Girl Who Escaped {Harry Potter}
The title..... the summary... All pretty self explanatory... Enjoy(:
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[Girl Who Escaped]
{This starts at book four [Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows] and goes into all others possibly also adding an additional one if I get enough feed back.}
Teehee xD
No copyrightt intinded err whatever. All rights [Cept for Acacia] Belong to J.K Rowling, who is absolutley extraordinary
Oh & in my story; there is NO Cho Chang. She would only screw up my story-line, kthanks!
This book does follow VERY closely with the fourth book; But that soon changes!
xx Much Love
-Kitty
__________________________________________________________________
Acacia (Ash) Ivory doesn't know who she is, nor where she came from. After being hidden for two Years, she runs away from her adoptive home, she is discovered by none other than Albus Dumbledore. He takes her to hogwarts two months early and teaches her all she needs to know to be caught up with her age group. From being told her boyfriend will die, to the Triwaizard Tournament, Acacia is sucked into the not-so-normal consequences of being Harry Potter's friend. Throughout the year her divination teacher gives her outrageous predictions to her apparent not-so-bright future. After their first adventure, Ash returns to Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron to continue to help them in all of their conquests. When the end nears, and Ash puts her life on the line, will her love and jealousy consume her, ultimately turning her to the dark side?
___________________________________________________________________
[Chapter 1: The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry accepts me.]
July 1st
I was in my room, listening to the shouts of my adoptive parents. They were arguing about me again.
I am- Let's just say... Different. Though they like to use the term 'Freak'.
"YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME MICHAEL!" My mother ranted.
"MAYBE IF YOU HAD SOMETHING WORTH LISTENING TO SAY." Father countered.
I couldn't take it anymore. I looked at my window, and then to the floor. Should I?
Yes. You must.
I slowly peeled back my curtains and lifted the window. Taking one glance behind me I huffed. They wouldn't miss me, and a microscopic portion of me hoped they would.
I shimmied out onto the roof and hopped onto an air unit, before sprinting off into the fog. I had nothing more than the clothes on my body, and the knowledge I had gathered.
After an hour of aimlessly roaming the streets with no clue where I was going, I spotted a light house.
I smiled despite myself and stood on the dock just watching it.
As my thumbs were shoved deep into my pockets, I felt at peace. I also felt relatively alone. I had no one, and it was just now hitting me that I might never.
A brittle hand clasped on my shoulder, making me jump.
I felt like I gasped, but not one sound escaped my lips. Quickly re-gaining my composure I turned around.
"Are you Acacia Ivory?" The elderly man asked.
He had startling blue eyes, with a long white beard, and his face was masked with knowledge.
I nodded slowly.
"I am Albus Dumbledore." The man greeted, removing his hand from my shoulder. "Would you like to come with me, to a school for young people like yourself?"
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. Someone random walks up to you on the street and offers you to go to a school, without parents consent, grade records, medical and health papers, and birth certificate. Isn't that the least bit odd?
I countinued to stare at him conspicuously.
"Do you take me for a moron? I mean no disrespect sit, but how do I know what your true intentions are?" I asked, realizing that had been the first full statement I had ever made within three years.
"Well Acacia. I most certainly do not take you as a moron. And I am very pleased that you are well aware of your surroundings. I'll prove it to you..."
"Okay," I said slowly, "And let the records show, I prefer Ash."
"Ash? I'll remember that. This school is for gifted only." He replied, taking out a twig looking object. It was long and had a bump along it every inch or so.
He noticed the confused look on my face and continued, "Ash I know you're a wizard. As am I."
He then proceeded to say some sort of phrase and a ball of light appeared on top of his twig- I mean wand.
Now... I definitely believed.
I nodded at him, showing I was now believing.
He cocked his head to the side, "Child, can you talk?"
I rolled my eyes the slightest, "It's just not something I'm used to doing. I have no one to talk to."
He shook his head and emitted a tsking sound.
"Shall we get going?" He asked holding out an arm for me to grab, "Or shall we first ask your parents?"
My eyes widened, and I vigorously shook my head. It wouldn't matter.
"Okay Ms. Ivory. But I warn you. If you've never traveled like this... hang on."
I held tightly to Dumbledore and we dissapeared.
When we got to the destination, Albus called it 'Diagon Ally'.
To me it was just a brick wall.
"Dumbledore, why are we standing in front of a brick wall?" I asked, after a moments reconciliation.
Dumbledore smiled secretively, "Bare in mind, Ash, this is the wizard world. Everything is not as it appears."
He then took out a wand. Two taps up, and three across.
The brick wall rumbled and separated to reveal the ACTUAL Diagon Ally.
My mouth opened slightly, denoting that I was, in fact, quite impressed.
Small shops lined the corners, filled with all kinds of exotic people.
'Wow.' I mouthed.
Dumbledore chuckled, "Come along now. We must get your school supplies."
We went to several shops as I was now equip with 3 sets of plain black robes, one black pointed hat, dragon hide gloves, telescope, a caldron, set glass, brass scales, and my own broom.
Lastly I was issued my books and only had to get a pet and my wand.
We walked into the store titled 'Ollivanders Wand Shop' and there was a rather strange man behind the counter. He had fluffy white hair and a friendly aura.
