#ilvermorny

“So, let me get this straight,” you say, confused. “You have no clue what an Olive Garden is?”

“I’ve been in America for less than 3 months,” Theo replies, flatly. “I don’t understand your surprise at my lack of American knowledge. Please share- what on earth is an Olive Garden?”

“Well,” you smile, “it’s my favorite Italian restaurant.”

You notice Theo’s eyes brighten instantly at your reply. “Ah, grazie al cielo, is this finally something edible? After taking me to McDonalds and Taco Bell, I’m having… difficulty trusting American food, if you’ll believe it.”

“Well,” you smirk, “it’s a good thing it’s Italian food! We’ll go tonight- don’t you worry.”

“Alright, dolcezza, you have me nervous… but I’ll comply. Meet you at 7.”

“See you at 7, Theo”

————————————————————————

“Dolcezza,” Theo grumbled as he stared at the fettuccini Alfredo sat in front of you, “ma che cazzo è?”

“Fettuccini! Duh. Thought you’d recognize it, Italian expert.” You smiled, knowing full well Theo was thinking a string of profanities, likely directed at you.

“No, tesoro, that is not fettuccini, and this is not Italian. Italian indicates that there’s substance to the food. This may be worse than Taco Bell.”

“Woah, slow your roll there, Nott,” you bite. “This is nowhere NEAR Taco Bell. You take that back right now.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Theo grinned, “that would be offensive to Taco Bell.” You sigh. “Amore, let me show you ACTUAL Italian cooking, and then you’ll understand. I could never live with myself letting you think this is the best Italian food out there.”

“Fine,” you disappointedly concede, although, of course, the idea of Theo oh-so-domestically making you pasta, even if just to prove a point, was admittedly appealing. “I’ll agree. If…”

Theo sighs. “If what?”

“If you wear one of those ‘kiss the cook’ grill dad aprons. That’s the only way I’ll agree.”

“Dolcezza, you may not know it, but I’m doing YOU a favor. You could not catch me dead in a kiss the cook apron.”

And so, of course, an hour later, you found yourself in your dorm, Theo wearing a ‘kiss the cook’ apron and you watching from the side while he narrated his steps like a show off food network, ensuring you knew just how carefully he was taking care of your ‘authentic Italian meal’ before setting a plate of (impressive looking) gnocchi in front of you.

"No way! That really happen?" Y/N gasps, as one of her friends was telling a story.

"Yeah! You should've seen the look on his face!" A girl with black hair and hazel eyes laughed, as the rest join in.

Currently, Y/N is having lunch with her beauty pageant friends; they all sat around a table as they ate, chatted, and laughed. Y/N feels at ease whenever she's with her friends; she feels like she could let loose and enjoy herself freely. Even though they are No-Maj's and don't know about her being a witch, she still feels comfortable being around them. The girl who was telling the story was Elliana. She's an athletic girl with a fiery spirit, and she made the honor roll at her school. She is Y/N's biggest motivator whenever she needs her, and in turn, Y/N is Elliana's beck and call as well. She wore a white tank top with a lilac jacket and shorts, paired with white sneakers, her hair styled into a ponytail

"Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised, he is your brother after all." A girl with dark brown hair, pale, skin, and blue eyes said.

Her name is Dorothy, and she is a smart girl who loves music. She has won multiple trophies in both beauty and music departments. Dorothy is a clever and her friends' number one guidance counselor and supporter. She is basically like a babysitter who makes sure they stay out of trouble, and she is quite stern but sweet and soft on the inside. She wore a light blue off-sleeve blouse and black shirt, paired with white heels and her hair styled into a braid.

"Oh? Is it because you're interested in him?" Another girl with tan skin smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

The girl's name is Scarlet. She has light brown hair and beautiful red eyes. She is a fun-loving girl and practically a social butterfly, always like a ray of sunshine that never fails to make anyone smile. Scarlet is also a famous book writer and possibly one of the youngest ever. Recently, one of her books has earned awards, and she is currently working on a new installment. Scarlet is wearing a long-sleeved maroon shirt tucked into her jeans, paired with black boots as her hair flowed down her back.

