We Represent the Gryffindor Guild
Professor McGonagall and Jaina ascended to the second floor and into the Gargoyle Corridor. They stopped before the great garoyle blocking the entrance to the headmaster's office. Professor McGonagall waved a hand, and spoke the password: "Aplets and Cotlets". The gargoyle made a deep rumbling noise, and then shifted over to reveal a hidden passageway with a spiral staircase. They ascended the staircase and opened the door to Professor Dumbledore's office. The headmaster stood by, waiting patiently for his second-in-command and Jaina.
"Professor," Professor McGonagall said, "we have a most unusual case here. Our first years are still downstairs waiting to be sorted, but this child was not on our list of invited students."
Dumbledore looked at Jaina. "Minerva, I trust you should know how to handle children who do not meet the prerequisites. Although uncommon, it is not unheard of for Muggle children to try to sneak their way into our institution. Please escort her back to Hogsmeade Station and take her back home."
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Albus, she's hardly a Muggle. Just a few short minutes ago, she silenced an antagonistic student by placing a croaking curse on the lad."
"Impressive, Minerva. I don't believe we teach such a curse here," Dumbledore murmured.
Professor McGonagall continued. "She did it without a wand, and she did it nonverbally. And after it seems that the lad learned his lesson, she then removed the curse herself, again nonverbally and without a wand. This child is a mystery to me, but it's clear that she has an innate talent for magic that potentially surpasses any who have walked the halls of Hogwarts in its storied history. I'm not sure where she learned these spells, but she clearly is Hogwarts material."
"Indeed, that is remarkable," agreed Dumbledore. "Tell me child, what is your name?"
Jaina looked at Dumbledore. His wizened features, long grey beard, and the twinkle of his eye reminded her of Archmage Antonidas. "Jaina Proudmoore, sir," replied Jaina.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jaina," said Dumbledore. "Could you provide me a brief demonstration of your capabilities?"
Jaina nodded. She flicked her hand, and conjured the globe of Azeroth. Both professors looked at each other, jaws agape. "Professor Dumbledore, this is where I come from. My world is called Azeroth, and the city I call home is Dalaran. My Master, or "professor" if you will, is the great Archmage Antonidas, one the finest wizards ever to have existed on my world. He personally selected me to study magic under him, which I've done since I was about four years old. The magic of Azeroth seems different than the magic here at Hogwarts, but I think I can learn the magic here easily enough."
"I have no doubt that you will. And tell me, my child, how did you get here?" asked Dumbledore, completely dumbfounded.
"I'm not sure, sir," responded Jaina with sincerity. "A couple of months ago, I fell asleep as I was reading from one of my spell books and the next morning, I woke up in the middle of Diagon Alley. The witches and wizards there were very kind and helpful to me, thankfully. I also befriended another first year student, Hermione Granger. I have her to thank to bring me here."
"A kind gesture indeed, but Miss Granger may need to exercise more caution. If you were not magically inclined, and spread word of our existence to the Muggles that surround us, that could spell disaster for our world. But you, Jaina, are gifted beyond measure, and I sense much honor and integrity within you."
"Thank you, Professor," said Jaina. "I would really like to return to Dalaran, and my "professor" if at all possible. Can you help me?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "My child, I will do everything in my power to contact Archmage Antonidas and return you to your home safely." The glint in the wise headmaster's eyes offered Jaina real, honest-to-goodness hope.
"Miss Proudmoore, it would be my honor and privilege to officially extend you a full, unconditional invitation to study as a witch at Hogwarts. I assure you, while you will be cared for here, you will not be treated differently than any other student, and you will be held to the same standards and expectations. Although I do not personally know your Master, I'm sure the Archmage Antonidas would encourage you to study here until we are able to get you back home." He waved a hand, and an envelope magically appeared, and the parchment in Professor McGonagall's hand glowed in a faint orange. Professor McGonagall then double-checked the list.
