A New Destiny

September 1st, 1997

It was officially Hope's first day of school at Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and she couldn’t have been more nervous. Minnie and Poppy had been preparing Hope all summer and she feels ready academically but socially is another matter. Hope was scared people would find out about her tribrid status and think she was a freak like everyone else had when she was growing up in New Orleans and the Salvatore School. Hope knew she had to hide it and Minne and Poppy respected her wishes and helped in any way they could. During the school year, Hope could roam the forbidden forest whenever she wanted and during full moons and Poppy would provide Hope with some blood every week to keep her from desiccating. Although, desiccating doesn’t seem that bad compared to talking to random students in an attempt to make friends. Unfortunately, she had made a promise to her “godmother” that she would try to be more social and nicer to people. Hope completely hated the entire idea but Minnie put on her stern motherly voice and the tribrid had no choice but to concede. Hope was also informed that there was another werewolf on campus, but they wouldn’t tell her who. She was sure she could sniff them out anyway once school started so she didn’t push. Hope was curious, however, to meet a new kind of werewolf.

Minnie also took Hope to get a wand at Ollivaders in Diagon Alley. Hope was a little nervous, however, seeing as though she’s from another universe and a completely different kind of which, she wasn’t sure a wand would work for her. Minnie assured her there was nothing to be worried about and if they couldn’t find her a wand, she could stick to wandless magic. It may seem a little suspicious but it's not unheard of in the wizarding world. Fortunately, they left the wand shop with a wand fit for the tribrid. It did take about six tries and a lot of destroyed property but the owner, Ollivader, didn’t seem too put out by it. Hope’s wand is 11-inches made with white oak wood—which had Hope freaking out for a bit but then promptly realized it can’t kill her—and has a core of werewolf fur. Ollivander made a big show of how this was a rare occurrence. Werewolf fur wasn’t that difficult to acquire unlike phoenix feathers or dragon heartstring but it's rare for a wand with that core to choose a witch or wizard to wield it which is why there’s so few wands made with it. After all, the wand chooses the witch, not the other way around. Apparently, according to the wand maker, it represents someone who is capable of both good and evil. Someone who has the potential to be great in many ways depending on how they use the power they have been given. Hope thought this was ironic since she’s spent her whole life trying to be better than her family’s legacy of a thousand years of evil. 

Poppy also explained the sorting process and all of the houses to Hope when they were in the hospital wing a week before school started. Hope had gotten into the habit of helping around wherever she could; brewing potions, organizing cabinets, and whatever she found she was useful for. Hope learned that the houses are Gryffindor for those who are brave and loyal, Ravenclaw’s are the ones who value intelligence and creativity, Hufflepuff’s are all about kindness and hard work, and lastly Slytherins are known for their cunning and ambitiousness. 

Hope had no idea where she fell in those categories. She, very humbly, thought she had a good amount of each but she was wishing for Gryffindor as soon as she found out Minne was the head of house for it. 

“Hope, are you ready?” Poppy had come to grab Hope minutes before the sorting ceremony that she had been dreading. The tribrid locked herself in the hospital wing the entire day reading where she left off on Hogwarts: A History. “What do you think?” The tribrid replied, putting her book down and getting off the bed.

“I think you are terrified of going into the Great Hall and being sorted in front of so many people but Hope, darling, you are going to be fine. Everyone is always nervous about their sorting.” Hope still looked apprehensive and Poppy had the feeling there was more to it than fearing all the eyes that were going to be on her so she pressed on. “Is there something else bothering you?”

The younger witch sighed. “What if I get put into Slytherin and not Minnie’s house. I read that the two houses hate each other so if the hat chooses that for me, would she hate me?” Hope asked in the vulnerable voice that she never liked using. Poppy looked the girl over with understanding. “Minnie would never hate you based on what house you got into, darling. We both will support you no matter what.”

“Are you sure?” The tribrid whispered.

“Certain.” The healer pulled the younger girl into a comforting hug. Pulling away she added, “Now, let’s get you sorted!” With that, the two witches head off to the Great Hall.

