1 Chapter 1 - You're a 11 Years Old Witch

Louise sat up clutching her head. From what she's feeling underneath her palm, her fall down the stairs just gained her a bump. Wincing at her own touch, she sat up steadying herself with her right hand on the wooden floor. Wooden floor?

"Honey? You alright? Let me look at you. Mr. Ollivander does the Alley have a nearby clinic? Just to make sure my daughter's fine." Her mom said, worry evident in her voice. "Don't look at me like that Richard our daughter is hurt."

"Elena I'm sure that Louise is just fine it's just a bump." Her father, Richard, said.

"No, it's fine. I'm not that hurt. See Mom?" Wait, her mom's name isn't Elena and her father's not named Richard either. Who?

Her eyes bulge out at the sight in front of her. There's no staircase where she fell just shelves filled with loads of boxes. And in front of her is that actor from Harry Potter that sells wands.

"You sure you're okay Lou?" Mom observed the reddish lump in her head. "That book hit you pretty hard. Maybe there's something wrong with the wand?"

"There isn't anything wrong with the wand Mrs. Stephens. It's just not the right wand for your daughter. All wands choose its owner, and this one did not choose Ms. Stephens." The man turns back to the shelves looking for a new one. He climbs a ladder that proceeds to move even without any help from someone.

"Hmm, Louise I might have to agree with your mother. You haven't said anything at all." Fingers rubbing his chin, the father looks up and down for any more injuries.

"No, really I'm a-okay. I'm just a little dizzy from the hit." Mind rushing for a way to explain her current predicament she decided to keep the act of a daughter to the parents. She didn't want them to kill her for taking over their daughter's dead body. If this body is dead does that mean her original body is also dead?

"Here, this wand might be it." Uncaring or just ignorant of the worries of his costumers he thrust an open box at her. "Ashwood with a unicorn hair core, 11" and hard flexibility. A very loyal wand."

She hesitated a bit. This might be true evidence that she really is a witch and that she actually, physically and mentally, is here at the Harry Potter world. Gulping, she now held the wand. A true effing wand. Now for the waving part.

Wonder cross her and her new parents' faces. Silver sparkles came out from her newly acquired wand. Just like fireworks, the silver sparkles divided until it became smaller and disappeared. She truly is a witch.

"Congratulations, Miss Stephens."

"Mr. Ollivander, I heard there are some wand-caring kits? Can you recommend some? Ah Mom, Dad, can we please get a kit?" Facing her parents, she is shocked to see support and pride etched in their faces. This is the first time she received this kind of love in this world. She was lucky to have them.

Father smiled. "Anything for you, sweetheart. Anything."

*****

That's a huge house. A two-story house, a proper backyard with flowers and decorative bushes, a shed. To her standards, that's already large compared to her old, rickety one.

"Come on, sweetie. Go to your room and arrange your things. Your father already brought it to your room. Be down for dinner, okay?"

"Yes, Mom!" Running in and up the stairs, she stopped not knowing which door is my room. Opening each one quietly, she discovered hers is right beside the stairs, white paint and a plate with her name decorating the door.

Diving to her bed, today's events seemed unrealistic but here she is. A witch. A real proper witch with wand and spells. A hoot of an owl distracted her from daydreaming. She has an owl too. Her mind flashes back to her life back then. She was terrible with animals except for cats but she guesses that this girl and her parents decided to get the owl for communication. Handy but terrifying for her. She doesn't know anything about taking care of an owl.

She let her fingers brush past the cage flinching when the brown owl gaze turns to her. Nervously gulping, she sighed in relief when she received a gentle nip rather than a finger cutting bite.

"Would you like to get out of there? If you do, please don't destroy anything in my room." The owl nods in agreement. Once open, wings flutter and settle on the back of a chair. "God, how will I feed you? I don't see any feed in the baggage."

Hoot. The owl pointed her head towards the window of the room. "So I just have to open the window for you? Neat. I really have to name you, I can't just keep calling you 'the owl'. How about Sora? It means sky in Japanese."

Another hoot. "Is that a yes? Nice to meet you then, Sora. I'll leave the window open for you while I'm eating okay?"

At the dining room, her parents certainly made a feast for her. She doubts the three of them can finish these meals tonight.

"Have you checked your things sweetheart? Nothing missing?" Louise shakes her head at the question. "Be sure darling. You only have one week left before going to Hogwarts. Read your books or else." The daughter nods at that not wanting the ire of her mother.

"Relax Elena. It is her first year and we still have to adjust to the fact that magic is real and all. Today has been a shocking day for us. Even with Professor McGonagall explaining and demonstrating it I'm still quite confused." Her father said currently watching the news. Glancing at the corner of the screen, she noticed the date.

Oh my. The date is on the 1st of August. 1991. Harry Potter's era. At least she knows most of the major plot events. She shudders thinking what could've happened if she landed on Tom Riddle's era.

