"'It's leviooosa not leviosaaa'. She's insufferable. Honestly, she wonders why she's got no friends." A group of boys walked through the courtyard, the red headed individual in the centre relaying some venomous thoughts about a particular student. The student in question rushed past him, deliberately barging into his shoulder. Her hands brushing against her face even with the mass of books she held against her chest. From afar it was clear to see that she was despondent.
Still, I couldn't really place blame on either side of the disagreement. You could argue that the boy was uncouth, ill-mannered and not so pleasant himself. But he wasn't particularly wrong about her own situation. If she wasn't so obtuse and bull-headed she might actually have some friends.
Not to say that she particularly deserved the treatment that she received in the classroom. The argument could be made that the redhead got some good advice and should be thankful. In the end it all came down to how each of them understood the other and how they reacted in turn. My housemates, truly exemplary Gryffindors.
My own partner during that class wasn't dissimilar to the frizzy haired girl that retreated from the group. She was left without a partner even though I was the last student to arrive. Both members of Gryffindor, perhaps the pride of the lions was getting in their way. In which case you could say they might be welcome members of the house, I for one thought they were misattributing their choices. One was willingly isolating herself, the other was insufferable and disliked enough to be cast aside, through no choice of her own, other than her own inability to be silent. In a lions pride, sure enough the lioness would hunt. But what use is a lioness that doesn't provide food for the pride? A mere lone ranger, an outcast. There would be no love for them. As much as I might loathe their company, I understood that much at least. As a cripple you understand that facet of the world remarkably quickly. You can't do everything alone, especially when I can't even manage a jog myself. Whether that companionship was honest was a different matter entirely.
I watched as the girl ran off into the distance disappearing behind a corner and I could no longer look at her retreating figure. It was certainly the wrong way to our next class. I suppose this was the natural consequence of deriving pride from others, it was all that much easier to tear them down that way. If she were more self-assured in her pride and knowledge, she would be more like Horikita-san, though that was a different issue entirely. It would at least give me another item of entertainment to distract myself, I could only verbally spar with Horikita-san so long before she withdrew into that shell of hers.
Ridding myself of more questions at Miss Granger's expense I absentmindedly followed behind the group of boys as they led the way to the next class. I watched the heir to the West follow along with his group of friends, his footsteps hastened as if in fear he may be left behind. The boy-who-lived little more than a lap dog to the whims of his friends in school, he didn't command their attention or grasp their intrigue so far as his namesake allowed him to. I suppose he was but a child when he grasped his greatest achievement, but even children could accomplish incredible things. Maybe that was what I had such misgivings with, a muggle child I had seen was far more capable in my eyes. He would remain in the shadows of the known world until the day he perishes and even beyond that. A child incapable of magic yet deserving of much more prestige than any other I had witnessed. What I would give to witness his actual figure and not some haunting spectre that wandered the halls at the behest of my overactive imagination.
"Taka! How's Ravenclaw been treating you?" The redhead shouted to a small group of four boys in front, one of which was the sleepless looking boy who asked an astute question about wordless magic. One of his companions turned around at the call, his auburn hair swaying slightly in the wind as a porcelain face and slanted golden orbs peered back at the shouting boy. Another force was playing tricks on me, if he had grown, he would look the spitting image of him…
How many years had it been, nearly four? I had witnessed a boy barely older than 6 demolish masters and grandmasters of chess back-to-back with seemingly little difficulty. Before he went on to demonstrate prowess in other skills such as martial arts and written exams. The children around him attempted to follow suit, with all their ability. Yet they never once touched on the effortless demeanour of the boy that led at the front. He was always ahead, so far that it seemed they were in different leagues. A human before swine or a god among humans? I wasn't sure. The only thing I was sure of was that one day I would have my chance to face against him, bring him down and demolish his father's dreams, to answer the hopes of my own father. It was unfair to show me a face that looks just like him, I thought fate was playing a joke on me. One I was all too moody to appreciate. I felt my grip tighten slightly on the cane.
