Just so that no one gets too confused about this story, it's a what-if story. What if Numair failed to turn Tristan Staghorn into an apple tree in Wolf-Speaker in the chapter 'The Fall of Tristan and Yolane'. To put it briefly the funnel thing that Tristan created consumes Daine and sends her to Hogwarts.
Disclaimer: None of the following characters are mine etc. I'm not making any money from this and so on and so forth.
Tortall meets Hogwarts.
(Chapter 1)
---The fiery dust devil roared high to become a tornado of flame. "You and your 'honour code', your sermons on what we owe the-unGifted-you made me sick in Carthak and you still do. Well, you will *not* walk away unscorched!" He pointed at Daine, and the funnel leapt for her.
Immediately Daine was thrown into a world of swirling lights and shrieking noises. And then it all stopped. The landscape around her settled into a large forest of tall foreboding trees. Without knowing who she was, where she was or what she was doing in the place she was in Daine passed out on a grass bank near a large castle that most can't see.
***
Mumbling about stupid men who have no idea about the concept of manners, Daine staggered to her feet and did a bone check. Safe in the knowledge that no bones were broken, she performed a weapon check. All of her daggers were in the correct place and her bow and quiver were still on her back, a comforting pressure in this unknown world. Swiftly changing her eyes into those of a hawk Daine looked at her surroundings.
Tall, dark looming trees surrounded her. Not too far away was an immortal. It seemed to be like a spidren and yet not. Hoping that she wouldn't meet this unknown creature Daine followed the very vague path.
***
She had been walking for almost two hours, during that time she had acquired a small flock of crows, two red deer, a wolf pack and for some reason nearly fifteen lady bugs who had made their home on the hind's back. After conversing with the buck Daine had fund out that there was a large building of two-leggers nearby, she asked the People to take her there.
'People friend? The place is near.' the voice of the hind Cihra came softly in Daine's mind.
'How far?'
Using the crows' ideas of length Daine figured it was about a mile to the palace or fief. If the animals estimate of numbers the only type of building that could house over eight hundred humans would have to be a particularly large fief or a palace. One thing that the ladybirds had told her though had confused her. They had told her of sparks that cam out of pieces of wood. All that Daine could think was that the place she was heading for was a school for mages.
Wary Daine froze as she heard rustlings and curses ahead. The sound came from around the next bend. Five ladybirds flew ahead to see who or what it was. They came back and told Daine it was a two-legger, picking up plants from the ground. The small brunette drew her bow off her back and slid an arrow out of her quiver. Securing the bolt Daine gently walked to the large tree that was blocking her view of the newcomer. Cursing out loud as a twig underneath her broke. Daine stepped into full view of the bending man. Bow in arm and deer, wolves and crows alike close behind her.
***
Wishing that Sprout could grow some aptitude for growing ginseng, Severus Snape gathered his cloak around him to protect himself from the gathering dusk. Striding into the Forbidden Forest he massaged his pounding temples. Drawing a small leather pouch from a cloak pocket he gathered up some midistrel that he had just noticed. Snape walked for about 20 minutes or so until the cold overcame him. Shivering from the heat or lack of, Snape made his way to the clearing he had last seen some ginseng. Casting a heat spell over himself he crouched beside the orange coloured herb and placed 5 or six of the leaves into a velvet bag. Swatting away some insects that flew too close Severus tied the neck of the bag.
Severus nearly dropped the bag though when he heard a small crackle behind him. Drawing himself up to his considerable full height, convinced he was dealing with a troublemaker student Severus began to turn and give the student at least fifteen detentions, he gasped when he saw the figure before him. Facing him was a short girl of fourteen or perhaps a little older. Long brown curls hid most of the face from view, and he had thought Miss Granger's hair was wild! The only feature that could be distinguished was a pair of large eyes; they were the dullest blue Snape had ever seen, though they were more steel grey than blue.
"Who are you?" confused, Severus watched as the girl stepped forward, looked over her shoulder and told her unseen companions that it was safe to come out.
"I am Daine." the young girl spoke with a slight northern accent.
"Daine? Do you know where you are?" Severus briskly asked her, he was very confused about how this girl had got so close to Hogwarts.
"No I don't," looking slightly to the side Daine watched as a deer stood either side of her and wolves surrounded them all. Crows, cawing to each other, perched on trees. Ladybirds flew around in the air, "Where am I? Who are you? Are you a student of the Mage School?"
"You are in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts. I am Severus Snape, Potions Master. Would you accompany me to the castle." Seeing that it was not a question but a statement Daine turned to the buck.
"I'm going to the two-legger building you don't have to come, and that goes for you too." Looking at a large wolf when she said the last part Daine smiled as the animals came towards to her and lipped her shirt or hands. Still smiling she watched as they retreated into the forest. The only animals that remained were a small crow named Braane and wolf twins Blackpaw and Cub.
"Shall we go?" the wolves pace matching her own Daine set off towards Hogwarts with Snape following her. Wondering how she knew where Hogwarts was, Severus eyed the two wolves warily. Perhaps she was a Death-Eater spy, could Albus forgive him if he led a spy to the castle? Hoping the wolves would not eat him the tall man quickened his steps in an effort to catch up.
***
"Ron! You should have blocked that Quaffle! Neville try to swing your arm a little more." Flying here and there Harry Potter Gryffindor Quidditch captain shouted other words of encouragement to his team.
"Liam! The idea of being a Chaser is catching and throwing the Quaffle, not dropping it! Well done Klio, brilliant pass. Right, that's it folks, Hufflepuff need to practice too." A crowd of red robes and broomsticks flew down to the pitch and grouped at the sidelines.
