A Jinx to Treasure

Summary: No this is not a Mary Sue, and the character ISN’T me. And if something of me does leak into it, sorry, when you write, the more you identify with the character, the easier they become to develop and so on… Anyway, this was conceived when I was playing my sisters Harry Potter play station game and I developed a severe hate towards many of the teachers in the game itself. (Particularly Hooch, Filch coming in second. That damn woman was irritating!) And at this one part Filch kept catching me… As well as Mrs. Norris, (Damn evil son-of-a-bitch) and throwing me back… So I wanted suitable revenge. And this was made... Oh well... This is partly humor, general, and a slightly serious/romantic story. (Between the teacher and either Remus or Snape, I think I’m gonna let Remus play matchmaker… (Not sure yet) Though romance won’t hit for a while. If it encourages you to read any, Mrs. Norris is going to finally get her just desserts and gets kicked down a flight of stairs later on… (Like SO MANY of the students wished in Book one… It’s true! Read it carefully sometime!) By the by, Dumbledore is based off what he was more like in the book, and how I had pictured him.

A Jinx to Treasure

Chapter 1

Lilliana Jinx

Lilliana Jinx adjusted her carry on bag that read ‘Labyrinth’, and sighed in frustration once more as she read her golden ticket.

"I’ve got a golden ticket," she hummed, "I’ve got golden ticket, and I am lost..." she sung the rest, diverging from the actual words of the song. "Uncle Albus, I’m going to murder you when I figure out where the hell the damn train is!" she muttered under her breath.

Lilliana was newly turned twenty and a very advanced student. She had graduated high school at fifteen, and then went on to college, and graduated a year early because she had taken challenging and advanced courses, and extra classes. Along with three languages, she had a minor in teaching, and two majors, one in sociology and the other in world history. She also had minor training in acting, biology, English, and mathematics. And as summer had hit, she had finally been able to see her Uncle Albus who had finally visited after five years.

She would have seen him every year normally, but she was always taking summer classes so she could graduate all the more sooner. And because she had finally finished her schooling, she was finally allowed a summer of actual peace.

Albus had originally intended on staying only a week, but instead, he ended up staying three. And, he had, as a bonus, given her a mountain of books, (though her parents were unaware of this fact) to read. And so she had, and five days before he left, at the dinner table he asked her if she would come and join him at his school as a teacher.

Her parents seemed thrilled by the idea, knowing he was the headmaster of a school, (though he had failed to mention much else about it) she was sure to get a good start off to her career. The next morning, still unsure of her answer, he had promised her a heap more of books upon her arrival if she did come to teach, and within a heartbeat the scale of doubt had been tipped undeniably towards teaching rugrats... at least, she hoped they were. God forbid she ever have to teach teenagers. It was bad enough she looked, and quite often was mistaken for, a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, but to be surrounded by people who would doubt, and possibly defy her authority, was a humiliating thought to say the least.

So during the remaining time she had, she carefully began arranging lessons, homework and plans on how to teach this class, he said it would be like a world studies class. Ok, that was fine with her, but why did he want her reading that damn biased book about ‘Muggles’? If she was correct in reading what she had read, Muggles were ‘non - magic’ people and it was slightly degrading. In the biography it was said that the writer was a wizard. So what did this fantasy book have to do with her class? Not having a clue as to how it was related she had quickly given it up as a practical joke and shrugged it off easily.

Though, honestly, teaching seemed a bit harder then what she had expected. Syllabus’, teacher meetings, rules, regulations… It was all quite dizzyingly confusing. And to tell the honest truth, she almost felt too lazy to complete all her work.

On the day he had left he had taken her bags with him as well as his own, saying everything would be set up when she arrived at Hogwarts. Odd name that, she thought to herself as she walked on, eyes solely on her ticket, and she sighed. She could have sworn her ticket had said:

Hogwarts Express

Friday:

September 1, 1995

11:00 A.M.

Platform 9 3/4

But now it read:

Hogwarts Express

Saturday:

September 9, 1995

11:30 P.M.

Platform 9 ¾

But it couldn’t have changed, she must have just misread... So here she was, at King’s Cross Station, lost, with no clue how to find platform nine and three quarters. She let out an irritated sigh, it had been a long trip traveling from grand old California to London… A very long tiring trip. She was hardly in the mood to put up with- Her thoughts were cut short as she heard a train whistle blow loudly. She whipped her head up in shock to see a red, black, and golden train before her. The words; ‘Hogwarts Express’ elaborately written on the side. The clock above read eleven twenty five.

(The poor dear walked right through and past the magical wall without realizing it.)

Ah! Here she was! She saw several men loading packages onto the train so deciding they might be able to help, she ran over to them.

"Umm, excuse me sir, but this train does go to the School Hogwarts correct?"