As much as I wanted to set my eyes upon that face, the more I felt myself fall sick and angry. I had no choice but to look away once more, to tempt me with an impossibility… Life was too cruel and ignorant. For one of the few Japanese students to look so similar… Still my mind raced back to the sorting ceremony. I don't remember a student like him, nor a name that involved Taka… It could be a nickname. I also wasn't paying great attention, so perhaps I simply misjudged it…
I continued following behind the group, my eyes focused on the floor as we gradually approached the next class. This wasn't the first time we were attending, though it was the first time with this professor. Defence Against the Dark Arts, taught by the greatest wizard this castle had to offer. Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Apparently, this wasn't always the way, this came about thanks to ANHS's partnership, the headmaster now taught each year this subject sparingly throughout the terms. When he couldn't attend, we were sent for individual study or given a teacher as substitute, last week was Professor Quirrell. A curious man that housed a mess of a turban on his head whilst he clumsily teetered from topic to topic with his characteristic stutter. It bordered on comedic at times. Other times it bordered on fury inducing. I had yet to decide which was the majority.
We entered a quaint classroom with naught but seats, desks and a blackboard at the head of the room. Not even a lectern for the teacher to reside and act as a focal point, I was restless at how exactly this lesson would unfold, not least because I needed a distraction from the constant haunting of ghosts from the past.
The students all sat at different desks, not really paying attention to any order, they seemed to sit with friends. I grabbed the edge desk of a four-person row, which was desolate till I sat. A voice beside asked if they could sit. I remarked that I didn't mind, not bothering to say that the class was free reign. It was only after I replied that I glance and realised that the spectre was sat next to me with the boy-who-lived in tow. The rest of his group sat in the row ahead, tables of four were the largest row in the classroom. It felt as if some invisible force was laughing at me, jibing much like I had with Horikita-san in the last class. Karma, if there were ever such a thing.
When the rows had filled, and murmurs filled the clear room. We awaited our tutor only for a brilliant flash of fire to burst from the front of the room. A showy spectacle, the aged professor towered over us despite the level flooring, a phoenix perched atop his shoulder as he stood nonchalantly, yet regally. The phoenix quickly hopped and burst into flame once more, disappearing from view.
"Apologies. I was held up with some business. Defence against the dark arts. Arguably the most important subject for aspiring wizards and witches, it is for self-defence. The magical world is a place fraught with danger, to explore even the simplest regions requires an intimate knowledge of spellcraft." He wandered in front of the blackboard, instead of reaching for any chalk he swiped his hand over the surface, and it danced with letters that disappeared and reappeared, filling in from the corners of the board as if connected to some invisible space, they arranged into a register that named every single student in the class.
"Be that as it may. First, I want to learn about all of you. That's why we will be having introductions, whilst you are at Hogwarts, you are all children of the Hogwarts name. And it is my hope to treat every single one of you as near and dear to the Hogwarts family." His eyes brightened with a subtle twinkle as he seemed to share a look with each individual student rather than the collective.
"We'll start from the front, tell the class your name and let's see; how about your favourite subject or perhaps what you might aspire to be in the future. Anything's fine. We'll start with you young man. Longbottom, isn't it?"
"Y-Yes Professor Dumbledore. Um, N-Neville Longbottom."
"Well, that's one name I don't require reminding even in my old age. Your parents were exemplary wizards. And what a tragedy I might add, my condolences. Now, do you have any idea of where your future lies young Longbottom?"
"…I don't. Nan tells me I'm not good for much." He cast his gaze downwards never attempting to meet the professor's that towered above him.
A few students giggled at his remark. The young Longbottom certainly wasn't the picture of pride and courage, he was more a meek lamb.
"Magic comes in all shapes and sizes. I'm sure you'll find what you're good at soon enough. This castle has plenty of secrets, your time here will reveal not only secrets hidden in these ancient walls but also secrets you hide within yourselves, some you aren't aware of. You'll make your parents proud enough soon young Neville." An easy smile covered the professor's face as he looked at the portly young boy.
