The Vanishing Glass

Hello wonderful Harry Potter fan community! I would like to present my very first Harry Potter fanfic where harry is a girl instead. I must admit, this task isn't as simple as pie but I can assure you, this version of Harry Potter would stand on it's own. Of course, it will follow both the book and the movies but, there would be differences. I was inspired by January Lily's fanfic Lost Along the way, and some ideas are based on her story. I only own my OCs and plot twist, the rest of the characters are owned by the great J.K Rowling and movie rights to Warner Brothers. Also, any broadway musical referenced or mention, are not mine

A long time ago...

The storm grew terribly as lightning flashed across the sky. The wind howled and blew with all it's might, as the forest grew unsteady for what it's about to take place. A grand tree stood in the middle of the forest, its bare branches twist upward and fine lines like a web was its decor. The tree was older than time but stood young upon the Earth. Two figures emerged from the opposite direction, both cloaked as their hood concealed their faces. The frail one wore a torn brown while the other who stood tall wore elegant black robes. Both reached where the tree stood as the rain poured heavily on them and the wind blew against their cloaks. The two figures reached down their pockets and drew long ancient wooden wands. They raised it at one another, then... a flash of red and green sparked from the wands. A great white flash invaded the forest and everything turned silent.

Private Drive, Cupboard

The girl sat up with a slight squeal, panting as sweat poured down her forehead. A burning sensation spread on the left side of her neck, just where her lightning scar was. She looked around and saw that she was still where she had to be, in her room cupboard under the stairs. Lifting her bangs, the girl steadied her heavy breathing and trying to let the cool air ease her skin. Judging by the little light coming out from the small opening of the small door, it was still dark, perhaps past midnight. That was a strange dream, she thought grimly, it felt real like my other dreams. This dream was new and not the usual ones she always had, like the one about the green light filled with a woman's scream or when she was riding on a flying motorcycle. No, this one was indeed new and frightening.

The girl sighed, shaking her head and laying back on her very small, the young girl stared at the ceiling that was covered with various musical broadway shows from the overseas. She gives a heavy sigh, how she longed to be a performer. Ever since watching in secret, Mary Poppins, the girl knew deep within her heart that she wanted to act and sing. Her best friend and second mate, whose grandfather works at the Bristol Hippodrome, would give her posters of various stage musicals that would show at the famous theater. One day, someday, I'll be up at that stage, she thought with confidence. It sadden her that she once tried to convince her aunt to take her to the audition for the show Annie. Her aunt...laughed at this and scolded her for such foolish idea. After all, the girl was too ugly and with no talent. The girl furrowed at this thought, her best friend and small gang said that she sang well and has good acting skills. Shrugging at this, the girl's eyes landed on a drawn picture of her parents. She gives a sad smile, trying to remember anything about her parents. Nothing. When she asked her aunt about her parents her aunt would snap at her.

"They died in the fire. Your foolish father, a drunk and a smoker, was never careful around you. Now get!"

The girl refused to believe that her daddy was responsible for both his and her mommy's death. No, they must have been the most wonderful people in the world. Perhaps they were actors too. The only thing she knew about her parents that her aunt accidentally slipped on one occasion was: her mother loved soccer, like her, and she had untidy hair like her father. A giggle slipped at this memory, satisfied with this small information, the girl's eyes wandered to a cut off of the constellation Draco. Dragons were her favorite mythical creatures despite what other girls say about them. They were more brilliant than boring fairies, mermaids or unicorns. The creatures can bloody fly and breath fire for pete sakes! Sometimes, the girl would dream she was flying on one across England, traveling to uncharted territories like she would read from books. A yawn overpowered the girl as she snuggled in the small cupboard. She began to sing one of her favorite song.

The sun will come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Sleep soon dominated her mind and this time, it was a good dream.

The girl was walking in a beautiful green forest when snow began to fall. As she walked towards a fork, she noticed a snowy owl perched on a sign post. On it's beak, it held a letter. For some reason, she knew it was for her. The owl suddenly flapped it's beautiful wings and dropped the letter in her hands, flying away. The envelope was blank but on the back it was sealed with a red stamped H on it. The girl held her breath and began to open the envelope. Just as she was pulling the letter out, a screeched filled the entire forest that made every tree burst, making leaves fall and swirl around her.

