Chapter #2

Eleanor P.O.V,

I was looking at the mansion in front of me trepidation. It looked like a normal mansion; it had the usual gardens and beauty. I saw a huge park during our walk to the mansion where the other children were playing. I was still a little in shock from what I had seen on my way to the mansion.

This did not look like some type of village; it was a fully developed small town. We apparated outside some type of 'wards' or barriers that made me see a village in place of this town and the Professor waved his hand and foreign magic seemed to wrap around me for a brief instance and I was able to see the actual town.

There were children playing outside and there were multiple stores selling different things but I didn't see any bookstores on the way to the orphanage. When we arrived in front of the mansion, Professor Al, he asked me to refer to him as such, said: "Welcome to my home and your new residence. I live here with my siblings and they will also be taking care of you as my fellow caretakers."

We entered the mansion and a sound like a bell was heard, within moments two people, a man and a woman came in front of us. The woman looked at me; she smiled, came forward and gave me a hug that almost strangled me.

"Ugh… too tight… can't breathe…" [Eleanor]

The man stepped forward and I could hear the grin on his face. He said, "Release her Ariana, she can't breathe."

Arianna replied, "Look at the poor girl, she looks underfed and seems so confused. Our emotionally constipated older brother must have dumped everything on her at once and brought her here."

The man chuckled and slugged Professor Al who immediately dodged his attempt with the ease of some far too used to it and finally introduced them. "Young Eleanor… meet my younger siblings, Aberforth and Ariana. They will be taking care of you as well."

"Hello lass, Nice to meet ya. Call me Uncle Abby or Aberforth."

"Hello my dear! It is a pleasure to meet you! Call me Aunty/Aunt Ariana."

They introduced themselves as that. I could only nod in surprise at how they were (in behavior). I introduced myself. "Hello. My name is Eleanor Riddle, please call me Eleanor. It is a pleasure to meet you as well."

I was still being held in Ariana's arms and how was that even possible?! I wasn't heavy but aren't wizards and witches supposed to be physically weak?! I focused back on them and they were talking about which room I would go to.

Professor Al said, "Let's take Eleanor upstairs and show her what rooms are available and let her choose." Ariana, who was still holding me, was already moving upwards, she did not look tired at all. She easily carried me up the stairs with no visible signs of strain. We had just arrived upstairs and she was about to continue onwards but I immediately wanted to be let down and I asked her to let me down but the entire conversation was weird.

"Excuse me miss-" [Eleanor]

"Aunt." [Ariana]

"Aunt Ariana, can you please let me down?" [Eleanor]

"Aww, aren't you adorable!" [Ariana]

She was choking me again! But finally she let me down and I could walk without feeling myself blush.

I finally began properly examining the mansion. It was big and the magic within it was warm and protective. I could not make proper conjectures as of this moment but I had a theory relevant to it. I think that a person's magic has a residue that eventually seeps into the surrounding. If this was an orphanage, it would make sense that it would be warm and protective, especially with the caretakers. All the Dumbledores had very warm magic around them.

Ariana took me around different hallways to see the different rooms available. But I found the one I wanted within my first 5 rooms. It had a window in the center through which I could directly look at the park where the children were playing. The wind would easily refresh my room. It had a study table and a wardrobe on the right side of the window. On the left was a single bed and a door that led to a washroom. I could sit in front of the window for a break and it was a wide room. I immediately choose it.

"A good choice my dear, you are very close to the other girls in the mansion. The upstairs is where we, women, are. The boys and my brothers stay down below. Now, do you see these buttons here? They are for adjusting and setting the lighting of your room. The appliances work on the ambient magic that exists in the surroundings. The temperature of the room is maintained by the temperature spells that have been carved on that wall. We will add your signature to it so that you can simply will it to be what you want." [Ariana]

She asked me to pour some magic inside it, when I did without touching it, she raised an eyebrow and remarked that I was very talented and moved on. The markings shined a pale blue and I immediately knew that I could change the temperature to what I wished. This was incredible! It was Genius! Harnessing the ambient magic to power runes was revolutionary. I focused on the runes and noticed to my surprise that I could not make them out.