"Hello Dumbledore. Young wizard." The man greeted.
"Hello Ollivander. We are looking to buy this young lady a wand..." Dumbledore smiled humbly.
"Ah. And what might your name be?" He asked, turning my direction.
"Acacia Ivory. I prefer Ash..."
He nodded in understanding, before cracking a smile, "Oh the irony! Your name is ASH, haha, Ivory."
I got the joke he was referring to I just didn't find it amusing- the fact that Ash is usually black or gray, possibly a shade of ivory.
After a taking my measurements along with me exploding a few vases, there was only one wand that seemed to feel right in my hands.
"10 and a quarter inches. Willow and Phoenix feather mixed with Dragon Heartstring." The man smiled triumphantly.
"It feels right.." I exclaimed as a tingling sensation entered my palms, emitting a small barely noticeable spark.
"That wand is special.." Ollivander trailed off in a daze, "It is not for the faint of heart. This kind of wand could only be controlled by someone who is honest, cunning, and courageous."
He stared at me in admiration before flashing a broad smile.
"I haven't had this much fun picking out a wand since Harry Potter!"
I cocked my head and inhaled, looking upward. Why did that name sound so familiar?
Dumbledore thanked him as we left the shop.
"Now to find you a pet..." Dumbledore trailed off, "What do you prefer?"
"I'm allergic to cats. I'm not really fond of toads either." I explained.
He smiled and nodded.
We entered a store and I gazed around. There were owls everywhere. I thought you had to have a liscense to own one.
"Hello." The female behind the counter greeted,"I assume you're here for a pet owl?"
Dumbledore nodded as we walked around and looked at cages.
"What about that one?" The female asked, pointing towards a white owl with brown flecks.
I shook my head no and continued to browse.
I heard a soft, quiet hoot, and turning my head, there she was. The most beautiful creature I had yet to lay eyes on. It was different from every owl in that shop.
The owl was small-ish, black all over without any other colors. Dark pupils, and haunting blue eyes.
It seemed to stare straight through me.
I approached the cage, leaving Dumbledore to have a small hushed discussion with the woman running the store.
My fingers trailed against the thin brass wire holding it in a beautiful cage. Without thinking, I opened it and the small creature climbed out onto my arm.
The lady of the store saw me and gasped. The owl and I both looked at her like she had lost her marbles.
"That bird bites at everyone! Never has it been so calm. Or friendly for that matter." The woman exclaimed, pointing.
"Are you sure this is the one?" Dumbledore asked unsurely.
I nodded. I knew this was the bird for me, simply by the way it looked straight through me.
Slipping it back into it's cage and setting it down beside me to free my hands, I looked at Dumbledore seriously.
"I'm naming her Ink heart."
"Ink Heart?" Dumbledore asked.
I nodded.
Dumbledore stared at the owl, scrutinizing her.
"Suits her." He finally agreed.
Since I now had everything I needed to become a young wizard in training, Dumbledore took me to hogwarts. The school wasn't open for another two months, but since wizards of my age were usually in their fourth year of Hogwarts, I had to learn 3 years worth of charms, transfiguartions, potions, care of magical creatures, deviation, Defence against the dark arts and some history all in two months.
It was frustrating, but not near as bad as it could've been. Dumbledore was an excellent teacher and I am a very quick learner. I was just glad I didn't have to go 'Home'.
Two months passed impossibly quick, and September 1st had finally arrived.
Excited and chattering students began to fill in the hallways, and I was forced to join a group of first years just to get picked for the house I was supposed to be in.
Luckily, they would explain my rare case so I wouldn't be COMPLETELY embarrassed.
"Ivory, Acacia." Mrs. McGonagall called my name, after all the first years had already been housed, "She is new here to Hogwarts. However, she has been trained and is in fourth year along with the rest of students her age."
I walked up to the small stool, sitting with my back facing the fifth table that looked over the other four, and waited for the hat to be placed on my head. Everyone broke out into hushed whispers about the new girl and who she'd belong to.
As the ratty black hat was placed on my head, it began talking.
"Ouch child. You think to much." The thing chuckled, "You are cunning, wise, resourceful, charming, charismatic, brave, loyal, Kind, respectful, curious, My Goodness. The list goes on and on."
I felt my face heat up, I was flattered. Small chuckles broke put around the room at my flattered reaction.
"Not only would you excel academically, but you would be a grand edition sports wise, for logical thinking, and a great friend. Whichever house I choose is sure lucky. Wether the school system sees it or not, you are destined for greatness."
I was ready for Mrs. McGonagall to snatch the thing off my head for boasting about how wondeful I was.
"What to do... What to do... Better be- GRYFFINDOR!"
The room exploded into cheers as a pair of twins chanted, 'This is our year!'
I smiled to myself, happy that I alone could cause the smallest bit of joy, and sat in one of the only empty seats left on the Gryffindor table. The Great Hall was magnificent. Golden plates and matching goblets shined in the light of the seemingly thousands of candles floating in midair. I sat next to a boy with black hair and glasses. I stared at him for a minute. He was very familiar. I knew him from a picture or maybe even a memory. But I knew him.
"TAKE THAT MALFOY! WE HAVE HARRY POTTER AND THE ONE WHO'S DESTINED FOR GREATNESS!" A boy with red hair, freckles and a small but non-lanky frame, sneered.
