197Chapter 1: Prologue
This story primarily follows Oliver Wood's childhood friend, Madeline Palmer.
Aside from the characters I've created to give the story depth, everything is meant to be canon.
Hope you enjoy!
There was nothing Madeline Palmer loved more than Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, except perhaps Quidditch. Growing up, Madeline begged and begged her parents to let her attend school as soon as possible. When she turned ten, she cried because she had gotten her hopes up that the Hogwarts letter might come a year early, as her great aunt Gwenog had assured her that she was terribly bright. The day she turned eleven and finally received her letter, she cried again. She felt like her life was finally beginning. She could finally get her own wand.
Both of Madeline's parents, Henry and Olivia Palmer, had been Gryffindors, but they had never made an effort to persuade her that this was the best House; they rightly wanted Madeline to find her own way. They had also hoped that growing up as the best friend of Oliver Wood, whose parents had also been Gryffindors, would have enough of an influence on her. The two children had been inseparable since they could crawl, and their parents doubted very much that much would change as they went off to school. Knowing Oliver and Madeline would look after each other comforted their parents a great deal.
When the day finally came for Madeline to make her way to Hogwarts at long last, she awoke with a nervous twitch, causing her small body to jump. She thought she'd been playing Quidditch, but she had fallen from her broom, taken down by a Bludger to the ribs. She clutched at her chest, felt that nothing hurt, and realised that she was still in her bed. It had been a dream, but this was nothing new. Madeline often had Quidditch-related dreams, though she was not so obsessed with the sport as her best friend. Oliver was, even at their age, ridiculous—he would play professional Quidditch and nothing else would satisfy him. It didn't help that his father worked in the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Madeline smiled at the thought of Oliver, rolled her eyes, and stretched.
The sun hadn't yet risen, but she was far too excited to go back to sleep, so Madeline stood from her small purple-quilted bed. Anxious to get to Hogwarts and meet her future friends and classmates, Madeline had packed the night before, giving her nothing to do now except get dressed and go to the kitchen for breakfast. As she found her clothes, she noticed that her owl was awake and perched on her windowsill. The owl had been her 10th birthday present, as she had insisted on having the owl before she received her Hogwarts letter, if only just to prove that she could care for one. Her barn owl was the most beautiful creature she had ever laid eyes on, in her opinion—it had large black eyes and a white face that reminded her of a lily pad. Madeline had named him Augustus, which Oliver had thought was stupid:
"Go on and give him a proper name, Maddie," said Oliver, staring at the owl with something like pity.
"He's got a proper name, thanks," said Madeline, tossing him a miffed look. "His name is Augustus."
Augustus was starting straight at her, and she said good morning to him before tip-toeing into the kitchen. There she fixed herself some breakfast and eventually heard her parents moving about. They made their way groggily to the kitchen.
"Maddie, it's five in the morning. Why're you awake?" her mother Olivia asked, moaning a bit.
"I couldn't sleep, and I was hungry," Madeline replied.
Madeline's father Henry grunted and slumped into the chair next to her, his head resting on the table.
"It's not that early."
"Sun's barely up," said Henry Palmer in a low voice.
Madeline and Olivia both chuckled. After eating, Madeline took some toast to Augustus. He didn't like his cage and had squawked loudly when she had locked him up. When he looked at her in the most mournful way, Madeline pouted and said, "I'm sorry. You know I have to. It's just for today, and then you'll be free to roam the grounds at Hogwarts. You'll love it there."
Augustus turned his head from her and began staring out the window. Madeline sighed. "I know. I want to be there, too."
Madeline lied down on her bed and closed her eyes, hoping to find a few more hours of sleep. This time, she dreamt of being Head Girl, of playing Quidditch with Oliver, and of learning how to be a Healer like her mum; she saw herself meeting loyal and hilarious friends, taking walks around the lake, and maybe even falling in love; she saw herself (older, prettier, and with longer, straighter hair) being the best Gryffindor of them all. She wanted to make her parents proud.
Too soon, it seemed, her mother was shaking her. Madeline didn't want to wake—the dream was too good to let go.
"Maddie, sweetie, we've got to go. Don't want to miss the train, do you?"