One of the older men with blonde hair lifted his brown eyes to look at her, "Why indeed it does, just go over to that door over there, and I’m sure you’ll find an empty compartment, no one on this train except supplies and a couple of owls. Though I must admit, you’re a week late, school term started LAST week, I doubt your teachers will be very happy." With that he went back to work and she walked off muttering to herself

"Owls?" she blinked confused, "Teachers? School term? I’m NOT a student! All right then..." she then climbed aboard. She settled into the last car on the train and opened her pack and put her headphones on her ears, and within two songs of Dead Or Alive, the train was speeding off. An hour later, she was fast asleep.

~*~

Six and a half hours later she was rudely informed they had arrived. And not by any person mind you, but by the fact she had been thrown into the other cushioned bench across from her, and ended up in the middle of the isle of the compartment as it jerked to a sudden stop, her bag landing painfully on top of her.

"Oww.... The pain... I can’t feel my seventh vertebrae..." she gingerly stood up and gathered her things, and then almost drunkenly walked to the nearest exit. One could hardly blame her, considering it was six-thirty in the morning. As she stepped down she was greeted by a cheery woman unloading a cart.

"Oh my, you all right, dearie? I must say our new conductor isn’t very skilled yet, but he’s gotten better at his stops."

Lilliana almost feared to imagine what one of his ‘worse’ stops were like, "I’m just fine... How do I get to Hogwarts?"

"Oh, you walk through Hogsmeade and then another mile and you’re there at the castle. It’s only a mile and a half, you can apparate partly there, but not onto the grounds, mind you. It’s one straight path, honestly. Well, good luck to you." she then pushed the cart to the little cottage-like ticket area. Lilliana sighed and began walking towards the town the woman had pointed to.

The moment her foot stepped onto Hogsmeade ground, a torrential downpour with a strong wind, decided to start then and there. Her face went from shock, to anger very quickly. Her brown eyes narrowed as her chestnut hair was drenched straight.

"The things I do for you uncle Albus," she muttered darkly, once more plotting her uncles demise.. And then began her very long walk towards the castle in the distance.

What would have been a half-hour leisurely stroll turned into an hours-long walk through hell, and a muddy hell at that! Her white socks and sneakers were now a dark brown, with the added bonus of the disgusting squishing feeling each time one of her feet hit the ground. Her white jeans were also splattered with mud. Unfortunately, none of these items offered, or gave, her warmth whatsoever, and her black leather jacket was covering her head and backpack. So, when she finally hit the looming gates, she pushed them open and they slammed behind her as she walked on up the muddy path. Not noticing the boars on the pillars that moved ever so slightly, not really noticing any of the unusual things one should have.

Unfortunately, half way to the entrance doors she slipped and landed on her knees and hands painfully. "Oh, fuck a duck!" she cried out angrily. She stood up, picked up her fallen jacket, wiped her hands on her jeans (as it seemed it didn’t matter anymore, they were all ready muddy), and placed her jacket over her arm, she then stalked up to the doors, murmuring to herself; "Albus Dumbledore, you are going to pay dearly for this..."

Her numb fingers gripped the iron handle and she pulled, and to her surprise the door gave a protesting creak, as if it was being awoke too early in the morning to open for her, and moved two feet in. Walking in, she slammed the door shut, and turned to face what seemed to be a large hall. She stood there for a moment, silent, angry, and wondering what she was going to do next. Stalking up the main stairs she made her way up the steps, as she went left, across the way on the wall, she spotted a plaque which read: ‘The Great Hall’. Opening the door she walked in, to be greeted by about fifteen students eating their breakfast.

There were four long tables and way ahead of them, and a table that was shaped like a square ‘u’. A girl with bushy brown hair and wearing dark robes stood up in surprise; "May I help you?"

"Take me to Albus Dumbledore, right now." she growled out ominously.

"I’m sorry but the teachers are in a school meet-"

"NOW," Lilliana stated again.

"Err... All right."

Ignoring the stares from the rest of the students, and keeping what little pride and dignity she had left, she followed the young girl through several hallways and two staircases. "They’re through that door to the left in the teachers council discussing school plans. To get in there you’re going to need a-"

Before she could finish Lilliana went to the door turned the knob and opened it, stiffly walking in a step.

"- -Password... Never mind... I think I’m going to go now, you seem to have found it...." She trailed off before backing away.

Lilliana glared into the room full of teachers, as they looked to her shocked, surprised and astounded.

The teachers (all but Dumbledore) gaped as they looked at this soaked child. How on earth had she gotten in? Dumbledore on the other hand fought valiantly to keep a straight face.

"UNCLE ALBUS!" she growled out.

"My dear! It’s so good to see you again! I’d ask how your trip went, but I’m afraid that your appearance speaks volumes for itself," he said sweetly.

