She is NOT Him
Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbology are the seven required subjects that all students under the sixth year take. Chosen had to pick at least two more electives (apparently students pick them when they reach third year so he had to listen to Dark complain about how he wanted to take Study of Ancient Runes but wasn’t old enough). Chosen decided to pick Divination and Care of Magical Creatures because he was slightly interested in the different magical creatures in this world and he needed another elective so he chose the one he thought going into for the first time would be easy.
Dumbledore was rather smart about how he was going to teach them the necessary information without giving away that they hadn’t learned magic to their teachers. He separated their sessions with each teacher into only a few days and asked the teachers to review the four years (he was supposed to have learned already) with him. The teachers believe they are making sure he learned the same things as in their curriculum so he doesn't get confused if he missed something while being ‘homeschooled’. He gets to learn everything rather quickly while pretending he has done what they asked him to do before. If he misses anything, he can just say he didn’t learn it from homeschooling and they will teach it to him. Chosen doesn’t like lying to his teachers but getting found out would be worse, so he does what he can.
Transfiguration was with Professor McGonagall and was scheduled for three days. As the first subject he was going to learn, it was actually quite easy to get the hang of. He had no qualms with it. Turning turtles into teapots was quite creative and he could do a lot with this magic. She also told him that he was great at transfiguration and she had no issue with his capability to transfer.
Charms was a fun class. Professor Flitwick was rather nice and knew what he was doing. This subject was only scheduled for 2 days, forcing Chosen to read a lot of books in the library about the subject before starting to learn from him so he didn’t seem clueless when learning about how to summon an object. He found out that Charms is easier than Transfiguration, as he didn’t even need to say the spells to get his desired effect. He could just will it to happen (he still said them out loud in front of Flitwick, he needs to know whether non-verbal spells are a thing before doing them just in case he garners too much attention from doing so).
Next was Potions with Professor Snape. Dark kept bragging to him about how much more Snape liked him over Cho. Chosen did not care, but he did find out from McGonagall that Snape dislikes Gryffindors. Something about a feud between the houses. Well, Chosen was well prepared for Snape's questions as Dumbledore gave him a day break between Charms and Potions that Chosen spent in the library memorizing the different effects that all ingredients have in potions. It took all day and he might not have eaten or slept (Dark was not happy with him for that) but he got them all memorized. Potions were still slightly difficult for him even after his studies. He still did well as he didn’t blow anything up and the potions still did their desired effects. So after 3 days of learning 4 years of potions, he finally managed to get Snape to congratulate him.
History of Magic was the hardest of all of them, in Chosen’s personal opinion. The teacher was a GHOST named Professor Binns. He was the most boring person (or ghost?) Chosen had ever met. He believes that he must have some sort of magic in his voice that lures his victims to sleep and makes them fail. Although he still managed to get through it by reading on his own time and when he was given the test, he was prepared enough to pass. He finished that class in 2 days.
Defense Against the Dark Arts was taught to him by Dumbledore and was a breath of fresh air because Dumbledore knew he had never learned magic before and did not expect him to know anything. It went rather well, although Chosen suspected that he was taught a lot more advanced spells than his grade level.
Dumbledore was apparently very impressed with his magic. He would always say things that did not make sense like: “I suspect that this year will not be fruitful in Defence” and “The phoenixes would love you to join them.”
When Chosen told Dark about it at dinner, Dark told him “That old man is crazy. You know, when I was learning from him he told me ‘beware of the wrong path’ and I basically told him to shut the fuck up.” Chosen got a good laugh out of that one.
Anyway, after those 4 days of learning how to throw giant fireballs with his wand (super fun btw would recommend it as a replacement for dodgeball), Chosen had Astronomy and Herbology 2 days straight. Astronomy was done at night and was super easy. He looked up at the stars, mapped them then read the book to see what the patterns meant. Herbology was done during the day and was alright. The plants liked him more than Dark, so he had that going for him at least (Dark told him that one of the plants that was supposed to be peaceful tried to wrap its branches around his neck and kill him). He didn’t get much sleep those two days, because of this hectic schedule, but it didn’t bother him. He has gone without sleep before.