"UP! Get up you lazy girl! Now!" her aunt Petunia screeched as she rap on the small door.

With a final loud rap, the girl heard her grumpy aunt's footsteps rushing towards the kitchen. The girl groaned a bit, irked that she was rudely on one of her rare good dreams.

"It's the hard-knock life..." the girl said, giving a sigh. She couldn't agree more with the orphans of New York.

Reaching for her rectangular glasses from the small shelf where she kept some of the library books that were overdue, the young girl began to change from her old faded blue jumper into one of her hand me down outfits. All of her outfits used to belong to her dunder head cousin, Dudley. Speak of the devil, the girl wasn't left out being reminded of his presence by his sudden stomping of the stairs. The small ceiling of her cupboard shaking and dust falling down as his voiced shouted for her.

"Wake up Joseph! Get up lazy boy!" He teased, laughing at his so called insult of referring her as a are a million definition when one tries to know who Dudley is. In fact one might say you'll find his face next to the word bully or he'll come to mind when you want to compare something to a pig in a wig. Dudley was equally nasty as her aunt and uncle towards her, only with him, she can't escape from the pinching and pulling to her hair when the dunder head had the chance.

Josephine you daft, she thought as she shook her head. Never mind being called a boy, she was used to it. Well it wasn't her fault, Josephine was always told by Aunt Petunia that she was a sour sight and wouldn't dream to even buy her girlish outfits for her. That would even insult the designer. The words sting at first but then, Josephine found it a blessing since she saw dresses as very clownish in her opinion.

Today, she would wear her baggy faded jeans and a long sleeve turtle neck light blue shirt. It was one of the few shirts that can cover her ugly scar. Aunt Petunia didn't miss the opportunity to rub in the fact that her parents were responsible for giving her the scar. Josephine refused to accept such truth, she didn't think her parents would be careless around her. But then again, she was told it it was her dad's fault the terrible fire caused their deaths.

Josephine combed her dark brown hair with her hand, making one long loose braid. Looking at a small broken pocket mirror that once belong to her aunt, she saw a girl with light brown skin and a few freckles across her nose look back at her. Now for the finishing touch, Josephine smiles as she reached the only thing that didn't belong to Dudley, an old red cap. The red cap was a treasure she valued so much, Josephine smiled as she remembered how she got it. In fact, it was when she realized the strange occurrences that began whenever she was in distress. Placing the cap backwards, Josephine put on her old dirty sneakers and got out of the cupboard.

"Oof!" Josephine yelped as she fell face flat on the floor. Dudley howled with laughter as he ran into the kitchen. Should've seen that coming...

Kitchen

Josephine walked in as she took in the sickening scene before her. There near the table stood Aunt Petunia hugging and kissing Dudley, while Uncle Vernon smiled, ruffling his son's hair. Dudley was the spitting image of Uncle Vernon minus the thick mustache. How can Aunt Petunia stand it when she kisses him? Josephine wonders with amusement. On the other side lied a pile of dozen of wrapped presents sitting, waiting to be torn by the grubby hands of its owner. Josephine didn't realize how long she was standing there when Aunt Petunia's voice snapped at her.

"What are you standing there for? Watch over the bacon and this time don't let them get burned. And what have I told you about that ugly cap of your? Take it off! I don't want you to infest my Dudder's beautiful hair. Today out of all days you are now spoiling it, well I won't let you have it your way," Aunt Petunia scolded as she pinched Dudley's cheek. "I want everything prefect for my Dudley's special day."

Josephine immediately took off her old cap placing it on the floor and went to attend the sizzling bacon, not wanting to get pinched by Dudley or get whacked with an old walking stick, that belonged to her grandfather, by Uncle Vernon. The last time he did, was when she got caught sneaking out to play soccer with her friends at night. Josephine can still feel the burn on her bottom.

"Hurry up girl! And bring me my coffee!" barked Uncle Vernon.

