Beginnings

Chapter 2

 Then—light. Warmth. A wooden ceiling above me. I gasped, a rush of knowledge flooding my mind—spells of the Harry Potter world and other wise, magical creatures, the Wizarding World. I tremble as pain fills me. For what feels like days I am frozen in pain. Unable to move. Only feeling knowledge getting jammed into my head. Occasionally I hear something and feel liquid or food fill me. I finally gain the ability to move my eyes and glance around the room. An old wooden dresser and desk sit in front of the bed, along with a nightstand with an old looking lamp next to me and a large bookshelf on the opposing wall. It smells like fresh bread and old books. A couple stuffed toys, a bear, bunny, a cat, and a Niffler sit on the bed and a train set sits on the floor. 

Next to the desk sits a worn leather case. Next to the lamp on the desk are two pouches. I grin, This time, I’m not going to be the ordinary bland girl who hides her personality. This time, I was going to be unforgettable. A small letter is sitting on the nightstand. I reach over stiffly, feeling much smaller than usual. I pick it up and read it.

Your Name is the same. Your family are pure bloods killed by Voldemort. You are staying with an old maid your father trusted. You can call her Nanny.

Okay then. Short and sweet... I stand shakily. I’m definitely shorter than before. I walk out holding the walk and see things floating and chores doing themselves. She turns to look at me and relief fills her face. 

“Willow! Merlin’s beard!” She yells and hobbles towards me. “Oh my sweet girl—oh, I’d thought I lost you!” Her frail arms wrap around my midriff, her hands move to hold my face. Tears fill her old eyes and drench her wrinkled face. She steps back and one of her bony, wrinkled hands covers her mouth. “ I thought I’d lost you…” her other hand touches my cheek. She wipes her tears before I can even mutter a word. “Sit, sit, you must be weak.” She ushers me to the table. “You’ve been unconscious for days, love. I’ll fetch you some nice warm tea and cookies—no, soup! You need something warm in you.” She bustles toward the door, muttering to herself. “A cool damp cloth, a blanket—no, too warm already…” she waves her hands. “I’ll prepare all of them.” She flicks her wand and things float around the old kitchen.

I feel warmth rise in my stomach,“ That sounds good, Nanny.”

Then she pauses, turning back with searching eyes. “Do you remember everything, dear? You know who you are, don’t you?”

“Mostly…” I say. “I know my name is Willow Mann, I don’t remember my age though.” I say and a sweet expression covers her face.

She places a warm hand on my shoulder,” it’s alright deary. You’re nine this year. You're the child of a very kind Wizard and Witch couple.” She rubs my head. I smile. She hands me a bowl of soup and pats my head. I glance in the living room and see two needles knitting, most of a sweater is made. 

After eating I hug her and return to my room. I take a closer look and grab the pouch on the desk. As I pick one up and it jingles, I open it and see several Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. I open the coins and paper money, mostly pounds… I think…

“This is good.” I hum and grab the case. “I should probably practice before anything big,” I hum. Animals first years need at Hogwarts are either a cat, a toad or an owl and typically families have an owl to deliver mail. “ Summon: Maine Coon Kitten.” I speak in a language that feels familiar yet not so. A shimmer of light appears and a kitten pops out of it. It looks up at me with curious eyes and I pick it up. I pet it’s head and it nuzzles its head against my palm. I smile and carry it into Nanny. “Nanny! Look what I found!” I say and hold it up. It cuddles into my hands. It meows and I hug it gently.

She gasps and gently touches her chest,” Willow, dear where did you find that poor creature?” She hobbles closer and takes it from my hands. 

I blank,” I found it, it was just in my room.” I say. God,  child mind… Should I start saying Merlin?

“Merlin’s beard,” she murmures. “ Well, it’s here now. The little one will need food, a warm bed… I suppose we’ll have to keep it.” She says and flicks her wand. “He will also need a name.” She smiles. She hands the kitten back.

I look at him,” How about Achilles?” The kitten purrs in approval. I cuddle it gently. I walk to the couch and lay down and place it on my chest. 

After about 4 months he is already smart as hell. I wanted to make sure to bond with him before going in the case. He lounges on the tree Nanny bought him. the big brat… I make sure he’s distracted with Nanny before quietly entering my room. I put the case on the floor and open it. I see a sticky note on the inside of it. 

To image and shape it you need to use the celestial language or use the expansion charm.

I look into the empty space of the case. I wonder If I fall in, would I die or just fall for eternity. Hmmm, I shouldn’t test it… I stick my hand in and feel another note. I pull it out.

Not letting you die so easy

I blink, am I that predictable? I prep my vocal cords and speak in that familiar yet unfamiliar language I did to summon Achilles. 

“Expand.” I feel slight irritation in my throat. That’s the cost I guess.