Chapter 1

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My day started out typical. You know, a busy royal pain in the ass, born of stress and complications. I was in a hurry to vacate my assistant librarian full time job at the Main District Library. My break was shortened by 20 minutes because of my jackass boss reading me the riot act over the conflicted dates of a missing frickin book at the local library where I work. Like, my boss didn't realize the date in the computer says it's been out missing for two years. I've only worked here for at least six months.

What's he thinking, I could make it materialize out of thin air? Sure like it's the only book in the world missing, Pfft! I guess, I can wave my magic wand and it just appears on the shelf? You would think I was the only student who majored in Library Sciences/minored in Chemistry that works here too? Well, maybe not Chemistry, but I should have switched my field. The dumbass, I think, that he just likes targeting me of all people, for his own inadequacies.

I was walking quickly back down the sidewalk to my car, in mid heels, after going to the local bank branch. I got in and started the engine. I went to withdraw my life savings then transport it to a new bank across town. I played it smart because a cashier's check is only going to be out of the bank for 20 mins max. My bank sucks.

I put the car in gear and pulled out into traffic. What a cluster fuck at lunchtime. I hit the drive thru to grab a burger and coke on the way to the other bank. I pulled in the parking lot and found a spot. I grabbed my big purse with my check in it, and put it on my shoulder to get out. As I locked up the car, I saw a dim light flashing in the wooded lot next door. I figured to hell with it, I'm an explorer at heart. I didn't care if my boss blew a gasket. If I was a little late, who cares he robbed me of my time anyway. I was curious and had an urge pulling me to just look. After all, I was going to be late anyway.

I walked over there and entered the woods. There was this flat silver metallic oval shaped disk, suspended on end just hovering in mid air. Freaky, huh? I know it wasn't the smartest thing to do, but I reached out to touch it. Suddenly, I was sucked inside this thing, like a vacuum cleaner. I felt my belly button pull me through a gyrating swirling dance. It was nauseating. All I could think was why the hell did it try to touch the damn thing? Oh God, when will it stop, so I can barf.

I was slammed down hard onto the floor. Damn, that freaking hurt! It took a moment before I could open my eyes. Geez, don't throw up, don't throw up! I peeked for a second to look around. I was sprawled out on my stomach. Where the hell am I? I was kissing a black marble floor with gold shot through it. The weird thing was, I was in someone's home, in an entry hall, no less. I saw a small antique side table with a crystal vase with fresh roses with a propped up envelope. Wait a minute, why is my name on it? This can't be good.

Holy shit, Dorthy! I am not in Kansas any more, Toto! This house had huge, vaulted ceilings, highly polished floors, crown moldings, etc. A true carpenter or architect's wet dream. I looked around and got to a sitting position, then reached up for the envelope. It had my name on it alright? How strange. I opened it and pulled it out and it read:

Arianna Blackthorne,

Welcome from Gringott's Bank, we hope to find you well. (Wait, wasn't that bank name in the Harry Potter books?Our office has been waiting for your arrival, for over the last couple weeks, in regards to your family estates, assets and accounts, as left to you in your father's will. (So, my father's dead, in this dreamworld, reality, ok then.)

Please, at your earliest convenience contact us for an appointment.

Your Personal Financial Manager, Grizzleton.

PS. There is much to be discussed concerning the family will, due to you being the only survivor of the Blackthorne Estate.Sincerest Regards,Grizzleton, Head of Finance Department

Ok, I must have really hit my head super hard. I laid back down on my back. What the hell, Gringott's Bank? That's in those Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling right? Harry Potter I remember the books well. Oh God, how in the hell did I get here, this place isn't supposed to be real. Did I take some kind of crazy pills?

Well I can't stay on the floor forever, I guess. I get up and find my dress is torn up the side, my pantyhose are all ruined and I broke a heel on my one shoe. I walk by a mirror, and I can see that I look like I was jerked through a tree stump knothole backwards. My purse is on the floor where I landed.

Now, I realize I am in Harry Potter, but what's the date and where is this house located? I suspect somewhere in the British Isles, perhaps? Boy, I am glad that I have read all of those books backwards and forwards.

All of a sudden, a little critter with big eyes, floppy ears and sporting a dish towel, pops right in front of me, scaring the living crap out of me. Oh, so this is a house elf.

"Does Lady Blackthorne wish for Dilly to get her settled in her bedroom?" said the little elf.

"Ahh,yes please, Dilly."

"Does Lady Blackthorne wish for Dilly to serve her dinner in her bedroom too?"

"Ah, sure Dilly, thank you. Can I get a bath and change clothes first?

"Dilly likes Lady Blackthorne. She says nice words to Dilly." she muttered. I remember how Malfoy treated his elf. Wow, I won't be like that. Treat others the way you want to be treated. I call it respect.

I picked up my purse and hobbled along beside Dilly, as she took my hand and led me to a huge spacious elegant bedroom, in cream plush carpeting. It was done up all in cherry wood antiques and gold threaded brocade patterns of roses on black silk. The duvet matched the upholstery of the antique chairs. Victorian paintings in gold brocade frames were accenting the walls. Classy, it was beautiful.

It had its own ensuite with a huge clawfoot tub, a big shower stall with all the amenities. The whole room was in that black marble with gold shot through it. I'd have to say that both rooms were the most elegant rooms ever. I got in the tub and soaked and relaxed.

I started thinking about who I am and where I am. Merlin knows, like they say in the books, I'll never understand how it happened. It seems to be all so far-fetched. I guess I will go with the flow, because the one advantage I seem to have is foresight from the beginning to the end. Like all great book series, I wish it would have ended on a much happier note. I will try to help change things. Maybe I can save lives if I am careful.

So, I got out of the tub on a quest to find clothing instead of just a fluffy towel. I found clothes in the armoire, dressers and closets full to the brim. After that, I ate dinner. Little Dilly said to just call her if I needed anything. I fell asleep the minute my head hit the pillow.

Stranger In A Strange World by Theskyatdawn2Where stories live. Discover now