"Miss Proudmoore, it's official, you are on the list of students to be sorted," she said with a smile. Jaina beamed, and quickly embraced both Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore.
"I can't tell you the last time a student hugged me," Professor McGonagall said with a chuckle. Dumbledore's slight look of shock quickly faded to a gentle smile.
Jaina's smile only widened. "Thank you, Professors. And Professor Dumbledore, in a way, you remind me of Master Antonidas."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled again. "Your Master sounds like very wise and capable wizard. Now ladies, if you don't mind, I have a sorting ceremony and a feast to attend to - there are some apple cinnamon pastries that are calling my name. Please, join me downstairs with the other students and staff. I'm sure they're getting famished by now."
The three of them immediately doubled back to the Great Hall, post-haste. As they approached the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall gestured for Jaina to re-join the first-year classmates. Professor McGonagall took her spot next to a stool with an old, dusty brown pointed wizard's cap on it, and Professor Dumbledore took his seat in the middle of of the faculty table near the front of the great hall.
Professor McGonagall began to speak. "Again, welcome to Hogwarts, first-year students. And a warm welcome back to our returning students. Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore has a few words."
Dumbledore stood from his seat. "Welcome, welcome all. To start our new term, I have a notice for our first-year students, and a gentle reminder for our returning students. Please note that the Dark Forest is expressly forbidden to all students. Secondly, please be aware that the third floor corridor, on the right, is off-limits to those who wish to avoid a dying a most unpleasant death. Mister Filch has the authority to direct students to their appropriate heads-of-house should he discover a student meandering in either of these areas. That is all I have at this time, thank you for your cooperation."
Professor McGonagall spoke up again. "Thank you, Professor. And now for the Sorting Ceremony. When your name is called, step forward and take a seat here. I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses."
"Bones, Susan."
The hat's wrinkles and creases seemed to take the form of a makeshift face as it made its decisions. "HUFFLEPUFF!" Susan smiled to herself as she took her seat at the Hufflepuff table.
"Granger, Hermione."
Jaina smiled at Hermione as she approached the seat with slight trepidation. The hat took a bit longer to make its decision than before, perhaps indicating that Hermione had qualities fit for multiple houses. "GRYFFINDOR!" Jaina applauded heartily for her friend as Hermione found her seat at the Gryffindor table.
"Longbottom, Neville."
Jaina again smiled at Neville, who returned the smile weakly. The hat took a bit less time to decide with Neville, concluding with another hearty "GRYFFINDOR!"
"Malfoy, Draco."
Draco strode confidently to the stool. Just as soon as Professor McGonagall placed the hat on Malfoy's head, the hat yelled "SLYTHERIN!" Malfoy smirked, obviously pleased with his placement.
"Parkinson, Pansy."
Pansy slowly made her way to the seat. It did not take long for the hat to make its choice. "SLYTHERIN for you!"
"Potter, Harry."
The entire banquet hall went quiet. This was a moment the wizarding world had been waiting for - the sorting of the Boy Who Lived. The hat's features appeared to twist and contort every which-way, indicating that it was having a hard time deciding where to place the boy. Harry seemed to be whispering "anything but Slytherin", to which the hat appeared to take note. "Better be... GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted in applause so loud that the table and everything on it seemed to shake. The Weasley twins George and Fred started the chant, "We got Potter, we got Potter!"
"Proudmoore, Jaina."
The banquet hall then went silent once more. Hermione smiled at Jaina. "Come on, Jaina. You've got to be one of us," she whispered to herself. She took her seat on the stool. Professor McGonagall smiled at Jaina as she gently placed the hat on the girl's head. "Good luck, dear," she said softly to Jaina.