"I went through an hour long walk through a heavy non-stop downpour -- through mud, a crazy village called ‘Hogsmeat’ or whatever -- I slip in the mud, and all you have to say is that?!" She spit out irately.

"Well, I could always ask why you’re eight days late," he replied with a smile, and a twinkle in his eye.

Lilliana nearly blushed, she didn’t wish to tell him the reason she was late was because she had spent an extra day or two in London, but then again, her ticket HAD said to take the train THIS Friday…

"You know this child?" Minerva asked skeptically.

Snape looked the girl up and down with raised eyebrows as he searched his mind, and came up with a definite answer. She wasn’t a student here that was for sure. Was she new, or simply a visitor?

"Why of course, everyone, this is my niece, Lilliana Jinx -- Lilliana, I suppose it is only polite to introduce you to all of my, and soon to be your, colleagues," he chuckled.

"Colleagues? She looks like only a wee mite ‘ter me," said Hagrid.

"I’m not a ‘wee mite’! I turned twenty today!" she snapped irritably, glaring daggers at him now. Snape and Remus and the rest of the staff blinked, surprised. Twenty years old?

"Why, you’re right, well you’re due for a happy birthday, then. Well, happy birthday, Lilliana. I’m afraid I have bought you nothing at this time," Albus answered.

"Thanks," she snarled. "You can start by buying me new clothes."

"I would agree, Albus, she is quite wet. You might wish to put on a jacket, dear," Remus said gently.

She looked at him, and then looked down, and blushing slightly crossed her arms over her chest, "Pervert," she muttered.

Remus stuttered surprised, "N-no-- I wasn’t look-- I mean I didn’t mea-- Bu-but I-" his stutters were cut off by Albus’ chuckling, and Snape throwing him an evil smirk. "I wasn’t- -" he sighed and stared at the paper in front of him.

"Well, do shut the door dear, there is a chair for you to sit on, as it is wooden I’m sure it is all right if it gets a bit moist," the large rectangular shape table was filled with teachers, the left end of it being the only open space. "Now then, this is Professor Sprout, she teaches Herbology," he gestured to a dumpy woman with red hair, gray hairs decorating it every once in a while, she was wearing green robes, "And this, is Hagrid Rubeus, he teaches Care of Magical Creatures." Lilliana looked to the man who was on the opposite end of the table and raised an eyebrow. He was huge compared to normal men, and what did he mean by ‘magical creatures’?

"This is Minerva McGonagall, she teaches transfiguration," Albus gestured to an older woman with a strict looking face, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bun.

"Transfiguration? Do you mean computer-morph drawings? I’d like to see that." At the stares she received, Lilliana wondered if she had blundered in her guessing.

"Not quite, eh-- this is Professor Flitwick, he teaches charms," Lilliana had to keep herself from staring at the odd man -- he looked very old, and had she believed in magic, she would have thought him to be a goblin, but she swiftly decided he was just a dwarf. "I’m afraid Professor Binns is not here, but he will be soon enough -- he had a few things to do. This is Professor Remus Lupin, he teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. We could not find a trustworthy teacher for it and I decided to have him come back instead of chancing another problem," he smiled. "He is a good teacher, as are they all, and this," he gestured to a man with chin length black hair, a well-defined face, and black eyes, "Is Professor Severus Snape. He teaches potions."

"Is that like science?" she turned to him. Snape arched an eyebrow and answered with a strange accent, "Hardly."

As Albus introduced the rest of the staff members he finally turned back to her, "Lilliana will be teaching Muggles Study. She is well prepared, I should think, for such a task."

"Will I be teaching children?" she asked.

"Almost everyone here is a child," Albus answered.

"What grade level uncle?" She clarified.

"First through seventh years," he answered.

"You mean first graders?"

"No dear, first years are eleven year-olds, they are the equivalent to sixth graders."

Lilliana’s eyes widened and she visibly slumped, "Oh... peachy," she muttered darkly, her nose lightly crinkling in distress.

"We are divided into four houses, as well as the teachers. Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor."

"Which house will I be in?"

"Well, I’m afraid you won’t have one. Your house is given to you the day you attend Hogwarts as a first year, dear."

"So I’m going to be an outcast?" she replied somewhat shocked and hurt.

"No of course not," Albus was quick to assure her.

"But I won’t belong anywhere uncle, and that means I’ll be alone in that manner..." she gave him a piteous look and he sighed.

"Lilly, do not even try that look on me, you know it won’t work." he said softly, giving her a mildly stern look.

"But uncle- -" she said sadly, eyes pleading.

"No- -"

"But- -"

"You cannot be placed dear - - had you attended-" Albus started, but was quickly interrupted.

"I didn’t know this place existed until a month ago, uncle!" Lilliana protested.