Hope had been in the Great Hall loads of times over the summer and always admired its beauty but now, it was a different kind of beautiful with all of the filled seats, students adorning their house colors with pride, and the ceiling that imitated the night sky. Poppy soon left her with the first-years towards the side of the hall. Hope would be announced last after all the first-years had been sorted and she could not have felt more awkward. Random people from all tables were burning holes in the side of her head trying to figure out who the stranger was and why she was standing with the first years. Thankfully, the last name had just been called and now it was Hope’s turn. 

“We have one more student that needs to be sorted. She is a transfer who will be entering her 7th year. We would not normally allow this as it is quite abnormal, however this young lady is my goddaughter so we have made some adjustments. Now, Hope Mikaelson, please come up.” As soon as Professor Mcgonagall had finished speaking, whispers broke out from all four tables talking about the transfiguration Professor’s supposed goddaughter. Hope slowly made her way up to the hat, trying her best to ignore the whispers and the stares and, instead, exude confidence. She hoped it was working. Minnie gave her an encouraging look and placed the hat on her head. The tribrid jumped a bit as the deep voice of the hat began to speak into her mind.

“Ahh, Hope Andrea Mikaelson. You're not from this world, are you and not only a witch?” Hope tensed at the hat’s words, wondering how it knew and if it would tell anybody. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone who or what you are, young tribrid. As for your placement, this is going to be difficult, very difficult. You work hard and that would make you an admirable Hufflepuff but there’s more to you than just that. You are smart, yes, but Ravenclaw seems too safe. You need adventure and excitement. So Gryffindor or Slytherin? That is the question.”

Not Slytherin.

Not Slytherin.

Not Slytherin.

“Not Slytherin, eh? I imagine you’d do pretty well in that house. You are quite selfless and have more bravery than you know what to do with but maybe you need a balance. You are much like your father, yes. Cunning and ruthless when you need to be. Slytherins are known for being able to get their way no matter what. Of that, you have quite the history of Ms. Mikaelson.”

No, please.

Not Slytherin.

James Fleamont Potter is widely known for his outgoing, sunshine personality, his pranks with his friends who are as close as brothers, hating Severus—Snivellus—Snape, and more importantly his seemingly everlasting crush on Lily Evans that has led him to more embarrassing endeavors than romantic and heart-winning ones. However, in the midst of trying to flirt with poor, uninterested Lily during the sorting ceremony, his words caught in his throat as he gained sight of her. The new girl, Mcgonagall’s goddaughter, who walked confidently up to the sorting hat and ignored the whispers as if they didn’t bother her like they would most people. He wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t. She seemed strong and beautiful and he couldn’t look away. His usual doe-eyes that were directed at Lily seemed to be glued to her, Hope. Even her name held more meaning to him. His mother always told him, when he was a child, that the darkness of the world would never be able to take away his blinding light as long as he had hope and he believed her full-heartedly. Looking at the new girl who held the name of the feeling he has treasured for years, he believes his mothers words now, more than ever. 

“Oy, mate.” Sirius, his best friend, whispered while waving his hand in front of his face. “Where’d you go?”

James, the very astute boy—note the sarcasm—was very confused. “What? What do you mean?”

“He means,” Remus began to explain. “You stopped flirting with Lily mid-pickup line and haven’t stopped staring at the new girl.”

“I wasn’t staring!” James declared, offended. “I just wanted to pay attention to see what house she got sorted into. It’s weird for someone to join anytime after first year so hex me for being curious.” He was very put-out at being caught by his best friends.

“Oh please.” Peter exclaimed with a roll of his eyes. “You were practically drooling at the sight of her.”

“Was not!”

“Was too!” Sirius argued.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes”

No- oww.”

James rubbed the back of his head at the same time as Sirius. Apparently, their friends took it upon themselves to stop the arguing by hitting them upside the head. Remus smiled victoriously as James glared at the werewolf. Peter, however, completely ignored the death-stare coming from Sirius in favor of acting innocent.

“What was that for?” James complained.

“You both were being ridiculous.” Remus responds as he lifts his gaze to the new girl and wonders why her scent is so familiar.

“No we weren’t!” Sirius protests.

“Yes, you were.”

“No, we weren’t!

“Yes, you were.”

“No, we…oww! Not again!”

This time James and Peter exchange grins as Remus and Sirius rub the back of their heads. “Now you know how it feels, Remy.” James says playfully arrogant and sticks his tongue out in his direction as Remus glares.

