HP: The Servant Queen

The water carried us, shifting from the vast openness of the lake to a grand structure hidden beneath its surface. A castle, luminous and ethereal, rose from the depths, its towers woven with shimmering light. Coral and crystal adorned the walls, and the water itself flowed through open archways, bringing life and movement to the silent halls.

"This is my home," the Lady said, leading me forward. "And now, it shall be yours."

I followed in awe, my feet finding solidity where none should exist. Though submerged, the air was clear, and I could breathe freely. Magic pulsed through every stone, every surface humming with an unseen energy.

We passed through grand corridors where figures moved with grace, their robes flowing like the currents around them. Some bowed their heads in greeting, while others studied me with curious, knowing eyes.

"These are the Keepers," the Lady explained. "Scholars, mages, and guardians of the old ways. They tend to the castle, the waters, and the knowledge contained within."

One of them, a tall woman with deep blue eyes, stepped forward. "A new apprentice?" she asked, her voice lilting like the tides.

The Lady tilted her head in greeting. "Ah, hello, my dear Nadia. Taking a break from your new project in creating artificial dragon tears? And yes, this is Lady Genevieve. She will be learning under my guidance."

The woman, Nadia, gave me an appraising look before inclining her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you, young Genevieve. I wish you well in your studies."

I curtsied in return, old habits dying hard. "And to you as well, Lady Nadia."

As we moved deeper into the castle, the Lady showed me vast libraries where books rested within bubbles of air, gardens where glowing plants thrived in the water's embrace, and training halls where figures shaped the currents with their hands, bending them to their will.

Finally, we reached a chamber where a soft light emanated from the crystal lights above the ceiling. "Here, is your sleeping chambers," the Lady said. "This is where you can have your alone time and the like."

I stepped forward, my heart pounding. I had been given a new life, a new purpose. And for the first time in forever, I felt truly free.

The Lady gestured toward a polished silver dresser and a flowing bed woven from seafoam and iridescent threads. "You will find robes befitting an apprentice inside. Rest now, for tomorrow your training begins."

With that, she turned and left me alone in my chambers. I walked to the dresser, running my fingers over the intricate carvings of swirling waves before opening it. Inside, silken robes in shades of deep blue and shimmering silver awaited me.

Tomorrow, my journey would begin.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next morning, I was awakened by a soft chime, the sound vibrating through the water as if carried by an unseen current. It was time.

I dressed in the apprentice robes laid out for me, their fabric light and flowing like woven moonlight. As I stepped out of my chamber, the water seemed to guide me, the currents gently nudging me forward through the corridors.

The castle was unlike anything I had ever seen. Its grand halls were built of stone laced with shimmering veins of silver and emerald, their high archways stretching toward a ceiling of water. Sunlight filtered through the lake above, casting shifting ripples of light upon the polished marble floors. Vines of luminous sea flora climbed the pillars, their delicate tendrils waving in the water's gentle current.

The Lady awaited me in a vast, open hall where beams of light filtered through domed skylights of glass and carved coral. She stood beside a large stone platform, upon which intricate runes glowed faintly.

"Magic is not just power, Genevieve," she began. "It is discipline, knowledge, and understanding." She gestured to the runes. "You must first learn the foundation—language, sigils, and control."

She handed me a small stone tablet etched with symbols. "Each rune has meaning. These are the building blocks of magic. Before you wield the water's power, you must understand its voice."

She pressed her hands together, and a stream of water coiled into the air, forming symbols before dispersing. "Your first task is to replicate this. Not through force, but by guiding the water with your will."

I took a deep breath and extended my hand. The water wavered, shifting uncertainly. I furrowed my brow, focusing on the sigils in my mind, and tried again.

Slowly, tentatively, the water began to respond.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Time passed differently beneath the lake. Decades blurred into centuries as I trained under the Lady of the Lake's watchful eye. She taught me the secrets of elemental magic, how to weave illusions, and the intricacies of ancient runes. I tamed spirits, battled wraiths, and grew into my power until even the depths of Avalon could no longer challenge me.

Then, after 490 years, the Lady summoned me for the last time.

"My dear," she said, her voice both proud and sorrowful, "there is nothing more I can teach you."

I looked at her, understanding settling in my chest. My time in Avalon had come to an end.

"You will attend Hogwarts," she continued. "By now, it should be the year 1991, you shall enter as a first-year student. There is a trace of the Holy Grail within those halls, but I sense a dark magic stirring in Britain."

With a gentle motion of her hands, she cast an ancient spell. My body shimmered, years unraveling until I appeared as an eleven-year-old girl once more.

The Lady knelt before me, pressing her hands against my shoulders. "Secure the Holy Grail from evil hands, my dear. And if possible, eliminate the one who dared tamper with the balance of nature."