Madeline popped straight up. "I'm awake!"
Olivia smiled and helped her daughter take her things to the small sitting room, including her trunk and her owl's cage.
"Ready? Remember how to Floo?" asked Henry.
Madeline nodded eagerly as she took the powder from her father. She stepped up to the fireplace, threw it in, and after the flames turned green, she stepped in and said, "The Leaky Cauldron!" Her mother, carrying Augustus, followed suit, and her father, holding her trunk, was the last to arrive. The little family then took a Muggle taxicab from the square near the Leaky Cauldron to King's Cross. There, in between platforms nine and ten, Madeline stopped. She was about to begin her journey to Hogwarts. Her eyes prickled with tears she sought to hold back.
It's finally happening, she thought. She felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest. Why are my hands so sweaty?
"Henry! Olivia!"
Madeline turned around to see Oliver Wood's parents addressing her own. Oliver pulled his cart right up beside hers as their parents greeted each other. He looked far more calm and collected than she felt.
"Alright, Maddie?" he asked, his eyes trained on the barrier. He had a look of concentration, as though he would not allow himself to be nervous.
Madeline nodded and looked at her best friend. He was only a little taller, but he somehow gave the impression of looking much bigger than her.
"Alright. And you?"
"Good," he replied firmly.
They were both nervously staring at the barrier and didn't notice their parents gazing fondly at the pair of them.
"Want to run it together?" Oliver asked after checking his watch.
It was 10:40—they had twenty minutes before the train was to leave. Plenty of time. Madeline's reply was a quick nod and a small noise that had been the word 'yes' before her mouth had smothered it.
"On three?"
Madeline nodded her response once again.
Then, before Madeline could make another nervous noise, Oliver counted, "One, two, three!"
They ran, perhaps a touch too quickly, through the barrier and onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. When they came out on the other side, they nearly ran into a couple trying to leave. Madeline and Oliver moved aside and stared at the Hogwarts Express for the first time, their jaws slack with awe. It was just as Madeline had always dreamt it would look: much like a scarlet bullet.
"Wow," was all she could say.
Oliver was grinning, first at the train, then at Madeline, and finally at his parents as they made their way through the barrier. Once their belongings were loaded, Oliver and Madeline said goodbye to their parents. They both promised to write and to behave, and after promising she would miss them and that she loved them, Madeline was allowed to board the train. Oliver followed looking just as she felt: very, very excited.
"Reckon we'll both be in Gryffindor?" he said as they took their seats in the compartment they'd found.
"Hope so," she said, smiling. "Though I suppose I wouldn't be too miffed to be in Ravenclaw. I do like books; well, at least, more than you do."
The train set off at 11:00 AM sharp, and Oliver and Madeline waved out of the window at their parents, who didn't disapparate until their children were gone from their sight.
"I wonder what our favourite subjects will be," said Madeline, her face scrunched up with thought. "I think I'll like Transfiguration. Mr. Ollivander said my wand is good for it."
"I thought you wanted to be a Healer? Like your mum?" said Oliver.
"I do!" Madeline replied. "But what if I'm better at something else?"
"Ollivander said my wand was 'springy.' Wonder what that means?"
"Sounds like you'll have a hard time holding on to it," said Madeline.
As they laughed, a girl approached their compartment and stood near the door. She was shorter than both Madeline and Oliver, and she had pretty, straight blonde hair. Madeline was instantly jealous; her own hair was a dull brownish-red that was mildly wavy, messy, and highly irritating.
"Hi," she said quietly. "Er, I was wondering if I could sit with you?"
"Sure!" said Oliver. Madeline nodded happily.
"Thanks," she replied, looking relieved. She sat next to Madeline. "I'm Claire. Claire Denson."
"I'm Madeline Palmer," said Madeline quickly. Her nerves had her nearly bouncing.
"Oliver Wood," said Oliver.
"Nice to meet you. D'you know each other already?"
Both Madeline and Oliver nodded, looking at each other.
"Yeah, we're mates," said Oliver with a shrug.
"We grew up together," added Madeline. She wasn't sure if this was too much information, but she added it all the same.