“Oww! Sirius!” Peter exclaims out of nowhere. “I didn’t do anything, why’d you hit me?” He complains.

“I didn’t want you to feel left out, Wormy.” Sirius responds innocently. “We all got hit at least once, it was your turn.” Sirius smiles unashamedly while the remaining two Marauders laugh quietly at the exchange.

“Ugh, whatever.” Peter exclaims, rolling his eyes. “And as much as I don’t believe you, James, about your staring, I would also like to know where the new girl ends up.” Peter concludes and begins paying attention to the front of the Great Hall where Hope Mikaelson sat and the rest of the Marauders followed suit. 

James was praying to Merlin that she would end up in Gryffindor so he could see more of her. Or maybe she would be in Hufflepuff, he really liked them and got along pretty well with a few of them. The Ravenclaws were more difficult since they kept to themselves for the most part. He would be absolutely crushed, though, if it was Slytherin given their long-standing rivalry with that house. Her being there would ruin any chance of—well, he didn’t exactly know of what but he wanted a chance for something. Friendship maybe?

Not Slytherin.

Not Slytherin.

Not Slytherin.

The Gryffindor repeated in his head.

Hope argued back and forth with the hat for what felt like hours with everyone staring at her but it was only a few minutes. Apparently, the hat would not be swayed.

“Now, I do take into account the student’s preference for a house but in this case, I feel you would accomplish great things with the proper guidance and bring about some much needed change. So, my decision stays the same. I am putting you in…”

Please, no.

“…SLYTHERIN.”

James’ heart drops in disappointment.

Hope sighs, disappointed, and is scared to meet Minnie’s gaze as she takes the hat from her head. She heard a few cheers from the house colored in dark green but quickly tuned them out in fear of what her ‘godmother’ would say about her house. When the tribrid does look up, she sees a smile adorning Minnie’s face.

“I think I just won a bet.” Is all Minnie says. Hope sputters, almost at a loss for words but manages to voice her confusion. “A bet? What bet?”

Minnie smiles brightly. “Poppy and I had a bet on where you would end up. She thought it’d be Ravenclaw but I always thought it’d be Slytherin. I’m pleased that I know enough about you to be right in my assumption. You just won me 5 galleons. Now run along and sit at your table.”

Hope smiles and begins to walk towards the Slytherin table. Her nerves begin to grow as she looks for an empty place to sit. She spots a girl around her age with white-blonde hair that reminds her of Lizzie Saltzman. She smiles at Hope and opens up a spot next to her which the tribrid gratefully accepts.

Before anyone can get a word in, Headmaster Dumbledore stands to make his beginning of year announcements. Hope tunes them out as Minnie has already explained all the rules to her over the summer. The tribrid can still feel staring so she looks around. Most, if not all, of the people seemed to be listening until Hope spots a boy at the Gryffindor table staring at her, almost dazed. He has unruly dark-brown hair, brown eyes, and black glasses adorning his face. Once the boy realizes he’s been caught staring, his cheeks tinge pink and he quickly looks away as the boy next to him nudges him to pay attention. Hope thinks he looks cute but quickly pushes the thought out of her head and stares blankly up at the Headmaster. Once he’s done and the feast magically appears at all the tables, the blonde next to her takes it upon herself to start a conversation. 

“Hello Hope. I’m Pandora Rosier. Welcome to Slytherin.” The girl, Pandora, introduces in a voice that could only be described as dreamy.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” Hope is internally screaming because small-talk may quite literally be her worst nightmare. Luckily Pandora continues talking and introduces her friends.

“This is Regulus Black.” She gestures to the dark-haired boy sitting next to her. “Mikaelson.” He says in greeting, his tone bored. Pandora elbows him. “Be nice, Reg.” She scolds and he rolls his eyes before looking at Hope. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He corrects, forcing a smile. Hope can hear the sarcasm bleeding through his tone but offers a small smile of her own, though more awkward. She doesn’t want to start problems on her first day because of people who lack manners.

Pandora continues. “Sorry about him, it takes a while for him to warm up to new people but I promise once you get to know him, it's worth it.”

“Who said I want her to know me?” Regulus questions with a raised brow.

Pandora does nothing but send a scathing look his way and all he does is sigh and grumbles, “Fine, I’ll be nice.” This seems to brighten the blonde up very quickly. 

