Initia Mystica

The sounds of insects buzzing through the night air and the chilling cries of owls were the only thing surrounding the two as they made the trek to the castle. 

Tired, in pain and still reeling from the day’s events, all Aspen could feel at the moment was the numbness the potion she downed earlier provided for her. Frayed nerves and in a sort of shock, the young witch followed her mentor silently up the path, the gravel and dirt crunching under their steps.

Fig looked back at his charge in worry as the usually chatty girl stayed silent, humming out noises that made it seem like she was paying attention to his lame attempts at conversation. Slowing down, the pair finally made it to the last stretch of road that led towards the North Exit of Hogwarts. Excited at their long journey finally coming closer to an end, he announced his thoughts out loud.

Yet he was met with silence. Fig grew even more worried and glanced over his shoulder only to see Aspen sniffling as she swiped at her eyes. “S-sorry… I don’t know why I’m crying now.” Aspen muttered, confusion heavy in her voice as she tried to dry her eyes at the sudden rush of emotion that hit her as she finally saw the forsaken castle this whole trip was about.

Fig felt his eyes soften and his heart clench as he was reminded of the girl he first met at the Home. Small, confused and a bit broken. Now with ancient magic thrown into the mix along with a sudden  new lifestyle, it dawned on him that it was nothing short of a miracle she didn’t have a breakdown any sooner.

Stepping towards her a bit, he opened his arms with a small but warm smile on his face.

Seeing the invitation, Aspen felt herself flush a bit out of embarrassment at how fast she took the offer, rushing into the elder's arms to seek comfort as she clenched to his robes. However she couldn’t bring herself to care much after she felt arms envelop her as she got a real hug from a safe adult. A choked sob escaped her as she began babbling all sorts of nonsense that related to the extreme day the two had, even by wizard standpoints.

Tightening the strength of his arms around the young witch, Fig let her cry for a bit, patting the back of her head as he attempted to console her. She cried out for the loss of a “normal” first day at school, she cried out for the man she briefly got to know and she cried out at the sudden power thrusted upon her.

It struck a chord in Fig–deep in his soul–that made him almost reconsider even taking her to the castle, wanting to go back to the brief time of peace the two had found at the Leaky Cauldron. He felt his fingers weave into the girl's hair as he doubled his efforts to calm the crying child in his arms.

‘No one should have to go through this sort of stress, much less a child.’ Fig thought to himself, squeezing the girl in his arms as she seemed to begin to calm down slightly. Once her tremors had all but stopped, he felt her breathing finally calm and even out as she continued to huddle close to her mentor.

A few more moments passed, the sounds of occasional sniffling and hiccups trying to get a full breath being the only thing the two focused on, before feeling Aspen begin to pull away from him, only stopping when Figs arm’s refused to let her go any further as he looked down at her with a questioning look on his face as if asking if she was sure she was ready to let go.

A small but meek smile flashed at him in return as she nodded her head and finally pulled away, letting go of the now crumpled robes. “S-sorry Fig. I don’t know what came over me, it just got hard to keep it all in I suppose…” She mumbled, feeling embarrassed that she just had a sort of mental breakdown in the middle of the night in the dark at the entrance of the school’s grounds.

Chuckling, Fig just shook his head and merely gave the girl one last head pat as he reassured the girl. “Nothing to worry about dear. All of this is overwhelming to take all in at once this evening, let alone for you who’s still so new to this world of magic. I will be the first to admit even I am feeling a bit drained and overwhelmed by the day’s event but at the very least the both of us are here now and one step closer to your new life here at Hogwarts. I promise not all days are as arduous as today has been.”

Aspen merely nodded wordlessly as she harshly swiped at her eyes one last time as she listened to Fig’s words, glad to know she wasn’t the only one feeling exhausted. She could even say she felt a little bit lighter after having cried her heart out into Fig. Still, she took one last deep and steadying breath and looked up at her mentor once more, eyes rimmed red and still glossy from her ‘bout of tears. “You’re right– still I do apologize for my…sudden breakdown. It's like you said, today has been way more than I think I was mentally prepared for. I’m feeling much better now. Will we still be able to make it in time for the Sorting Ceremony sir?” she asked, worried about her fluctuating emotions causing them to be even more late then they were already going to be.