Harry Potter? The second time today... Why does that name strike a chord?
I laughed and looked at the boy curiously. He was sitting diagonal from me, across from the boy with glasses and dark hair.
"Hello Acacia!" The boy with red hair suddenly greeted.
I waved my fingers shyly, "Please, call me Ash..."
"Sorry then- Ash...I'm Ron and this is my friend Harry."
Harry held out his hand politely and I shook it.
"So where are you from?" He asked.
"I am from a small town in London." I smiled warmly.
Despite the usually non-friendly and hostile environment I was used to, it didn't stop my sweet and loving disposition.
"Hello Acacia Ivory, welcome to Gryffindor." Two similar voices said from behind.
I turned to meet two more boys who looked just like older versions of Ronald, except for one had a longer jaw-line.
I turned and looked to Ron just to compare the three in my head, but he was busy stuffing his face with a chicken leg.
"What, are you going to ignore us?" Asked a twin.
"No, I was just comparing something in my head is all." I shook my head quickly.
The one who assumed I was ignoring them instantly looked guilty.
"Sorry." He apologized.
I nodded to show I was fine with it.
The feast dragged on, with some of my most favorite dishes- And I won't lie when I say, I gorged myself.
Dumbledore stood upon the stand to make announcements, and everyone watched intentivley, especially me. Over the course of those two months I had grown impeccably close to him.
"It is my painful duty as headmaster to inform you, that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year." His stern but noble sounding voice flowed through the hall.
I didn't know what Quidditch was, and along with few first years, I seemed to be the only one.
The crowd looked appalled and they groaned and complained, few mouthing vulgarities at the headmaster, which I'm sure he overlooked before continuing with his little speech.
"This is due to an event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"
The elderly Headmaster was cut short by a rumbling of thunder and the doors to the Great Hall flinging open.
I jumped in my seat a bit at the abrupt noises, and my breath hung in my throat, making Harry and the twins snicker quietly.
All heads turned and they stared at a man who looked very creepy, and made me want to shrink away from the world.
He was leaning against a black staff with a long cloak that swayed with the small draft. His face was scarred, and his mouth looked as if it were just a sideways gash on his face. Perhaps the most haunting thing about his appearance- his eyes. One was small and beady, with a color as dark as his expression, the other was large and looked fake, it was a vivid blue, huge like an owls, and strapped across his forehead in some sort of contraption. It moved ceaselessly, it never blinked, and rolled around every which way.
As he began to walk over to Dumbledore, there was a heavy limp in his step, he slumped making a heavy clacking sound, leaning into that wretched looking cane of his.
The terrifying man reached out a hand towards the headmaster, which Albus shook, murmuring a few words, to which I could not hear.
Dumbledore nodded as a response to something the man had just said, before gesturing towards the empty seat on his right.
The stranger sat down and shook his light hair out of his face, pulling a greasy appetizer towards him.
"This is our new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Moody."
Our new teacher? I felt my heart beat go a bit jagged from pure fear. There was something about him that didn't sit well with me- more than just his mere apperance, which was frightening all on it's own.
"Moody?" Harry asked Ronald, "As in Mad-Eyed Moody? The one your father went to help this morning?"
"Must be..." Ron said in a low, awed voice.
"What happened to him?" A smallish girl with puffy chestnut hair and big brown eyes, whispered.
"Yea..." I interjected, stealing a sideways glance at Moody, "What happened to his face?"
"There are alot of stories floating around. But I dunno." Ron whispered back.
We all four looked back to the man, he was obviously unaware of his unfriendly welcome, simply ignoring the beverage already provided and instead pulling out a hip flask and taking a long swig of it. He coughed a bit and returned the flask back to it's pouch.
Dumbledore cleared his throat as an attention grabber before turning to the lot of us with a small smile, "As I was saying..."
He continued on, although all the attention was fixated on Mad-Eye.
"We will be hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, as it is my great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year!"
"You're JOKING!" yelled a twin, bursting with youthful excitement.
Suddenly I felt as if the tension was broke, as students began laughing, and Dumbledore chuckled along too.
"I most certainly am not." He said as a matter-of-factly.
He went on to explain how some hundred years ago schools known as Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and of course, Hogwarts, participated in a competition where one champion from each school was chosen to compete in three magical tasks. The schools apparently took turns hosting every five years or so, until the death toll rose so high that it was discontinued.
I honestly found the story remarkably intriguing.
"Death Toll?" The chestnut haired girl whispered, looking alarmed.
I didn't particulary share her anxiety; I was far more interested in hearing about the competition.
He then went on about finally having the competition reinstated and how they ensured that this time around no wizard would be put in harms way.
The girl seemed to be able to breath after hearing this news which I giggled at. She looked at me and smiled.
"Hi. I'm Ash Ivory." I greeted, extending my hand.
"Hello Ash. Is that short for something? I'm Hermione Granger." I could tell by the way she talked, that she often took it upon herself to learn new things and ask alot of questions- which is an admirable trait.
"Yes actually, My name is Acacia." I chuckled as she shook my hand before retracting her own, "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger."
We both turned our attention back to Dumbledore who was still talking about the Administry of Magic and all their regulations and rules.