“Great! Now moving on. This is my brother Evan.” She gestures to the boy sitting across from her. He actually smiles, genuinely, in Hope’s direction. “Hello lovely! I’m Evan and might I just say it’s a pleasure to be in the company of someone as beautiful as you.” The blue-eyed boy shamelessly flirts with a wink. An amused smile graces Hope’s face. “Come on Evan, you don’t want to scare her off on her first day with your terrible attempts at flirting. At least give her a chance to meet me, seeing as I am the best person in this house.” The boy sitting next to Evan with the dark-brown hair comments while wrapping an arm around his friend. Hope is yet to be introduced to him. “Barty Crouch, at your service.” He turns to her and smiles charmingly at Hope.

“Who said you’re the best person in this house? That’s absurd. And I am not terrible at flirting, besides it was just a bit of fun.” Evan grumbles with his arms crossed.

“Please,” Regulus speaks up this time. “Almost every girl in our year has rejected you.”

“Exactly, almost every girl. Not all.” Evan replies, almost hopeful but also proud.

“Right, the only ones who haven’t are the ones smart enough to steer clear of you and your antics.” Barty says, side-eyeing Evan.

“Evan, you’re my brother and I love you but you really need to get a grip on reality.” Pandora says in a sympathetic voice as she reaches a hand over the table to cover his own in a comforting manner.

Surprisingly to Hope, Regulus laughs at this. Hope thought he looked incapable of that. “That is rich coming from you Dora.” Pandora smacks his arm playfully.

“He’s got you there.” Barty agrees. Before Pandora can reply, Barty turns the conversation to Hope as a grateful attempt to include her. “So, Hope. You’re Professor Mcgonagall’s goddaughter? What’s that like?”

“Yeah, and what’s with the accent? It sounds American.” Evan inquires.

“Are you from the states?” Pandora adds.

Hope is a little overwhelmed by the questions and tries her best to answer as truthfully as she can. “Yes I am from the states, Louisiana to be exact. My family is from New Orleans and as for being Mcgonagall’s goddaughter, it’s pretty great. She seems stern but she has her soft spots but what do you wanna know exactly?” Hope didn’t know how to fully describe her relationship with Minnie so she hoped they’d get more specific in their questioning and it would be easier to dodge anything that might make her out to be displaced.

Regulus speaks up at her question with one of his own. “I want to know how she feels about you being in the snakepit when she’s Gryffindor’s head of house? She was a Gryffindor herself so I doubt she’d be too happy about you being with her old house’s rival.” He smirks, clearly trying to get a rise out of Hope but years of trying to control her anger has paid off quite well.

She simply smiles at him before replying. “Actually, she had a bet with Madam Pomfrey about where I’d end up. Mcgonagall bet on Slytherin and she was quite happy when I won her five galleons.” This seemed to come as a shock to the three boys she had met but Pandora stayed in her dream-like state.

“Mcgonagall placed a bet that you would end up here?” Evan spoke slowly and exaggerated most of his words like this was the most shocking news he had ever received. Hope shrugged in response. 

“This is the most life-altering piece of information I’ve ever been given.” He stated, looking at his plate in confusion and slight awe.

This time, it was Hope’s turn to ask a question, turning to the other three while Evan dealt with his quarter-life crisis. “What is the whole deal with the Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry? Why do the houses hate each other so much?”

“It’s been like this for centuries. No one knows for certain how it started but in simple terms, it’s merely a disagreement of opinions.” Barty shrugs with a half-baked response and shoves a piece of pie in his mouth.

“He is oversimplifying it.” Regulus continues to explain. “Slytherins have a reputation of being, for lack of better word, evil. And Gryffindors, with their stupid bravery, have taken it upon themselves to keep fueling the hatred and attacking us based on our house. They think themselves heroes for whatever bloody reason. But we dish out as much as they give. Thus, creating an endless cycle of hatred.”

“Well that’s stupid.” Hope snorts.

Regulus narrows his eyes at her. “How so?”

“What’s the point of hating each other to the point where it’s an active rivalry? You ever heard the saying “it costs nothing to be kind”? Well the same can’t be said for hating someone. It takes energy to actively hate people so why waste it on something as trivial as house rivalry when it could be used to help in more useful endeavors that actually get you places?” Hope inquires.