"Harriet, Neville. Perhaps for our next game you could develop a pattern of attack? It looks very impressive when you work together effectively." Glancing at his year mate and the black haired third year, Harry continued,
"Liam could you perhaps come down here to practice tonight? That goes for you and you," the seventh year captain nodded towards Gem and Klio. The three chasers agreed. The seven of them were about to walk to the castle to get changed and have a well-deserved wash when a strange sight came walking towards them.
A girl with very thick hair was walking up the hill to the pitch. Two almost identical wolves closely flanked her; a crow perched on her shoulder. Close behind Professor Snape glared at the back of this unknown girl. As the strange group neared the Quidditch players, they noticed that the girl was in fact talking to the bird. To all appearances it looked as though she really did believe that the crow could talk back. Giggling they all wondered how Snape knew this girl. Was she a former pupil of his gone mad?
***
Uncertain, Daine hung back waiting for the dark man to catch up.
"Which way?" none of the animals had been this far before.
"I was wondering when you were going to stop!" Severus glared at this young chit of a girl. Not sure why he was angry with her he scowled darkly at her before lurching ahead with an elaborate sweep of his robes. Making a face at his back Daine followed.
-*That two-legger is funny. He has a funny face; can you do that to your face?* - Giggling Cub gently butted Daine's leg.
"No I think he just practices it a lot! Who are they?"
-*Those people there? Its a kind of game, they throw soft rocks to each other, they aren't flying though.* -
"They can fly?"
Smugly the voice of Braane interrupted.
-*Not really, not like I can. They have to use special sticks to make them fly.* - Proudly Braane ran his beak through his shining wing feathers.
Daine's mouth dropped open as she got her first glimpse of Hogwarts. It was so big! Sweeping out her magic Daine registered almost a thousand animals. Despite the impression the castle had made on her, her gaze was fixed on the group of students watching her intently. There was one boy who seemed to be their leader. All she could see of him that he had black hair. Waving and flashing a grin at him, Daine turned and followed the billowing cloak.
***
"Severus? Is anything the matter?" popping a lemon drop in his mouth, Dumbledore rested his chin on his steepled fingers.
"No, yes. Oh I don't know. There's a girl outside who managed to get past the wards. She doesn't seem to be a witch though."
"Well send her in, then you can go back to making your vile concoctions."
Smiling gently Albus nodded to his protege. Frowning slightly Snape strode out of the room and told Daine that she was to go in.
"Well my dear, who are you?" gob smacked Daine looked at the old man who spoke as if he had known her since she was but a babe in arms. Staring at the moving portraits Daine answered the peculiar man.
"I'm Veralidaine Sarrasri. But most just call me Daine."
"What a beautiful name! What is its origins?" Carefully eyeing the animals that were roaming around his office Dumbledore places the bag of sweets in a desk drawer.
"It's Gallan sir."
"Gallan? Hmm, somehow I don't think you come from around here. Have you ever heard of England?"
"No."
"Well, we know that you don't come from this world. How did you come to be here?"
"It was Tristan sir. He created a funnel thing and the next thing I knew I was lying in that big forest over there." Daine nodded towards the forest. Normally she wasn't this talkative, but this man seemed to compell her to speak.
"I'm guessing this Tristan wasn't a friend?"
"No sir."
"Well, I'm still a little confused about one point. This castle is warded so that everyone without magic cannot come anywhere near it. Even if they did come as close as the great hall, all they'd see would be a ruin. So unless you have magic you've managed to get past one of the most powerful wards ever created."
"Oh, I do have magic."
"Ah, that explains a lot, but where is your wand?"
"Wand?" Daine shook her head, "What's a wand?" thoughtfully Dumbledore opened the top drawer in his desk and brought out his own wand.
"No, I don't have one of those. Some of the mages at home, used staffs."
"How do you perform magic though? Wait, I think I'm assuming too much. If you come from a different world, what's to stop you having a different magic from this world. What kind of magic do you have? And what exactly does it do?"
"Wild Magic. I can talk to animals sir, heal them and turn into one (A/N not quite true I know, but just deal with it.). And also Immortals, but I can only talk to them."
"An Immortal?"
"They're creatures that will live forever unless they're killed, such as dragons and unicorns. Do you have them here?"
"Yes, what do you mean by you can talk to them?"
"Well every animal or Immortal has Wild Magic, and so my magic gives me the link so that we can speak mind to mind. Because of how much I have most animals see me as an animal with a two-legger front."
"Amazing! You mean you could talk to a phoenix?"
"Yes. Though he says he's too tired to come out." grinning madly Dumbledore realised what Daine had said.
"You mean you've been talking to Fawkes?"
"Yes. He says that he would like it very much if you would send for some cheese."
"Cheese? I know you can talk too him now. Only I know he likes cheese. So those wolves they're presumably following you because of your magic?"
"Yes, most animals are attracted to my magic and will follow me."
"Well, it's sorted then. Until we find a way to send you back to your home, you'll be staying here. And your friends too if they wish."
"Really? Thank you so much!"
"Yes, yes. One more student won't make too much of a difference. Well we may as well sort you into your house."
"My house?"
"Yes, all of the students are divided into houses. You'll know what I mean when you meet yours."
His joints protesting loudly Dumbledore lifted himself out of his chair and took a battered hat off a shelf. Sitting back down at his desk he offered it to Daine. Hesitantly Daine took it and placed it on her head.
"Well aren't you a strange one? Ah, yes. There's no doubt about you. GRYFFINDOR."
Smiling gently Dumbledore lifted the hat off her head and placed it back.