She felt the hat twisting in a way where it had to be very deep in thought. "Hmm. You have immeasurable talent. I see a great destiny for you, Jaina Proudmore. And the right house will help you fulfill that destiny. You have a truly brilliant mind - Ravenclaw may serve you well. You also have a courageous heart, and are always committed to doing what's right. Hmm... this is a difficult decision - very difficult indeed - but you must belong somewhere. Ahh! I think I've got it figured out... GRYFFINDOR!" Once again, the Gryffindor table erupted into deafening applause. She took a seat next to Hermione, who embraced her warmly. Neville and Harry smiled at her from the other side of the table, offering their hearty congratulations.
"Weasley, Ronald."
Ron made his way to the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on Ron's head. "Another Weasley, another GRYFFINDOR!" As before, the Gryffindor table burst into cheers.
Professor McGonagall again spoke up. "This concludes the Sorting Ceremony. Now, please direct your attention to the Headmaster." Professor Dumbledore stood up, and announced, "Let the feast - begin!" And out of thin air, a most tantalizing banquet appeared on all the tables.
Jaina helped herself to several helpings of chicken, corn on the cob, and potatoes. "Hermione, this food is absolutely delicious. This is as good as anything I've had back on Azeroth," she declared. "In Dalaran, our meals are mostly stews and meat pies, but our desserts are amazing. You have GOT to try the red velvet cakes we have. Once in a great while we get envoys from Pandaria, and I was lucky enough to sample their shadelight truffles. They are absolutely heavenly," she said with a slight sigh. "But Pandaren are even more famous for their brews, but neither my family nor my Master... err, Professor Antonidas would forbid me from drinking their spirits. I'm not old enough they keep telling me."
Hermione giggled softly. "I guess our wizarding world is starting to rub off on you some. So he's Professor Antonidas now."
Jaina smirked. "I don't know if he'd agree to being called "Professor" Antonidas, but I'm not on Dalaran, am I?" "Good point," Hermione said.
Jaina looked across the table and watched Harry, Ron, and Neville take a few bites of their dinner. "Neville's kind of a cute one," she whispered to Hermione.
"More like kind of an awkward one," she said, trying hard not to roll her eyes.
"You fancy any of them?" Jaina asked innocently.
Hermione shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I guess I haven't really thought much about it. Though, I suppose the ginger kid is kind of cute, but he doesn't strike me as particularly bright." Both Jaina and Hermione giggled that time.
Jaina then turned back to the boys across from her. "Harry Potter, right? I remember you from the train. I guess I've been living under a rock, but I keep hearing about you. They say you're the Boy-Who-Lived. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?"
Harry finished his mouthful of food. "Hi Jaina. I'm not sure what there is to tell you, I swear some of these people know me better than I know myself," he said with a slightly uncomfortable laugh. "When I was just a year old, I apparently caused this really dark wizard to suddenly disappear when he touched me, but not before he destroyed my parents and gave me my scar."
"How dreadful!" Jaina said. "I'm really sorry about your parents, truly I am."
"Thanks, Jaina," Harry smiled weakly. "What about you? Do you come from a magical family?"
"No, but when I was about four years old my family discovered my magical talents. They had to pull some strings, but they apprenticed me to the best wizard in the land, "Professor" Antonidas. He's an Archmage, and a fantastic teacher. I miss him." Her eyes misted a little bit.
"I'm sorry Jaina," Harry said. "but I guess I don't really understand."
"That's okay, Harry," Jaina replied. "It's a lot to take in. And there's a lot about this world that confuse me too."
Hermione turned to Jaina. "So you met with the Headmaster. What was he like?" By this time, Neville, Harry and Ron were all listening in.
"Professor Dumbledore is very wise, and very kind. He said that he will do everything that he can to get me home. He also gave me a formal invitation to Hogwarts, so that I can be an honest-to-goodness student at Hogwarts. I won't be treated any differently, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
"I, for one, am glad you're here, Jaina," Hermione said. "Hogwarts is quite a bit different than what I'm used to, but that's not a bad thing. I've made one really great friend so far, and hopefully many more."
