"No way. Not possible. I'm just a normal person. Not.. not this.. this witch thing you claim me to be." To any normal person the idea of being something magical would be a dream come true, but for me it was a nightmare. A nightmare where I'd have to admit that there was something wrong with me. To admit that everyone was right in calling me a freak. It didn't help that I knew this day would be coming. Of course when I had a dream about this day I only ever thought of it as such. I was a kid when I had the dream after all. How was I supposed to know that it wasn't just a dream?
"Oh sweetheart, relax! It's nothing to fret over!" I had stopped my pacing, which I didn't even realize I had been doing, as I narrowed my eyes at the woman who claimed I'm some kind of witch. "You have no idea what this'll affect!" I didn't mean to raise my voice at her, but the fear growing inside made me do things I wouldn't normally do with a calm and clear head. Though could anyone blame me, I was just told information that changes everything. "On the contrary, I know exactly what this'll affect. However, you are in luck that I, your aunt Prudence, am here to help you with everything!" I shake my head as I look away from the insane woman. "Nope. I'm already a freak as it is. I'm not going to give others more fuel for the fire of insults." A sigh escapes the lips of my aunt. "I know I calculated you'd find this difficult, but I didn't expect you to be this against being a witch." Slowly the fear I felt turned into anger as she spoke. "Just shut up! I'm not a witch and I'll never be one!" As the words left my lips one of my snowglobes exploded, almost mimicking the way I felt.
I stare at the broken glass in disbelief as the liquid from the globe drips onto the floor. Then in an instant it's fixed. I shift my gaze to the most logical place, my aunt. The stick in her hand confirmed that she was the one to fix the snowglobe. I look from her stick to her face, spotting the brief sadness on her face which is covered by a smile. "I understand this is a lot to take in, sweetheart, but it'd be best if you learned to control your magic so things like that won't happen again." I look back over at the previously broken snowglobe and sigh. "I guess you're right." I mumble as I run a hand through my hair. "You'll enjoy it, I'm sure of it. Plus I was thinking that you'd enjoy going to my alma mater. Only if you're alright with moving out of the country." I snap my head in her direction. "Out of the country? What about my parents? I can't just abandon them here! Plus I can't just move places like that!"
Prudence waves her hand in front of her face as I notice that her stick is nowhere to be seen, she most likely put it away when I wasn't paying attention. "Oh how simple minded you are." Her words just make me frown. "Your parents and I have already spoken about the matter when I knew you were about to turn eleven. They agree that you should learn to control your magic. Sure your father was against you moving in with me in London, but he knew that it'd be better if you were with me so I could help you with anything you'll ever need." I stared at her in disbelief. There is no way my parents would agree that easily. Especially not with me moving to somewhere new with someone I didn't know that well. Though it's not my fault my father never talked about his sister nor was it my fault she only visited when it suited her. I mean she used to be in my life when I was a tiny tot, but when I turned eight she rarely came around. My father always had an excuse, but I never fully believed them because they never made sense. I just learned to accept them to keep from causing a fight.
"Now I know this is a lot to take in so I'm giving you a day to think about it. I know, it's not the ideal time limit but if we want to make the transition as easy as possible we have to start as soon as possible." I just nod, not sure what else to say. "I'll let you be so you can think everything over." Again I just nod. However, before leaving me alone my aunt gave me a quick hug. Once I was alone I plopped down onto my bed. So many things were running through my mind. I just didn't know what to do. I could stay, but I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling I felt every time I thought that way. I mean I had dreams when I was younger where I'd be living in a castle with others who were magical just like me. Yet that's all it ever was to me. My parents made sure of that. My dreams stayed dreams. Nothing more nothing less. Yet I kept track of each of them, especially the ones that seemed like they were visions of the future. Though my parents don't know I keep track of my dreams in a dream journal, mainly because I knew how they'd tell me that I shouldn't think much of them.