"Well I would show you to your common room myself but I have a lot of work to do so off you go. See your head of house about your timetable and so on."
"Thank you." standing Daine left the strange man in his strange room. Scratching Blackpaw's left ear Daine descended the swirling staircase and wondered where to go next. The corridor that she was in looked suddenly unfamiliar, everything was as different from Tortall as it could be. Fighting back tears as she realised that she wouldn't see any of her friends for quite some time Daine walked.
After ten minutes of endless corridor Daine was lost. The two wolves were whining slightly, they could feel how nervous their new friend was. Braane who was acting important by scouting ahead suddenly alighted onto Daine's shoulder. -*Some two-leggers are just up there.* - The boy that Daine had seen earlier came around the corner and stopped. With Blackpaw and Cub standing slightly in front of her and bearing their teeth none of the three students wanted to some any closer. -*Cub, Blackpaw. Stop it. Braane stop hiding in my hair please.* - Daine talked to the animals silently so as not to frighten those in front of her.
"Are you a new student?" asked a tall red head.
"Um, yes I suppose. Could you tell me where to find my common room? The talking hat said I'm in Gryffindor." The faces of all three visibly brightened.
"Of course. We're in Gryffindor too. My names Harry Potter, this is Ron Weasley and she is Hermione Granger."
"Hello, I'm Daine."
"Cool name. The common room is just a corridor away." nodding Daine followed the boy she now knew to be Harry.
"Don't take this the wrong way or anything Daine, but why are you wearing those weird clothes they look really old and is that a real bow? Also why do you have a crow on your shoulder and why are those wolves following you? Are they hungry or something?" asked Ron.
"Wolves don't eat humans! They never have and they never will. The only reason they have for attacking anyone is that they were taking their land. And the reason they're with me is that they are my friends."
"Right. Okay. What are their names?" enquired Ron. Ignoring the information she had just told him.
"The crow is Braane, the wolf with the black paws is Blackpaw and the other is Cub. And Blackpaw wants to know if she can have some of the bread you have in your pocket."
"How do you know I've got a sandwich in my pocket?"
"You always have food on your person Ron."
"Oh shut up 'Mione. How do you know though?"
"I didn't know you had bread in your pocket until Blackpaw told me. And she probably smelt it."
"No, I can accept that the wolf could smell it but how did it tell you?"
"I have Wild magic I can talk to animals." Daine sighed, if she were to tell everyone she met about her Wild Magic she would be getting very annoyed.
"Wow! That's so cool! You mean you can- and well can you-... Uh sorry. But you still haven't answered Ron about your clothes and bow." Daine flashed a grin at Harry, from his reaction she guessed that their magic was very different from the magic she was used to.
"It is a real bow. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you but I come from a different world."
"Whoah!" Hermione's head jerked up from her book "How did you get here?" snapping the book shut Hermione giggled as the wolves sneezed from the dust.
"First though where's the common room? And what is it?"
"The Gryffindor common room is just a large room where all Gryffindors can do their own thing. Ron plays chess mostly, Harry tries to play chess and cleans his broom, and I read or work unlike this pair. Only Gryffindors are allowed in. And here it is. You'll need the password. It's 'Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini', it usually changes every day depending on whether Seamus can remember to change it." Seamus Finnegan had surprised everyone by becoming a prefect and each password he thought of seemed to be more stupid than the one before. Slowly a large painting of a woman in pink swung forwards to reveal a large room.
"This is the Common Room. I'm not sure where you're going to be sleeping because all of the dormitories are full. You'll have to ask Professor McGonnagal." Noticing Daine's confused look Hermione explained "Professor McGonnagal is out head of house."
"Oh yes, Dumbledore said I've got to see her about my timetable."
"Right, while the boys go and take a shower, which might I say they definitely need, I'll take you to McGonnagal." Both girls left the common room, wolves close behind.
-*Daine? Where are we going and what was that place? It smelt nice.* -
"We're going to see McGonnagal, and that was our common room. That's you're new home if you want to stay with me."
"Who are you talking to Daine?"
"Oh sorry, I'm just talking to Cub." biting her lip Hermione hurried forward.
-*Of course we're going to stay with you, we might go back to see the pack sometimes but you're our new pack leader now.* -
"Thanks." smiling at the two wolves Daine rummaged in her pockets until she fund some pieces of cheese.
"And you Braane? Are you going to stay with us?"
-*Of course.* - Hopping closer to her hair Braane began to run his beak through Daine's hair.
"Hey mudblood!" Daine looked up at the speaker. Whoever he was Hermione looked very mad.
"Sod off Malfoy! And besides who cares who my parents were. The only thing that matters is that I've got higher marks than any 'pureblood' here. Though I must say that in your case it's not particularly hard."
"No matter what marks you get you'll always be a mudblood. And who's this? Won't you introduce us?" The last was said with mock politeness.
"My name is Veralidaine Sarrasri. If I were you I'd remember that name very well. I'd also apologise to Hermione." although they had only known each other for minutes, Daine already like the older girl. However she did not like this pale boy at all.
"Apologise? Now why on earth would I do that? Will you set your dogs on me? Which aren't allowed."
"No, my wolves are still to young to do any real damage. However I, well lets just say that you don't want to get on my wrong side."
"Why?" this arrogant boy was obviously one who thought girls were too weak to do anything.
"Well, " keeping eye contact with him Daine shifted her hands into talons. Very long, sharp talons, "You could very easily find yourself gutted. So why don't you come a little closer to see how fast a person can bleed to death." Bringing her shifted hands up to where Malfoy could see them she beckoned to him with her talons. Hearing Hermione gasp, Daine returned them to their natural state. The little shape-shift had the same effect on Malfoy. He appeared to be paler than ever. He was shaking, and his eyes were full of fear.
