Chapter Text
Welcome to Hogwarts
Amelia stared up at the Scottish Castle, looking sourly upon the Entrance Hall. It was much fancier than Ilvermorny, she’d admit that much, but in all fairness; Hogwarts had almost 700 years on the American school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Had they been established at the same time, Ilvermorny would give the posh school a run for its galleons.
“Do you intend to stand there all day or would you perhaps like to meet the rest of the staff before the Sorting Ceremony?” The Deputy Headmistress inquired, her eyes shining with amusement behind her glasses.
“Mrs—”
“Matilda.” She corrected hastily, “We’ve discussed this, Millie. Your mum and I have known each other for ages. Went to school together. You need not treat me as a stranger.”
The raven haired witch felt a tinge of annoyance despite the fact that Matilda Weasley was saving her life at the moment. “My apologies. It’s hard to feel a connection to someone I met at London Station not thirty minutes ago.”
“Be that as it may, your mum told me about your… situation.” She nodded to herself, “And I want you to know that you are safe here. These wards have long held undesirables out and they’ll continue to do so. Abraham, the Charms Professor here will do well to maintain the integrity of the protective charms.” Her eyes brightened again, “Ah, that reminds me. Did you decide under which Professor you’ll be an apprentice to?”
That was another reason she was annoyed. She’d had top marks in her studies and represented the House of Horned Serpent well. The House founder was Isolt Sayre who’d also done well to build Ilvermorny from a small shack to a powerhouse.
“I haven’’t taken a moment to memorize the names of the staff, but I’d like to teach the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. I don’t need to be an apprentice; I’m more than capable—”
Matilda cut her off, but her voice wasn’t unkind. “I understand you’re quite competent Millie, however, you are here temporarily.” She cleared her throat, “I think we’ve spent enough time outside. It gets quite chilly here in the fall as you’ll find out.”
“Massachusetts is also very cold.” Amelia murmured quietly, following her into the Castle. “I do have to say the foliage is prettier there. Golds, reds, and orange. Many no-Maj and wizards alike travel to see the fall colors.”
“No-Maj?”
Amelia gave her a chagrined smile, “I think you Brits call them Muggles.”
“Ah, I understand now.” She smiled, “If you intend to help teach the D.A.D.A. classes, then you’ll be taken under the wing of Ominis Gaunt. He’s the youngest Professor here at Hogwarts. The rest of his peers are still under apprenticeships. You’ll meet them in the faculty tower.”
“Er, now? Am I dressed for meeting everyone?” Amelia glanced down at her outfit, “I’m imagining everyone sitting around towers of finger sandwiches and posh tea cups. Do I have to wear a tea dress or whatever it is ladies of British High Wizarding Society wear?”
The Deputy Headmistress sent her a wry glance, but gave the American a once over. Her thick, raven hair had been braided to one side and draped elegantly over her right shoulder. Amelia’s grey-blue eyes were lightly touched with make up to make them appear brighter and her lips were painted a dark burgundy color. High cheekbones were stained pink as if the wind had been blowing a little too hard against her fair skin.
The white blouse she wore was made from satin and a glossy textured fabric. While it may have appeared heavy with a front ribbon and lantern sleeves, it was charmed like her full skirt to weigh no more than a feather. With ruffle cuffs, the corset belt-style skirt was a dark burgundy color to match her lipstick.
“You don’t have to wear a tea dress, what you’re wearing now is perfect.” Matilda remarked leading her towards the Faculty Tower, “I’m assuming you’ll be living in the room provided here for you?”
Amelia nodded, a frown falling on her lips. “It would be the safest option, yes.”
Silence befell on them both. It wasn’t uncomfortable and Amelia took the opportunity to admire at the walls decorated with portraits and tapestries. Through arched windows, she could see the Black Lake and the clouded sky. She had to admit that Hogwarts was absolutely beautiful, but she still held a bias towards the American school.
She continued, “Everyone… They don’t know? About my situation?”
