Chapter Text
It was roughly the middle of summer just after her first year, the sun was high and everything seemed perfectly normal. Daphne Greengrass-with the approval of her parents-had finally been able to drag her sister out in a little get together with her friends. Astoria grumbled at having to walk around Diagon Alley, but Daphne had insisted afterall. She claimed that “her little sister had spent all summer cooped up” and “She needed some sun.”
Daphne had hoped, of course, that it would in some way alleviate the stresses on everyone's part. However, everyone knew Astoria had been growing weaker. It may be that Astoria just needed some sun, and that she would get better in time.
So with promises she would watch her little sister, and that they’d meet at the little ice cream shop in 2 hours. Daphne yanked her sister’s sleeve giving her a tour around Diagon Alley for school supplies and meeting up with Pansy Parkison and Millicent Bulstrode. They had all received their letters a few days prior, and were too excited to wait anymore on their next adventure.
The group decided to call it a day after they had passed Lucius and Draco Malfoy coming out of Flourish and Botts. Draco greeted them with grit teeth as he grumbled about “Famous Potter” inside.
Daphne peered around the doorway, no way was she bringing her sister in that crowded mess. Diagon alley was already a nightmare today, but the day had already worked out well enough. It was only a matter of time before they were blocked by something, and she supposed that the “something” being a grouchy Draco wasn’t so bad. But all good things must come to an end, as Daphne guided her group away, Astoria was lagging behind. Daphne took note of where her friends were as they weaved through the crowd, she spun around to check for Astoria. Her little sister had a dazed look, her eyes drooping, attempting to fight the sleep that threatened their fun, her skin paler as well. Daphne panicked, “I think we should head back.” She said, though it didn’t seem like it was to anyone particular as she had already begun leading Astoria to the meeting point.
And perhaps it was the bustling crowd, the excitement of being here after being confined so long. Maybe the headache that was forming from the crowded space, or the bump itself. Or, perhaps it was simply Astoria losing time she so desperately wanted.
Upon their arrival, it all seemed to happen so fast. They spotted their parents, dashing over as Astoria dropped behind her. The world seemed to move in a blurr. Her parents ran up screaming for their little daughter. Daphne clutched onto the limp form of her only sister. With a bit of spell work and reassurance that Daphne didn’t quite believe were true, the family made it to a floo point. Suddenly the smell of antiseptics and the sobs of her mother seemed to be the only thing in the world.
...
Astoria Greengrass, the healers concluded, could put Harry Potter surviving the killing curse a run for his money. All the odds were against her, she shouldn’t have made it through the night. But by morning, there was her faint heartbeat and the small rise and fall of her chest. Astoria would live it would seem.
It was another mystery they would have to add to: children surviving things they shouldn’t have. Because Astoria had died during the night, their wards went off, claiming that there was no beat, no breath. Even stranger, when she woke up a few days later, she had no recollection of who she was.
It started off normally-or as normal as you could get with a child that had seemingly survived her ugly fate-Astoria’s eyes fluttered, adjusting to the sunlight that crept along her bed. First it began with a twitch, moving each of her fingers then her toes. And finally, the slow rise, taking in the sight of her room. It looked like any other room, you almost couldn’t tell it was a hospital room if it wasn’t for her gown, and the adult that lay slumped over the couch in the corner of the room. She blinked, she had no idea where she was.
The healer had luckily come in, saving her from any further confusion. Except her mercy hadn’t lasted long, the healer had looked at the clipboard hanging from the bed. She glanced up every now and then at Astoria.
“Right.” She pulled out her wand. “I’m just going to run a quick diagnostic.” Astoria nodded, her eyes fixated on the wand, then at the healer. She was tall, with blond hair tied neatly in a bun. Her clothing wasn’t…usual, it was all Astoria could really say about it. If the wand didn’t set off alarms than her confusion with her clothes certainly did. It was like being flung in the past, in a past that was full of magic.
The healer ran her wand over her body, checking up and down. Astoria took this moment to glance at the figure on the couch. A man was sprawled out, his blanket half fallen off from his shuffling, when it completely fell, he jolted awake.
“Oh good you’re awake.” The healer mumbled
The man’s face softened, when he met Astoria’s eyes. Walking over to get a better view as the healer finished. She began explaining the current situation to both of them. Astoria had a relapse, they didn’t know what caused it exactly. She was getting better after all, it seemed unfair to pin the blame on one outing, causation doesn’t always mean correlation. The healer finished explaining the kind of schedule she would be put on, something about potions, exercise, not over extending herself,eating habits and other bits. It was a lot of information to take in, especially for someone who just woke up, especially for someone who was probably not in her own world.