"That must be nice," said the girl, looking dispirited. "I don't know anyone. My parents aren't magic at all. It was quite a shock, I'll tell you. They thought my letter was a nasty prank by the kids at my school. Headmaster Dumbledore had to show up and everything. They're professors too, so I suppose they liked him. They're excited for me, now, though."
"You've met Dumbledore? What's he like?" asked Madeline, her eyes wide.
"He's brilliant and so kind. I'm thrilled to start learning; I've already read all our books, but I'm nervous that I won't know as much since I'm... well, Dumbledore said I was 'Muggle-born'."
"Well that's alright," said Madeline bracingly. "My mum told me it's not uncommon. I've read through our books as well, so we should be at the same level."
Claire's face brightened at these words, at the prospect of not being lonely. She beamed at Madeline.
"D'you know which House you prefer?" asked Oliver.
"I'm not sure, really. All I know is what was in Hogwarts, A History. Gryffindor seems to be the most popular, though, it's in all the stories—"
"That's the House our parents were in," said Madeline.
"My dad said he couldn't imagine being a Slytherin, but my mum shut him up. She said it'd be fine whichever I wanted to be in," said Oliver.
"So… they're all good?"
Madeline nodded with a smile.
"And when I was buying my supplies, I saw this broomstick store. It seemed popular too. D'you know anything about that?"
Oliver grinned and Madeline laughed as he began explaining the sport of Quidditch. Claire was properly horrified by the thought of such a dangerous sport, and they neglected to mention that it had an even dodgier past. Madeline and Oliver were so excited for her to see her first match that Claire couldn't help being curious. The discussion of Quidditch lasted until lunchtime, as Oliver was sharing with Claire his copy of Quidditch Through the Ages, when a plump lady with a food cart came by. The three found their pocket money and Madeline instantly asked for Cauldron Cakes.
"What should I try?" said Claire, frowning.
Oliver stepped out and pointed at the treats and began explaining. He too bought some Cauldron Cakes, but also bought some Chocolate Frogs. Claire settled for nearly one of everything; she wanted to try as much as possible. Madeline advised her not to try the Pepper Imps.
"I want to learn how to bake Cauldron Cakes," said Madeline through a mouthful of her cake.
Claire continued asking questions about the sweets she had purchased, and Oliver and Madeline enjoyed explaining things to her. After all of the treats were devoured, the discussion turned to the one Claire was most nervous about: actually learning magic.
"I'm scared I'll be the worst in our class," she said once more, wringing her small hands together.
Madeline put a hand on her shoulder. "Most of us are."
Soon the train was slowing down, and an older student poked their head in to tell them they might want to change, as they would be there soon. They all opened their trunks and pulled out a set of their school robes, which they put on over their clothes.
"I can't believe we're finally here," said Madeline, who was actually bouncing now.
"I wonder what I'll be good at," said Claire, not for the first time.
"I'm sure everyone has their favourite subject," said Oliver.
"And some lads care only for Quidditch," said Madeline, smirking.
Oliver stuck his tongue out at her.
"Quidditch does sound awfully dangerous," said Claire.
Then, before another word was spoken, the train had stopped at its station in Hogsmeade. As they exited, they heard a man calling, "Firs' years! Firs' years this way!"
"That'll be Hagrid!" said Madeline with a bounce, and they made their way to a large, hairy man who seemed to be simply too big.
"Hello," he said, beaming at them.
He was holding a lantern in one of his massive hands, which illuminated his face oddly, but Madeline could see his little black eyes twinkling.
"Hi," said Madeline, grinning again. "I'm Madeline!"
"Nice ter meet yeh, Madeline. I'm Hagrid. We'll be taking the boats 'cross the lake."
The boats were large enough for Madeline, Claire, and Oliver to all fit, along with another first year named Richard Callaghan. He was as tall as Oliver, wore glasses, and had reddish-brown hair like Madeline. Claire instantly made another friend: he had read Hogwarts, A History as well. Then, when it came into view, all of them gazed in amazement of the breathtaking castle. Madeline had seen photographs, but nothing compared to the real deal: her first glimpse of her future home, with its many towers and turrets jutting into the clear, inky night sky. Their awe left them all silent, and Madeline found herself more excited than she thought possible.