Matilda nodded once, “You are a Professor from Ilvermorny who’s been chosen to see how we run things here at Hogwarts. Nothing more, nothing less. Everyone is curious to know what subject you’d fancy to learn under. I’m guess the D.A.D.A. affiliation is due to your current situation?”
Amelia shook her head after a moment, “No, I’ve always been curious. My father works at the Magical Congress of the United States and has always been an… affluent man. As such, our family has always been under the public eye and at risk for attack. Especially with the recent surge of Scourers. I started learning offensive and defensive spells as soon as my magic appeared.”
“America.” The elder witch wrinkled her nose in distaste, “Remind me again of what Scourers are?”
“Essentially corrupt wizards who turn in their fellow wizards and witches to the No-Maj community for personal gain. Or Dark wizards as I believe you call them.” Amelia explained, “After the Salem Witch Trials, there’s a strict No-Maj fraternization… And then the Sasquatch Rebellion six years ago…” She shrugged her shoulders in a non-lady like manner, “It’s honestly a mess over there right now.”
“So volatile.” Matilda noted, leading them to a large oak door with wooden rhombus engravings on the bottom panels of the door. The handle was made of black iron and French stained windows were see through. “There’s not many wizarding families over there, correct? I don’t recall many Pureblood families ever leaving Europe.”
Amelia snorted inwardly as the door opened, “We don’t believe in the Pureblood mentality.”
Matilda Weasley didn’t answer or quip anything back. She didn’t have to. The silent words were hanging in the air.
And yet you’re on the run from one.
They walked a bit further and through another set of doors which opened to reveal a lounge area. There were reddish brown love seats all surrounding a rectangular coffee table that held pastries and other snacks. Almost everyone did in fact have a tea cup in front of them.
She quickly scanned the room. On the first loveseat to the left appeared to be an older wizard with greying hair. He smiled huge, standing up to tower over her. He had to be six feet which was tall compared to her barely five-three stature. His robes and vest were all varying shades of purple along with his cap.
Next to him was a wizard closer to her age with curly brown hair parted to the side in a swooping fashion. It was neat and yet disheveled at the same time; giving him a devilish appeal. Freckles peppered his skin and he grinned, looking at her appreciatively. Amelia glanced away, noting that while he was very attractive, she wasn’t here to find love. She was here to find safety. Sanctuary.
Across from him was a woman that was absolutely breathtaking. Her auburn brown hair was woven together in an intricate halo braid and her bangs were straight. Amelia noted some similarities between the witch and the wizard with their freckled skin and big brown eyes. They could pass for twins, honestly.
She was holding onto the arm of another wizard. Sitting with perfect posture and casually aloof, Amelia set her eyes on a tall, fair haired wizard. The sun was cast behind him, shining down and causing his hair to reflect the light. His hair was slicked to the side and screamed refinement. His shoulders were broad, yet lean in the manner which she could compare him to a British nobility. His jaw was sharp and nose straight. And his eyes… His eyes were a clouded blue color mixed with hints of olive. He was blind.
The jovial wizard who’d stood up welcomed her with open arms, “You must be Amelia Prescott! It is so nice to meet you. I’m Abraham Ronen, the Charms Professor here at Hogwarts. May I interest you in a cuppa?”
“A cuppa?” She glanced to Matilda, confused, “What is that?”
Abraham answered for her, “Short for a cup of tea.”
Her face scrunched up, “Oh… No thank you.”
“Do you not fancy tea?” The brown haired wizard had a faint Scottish accent to him, “You do realize that’s 90% of what we drink here across the pond.”
Amelia sniffed, turning her nose up at the thought. “There’s a reason we threw all the tea in the Boston harbor.”
“Because you lot are rude and uncivilized?” He offered with a smirk.
“No because we have good taste.” Amelia corrected, crossing her arms.
His smirk grew, but finally introduced himself. “Sebastian Sallow. I’m under an apprenticeship here with Professor Ronen.”