"Right away Uncle Vernon," Josephine replied meekly. As she served the breakfast to her only family. She had to wait for the leftovers and hopefully Dudley leave some of the sweet bacon this time. He was counting the presents and frowned.

"How many are there." Dudley asked her uncle.

"Thirty six!" he replied proudly, " Counted them myself." Dudley face turned to rage as he began to shout at him.

" Thirty six?! But that is two less than last year!" Uncle Vernon chuckled nervously, not caring of the verbal abusing his own son was displaying on him.

"B-but look at the size of them-"

"I don't care how big they are!" Dudle stomped his foot like a childish toddler, Josephine watched grimly at him. How can they tolerate him? She poured her uncle's coffee mug as Aunt Preunia rushed to Dudley's side hugging him.

"Now now sweety pie, I promise when we go out I'll buy you two more presents. How's that sound?"

"Much better... I suppose."

Dudley munched on his eggs and bacon, as thought about his mother's proposal. He wasn't the type to think about things, or he would have turned out different. Suddenly the phone rang and Aunt Petunia went over to answer. As she conversed, Josephine served breakfast to her uncle and cousin while her uncle boasted of the grand surprise. Apparently they were going to the zoo today to see the new reptile exhibit. This made Josephine a bit sad, she wanted to go too but of course she knew that obviously the Durseleys wouldn't dare to bring her along that cause gossip with the people.

The slam of the phone snapped Josephine back as she went to wash the dirty dishes. Aunt Petunia came back with a sour look and folded her arms. Uncle Vernon gave her a questioning look.

"What is the matter love?"

"It's Mrs. Figg ...she broke her leg yesterday. She can't take her in today Vernon."

Pursing her lips, she stared hard at Josephine. Josephine blinked, surprised by the news. She was an old lady that lived next door with her dozen of cats. Josephine didn't mind her, in fact, she was one of the few that treated her decently. Her cats were adorable despite not being a favorite pet for Josephine. The only thing that she dislkied was when she had to go through Mrs. Figg's photo album of her cats. It was quite unpleasant but her chocolate cake was something to die for.

"What about your friend?" suggested Uncle Vernon, "Ivone was it?"

"She's on vacation in Acapulco Vernon!" snapped Aunt Petunia, her rage noticeable by her tone. "There is clearly no one else."

"Well, I can phone Marge to take the rascal in-"

"Don't be absurd Vernon! She hates the girl so much. Much more after you know what happened in her last visit." Josephine couldn't help but snigger, but quickly stopped after seeing the menacing look of her aunt. Well that stupid dog deserved it, Josephine thought to herself.

"I can stay here by myself," Josephine said, surprised she was able to voice her opinion, something that was restricted in this house. Everyone looked at her as if she was mad.

"Absolutely not!" growled Uncle Vernon, munching on a bacon very hard."I wouldn't risk leaving you here on your own and find my house blown up when we come back!"

"I wouldn't blow up the house," replied Josephine innocently, " In fact I don't know how I would be able to do that-"

"Never mind!" cut in Aunt Petunia,"Vernon... we'll just have to take her with us." The woman narrowed her eyes before leaving the kitchen to get things ready. Uncle Vernon grumbled as he got up to get ready as well. Dudley, began to cry, well, acting as if he was crying.

"No! No! No! Mummy don't let her come with us! She'll spoil it for me! I know she'll do it on purpose," wailed Dudley as he ran after his mother.

Josephine stood there in the kitchen alone. She took everything in and once her brain processed it, she grinned. Looking up, she thanked God and other unseen forces for this opportunity. This is going to be the best day ever!

The zoo

This is going to be the worst day ever, Josephine thought irritated. As it turns out, Dudley decided on the last minute to invite one of his fellow gang member, Piers Polkiss. Piers was Dudley's second in command and he harassed Josephine more than Dudley. A lot of her classmates teased her that Piers bothers her because he fancied her. Well, it was more obvious Piers wanted to prove to Dudley that he can rule the school and neighborhood since he can bully a girl. Besides, Piers is too ugly for her taste, he had a face of a rat. Josephine and her small group of friends nicknamed him Ratty.

