet.” Her eyes following the strands of pale hair from your bangs to your bun.
“Anyway, welcome to Slytherin, were you eat or get eaten.” Her chin resting in her hand. “I promise it’s not as bad as it sounds, but some of these clicks are a real pain. Just have nothing they want and you’ll be fine!”
That did not sound fine.
***
How could you be surrounded by so many weirdos? The tri-wizard tournament was known to all wizard-kind, but you never knew the full extent of it. Although it was cool to watch the foreign students enter and un-veil the large goblet. Ilvermorny seemed more like a better idea by the minute. But patience was a virtue, one you planned to keep. A month was at least the time you needed to know you needed to stay here.
You kept your owl’s cage in your hand, but let your luggage follow you behind as you walked towards your room. It was cold in the dungeons but the views were nice which made it bearable. As you walked into the room, you sighed happily seeing the furnace in the middle of the room. The large ceilings and gothic design surrounded the room. Green and dull grey colors decorated the room.
Four beds sat the corners of the room each with enough room from each. Sitting your luggage down on the bed and placing Ascalpus down right next to it. Hearing his complaints of staying locked inside the cage. Side eyeing him from where you stood, though you heard him the other only understood hoots of an angry owl. You flicked your wand from your pocket. The luggage unlocking from where it lay and organizing itself into the dressers and drawers the way you liked it. Once empty you placed your luggage under the bed and putting your school supplies at the trunk that sat at the end of the bed then placing Ascalpus on top of the trunk.
You really had given little thought of your roommates because we all busied ourselves in settling in. And as you waited for the other to finish, you went into the one bag you brought that held most of your personal things. Bringing out photos to sit on your nightstand. The one held into a golden frame, engraved at the top ‘the moon, the sun, and the star’, in the moving picture was your two friends still at Ilvermorny. It was taken on an autumn day, which is apparent from the trees falling leaves. You had your arm wrapped around your tallest friend, his arm being the only thing you clung on to on the chilly day. Your other friend clinging to your whole body, her cloak flowing behind her. On that day you had been out for Halloween in New York, ending up in a park secluded to take a picture. The picture taken in your casual clothes. Luckily your amicita seal was covered mostly by the embroidered shawl you wore constantly. The next one you brought out was the one of you and your boyfriend, you both sat on a fountain in autumn. It was his birthday, and you had taken floo powder to your friend’s house where he lived in the city. Missing the day of school to stay with him. During that time you had found a fountain that was still running despite the cold weather. You quickly went into your bag and set up the camera. Sitting next to him, holding his hand and resting your head on his shoulder. You smiled at the picture, seeing him move in front of you felt almost as if he was not so far away.
You tapped your nails against the frame tracing the pattern it laid in.
“They’ll make you cut those you know.” A black-haired girl said, “They always make the girls keep their nails short.”
You looked down to your nails, the dark color almost matched her hair, but your nails showed a brown tint still. “I don’t think they will.” You stated, you knew they wouldn’t some teachers must be aware of your family.
“Oh? Rich family then? That won’t work, they don’t care about the money your family could give. I’d know.” She replied.
You hummed, “No not that either.”
“Must be, they don’t let many students in who aren’t from the UK.” One girl spoke from her corner.
You hummed again, “Doubt it all you want, I don’t I suppose that’s why I was let in.”
“So it wasn’t because your family is influential?” The black-haired girl continued questioning.
You supposed you could give them a crumb, “No, I wouldn’t quite deny that.” That shut the girl up, as she ate at what you gave her.
You took one more picture out this on of your favorite cousin, though you’d never tell anyone. Your family was to big, you had to have at least one member you could confide in. Achlyos’s hair was almost like yours. She always kept it in a half down and up state. Her pale hair in more display than your own. However, the most eye-catching was the amicita seals she placed on her collarbones. She always wore off the shoulder shirts to show them off. She always played them off as tattoos in the no-maj world. You both sat in the picture with champagne in your hands, sitting in the garden in front of your families shared vacation home. Clinking both of your drinks together. You set all three photos on the nightstand neatly.
You looked back to the other three girls they had shurgged off their robes and made their uniforms more comfortable. You followed as well, loosening your tie more and taking off your robes. Hanging the robe in your dresser, thinking of what to do till you felt ready to sleep.
The black-haired girl had walked up to you. “You must join us, I can’t imagine how it felt to talk to that Cygnet. I’m sure she really took the joy of being a Slytherin away.”
“Oh no, she was quite kind actually.”
“Yes, that’s how she seems at first, but all blood-traitors are fake, they’ll show their true colors soon.”
Shocked by her crude use of words you stared at her. But before you could reply to her demand rather than request, she grabbed your wrist yanking you out of the room and into the commons.