"Albus made these when he was barely starting his education. Apparently only he can see them because he made them and he willed that no one else may recognize them." [Ariana]

That doesn't make any sense! Magic doesn't work that way! At least, it didn't from what I remember. Does this mean that everything he makes can't be seen by anyone unless he wills it? What nonsense is that! Isn't that too overpowered?! (Too OP… please nerf.)

"It is a shame that you are an orphan." [Ariana]

Why? I don't understand why it would be a boon to have my waste of a father known. Whatever, I don't want to think about it.

"Come, it's time for lunch. We have Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner together with most children if they want. Snacks can be gotten during any time of the day as long it isn't during your breakfast and dinner." [Ariana]

"Ma'am Ari-" [Eleanor]

"Aunt." [Ariana]

Don't blush, don't blush. "Aunt Ariana… where are your brothers?" [Eleanor]

"Hmm? Oh, them? They are downstairs. The ones belonging to the male gender are not permitted to come upstairs." [Ariana]

That was actually pretty smart. I agreed. I followed her but she gently held my hand and walked with me downstairs. I matched her and we arrived in the kitchen where I saw a room connected to it where Professor Al and Mr. Aberforth were seated on the table. It was us 4 only. I naturally asked where the other children were.

"The other children should be arriving within 15 minutes for lunch. Let me tell you more about the wizarding world in the meantime", said Professor Al.

"Wizards naturally undergo maturities when our magic advances to a certain point. All wizards naturally within the 1st 100 years of their lives undergo 3 maturities. They are the average wizard and most can live up to 200 years. If you train your magic more and you have enough willpower, you can reach the 4th Level. A wizard's lifespan naturally rises with their maturity or level. The highest rank recorded was the 9th Stage which Lord Merlin is said to have achieved in his life."

This was revolutionary is what was going through my mind. That means that immortality was attainable in this world. Incredible- wait, what is with that phrasing! And that smirk! Has he gone beyond that rank already?! No. I must be overreacting. He is very talented but he can't be that talented! I mean seriously! And what about the other wizards, if a wizard's life can naturally increase with their level, then how many monsters are there in the world…

"The current strongest wizard is officially Sir Nicolas Flamel. He is a very dear friend of mine and a renowned Alchemist, the only creator of the Philosophers Stone. He is at the 7th Level and can easily decimate a country by his lonesome; he is also the only Grandmaster of Alchemy in the world. His wife is on the 6th Level but they are fairly neutral and no longer interfere in the world. Simply observers of the events, they also belong to a hidden order of Sorcerers."

What is with the emphasis he is putting on sorcerers! And that smirk as if he is enjoying a joke that only he knows… Don't think I missed that odd tone when you said official either!

Miss-, I barely start thinking and she looks sharply at me instantly!

Aunt Ariana… she is back to normal again… what. I see them all seated at the table and decide to take a closer look.

I look at them and instantly I can see that they are related. Why is Professor Al's hair white?! Wasn't it still supposed to be some form of red? Especially with the magical level stuff, youth should logically be guaranteed for a long time… Aberforth's hair was still reddish brown, Auburn I think, whereas Aria-, how is she looking at me whenever I think of her?! Aunt Ariana… on the other hand has blonde hair. Both of them look like they are in their twenties and barely at that.

"Hush Albus, you are doing it again! You do not test children by giving them amusing hints that you think some people should know!" [Ariana]

"I will endeavor to not do so again my dear, besides, isn't it amusing to see the children's faces blank?" [Albus]

This damned troll! What is he referring to exactly? Before I could speak however, he continued his story telling, informing me of some general facts that I think everyone should know. Apparently, Magical Britain is the most advanced magical nation/government in the world at this point. The minister is elected depending on their years of service, how they have served society in their time and what stage they are on.