The teachers raised their eyebrows at the scene unfolding before them, several of them were surprised at the comment that she hadn’t even known that Hogwarts had existed, and wondered if she was as prepared to teach as Dumbledore had claimed. Snape was among those people.

"Please uncle, it would make me feel better -- it cant be that hard to place me!" she pouted lightly, her lower lip sticking out slightly and her eyes taking on an innocent, please-pity-me, look. And to their surprise, it seemed to be working!

"Don’t you dare give me that look, young lady! Last time I agreed to that pout was five years ago, and I ended up staying an extra week at your house... and buying you several new books and a biology kit."

"But it was for school. And besides, I wanted to spend time with my favorite uncle," she smiled sweetly.

"I’m your only uncle," he pointed out.

"Details," she shrugged. At this point Remus ended up chuckling, along with several of the other teachers. "Please, uncle? I did agree, at sudden notice... and besides, I’ll feel separated..." she wheedled trailing off, as her lower lip trembled lightly, to add to the piteous gaze she was giving her uncle.

Dumbledore’s sigh went through the room as he muttered, "Fine, Lilliana! You win! But don’t blame me if the sorting hat does not sort you out!" he warned firmly. "I hope you all don’t mind about this momentary distraction- -"

"Not at all-" laughed Hagrid, highly amused by the interaction between uncle and niece.

"You are lucky, Lilliana -- normally the sorting hat is not anywhere other then my office; but by sheer chance, I left it in here after the sorting." He pulled out a worn pointed hat that was patched in places and she blinked. Her mother would never have allowed that within ten feet of the house, let alone on her daughters own head.

"Sorting hat? What is it? Is it like a ‘Magic 8’ ball?" Lilliana inquired.

"A magic what?" Snape asked, confused at the reference.

"A plastic eight ball... you shake it," she made the shaking gesture, "And then flip it over, and read the answer." she made the flipping-over motions with her hands, then placed them back in her lap.

"Not quite," Albus answered in amusement. "Now please sit still." He placed the hat on top of her head and all of a sudden she heard a voice begin talking.

"Hmmm," it said aloud. She blinked, wondering if it was a mechanical hat...

"Plenty of bravery,

Daring and nerve,

I see you would make a good Gryffindor.

You are a very good worker,

Brave and loyal I see.

So a Hufflepuff you could also be.

You’re a fast learner,

You have plenty of wit,

So into Ravenclaw you just might fit.

But you also use trickery and cunning means,

To get the things you need,

As we have seen,

So into Slytherin you may succeed.

Now here’s the problem,

and I do not jest,

Where in Hogwarts would you fit best?"

Lilliana sat there surprised as the hat went into rhyme. ‘What on earth?’ she wondered to herself. She waited for more and finally tried peeking out from under the hat, but it was too large, and she ended up merely lifting the flap. What she saw before her confused her to no end. Most of the teachers looked stunned -- Snape was frowning, and Albus’ face showed bewilderment.

"Is that what it always says, uncle?" she asked curiously.

Hagrid shook his head, "Never in all me time ‘ere, have I heard somethin’ like that come out of that hat! ‘Cept that time when Harry put it on, but that was only between two houses, and at least it gave an answer-"

The hat then spoke after it’s five minute silence:

"Albus Dumbledore,

I cannot decide,

In which of the houses,

This girl should reside.

In the hundreds of years,

Since I was made,

Not one child has stumped me,

Like this one today.

So I shall suggest,

If we’re to be fair,

She needs time to learn,

Then she can choose where."

That brought on even more looks of astonishment, and a couple of low murmurs. She then felt a gentle tug and the hat was removed from her head.

"What does it mean, uncle? Is your mechanical hat broken?" she asked, a bit worried.

"Lilliana, this isn’t mechanical, and it is far from broken. It is more surprised, and confused, then anything else. You’ll just have no house then, I’m afraid. I did warn you," he reminded her gently.

"But-- wait, it’s not mechanical? How was it talking, then?" She looked at her uncle suspiciously.

"My dear the hat lives by magic," came the easy reply.

"Are you pulling my leg?" But, at the serious look he gave her, her own look went confused, "But uncle, there’s no such thing as mag- -" Severus’ lips went tight, and Remus let in a breath as they, and the rest of the teachers, slowly realized this... girl, had no idea about their world.

At that moment, it was then Professor Binns’ ghostly body floated into the room. Lilliana’s eyes went wide at the sight, and she opened her mouth in shock, as he spoke in a slow boring drawl, "So sorry I was late. I was behind in my work—"

"WHAT IN THE THIRTEEN HELLS IS THAT?!" she cried out, jumping up.

"That is Professor Binns -- he’s the history teacher... and a ghost—"

"But they- but he- but you- magic- -" her mind, going into mental overload, did the only thing it could think of doing at this point. It went into shut down. She then collapsed to the floor in an unconscious heap.

~*~