"Oooh~" Y/N and Elliana teasingly said.

"S-Shut up! It's not like that!" Dorothy said, her cheeks pink.

This caused them to laugh at the blue-eyed girl's flustered demeanor; it's not so much a secret that Dorothy has a crush on Elliana's brother, Caius. Caius is an attractive boy with raven hair and brown eyes, he is also very athletic, like his sister.

"Oh come on, Caius is not that bad." Y/N smiled. "He's a really fun guy."

"And nice." Scarlet added.

"He's a pain..." Elliana muttered with a frown.

They all simply smiled or shook their head in amusement at their friend's relationship with her brother. It's true, they often poke, tease, rival, or joke around with one another, but deep down, they do care for each other.

"So what's the problem?" Scarlet asks. "It's nothing to be so shy or ashamed about."

"It's just that..." Dorothy sighs, fidgeting with her hands. "I don't know, I doubt he sees me that way..."

Her words made everyone's eyes furrow in sadness.

"Dorothy..." Y/N softly said, as she reached out to hold her hand. "Don't think that way, look at you, you're beautiful, clever, you play music wonderfully, and you're an amazing friend."

Dorothy looks up at Y/N as she continued talking.

"If there's any girl that Caius would be lucky to have, it's you, you've known for a long time and I can tell you genuinely have feelings for him."

"Y/N's right." Elliana agreed, backing her up. "I've seen the way some other girls look at him; to them, he's just nothing more but an attractive guy."

"Yeah, don't doubt yourself! You and him would be a perfect match!" Scarlet added.

"But what if he doesn't feel the same...?" Dorothy mumbled.

"If he doesn't like you that way, be there for him as a friend, you might feel sad or heartbroken, but time can heal wounds, and it's better to continue being friends rather than no friendship at all." Y/N softly said with a smile. "Regardless, you are enough, you are your own person, understand?"

Dorothy took Y/N's words to heart, taking a deep breath before smiling.

"Yeah, thank you Y/N, you always know what to say." She smiled.

"Always happy to help a friend." Y/N smiled back.

"To be honest, I don't know what we would do without you Y/N." Elliana said.

"She's right, you've always helped and comfort us when we needed it." Scarlet said.

Y/N blushed in embarrassment at her friends words. Y/N had always been a big emotional support to her dear friends, always caring for them and comforting them whenever they needed it. Y/N is thankful to have her friends to be a part of her life, even if they're No-Maj's.

"Thank you for saying that, but I feel like I should be the one saying those words to you and everyone else for being there for me." Y/N smiled.

It's true, since Y/N has always been forgotten by her family, she took comfort whenever her friends were there for her. Regardless of whether it's talking, inviting her to places, or even listening to her, Y/N was forever grateful for their love and support.

"That's what friends are for." Elliana smiled.

"It's a shame the others can't come though..." Scarlet said, slightly disappointed.

"It's fine, they were busy, besides, they called and texted me and that's enough." Y/N simply said.

Originally, they were planning to have a party and invite everyone before Y/N leaves. But Y/N said she didn't want a party; however, they insisted they do something, so they all decided on a small hangout. Sadly, not all of her friends can come due to some personal business, but they still called and texted Y/N, wishing her to have a good school year, which moved her.

"Will you be okay while you're away for school?" Dorothy asks, concerned.

"I'll be fine, I'll have some friends going to the same school with me, you guys have met them before." Y/N assured.

Y/N has some friends she made from the magical world, and some of them met her No-Maj friends. Even though they can't tell them everything, they met through Y/N and they sometimes talk with each other on a typical basis.

"True, plus, you'll get to not see their faces for a while." Scarlet said.

"Oh yeah, you get to spend time out of that house." Dorothy said.

Y/N's friends know about her relationship with the Waynes and how much it affects her. They were disgusted at how the family forgets Y/N's own existence, so they often spend time with her to comfort her.