The sound of someone knocking on my door frame brought me out of my thoughts. I sit up seeing my mother standing in the doorway. "Hey honey. I came to check up on you while your father and aunt talked." I nod as I lay back down my bed, staring up at the glow in the dark star covered ceiling. "Why me? Why do I have to be such a freak?" My mother scoffs as I hear her walk over to my bed. The bed dipped a bit, signaling that she's sat down beside me. "Honey, you are not a freak. I don't know why you listen to what those kids say about you. After all, they're just jealous that you're way cooler than them. I mean you can do magic, how cool is that?" I could tell she was trying to make me feel better, but it wasn't really working. "Listen, I don't know much about all of this, your father knows way more than me, but I know you and I know that you'll regret not taking this opportunity. I know you're only eleven, but this could lead you to a world you'd never thought you'd ever be in. I remember when you were only three years old and your aunt Prue had asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up and you told her that you wanted to be a powerful witch just like her. I thought it was sweet how she told you that no matter what you'd be a powerful witch to her, even if you didn't inherit any magic."
"I'm just so scared. Mom, what if I'm making the wrong decision?" I ask her as I sit up. She gently wraps her arms around me, pulling me close to her. "It'll be okay. Life is just a series of choices, whatever choices you make I'll always be there to support you. Even if I'm not there physically I'll always be there for you. You will never be alone, never." I smile softly as I hug back. "Whatever you decide to do honey, I will support your decision." I nod as I look up at her. "Thanks mom." She gives me her signature sweet smile. "That's what I'm here for."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"Oi! Watch it!" I stumble into my aunt as she shouts at some kid for running into us. I practically clung onto her, not enjoying the busyness of the area known as Diagon Alley. "It's alright sweetheart. Some wizards just don't know how to pay attention." She says with a smile on her face, despite being annoyed with the random kid. I nodded and we continued our journey through the different shops in the area so I'd be prepared when starting school at Hogwarts. Though at some point I had let go of her and we got separated. I had somehow found myself in some kind of joke shop for wizards. I wasn't too sure how I ended up there, but I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Especially since I've never been in a joke shop before. I wasn't even sure if there was any in America, but I hadn't ever really been one to pull pranks so I wouldn't know for sure.
"Oh we should totally get some dungbombs!" I couldn't help overhearing the conversation near me, though the sound of dungbombs wasn't a pleasant one. "Yes. How about some stink pellets?" I glanced over at the two boys that were discussing some of the merchandise, seeing that they're twins. "Of course. How about...." The one closest to me trailed off as his gaze met mine. My cheeks heated up after being spotted basically eavesdropping on their conversation. I quickly look away and try to play it off as I hadn't just gotten caught. "You know, it's rude to eavesdrop on people." I felt my body tense as the one closest to me spoke, sounding closer than before. "Mhm. You better hope we don't pull a nasty prank on you for it." The other boy said, now standing on the other side of me. I looked between the two as I tried to come up with some kind of excuse to fix the situation. Their serious expressions melted away as they started to laugh. "We're joking! Pranking someone for simply eavesdropping is not a good enough reason." I felt my shoulders drop as ease set into my body. "We really had you going there, which was bloody hilarious."
"It was not that funny." I mumbled, but the two still heard me. "It definitely was. Wasn't it Georgie?" I heard a hum of agreement from the other boy. "I'm George Weasley and that's my brother Fred." The boy that was called Georgie says. "I'm-" I get cut off by a new voice. "There you two are. Mum and dad have been searching for you everywhere." The three of us turn to look at the person. "Honestly, is it a surprise?" Fred asks the older boy. "Not really, but you never know with the two of you." That's when my presence is known to the boy. "Oh, hello there. I'm Percy, their older brother." He gave me a gentle smile. "Hi, I'm-" I get interrupted once again, but this time by my aunt. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need to help her finish shopping. I'm sure you will meet again at Hogwarts." My aunt says to the group of boys, a smile on her lips as usual, before motioning for me to follow her out of the joke shop. I mumble a goodbye to the boys as I follow after my aunt.