"The heads of the other two schools will be arriving with their shortlisted contenders in October and the selections will take place at Halloween with an impartial judge. The prizes are the Triwizard cup, the glory for their school, and a thousand Galleons personal money."
"I'm SO going for it!" A twin yelled down the table, his face lit with enthusiasm and bliss.
It was actually quite amusing, if I do say so.
"BUT-" Dumbledore held up a long finger, silencing us all, "The Ministry of Magic, along with the Headmasters have agreed upon imposing an age restriction- That is, of seventeen years or above- will be allowed to put forth their names for consideration. This" Dumbledore's tone began to rise above the groans of outrage and anger,"Is a measure we feel necessary, given that the tournaments tasks will still be dangerous."
He then proceeded asking us not to waste our time trying to 'hoodwink' our way into the tournament if we were not of age. Eventually we were sent off to bed, which even in my two months of living at Hogwarts, I had never slept in a bed, I usually slept on Hagrid's couch.
Hagrid was friendly and I liked him. He cracked dirty and non-dirty jokes in reference to some of the teachers and adults that I had no taste for. He would also tell me great stories about adventures he had been on, and how he was so proud that Dumbledore trusted him so much. I also liked his mutt, Fang, even though the beast slobbers quite a bit.
We- Hermione, The twins, who I learned to be Fred and George Weasley, Ron, Harry, Neville Longbottom, and myself- all climbed the stairs to the entrance of Gryffindor Tower.
All along the way Fred and George kept talking rubbish of making an aging potion.
"Do you really think Dumbledore is that thick?" I asked Fred after a moment of listening to their conversation, "He expects underaged wizards to pull that kind of thing."
"Well Dumbledore isn't the one who decides the champion is, is he?" Fred said shrewdly.
I narrowed my eyes at him, true he had a point, but I'm still almost positive Dumbledore has an important part in this competition, and if he bothered to mention that trying to trick your way in was of no use, then I was willing to believe it was certainly a waste of time.
"But people have DIED." Hermione said in a worried voice as we walked through a door concealed by another curtain, leading to a narrower stairwell.
"Yea." Fred said airily, "But what's life without a bit of risk?"
The twins then tried to convince Ronald to join if they did manage to dupe Dumbledore.
Sadly, Ron bought every word that his brothers fed him.
"What about you Ash?" George asked, "Rumor has it that you've learned quite a bit in all of your private lessons."
"I dunno what rumors you've been eavesdropping on, but I most certainly am not as advanced as Dumbledore would expect from a seventh year." I sighed, as we climbed even more stairs.
"Really? I bet you are and are just too chicken to enter!" Fred teased.
"Please... I'm not even close." I scoffed.
"I know I'm not." Neville's gloomy voice drifted behind Fred and George,"I know my Gran'd want me to try though... She's always going on about upholding the family honor- Oops!"
Neville's foot had sunk right into a step halfway up the staircase. I giggled a bit before helping him up some. He smiled at me thankfully.
Lucky for me, I had two months to learn every staircase in the castle. I knew the ones with dissapearing steps, ones that went no where, and ones that moved only when you skipped a certain step.
A knight began to laugh as Neville was draped across my shoulders.
"Shut it, you!" Ron barked slamming down it's visor.
Finally the portrait of the fat lady in a pink silk dress came into view.
"Password?" She asked in her nasally voice as we approached.
"Balderdash." Said George, "A prefect downstairs told me."
The portrait swung open, skimming my arm, "Sorry dear!" She apologized as I let go of Neville to grasp my arm.
Inside a fire glowed, warming the circular room filled with squishy arm chairs and small coffee tables.
I smiled as we all piled in.
Hermione cast the merry flames a dark look before muttering, "Slave Labor."
Harry must've heard her almost as well as I had because his face showed amusement.
"Well Goodnight guys! See you tomorrow!" I waved.
"Yea. Night!" She joined in.
Hermione and I exchanged goodbyes before excusing ourselves to the girls dormitory.
I followed Hermione to the rooms because she had obviously been here before and I had not.
Five Four-Poster beds with Deep Crimson hangings stood against the walls, each with it's owners trunk at the end of it. Hermione and I both sat on the beds that were next to eachother. We didn't even yet bother to mess with our trunks.
After dressing for bed, the others were all asleep, while I stared at the ceiling with Harry, Ron, Fred, and George on my mind. Particularly Harry though, I'm still convinced that I know him.
"I think I'm going on a hunger strike." Hermione stated as she tucked herself in-between the sheets and her comforter.
"Why?" I asked, sounding bemused.
"As a stand for elf rights." she responded with a yawn.
"I'd help you, but food is far too important."
I heard her chuckle through the darkness.
It was about an hour, and yet I couldn't sleep. I stared at the ceiling with an unfading smile plastered to my face.
"Ash...?" Hermione's tired voice cracked through the dark silence, she had obviously fell asleep and woke back up.
"Yea?" I responded.
"Do you think they're stupid enough to do it?" She asked, "You know, enter the tournament.."
I was quiet for a moment, but not wanting her to think I fell asleep, I responded, "Well, honestly. They're boys... And yes. I do think they're stupid enough."
She snorted with laughter, "I can tell we're gonna be friends."
Even through the darkness I knew she was smiling, and I did the same.
"We certainly will be."