Fig merely chuckled and nodded as he began pushing the young girl forward to get her going, checking a pocket watch he had on him to confirm what he was about to say. “If we get a move on, I dare say we should be able to make it for the tail end of the ceremony, giving us enough time to get some food in you and find out which house will be your new home whilst here at the school.”

—————————˚✧₊⁎ ————————-

Muffled sounds of chatter were heard as Fig peeked through the Great Hall doors checking to see where the other professors were in the ceremony. Seeing his colleague work through the last few in this year's batch of first years, Fig let out a small sigh of relief. Glancing back at his charge–who was awkwardly looking at her shoes, scuffing the tip of it on the stone floor as she waited–he gently got her attention, speaking softly. 

“Oh good, we haven’t missed the ceremony–” Fig cut himself off as he stared back at the young witch realizing she was still in her muggle clothing.

‘She would’ve had ample time to change into her robes had the day run the way it was supposed to…’ bemoaned Fig internally before putting on a tired smile. ‘At the very least, this is but a simple fix.’

“Pardon, but I’ve just realized something. While I may not be an expert, I do believe this should be more appropriate for the moment.”

With a small flourish of his wand, the tip glowed as he waved it down transfiguring Aspen’s slightly rugged outfit to a fresh and clean uniform and robes, gray and black waiting for a house color to claim its fabric.

He let the fifteen year old look over her new robes in awe for a brief moment, allowing her a moment of peace before gently bringing the conversation back to the locket the two had discovered in the vault.

“Now, I need to study the locket as soon as I can but first I have to go and inform the Ministry of George–today’s events.” Fig said, cutting himself off as he felt his stomach drop at the mention of the horrific event. “They need to know what’s happened to George–and be warned of Ranrok” It was hard to stomach and keep calm when all he wanted to was lament the loss of yet another close loved one but nonetheless, he had to keep his mind steady for his student. Seeing her tip off the edge suddenly right at the gates of the campus worried him and he hoped that with food in her stomach and rest that she would be back to her spritely self.

“For the moment I must ask you to keep all that’s happened between us.” Fig finished off with a hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze as she just gave a small smile back and nodded her head, understanding the underlying message.

‘Wouldn’t want to cause a mass panic or start disputes here in the school. The area already is heavily affected by Ranrok’s tyranny…’ Aspen thought, weary with just the mention of the vile goblin.

“Of course Fig. Not a peep past my mouth about today.” Aspen agreed, miming locking her mouth with a key.

Grateful for her cooperation, Fig gave the girl a small but wry smile as he finally moved onto her sorting. “Are you ready for the Sorting Ceremony?” he asked, keeping an ear out for her response as he walked back to the doors of the hall, peeking through once more waiting for the last first year to get sorted.

Watching a new Gryffindor hop off the stool, robes taking on the signature red and gold color scheme of the lions, he took quick note that there were other first years waiting to be sorted. He was beginning to raise his hand to gain the attention of the deputy headmistress when his motions caught the attention of the surly headmaster.

Headmaster Black was a crotchety and prickly fellow and this instance was no different as he stared down the magical theory professor with disdain before excusing himself, beginning to make his way over to them.

Hissing through his teeth, the expression Black was marching down with not helping his sudden spike of worry, Fig pulled back and began to prep his charge. “Phineas Nigellus Black–” Fig sulked briefly and it made Aspen giggle a bit seeing her mentor act like a toddler before reigning in her laughter as she was told to prepare herself. She let the man straighten up her collar as she fixed her hair, laying it over her neck to cover up her scars and splaying out some bangs to frame her face.

As Fig stepped away and she finished laying the last piece of hair where she wanted, the doors opened with slight force as a new man came into the picture. She noted from his rigid posture and the way he seemed to hold himself, that he thought very highly of himself.

“Fig, nice of you to finally join the rest of us.”

Flinching slightly at his drawl and raised eyebrows, Aspen straightened her back and stood there tense as the supposed Headmaster began laying it in on Fig.

‘Great, it's like the governess from the Home but in male form.’ Aspen bemoaned internally now understanding Fig’s petulant expression from earlier. She dreaded the future conversations she was sure to have once she inevitably messed something up whilst attending here.