“You make a point, Hope but there’s more to it than that. Barty may have simplified it but Reggie left out a few things. For one, there’s also blood purity.” Pandora starts.

Hope is familiar with blood purity. Minnie made a point to explain to her the concepts of purebloods, half-bloods, and muggleborns. She also told her that if anyone were to ask, she would say she’s a half-blood. Minnie thought it’d be safer, especially if she got placed in Slytherin, the house that is generally filled with blood-purists who despise muggles. Hope is also familiar with the slurs that get thrown at muggleborns, the most famous one being mudblood. The word holds no real meaning to Hope but she assumes that in this world it's just as bad as the factions back home calling her an abomination or a monster for something she couldn’t control and that always stung.

“The Gryffindors don’t hold the prejudiced views that a lot of the Slytherins do about muggleborns and even half-bloods and they will go out of their way to stand up to the Slytherins that vocalize their views in more threatening ways. However, most Slytherins come from pureblood families who follow the old rules about blood purity and they are just reiterating what they’ve been taught by their parents since birth. Some grow out of it and don’t really believe them but if you want to survive in this house you’re going to have to learn to pretend or you’ll be a target.” Pandora finishes with her warning and Hope’s not too worried about being a target because she’s fairly certain that she can hold her own against anyone who’d try to hurt her.

“Aside from that,” Evan continues after coming out of his earlier shock. “It really is just a difference in opinions. The Gryffindors represent light. Slytherins are known for being dark. Gryffindors have a tower while we rot in the dungeons, not that we mind really. But speaking of blood status, what are you? Hey! What was that for?” Evan reached under the table to clutch his shin.

“Have some decorum, little brother.” Pandora chastises, apparently having kicked her twin.

“You’re only older by a minute!” The younger twin complains, still rubbing his shin.

Pandora ignores him and apologizes to Hope. “It’s alright, Pandora. Before I answer that though, what are all of your views on blood status?”

“Why? Don’t trust us, Mikaelson?” Barty says, clearly joking and smiling at Hope.

Hope plays along. “Should I, Crouch? Especially since you’ve all just explained how prejudiced this house is. It wouldn’t be wise to freely hand out information like what you’re asking, now would it?”

“Smart. You’re going to need to be if you expect to last a day with the snakes. We might eat you alive if not.”

“In case you haven’t noticed Crouch, I am one of those snakes now and I am a lot tougher than I look.” 

“Being tough has nothing to do with it. You need to be careful. Slytherins are also known for getting their way and they tend to get violent when they don’t.” Evan interjects.

“How violent?”

“The more vicious ones might corner you and throw a few hexes your way or torment you in class by sabotaging your work. And they’re not against physical violence either.” Pandora explains.

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Hope thinks.

“It sounds easier to deal with than it actually is. We know how to avoid it and our families have a lot of influence in the wizarding world that most of Slytherin house either fear or respect the four of us to try and touch us.” Regulus says in an almost monotone voice. 

“Well if anyone does try and hurt me I know 10 different ways of breaking someone's arms and I’d be happy to demonstrate should the opportunity arise.” Hope states with an innocent smile and thinks back to all the training she did with Dr. Saltzman as well as her own family. 

“Bloody hell, you’re scary.” Evan exclaims with a mixture of awe and respect. “And I thought Barty was dangerous.” He mumbles. Barty shoots him a glare, looking completely offended. “I am dangerous. That’s the last time I defend you from those dim-witted lions.”

“The only dim-witted people here right now are the two of you. In case you haven’t noticed, Mikaelson successfully distracted the two of you from your original question about her blood-status.” Regulus says, glaring at his friends.

“Did you just compliment her?” Barty exclaims, surprised. “I never thought I’d see the day where Regulus Black is nice to someone he’s just met.” Hope and Pandora give each other a look and laugh softly.

Regulus rolls his eyes at him. “I can respect competency which is a lot more than what I get from you.”

“And he’s insulted me!” Barty says, excitedly throwing his arms up in victory. “Now I know you truly love me, my dear Reggie.” Regulus throws a bread roll at him in response.