{This starts at book four [Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows] and goes into all others possibly also adding an additional one if I get enough feed back.}
Teehee xD
No copyrightt intinded err whatever. All rights [Cept for Acacia] Belong to J.K Rowling, who is absolutley extraordinary
Oh & in my story; there is NO Cho Chang. She would only screw up my story-line, kthanks!
This book does follow VERY closely with the fourth book; But that soon changes!
xx Much Love
-Kitty
__________________________________________________________________
Acacia (Ash) Ivory doesn't know who she is, nor where she came from. After being hidden for two Years, she runs away from her adoptive home, she is discovered by none other than Albus Dumbledore. He takes her to hogwarts two months early and teaches her all she needs to know to be caught up with her age group. From being told her boyfriend will die, to the Triwaizard Tournament, Acacia is sucked into the not-so-normal consequences of being Harry Potter's friend. Throughout the year her divination teacher gives her outrageous predictions to her apparent not-so-bright future. After their first adventure, Ash returns to Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron to continue to help them in all of their conquests. When the end nears, and Ash puts her life on the line, will her love and jealousy consume her, ultimately turning her to the dark side?
___________________________________________________________________
[Chapter 1: The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry accepts me.]
July 1st
I was in my room, listening to the shouts of my adoptive parents. They were arguing about me again.
I am- Let's just say... Different. Though they like to use the term 'Freak'.
"YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME MICHAEL!" My mother ranted.
"MAYBE IF YOU HAD SOMETHING WORTH LISTENING TO SAY." Father countered.
I couldn't take it anymore. I looked at my window, and then to the floor. Should I?
Yes. You must.
I slowly peeled back my curtains and lifted the window. Taking one glance behind me I huffed. They wouldn't miss me, and a microscopic portion of me hoped they would.
I shimmied out onto the roof and hopped onto an air unit, before sprinting off into the fog. I had nothing more than the clothes on my body, and the knowledge I had gathered.
After an hour of aimlessly roaming the streets with no clue where I was going, I spotted a light house.
I smiled despite myself and stood on the dock just watching it.
As my thumbs were shoved deep into my pockets, I felt at peace. I also felt relatively alone. I had no one, and it was just now hitting me that I might never.
A brittle hand clasped on my shoulder, making me jump.
I felt like I gasped, but not one sound escaped my lips. Quickly re-gaining my composure I turned around.
"Are you Acacia Ivory?" The elderly man asked.
He had startling blue eyes, with a long white beard, and his face was masked with knowledge.
I nodded slowly.
"I am Albus Dumbledore." The man greeted, removing his hand from my shoulder. "Would you like to come with me, to a school for young people like yourself?"
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at him. Someone random walks up to you on the street and offers you to go to a school, without parents consent, grade records, medical and health papers, and birth certificate. Isn't that the least bit odd?
I countinued to stare at him conspicuously.
"Do you take me for a moron? I mean no disrespect sit, but how do I know what your true intentions are?" I asked, realizing that had been the first full statement I had ever made within three years.
"Well Acacia. I most certainly do not take you as a moron. And I am very pleased that you are well aware of your surroundings. I'll prove it to you..."
"Okay," I said slowly, "And let the records show, I prefer Ash."
"Ash? I'll remember that. This school is for gifted only." He replied, taking out a twig looking object. It was long and had a bump along it every inch or so.
He noticed the confused look on my face and continued, "Ash I know you're a wizard. As am I."
He then proceeded to say some sort of phrase and a ball of light appeared on top of his twig- I mean wand.
Now... I definitely believed.
I nodded at him, showing I was now believing.
He cocked his head to the side, "Child, can you talk?"
I rolled my eyes the slightest, "It's just not something I'm used to doing. I have no one to talk to."
He shook his head and emitted a tsking sound.
"Shall we get going?" He asked holding out an arm for me to grab, "Or shall we first ask your parents?"
My eyes widened, and I vigorously shook my head. It wouldn't matter.
"Okay Ms. Ivory. But I warn you. If you've never traveled like this... hang on."
I held tightly to Dumbledore and we dissapeared.
When we got to the destination, Albus called it 'Diagon Ally'.
To me it was just a brick wall.
"Dumbledore, why are we standing in front of a brick wall?" I asked, after a moments reconciliation.
Dumbledore smiled secretively, "Bare in mind, Ash, this is the wizard world. Everything is not as it appears."
He then took out a wand. Two taps up, and three across.
The brick wall rumbled and separated to reveal the ACTUAL Diagon Ally.
My mouth opened slightly, denoting that I was, in fact, quite impressed.
Small shops lined the corners, filled with all kinds of exotic people.
'Wow.' I mouthed.
Dumbledore chuckled, "Come along now. We must get your school supplies."
We went to several shops as I was now equip with 3 sets of plain black robes, one black pointed hat, dragon hide gloves, telescope, a caldron, set glass, brass scales, and my own broom.
Lastly I was issued my books and only had to get a pet and my wand.
We walked into the store titled 'Ollivanders Wand Shop' and there was a rather strange man behind the counter. He had fluffy white hair and a friendly aura.
"Hello Dumbledore. Young wizard." The man greeted.
"Hello Ollivander. We are looking to buy this young lady a wand..." Dumbledore smiled humbly.