"You guys, please, it's fine, I'm used to it." Y/N calmly said.

"Y/N, they're your family, you deserve to be treated better than this." Elliana said. "Those people treat you as if you're a dead rat at the side of the road!"

"It's fine, besides, I'll be out of town for a while, so I will get the time for myself other than the studies."

"Y/N...you don't need to deal with this all your life." Scarlet said. "Don't waste your time on people like them."

"I...don't have anywhere else to go..." Y/N muttered.

The table grew silent at her words, a few seconds pass before Elliana speak up.

"Y/N...you have your uncle and aunt, right? I'm sure they will be happy to have you live with them and your cousins, especially since they know about your situation." She softly said. "And you can possibly stay with any of us for a while if you want."

"R...Really?" Y/N breathed out.

"Of course you can!" Dorothy said. "You're our friend, Y/N."

"Yeah, so don't worry about it!" Scarlet added. "You're allowed to do something for yourself, especially if it's for your happiness."

Y/N was silent but deep down, she was thankful. Perhaps, they were right, maybe she can do something for her and only her. It doesn't matter what her family think, she can do something for herself.

"Thank you..." Y/N breathed out with a smile.

"It's not a problem, Y/N." Elliana smiled.

"Hey, how about we continue our plans and go shopping?" Scarlet suggested, grabbing her handbag and standing up. "We need to get you a new wardrobe for this school year?"

"What?" Y/N muttered out. '"I already have enough clothes."

"Oh come on Y/N! New school years mean you need to try some new styles!"

"Scarlet's right, I need to buy some clothes as well." Dorothy said.

"Come on Y/N, let's have some fun!" Elliana said, taking Y/N's hand.

Y/N smiled at her friends, thankful to have them and their other friends in her life. They were almost like siblings to her, one's who actually care or even tease her.

"Ok...let's go!" Y/N smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was honestly a nightmare. Changing schools in your 5th year was not ideal, but so wasn't your mom having to transfer to the European division of muggle management. Her work in the Americas was noteworthy and she was sought out by many higher officials. But she wanted to wait until you were older to feel more comfortable sending you to a new school. Begrudgingly you were a little excited about the prospect of having the opportunity of a first impression to so many new people. But would they care for the Americans? 

Standing at the back of all the little first years, you wait to get sorted. They’re heads barely made it to your shoulders but you felt out of place; like a sore thumb towering over their little bodies. You could hear many students whispering about your presence and questioning who you were. 

“I just have to get sorted then I can move on.” You thought to yourself. There was nothing you could do about being the center of attention for a night. Act like a first year and just get it over with. After ten agonizing minutes it was your turn.  You took a seat and attempted to keep your eyes on the brim of the hat, not looking out into the crowd. The students hushed as the sorting hat spoke. 

“Mmm they told me of an Ilvermorny student. One of the Pukwudgie houses. A house that values the heart eh?” The sorting hat echoed across the hall. You couldn't help but shut your eyes in embarrassment. You swore the hat could read your thoughts. 

“Independent yes, determination yes,” It continues. 

“Please just pick.” You whisper to the hat. The moment was going too long and you felt your hands become clammy. 

“Mmm but a lack of patience..” It adds. You sigh and roll your eyes taking a moment to look out to the crowd. Hundreds of pairs of eyes met yours as you bounced around the four tables. 

“You shall succeed in Gryffindor!” The room erupts into hollers of excitement and disappointment. As the hat was taken off your head, a wave of unexpected commencement started at the Gryffindor table. As you walked down you couldn't help but smile at all the students happily accepting you to their table. You looked around, slightly panicked as you realized there weren’t really any seats for you.  A wolf whistle caught your attention directing you towards a mismatched group of kids. Two tall red head boys waved you over practically shoving the students next to them to make room for you. You walked over and the clapping came to a close as Professor Dumbledore made his way to the podium.