And then finally, “Any questions?” she asked
Astoria perked up, “Yes! Um, where am I?” The world froze
“Astoria… you’re at St.Mungo’s dear” The man next to her replied.
Panic set in for Astoria, “P-Pardon?”
The man frowned, “Astoria?” He bagan.
This time she glanced at the healer, hoping for some explanation.
The healer muttered a spell, and ran her wand on Astoria again, this time keeping it aimed at her head. Another diagnosis paper appeared next to her, she took the paper and compared it to her earlier examination “Now that’s interesting…”
“What is? What is wrong with my daughter?”
“It didn’t appear earlier since I wasn’t quite worried about her mental state. But, there is no sign of memory loss. But something happened, I just can’t explain it.” She handed the paper to, what Astoria now presumed is her father.
“The best I can put it is…” she paused for a moment, “It’s like everything is jumbled. But what confuses me is her blood curse shouldn’t be able to do this. At least I don’t think so…” Her voice trailed off, her mind already putting pieces, clues, or ideas in an attempt to explain just what happened to little Astoria Greengrass last night.
“What's the last thing you remember?” her dad finally asked.
Astoria gave a nervous chuckle, “That's funny you should ask….” Her voice was not her own. Higher and childlike compared to before.
Sparing no time the healer jumped onto another question, “Do you know who you are?”
“Uh…Astoria? That's what he said right?” Her eyes jumped back and forth from the man and the healer, hoping that was the right answer.
“Last name?”
A shrug sufficed, but it wasn’t what they were hoping for.
“Birthday?”
Again, no response.
It went on like that for a good 5 more minutes till finally the healer concluded, “Right…I think we should keep you here for observation for a while.”
The man opened his mouth, but closed it when he glanced at Astoria again. The healer adjusted a few things around the room before speaking once more, “Mr. Greengrass I’d like to speak to you outside for a moment.”
“Yes of course.” He stood up, and promptly followed the healer out.
“Greengrass? ” Astoria gasped as they left. She reached over grabbing the clipboard the healer had left on the end of the bed.
Sure enough she is Astoria Greengrass, 2nd daughter to Edmund and Caroline Greengrass. Age 10, a witch who will be going to Hogwarts with her sister Daphne next year. The most important thing on that board however, was the information brought up from her blood curse. She poured over the whole board, making sure to memorize any and all information before the door opened once more.
This time, 2 more people came in following the healer and her father once again. They crowded around her bed each giving her pitying looks.
...
They had spent the next few days, as Astoria was recovering, spending time with her (new) family. Daphne would ramble about anything and everything, reaccustoming her sister to her new life. She especially loved talking about her previous year at Hogwarts. It was funny to watch her go through the stages of grief at Slytherin losing the house cup to Gryfindors. Astoria would ask questions, getting hints and the like of the happenings of the world. Her parents were more subtle, feeding information to Astoria. They seemed to tiptoe around her, as if she’d break any moment, Astoria liked them regardless, they were nice and just wanted the best for their daughter. They explained more about the world, offering books and newspapers to at the very least occupy herself with. It also helped that whenever she read, she was able to ask them to explain something she didn’t understand. The wizarding world was fascinating, it was her world now after all.
It took a week for Astoria to be set free-free being a loose word as she was put back to her confinement once more, just in the comfort of her own home. Her new home was so unfamiliar, and especially strange. When her parents were busy, house elves would leave food for her. Seeing them face to face was a jarring experience. Their rubbery appearance, big eyes and ears which offset their lanky body. In some odd way the house elves were charming. There was no reason to mistreat them, but they walked on eggshells when they did see her, and it was getting rather annoying. It was much like her parent’s behavior. The tone of the elves were offset with the decor of the Greengrass Manor. Everything seemed better, as Astoria would pass hallways and up and down the stairs. Pictures would wave to her, and she would wave back. Her parent’s would sometimes catch her in conversation with a few older paintings in the library. Her parents were afraid she was lonely, but the paintings simply reassured her she was curious. No harm in that.