"I'm done, Mom." Cleaning up her mess she returned to her room and there waiting a bloody mess. Literally. There's a dead mouse at the window with Sora puffing his chest proudly. "Sora, I'm proud of you but I don't eat mice. You don't have to leave some for me."

The owl stared at me and then at the dead mouse incredulously. Sora huffed and proceeded to toss his catch in the air then gulping it in one swoop.

Propping herself on the bed she stayed up the entire night reading her books. If she has to live in this world might as well go all out.

*****

It's already September 1. The ride to Kings Cross Station was memorable. In her past life, she didn't get to travel to other countries due to financial reasons even a road trip to her mother country's provinces was a stretch.

The Station was packed. People hurrying to their destination, the trains loading people in and out. The ones she noticed though were the children with their parents pushing carts of trunks and cages of pets, mostly owls. Distracted, Louise didn't notice someone in the way.

"I'm sorry! I wasn't looking ahead." She apologized immediately not wanting to antagonize someone on her first day. Ah, shit. Blonde hair, proud stance and an air of arrogance. It's Malfoy. Of all people to bump into.

"Watch where you are going mudblood." He sneers at me. Rage filled me but she didn't want to cause a scene.

"Now, now Draco. One must observe proper decorum even if you're talking to someone lower than you." Cane taps the little blonde's shoulder. If the kid managed to ignite her anger this man-made her fear grow.

"You-" Richard starts. Louise waved her arms up stopping her father. "Louise! That man just-"

"Dad it's fine! No need to start a fight. I'll be at a boarding school I won't be meeting that man anytime soon." Grinning a bit she glances at the retreating backs of the blondes. "Besides Dad, if someone dislikes you, treat them kindly and ignore their jabs."

"Since when did my little princess grew up. I remember you were just taking your first steps and now you're leaving your Mother and I. I'm sorry your Mother can't send you off she's rather busy with work."

"It's fine Dad. I promise to send letters weekly and besides I'll be home for Christmas. Don't you have work too Dad, its already 10:30 am, I'll be okay here."

"You sure you'll be alright alone?" He fretted.

"There's security right there see." She pointed at the patrolling guard. "I can ask them if I need help. Come on Dad you'll be late for work."

"Ah shit, you're right. Wait don't tell your Mom I said that in front of you, 'kay?" Kissing his daughter's head.

"I didn't hear anything." She smiled, jumping and hugging him tightly. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, my princess. Be safe. Don't let people push you around. No boys." He tried to hide his obvious sobbing.

"Dad." Whining, she pulled back pouting at her amused but serious father. "I'm only 11. Too young for that."

"I'll be going now. Take care. Okay, princess?" With this one last goodbye, he turned still glancing at me with each step away.

Waving at him. She faced the platform readying herself. She ran. Closing her eyes a wave passed through her and she stopped. Awe graced her face. Crimson, steaming train on the tracks. Families filled the platform left and right. Stepping beside an open door, she wonders how on Earth can she manage put her things inside. With a bit of struggle, she got into a compartment thanking herself for thinking of bringing a large backpack no matter how muggle it is.

The compartment door opens revealing black hair like her, green eyes hiding behind those hideous glasses and a lightning bolt scar on the forehead. She stared at the boy not knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry for bothering you. I didn't know it was occupied I just opened it without looking." The boy, obviously Harry Potter, shuffles awkwardly. "I'll just leave."

"No, it's fine. I don't have anyone with me anyways." Trying to diffuse the awkwardness is hard. "Louise Stephens, nice to meet you."

"Harry. Harry Potter. You also a first-year?"

"Yep. Have you tried some spells yet? Isn't it wonderful? We can do those things written in the books." Eyes lighting up at the thought of it.

"No, I haven't, have you?"

"Actually, no." She sheepishly said. "I'm just excited for today."

The conversation jump from what they expect from classes to their owls. They got interrupted by the door opening again. A redhead. It's Ron.

"Hello, everywhere else is full. May I stay here?" The two nodded welcoming the newcomer in their midst. "My name's Ron Weasley, yours?"

"Louise Stephens."

"I'm Harry Potter."

"Oh are you, really?" He asks in disbelief. "Have you- do you have the scar?"

Harry lifted his hair showing off his lightning bolt scar. It's a bit reddish like it's new but faded enough to recognize that its just a scar.

"Want anything from the trolley dears?" Noticing some chocolate from the cart, Louise immediately replied.

"Do you have some regular chocolate? Ones that aren't enchanted?" Chocolate frogs might seem great but she prefers her food not moving. Paying the lady, she sat back down giving some chocolates to the other two.

"Thanks, Louise." Ron unwrap the chocolate

"Can I really have this?" Harry eyed the chocolate in his hands.

"We are friends, aren't we? And friends give each other things like food and stuff. If you don't want that I have some ham and cheese in here." She pulled out a lunchbox filled with sandwiches offering it to them.

Someone appeared again at the doorway. Frizzy hair this time. Hermione. "Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville lost one."