“The Sorting Ceremony is over.” Black started, sending Aspen into a slight panic as her breath hitched. ‘If the ceremony is over, does that mean I don't get a house? If I don't get a house then where will I sleep? Does this mean I don’t get to attend school or go to classes since I’m essentially homeles–’ 

Fig placed a hand on his charge’s shoulder and gave it a warm squeeze as he spoke up. “There were some slight complications.”

The headmaster scoffed at the excuse and repeated it back, patience running thin. “Complications? Prey tell what sort of complications arise in picking up a student from London and bringing them here to school.” tone mocking as he waited from his colleague to make his case.

“It seems the goblin problem has–”

“Oh– Enough.” groaned the headmaster with closed eyes. Annoyance laced in his tone he continued on. “Goblins.” he scoffed “I’ve no time for petty rumors, Fig. And I’m rapidly losing whatever little patience I had left.”

Hand raised up to rub at the bridge of his nose, he relented under the stares of Fig and Aspen and let out a sigh. “If you’re lucky, we might still be able to get you sorted this evening.”

With that and a swish of his debonair cloak, the headmaster turned on his heels and marched back into the Great Hall, not saying a word more to the pair.

Dumbfounded, Aspen stood there before Fig began pushing her forward. “I’ll be in touch.” he muttered before she fully disappeared behind the doors and she nodded, feeling like a baby bird trying to learn how to fly without its parent when she noted that Fig wouldn’t be coming with her.

While yes– she’s had her few months of exposure in this new world– she had yet to do it without him right there beside her (whether that be encouraging and praising her efforts, or apologizing and rectifying situations that happened on her behalf). Now walking behind the Headmaster she could feel everyone’s eyes on her. Whispers began from the older students and Aspen could feel herself begin to tremble slightly under all the scrutiny as she picked up her pace, eyes lowered.

With her head down, she kept her focus on her shoes, the tips slowly losing their new shine as she continued fidgeting, scuffing the shoes whilst almost running into the steps. Glancing up she managed to catch Black nod his head back at her to a red haired woman who was holding a brown hat before both adults turned to her causing her to jump slightly at the sudden attention.

“Professor Weasley! We’ve one more to be sorted.”

Back straightening and her right hand gripping onto her left wrist in a death grip (that nails were making crescent moon imprints), Aspen steeled her nerves that were fighting to just have her flee as the woman began waving her up.

Aspen at this point could hear the crowd of students who were whispering of her begin to quiet down. Well aware that all eyes were on her, she began making her way up the small steps of the raised platform towards the lone stool that sat dead center. It wasn’t so much a second having taken the last step up when the older witch spoke. “Welcome. You’re just in time, have a seat.”

‘Lovely, because any sane person just absolutely adores being stared at by hundreds of other children.’ Aspen griped internally whilst putting on a polite smile as she nodded at the instruction and sat down, tucking her skirt under her as she finally faced the student body that stared back at her.

She briefly took note of the long tables all dressed in their own color theme from both the decals and students sitting when her vision was blocked by the large brim of the hat the red haired professor held. Jumping slightly at the sudden weight, she glanced up at it briefly before feeling a shock run down her spine as she heard a voice speak up in her mind.

“Oh? And what have we here?”

“Huh? W-who are you?” Aspen flinched, startled by what she soon came to realize was the hat on her head speaking to her mentally.

“Ah, new to the world of magic now are we?”

Aspen gave a slight nod as she calmed down and reasoned with herself to calm down.

“A bit older than the others, aren’t you?”

“If you know then why continue asking questions? Aren’t you supposed to just sort me?”

“Quite the attitude from someone who startles easily. Definitely not a Gryffindor.”

“Because I’m not brave? I may be new but I do know some things.” Aspen grumbled internally as she crossed her arms, feeling slightly ridiculous at being insulted by a talking sentient hat.

“You misunderstand me. You are not Gryffindor not because you are not brave but rather you are not reckless with it. You take a moment to plan but will step up to the plate when need be. Your sense of justice is there but you have enough in you to step back a moment rather than go and dive headfirst.”

Aspen sat there a bit stunned having not expected the hat to give her a proper response.

“No, I sense you are indeed brave when the moment calls. A sense of loyalty like no other and whilst in any other these two qualities would be enough to sort you in with the lions there's more to you. You’ve certainly experienced more of this life than some of your peers have the five years they’ve been here. Yes, you come here with preferences and preconceptions – certain expectations.” 

