Gwendolyn landed gracefully, the familiar swirl of the void dissipating around her. As she regained her bearings, she noticed that the magic in this world felt strikingly familiar. It was almost identical to the magic of her original world with Hogwarts. The realization sent a thrill down her spine.
She found herself in an alley, the bustling sounds of a busy city echoing around her. Stepping out, she immediately recognized the distinctive architecture and the flow of people—it was Kings Cross station. Gwendolyn's heart raced with anticipation as she walked towards the station, her mind buzzing with the possibilities of where she had landed.
Following her intuition, she navigated through the crowds until she found herself standing between platforms 9 and 10. With a mixture of hope and curiosity, she walked towards the barrier. To her surprise and delight, she passed through effortlessly, emerging onto Platform 9 3/4.
The sight of the familiar steam engine, the Hogwarts Express, and the bustling platform filled her with a sense of wonder and confusion. She was in a world of Hogwarts, but it wasn't her original world.
Gwendolyn's eyes widened as she took in the scene. The platform was filled with students and their families, all preparing for the journey to Hogwarts. She noticed subtle differences—faces she didn't recognize, and a slightly altered atmosphere.
Feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation, Gwendolyn approached the train. As she was about to board, she drew curious glances from the students and their parents. Her unique appearance and the confident way she carried herself stood out. Her burgundy hair, molten gold slit eyes, and arms ending in clawed fingers made her a striking figure.
Determined to find a quiet place to collect her thoughts, Gwendolyn moved towards the front of the train. She found an empty compartment and settled in, grateful for the solitude. As she gazed out the window, watching the hustle and bustle of the platform, she reflected on the strange familiarity of this world.
A few students passed by her compartment, stealing curious glances but otherwise avoiding her. The younger students, in particular, seemed wary of her unusual appearance. Gwendolyn couldn't blame them; she knew she looked different and had grown accustomed to such reactions.
As the train whistle blew and the Hogwarts Express began to move, Gwendolyn felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She was on her way to Hogwarts, but it was a Hogwarts that held unknown possibilities and new faces.
The journey was long, and Gwendolyn spent most of it lost in thought, occasionally glancing at the passing countryside. She wondered what differences she might find in this version of Hogwarts and how she would fit into this new world.
When the train finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Gwendolyn stepped off and looked around. The platform was bustling with students, but she knew she needed to find someone who could help her. Spotting Professor Flitwick, she made her way towards him.
"Professor Flitwick," Gwendolyn called out as she approached.
Flitwick turned, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of her. He instantly realized she wasn't one of the students. Given her appearance and the fact she seemed too old, he regarded her with suspicion.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Flitwick asked cautiously.
Gwendolyn nodded, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. "My name is Gwendolyn Grimshaw Gaunt. I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore. It's urgent."
Flitwick's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're not a student here, and you seem quite... unique. How did you come to be on the Hogwarts Express?"
Gwendolyn took a deep breath, her tone earnest. "It's a long story, Professor. But I promise, I mean no harm. I just need to see Dumbledore."
Flitwick studied her for a moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. Follow me. But know that I'll be keeping a close eye on you."
Gwendolyn nodded, grateful for his cooperation. As they made their way through the bustling crowd of students, she felt a mix of relief and anxiety. She was finally going to meet Dumbledore in this world, and she hoped he would understand her situation.
They entered the castle, and the familiar sights and sounds of Hogwarts filled Gwendolyn with a sense of nostalgia. Flitwick led her to Dumbledore's office, where he knocked on the door.
"Come in," Dumbledore's voice called from inside.
Flitwick opened the door and gestured for Gwendolyn to enter. "Professor Dumbledore, this is Gwendolyn Grimshaw Gaunt. She says she needs to speak with you urgently."
Dumbledore looked up from his desk, his eyes twinkling with curiosity but also a hint of wariness. The name "Gaunt" had caught his attention, and the girl before him was unlike any witch he had seen before. She carried an aura of overlapping energies that were both familiar and foreign, and her unique appearance—burgundy hair, molten gold slit eyes, and arms ending in clawed fingers—was striking.
"Thank you, Filius," Dumbledore said, nodding to Flitwick. "You may stay if you wish."
Flitwick gave a short nod and positioned himself by the door, ready to intervene if necessary.
Dumbledore turned his full attention to Gwendolyn. "Miss Gaunt, please have a seat. What brings you to Hogwarts, and how did you come to be on the Hogwarts Express?"
Gwendolyn sat down, her heart pounding. She met Dumbledore's gaze, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. "Professor Dumbledore, I come from another world. A world where Hogwarts exists, but it is different from this one. I've traveled through the void to get here, and I need your help."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. "Another world, you say? That is quite a claim, Miss Gaunt. Can you provide more details about your journey and the reason for your visit?"
Gwendolyn nodded, choosing her words carefully. "I have the ability to travel between worlds through the void. My journey began in a world much like this one, where I attended Hogwarts. Since then, I've visited many different worlds, learning and growing. But now, I find myself here, in need of guidance and assistance."
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "And what is it that you seek, Miss Gaunt? Why come to this Hogwarts?"
"I seek knowledge and perhaps a way to stabilize my journeys," Gwendolyn replied. "The void is unpredictable, and I wish to understand it better. I also hope to find allies who can help me in my quest. Your reputation as a powerful and wise wizard led me to you."