"I see you made some new friends." I roll my eyes as I stay close to my aunt. "Yeah, they totally are my friends. They definitely didn't make me feel like I was going to be their number one enemy when starting school." My answer just gets a laugh from my aunt. "That reminds me of my old friends. They were the biggest troublemakers in school. I had thought I had gotten on their bad side after being a prude about something, but that wasn't the case. Of course being friends with Lily did save me from a lot of their pranks. Especially since Prongs was so whipped for her." I listened to her little rambling, surprised by how melancholy talking about her friends made my aunt. "Aunt Prue, what happened to them?" She sighs softly as she comes to a brief stop. "That's a story for another day." I nod as I watch her usual smile returns to her face. "Come on! Not much left to get and we'll be done for the day!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"Alright, remember to write as much as possible and make tons of friends! Oh! I almost forgot!" I look at my aunt as she stops walking with me to the train that awaited to take the students to the school that would teach us the things we need to survive in the magical world. She pulls out a little gift box and hands it to me. "It's a gift from your parents since they couldn't be here in person." I open the box to find a music box inside. I smile softly at the small gift before putting it into my pocket so I don't lose it. "One last hug!" My aunt says before pulling me into a hug. I hug back, but not for long as the train whistle blows signaling that I had to go. "Go on now and have fun!" I nod as I pull away from her. I make my way to the train and climb up the steps to find a cabin to stay in until arriving at the school.
I was surprised with how many cabins had been filled up. It felt like I wasn't going to find one until I opened a door that brought me face to face with some familiar faces. "Well if it isn't our eavesdropper. Come to join us?" Fred asks with a mischievous smirk decorating his lips. "Sure." I pause for dramatic effect. "Unless you don't want me to find out your plans that most likely involve some dungbombs or stink pellets." I continue as I casually enter the cabin, making sure to close the door behind me. Neither complain or comment on me joining them. "There's no problem with you knowing the plan for our current prank plan." George says as I take a seat beside him. "Unless you nark on us." I look at Fred and shake my head. "What kind of friend would I be if I ratted you two out? Now, what do you have planned?" I ask as I look between the two. They smile before explaining their plan. I nod as I listen to them. "What do you think?" They ask at the same time, which would freak out people but it just made me giggle. "I think it's wonderful though I think you should do something simple first so you can gauge the punishment system. Once you figure that out you can work around it and find loopholes."
"That's a bloody brilliant idea! If we find the right loopholes we can use them to our advantage!" I felt my heart flutter at how happy my idea made Fred, but I don't think much of it. I mean it's probably me just being happy that someone actually liked my idea. "Yeah. Thanks for helping us." I smile at George. "That's what friends are for." Now that they had their plan figured out we switched topics, getting to know each other better. I found out a lot of things about them, like they have five other siblings including the one I met at the joke shop, and they learned a lot of things about me, like how I'm from a muggle family which earned the comment 'our dad would love to meet you' followed by laughing. Their father works in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office in what's known as the Ministry of Magic, which I've never heard of before. Though that's not a surprise since I'm what's considered a muggleborn, a term that the twins taught me when I asked what muggles were. The idea of blood statuses is weird to me, mainly since it seems medieval.
We had been so wrapped in our conversation that we hadn't noticed the train had stopped until we heard other students passing by our cabin. "I guess we've arrived." I mumble as I look at the closed cabin door. George gently grabs my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "It's going to be okay. We're here for you." I look over at him, briefly glancing at Fred who nodded in agreement, and smile softly. I nod as I slip my hand out of George's hand then get up. I open the door without hesitation then exit, the boys following behind me, the cabin and make my way outside of the train. Once outside we're escorted, along with the other first years, to some boats. I try my best to stick close to the boys since I don't know anyone else. Fred noticed this and gently grabbed my hand. I glance at him, trying to figure out why he grabbed my hand but he's focused on talking to George. Soon the three of us are put into a boat, luckily we're in the same boat, just like the rest of the first years. I notice that Fred and I are still holding hands, but I'm too nervous to say anything about it or pull my hand out of his. So we just held hands the whole boat ride. Though I briefly forget about that when a castle comes into view. My attention is purely focused on the school, staring at it in awe. I had never seen a castle before except the ones in children's books, fantasy shows or movies, but none of that could compete with seeing a real castle.