Hope smiles reminiscently at the two. They remind her of Kaleb and MG and she’s missing them now more than ever. “What’s that look for Mikaelson?” Barty asks.

“Nothing, you two just remind me of some old friends from back home.” Hope shakes her head, getting rid of the memories. “I do have one more question though. You all are making it seem like all Slytherins are self-serving monsters and since you all are also a part of that then…”

“Then why does it sound like we’re helping you?” Regulus finishes for her. Hope nods in his direction. “Because we’re self-serving. You are Professor Mcgonagall’s goddaughter which makes you either a valuable asset or the perfect target. We’re betting on the former.”

“So you’re all being nice to me because you think I could help you in the long run with Professor Mcgonagall?” Hope deducts.

“That’s their ulterior motive, I simply want to be friends. As much as I love these dunderheads, I could use a friend that’s a girl.” Pandora reassures.

“We are not dunderheads.” Barty complains. “Correction. I am not a dunderhead, the same cannot be said for the two of them.” He gestures to Evan and Regulus who glare in response.

“Oh, it's alright to admit it, Bee. Besides with the amount of deflecting you’re doing, the nargles are bound to get you.” Hope raises a brow at the word ‘nargles’ but doesn’t say anything. She thinks it's an inside joke as Evan bursts out laughing, Barty groans, and even Regulus lets out a small laugh before settling on an amused smile.

Once Evan stops laughing, he turns to Hope. “So, Hope. Are you going to accept our friendship filled with ulterior motives and tell us your blood-status?”

“That was very blunt.” Hope points out.

“What can I say? Honesty is my best trait.” He grins.

Hope rolls her eyes playfully but answers. “I will accept the friendship.” She promised Minnie she’d try and make some friends so she couldn’t exactly deny them. Her statement makes the twins and Barty grin but Regulus stays neutral as he studies Hope. “As for blood-status, I’m a half-blood. My mom was a muggle and my dad wasn’t.” She went for some version of the truth. Her dad wasn’t a wizard but she did get her witchy part from his side of the family. 

“Now that that’s settled, would you like to be my roommate? None of the other girls will cause they think I’m too weird and off-putting so I’ve been without one since second-year.” Pandora asks.

“Why would they think that?” Hope can’t help but wonder.

Evan replies for her. “My sister has a very unique but insightful perspective on the world and the simple-minded people in this house can’t accept that she’s above them all.” Pandora smiles at her brother in appreciation which he returns.

“Well, I would not like to be grouped in with those simple-minded people so I would love to be your roommate.” Hope says, smiling at the long-haired blonde which she returns. The boys look at Pandora and Hope, with all irony, hopefully. Although they said they wanted to be close to Hope because of her connection to Mcgonagall, they also know how long Pandora’s wanted a female friend even though she doesn’t voice it. All the girls in their year don’t like to interact with her because they think she’s peculiar. Admittedly, she does have some traits that normally wouldn’t sit well with people but, to them, that’s what makes her so great. There are a few girls who at least talk to Pandora but not enough to be called friends. With the new girl, Hope, she doesn’t have any former knowledge of what everyone thinks of Pandora so they want this friendship to work out as a clean slate for her. They would never admit that to anyone though. The boys exchange their own small smiles as Hope asks about nargles and Pandora starts explaining, excitedly, in her soft voice. What they appreciate even more is how Hope is intently listening and trying to fully understand their Pandora and sister in everything but blood, omitting Evan. 

After the feast, the students head back to their respective houses. The first years follow the prefects and Hope is about to go with them but Pandora hooks their arms together and pulls Hope along saying she’ll show her the way. The boys follow behind. Pandora explains the regular rules the prefects are telling the first years and informs Hope of the password to get into the dungeons: Alohomora. The password changes every fortnight but they always make the first few passwords spells that the first years are going to learn to let them know what to expect. After Hope checks out the common room, Pandora shows her the way to their shared dorm. Surprisingly, all of Hope’s stuff is already there. Pandora also assures Hope that her school robes will change into Slytherin colors by the morning so she’s ready for classes. That night, Hope goes to bed more content than she has been in a while. She made some friends on the first day, although she doesn’t exactly trust them, and she didn’t disappoint Minnie with her house placement. All in all, Hope thinks it was a successful day. She hopes the rest of the year brings the same as she drifts off to sleep.