"Now, you silly little boy. Go away. Run along and play, and be a good boy won't you?" Daine fought back the laughter that was threatening to burst forth. Nodding wildly, Malfoy turned on his heels and attempted to walk away with dignity. Just about understanding what was happening the two wolves yipped at each other and followed Malfoy yipping at him and each other.
"What on Earth!? Mr. Malfoy! Stop throwing hexes around like that! Someone might get hurt!"
"That's McGonnagal. Professor McGonnagal?" hurrying to the end of the corridor Hermione peered around the corner and motioned to Daine. The scene before them was rather funny. Malfoy was sitting huddled against the wall looking worse for wear. His robes were tattered and dusty. However Cub had a purple nose and snout, Malfoy's aim wasn't all that bad. However all of Cub began to turn back to her normal colouring when McGonnagal waved her wnad a few times.
-*C'mere girls. Thanks though.* -
-*He smelled nasty.* -
-*It wasn't much fun really. He just rolled around and pointed his stick at us*-
The two wolves trotted to Daine's side and sat, their tails thumping the stone floor. The sight of them grinning at him sent Malfoy running along the corridor. Shaking her head Professor McGonnagal turned to Hermione and Daine.
"Hermione? Is anything the matter?"
"Yes, Daine's new and there isn't anywhere for her to sleep, she also needs a timetable."
"Yes, yes. Follow me, Daine did you say?"
"Yes. Daine Sarrasri."
"Unusual name. My office is here." Opening the door to an airy spacious office McGonnagal walked over to a filing cabinet. From a slightly open door a thin cat poked his nose into the room. The rest of his body followed his nose. He was a young cat, grey with white legs and black tail tip. Gracefully he approached Daine. Dropping to her haunches Daine allowed him to place his front paws on her shoulders. Eye to eye they regarded each other.
"Oh my!" McGonnagal dropped the papers she had dug out. The cat, Graeme, was infamous for scratching everyone except his mistress. If a student saw him walking towards them, the student would turn and run.
Delicately he extended his nose and rubbed it against Daine's cheek. Running a hand along his sleek fur Daine stood up.
"What!" unnerved by the looks on the other two's faces Daine took a step back. In answer Hermione held out her hands, which were covered in scars.
"That's what Graeme does to people he doesn't know."
"So? I told you already about my Wild Magic."
"Ah yes, I forgot about your unusual magic. Albus told me but I'm afraid I forgot." collecting the papers she had dropped McGonnagal opened the door Graeme had emerged from and clucked at the cat. Purring at Daine Graeme walked past McGonnagal and mewed at Daine. McGonnagal turned back to Daine and closed the door.
"How old are you dear?"
"Fourteen and a half."
"You'll be with the third years then. I realise you'll be behind but I'm sure Hermione will help you." McGonnagal handed her a piece of paper, "As to where you'll be sleeping, I think you'd prefer you're own room. Especially as those two will be staying with you," Nodding at the two wolves McGonnagal showed whom she meant by 'those two'; "However the only empty rooms are in the dungeons. At least you won't be late to potions though!" smiling at her own joke McGonnagal conjured up a glowing blue ball of light, "This will show you to your room. The password at the moment is 'Cockroach Cluster', to change it you just say the current password say 'Change' and then clearly say your new password and then say 'Done'. If that is all?"
Both shook their heads and left the room.
"Well I'll leave you to settle in. Will you be able to remember where the common room is?"
"I should do. If I don't I'll just ask Braane."
"Okay, well see you later maybe."
"Bye." sighing Daine watched as her new friend walked away. Noticing the ball of light had disappeared Daine ran to the end of the corridor and looked both ways. Spotting sight of it she ran towards it. As she got closer she slowed down. Walking by the side of it Daine walked for two or three minutes. Suddenly the light went out. Panicking, as she couldn't see any doors, Daine changed her eyes to those of a hawk. She could just very slightly see a small crack in the wall.
"Cockroach Cluster."
Slowly the wall slid to the side and revealed a small but cosy room. Cub and Blackpaw cautiously sniffed the air. Quite happy with the room's smell they jumped onto a powder blue loveseat and began to play-wrestle. Changing her eyes back to her normal blue ones Daine looked about her. The room was a deep indigo with light blue furnishings. A large desk of cherrywood stood in the middle of the south wall. The east wall was covered with bookshelves. Books filled the shelves. There were two doors leading off the north wall. Opening one oak door Daine knew the room to be the bedroom.
It was furnished all in silvers and blacks, Daine gasped. It was so beautiful. It was circular apart from one straight stretch against which the king sized bed rested. The silver walls seemed to glitter in the light. The bed had black satin sheets on. Wondering how the bathroom could live up to the two rooms she had already seen Daine opened to the bathroom and nearly burst out laughing.
The bath that dominated the entire room was over two metres deep. At least five metres wide and well over twenty metres long. The walls were a deep copper; the taps on the side of the pool/tub were all copper. Closing the door Daine laughed at Braane's antics. He was swooping down on Cub and seeing how long he could stay on her back for. Considering that she and Blackpaw were still fighting it was rather a stupid thing to be doing. Realising that she needed to put on the type of clothes that the others wore Daine went back into the bedroom to look for some of the strange robes they wore. There were two sets of robes, both with an insignia of a lion just below the left collarbone. Putting them on Daine called to the animals. Remembering about changing her password Daine stopped
"Cockroach Cluster. Change. The Queen's Riders. Done."