Then he had his electives, Divination and Care of Magical Creatures, while Dark had all the time he wanted in the library studying Ancient Runes (he really wanted to do the class but all he has are books after he has been denied). One day was given to learn for each class.
Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid was actually quite enjoyable. Learning about magical creatures was something new and exciting and Hagrid was very nice. Maybe sometimes too nice, as Chosen suspected he is trying to befriend him (apparently Hagrid was sent somewhere by Dumbledore right after their class, Chosen has no idea where he went).
Divination was an entirely different story as Professor Trelawney tried to tell him that he was going to die a terribly painful death. Chosen scoffed at her because he already suspected he would die painfully someday and he didn’t need her to tell him that. Divination was a lot of making things up, which was super easy and he did well (at least he thinks he did, it was quite unclear).
Then finally, he was finished. After 2 weeks and 5 days of learning what felt like everything in existence, he had two days to catch up with Dark on what happened and explore the castle with him before the rest of the students arrived. They had a good time finding out where all their classes would be and a few secrets hidden in the castle (that tunnel in the pipes was really cool). As much as Cho was excited he was also worried. He could only hope that he was prepared enough.
Chosen is pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace as Dark sits on the couch adjacent to it, the orange glow of the fireplace lighting up his bored-looking face and green tie.
Today was the day. The day he and Dark get introduced as the first exchange students to ever go to Hogwarts. Both of them are waiting in the side room of the Great Hall for Dumbledore to announce their presence to all of the students outside.
I get to meet Harry today. First impressions are always very important in a relationship. Chosen jolted at a sudden thought. Wait, but Dark’s first impression of me was bad! Does that count though? Should I talk to him about how sorry I am for hurting him? Chosen glanced at Dark sitting on the couch, unbothered. I'm such a bad big brother. I want to hug him but I don’t want to ruin our current relationship and go back to square one. I’ll just-
A hand wrapped tightly around his wrist stopping him in his tracks. His heart stopped for a moment. Cuffs…
Dark quickly let go, seeing how Chosen reacted, and told him hastily, “Don’t worry about it Cho, you’ll do great like you always do. Besides, I’m here to help your dumbass remember?”
Chosen let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
“Thanks,” Chosen said and then paused awkwardly and continued, “Dark, I’d like to talk to you abou-”
The side door opened and both Chosen and Dark’s faces swiveled to look at it. Oh shoot, that's our cue! I can talk to him about it later.
Chosen and Dark made their way outside the room and into the Great Hall as Dumbledore was saying “... new exchange students from America! We are delighted to have Mr. Chosen and Mr. Dark here with us as Hogwarts' first exchange students!”
Chosen stopped in the middle of the hall and looked out at the four house tables and all the kids looking at them. There was a lot of whispering as Chosen scanned them looking for any threats (Cho noticed that Dark was scowling at them, it seemed he wasn’t happy with their whispers).
“As you can see, they have already been sorted and I wish for all of you to treat them-”
“Hem, hem” a witch with a bright pink cardigan over her robes interrupted him.
“-well,” Dumbledore continued, thinking it was an accident, “Why don’t the t-”
“HEM, HEM!” The lady said louder and Dumbledore stopped in surprise.
“That’s better! Now, why wasn’t the ministry informed of these transfers? I will assure you that the ministry will act swiftly in ensuring the safety of all Hogwarts students.” The woman was standing now and Dark and Chosen had turned to face her, seeing how much her face resembled a toad.
Before she could open her mouth to speak some more, Dark snarled at her “You bi-”
Chosen slapped his hand onto Dark's mouth, making him shut up.
“Do you have something to say?” She looked down at them smiling sweetly. Someone told him that before while smiling in the same way… Chosen’s face drained, realizing who he heard it from before.
Chosen was sprawled on the white floor of the box, panting and in pain. He tried to get up, growling at his inability to do so.
“Do you have something to say?” the mouth asked him sweetly, curling into a cruel smile, showing him the image of a cursor.