"Ah. And what might your name be?" He asked, turning my direction.
"Acacia Ivory. I prefer Ash..."
He nodded in understanding, before cracking a smile, "Oh the irony! Your name is ASH, haha, Ivory."
I got the joke he was referring to I just didn't find it amusing- the fact that Ash is usually black or gray, possibly a shade of ivory.
After a taking my measurements along with me exploding a few vases, there was only one wand that seemed to feel right in my hands.
"10 and a quarter inches. Willow and Phoenix feather mixed with Dragon Heartstring." The man smiled triumphantly.
"It feels right.." I exclaimed as a tingling sensation entered my palms, emitting a small barely noticeable spark.
"That wand is special.." Ollivander trailed off in a daze, "It is not for the faint of heart. This kind of wand could only be controlled by someone who is honest, cunning, and courageous."
He stared at me in admiration before flashing a broad smile.
"I haven't had this much fun picking out a wand since Harry Potter!"
I cocked my head and inhaled, looking upward. Why did that name sound so familiar?
Dumbledore thanked him as we left the shop.
"Now to find you a pet..." Dumbledore trailed off, "What do you prefer?"
"I'm allergic to cats. I'm not really fond of toads either." I explained.
He smiled and nodded.
We entered a store and I gazed around. There were owls everywhere. I thought you had to have a liscense to own one.
"Hello." The female behind the counter greeted,"I assume you're here for a pet owl?"
Dumbledore nodded as we walked around and looked at cages.
"What about that one?" The female asked, pointing towards a white owl with brown flecks.
I shook my head no and continued to browse.
I heard a soft, quiet hoot, and turning my head, there she was. The most beautiful creature I had yet to lay eyes on. It was different from every owl in that shop.
The owl was small-ish, black all over without any other colors. Dark pupils, and haunting blue eyes.
It seemed to stare straight through me.
I approached the cage, leaving Dumbledore to have a small hushed discussion with the woman running the store.
My fingers trailed against the thin brass wire holding it in a beautiful cage. Without thinking, I opened it and the small creature climbed out onto my arm.
The lady of the store saw me and gasped. The owl and I both looked at her like she had lost her marbles.
"That bird bites at everyone! Never has it been so calm. Or friendly for that matter." The woman exclaimed, pointing.
"Are you sure this is the one?" Dumbledore asked unsurely.
I nodded. I knew this was the bird for me, simply by the way it looked straight through me.
Slipping it back into it's cage and setting it down beside me to free my hands, I looked at Dumbledore seriously.
"I'm naming her Ink heart."
"Ink Heart?" Dumbledore asked.
I nodded.
Dumbledore stared at the owl, scrutinizing her.
"Suits her." He finally agreed.
Since I now had everything I needed to become a young wizard in training, Dumbledore took me to hogwarts. The school wasn't open for another two months, but since wizards of my age were usually in their fourth year of Hogwarts, I had to learn 3 years worth of charms, transfiguartions, potions, care of magical creatures, deviation, Defence against the dark arts and some history all in two months.
It was frustrating, but not near as bad as it could've been. Dumbledore was an excellent teacher and I am a very quick learner. I was just glad I didn't have to go 'Home'.
Two months passed impossibly quick, and September 1st had finally arrived.
Excited and chattering students began to fill in the hallways, and I was forced to join a group of first years just to get picked for the house I was supposed to be in.
Luckily, they would explain my rare case so I wouldn't be COMPLETELY embarrassed.
"Ivory, Acacia." Mrs. McGonagall called my name, after all the first years had already been housed, "She is new here to Hogwarts. However, she has been trained and is in fourth year along with the rest of students her age."
I walked up to the small stool, sitting with my back facing the fifth table that looked over the other four, and waited for the hat to be placed on my head. Everyone broke out into hushed whispers about the new girl and who she'd belong to.
As the ratty black hat was placed on my head, it began talking.
"Ouch child. You think to much." The thing chuckled, "You are cunning, wise, resourceful, charming, charismatic, brave, loyal, Kind, respectful, curious, My Goodness. The list goes on and on."
I felt my face heat up, I was flattered. Small chuckles broke put around the room at my flattered reaction.
"Not only would you excel academically, but you would be a grand edition sports wise, for logical thinking, and a great friend. Whichever house I choose is sure lucky. Wether the school system sees it or not, you are destined for greatness."
I was ready for Mrs. McGonagall to snatch the thing off my head for boasting about how wondeful I was.
"What to do... What to do... Better be- GRYFFINDOR!"
The room exploded into cheers as a pair of twins chanted, 'This is our year!'
I smiled to myself, happy that I alone could cause the smallest bit of joy, and sat in one of the only empty seats left on the Gryffindor table. The Great Hall was magnificent. Golden plates and matching goblets shined in the light of the seemingly thousands of candles floating in midair. I sat next to a boy with black hair and glasses. I stared at him for a minute. He was very familiar. I knew him from a picture or maybe even a memory. But I knew him.
"TAKE THAT MALFOY! WE HAVE HARRY POTTER AND THE ONE WHO'S DESTINED FOR GREATNESS!" A boy with red hair, freckles and a small but non-lanky frame, sneered.
Harry Potter? The second time today... Why does that name strike a chord?