-*Come on lets go see if we can get some food.* - Daine saw Snape, hoping he wouldn't see her she hurried along to the common room.
Disclaimer: None of the following characters are mine etc. I'm not making any money from this and so on and so forth.
Tortall meets Hogwarts.
(Chapter 1)
---The fiery dust devil roared high to become a tornado of flame. "You and your 'honour code', your sermons on what we owe the-unGifted-you made me sick in Carthak and you still do. Well, you will *not* walk away unscorched!" He pointed at Daine, and the funnel leapt for her.
Immediately Daine was thrown into a world of swirling lights and shrieking noises. And then it all stopped. The landscape around her settled into a large forest of tall foreboding trees. Without knowing who she was, where she was or what she was doing in the place she was in Daine passed out on a grass bank near a large castle that most can't see.
***
Mumbling about stupid men who have no idea about the concept of manners, Daine staggered to her feet and did a bone check. Safe in the knowledge that no bones were broken, she performed a weapon check. All of her daggers were in the correct place and her bow and quiver were still on her back, a comforting pressure in this unknown world. Swiftly changing her eyes into those of a hawk Daine looked at her surroundings.
Tall, dark looming trees surrounded her. Not too far away was an immortal. It seemed to be like a spidren and yet not. Hoping that she wouldn't meet this unknown creature Daine followed the very vague path.
***
She had been walking for almost two hours, during that time she had acquired a small flock of crows, two red deer, a wolf pack and for some reason nearly fifteen lady bugs who had made their home on the hind's back. After conversing with the buck Daine had fund out that there was a large building of two-leggers nearby, she asked the People to take her there.
'People friend? The place is near.' the voice of the hind Cihra came softly in Daine's mind.
'How far?'
Using the crows' ideas of length Daine figured it was about a mile to the palace or fief. If the animals estimate of numbers the only type of building that could house over eight hundred humans would have to be a particularly large fief or a palace. One thing that the ladybirds had told her though had confused her. They had told her of sparks that cam out of pieces of wood. All that Daine could think was that the place she was heading for was a school for mages.
Wary Daine froze as she heard rustlings and curses ahead. The sound came from around the next bend. Five ladybirds flew ahead to see who or what it was. They came back and told Daine it was a two-legger, picking up plants from the ground. The small brunette drew her bow off her back and slid an arrow out of her quiver. Securing the bolt Daine gently walked to the large tree that was blocking her view of the newcomer. Cursing out loud as a twig underneath her broke. Daine stepped into full view of the bending man. Bow in arm and deer, wolves and crows alike close behind her.
***
Wishing that Sprout could grow some aptitude for growing ginseng, Severus Snape gathered his cloak around him to protect himself from the gathering dusk. Striding into the Forbidden Forest he massaged his pounding temples. Drawing a small leather pouch from a cloak pocket he gathered up some midistrel that he had just noticed. Snape walked for about 20 minutes or so until the cold overcame him. Shivering from the heat or lack of, Snape made his way to the clearing he had last seen some ginseng. Casting a heat spell over himself he crouched beside the orange coloured herb and placed 5 or six of the leaves into a velvet bag. Swatting away some insects that flew too close Severus tied the neck of the bag.
Severus nearly dropped the bag though when he heard a small crackle behind him. Drawing himself up to his considerable full height, convinced he was dealing with a troublemaker student Severus began to turn and give the student at least fifteen detentions, he gasped when he saw the figure before him. Facing him was a short girl of fourteen or perhaps a little older. Long brown curls hid most of the face from view, and he had thought Miss Granger's hair was wild! The only feature that could be distinguished was a pair of large eyes; they were the dullest blue Snape had ever seen, though they were more steel grey than blue.
"Who are you?" confused, Severus watched as the girl stepped forward, looked over her shoulder and told her unseen companions that it was safe to come out.
"I am Daine." the young girl spoke with a slight northern accent.
"Daine? Do you know where you are?" Severus briskly asked her, he was very confused about how this girl had got so close to Hogwarts.
"No I don't," looking slightly to the side Daine watched as a deer stood either side of her and wolves surrounded them all. Crows, cawing to each other, perched on trees. Ladybirds flew around in the air, "Where am I? Who are you? Are you a student of the Mage School?"
"You are in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts. I am Severus Snape, Potions Master. Would you accompany me to the castle." Seeing that it was not a question but a statement Daine turned to the buck.
"I'm going to the two-legger building you don't have to come, and that goes for you too." Looking at a large wolf when she said the last part Daine smiled as the animals came towards to her and lipped her shirt or hands. Still smiling she watched as they retreated into the forest. The only animals that remained were a small crow named Braane and wolf twins Blackpaw and Cub.
"Shall we go?" the wolves pace matching her own Daine set off towards Hogwarts with Snape following her. Wondering how she knew where Hogwarts was, Severus eyed the two wolves warily. Perhaps she was a Death-Eater spy, could Albus forgive him if he led a spy to the castle? Hoping the wolves would not eat him the tall man quickened his steps in an effort to catch up.
***
"Ron! You should have blocked that Quaffle! Neville try to swing your arm a little more." Flying here and there Harry Potter Gryffindor Quidditch captain shouted other words of encouragement to his team.
"Liam! The idea of being a Chaser is catching and throwing the Quaffle, not dropping it! Well done Klio, brilliant pass. Right, that's it folks, Hufflepuff need to practice too." A crowd of red robes and broomsticks flew down to the pitch and grouped at the sidelines.