He is not here. He apologized. You are fine. The woman's smile grew larger. The smile… the words… I- I can’t. Chosen felt his breathing quicken, his hand slipping off Dark’s face. He had to calm down before he had a breakdown in front of the whole school. He looked away from the smile and at the floor. Come on, breathe Cho. You are alright.
As he got his breathing under control, he barely registered the pink woman say in her honey voice, “If you don’t have something to say, why don’t you both go sit down?”
Chosen looked up at Dark who was gritting his sharp teeth and he had his fists up like he was going to jump up there and fistfight that toad. Chosen took the opportunity to put his hand on Dark's shoulder and squeezed it, letting him know he was fine and not to do anything he would regret. Dark looked at him, worry was etched on his face (Cho could tell even though Dark was trying to hide it from him).
Dark nodded at him in understanding and they both reluctantly left each other to sit at their respective tables.
Chosen was fine now (YES, HE IS 100% FINE!). He sat down in between a girl with bushy brown hair and a guy with a toad at the Gryfindor table, as everyone looked at the pink lady, him, or Dark, whispering.
Chosen gave a little wave to the people at his table (he didn’t even try to smile, it was impossible right now) and refocused his attention on how Dumbledore was going to respond. As they say, know your enemy and Chosen just knew this woman was bad news.
Dumbledore smiled at the new teacher and politely told her “I understand your position, Dolores, but I was told by MACUSA not to inform anyone not in the school of their arrival unless instructed otherwise. I can assure you that if I thought they were a threat to the safety of this school, they would not be here right now.”
Dolores giggled in warning and sat down (Chosen didn’t even notice she was standing up earlier because she is so short her height sitting down and standing up are basically the same).
Dumbledore watched her sit down and then turned towards the students, “I do apologize that this year's ceremony went on so long, so don't let me delay you any longer. Dig in!”
As soon as Dumbledore said those words, the table was filled with foods of all kinds. Chosen had never seen this much food in the same place before so he just stared in awe as everyone around him started to dig in.
“I had the same reaction at my first feast,” Chosen looked up from the table and saw a lightning scar. Harry Potter was talking to him.
“Ah- I’m sorry, I was just surprised. I haven't ever seen this much food in one place before.” Chosen said hurriedly, reaching to grab some food, “I’m sure you already heard but my name is Chosen. Who are you?”
The redhead next to Harry gasped, his mouth stuffed with a plate-worth of food (how he managed that will never be known) “Uo ean uo aen eard ov arry oer?” he asked, unable to get his words out properly because of his full mouth.
“Ronald! Chew first!” The girl next to him berated Ronald in disgust.
Ronald swallowed and told her exasperatingly “I know ‘mione,” then turned to him, “I said: You mean you haven't heard of Harry Potter?”
“Ah!” Chosen acted surprised “So you are Harry Potter? Dumbledore told me about you.”
“Really?” Harry asked, intrigued for some reason.
“Uh yeah.” Chosen told him casually and he took a sip of pumpkin juice, “He just told me some events that have happened since you started here. Nothing huge.” He turned his attention to the other two “And your names are…?”
“Ron Weasley,” the redhead told him, putting mountains of food on his plate.
“Hermione Granger,” Hermione introduced herself, “and I have a question about what Dumbledore said. He said that he was told by MACUSA not to inform anyone of your arrival here at Hogwarts. He made it seem that it was not his idea to have exchange students. Why did MACUSA send you two here anyway?”
It was time for Chosen to use his acting skills. He froze at the question, for just enough time for them to notice, acting as if fear gripped him. Then quickly swallowed his bite of the steak before telling them in his most serious whisper voice, “We are only here because we were deemed by MACUSA as not safe in the US. They sent us to Hogwarts to stay safe.”
The three of them looked at him in surprise.
Harry broke their silence as he started “What hap-”
“Good evening, Sir Chosen!” Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington appeared in the middle of the table, making Ron yelp. “I knew as soon as we met that you were a Gryffindor! May I inquire whether you are settling down well?”