“I suppose that would be an accurate statement…I will say I am quite looking forward to meeting everyone here at school and learning all I can at Hogwarts. There’s so much I’ve missed out on and I definitely want to learn all that I can to make up for it.”

“Knowledge not for the sake of learning but for the knowledge missed out by circumstance. Indeed, Hogwarts will have much to offer to a dedicated student. What you learn in the halls here will also prepare you for challenges outside the classroom as well.”

Aspen couldn’t help but freeze at the mention of challenges outside of classrooms. Was the hat on her head all knowing to the point that it knew of her misadventures or was it referring to a general point. She couldn’t help but feel it was the former of the two.

“Hmm, I wonder. I detect something else in you. A certain sense of – hmm – what is it?”

Aspen felt that the question it was asking was perhaps rhetorical but with the way everything was pointed she couldn’t help but answer.

“Is it ambition? I may seem single-minded, but it is important to go after what you want from life. How was it you put it? Knowledge missed out by circumstance? I can’t deny I’m not that enthused about learning much like most children my age in the ‘Muggle’ world but I can’t deny that the change in subjects is the reason why I’m eager to start. You said it yourself as well that I come with a different set of experiences that make me a tad bit different from my peers. Coming from an environment where it's every person for themselves, it would make sense if you would be sensing ambition from me. This is a new start for me that I have control over and I’m not going to make waste of such an opportunity.”

A beat passed as she finished her little monologue, unsure if she overstepped and should’ve just left the question as is when the hat continued.

“Hmm, interesting indeed. You’ve recently learned that you possess a rare ability. One that makes you different from your peers. Ambition is indeed what I feel growing in you. An eagerness for power, for a new start like you so eloquently put it. Whilst others may view it as hubris, I can sense you have a good head on you, do make sure you won’t let ambition be the only thing that drives you. You would do well to remember that.”

“I won’t. Thank you for the advice.”

“It's easy to see now. Ambition drives you but your experiences, both good and bad, mold you and your future loyalties. Do well to remember what I’ve told you and you’ll be sure to thrive both here at Hogwarts and in the Wizarding world. You belong in– SLYTHERIN!”

Hearing the voice in her head now actually in her ears as it yelled out her new house, she felt the hat get lifted off her head as she heard cheers ring out from the table dressed in green. Fixing her mussed hair, she stood up from the stool and took a look at the table cheering for her to the others that were politely clapping. Stretching a bit, her rear a bit numb from having been sat for a while, she turned towards Professor Weasley (now knowing who she is due to the headmaster mentioning her name earlier) who was now holding her wand pointed towards her much in the same fashion Fig had. Another flick and again Aspen found her gray and black uniform changed once more into a fitted green and black, slivers of silver in her tie and vest before looking down to see a small snake emblazoned on her robe.

Happy with the change, she grinned at the professor before walking off to the side as the headmaster took center stage once more.

“Oh, and one more thing –” Black began, causing the student body to quiet down as they paid attention to the man, a few rolling their eyes from where Aspen could see from her spot. Seemed like she wasn’t the only one who seemed to have a dislike for the man. 

“Due to the unfortunate injury on the pitch in last spring’s final, this year’s Quidditch season has been canceled. Due to concern for the safety of our– precious students.”

This news broke the rapt silence the hall was in, protest and groans rang throughout the halls as some students even stood from their seats. Aspen assumed whatever this Quidditch thing was that it was something well loved throughout the students. Eventually, the headmaster rolled his eyes and hushed the room once more. “Enough. That’s enough now. It’s not as though I’ve banned flying altogether. But– don’t tempt me. You are here to focus on your academic futures. I’m sure you all have plenty to do before classes begin tomorrow.”

There was an awkward pause when Headmaster Black didn’t continue, leaving students to look around wondering if that was all. Growing a bit irate, the man repeated himself, enunciating more to get the point across. “I said– I’m sure you all have plenty to do before classes begin tomorrow.”

With a small wave of his hands, the students finally began getting a move on. Everyone stuck with their tables as they all headed out the doors. Once it cleared, Aspen stood there awkwardly now stuck with the Headmaster and Professor Weasley as even the other professors had made their escape.

Just as she looked down again at her shoes, admiring the green that donned her clothing, her attention got pulled back to the professor.

“Quite an entrance. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m–”

“Professor Weasley– would you be so kind as to show our new student to their common room?”