At that moment, Professor McGonagall walked behind Hermione and Jaina. "Miss Proudmoore," she smiled. "The Headmaster and I have a most special gift for you. Please see us at the faculty table when you are finished."
"Thank you, Professor," said Jaina. "May Hermione come too?"
Professor McGonagall's face then took a slightly more serious expression, but the smile did not fade completely. "The gift is for you specifically, but if you wish for Miss Granger to accompany you, that will be acceptable."
When Jaina and Hermione had eaten their fill, they made their way to the faculty table. "Ah, Miss Proudmoore," said Professor Dumbledore. "Professor McGonagall and I wanted to present you with a special gift. I believe you will find it most useful." With that, he produced a wire cage with a brown-and-grey horned owl inside it.
"Wow, Jaina! Those owls are very special. They are especially great for carrying notes and small packages."
"Indeed they are, Miss Granger," nodded Professor Dumbledore. "I believe Miss Jaina will soon discover how valuable her talents are."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Jaina said.
"You are most welcome, my child," said Professor Dumbledore.
The girls went back to take their seats at their table. "What are you going to name her, Jaina?" Hermione asked.
Jaina grinned from ear to ear. "Dorothy, of course!" Both girls laughed.
Several minutes later, the feast was over. Older students with badges, known as prefects, began directing the younger students to their respective house's dormitories. Percy Weasley, one of Ron's elder brothers, was a Gryffindor prefect. "This way, please," he said, motioning the younger Gryffindor students to follow him. "Be mindful of the staircases as they are known to go from place to place."
The students continued making their way to their dormitories. Percy seemed to relish his role as a tour guide, pointing out some of the paintings and decorations that lined the staircases and corridors. At last, they reached a stopping point. A large lady in grey asked Percy to provide the password in order to pass through. "E pluribus unum," he said confidently. The wall behind the portrait then revealed a secret passageway.
"Welcome to the Gryffindor common room," Percy told the first years. "Boys rooms are up the stairs and the down to your left. Girls, the same, but to the right."
"Excuse me, Prefect," asked Jaina. "Dorothy was gifted to me by Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall during the Start of Term Feast. What am I to do with her? This cage is quite heavy and I just want to make sure she goes where she is supposed to."
"That is a very special gift there, Miss...", replied Percy.
"Proudmoore. Jaina Proudmoore," replied Jaina.
"Proudmoore," Percy repeated. "Please hand the cage to me. I will ensure that she gets taken to the Owlery. That is where all the post owls take up residence. Give it here, please."
Jaina gave the cage to Percy. "Thank you."
Jaina and Hermione made their way to their dormitory. The room was round and could accommodate five students. Each student had a four posted bed, with their belongings already placed next to each bed. "It's been a long day, Jaina," Hermione said with a yawn. "I could use a rest."
"Same here, Hermione. I just hope I can get some sleep tonight. I have a lot on my mind and it's not all about going back to Dalaran."
"Let's get changed into our nightgowns and then we can talk," Hermione suggested. "You said on the train that there were times that you needed a rock. Let me be your rock this time."
"Ok, Hermione," agreed Jaina, as she started taking off her black brogues.
After the girls changed, Hermione beckoned Jaina to sit next to her. "What's on your mind, Jaina? It's my turn to be your rock. It's what friends do."
"I know I told you that I was summoned to the Headmaster's office before we got sorted. Both Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were very kind to me and promised to help me. They were so kind to let me enroll at Hogwarts, but I'm just really afraid that I'm going to let them down. They have done so much for me here and I just don't know how to repay them."
Hermione gave Jaina a knowing look. "Jaina, you are a very talented witch and they could sense that right away. And they gave you an owl here, I really think they don't give just any student gifts like that. And truly, the best way to repay them is to study hard and pay attention in your classes. I really think you're over-thinking it. Relax, and just be you."
"Thank you, Hermione," said Jaina. "I do feel a bit better. We have lots to look forward to tomorrow, and I'm sure we'll love our classes."