Chosen took the opportunity and responded “Well, Sir Nicholas, I have been here for three weeks so far, and I can say that Hogwarts holds so much charm! I do believe that I am settling alright. It is so much different here than in the States.”
“That is good to hear! With the two new prefects here to welcome you, I’m sure they can help you if you so need. If they are not available, call for me and I will assist. Now, good day!" With that Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington tipped his feathered hat in a goodbye and floated away to talk to another ghost down the table.
Chosen turned to Hermione and asked, “What’s a prefect?” He has never heard of such a thing in his entire life. It seems the other three have dropped their previous subject for now, although Chosen knows it won't last long.
“A prefect is a student who accepts responsibility for maintaining order and discipline at Hogwarts. They also uphold the values of their own house. Ron and I are both the new prefects of Gryffindor,” Hermione answered him.
“Thank you, Hermione,” Chosen told her, looking into her brown eyes. She looked away from him, quickly hiding her face. Did I do something wrong? Chosen was bewildered by her reaction.
Ron wrinkled his nose at him as Chosen looked at him questionably. Harry just shrugged.
Ron’s red hair reminded him of someone. I wonder how Dark is doing? Chosen turned around and looked over at the Slytherin table quickly locating Dark. He was sitting next to a blond-haired boy and a girl with black hair, making his dark red hair stand out like a beacon. He was silently eating his food and looked slightly interested in what the blond next to him was talking to him about. Dark felt his stare and looked over at him. Their eyes met and Chosen knew that he wanted to talk to him after the feast. The blond noticed Dark’s gaze and scowled in Chosen’s direction.
Apparently, his company also followed his gaze, looking at the blond at the other table. The blond's face turned into a smirk and he turned back to his friends continuing his previous conversation.
“Who is that blonde kid?” Chosen asked his company seriously. He wanted to know who his brother decided to make ‘friends’ with (knowing Dark he probably was just pretending for information of some kind).
“You mean that git, Draco Malfoy?” Ron said heatedly, “He is the worst! His parents are Death Eaters, you know.”
“Parents and children are not the same,” Chosen told him, “You shouldn’t judge a child off the sins of their parents.” He should know, all he has to do is look at Second.
“Yeah, well Malfoy-”
Dumbledore had stood up and the hall became quiet. It looks like I’ll have to ask Dark directly, oh well. That is probably for the best, Chosen thought to himself.
“Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices,” said Dumbledore. “First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students - and a few of our older students ought to know that by now, too.” (Chosen saw Hary, Ron, and Hermione exchange smirks at these words. Seems like keeping them out of trouble is going to be harder than he thought.)
“Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me for what he tells me is the 462nd time, to remind you that all magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are the numbers of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch’s office door.” (Chosen has already had a run-in with Filch, he seemed rather grumpy about everything. He liked Mrs. Noris [his cat] though.)
“We have two changes in staffing this year. We are pleased to welcome Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.”
Chosen’s eye fixed on the woman with the pink cardigan who was just introduced as Professor Umbridge. Maybe this is what Dumbledore meant when he said ‘I suspect that this year will not be fruitful in Defence’?
It seems like Harry, Ron, and Hermione were more worried that Hagrid wasn’t here and the fact that they didn’t know when he would come back. They must know him quite well.
Dumbledore continued “Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the-”
He broke off, looking inquiringly at Umbridge. Chosen was going to question what Quidditch was, but now he has noticed that Umbridge has stood up. Hilariously, she was the same height standing up as sitting down, so he didn’t notice at first glance (again). Then she cleared her throat, “Hem, hem” This toad is about to deliver the most boring speech ever conceived. Can we just get this over with already? Chosen realized that he was starting to sound like Dark, so he took a moment to get his thoughts together as Umbridge started her speech.
“Thank you, Headmaster,” Professor Umbridge simpered, “for those kind words of welcome.”
Her voice hit Chosen like a truck. The sweet-as-honey voice her mouth was forming into what sounded like condescending words hurt him to the very core. Why does she have to sound like him? He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he ignored her as he continued. Calm down Cho, she may sound like him but she is not him. You are fine.