Throughout the drive, Josephine had to endure the boys teasing. Piers went far as to snatch her lucky cap as he decided to play monkey in the middle. Josephine tried to complain only to be scolded by Vernon, saying that boys will be boys and that she had to get used to it.

When they arrived at the zoo, the boys rushed out of the van, Piers tossed her cap in a dirty puddle. As Josephine got out to retrieve it, she was held back by her uncle's fat hand. Facing him, she saw him looking at her threatening as he points at her.

"Now remember this girl! Any funny business, any at all, you'll be without supper for a week. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Uncle Vernon," Josephine said, nodding. He leaves to catch up with the rest. Josephine picks up her red cap and follows as well.

The day was turning out splendidly. She saw many exotic creatures like the giraffe, flamingos, alligators, rhinoceroses and elephants. Of course, Josephine had to be behind the group, which settled well with her. She didn't want to be near the boys. Though occasionally, Piers would pull her hair and slap her cap off her head. She didn't let it get to her. When they went to the gorilla exhibit, Josephine couldn't help but giggle as one of the gorilla came close to a look alike as Dudley. But that would be insulting the gorilla species, Josephine amusingly thought.

Later that afternoon...

Josephine couldn't believe her luck was turning out perfect for the first time. The Dursleys for the first time bought her a something decent lunch that was a simple hamburger followed by a lemon ice pop as a dessert. Though, Dudley and Piers had a meal complete with a Sunday bowl. They were now entering the new reptile exhibit, which Josephine found it quite intriguing. There were many types of lizards. Her favorite reptile was the chameleon, which surprises her when Aunt Petunia mentions to Dudley that Grandma Marina's favorite animal was the chameleon. It was one of those rare occasions in which she hears about her grandmother, whom she never met. At least I know there is someone in my family who I can relate to, Josephine smiles softly, watching the chameleon changing its green coat for a brownish while sitting on the branch.

Just then, Dudley's shouting was heard from across the room. She now realized she was alone and went immediately over to them. The Durseleys and Piers were now looking at a large brown snake with beautiful stripe patterns on its long body, behind the glass window. Dudley bang on the glass, commanding the poor snake to move. She saw poor snake lying on the floor, as if miserable to the thought that it had to endure this abuse everyday by the spectators. Piers insulted the poor thing, as Uncle Vernon copied as well to help the boys. Josephine couldn't bare it any longer.

"Its asleep," she said, though she was careful not to express too much anger. Dudley rolls his eyes at her.

"This is boring," he mutters, motioning Piers to follow him. Both her aunt and uncle followed, chuckling at their son's "witty" comment. Josephine stayed there as she watched the poor snake continuing to mope. Josephine felt sympathy for the poor snake, despite not liking them much.

"Sorry for that," she began to tell it, feeling a bit silly that she was talking to a snake. However, it felt... strangely natural. "It must be humiliating to go through this everyday. Watching people's ugly faces while you're here in your own prison cell and-"

Josephine couldn't continue as she watched in surprise how the snake suddenly seem to have woken up, blinking it's eyes at her. As if it was able to hear and understand her. Josephine tilted her head, raising an eyebrow.

"Can you hear me?" The snake nods its head, making the girl jump a bit. Josephine looks around, it seems no one had notice this strange turn of event. Looking back at the snake, she gulps and continues.

"I-I never talked to a snake before... in fact I didn't know I could." The snake tilts it's head with interest. "It must be torturing being cooped up in there right?" The snake nods its head. "Do you have a family here?" The snake turns its head to the right, Josephine follows and saw a bronze plaque on the wall. On it she read what it was written: Male Boa Constrictor, Native from Brazil-Raised in Captivity. This made Josephine frown and looks back at the boa. "I see...I bet you don't know your parents, right?" The boa nods, making her heart ache with sadness. "I didn't know my parents neither. I don't believe what Aunt Petunia told me about them... I know they were the most wonderful parents in the world. You must believe your parents were wonderful too right? I know they must have."

The boa slithered towards her until it couldn't get any further by the thick window that separated the two. How unusual that a common boa snake and a little girl could have something in common. Josephine couldn't help but smile, as she placed a hand on the glass window.