The minimum requirement to even be a candidate for Minister is to have served for the betterment of the nation for over 30 years in a row, have to be acknowledged by renowned people from the government with similar qualifications and be at the 4th Level at minimum. But a well-known fact is that no one below the 5th Level has ever been elected to this day.

I began asking Professor Al more questions about everything; from Hogwarts to other magical nations. He was very patient and explained everything clearly. He was a good teacher… somehow he even made history sound interesting. He mentioned briefly that all courses would be taught to an expert level freely at Hogwarts.

The courses consisted of many subjects but the ones I found most interesting by their names at least were: Magical Theory, Alchemy, Transfiguration, Runes, Rituals, Charms, Potions, Defense, International arts, and Dueling.

To take some of them, I would have to take electives such as Astronomy, Arithmancy and Magical Creatures. Eventually, the other children came inside and I was waiting to see what would happen next. They were all sent to their rooms to wash themselves first and when they returned, Aria-, how is she looking at me!!! Aunt Ariana waved her hand, left hand, and cast a spell that seemed to make everything and everyone clean within moments.

Wandlessly. Casted. A. Spell.

How?! Isn't it supposed to be a skill difficult to develop and something that 'only the best and greatest wizards can do'?! Enough is enough for a day. I just want this day to be over already… How many mind breaking things can I take in a day. Aberforth asked me to stand and give everyone my introduction.

I slowly got up and as soon as I did, Professor Al's finger twitched and all the children went silent immediately. I did stop as well. The sheer amount of magic he released in a single moment overpowered everything in the surroundings. It wasn't threatening in any way, just giving off a listen to her vibe. The magic was still (fond-warmth-soothing-Lone-) and around all of us. Even his siblings just let it pass through them.

"Hello! My name is Eleanor Riddle! I hope we can all become friends." Is how I introduced myself and Lord, please never ever have me do this cringe-inducing introduction again. I could sense the sheer (Amusement) from the magic surrounding me and I could hear the grin of Albus's face. I am grateful that I am so mentally exhausted; I can't blush due to that.

Fortunately, they did not seem too hard to deal with. I was about to move away from my current seat, I was seated right next to Professor Al as we were conversing. Ariana was in the center and Aberforth to her left.

Professor Al just asked me stay seated where I was. I saw some of them argue about the seat arrangement but no one came up to me to ask for my current seat.

We started eating when with a flick of the Dumbledores fingers, the food appeared. They talked all about their day to Aberforth and Aunt Ariana, who was smiling at me approvingly, how?! But no one was trying to reach out to Professor Al. Wasn't he a good to them, he seemed fine to me. No, I shouldn't make any judgement without knowing the complete story.

I asked him more about the magical world as we conversed. He told me more details about how there seemed to be a rising Dark Lord and unrest among the populace in the world.

He was very well learnt. I had learnt so much from our conversation. He took me through the positions and roles of different departments in the government. He mentioned how dangerous knowledge can be and asked me what my intentions were.

I don't even know how or even the why but I felt as if the world had slowed down when he asked me that. What did I want from my second life exactly?

I wanted people in my corner… freedom from all worldly restrictions and… I- I wanted to learn all there is to know about this incredible gift I had been granted. I wanted to discover more realms, discover whether any of the other worlds I knew as fictional existed or not and I also wanted see the infinite cosmos in its entire splendor! I did not want to rule the world. Why would I want to do something so annoying?

That is when I felt it. My magic condensed within me in a singular point, it became much denser and I felt it assimilating within my soul. The magic seeped out slowly at first and then within moments, I felt it flowing through my body freely, I felt as if I could lift this entire table without a sweat. I opened my eyes again and noticed that Professor Al's magic was surrounding me and it was giving off (proud-joy-happiness-relief).