Regardless, once Astoria had finally settled in, she had come to the conclusion one night that yes, she did in fact get reincarnated. The world she was living in, regardless of it being written as fiction, was hers now and it was very much real. The panic hadn't settled in yet, but she was sure it was bound to happen. It was hard to really accept that, when it was just her, Daphne, and her parents. It was hard to mope about a past that wasn’t finished when she was showered with love here, or the fact that they consistently checked up on her, they would notice of course. Daphne had refused to leave her alone since that day in Diagon, it had taken a week after they’d taken her home to finally sleep in separate rooms. They never talked about it, they were both in some way afraid to recount those details. It wasn’t like they needed to discuss it now, but perhaps one day.
Daphne only had a few days left before the summer break came to a close and she would be off once again to Hogwarts. The 2nd year for her, Astoria mused, would be interesting indeed. Even though it was a bit of a let down, being two years younger than the main cast. Not even in the same age group as Ginny and Luna. But what’s done is done, and Astoria would work around that. After all, Daphne promised to send letters often, and Astoria planned to use that to her advantage. The pen is mightier than the sword, and Astoria Greengrass would do just that.
...
Astoria wasn't allowed to go to King’s Cross station to see her sister off. It would have been exciting seeing the real Hogwarts Express, but after the adventure in Diagon Alley they quickly shot it down. Daphne left with their dad, and that was that. It was a little saddening, Astoria had gotten used to her company these past few weeks. But there was much to be done, and she would be back for Yule, time would surely pass.
So Astoria sat in the family library the following day. Books upon books lined the shelves, but the one on her lap simply read: Magic 101 . Her mother had handed it to her, after she left Astoria in the room. She had hope, it would jog some memories, or at the very least reacquaint with the world around them.
She didn’t mind reading, especially in a new world where magical families did not watch TV. This was especially common in pureblood families. There were no video games, no phones, only the thousands of literary papers, and the faint shuffling of an elf that kept her company. Eventually her own mother joined her, sitting a little ways off at a desk, probably responding to some letter. The book lay on her lap, unopened-much to the dismay of Coraline-rather her thoughts seemed to escape out the open window.
Daphne had promised a letter as soon as she got to Hogwarts. Astoria couldn’t blame her, but she did anyway, because she so desperately wanted to know. Time seemed to pass so slowly, and finally with a huff she flipped open the book hoping it would soothe her growing anxiety (this was probably bad for her health).
“Astoria dear.” A soft voice spoke up, Astoria jolted up. She had been completely engrossed in the book, too distracted to notice the owl that had swooped in sitting on her mothers desk. Astoria jumped up, swooping over to the desk. There was only 1 letter, sitting neatly next to the owl, Astoria , neatly printed on the front.
Astoria giggled, and promptly took her letter, practically tearing it open.
Dear Astoria,
I’m going to apologize in advance, I’m sure you were waiting for my letter, but the owlery was full. Lots of kids rushing to deliver their letter home much like I. I’m glad Mother and Father bought me an owl so we could communicate faster without having to rely on the school owned ones. I’m especially pleased we picked out a speedy one, I’m sure I’ll have much to say and you as well.
It’s only been one day at Hogwarts and the whole school seems to be already full of rumors. Apparently Harry Potter wasn’t at the opening feast, which I didn’t notice since the Slytherin table is across the room from the Gryffindor table. But that doesn’t matter, the rumor is, he and another boy wrecked up the whomping willow! They had driven a car (which is some sort of muggle transportation device) All the way to Hogwarts, oh Merlin, Gryffindors I swear! From this alone I am both fearful and excited for this year.
I am in the same room as before, with Millie and Pansy, and another girl. We have a few new Slytherin’s and of course we had our whole welcoming speech in the common room by our head of house, Professor Snape. He has a specific knack for interesting speeches, and the other Slytherin’s always take it to heart. After all, besides him and our housemates, no one else will look after us. It becomes even more concerning when you have someone like Professor Lockhart as our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I haven’t heard very positive things about him already from the other Slytherin’s.
Regardless, please make sure Genesis rests well and eats some before his next flight. I look forward to your letter, please letter mother and father know I’m well.
Your favorite sister,
Daphne
Concluding the letter, Astoria handed the letter to her mom. “Interesting start.”
Caroline raised her eyebrows, she read through it as her daughter occupied herself with the grouchy eagle owl in front of her.
Genesis the owl had a funny looking face, Daphne had picked him out. When she brought him home, she gave the honors of naming him. Astoria had laughed at first, the eagle owl seemed to have eyebrows! It really didn’t help the grumpy look he had. He was a bit bigger than most owls, but he was quick, and Astoria was excited to send letters to Daphne. So Genesis it was. This was their beginning, Astoria at a new life, and Daphne to a new year.