Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 1 - The Beginning of a Legacy

"Well, that was nothing less than eventful, wasn't it?" said Professor Fig. Making my way through the door, I breathed a sigh of relief. 

"I'm just glad we made it here in one piece," I confessed. Professor Fig smiled, "And just in time for the Sorting Ceremony!" We made our way up the stairs, pausing at the large wooden doors. I could hear the muffled chatter of some of the other students, followed by an occasional exclamation from a loud and unknown voice. "Hufflepuff!" I heard the voice shout.

We had arrived in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts after a very chaotic evening. Professor Fig and I shared a private carriage to Hogwarts with the Minister of Magic, who presented us with a mysterious artifact. This artifact had traces of some sort of magic only visible to me, for some unknown reason.

A dragon attacked our carriage, killing the Minister and the driver. I managed to open the container and, after grabbing Professor Fig's hand, we were both whisked away to safety. We landed on some sort of mountain, surrounded by ruins. After that, we somehow made our way into a private vault at Gringotts, where we were separated. Eventually, I managed to reunite with Professor Fig as we both viewed a pensieve within the vault containing a locket which held a curious memory. Two powerful looking wizards appeared to be constructing the room where Fig and I were currently standing. The men discussed the Portkey being well hidden. One of the men expressed his fear that it may be too well hidden, and that the person meant to follow their path would not be able to find it. "It is only impossible to find for those who cannot see traces of ancient magic," the other man stated plainly. He began to pull a memory from his temple, as Fig and I were ejected back to reality from the basin.

Professor Fig looked stunned. "That's what you're seeing? The glow that surrounded them?" 

"Yes sir," I confirmed. 

"Astonishing," Professor Fig remarked. We were able to deduce that I possess a rare ability, one that would allow me to see traces of an ancient and powerful form of magic. These traces helped me find my way through the obstacles in the vault, to locate the memory and reunite with Professor Fig. 

It almost seemed as if everything that had happened tonight was more than just fate.

Unfortunately, we were soon joined in the vault by an unwelcome guest. We both recognized the intruder, a powerful goblin named Ranrok. His name and face were all over the wizarding news outlets. Ranrok had been kicking up quite a storm, inciting a goblin rebellion against wizardkind with the help of his Loyalist army. 

Ranrok killed the goblin banker who let us into the vault, and threatened our lives for access to the memory from the pensieve. I was still shaken by the confrontation, and thankful that Professor Fig and I were able to escape unharmed. I had an ominous feeling in the pit of my stomach that this wouldn't be the last time we would see the goblin.

As we approached the doors, Professor Fig immediately stopped. "Oh! I'm no expert, but this seems more appropriate," he said. Turning towards me, he flicked his wand. My tattered outfit immediately transformed into a neutral Hogwarts robe, with a black plaid skirt, plain white blouse, and a black tie. I smiled at the professor as he gently pushed the door open, and caught a glimpse through the crack of the door. 

A rather unpleasant looking man stood at the front podium in a long green coat, with dark hair and a scowl on his face. The man caught sight of Fig and began to march down the main aisle towards the doors. Professor Fig's face immediately soured as he turned back to me. "Prepare to meet your new headmaster," he warned, "Phineas. Nigellus. Black." 

The door swung open as Professor Black faced us. "Fig, nice of you to join us," he spat, "the Sorting Ceremony is over." Professor Fig tried to explain to the headmaster that there were complications with our journey to Hogwarts, which included an unfortunate run-in with some goblins. Professor Black scoffed, dismissing Fig's claims entirely. 

He turned to me, "If you're lucky, we may be able to get you sorted this evening. Follow me." I glanced back at Professor Fig, who smiled and nodded, "Don't worry. I'll be in touch soon." I turned back to Professor Black and followed him into the Great Hall.

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Sebastian's POV

I could feel myself rolling my eyes, almost involuntarily. The dreadfully boring Sorting Ceremony had just ended, and only a few new Slytherins had joined our house. I was mostly annoyed at the fact that Imelda Reyes was sitting beside me, blathering on about Quidditch and how she plans to go for captain next year. I can't believe how trivial the concerns of most of my classmates are. There are way more important things to care about in the world. Like finding a way to help Anne.

The doors to the Great Hall creak open unexpectedly. Professor Black trots down the aisle, with an unfamiliar face following behind him. 

It's a girl, slender in frame, who looks to be about my own age. Her hair is tied back loosely, a unique shade of light ashen blonde that I'd never seen before. Even from a distance I can see how vibrant her green eyes are. She has a healed scar across her left eye, cutting into her eyebrow. Her skin is pale and almost looks porcelain. As pretty as she is, she almost looks like a living doll. Except way more interesting, given her scar. 

I notice most of the other students in the Great Hall turning around, craning their necks to get a look at the stranger that's entered. Who is this girl?

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"Professor Weasley! We've one more to be sorted," Professor Black declares. I gingerly approach the stool and sit down. Professor Weasley smiles at me, "Welcome. You're just in time." She places the Sorting Hat gently on my head. 

"Interesting! Very interesting," the Sorting Hat bellows. "You're a bit older than the others, aren't you? You come here with preferences and certain... preconceptions. But, where to put you? Hmm?" The room falls silent, as everyone in it is watching on. 

"You've definitely got the ambition of a Slytherin, that's for sure. But also the courage of a Gryffindor. And, the curiosity of a Ravenclaw. Ah... Perhaps the heart of a Hufflepuff as well? No?" the Sorting Hat barks. I feel a lump in my throat as I close my eyes, trying my best to remain collected. 

"Ultimately, I see that you yearn to do great things, and you have no shortage of bravery in that mind of yours. Better be... Gryffindor!"

I exhale loudly, not realizing how long I had been holding my breath. Professor Weasley waves her wand, and my nondescript robes turn red and gold.

The Gryffindor table cheers loudly, welcoming me over. I take my place at the table next to a friendly looking girl. 

"Welcome to Gryffindor!" the girl exclaims, "My name is Natsai. But you can call me Natty." I smiled back, "I'm Cirilla. But you can call me Ciri."

Professor Black clears his throat as I sit down, "Oh, and one more thing... Due to the unfortunate injury in last spring's final, this year's Quidditch season has been cancelled." Students look at each other, some groaning and others protesting out loud. 

"Oh, hush! It's not like I banned flying altogether. Though you shouldn't tempt me," Professor Black says in an exasperated tone. He dismisses the feast, and students begin to make their way out of the hall. 

As I rise from my seat, Professor Black turns around. "Professor Weasley, would you be so kind as to show our new arrival to the Gryffindor common room?"

Professor Weasley nods and turns to me, "Of course. Come with me, dear. What is your name again?" I smile back, "I'm Cirilla Clarke. Most people call me Ciri." 

"Well Miss Clarke, it is lovely to meet you. Right this way," Professor Weasley smiles warmly as she ushers me out of the Great Hall.