"Coolest school ever." My words earn a laugh from the twins. I ignore their laughing as the boats reach our destination. We all climb out of the boats before being escorted inside, which just adds to my amazement. "Could this place get any cooler?" I ask myself as my hand slips out of Fred's grasp. I notice the lack of warmth from his hand, but I don't do anything to regain the warmth nor does Fred. Though the reason for our hands being pulled apart is that I had lagged behind them to take in everything around me. It was actually overwhelming, but I didn't expect anything less since this is a place for those with magic. Luckily I didn't stray too far and was able to catch up with the twins. "Where did you go?" I look at George, who is hiding a worried look. "Oh I wasn't far. I just got distracted, but can you blame me? This is my first ever castle." He nods. "True, but you don't want to get lost before you've even been sorted." I tilt my head in confusion. "Sorted? What do you... Oh! The different houses, right! I almost forgot that was a thing." I giggle softly as I gently fiddle with the sleeves of my robe, feeling a bit embarrassed for forgetting about having to be sorted into a house. "It's understandable since you're still new to all of this." I look at Fred and nod.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
I quietly sit underneath one of the trees on the school's campus as I hold the little music box my parents gifted me when I started this magical journey six years ago. The music softly floats through the air as tiny dancers dance around the box. I had enchanted the box so I could see two tiny dancers dance as the music played. The dancers were to represent my parents so it felt like they were here with me as I listened to the sweet melody. It brought me peace during the hectic days at Hogwarts. It didn't help that I happened to be in Ravenclaw either. I wasn't like the rest of my housemates, but I definitely fit in the house I was sorted into. At least that's what Cho has said whenever I talked to her about the whole house sorting thing. She always said I over thought it, but from history separating people into categories brings a lot of problems and stereotypes.
"You could catch a cold sitting out here without the proper clothes." A familiar voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look away from the music box in my hands to the boy that stood towering in front of me. "True, but it's not that cold out." He sighs softly as he shakes his head. "What am I going to do with you?" I giggle softly at his question, which was aimed at no one nor was it one I took seriously. "I guess you'll just have to keep worrying about me Freddie." He shrugs as he smiles. "I guess I will." He shuffles over to my side and sits down. "So what brings the all mischievous Fred Weasley out here?" I ask as I close the lid to my music box, causing the tiny dancers to disappear as the music disappears. "You weren't in the library studying or in your house's common room so this was the only other place I could think you'd be." I nod as I put the music box in my pocket. "Is there something you need or did you seek me out to have my attention all to yourself?" I noticed how a light pink dusted his cheeks when the second half of my question left my lips, but I don't think much of it. After all it's probably because of the cold air and not because he might actually like me more than a friend. "Actually yes, I wanted to ask if you have a date for the Yule Ball." I shake my head before resting my head on the tree behind me. "Nope. The person I want to go with probably won't ask me. If he ends up asking someone else I'll just go with George or not at all. It's not like I have any dress robes."
"Wait, has George asked you?" I tilt my head a bit to look at Fred. "Not exactly. Him and I have a pact, if either I don't get asked out or ask the guy I want to go with, the two of us will go as friends and just have a fun time while we're there." Fred nods as relief seems to settle on his face. "Jealous that George would go with me?" He laughs as his cheeks slightly become red. "No! Just never pegged you to be into George. You-" I cut him off as I moved my head off the tree, slightly turning my body to face him more. "George is such a wonderful person that I'd be lucky if he liked me that way even though I know he doesn't. Just because I don't act like he'd be my type doesn't mean he isn't. On the contrary he's actually closer to my type than most everyone else at this school." He opened his mouth to make some sort of counter argument, but closed it just as quickly as it had opened. He seemed to be figuring out how to word his next statement. I patiently wait for him to speak, but I notice George approaching us from behind Fred.