Soon they were landing at a dock under the castle and following Hagrid up a few flights of stony stairs to the Entrance Hall. Madeline had heard that Professor McGonagall was a little intimidating, but that had not prepared her for seeing her for the first time. She was tall—so much taller than them all, in fact, that Madeline was a little scared. When Madeline glanced at Oliver, his eyes were wide, and she knew that he was thinking the same thing. While waiting for the doors to the Great Hall to open, the four of them stood together neither saying much nor speaking to anyone else in the group of first years. There was a red-headed boy who was trying to introduce himself to everyone, but he was at the back of the group. Professor McGonagall then opened the doors to the Great Hall and they all filed in. As Madeline walked in behind Claire, she gazed around, the sight making her grin and bounce. It was even better than she had imagined! The ceiling, which was a dusty navy, was surely opening up to the night sky!
They made their way to the front, and McGonagall announced that as she called out their names, they would sit on the stool, and then they could join their House. Madeline hardly heard a word the Sorting Hat sang, as she was too consumed by her own thoughts. She knew she ought to be listening, but she was too nervous to pay attention. What if she wasn't a Gryffindor? She didn't even really know why she preferred her parents' House.
After the Sorting Hat finished singing, it didn't take long for Callaghan, Richard's name to be called. He was sorted into Ravenclaw, as was a girl named Clearwater, Penelope. Clute, Murray was the first to be sorted into Hufflepuff, and then Denson, Claire's name was called. After a short while sitting on the stool with the Sorting Hat, the hat announced that Claire was a Ravenclaw. Madeline smiled and cheered for her new friend, half wishing she was in Ravenclaw, too. Then she caught sight of Oliver's expression, which was rather distraught. Had he hoped Claire would be a Gryffindor?
A boy named Dixon, Peregrine was also placed in Ravenclaw, and then a girl named Ellison, Elaine was being sorted into Hufflepuff when Madeline's attention returned to the ceremony. After what seemed like ages of waiting, Madeline's named was called by McGonagall's stern voice:
"Palmer, Madeline."
Madeline shot Oliver a look of terror, but he smiled and nodded, giving Madeline a brief rush of confidence, which was enough to propel her feet to the aged, wooden stool. She tenderly placed the Sorting Hat atop her small head, not really knowing what to expect.
"Hmmm," said a soft voice in her ear. Madeline saw Oliver's face, took a deep breath, and felt calmer. This was not a time to panic. "Intellect is there, as is some courage. Some ambition... and honesty, too... let's see. Hardworking, dedicated... and of course, there it is. Unfailingly loyal, you are, my dear."
Really? she thought. Unfailingly loyal?
"Oh, yes. You are a true Hufflepuff, one of the truest I've seen in many years," came the Hat's voice.
Madeline felt her heartbeat quicken. She was a Hufflepuff? A true Hufflepuff? What did that mean? She thought she was a Gryffindor! Weren't Gryffindors loyal too? And she thought Ravenclaw would be her alternative...
But my parents—and Oliver— she thought quickly.
"Of course, if you'd rather be placed elsewhere..."
But… I'm a true Hufflepuff? Are you sure?
"Yes. So, if you don't mind—HUFFLEPUFF!"
Startled by the shout and the polite applause that followed, Madeline stood quickly and placed the Sorting Hat back on the stool. She looked to the first years still waiting to be sorted and saw his face almost immediately. Oliver's mouth was slack with disbelief, and Madeline gave him a brief look of confusion, shrugged, and sat at the Hufflepuff table, which was genuinely happy to receive her. She sat next to the girl named Elaine and the boy named Murray and smiled nervously at some of her older housemates.
Madeline then watched as her best mate in the whole world was sorted into Gryffindor, and she felt as though a warm boulder had settled into her chest and was pressing heavily against her lungs.
I'm a Hufflepuff?
Chapter 2: Early Morning Breakfast
"You know I'm right," she said, still laughing. Oliver shook his head, but he couldn't resist a grin. After a few moments of laughter, Madeline came to her senses. "Why d'you really come over?"
"I wanted to apologise, actually," he said, his left hand on the back of his neck. "You know, for not telling you."