I laughed and looked at the boy curiously. He was sitting diagonal from me, across from the boy with glasses and dark hair.
"Hello Acacia!" The boy with red hair suddenly greeted.
I waved my fingers shyly, "Please, call me Ash..."
"Sorry then- Ash...I'm Ron and this is my friend Harry."
Harry held out his hand politely and I shook it.
"So where are you from?" He asked.
"I am from a small town in London." I smiled warmly.
Despite the usually non-friendly and hostile environment I was used to, it didn't stop my sweet and loving disposition.
"Hello Acacia Ivory, welcome to Gryffindor." Two similar voices said from behind.
I turned to meet two more boys who looked just like older versions of Ronald, except for one had a longer jaw-line.
I turned and looked to Ron just to compare the three in my head, but he was busy stuffing his face with a chicken leg.
"What, are you going to ignore us?" Asked a twin.
"No, I was just comparing something in my head is all." I shook my head quickly.
The one who assumed I was ignoring them instantly looked guilty.
"Sorry." He apologized.
I nodded to show I was fine with it.
The feast dragged on, with some of my most favorite dishes- And I won't lie when I say, I gorged myself.
Dumbledore stood upon the stand to make announcements, and everyone watched intentivley, especially me. Over the course of those two months I had grown impeccably close to him.
"It is my painful duty as headmaster to inform you, that the Inter-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year." His stern but noble sounding voice flowed through the hall.
I didn't know what Quidditch was, and along with few first years, I seemed to be the only one.
The crowd looked appalled and they groaned and complained, few mouthing vulgarities at the headmaster, which I'm sure he overlooked before continuing with his little speech.
"This is due to an event that will be starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy- but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-"
The elderly Headmaster was cut short by a rumbling of thunder and the doors to the Great Hall flinging open.
I jumped in my seat a bit at the abrupt noises, and my breath hung in my throat, making Harry and the twins snicker quietly.
All heads turned and they stared at a man who looked very creepy, and made me want to shrink away from the world.
He was leaning against a black staff with a long cloak that swayed with the small draft. His face was scarred, and his mouth looked as if it were just a sideways gash on his face. Perhaps the most haunting thing about his appearance- his eyes. One was small and beady, with a color as dark as his expression, the other was large and looked fake, it was a vivid blue, huge like an owls, and strapped across his forehead in some sort of contraption. It moved ceaselessly, it never blinked, and rolled around every which way.
As he began to walk over to Dumbledore, there was a heavy limp in his step, he slumped making a heavy clacking sound, leaning into that wretched looking cane of his.
The terrifying man reached out a hand towards the headmaster, which Albus shook, murmuring a few words, to which I could not hear.
Dumbledore nodded as a response to something the man had just said, before gesturing towards the empty seat on his right.
The stranger sat down and shook his light hair out of his face, pulling a greasy appetizer towards him.
"This is our new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Moody."
Our new teacher? I felt my heart beat go a bit jagged from pure fear. There was something about him that didn't sit well with me- more than just his mere apperance, which was frightening all on it's own.
"Moody?" Harry asked Ronald, "As in Mad-Eyed Moody? The one your father went to help this morning?"
"Must be..." Ron said in a low, awed voice.
"What happened to him?" A smallish girl with puffy chestnut hair and big brown eyes, whispered.
"Yea..." I interjected, stealing a sideways glance at Moody, "What happened to his face?"
"There are alot of stories floating around. But I dunno." Ron whispered back.
We all four looked back to the man, he was obviously unaware of his unfriendly welcome, simply ignoring the beverage already provided and instead pulling out a hip flask and taking a long swig of it. He coughed a bit and returned the flask back to it's pouch.
Dumbledore cleared his throat as an attention grabber before turning to the lot of us with a small smile, "As I was saying..."
He continued on, although all the attention was fixated on Mad-Eye.
"We will be hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, as it is my great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year!"
"You're JOKING!" yelled a twin, bursting with youthful excitement.
Suddenly I felt as if the tension was broke, as students began laughing, and Dumbledore chuckled along too.
"I most certainly am not." He said as a matter-of-factly.
He went on to explain how some hundred years ago schools known as Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and of course, Hogwarts, participated in a competition where one champion from each school was chosen to compete in three magical tasks. The schools apparently took turns hosting every five years or so, until the death toll rose so high that it was discontinued.
I honestly found the story remarkably intriguing.
"Death Toll?" The chestnut haired girl whispered, looking alarmed.
I didn't particulary share her anxiety; I was far more interested in hearing about the competition.
He then went on about finally having the competition reinstated and how they ensured that this time around no wizard would be put in harms way.
The girl seemed to be able to breath after hearing this news which I giggled at. She looked at me and smiled.
"Hi. I'm Ash Ivory." I greeted, extending my hand.
"Hello Ash. Is that short for something? I'm Hermione Granger." I could tell by the way she talked, that she often took it upon herself to learn new things and ask alot of questions- which is an admirable trait.
"Yes actually, My name is Acacia." I chuckled as she shook my hand before retracting her own, "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger."
We both turned our attention back to Dumbledore who was still talking about the Administry of Magic and all their regulations and rules.
"The heads of the other two schools will be arriving with their shortlisted contenders in October and the selections will take place at Halloween with an impartial judge. The prizes are the Triwizard cup, the glory for their school, and a thousand Galleons personal money."