"…"
"I believe you are next young lady. Are you finding the school to your liking?"
"A-Ah yes! Hogwarts is wonderful."
"I'm sure the journey to different lands has been scary and isolating but please remember that here you are another member of the Hogwarts school and extended family, to me you are all children cut from the same cloth. Would you tell me your name?"
"Karuizawa Kei. Ah, I MEAN Kei Karuizawa. S-sorry, force of habit."
"Young Karuizawa do you have a dream you would do anything to achieve? It can be anything."
"Umm… If I could do anything?"
"Absolutely anything. What purpose is there for magic if not to grant the dreams of children to paint a better future for tomorrow?"
"…I want to legitimise divination." A few of the students were shellshocked, others snickered amongst themselves. Divination was a lost school of magic, even the most accomplished of seers were treated as crackpot old fools or cons. Prophecies were still held but most were from a bygone time and the amount that turned to be disastrously false or misattributed was overwhelming.
"Oh, are you a seer? With the gift?"
"…No. I mean you never know. I'd love to be. It's always a possibility, even if it hasn't been proven. But if I could do anything I'd want to foresee the future."
"A very harsh goal to achieve. It's important to look to the future, however, make sure not to lose yourself in its gaze. For you still have to live in the present."
"…Yeah, I will."
"And you, young lady?"
"Shiina Hiyori. I want to know everything there is to know about the world. Magical and otherwise."
"Children always do surprise you, don't they? I once had the same thought myself. On your journey I'm sure you will amass a great breadth of knowledge. And I'm sure in the end you will learn the same harsh lesson as I. For a human with a limited time, there is only so much one can know." That specific phrasing made my mind wander. The amortal and other species of magical creatures had longer lifespans and sometimes had greater magical powers than humans, how much could they achieve if they were allowed to study in intuitions like Hogwarts? Likely that fear alone is what ostensibly urges their barring from formal education.
"All the same, I will do it." A fierce determination emanated from her gentle voice. A deep gentle strength not the same as intimidation or raw power but something else entirely.
"Then I will encourage you every step of your journey. Perhaps you will surprise the entire world. Professor McGonagall has already stressed to me the expertise you show in transfiguration. She said it was like the second coming of Clemont Avifors, he who breathed life into stone." And she was only a first year? Likened to the greatest conjurer in recent memory, hailing from a family lineage known for the craft? Why haven't I heard of her name before this?
"…Such praise is beyond me." She bowed her head slightly. The white whisps of hair fluttered slightly upon the movement. She seemed almost weightless, as if she weren't a part of this world.
"Well, well now. I wonder if this seating was planned? Truly a special row. Even amongst the budding potential of you first years. I'm sure many know of your names by now but please do introduce yourselves all the same." Professor Dumbledore had pointed to our row, meaning I would be the first to introduce myself.
"Arisu Sakayanagi. I enjoy almost all forms of spellcraft. Though my disability leaves me unable to enjoy more physically demanding subjects. I hope to not trouble you with that. I am in your care." I made an effort to stand up with little trouble and remove my hat before bowing humbly to the class. First impressions were important after all. And I wasn't just a student, I was the equivalent of a foreign ambassador thanks to my bloodline.
"You're as humble as your father utters. I've heard that your mother was the finest witch in all of the Orient. I'm sure your father is proud of you and everything you'll no doubt accomplish here at Hogwarts."
"I'll try to live up to your expectations."
"Splendid. I suppose the next needs no introduction. How are you finding it here Kiyotaka, my boy? I've been busy with the Wizengamot and whatnot, but I'm assured you enjoyed your stay with the Weasley family?" Kiyo… taka? His gaze was resolutely focused forwards. He sat with an almost militaristic stillness, his posture straight as a board. I could physically feel my pulse quickening, my heart almost bursting out of my chest.
"…Yes, Professor Dumbledore. Thank you."
"No need to be so formal my boy. But I suppose we are in the classroom so it's commendable behaviour, I expect nothing less from one I've taken in. Now, give a proper introduction to the rest of the class, son." Son? I was beginning to get dizzy.