Everyone moved for her, which made you assume she had a nasty reputation, though you knew your assumption couldn’t be completely wrong. Because as she approached two couches people moved, franticly. She sat on one a girl from another group coming over to sit next to her.
“Parkinson by the way, glad you got me as a dorm mate rather than that mud-blood.” Again she stated as fact.
You looked at her, weirded out and quite frantic to keep away from this girl, “Strigidae.”
“Never heard of it.” Parkinson replied.
“Yes, it’s quite unique of a name…” she must be crazy.
“No, I mean your family name it’s not of pure blood.”
“She’s not from here you dimwit.” A large group of boys came from behind us, sitting themselves across, while Parkinson quickly leaped up and made her way over to one boy. Whom sat himself promptly on the middle of the chair lifting his legs to rest on the table that separated the two couches. Another boy sat himself next to you, making the girl that had come over to Parkinson move over to make room for him. Her heavy curls flopping against her frame as she leaned against the couch arm. Parkinson clung to the boy’s arm, two other boys coming to sit on either side of him, Parkinson kicking one with her foot to make him move further towards the arm rest.
“Monarda.” You said.
“Hmm?” The boy Parkinson clung to hummed.
“You want to know if my family is of pure blood? Well, that’s my father’s name.”
“And so your family kept your mother’s name?”
“Yes.” You really should stop talking now, to much information and you’ll see how this group treat non-pure bloods. Your father was far from a pure-blood, but they had kept their secret well hidden from the public. Keeping their family’s small and only bearing children with others like them. But the Strigidae family had kept the pure-bloods going, just mixing out on the occasion, like your father. They all looked at you for more information, they were all crows looking for crumbs now. “My mother, she comes from a line of well-known business in the US.”
“Oh I know!” The boy next to you spoke, his stern face barley changing despite his voice. You wavered a bit scared of what he knew. “I’m kidding I have no idea who’s names those belong too.”
The boy smirked to you and you held in a sigh of relief.
“Really Zabini, you are quite insufferable.” The platinum blond spoke.
Looking at him he seemed familiar, “I take that with quite large pride Malfoy.” Ah, that name, the Harry boy had spoken of him when we had been pushed against the door of the train.
Malfoy tsk’d, he looked at you and although you were sure you both sat on the couch making your height almost the same you were sure he was somehow looking down at from his nose. Though you refused to falter to him, from what Harry had said this was one boy you had somehow show you were equal to him, even if you weren’t.
Zabini hit your arm pointing to the other boys, “Crabbe, Goyle, Nott, and others but they are off with some half-bloods.” Looking lazily around the room for the others but giving up not even turning to look behind him. As you looked to him he could be the definition of cunning. He sure looked the part, the way the fireplace lightened his face only furthered the shadows on his face. “But do tell us about you.” He spoke, but you recognized that tone, he was asking more for himself than for the group.
“Bold really, but taken.” You reached into your shirt grabbing the heart locket snapping it open with your talon of a nail. He glanced it averted his gaze, embarrassment perhaps as Malfoy let out a loud laugh.
“HA! Zabini… you lose your touch, a loyal girl has walked into the common room not praising you from where you sit.” The others following in his laugh, thought from the forced sound of the others Malfoy was the only one who really found it amusing. “It’s about time someone humbled you.” Ah, never was attracted to those who were so vain of their looks.
“Someone should humble you Malfoy.” Zabini spoke.
With this brewing argument I just might retire early. Turning yourself to observe the common room as they spoke. Looking at the couch, it green velvet matching the clear theme, the dungeon gray and the sound of flowing water from the circular stairs. The large windows in the other section of the room let a dark green hue into the commons the flora of the river. The chandeliers that sat above us waved slightly the light they gave barely help, as it stayed dim but not completely dark enough to navigate unknowingly. Beyond the sounds of the talking someone played a piano, you remember passing it when you had walked in though it had been enchanted to play on its own then. Your eye caught blond hair near the window. A familiar dark roots coming out, but now you wondered why she didn’t use a dying spell to keep her hair blond. But from the sounds of it perhaps her parents didn’t want their no-maj neighbors to suspect her perfect hair. She looked to you and waved her hand; you smiled at her, not wanting to draw the group’s attention to you. Although fires burned throughout the rooms it was still cold, only making you rub your arms hoping the sweater you wore over your blouse kept enough friction to keep you warm.
“So how is that school over in America?” Malfoy spoke, again sounding snobby somehow, but you deducted it to being just how he sounded.
“Ilvermorny? Lovely, Mount Greylock gave beautiful views and I loved going down the mountain to the rivers in the summer.”
“Who made the school?”
“Oh well, Isolt Sayre and her husband James founded the school.”
“I heard her husband was a muggle,” Parkinson spoke.
“A what?”