"Harriet, Neville. Perhaps for our next game you could develop a pattern of attack? It looks very impressive when you work together effectively." Glancing at his year mate and the black haired third year, Harry continued,
"Liam could you perhaps come down here to practice tonight? That goes for you and you," the seventh year captain nodded towards Gem and Klio. The three chasers agreed. The seven of them were about to walk to the castle to get changed and have a well-deserved wash when a strange sight came walking towards them.
A girl with very thick hair was walking up the hill to the pitch. Two almost identical wolves closely flanked her; a crow perched on her shoulder. Close behind Professor Snape glared at the back of this unknown girl. As the strange group neared the Quidditch players, they noticed that the girl was in fact talking to the bird. To all appearances it looked as though she really did believe that the crow could talk back. Giggling they all wondered how Snape knew this girl. Was she a former pupil of his gone mad?
***
Uncertain, Daine hung back waiting for the dark man to catch up.
"Which way?" none of the animals had been this far before.
"I was wondering when you were going to stop!" Severus glared at this young chit of a girl. Not sure why he was angry with her he scowled darkly at her before lurching ahead with an elaborate sweep of his robes. Making a face at his back Daine followed.
-*That two-legger is funny. He has a funny face; can you do that to your face?* - Giggling Cub gently butted Daine's leg.
"No I think he just practices it a lot! Who are they?"
-*Those people there? Its a kind of game, they throw soft rocks to each other, they aren't flying though.* -
"They can fly?"
Smugly the voice of Braane interrupted.
-*Not really, not like I can. They have to use special sticks to make them fly.* - Proudly Braane ran his beak through his shining wing feathers.
Daine's mouth dropped open as she got her first glimpse of Hogwarts. It was so big! Sweeping out her magic Daine registered almost a thousand animals. Despite the impression the castle had made on her, her gaze was fixed on the group of students watching her intently. There was one boy who seemed to be their leader. All she could see of him that he had black hair. Waving and flashing a grin at him, Daine turned and followed the billowing cloak.
***
"Severus? Is anything the matter?" popping a lemon drop in his mouth, Dumbledore rested his chin on his steepled fingers.
"No, yes. Oh I don't know. There's a girl outside who managed to get past the wards. She doesn't seem to be a witch though."
"Well send her in, then you can go back to making your vile concoctions."
Smiling gently Albus nodded to his protege. Frowning slightly Snape strode out of the room and told Daine that she was to go in.
"Well my dear, who are you?" gob smacked Daine looked at the old man who spoke as if he had known her since she was but a babe in arms. Staring at the moving portraits Daine answered the peculiar man.
"I'm Veralidaine Sarrasri. But most just call me Daine."
"What a beautiful name! What is its origins?" Carefully eyeing the animals that were roaming around his office Dumbledore places the bag of sweets in a desk drawer.
"It's Gallan sir."
"Gallan? Hmm, somehow I don't think you come from around here. Have you ever heard of England?"
"No."
"Well, we know that you don't come from this world. How did you come to be here?"
"It was Tristan sir. He created a funnel thing and the next thing I knew I was lying in that big forest over there." Daine nodded towards the forest. Normally she wasn't this talkative, but this man seemed to compell her to speak.
"I'm guessing this Tristan wasn't a friend?"
"No sir."
"Well, I'm still a little confused about one point. This castle is warded so that everyone without magic cannot come anywhere near it. Even if they did come as close as the great hall, all they'd see would be a ruin. So unless you have magic you've managed to get past one of the most powerful wards ever created."
"Oh, I do have magic."
"Ah, that explains a lot, but where is your wand?"
"Wand?" Daine shook her head, "What's a wand?" thoughtfully Dumbledore opened the top drawer in his desk and brought out his own wand.
"No, I don't have one of those. Some of the mages at home, used staffs."
"How do you perform magic though? Wait, I think I'm assuming too much. If you come from a different world, what's to stop you having a different magic from this world. What kind of magic do you have? And what exactly does it do?"
"Wild Magic. I can talk to animals sir, heal them and turn into one (A/N not quite true I know, but just deal with it.). And also Immortals, but I can only talk to them."
"An Immortal?"
"They're creatures that will live forever unless they're killed, such as dragons and unicorns. Do you have them here?"
"Yes, what do you mean by you can talk to them?"
"Well every animal or Immortal has Wild Magic, and so my magic gives me the link so that we can speak mind to mind. Because of how much I have most animals see me as an animal with a two-legger front."
"Amazing! You mean you could talk to a phoenix?"
"Yes. Though he says he's too tired to come out." grinning madly Dumbledore realised what Daine had said.
"You mean you've been talking to Fawkes?"
"Yes. He says that he would like it very much if you would send for some cheese."
"Cheese? I know you can talk too him now. Only I know he likes cheese. So those wolves they're presumably following you because of your magic?"
"Yes, most animals are attracted to my magic and will follow me."
"Well, it's sorted then. Until we find a way to send you back to your home, you'll be staying here. And your friends too if they wish."
"Really? Thank you so much!"
"Yes, yes. One more student won't make too much of a difference. Well we may as well sort you into your house."
"My house?"
"Yes, all of the students are divided into houses. You'll know what I mean when you meet yours."
His joints protesting loudly Dumbledore lifted himself out of his chair and took a battered hat off a shelf. Sitting back down at his desk he offered it to Daine. Hesitantly Daine took it and placed it on her head.
"Well aren't you a strange one? Ah, yes. There's no doubt about you. GRYFFINDOR."
Smiling gently Dumbledore lifted the hat off her head and placed it back.
"Well I would show you to your common room myself but I have a lot of work to do so off you go. See your head of house about your timetable and so on."