"Hey Georgie. We were just talking about you." George raises an eyebrow as he looks between the two of us. "Oh really?" I could hear the amusement in his voice. "I told Fred about our deal for the Yule Ball." George nods as he looks away sheepishly. "Actually about that. I was talking to Angelina about that and ended up asking her." I nod slowly as a sigh softly escapes my lips. "I guess I won't be going then." The twins looked at me with different yet similar expressions, almost as if what I said was taboo. "No, you're going to go with me." I look at Fred as a smile makes its way to my lips while cheeks heat up. "I am?" I ask only to earn a nod in response. "Wow Freddie, took you long enough to ask her out." George teases earning a glare from Fred as my cheeks get even warmer. I get up off the ground, using the tree behind me to stand up, and dust off my clothes of any dirt and grime. "As you two tease each other for asking girls to a dance I'm going to go tell Cho so she can help me find some nice dress robes. Especially since I have no clue what dress robes are or where you'd find any." The twins look at me softly chuckling. Fred stands up as well before placing a hand on my head. "It's just formal wear." He says as he ruffles my hair. I pull my head away from him before fixing my hair. "Formal, but nothing too fancy?" The two nod. "Great." I mumble before heading off to my house's common room to talk with Cho.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"I look like a clown." I mumble as I stare at myself in the mirror. Staring at the makeup Cho had helped me put on to go with my dress and I hated how I looked. "Don't say that. You look beautiful. That Weasley boy won't be able to take his eyes off of you." I tear my eyes away from my reflection to look at Cho. "You're just saying that. You know what I'm not going, Fred will understand." My friend sighs as she places her hands on my shoulders. "No. We didn't put all of this work into making you look even prettier than you normally do just for you to chicken out because you're scared that people will see the beauty in you that you see every time you look in a mirror." I smile softly at her little pep talk. "Thanks Cho." She smiles as she removes her hands from my shoulders. "That's what friends are for. Now come on, you don't want to keep your date waiting." I caught the smirk she threw my way when she called Fred my date. I roll my eyes as I stand up from my seat. Though I glance one more time in the mirror to take myself.
My eyes quickly gazed over my face then moved down to the dress I wore. It has a sweetheart neckline that is connected to elastic bands that hold the puffballs that are the sleeves. The body of the dress is adorned with sheer lace with a shimmering lurex overlay, which flowed down to the sheer layered deep ruffled hemline. The soft blue of the dress almost made it seem white in a certain lighting. I had almost passed this dress up when Cho and I were shopping, but it just felt right. When Cho saw me in it she agreed that I had to have the dress. After getting the dress we had to find shoes that went well with it. We found some strappy silver heels that go wonderfully with the dress. I did have to admit that I did look pretty all dolled up like this, but it's not something I'm used to. It is a special occasion so it's okay to be doing something I'm not used to. It almost felt like what prom would've been like if I wasn't a witch or had decided to pass up coming to Hogwarts.
I lightly shake my head as I realize I'm wasting time staring at myself. I quickly make sure my hair is still in its place, though with how Cho fixed it I doubt it'll be coming undone unless I deliberately mess it up. Once I finish the last once over I follow Cho out of the Ravenclaw dorms and out to the hallway where her date happened to be waiting. Her date happened to be Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff's golden boy. He looked at both of us in awe, not so subtly checking us out. "Helga, you two look absolutely stunning." Cho giggles at his comment as a blush makes its way to her cheeks. I, on the other hand, just nod as my cheeks slightly heat up, not really used to those kinds of compliments from anyone other than the twins so I don't really know how to properly respond. "Thanks." I mumble before turning to leave, feeling like I should let them two be together. Luckily Cho didn't scold me for being rude, but I doubt she'd do that in front of Cedric. "Have fun with your date!" Cho calls out from behind me, catching me off guard which causes me to stumble a bit. I can hear Cho's giggles from my reaction, but I ignore it as I recompose myself and basically speed walk away from the two.