Flitwick, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Her story is extraordinary, Albus. But her surname—Gaunt—raises concerns."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Filius. The Gaunt family has a dark history, one that cannot be ignored."
Gwendolyn took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I am aware of my family's history, Professor. But I am not here to follow in their footsteps. I seek a different path, one of understanding and growth."
Dumbledore studied her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. Finally, he spoke. "Very well, Miss Gaunt. Your journey is indeed unique, and I am willing to offer my assistance. However, you must understand that trust must be earned, especially given your family's past."
Gwendolyn nodded, relief washing over her. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for giving me a chance."
Dumbledore smiled gently. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Gwendolyn Grimshaw Gaunt. We will do everything we can to assist you. In the meantime, consider yourself our guest. You may explore the castle and participate in our classes as you see fit."
Gwendolyn felt a sense of belonging. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."
With a new sense of purpose, Gwendolyn began her time at this new Hogwarts, ready to explore, learn, and continue her journey with the help of the greatest wizard she had ever known.
After the conversation with Dumbledore, Gwendolyn, Flitwick, and the headmaster made their way to the Great Hall for the welcome ceremony. Gwendolyn felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia as she walked through the familiar corridors, the echoes of past memories intertwining with the anticipation of new experiences.
The Great Hall was buzzing with the excited chatter of students. The enchanted ceiling reflected the night sky, filled with twinkling stars. Gwendolyn took a seat at the head table, noticing the curious glances from students and professors alike. She tried to remain calm and composed, knowing that her unique appearance was drawing attention.
The Sorting Hat sat on its stool, waiting to be placed on the heads of the new first years. As the ceremony began, Professor McGonagall called out names, and the young students nervously approached the Sorting Hat.
Gwendolyn watched with interest, feeling a sense of connection to these new students embarking on their own magical journeys. It was during this time that she noticed something unusual—a young girl with dark hair and striking green eyes, who looked remarkably familiar.
"Rose Potter," McGonagall called out.
Gwendolyn's heart skipped a beat. Instead of Harry Potter, this world had Rose Potter. She watched as the young girl confidently walked up to the Sorting Hat and placed it on her head. The hat deliberated for a moment before shouting, "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Rose joined her new housemates. Gwendolyn couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of warmth and admiration for the young girl. She glanced around the table, taking in the sight of the other professors. Her gaze fell on a woman sitting next to Quirrell, a woman she didn't recognize.
The woman had vibrant red hair and a kind, determined expression. Gwendolyn's curiosity was piqued. She leaned towards Flitwick, who was sitting next to her.
"Professor Flitwick, who is that sitting next to Professor Quirrell?" Gwendolyn asked softly.
Flitwick glanced in the direction she indicated. "Oh, that's Professor Lily Potter. She teaches Muggle Studies."
Gwendolyn's eyes widened in shock. "Lily Potter? But in my world, she's supposed to be dead."
Flitwick looked at her with curiosity and concern. "Your world must be quite different then. Here, Lily Potter survived and became a professor."
Gwendolyn's mind raced with this new information. The existence of Lily Potter in this world opened up so many possibilities and questions. She wondered how this change had affected the course of events and what other differences existed between the worlds.
As the Sorting Ceremony continued, Gwendolyn found herself lost in thought, contemplating the implications of these differences. After the ceremony, Dumbledore stood up to address the students.
"Welcome, students, to another year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began, his voice resonating through the hall. "We have a special guest with us this year, Gwendolyn Grimshaw Gaunt. She will be staying with us for some time, and I hope you will all make her feel welcome."
There were murmurs of curiosity and interest from the students. Gwendolyn gave a small wave, feeling the weight of their gazes.
As the feast began, Gwendolyn turned her attention back to the head table. She watched Lily Potter interact with the other professors, her heart heavy with emotions. The presence of Lily Potter alive and well in this world was both a comfort and a reminder of the different paths life could take.
After the feast, as the students began to file out of the Great Hall, Gwendolyn approached Dumbledore. "Professor, may I speak with you privately?"
Dumbledore nodded, his expression understanding. "Of course, Miss Gaunt. Follow me."
They made their way to Dumbledore's office, where Gwendolyn could speak freely. Once inside, Dumbledore gestured for her to take a seat.
"I noticed Professor Lily Potter tonight," Gwendolyn began, her voice tinged with awe and confusion. "In my world, she died protecting her son. How is she alive here?"
Dumbledore nodded, his eyes compassionate. "Yes, Lily Potter's survival is one of the many differences between your world and ours. In this world, she managed to survive the attack by Voldemort, and her daughter, Rose Potter, has been a beacon of hope and resilience."
Gwendolyn took a deep breath, processing this information. "It's incredible. And Rose... she seems so strong."
"She is," Dumbledore agreed. "Much like her mother. This world has its own challenges and triumphs, just as yours does."
Gwendolyn nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Professor. I'll do my best to learn from this world and contribute in any way I can."
Dumbledore smiled warmly. "I have no doubt you will, Miss Gaunt. Welcome to Hogwarts. I look forward to seeing the impact you'll have here."
As Gwendolyn left Dumbledore's office, she felt a sense of hope and determination. She had much to learn and discover in this new world, and she was ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. With her heart full of curiosity and resolve, Gwendolyn walked the familiar corridors of Hogwarts, ready to embrace her new beginning.