"Thank you." standing Daine left the strange man in his strange room. Scratching Blackpaw's left ear Daine descended the swirling staircase and wondered where to go next. The corridor that she was in looked suddenly unfamiliar, everything was as different from Tortall as it could be. Fighting back tears as she realised that she wouldn't see any of her friends for quite some time Daine walked.
After ten minutes of endless corridor Daine was lost. The two wolves were whining slightly, they could feel how nervous their new friend was. Braane who was acting important by scouting ahead suddenly alighted onto Daine's shoulder. -*Some two-leggers are just up there.* - The boy that Daine had seen earlier came around the corner and stopped. With Blackpaw and Cub standing slightly in front of her and bearing their teeth none of the three students wanted to some any closer. -*Cub, Blackpaw. Stop it. Braane stop hiding in my hair please.* - Daine talked to the animals silently so as not to frighten those in front of her.
"Are you a new student?" asked a tall red head.
"Um, yes I suppose. Could you tell me where to find my common room? The talking hat said I'm in Gryffindor." The faces of all three visibly brightened.
"Of course. We're in Gryffindor too. My names Harry Potter, this is Ron Weasley and she is Hermione Granger."
"Hello, I'm Daine."
"Cool name. The common room is just a corridor away." nodding Daine followed the boy she now knew to be Harry.
"Don't take this the wrong way or anything Daine, but why are you wearing those weird clothes they look really old and is that a real bow? Also why do you have a crow on your shoulder and why are those wolves following you? Are they hungry or something?" asked Ron.
"Wolves don't eat humans! They never have and they never will. The only reason they have for attacking anyone is that they were taking their land. And the reason they're with me is that they are my friends."
"Right. Okay. What are their names?" enquired Ron. Ignoring the information she had just told him.
"The crow is Braane, the wolf with the black paws is Blackpaw and the other is Cub. And Blackpaw wants to know if she can have some of the bread you have in your pocket."
"How do you know I've got a sandwich in my pocket?"
"You always have food on your person Ron."
"Oh shut up 'Mione. How do you know though?"
"I didn't know you had bread in your pocket until Blackpaw told me. And she probably smelt it."
"No, I can accept that the wolf could smell it but how did it tell you?"
"I have Wild magic I can talk to animals." Daine sighed, if she were to tell everyone she met about her Wild Magic she would be getting very annoyed.
"Wow! That's so cool! You mean you can- and well can you-... Uh sorry. But you still haven't answered Ron about your clothes and bow." Daine flashed a grin at Harry, from his reaction she guessed that their magic was very different from the magic she was used to.
"It is a real bow. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you but I come from a different world."
"Whoah!" Hermione's head jerked up from her book "How did you get here?" snapping the book shut Hermione giggled as the wolves sneezed from the dust.
"First though where's the common room? And what is it?"
"The Gryffindor common room is just a large room where all Gryffindors can do their own thing. Ron plays chess mostly, Harry tries to play chess and cleans his broom, and I read or work unlike this pair. Only Gryffindors are allowed in. And here it is. You'll need the password. It's 'Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini', it usually changes every day depending on whether Seamus can remember to change it." Seamus Finnegan had surprised everyone by becoming a prefect and each password he thought of seemed to be more stupid than the one before. Slowly a large painting of a woman in pink swung forwards to reveal a large room.
"This is the Common Room. I'm not sure where you're going to be sleeping because all of the dormitories are full. You'll have to ask Professor McGonnagal." Noticing Daine's confused look Hermione explained "Professor McGonnagal is out head of house."
"Oh yes, Dumbledore said I've got to see her about my timetable."
"Right, while the boys go and take a shower, which might I say they definitely need, I'll take you to McGonnagal." Both girls left the common room, wolves close behind.
-*Daine? Where are we going and what was that place? It smelt nice.* -
"We're going to see McGonnagal, and that was our common room. That's you're new home if you want to stay with me."
"Who are you talking to Daine?"
"Oh sorry, I'm just talking to Cub." biting her lip Hermione hurried forward.
-*Of course we're going to stay with you, we might go back to see the pack sometimes but you're our new pack leader now.* -
"Thanks." smiling at the two wolves Daine rummaged in her pockets until she fund some pieces of cheese.
"And you Braane? Are you going to stay with us?"
-*Of course.* - Hopping closer to her hair Braane began to run his beak through Daine's hair.
"Hey mudblood!" Daine looked up at the speaker. Whoever he was Hermione looked very mad.
"Sod off Malfoy! And besides who cares who my parents were. The only thing that matters is that I've got higher marks than any 'pureblood' here. Though I must say that in your case it's not particularly hard."
"No matter what marks you get you'll always be a mudblood. And who's this? Won't you introduce us?" The last was said with mock politeness.
"My name is Veralidaine Sarrasri. If I were you I'd remember that name very well. I'd also apologise to Hermione." although they had only known each other for minutes, Daine already like the older girl. However she did not like this pale boy at all.
"Apologise? Now why on earth would I do that? Will you set your dogs on me? Which aren't allowed."
"No, my wolves are still to young to do any real damage. However I, well lets just say that you don't want to get on my wrong side."
"Why?" this arrogant boy was obviously one who thought girls were too weak to do anything.
"Well, " keeping eye contact with him Daine shifted her hands into talons. Very long, sharp talons, "You could very easily find yourself gutted. So why don't you come a little closer to see how fast a person can bleed to death." Bringing her shifted hands up to where Malfoy could see them she beckoned to him with her talons. Hearing Hermione gasp, Daine returned them to their natural state. The little shape-shift had the same effect on Malfoy. He appeared to be paler than ever. He was shaking, and his eyes were full of fear.