Black cut off the women as he looked over at Aspen with a small but smug grin, likely glad that she was sorted into Slytherin. ‘Perhaps it was his house when he attended school?’ she thought to herself as Professor Weasley assured the man that she would before he walked off not leaving room for anyone else to say anything.

Chuckling at the Headmaster’s usual attitude, Professor Weasley turned towards the young witch and continued her introduction with a smile. “As Deputy Headmistress, it is my distinct honor to show you to your common room. Right this way.”

Aspen nodded as she began walking aside the witch, taking note the stark difference the deputy headmistress was from the headmaster. Nothing like the governess from the home was and was actually more along the style of Fig.

The pair walked as Professor Weasley let her look around the castle on their walk towards the Slytherin common room. Once they made their way to the dungeons, Aspen stopped alongside the professor as the two of them stood in front of the door. “It’s quite uncommon for a student to begin as a fifth-year student. It may be a bit of a challenge but one I’m sure you’re rearing to go for.”

Aspen merely grinned, feeling confident in tackling her studies as she responded. “I can be quite resourceful when needed. Still I’m sure learning here will be more up my style then the muggle schooling I got back at the Home.”

The professor merely gave an amused smile as the girl was living up to Fig’s brief introduction of her they were given when he first made contact with the child.

“I suspected as much. This wall here is the entrance to the Slytherin common room.” the headmistress said as she pointed to the bare wall in front of them. Aspen gave the older witch a raised eyebrow as she looked at the wall confused but looked back at her, waiting for continued explanation. “In order to enter, one must simply speak the correct password–”

Giving a small “Ah” as she nodded understanding where Professor Weasley was going, Aspen looked back at the wall as she was told the current password.

“Aspiration.”

Finished explaining, the professor took a step back as she encouraged the girl to take a chance with the elusive door that was the Slytherin dorms, watching amused as the young girl took a few steps forward looking at the wall as if she was waiting for it to explode.

Rolling her shoulder’s back, Aspen took a small breath before speaking out the password in the air, wondering what to expect when she felt a small rumble from their feet. Looking down she saw the stone moving as it revealed itself to be a snake, graceful and beautifully etched as it curled up on the wall, a door appearing as it rose with it as the snake gained height.

A wide grin broke out on her face as she gently touched the stone, seeing if it felt alive under her touch and was surprised that while it was cold under her touch she could feel its settle as it stopped moving.

“I take it you’re not afraid of snakes then?” Asked Professor Weasley, amused at the girl's reaction to the stone snake of Slytherin. Aspen shook her head with a smile before looking back at the professor as she walked up to the door. “No, not at all. The Home would take us on small excursions to the market down in London and would allow us to explore the forest nearby since it was a prime opportunity to get exercise and fresh air. I think that some of the caretakers just took pity on us since our yard wasn’t the best seeing as we were in the thick of it all being in the city. I actually caught a few sunbathing in sunspots and actually took to it myself after getting curious about how nice it must be for them.” Aspen explained, reminiscing a bit of her days after the trips out, terrorizing her governess with the snakes she smuggled back with her from the excursion letting them loose in the home.

The professor just smiled before complimenting the young witch. “Well done. Now, go on in and get some well deserved sleep. You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow and if the whispers going around the teachers are any true, the day you had is sure to have sapped you of any energy at all. I shall be back in the morning to collect you for your first class.”

At the mere mention of the events that happened prior to arriving at the magic school, Aspen felt like all her limbs were made of lead and her eyes filled with sand as she yawned softly. Hiding her mouth behind her hand, she apologized but nodded giving one last look at the professor as she began walking into what would be her new home for the school year.

“Thank you, Professor Weasley.”

“You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy your first night at Hogwarts. Sleep well. Your dorm will be with three other girls in your year though one is on leave at the moment. If anything, the girls had been instructed to leave the door open a crack so you can identify which fifth year room you’re in.”

Aspen nodded before finally walking through the door, looking back over her shoulder as she watched the door close and hear the stone snake move once more.

Letting out a tired sigh, Aspen rubbed her eyes gently before looking in front of her registering the waterfall cascading down beautifully. Though however pretty it was, she paid no mind to it as all her eyes and cotton filled head registered were the steps she still had to climb down to even make it to the main room.

“Oh give me a break. Even more bloody stairs!”