He opened his eyes and looked at her pointed smile, ignoring the frightened feelings inside him that told him to run, knowing they were not valid. His now pokered face turned back into her speech.
“And to see such happy little faces looking up at me.”
Chosen would have laughed at such an absurd claim if he didn't have his poker face at the moment. Everyone he could see was taken aback at the fact she was talking to them like they are five-year-olds.
“I'm very much looking forward to getting to know all of you and I’m sure we will be very good friends.”
Students exchanged looks at this, barely concealing their grins. Chosen let go of his poker face. He couldn’t take her seriously anymore. She may have a similar voice and smile as him, but she definitely was nothing like him (although Chosen knows not to take her lightly).
Then Chosen heard one of his housemates say “I’ll be her friend as long as I don’t have to borrow her cardigan.” She and her friend started lapsing into giggles. At least the people at Hogwarts have a good sense of humor, Chosen thought seriously.
“The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing as if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations, lest we lose them forever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished, and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching.”
Professor Umbridge paused here and bowed to her fellow teachers. No one bowed back. Chosen could see that Snape had his own poker face on, and McGonagall was looking more hawklike than usual as she shared a significant glance with Professor Sprout. The rest of the teachers looked slightly bewildered or concerned. Umbridge gave off another “Hem, hem” and then continued her speech.
“Every Headmaster and Headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. Then again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tired and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation…”
Chosen stopped listening there. He knows why this woman is here now. She is a member of the Ministry trying to interfere at Hogwarts and make it more ‘safe’ for the students. The only people who were really listening were Hermione, Dark, and the other Professors. Everyone else was either pretending to listen or not even trying to pretend and chatting and giggling together animatedly.
Professor Umbridge did not care that no one was listening and continued on as if nothing was wrong. Chosen supposed that he could create a full-on tornado and she would still continue talking like she has been until she is finished. He decided to tune back in.
“...because some changes will be for the better, while others will come in the fullness of time to be recognized as errors of judgment. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded and outworked, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, to a new era of openness, effectiveness, and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning whatever we find practices that ought to be prohibited.”
She ended her speech and sat down. Dumbledore started clapping, and the staff and some students joined in. Most of the staff clapped once or twice then stopped short. Looks like they didn’t like her speech, Chosen didn’t clap. He didn’t want to. Everyone else was caught off guard at the end of the speech because they were not listening, and did not have time to add their half-hearted applause before Dumbledore began speaking again.
“Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating.” He said, bowing to her. “Now, as I was saying, Quidditch tryouts will be held…”
Chosen’s attention was drawn away as Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron, “Yes, it certainly was illuminating.”
“You're not telling me you enjoyed it?” Ron said quietly, turning in a glazed face toward Hermione. “That was the dullest speech I've ever heard, and I grew up with Percy.”
Chosen had no idea who Percy was, but Ron obviously did not listen to the speech or understand it.
“I said it was illuminating, not enjoyable,” said Hermione. “It explained a lot.” Hermione must be the brains of the group, Chosen thought at her statement.
“Did it?” said Harry in surprise, “Sounded like a load of waffle to me.”
“There was important stuff hidden in the waffle,” said Hermione grimly.
“Was there?” Said Ron blankly.
“How about: ‘Progress for progress's sake must be discouraged’. How about: ‘pruning whatever we find practices that ought to be prohibited’?”
“Well, what does it mean?” Ron said impatiently.
“I'll tell you what it means,” said Chosen, butting in, “It means that the Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts.” He then added, “Sorry for listening in, I just couldn’t help overhear your conversation.”
“It’s alright,” Hermione said, “But Chosen is right. The ministry is certainly interfering here. We best be careful. Especially you Harry.”
The Great Hall had become noisy again, signaling that Dumbledore had dismissed them. Chosen had barely heard Hemione exclaim “Ron, we're supposed to show the first years where to go!” before he took the opportunity to slip away towards his and Dark’s meeting spot by the hunchback witch on the third floor.
He hoped that whatever Dark had to say wasn’t too bad.