I bowed my head. "As you wish, Viviane."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When I emerged from Avalon for the first time in centuries, the world outside struck me like a sudden, freezing wave. Kirion, an elder fey I bonded with over the centuries, and I arrived through an ancient, hidden portal that had long since been forgotten by mortals. The moment I stepped through, my body felt light, unmoored by the familiar weight of the lake's magic. The air smelled different—earthy, full of scents both foreign and familiar. The wind carried distant whispers of human civilization, something I had not sensed in lifetimes.

Kirion had been prepared for our departure. Using her magic, she acquired a secluded estate hidden deep within the countryside, far from prying eyes. The estate was vast, surrounded by thick woodlands and, most importantly, a grand, serene lake—one that would allow us to remain in contact with Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. The manor itself was old, its stone walls covered in ivy, with sprawling halls and grand fireplaces that filled the space with warmth. The moment I stepped inside, I felt overwhelmed by the stillness of it all.

For the first month, every aspect of the outside world felt alien to me. My new, smaller body moved differently, unfamiliar and clumsy compared to the honed grace I had possessed before. My hands, once steady with centuries of practiced spellwork, trembled slightly as I relearned simple tasks. My voice, softer, lighter, carried none of the authority it once had.

The mortal world had changed in ways I had not anticipated. The cities bustled with strange, loud contraptions. Magic was hidden, suppressed beneath the ordinary lives of mortals. I watched the world from the estate's window, an observer rather than a participant, trying to adjust to a life I had abandoned centuries ago.

Kirion did her best to help me adjust. She guided me through the simple, everyday things I had forgotten—eating mortal food, dressing in modern attire, learning to speak as an eleven-year-old girl rather than an ageless sorceress. It was frustrating, humiliating even, but I knew it was necessary. To succeed at Hogwarts, I had to become this new version of myself.

Then, one morning, a gentle tapping at the window caught my attention. A snow-white owl perched outside, a letter clutched in its beak. I opened the window, and the owl fluttered in, dropping the envelope onto my lap before nudging my hand eagerly.

I smiled, running my fingers through its feathers. The owl hooted in delight before taking off, leaving me alone with the letter.

The seal of Hogwarts gleamed in the morning light.

Taking a deep breath, I broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment.

Dear Miss Lake,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl no later than July 31st.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall Deputy Headmistress

I read the letter again, my fingers tightening around the edges. The reality of it all settled deep in my bones. This was no longer just a mission. It was the beginning of something unknown, something I could never have foreseen.

I exhaled and looked toward Kirion, who observed me, a knowing smirk plastered on her beautiful face, her arms crossed as she leaned casually against the door. 

"Well," she said, folding her arms, "shall we begin preparing for school?"

I clutched the letter to my chest, my heart pounding with anticipation.

"Yes," I whispered. "Let's go tomorrow."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The morning sun warmed my face as Kirion and I sat in the sunlit parlor of our estate, examining the shopping list that had arrived with the acceptance letter.

"Three sets of work robes, a wand, books, a cauldron, brass scales..." I read aloud, my fingers trailing over the parchment.

Kirion, lounging gracefully in an armchair, smirked. "Sounds like a standard kit for young witches and wizards. We'll need to visit Diagon Alley."

My stomach twisted with anticipation. I had heard of the legendary shopping district from books and whispers of the outside world, but to step foot in it myself? To interact with mortals as one of them? The thought was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

Kirion noticed my hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on mine. "You'll be fine. This is just another step in your journey."

With that, we prepared for the day. I dressed in modest robes to blend in with the crowd, my hair tied neatly behind me. Kirion used her magic to disguise her ethereal glow, ensuring we would not attract undue attention.

We used a magical gateway concealed within our estate to travel to London, stepping out into the bustling, mundane streets. The contrast between this world and Avalon was staggering. The streets pulsed with life, with people rushing past, unaware of the hidden world that coexisted beside them.

Following Kirion's lead, we made our way to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was dimly lit, filled with murmured conversations and the scent of old wood and aged ale. At the back, Kirion tapped the appropriate brick in the wall, and with a whisper of magic, the entrance to Diagon Alley unfolded before us.

The sight was overwhelming. Stalls lined the streets, witches and wizards bustled about, and the sheer magic in the air was palpable. My fingers itched to explore, to take in every detail.

"First stop, Gringotts," Kirion said. "You'll need wizarding currency."

I nodded, forcing myself to focus. One step at a time. This was just another lesson—one that would prepare me for the even greater challenges ahead.

As we entered the grand, towering marble halls of Gringotts, goblins eyed us with keen interest. Kirion approached the nearest teller, her voice confident. "We need to access a vault."

I stepped beside her, my gaze darting around the cavernous space. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. The goblin grunted and motioned for us to follow, leading us toward the carts that would take us into the depths of the bank.

As the cart began its descent, I held onto the edge tightly, feeling the wind rush past my face. My heart pounded—not out of fear, but exhilaration. The wizarding world was opening before me, and this was only the beginning.