”thank you thank you” You whispered bowing dramatically to the group as you sat in the small open seat. You tried your best to get comfortable and turn towards the front of the hall. The boy in front of you scooted over to the best of his ability and smiled softly back at you. 

“Welcome to Gryffindor.” He whispered back at you. You smile at him in acknowledgment.

”My name's Neville.” He started, turning hand and stretching out his hand towards you. You grabbed before he continued - “your y/n of course. You getting sorted up there and everything. I remember my sorting. Scary stuff. I almost passed out but..” He mumbled slowing after a little bit. “Sorry. I ramble. But you did great.” He smiled awkwardly. You just giggled and shook his hand firmly. 

“It’s okay. Haha im glad to be here.” You smile back at him. Maybe this won’t be too hard. 

——⭑⋆⋆⋆⭑——

 After the professor spoke and welcomed all of the new students in, a beautiful feast appeared magically on the table. You enjoyed the company and conversation around the table, becoming more relaxed. You became enveloped in the group, unbelieving that amongst the students was Harry Potter, but most of your attention was on the boy next to you. You admired how he listened to everyone. You especially noticed how he refrained from speaking or caught himself when he got overtaken by someone else in the group. You found it endearing and sweet. You wished to hear him speak more but it seemed to be just how he was. 

The table conceded to the night and broke off after the plates and dishes were cleared. You sat for a moment longer taking the moment to enjoy the great hall and the architecture. You cracked your head straight up and took in all the little details. You didn’t notice that Neville didn’t rise from his seat like the rest of the students. 

“It's beautiful huh.” He said softly. You looked over at him, his head craned up like yours. You smiled looking back up.

”This place is gonna take years for me to look at everything.” You sighed dramatically. Neville cleared his throat, catching your attention. You looked over at him, his eyes darting slightly around the hall.

”I could show you some cool places! I know a few that some students who’ve been here 7 years have never seen.” He said, chuckling nervously. You turned to face him, your eyes wide. 

“I’d love that.” You got up from the table quickly looking down at him. 

“Let’s go!” You said taking a step out of the table. Neville looked at you not expecting you to be so eager. 

“Oh. Okay! Let’s go!” He clumsily got out of the table. He looked at you for a good moment before realizing he was staring.

”sorry right.” He tucked his head down and walked in front of you to the entrance of the great hall. Once you reached the entrance you started walking next to him, keeping in time with his step. 

Neville was enamored by you. He has met Americans before, but your accent was so smooth in comparison to the standard rough English accents of the countryside. He loved how you said things and listened to you intently during the entire dinner. It was undeniable that you were beautiful and even Ron kicked him under the table smiling and raising his eyes towards you. He wasn’t sure where he was taking you, honestly not expecting you to agree to come along. 

“So. Where is your favorite place toooooooo-.” You walked, tapping your finger on your chin, “your favorite place to sit between classes.” You finish looking over at Neville. You could see the wheels turning in his head. It took him a moment before he turned quickly to the left. 

“I know just the place. Come on.” His body was still a little rigid but his hands swung by his body loosely, more relaxed. You kept up quietly trying to take in the hallways and the moving paintings all around you. Your hand quickly raises and grabs his shoulder lightly. 

“Wait i-“ you started noticing a painting of horses in a pasture. You felt Neville shoulder tense under your touch before softening and turning. 

“Sorry, I just really want to look at this one.” You realize your abrupt stop startled him slightly but he smiled and joined you. You stood shoulder to shoulder looking at the painting. The hallway was silent, only the sounds of the people and animals in the paintings making noise. 

The horses were coming closer to the frame, almost like you could reach out and touch them. But you were mistaken, they had wings.

”Pegasus.” Neville whispered. You looked at him for a second, focusing back on the animals. He was right.

“I’ve never seen one before. Well not like this anyway.” You cocked your head to the side admiring the work of the hills and grass moving and swishing as the Pegasus ate. 

“Me neither. I think this is beautiful though.” Neville said, taking small glances at you. You looked over catching his gaze. 

Normal Hogwarts uniform Erin!