Audrey soared through the sky with unrestrained joy.
She performed maneuvers so impossible that the first-years could only gape in awe, still three feet off the ground, clumsily practicing "cloud crawling" under Madame Hooch's watchful eye.
Headmaster's Office
"Severus," Dumbledore said, his smile calm, "I've spoken with you before. I assure you, Audrey Astley is no threat. She is a good child."
Snape's expression darkened. "Are you senile, Albus? I visited that Rick Astley's ancestral home—there's no Audrey Astley there! A sixteen-year-old from the Muggle world? Ancient magic nonsense? She's not a wizard by birth! This must be some scheme—someone's design, perhaps!"
Dumbledore shook his head. Severus' stubbornness was legendary, but his concern for Harry's safety often overrode reason. Yet Dumbledore could not reveal Audrey's true identity. Lest Snape find out who her real father was—LeStrange or Black—it might spark a catastrophic fight. Snape loathed Voldemort for killing Lily Potter; letting him discover Audrey's lineage could be… explosive.
"In any case, Severus," Dumbledore said, "she is now part of Slytherin. If you distrust her, it's your responsibility to… 'watch over' her."
Snape rose and strode toward the door. "I will watch her! And if I catch her in any mischief, will you expel her?"
"No," Dumbledore replied, "unless she breaks a rule serious enough for expulsion."
"Hmph!" Snape's disappointment was palpable.
A sudden silver bell-like laughter rang outside the office.
Dumbledore and Snape moved to the window, and their eyes widened. Audrey was flying—wildly, daringly.
She leaned forward, broomstick tilted with its head high and shaft low, as if she was dragging it along rather than riding it. The broom tried to cooperate but was powerless to fully match her skill, shedding bits of wood as it struggled to keep up.
Despite the odd posture, she moved with breathtaking speed. In a blink, she vanished from sight.
"Remarkable flying technique, isn't it, Severus?" Dumbledore said, smiling.
"If I'm not mistaken, she should be in Ancient Runes right now! She's skipping class!"
"Severus," Dumbledore chuckled, "her Ancient Runes lessons are taught personally by Nick Lemere. Professor Babbling has nothing left to teach her."
Snape huffed.
"Look at her flying skill," Dumbledore continued. "Perhaps your Quidditch team could use her talent."
Snape's face remained stormy. With a flick of his sleeve, he exited. "Once I've verified she is harmless, I'll consider it!"
The first-years' flying lesson ended. Audrey returned, straddling a splintered old broom.
"Oh, Madame Hooch, I'm terribly sorry," she said, feigning concern. "I didn't realize the school's broomsticks were this ancient… Do I need to pay for repairs?"
Hooch glanced at the battered broom. "I'm not sure, child. Perhaps a small repair fee."
Audrey shook her head. "Honestly, this broom should have been replaced ages ago. If the board refuses again, just throw this one at them!"
Hooch chuckled and patted Audrey's shoulder. "You're right. It's not your fault. The broom has served its time."
Then her eyes lit up with curiosity. "Your flying is exceptional. Ever considered becoming a professional Quidditch player? I know several team managers. I could introduce you."
"You're destined to be a star in the Quidditch world—I can see it!"
A Musical Invitation
"Destined to be a musical superstar in the wizarding world!"
On the eve of Halloween, Glenda Chittock arrived at Hogwarts to seek Audrey out.
Glenda, host of the Wizarding Radio Network's Magic Hour, was the first to bring Audrey's songs to the wizarding world. Her influence had become so great that even Chocolate Frog cards depicted her alongside Dumbledore and Morgana, a recognized "big shot." And at just twenty-seven!
Glenda wore oversized glasses, her complexion pale from long hours indoors. She resembled a more… sane version of Professor Sybil Trelawney: a hint of eccentricity, yet overall pure and charming.
"Miss Chittock, did you graduate from Ravenclaw?" Audrey asked.
"No, Slytherin," Glenda said proudly.
"Then we're housemates," Audrey replied with a businesslike smile. "You didn't come just to tell me I'm a future music superstar, did you?"
"Oh, of course not!" Glenda laughed. "I'm busy discovering the best music in the world for the wizarding world."
She studied Audrey as one might examine a priceless treasure. "I had hoped to introduce Michael Jackson's music here, but the recordings from the Muggle world had lost too much magic. They were… almost mundane."
"Wait!" Audrey realized the implication. "You mean Michael Jackson… was a wizard?"
"Yes! Didn't you know? Ilvermorny tried to enroll him, but he and his family refused—he debuted at seven! His family wouldn't let go of their golden goose."
Glenda sighed. "Such a wasted voice. Were it not for the complicated American Magical Congress, I would have recorded him here myself!"
Audrey frowned. "But wouldn't a wizard child who skips school risk uncontrolled magic, becoming a… spectacle?"
"He's a true prodigy," Glenda said. "That's why people say his voice had magic. Like you, he channeled his magic where it was most needed."
Audrey blinked, processing. Then she reminded Glenda, "Miss Chittock, I asked why you came. Why the tangent?"
"Oh, right," Glenda said, smiling. "I want to hold a Halloween concert at Hogwarts, and broadcast it to the entire wizarding world. Interested?"