"Now, you silly little boy. Go away. Run along and play, and be a good boy won't you?" Daine fought back the laughter that was threatening to burst forth. Nodding wildly, Malfoy turned on his heels and attempted to walk away with dignity. Just about understanding what was happening the two wolves yipped at each other and followed Malfoy yipping at him and each other.
"What on Earth!? Mr. Malfoy! Stop throwing hexes around like that! Someone might get hurt!"
"That's McGonnagal. Professor McGonnagal?" hurrying to the end of the corridor Hermione peered around the corner and motioned to Daine. The scene before them was rather funny. Malfoy was sitting huddled against the wall looking worse for wear. His robes were tattered and dusty. However Cub had a purple nose and snout, Malfoy's aim wasn't all that bad. However all of Cub began to turn back to her normal colouring when McGonnagal waved her wnad a few times.
-*C'mere girls. Thanks though.* -
-*He smelled nasty.* -
-*It wasn't much fun really. He just rolled around and pointed his stick at us*-
The two wolves trotted to Daine's side and sat, their tails thumping the stone floor. The sight of them grinning at him sent Malfoy running along the corridor. Shaking her head Professor McGonnagal turned to Hermione and Daine.
"Hermione? Is anything the matter?"
"Yes, Daine's new and there isn't anywhere for her to sleep, she also needs a timetable."
"Yes, yes. Follow me, Daine did you say?"
"Yes. Daine Sarrasri."
"Unusual name. My office is here." Opening the door to an airy spacious office McGonnagal walked over to a filing cabinet. From a slightly open door a thin cat poked his nose into the room. The rest of his body followed his nose. He was a young cat, grey with white legs and black tail tip. Gracefully he approached Daine. Dropping to her haunches Daine allowed him to place his front paws on her shoulders. Eye to eye they regarded each other.
"Oh my!" McGonnagal dropped the papers she had dug out. The cat, Graeme, was infamous for scratching everyone except his mistress. If a student saw him walking towards them, the student would turn and run.
Delicately he extended his nose and rubbed it against Daine's cheek. Running a hand along his sleek fur Daine stood up.
"What!" unnerved by the looks on the other two's faces Daine took a step back. In answer Hermione held out her hands, which were covered in scars.
"That's what Graeme does to people he doesn't know."
"So? I told you already about my Wild Magic."
"Ah yes, I forgot about your unusual magic. Albus told me but I'm afraid I forgot." collecting the papers she had dropped McGonnagal opened the door Graeme had emerged from and clucked at the cat. Purring at Daine Graeme walked past McGonnagal and mewed at Daine. McGonnagal turned back to Daine and closed the door.
"How old are you dear?"
"Fourteen and a half."
"You'll be with the third years then. I realise you'll be behind but I'm sure Hermione will help you." McGonnagal handed her a piece of paper, "As to where you'll be sleeping, I think you'd prefer you're own room. Especially as those two will be staying with you," Nodding at the two wolves McGonnagal showed whom she meant by 'those two'; "However the only empty rooms are in the dungeons. At least you won't be late to potions though!" smiling at her own joke McGonnagal conjured up a glowing blue ball of light, "This will show you to your room. The password at the moment is 'Cockroach Cluster', to change it you just say the current password say 'Change' and then clearly say your new password and then say 'Done'. If that is all?"
Both shook their heads and left the room.
"Well I'll leave you to settle in. Will you be able to remember where the common room is?"
"I should do. If I don't I'll just ask Braane."
"Okay, well see you later maybe."
"Bye." sighing Daine watched as her new friend walked away. Noticing the ball of light had disappeared Daine ran to the end of the corridor and looked both ways. Spotting sight of it she ran towards it. As she got closer she slowed down. Walking by the side of it Daine walked for two or three minutes. Suddenly the light went out. Panicking, as she couldn't see any doors, Daine changed her eyes to those of a hawk. She could just very slightly see a small crack in the wall.
"Cockroach Cluster."
Slowly the wall slid to the side and revealed a small but cosy room. Cub and Blackpaw cautiously sniffed the air. Quite happy with the room's smell they jumped onto a powder blue loveseat and began to play-wrestle. Changing her eyes back to her normal blue ones Daine looked about her. The room was a deep indigo with light blue furnishings. A large desk of cherrywood stood in the middle of the south wall. The east wall was covered with bookshelves. Books filled the shelves. There were two doors leading off the north wall. Opening one oak door Daine knew the room to be the bedroom.
It was furnished all in silvers and blacks, Daine gasped. It was so beautiful. It was circular apart from one straight stretch against which the king sized bed rested. The silver walls seemed to glitter in the light. The bed had black satin sheets on. Wondering how the bathroom could live up to the two rooms she had already seen Daine opened to the bathroom and nearly burst out laughing.
The bath that dominated the entire room was over two metres deep. At least five metres wide and well over twenty metres long. The walls were a deep copper; the taps on the side of the pool/tub were all copper. Closing the door Daine laughed at Braane's antics. He was swooping down on Cub and seeing how long he could stay on her back for. Considering that she and Blackpaw were still fighting it was rather a stupid thing to be doing. Realising that she needed to put on the type of clothes that the others wore Daine went back into the bedroom to look for some of the strange robes they wore. There were two sets of robes, both with an insignia of a lion just below the left collarbone. Putting them on Daine called to the animals. Remembering about changing her password Daine stopped
"Cockroach Cluster. Change. The Queen's Riders. Done."
-*Come on lets go see if we can get some food.* - Daine saw Snape, hoping he wouldn't see her she hurried along to the common room.