Amelia plastered a confused expression on her face, “But he’s the Charms Professor.”
“Yes? And?”
“And you have none.” Amelia pointed out with a smirk of her own, “Charm that is.”
It was then that a tinkling laugh escaped the other woman, “She’s got you there, Seb. I like you already. I’m Anne Sallow. I’m here studying under Professor Weasley.”
“I forgot you’re also the Transfiguration Professor, Matilda.” Amelia noted with a quick, polite smile, “It’s nice to meet you. Sallow, I’m assuming you both are twins?”
Sebastian eyed her warily, “What gave it away?”
“They say twins are typically polar opposites so I assume she’s the intelligent, charming one.”
“I’m inclined to agree.” Anne reflected easily, before gesturing to the ungodly attractive person beside her, “And this is Ominis Gaunt.”
He blinked as if remembering that he was supposed to be giving introductions. His smile was cold and distant, “Pleasure to meet you.”
Even his voice was slightly husky and sent a warm feeling throughout her body. Considering the grip the other Sallow had on him, Amelia assumed they were romantically involved. She couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment that flitted through her, but she hastily shoved it down. Again. She wasn’t here to find love. She was here to hide.
“Ominis Gaunt.” She repeated his name, feeling her heart pound uncharacteristically, “You’re the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. I’ll be your apprentice while I’m here.”
He raised an eyebrow, giving the most emotion she’s seen this entire time; though his voice was still cold and devoid of any real sentiments. “Then you’ve made a mistake. I don’t take apprenticeships.”
Amelia straightened her shoulders, narrowing her eyes at him. “I believe you’ve made the mistake. I wasn’t asking. I’m telling you. I’ll be joining you during your classes.”
Ominis didn’t back down in the slightest. “Why don’t you take the Mayflower back to Massachusetts? Ilvermorny wasn’t hiring? Or did you fail out?”
“You’re blind, aren’t you?”
“What gave it away?” He inquired with a hint of obvious disdain, “The fact that my irises are clouded?”
Amelia shook her head, “No, I see that you’ve misplaced your walking cane and assumed that you’ve accidentally shoved it up your ass.”
“Good Heavens.” Matilda held a hand over her heart, “Millie, if your mother could hear you now she’d be reaching for the soap bar.”
“A Silencio spell would work.” Ominis remarked dryly. “Professor Weasley, I never submitted a request for an apprentice like the rest of them. I think Miss Prescott would be suited better elsewhere.”
Indignation rose. “Why is that?”
“You have no familiarity with the Dark Arts, do you?” While it was meant to be a question, the way he said it was more of a statement, “I don’t have a use—”
“Aguamenti.” Amelia’s wand was brandished within seconds and out the tip of her wand, came a rush of cold water that soaked Ominis almost immediately.
He stood up, his cheeks turning a faint shade of red from anger. “Are you mad?”
“Mad? No. The sight of you angry makes me quite happy honestly.” Amelia noted in an overly sweet voice, “But I was trying to wash away the stupid. Did it work?”
He took off his jacket, casting a drying charm on his clothes as she deliberately looked away. Do not look at the way his dress shirt clung to his very defined abdomen. Do not look at the way anger clung to his features, making him look all hot and bothered.
Unfortunately by doing that, she met Sebastian’s eyes and he was smirking; watching their exchange like a Quidditch match where they were both the seekers.
Ominis practically growled, “Stupidity is contagious. If you thought I was wearing some, it likely came from you entering the room. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go see Madam Pomfrey for a head scan.”
Anne looked worried, “A head scan? Are you alright?”
He shook his head, pushing his wet hair back. “No. I’m losing bloody brain cells being in the same room as her. I’ll meet the rest of you later for the Start-of-Term Feast.”
Ominis ignored her on the way out, not even sparing a simple goodbye to her. She pressed her lips together, feeling anger spike up her blood pressure. What a great welcome to Hogwarts this was. She’d already made one enemy, but hopefully this one wouldn’t try to kill her too.