"Congratulations my dear… You have now achieved the 4th Level… Only a few have ever achieved such a level at such a young age. I will explain in detail later but for now, let us finish our lunch. I wouldn't want you to miss my dear Ariana's home cooked meals. They are the best in the world!" [Albus]

I nodded my head rapidly, I could feel the surroundings with my magic clearly and I felt as if I could apply force exert impose my will on my surroundings. But I resumed eating; I had ample time to get answers from Professor Al later. I was thankful that I felt my magic progress so much in a few moments. This could actually be attributed to Albus, he provoked me to think about my goals clearly and be firm. I had thought on them briefly but I was very emotional back then so that did not really count.

I happily ate my fill, it had been so long since I filled my stomach, I could almost cry right now. I even took extra dessert for today; chocolate was my drug of choice.

I got up after everyone had eaten their fill and I began talking to the other children to get their personalities. They were all very helpful and kind. I even found multiple students who were older in age but had Pureblood-y kind of last names. I even found some Slytherins and Gryffindors seated together talking like best friend, or maybe in a relationship. I really could not guess in such a short time.

I am a curious person by nature and consider myself firmly in the chaotic neutral alignment. I don't think I have ever been that emotional either. I asked around about the Dumbledores and what the students thought of them. They had nothing but good things to say about them. I think they were the parental figures for most of the children here.

Eventually, when they ran out of adjectives to describe Aberforth and Aunt Ariana, one of them slowly spoke about Albus. I intently began to examine him (the boy); he was a Slytherin, he introduced himself and his house, so I would hear a biased opinion is what my thoughts were.

"Professor Dumbledore is… intense. He looks at us and inspires us to be better. Whenever I am around him, I feel safe as if no one in the world can hurt me and so very warm as well. The man is also a genius, unlike anything the wizarding world has ever seen is what my friends from the ancient families say. He is very kind and is always willing to give us his time. But every time, I am around him, I feel that I am burdened with great expectations. I also don't want to take up or waste any of his time… he is already providing for us all and admittedly, he is very wealthy due to his inventions, but that is no excuse to be an ungrateful person." [Edgar ??? (Slytherin)]

I was blown away. Where is the biased review I paid for? But it was understandable. The man did sponsor their educations, give them a home and provided them food and shelter. It was logical that they would be grateful. I waited for the others to contribute but they ended up saying more or less similar things. And of course, you feel like that around him, his magic literally wraps around you like a shield. How can anyone possibly miss that?

The thing about the Purebloods, because let's face it, who else could be from ancient families, was also shocking. Isn't he a half-blood and aren't there racist elements in this society? Again I learned something that completely flipped the board. I am going to get whiplash at this rate.

Eventually, everyone left the dining room and went to wherever it is that they spend their time in. I had questions and I followed Professor Al to his room. I knocked on his door and asked for permission to enter; he opened the door and looked shocked that I was standing there. Then he smiled warmly at me and invited me to take a seat.

I naturally began grilling him on the details of this maturity stuff. He smiled the entire time that I grilled him, as if this was something he always wanted to experience. Finally I grew curious enough to ask why he was so happy.

"Did you actually just ask me why I am so happy right now?" He chortled.

Now that he said it in that manner, I blushed brightly because this was so rude. I could die of shame right now.

"But to actually answer your question… no child has ever come to ask me any questions outside of their classes with me. I would always hear the other professors whine about how many extra hours they have to put in due to the office hours being too low in number due to the large amount of students we have. I was always curious to how it would be to have students come up to ask their queries in office hours." [Albus]

I deadpanned, "Don't most teachers find their students annoying?"

He smiled faintly at that and replied, "Perhaps they do, but as you will eventually come to learn… I am not most teachers. I will teach a student anything that they want to learn provided that they are willing to put in the effort required to do so."

I nodded approvingly at him and he smiled at me in amusement. I decided to interrogate or at least ask him about what happened in the orphanage.