They look at each other, shaking their heads to say no to the girl.

"I see. Hermione Granger, by the way. First-year just as you are."

"How do you know that?" Ron narrowed his eyes at Hermione clearly offended that she just pushes her way through the door without excuse.

"Because you guys haven't change into your robes. And clearly, you're too young to even take care of yourself. You have a smudge right here." Hermione pointed at her nose.

"My name's Louise Stephens." Introducing herself, trying to diffuse the situation. Holding out her hand for a shake. "The redhead is Ron Weasley. The black one is Harry Potter."

Hermione turned her attention to Harry. "Are you? Really?" The whistle of the train echoed. "You three better change into your robes. I still have to look for Neville's toad."

"Look for a senior or that Trolley Lady selling sweets. They can cast a summoning spell for the toad."

"Oh! Your right. Thank you for the help, Louise."

"Blimey, that girl's a menace. I hope she wouldn't be in Gryffindor." Ron complained.

"Hey don't be rude. Maybe she's nervous. The first day and-" The door slid open. Just how many interruptions can this compartment have?

"I heard Harry Potter's on the train." Malfoy trailed his eyes zoning in Harry's exposed scar. "Draco. Draco Malfoy. If you need help on telling who's the good lot I'll be able to help with that. You deserve real allies. Can't say for these two. A Weasley and a mudblood." He offered his hand to Harry.

"Malfoy! Take that back!" Drawing his wand, Ron aimed it at Malfoy's face.

"But it is true, isn't it? I saw her and her muggle father outside the station. So she is a mudblood." Smirking, he crossed his arms puffing his chest out in false bravado.

"You."

"Hey, hey. Its the first day no need to fight." Louise grabbed Ron's raised arm and settled herself between the two boys.

"Malfoy, I'm sure I can tell which lot is better, thank you." Harry pushed Malfoy out the compartment, closing and locking the door. "So, what just happened? And what's a mudblood?" They ignored the banging of the door and the words of 'My father will hear about this!'.

"Its a bad word for muggle-borns. Some purebloods think that having muggle for parent makes you weaker, that's why they call muggle-borns that word. Malfoys are the worse of them. His father is said to be a Death Eater but they most likely bought their way out of a trial." Ron explained nearly spitting out Malfoy's name. Louise remains silent. Hearing someone belittling her for something she can't control makes her dejected.

"Death Eater?" Harry questioned, noticing that his friend is quite upset with the confrontation.

"Followers of You-Know-Who."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Brightening up, she reminded the two of their arrival to school. "Come on guys. We have to get ready and change our clothes."

"But Malfoy-"

"Nope, I'm fine Ron." She opened the door, heading out with her backpack. "Change your clothes! We'll be getting there in an hour or so."

"F-Fine." He dropped the subject, still looking a little red from his anger.

"Louise."

"Yes, Harry?" Louise tilted her head at him.

"You'll tell us if someone bothers you, yes? As you said, friends share things with each other." Green eyes look at her brown-black ones.

Touched at his concern, she hugged him and Ron. Harry visibly stiffened at the sudden affection but he returned the gesture. Ron, on the other hand, tried to get out of embarrassment.

"Yes, of course. I'll be going to the loo now. Don't forget to change guys."

*****

Louise cranks her neck up wanting to see the whole of Hogwarts in their shared boat ride. It is magnificent. It is her first time seeing a castle. She has seen the movies but none compared to this.

"Be careful on your steps now. Come on first years! This way!" Hagrid led the way to the front. Up to the stairs, McGonagall observes the students.

"Students settle down!" The Deputy waits for our silence. "Welcome to Hogwarts. Before anything else, all of you will be sorted into your houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Whichever house you will be in is your second home. To win the House Cup, you have to earn points and with any mistakes, especially rule-breaking, you will lose a point. Stay here. The sorting will begin momentarily."

Whispers resumed. Shrieks started as ghosts appeared. They're transparent with silvery lines on their 'skin'. Souls living without a body. If she dies here in this world will she be like them or will she go to another world again?

The ceiling height doors opened. Ceiling littered with stars and clouds. Candles floating, green banners decorating the hall. Four long tables for the students, one for the staff. A hat resting on a stool.

"Once your name is called, come forward. ABBOTT, HANNAH!" McGonagall started. She listed off the students. The characters go to their respective houses as stated in the books. "STEPHENS, LOUISE!"

She sat on the stool, almost tripping on the stairs. The hat rests on her head and if not for the angle it will most likely cover the half of her head.

"You're an interesting child Ms. Stephens or should I say Ms. Corona. Now do not worry I won't tell anyone I am bound by my enchantments to keep the students secrets to myself. Sadly I won't be any help in your predicament, Ms. Corona, you are the first of your case. But take note of this, you won't be inside that body if the original owner is still there. You shall be GRYFFINDOR!"

Well, that was fun. Let the plot begin then. Here's to hoping she would know how to properly wave her wand.