Disclaimer: I do not own the world of Harry Potter, that right belongs to
J. K. Rowling and company. The Craft is a real religion that is practiced by
many, myself included, a form of which is known as Wicca. While some facts
may be stretched a little, the general idea of the religion is true.

Summary: A practicing Wiccan visits Hogwarts in the gang's sixth year. The
results are astounding.

A/N: Well, after a long vacation from this fic, I've decided to make a
comeback.

As said before, this fic will be AU. Since I somehow doubt that Hogwarts'
students would find Wicca all that fascinating (they'd probably laugh their
heads off at the thought of it), I'm going to have to... alter it slightly.
It won't be so much that it would offend others (I hope), but enough so that
the story makes sense. If anyone out there has read the "Sweep" series by
Cate Tiernan, I'm thinking along those lines of bending the rules, k?


Rowan Windchild, Daughter of the Goddess
Chapter Three

As usual for that time of year, King's Cross station was filled with people.
The unusual aspect of the day was that most of the people were witches and
wizards, either seeing off their children or heading to Hogwarts themselves.

Another abnormality was the presence of the school's Deputy Headmistress.
None of the attending students could recall a time when Professor McGonagall
had met them at the train, nor did they remember ever hearing of such an
event. She was always at the school, waiting to lead the first years to the
sorting hat.

Rumors began spreading like wildfire, ranging from the simple to obscene.
Catching various phrases being tossed around, Rowan smiled to herself. They
surely wouldn't be this excited if they knew that the true reason, but it
was fun to listen to the teens wonderings.

When they had arrived at King's Cross, the Professor has turned to her and
said, "My dear, I know your journey has been long, but I am afraid that it
will still be a few more hours before we arrive at the school."

"That's quite alright. I look at this experience as an adventure, an
opportunity not to be passed over. I'm looking forward to every part of
it, especially the famous train ride."

McGonagall smiled at the young woman's enthusiam. She herself could not help
but be excited at the many prospects for the upcoming year as well. There
were so many things they could teach one another...

"Well, getting onto the train can be rather difficult. Your appearance, while
more than fitting for Hogwarts, will in all probability draw unwanted
attention in the general part of the station."

Rowan waved the remark away with a flick of her wrist. "Oh, don't worry about
that. I've been casting the invisibility spell for years now. No one will see
me unless they are looking for or directly at me. Otherwise, their eyes will
just pass me by."

"That's wonderful news! I must say, I was worried about the idea of Muggles
seeing us pass through the barrier.... You'll find out about the barrier
shortly. As for the train itself, you are welcome to sit in the private car
with myself and the few other travelling teachers, or you may join the
students."

Thinking for a moment, Rowan replied, "If you do not mind, I think I'd prefer
to sit with the students. Perhaps make a few friends on the way."

"Splendid. Now, off we go. I'm sure you'll have a fine trip."











Next Chapter: Rowan encounters many people, some friend, others foe. Just
what will the students of Hogwarts think of this modern witch, and what will
she think of them?

A/N: Okay, if any of you out there have information about the different
belief systems associated with Witchcraft, or any simple rituals you think
would be able to be included in this, PLEASE send me the info! I desperately
need the help if I am to continue writing this fic.

Nathronoelei
"Weaver of Dreams"
November 21, 2002
[email protected]