I slowed down when I got enough distance from them. Though being alone caused doubts to enter my head. I didn't want to ruin the night for Fred, but I was beginning to believe I would. Luckily my thoughts were interrupted before they could go spiraling. "Whoa..." I look over at Fred to see him staring right at me. His cheeks were dusted red as his eyes travelled up and down my body, absorbing everything in front of him. I felt my face heat up under his gaze. Silence filled the space between us, excluding the sound of music coming from the Great Hall. We stood there in each other's presence as people passed by us, neither one of us spoke almost afraid to. I decided the silence was suffocating so I decided to break it. "I guess I know how to make you speechless." My words seemed to break Fred out of whatever trance he was in. "You certainly do, but you don't really have to try." I raised an eyebrow at the second half of his sentence. "What's that supposed to mean?" I ask as I slightly tilt my head to the side. He looks away from me to hide his flustered face, unsuccessfully, as he rubs his neck. "Well..." He trails off, seeming to be at a loss for words.
I slowly step closer to Fred, mostly to avoid the people going into the Great Hall. "Freddie, is there something you need to tell me?" I softly ask, trying to keep my hopes from rising at the simple idea of him potentially liking me the way I like him. Sure it's cliché to fall for your best friend, but it's not like you really get a choice of who you fall in love with. He hesitantly turns back to look at me, not seeming to take in that I've gotten closer to him. "Yes, but I... I don't want to ruin the friendship we have. I..." He tries getting out, but definitely seems to be struggling to say. A sudden wave of confidence hit me as an idea entered my head. I move as close as I can to him before getting onto my tippy toes while placing my hands on his shoulders. I felt him tense up as he watched me, not once stopping my movements. My confidence seemed to waver, but I kept going. I got as close as I could, our faces inches apart. I stopped to give him the chance to push me away in case I was overstepping any boundaries, but he still didn't move. Though I did see him glance down at my lips for a brief second. Taking that as a sign to close the gap, I pressed my lips onto his.
I felt his body relax after a second of our lips touching before he actually returned the kiss. My eyelids slid close automatically as I slowly placed my heels back on the ground, causing Fred to lean down some to keep from breaking the kiss. I felt one of his arms snake around my waist and pulled me even closer to his body. His free hand was placed on my cheek as my hands made their way into his hair. Soon the need for air arised and we pulled away to allow it into our lungs. I was going to make a comment, but Fred recaptured my lips before I could. The first kiss was slow and hesitant while this one is passionate and full of all the moments when we wanted to do this before yet never did to keep from ruining the friendship we had built over the years. If only time could stop I'd stop it at this moment so it could last forever, but we're not so lucky. Instead we had to pull away to take in the air that we breathe.
"About bloody time!" Our heads snap towards the sound of the voice that came from the doorway of the Great Hall. "Georgie, you ruined the moment." George shrugs his shoulders as a smirk graces his lips. "I was just making sure you didn't get stood up, but clearly you haven't. Now that I know that I'm going back to my date. Have fun you two, but make sure to use protection." He says as he turns and heads back into the Great Hall, leaving the two of us flustered messes. I roll my eyes at his words and look back at Fred, who, despite being a very red mess, has a mischievous smirk on his lips. "Let's ditch the dance and go have our own fun." He suggests as he winks at me. If my face wasn't already red, his suggestion definitely made it red. "Fred Weasley! Don't even suggest such things!" I say as I hit his chest while he laughs. "Alright, alright, we won't do that! Though I think you'd much prefer doing something else than attend this silly dance." I roll my eyes. "Actually I'd like to attend the dance with my boyfriend, but if he doesn't want to I guess we-" I'm cut off by Fred dragging me into the Great Hall, his hand holding onto mine. I interlock my fingers with his as a smile appears on my lips. This was definitely a night I'll remember.