"When you came to the orphanage to pick me up, you implied that you convinced the matron to let you meet me." This was a statement and from the way his eyes narrowed a bit, he realized that as well. I continued, "Did you use your magic on her?"

He simply gave me a nod and said, "Yes, I examined her memories relevant to you, her key memories only, and then charmed her to allow me to meet you." His smile widened a bit when he said that, it was a blatant offer to ask about mind reading. I took it.

"You read her mind?! Wizards can do that?!" I acted shocked and appalled.

He simply nodded his head sagely, which really did not work without a beard, and stated: "Yes, it can be referred to as mind reading but that is simply a juvenile description of the technique I used. You will eventually learn to read minds as well, if only for the purpose of protecting your own."

Too much information! Isn't he supposed to assure me that it is unknown to most of the wizarding populace. I will learn to as well? It's being taught to all students?! I am definitely getting whiplash from all these twists. Where is the cringe-inducing small minded and bigoted magical world I did not sign up for?

I had to ask him at this point, I mean he was literally begging me to ask him at this point.

"Did you read my mind as well?" The question hung in the air like a bomb. I was becoming fond of him but if he did read my mind, I doubt I would ever be able to truly trust him. And him, me.

He solemnly looked me in the eye but then he signed heavily. He got up from his seat and kneeled in front of me and held my hands, his magic surrounded me and I was getting nervous but I was too weak to do anything yet, so I stayed seated. He finally spoke while looking me in the eyes, "No. I haven't read your mind and I will not read your mind my dear. This technique is learned to increase your mental faculties and to endure your experiences and view them later. I have not, and I will try my best to never read an unwilling person's mind. A criminal is a different matter altogether but otherwise, you have my word."

His magic surrounding me gave off (Truth-Sorrow-Resolve-exhaustion-promise-Loneli-) and I believed him. I got up from my chair and gave him a hug. He felt like he needed it. He hugged me back for a moment and I finally saw a smile back on his face. It wasn't an exaggerated one like the ones he gave me in front of the children, but a small one as if he was sharing a secret with me; I liked this one much more. I smiled back at him and asked him more about the wizarding world. It was all I would need to know from now on.

Eventually, he began teaching me the basics of magical theory as I did not require a wand or even a ring anymore. Wands stopped being used around 30 years ago; the wand-makers began shrinking the magical components of a wand and made it into the shape of an expensive looking ring. They were training tools that became necessary for those below the 4th Level, from the 4th level onwards, magic was a muscle and your will and belief is what made it happen. This is why I had achieved the 4th Level, I had made up my mind most firmly when I was questioned. My magic was already there at the breaking point and I broke through.

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A few hours later,

I wanted to reiterate… Albus was a genius. He had a way to look at everything and knew the best way to teach another student. I was a logically inclined student and he made the magic we do seem logical to me. He had already finished teaching me the entire basics of magical theory.

Eventually Aberforth came to call us for dinner and we had to end the lecture there. I was very regretful; I finally met a good teacher. Professor Al probably sensed my reluctance to leave now as he asked me come to him early in the morning from tomorrow onwards if I wanted. I immediately hugged him out of excitement and while I could hear the surprise on him, I did not pay it any mind and we left to eat.

I went upstairs to wash my hands, when I returned, I noticed to my surprise how the seat next to Albus was empty. I headed straight for it and we again passed dinner while talking about different things. I would give my theory on how some form of magic was initially made and he would verify it on the basis of how accurate I was.

Apparently the first potion ever made was a minor pain soother that most wizards thought was the fountain of youth for a period of 100 years. I giggled at that because just imagining their reactions to the truth was hilarious and his amusement also hung dryly in the air.

After dinner ended, Aberforth and Aunt Ariana- why is she smiling at me- ushered us to our beds so that we would wake up early. I hypothesized that this was training for Hogwarts as our classes were supposed to be early according to Albus.