"Kiyotaka Ayanokouji. Whilst interested in magic I don't seem to have the ability to cast any because of a wand trial. I hope to not cause trouble for the rest of you because of that." The same name and he looks the same, that can't be coincidence… And he can't cast magic? I've never heard of a wand trial that leaves someone inoperable, the closest thing to that was a squib… He wasn't a wizard when I last seen him. There's plenty of time to confirm that throughout childhood, but… That place wasn't constructed with magic in mind, the teaching was antithetical to magic society. If anything, it felt like the entire reason that place exists was to show what humans, rather muggles could achieve… If he was magical all this time…
He wouldn't even be the same as the person I thought he was. Was all of it happenstance by magical accident? Was that how he won? Did he alter his body through incidental magic at a young age? Were any of his victories the culmination of human effort and achievement or was it all down to magic?
"Knowing you, I'm sure your trials will be complete in no time. Despite our unique circumstances I'm sure you understand there will be no favouritism in the class for you right?" They continued to talk but I could barely make a thing out, my eyes, ears and body seemed to be floating in some murky fog.
"…Of course, Professor."
"Professor Dumbledore, if I may ask; what are your circumstances?" The boy-who lived just beyond Ayanokouji-kun asked. Though I could barely recognise him. His face, no his entire body was grainy as if it had been recorded on vintage film. My breathing had grown ragged over the course of his introduction, but what effort I tried to wrestle it under control didn't seem to work, my eyes were only focused on the boy to my right.
"Feel free to tell them Kiyotaka. But remember there will be no special treatment from me. In this class you are all my children."
By now it wasn't just my eyes that were completely rested on the boy, I was sure the entire class had been drilling a hole into his head, no matter the direction all eyes were locked onto him. Without peering around I could tell, it couldn't be that I was the only one staring at him. But I couldn't tear my eyes away to confirm nor did I want to… It's really him… He's really here… Why? Why is he…
With a small sigh he added. "…I'm the adoptive son of Professor Dumbledore. Pleasure to meet you all."
That was the last thing that I heard before my vision begun to blur and the ceiling appeared to drift away. My mind was swimming, cycling, running. It was a triathlon of confusion and bewilderment. My arms flailed to grab the desk, but to no avail.
Why? How? Was this what father meant? Was this the surprise of Hogwarts? He had known this whole time and didn't think to tell me?
Behind the feeling of shock and confusion there was hint of hope that was soon enough followed by despair.
If he really is here, then I could finally set out for my dream!
But if this is a dream, hallucination or the sick cruel joke of some ghost. Then I'll make sure to give them an everlasting hellish experience.
No matter how much I wanted to stay awake, to drift back to the sea of consciousness, my mind seemed to be taking me elsewhere. I want to see him when I wake, talk to him when he appears. Understand what he is, why he's here.
But even if that's not possible, I want to be sure that he's real. He isn't some phantom that can't touch this realm, some aspiration that I could never even speak to through the glass screen. I want to know that he exists right here and now in this moment. I fell unconscious with that wish repeating in my heart.
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Word count: 3342
I think it might be slightly out of character for Sakayanagi to act like this and to faint. But I'd like to think that the age makes a difference, they are all 10-11 years old right now. Add on the fact that she doesn't even know if he is the same goal that she's aspired to for the last 4 years it would be a big shock.
Arisu has grown in the magical world before this, so to her Ayanokouji's dominance was through effort and talent but at the end of the day he could accomplish incredible things despite being born a normal human. Not a magician like Arisu or any of her family.
In this way Arisu still keeps her philosophy of believing that genes are the fundamental factor predetermining success. To test that she wants to eventually face off against Ayanokouji for all intents and purposes the most accomplished muggle in the world at her same age. Seeing that he is involved in the magical world brings all of her dreams, thoughts and feelings about Ayanokouji into question.
Hopefully that long winded explanation cleared up anything that wasn't entirely clear in the actual chapter. Hopefully you all enjoyed and please leave any thoughts in the comments below.
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