“Muggle, no magic…”
“Oh! A no-maj, that’s what we call them over there. And yes you would be right Steward was a no-maj.”
“Disgusting. Luckily you are here where some no-maj didn’t create the school.”
“It actually makes it quite nice there, very welcoming to all blood status’s, even despite her status from the Gaunt lineage, she made a space for all to feel safe at the school.” They all looked at you, awe and disgust on their faces. Most people are quite glad to hear that a school looks past blood and puts its students comfort first but it didn’t seem to land with this crowd. “… our houses are said to represent a whole person not just their traits…” trying to reel back any conversation that would lead to some type of berating open lack of prejudice to other blood status’s. It was why you were quite comfortable telling your fellow students about your family. “… the mind, the body, the heart, and the soul. My house was the soul, thunderbird.”
“And what drew you to that house?”
“Oh, we don’t choose, well some of us do, we just stand in the middle of our grand circular hall and wait till the carvings react to us. They choose us rather than we.”
“And thunderbird chose you?” Zabini asked.
“Yes, and so did the Wampus, but I had gone with thunderbird. It’s normal to have at least two choose you, after all it corresponds with the whole person. But no one has had all four in a long time.”
They all stayed silent, you hoped they pondered about the houses and not on your previous statements. “We don’t have different uniforms of course, Sayre found it very important that we stay united despite our house differences. Less another Salem happens.”
“Salem?” Goyle asked.
“The witch trials?” You said, flabbergasted he didn’t know. Then again, you didn’t know about this dark mark thing. “There known to every witch and wizard in the US, mass killing of witches and their husbands on the occasion.”
“What else to expect from muggles,” Malfoy spoke, “It will come that we pure bloods take our place again.”
Parkinson nodded along, saying some praise to Malfoy then looking at you, you bit onto your cheek barley nodding.
By the minute you grew more uncomfortable, you had no intention to establish yourself into this group. Especially with your blood lines legacy and agreement.
“I really must get to exploring the commons however, lovely meeting you all.” Speaking an easy lie through your teeth, you already hated this group.
Most of them nodded agreement but Malfoy, he seemed to ignore you. Not to your dismay, you would gladly be welcome to the leader of this posse forgetting you.
You got up from the couch, quickly making your way through full common room trying to find Cygnet, it seemed here everyone addressed each other by their family name. You walked near a table, a game of unfinished wizard chest sat there. Cygnet had stared at you from her spot near the large windows. You moved your head to silently tell her to come over. The walls and curtains of the commons gave enough privacy to get to talk to her without starting enemies with the group you had conversed with. She caught the message and moved from her spot and made her way over.
Joining you to the table, smiling at her, “It really is clicky around here.”
She smiled a small laugh coming from her, “Yes, I see you met the Prince of Slytherin and his little group.”
“Is that what they call themselves?” Cringing at the name.
“Oh no, just a little nickname the school gave Malfoy.” Belladonna explained. “I assume you’ve found a group of shared interests then.” She looked at you a face of disappointment slipping to her features.
“Please, I have no room to talk blood status.” You rolled your eyes.
She looked at you excited, “You’re a muggle-born too? We are rare to find in Slytherin I must introduce you to the others.”
“Ah, no not that,”
“Half-blood then?”
You stayed silent, “Not quite…”
Belladonna looked at you confused, “Then what? A no- maj?” She laughed.
You thought for a moment, clearly anyone below half-bloods were out casted, and eventually you would need to tell someone.
“I can’t say here, to many people, plus I’m sure once I say even you might become prejudice.”
“I doubt that, us muggle-borns can’t exactly judge blood status. I think it’s stupid anyway, were all magic holders are we not?”
“Yes, we are.” You replied in agreement, “I think they get jealous.” You said quietly to her.
“Oh? Do tell this theory.” She leaned in to hear you better.
“I mean I would be pretty pissed if my cousins inbreed for years, only for some half-humans, no-maj children, and half-bloods to possess equal to more magic than me. It’d be quite shameful to day the least.”
She laughed, “I couldn’ agree more, but now you have me curious. What is your blood status?” Still leaning in.
“As I said, I can’t say it here.”
“Then to my dorm? Don’t worry it’s other muggle-borns there. They aren’t dumb enough here to put us with others.”
You hummed, “Well you go first, I’ll find you in the hall.”
She nodded making her way past the wall and curtain heading for the girls’ dormitories. After a few seconds you made your way to the windows, it was night, so the river was not lit, but still you could see the shadows of the flora. You moved away from it passing Malfoy’s group once more before moving to where the piano was. You watched for bit seeing a boy press a few keys before waving his wand to play a song. Then moving to the second entrance to the girl’s dormitories. Getting to the curve of the hall which held the rooms you saw her. She leaned against her door, messing with her long hair.