I was lying on my bed, having changed into sleepwear that Aunt Ariana conjured. Then suddenly I had a migraine. I was getting some foreign memories unlocking some of my memories.

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Flashback,

Eleanor P.O.V,

I was in the hospital, attached to a few inhalers. I knew I wasn't going to make it but I wasn't worried too much. I stared at the person looking back at me. Brown hair, pale skin and blue sunken eyes; I did not even recognize myself right now. I had physically deteriorated so much.

I had already given my farewell to my neighbors and friends.

I conversed with my nurses and asked them about their families. I knew them pretty well by now. I was very tired and I slowly started to feel myself go, my breathing slowed, my heart slowly stopped beating. It was a peaceful death.

I felt a force dragging me somewhere but it was very forceful and gave off creepy feelings. I sensed another weak force that was neutral for some reason. I decided to go towards it, which I have no idea how I did as I did not have my legs.

I arrived in an unknown location where all I could see was stars and different universes. I saw a being of light there as well. I went up to him and noticed a free seat in front of him. I asked him for permission to sit on it despite not having legs or a mouth. The light gave its agreement and I sat on the chair and observed the surroundings for a while. They were quite beautiful.

I don't know exactly how long I was silent for, but it was somewhere from a few minutes to an hour. The being of light eventually spoke up. He gave me a choice; I could choose to go to the realm of the dead of my universe or I could go into the great beyond which was basically another reality.

I didn't want to die so young but we don't usually get to choose, but here I was, getting a choice to live a new life or die. I naturally choose to live. He seemed to think for a few moments before nodding to himself.

"I will send you to a universe whose story is unfolding now. You may recognize parts of it and I will advise you to live well. Before you leave however, a word of caution; you died and due to that, you gained the ability to sense emotions/thoughts of the people around you. Mostly the ability works on those who care for you but you won't be able to use it for your first 10 years of life. It will be too much for your young mind. Enjoy your life to the fullest and I hope we meet again soon." [Being of Light (???)]

I smiled at him and said my goodbyes but he said one more thing.

"You will meet a very good person in this life but he will be a being of Loneliness. He will have no one who understands him and no one who can compete with him. That will be his curse for existing in this world. You, being an outsider, will be the only one who can perhaps pose a challenge to him. I like that man and if you choose to be his equal, you will have my blessing and remember this conversation. Live well child and be well. And do entertain me from time to time." [Being of Light (???)]

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Flashback End,

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Eleanor P.O.V,

That explains a lot. No wonder I can sense his emotions from his magic. So he cares for me…

This really did not change much. I did not vow to become his equal or anything like that; this isn't some sort of good vs evil shtick. I simply choose to be the best version of myself. If that involves being his equal, then so be it.

I bet he would enjoy seeing me endeavor to become his equal. He was very happy while he was teaching me. I did not sense him being Lonely again but I faintly felt it again when I approached him after washing my hands, the feeling subsided as soon as he sensed me.

He was Lonely and a Genius. What a combination…

I also wondered to myself how she was still alive?! I ignored this thought for the entire day as I did not want to deal with the revelation of how she was still alive and what events occurred to allow her to use magic soundly.

Did Albus even have a friendship with Grindelwald?! Is Albus gay here? Exactly how much had changed from the events that I knew? Where are the founders of Hogwarts? How did Merlin die? Why was everyone so weak?

Calm down Eleanor, I thought to myself while wrapping my blanket around me like a cocoon. Thinking about these things that I have no way to find the answer of right now is a meaningless endeavor. I should focus on doing what I can; which is learning magic.

I used my magic to cool my room further; the basic theory of magic was an interesting subject. It taught many ways to use magic, how they were accomplished and how to perfectly control it. It was a surprise to me that there was no practical for this subject.

I eventually calmed down and closed my eyes for a moment… the events of the day were catching up with me and I ended up falling asleep.

Chapter End.

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