Though Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is the most famous North American wizarding school, its origins stem from Europe, specifically Coomloughra, County Kerry, in Ireland. The school was founded by Isolt Sayre, a magical immigrant, and James Steward, a No-Maj. Yes, I see all of your shocked faces. After our previous discussion, why would MACUSA ever allow a No-Maj to assist in the founding of a magical school? First, it's important to note that at the time of its origin in 1627, MACUSA had not yet been created!
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Isolt Sayre was born to William and Rionach Sayre in a pure-blood wizarding family, but one that went against the normal ideology in every way. The Sayres were known to be very friendly with their Muggle neighbors, even encouraging Isolt to mingle with them. However, while Isolt's parents may have not fit the stereotypical pure-blood mold, her aunt did. Gormlaith Gaunt killed William and Rionach for their crimes and "rescued" Isolt - raising her in seclusion as she taught the child Dark magic. Under the tutelage of her aunt for the next twelve years, Isolt became proficient in Dark magic, but made plans to run away as soon as possible, stealing Gaunt's wand and hiding in the surrounding wizarding villages.
Unfortunately, no wizarding village provided enough cover for the witch and Gaunt continued to trace Isolt's whereabouts, forcing her to change her appearance and leave the country. Due to her lack of magical foundational knowledge such as Transfiguration, Isolt cut off her hair and began to masquerade as a Muggle boy named Elias Story, setting sail for the New World in 1620 as a deckhand. Though the idea of settling down in one of the wizarding villages in the New World sounded appealing, Isolt knew how word traveled - especially in smaller wizarding villages - and did not want to hide her identity forever. So, she fled into the mountains alone leaving all to assume that Elias Story had died. During her time in the mountains, Isolt encountered many new creatures - magical and non-magical - but one in particular led to a lasting friendship. When she was out hunting, Isolt came across a Pukwudgie cornered by a hidebehind that was about to become dinner. Seeing the man-like creature, Isolt cast a curse that startled the hidebehind and saved the creature's life. If you know anything about Pukwudgies, you may know that they are not especially fond of humankind, which is why its declaration to serve Isolt until his debt to her for saving his life was repaid was very odd - though she would not know such a thing.
Isolt and William - her name for the Pukwudgie as he refused to provide her with his real one- remained together for a number of years as he waited for a time to repay his debt. That time came sooner than either had expected when they encountered the hidebehind from before, except this time it had already killed two adults and was closing in on two terrified and wounded young boys. Having grown in her magical skills - partly in thanks to William - Isolt and William were able to slay the creature and save the boys. Though William had no desire to help the humans, Isolt demanded he help her carry the boys to her home, stating that his debt would be paid and he could leave after. Grudgingly, William agreed, but quickly left her as soon as the task had been completed.