"I'm SO going for it!" A twin yelled down the table, his face lit with enthusiasm and bliss.
It was actually quite amusing, if I do say so.
"BUT-" Dumbledore held up a long finger, silencing us all, "The Ministry of Magic, along with the Headmasters have agreed upon imposing an age restriction- That is, of seventeen years or above- will be allowed to put forth their names for consideration. This" Dumbledore's tone began to rise above the groans of outrage and anger,"Is a measure we feel necessary, given that the tournaments tasks will still be dangerous."
He then proceeded asking us not to waste our time trying to 'hoodwink' our way into the tournament if we were not of age. Eventually we were sent off to bed, which even in my two months of living at Hogwarts, I had never slept in a bed, I usually slept on Hagrid's couch.
Hagrid was friendly and I liked him. He cracked dirty and non-dirty jokes in reference to some of the teachers and adults that I had no taste for. He would also tell me great stories about adventures he had been on, and how he was so proud that Dumbledore trusted him so much. I also liked his mutt, Fang, even though the beast slobbers quite a bit.
We- Hermione, The twins, who I learned to be Fred and George Weasley, Ron, Harry, Neville Longbottom, and myself- all climbed the stairs to the entrance of Gryffindor Tower.
All along the way Fred and George kept talking rubbish of making an aging potion.
"Do you really think Dumbledore is that thick?" I asked Fred after a moment of listening to their conversation, "He expects underaged wizards to pull that kind of thing."
"Well Dumbledore isn't the one who decides the champion is, is he?" Fred said shrewdly.
I narrowed my eyes at him, true he had a point, but I'm still almost positive Dumbledore has an important part in this competition, and if he bothered to mention that trying to trick your way in was of no use, then I was willing to believe it was certainly a waste of time.
"But people have DIED." Hermione said in a worried voice as we walked through a door concealed by another curtain, leading to a narrower stairwell.
"Yea." Fred said airily, "But what's life without a bit of risk?"
The twins then tried to convince Ronald to join if they did manage to dupe Dumbledore.
Sadly, Ron bought every word that his brothers fed him.
"What about you Ash?" George asked, "Rumor has it that you've learned quite a bit in all of your private lessons."
"I dunno what rumors you've been eavesdropping on, but I most certainly am not as advanced as Dumbledore would expect from a seventh year." I sighed, as we climbed even more stairs.
"Really? I bet you are and are just too chicken to enter!" Fred teased.
"Please... I'm not even close." I scoffed.
"I know I'm not." Neville's gloomy voice drifted behind Fred and George,"I know my Gran'd want me to try though... She's always going on about upholding the family honor- Oops!"
Neville's foot had sunk right into a step halfway up the staircase. I giggled a bit before helping him up some. He smiled at me thankfully.
Lucky for me, I had two months to learn every staircase in the castle. I knew the ones with dissapearing steps, ones that went no where, and ones that moved only when you skipped a certain step.
A knight began to laugh as Neville was draped across my shoulders.
"Shut it, you!" Ron barked slamming down it's visor.
Finally the portrait of the fat lady in a pink silk dress came into view.
"Password?" She asked in her nasally voice as we approached.
"Balderdash." Said George, "A prefect downstairs told me."
The portrait swung open, skimming my arm, "Sorry dear!" She apologized as I let go of Neville to grasp my arm.
Inside a fire glowed, warming the circular room filled with squishy arm chairs and small coffee tables.
I smiled as we all piled in.
Hermione cast the merry flames a dark look before muttering, "Slave Labor."
Harry must've heard her almost as well as I had because his face showed amusement.
"Well Goodnight guys! See you tomorrow!" I waved.
"Yea. Night!" She joined in.
Hermione and I exchanged goodbyes before excusing ourselves to the girls dormitory.
I followed Hermione to the rooms because she had obviously been here before and I had not.
Five Four-Poster beds with Deep Crimson hangings stood against the walls, each with it's owners trunk at the end of it. Hermione and I both sat on the beds that were next to eachother. We didn't even yet bother to mess with our trunks.
After dressing for bed, the others were all asleep, while I stared at the ceiling with Harry, Ron, Fred, and George on my mind. Particularly Harry though, I'm still convinced that I know him.
"I think I'm going on a hunger strike." Hermione stated as she tucked herself in-between the sheets and her comforter.
"Why?" I asked, sounding bemused.
"As a stand for elf rights." she responded with a yawn.
"I'd help you, but food is far too important."
I heard her chuckle through the darkness.
It was about an hour, and yet I couldn't sleep. I stared at the ceiling with an unfading smile plastered to my face.
"Ash...?" Hermione's tired voice cracked through the dark silence, she had obviously fell asleep and woke back up.
"Yea?" I responded.
"Do you think they're stupid enough to do it?" She asked, "You know, enter the tournament.."
I was quiet for a moment, but not wanting her to think I fell asleep, I responded, "Well, honestly. They're boys... And yes. I do think they're stupid enough."
She snorted with laughter, "I can tell we're gonna be friends."
Even through the darkness I knew she was smiling, and I did the same.
"We certainly will be."
2 Comments
Good story!!! Wonderful!!
Oh my gosh! So COOL!