“Finally, I thought you chickened out.”
“Never, I just didn’t want to look suspicious that’s all.” She opened the door leading into an identical room of yours, save for the trunks and luggage that were different. One girl sat on her bed flipping through a book, but the other two beds were empty. “So how many ‘muggle-borns’ are there in Slytherin?” You inquired, using her words.
“Just five.”
“Wait so where’s the fifth one?” You recounted the beds, but four were accounted for.
“He’s in the boy’s dormitories. He fares well enough, they made him stay with half-bloods.” She said. She pointed to the girl laying in her bed, “That’s Nina Deamonne, we all call her Nina though.”
Nina lifted her head, giving a small wave before looking back at her book, “’Nother muggle-bor’?” Her Irish accent thick as she spoke.
Belladonna responded with an extended yes before sitting on her bed across from Nina’s patting a spot on the opposite side of her. “Nina being here is ok right?”
You nodded she was far enough away. “Well, to put it simply, in blood status rules I rank even lower than you. I’m…” Pausing, thinking about the information, she seemed decent enough. But Parkinson’s word came back, her ‘true colors’, but from their conversation you’re convinced it was just pure-blood prejudice speaking. “,half-human.”
Belladonna paused, looking at you quizzically. Then back off the bed looking at you up and down. You froze, oh no…
“I don’t know why I looked at you as though I could see if you were lying. Half-breeds can really blend in.” She put a hand on her waist leaning.
You sighed, then hit your head, relief and cringe feeling both your emotions. “I will take it as a compliment? And please don’t say half-breed, it’s really rude.”
She sat back down the bed quickly, “IS IT REALLY? I DIDN’T KNOW I’M SO SORRY!” Nearly tackling you into a hug.
You pushed back though keeping yourself upright, “It’s fine, we’re not exactly common.” Pushing her off nicely and back to her side.
“What di’ you ‘all her a mud-blood or somet’ing.” Nina spoke from the other side.
Belladonna looked at you, you shook your head; you didn’t know how she would react.
“Nothing keep reading!”
“I was but you sp’eak so loudlay!” She spoke back annoyed.
“Tell me more! I’ve never met a… half-human before!”
“Well… my family comes from a line of pure-bloods and Stikini mixing.”
“A what?”
“It’s like an big owl, they turn into humans in the day, but often take there owl shape at night.” She made an O with her mouth nodding. “Stikini are known in the US to be very violent but my ancestor saved one from a broken wing. Long story short later she and my ancestor had two children and so on and now my family mixes with pure-bloods and Stikini still to keep up a tradition. “And no, all my family has children later in life in hopes that pure-bloods have become more accepting of us. And they do, but I suspect that’s because my family’s business as well.” You looked off as you recounted your family, how your father was a Stikini as they found it important to keep fresh blood in the family.
“So your family has no problem with blood status?”
“In our family no, my cousin is married to a ‘muggle-born’. But often sociality we still struggle.”
“Wait hold on, your half-human pure-blood family is ok with your cousin marrying a muggle-born?”
“Well yes, we’ve had trouble with others because of that but we just ban owls from interacting with them, it’s very inconvenient for them.”
“How? Do you guys have some kind of mind control for owls?”
You laughed, “No, I suppose I should explain my family’s business then.”
“You are a girl of many secrets Surnia.”
“Strix-Strigidae Owl Company, the name of our family’s business. It was started from my family using our abilities, we started an owl breeding company. Allowing us to have an influx of owls and train them for a multitude of things from any buyers want. This lead us to a large amount of popularity and respect in the US, I mean who doesn’t have an owl, or at least a family one. Because of our popularity there’s a demand for our owls to be exported. But because of the owls dislike of these trips by ocean or floo powder it was a better idea for us to move. Thus, moving to England in order to set up a company there. We took a few of our best breeds sedated them got them here and now my family is setting up a base in London.”
“What abilities?” Belladonna asked.
You looked at the clock; it was well into midnight and classes started early. “These questions can be answered later. I have been answering a lot of questions today.”
“You’re right, well then, see you around.” As you made your way to the door, you realized that the other two had come in and were sleeping. Nina had gone to bed not too long after you had entered.
You silently entered your room the sound of a crackling furnace left lingering to make sound in your room. You had yet to let your owl go to the owlery. You told him you would tomorrow, take a detour and let him out in the courtyard. He made his complaints clear before reminding him your family had a few more owls to use if he couldn’t wait till the morning. He hoo’d at you in defeat, you giggled lightly careful not to wake the others. His company would be missed as he often spent time on your window seal in Ilvermorny or on his branch at the house.
Tucking yourself into bed undoing the privacy curtains letting the full darkness take you. Releasing your hair from the bun and massaging your sore scalp, wiggling yourself further into the sheets and closing your eyes.