"How I wish I can help you... if only I can get you out of here so you can be free from this prison." At that moment, Josephine felt that tingly sensation in her heart, then in a blink of an eye, her hand touched nothing but the air. She felt her breath cut short as she fell back to the ground. Girl and snake were no longer apart, and without a moment to loose the boa slithered out of its prison. The snake slithered towards Josephine, happy to be out the small space. The girl's eye widen as the snake did something that made her speechless.

"Thanks amiga." the boa says.

Josephine's brain couldn't process what was happening. Did the snake spoke English? But that's impossible! Did anyone else hear him? As if on cue a screamed echoed through the exhibit as the people began to realize the escaped boa. They all ran out the reptile room, Josephine motioned the boa to hide under one of the benches. As the room was left empty, Josephine got up and looked around, everyone was gone but it won't be long until the zoo keepers comes with sleeping darts.

"Quick!" Josephine begged at the boa, "You must get away from here, as far as you possibly ca-oof!" She was pushed to the floor and saw Dudley standing before her.

"You waste of space, mummy had been calling for you and now I have to come to fetch you."

"Since when you do anything on your own Dudley? I didn't think I would be missed much," Josephine replied sarcastically.

"You're absolutely right! No one cares for you, in fact nobody even remembers you. Piers had to do some business and rather than wait I sneaked away so you and I can have a bit of fun," Dudley smirks with wickedness, "I knew I'd find you here and- what bloody happen here?" Dudley finally realized the room empty.

"Oh now you realize the room is empty, sheesh, you are slow when it comes to that." Josephine mutters in the end. Dudley, being a daft but not deaf, looked insulted. He approaches her, ready to kick her.

"So you think you are better than me? Well think again Joseph! Mum and dad are forced to care for you because you are an orphan but neither of them loves you. You are always trouble, ugly and stupid! No one in their right mind would ever want a fr-Aaaaaah!"

The boa jumped in front of Josephine, hissing and coiling, daring the fat boy to even try to harm his new friend. Dudley screamed, backing away as the boa followed, launching at his feet though was missing on purpose, not wanting to kill the boy. Dudley scream as cut short as he stumbled backwards into the boa's former prison. The splashed all over him and the boa turn to Josephine.

"Eres good and bonita ," he said, "Brazil here I come." The boa slithers away disappearing into the other exit and into the world. Josephine bid farewell softly, sad that a new friend had to depart quickly. She got up and looked at where Dudley fell. Dudley just woke up from his stupor. He got up and was about to get out when he realize... he couldn't. His hand laid upon the glass window that vanished minutes before, as if it was always there. Dudley screamed and begged for someone to rescue him. The zoo keeper along with Piers, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, whom cried in hysteria as she demanded her son to be taken out. Josephine giggled at the sight, but it was cut short after seeing the most menacing and enrage look from Vernon.

Private Drive

Josephine knew she was in deep trouble. Her stomach felt empty and hurtled as they arrived home after leaving Piers at his home. It wasn't the first time strange things had happened. She tried her hardest for them not to happen as the punishments were quite severe. Aunt Petunia wasted no time to attend Dudley, showering him with sweet promises and love. Uncle Vernon pulled Josephine by the ear, shoving her roughly on the wall.

"What the devil happened?!" he yelled at her.

"I swear I don't know!" cried Josephine as Uncle Vernon growled, now pulling her by the hair, dragging her towards the cup ward. "One minute the glass window was there but it was gone! It was as if by MAGIC!" There, she had done it, she said the forbidden word. That was snapped Uncle Vernon to throw her in the cupboard,locking the door. He peered through the small opening, sneering before closing it.

"There is no such thing as magic!"

Then, Josephine was left in complete darkness. Hearing her uncle leave, she felt tears emerging as she couldn't hold it any more. Sobbing, Josephine laid in her small bed, covering herself. She wondered why they hated her so much? She hadn't done anything bad to them. As she laid there, Josephine began to sing in hopes to feel better.

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always a day away
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya, tomorrow
You're always a day away!

Josephine slowly fell asleep, and she could've sworn she felt a warm embrace wrapped around her.

Well what do you think? Please leave a review which will inspire me to continue this story! Until then, bye, bye!