Chapter Text
Sansa Stark starts her fourth year at Hogwarts knowing she is the least impressive of her siblings.
Robb is a prefect, Keeper and Captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, and at only his fifth year is being scouted for the Queen Crown Quakes and the Tumbleton Terrors. Arya is the youngest chaser in Hogwarts history, and she also subbed in as a seeker plenty of times as well (Aerea Targaryen has the record of youngest player and was a seeker). Not to mention that she is already Treasurer of the Dueling team just like their Aunt Lyanna. Her brother Bran was probably the strongest seer in the past one hundred and fifty years, at twelve. Twelve! Lady Melisandre has been working with him on it since the start of last term despite being only a first year.Even her half-brother was the first one to pull out the Sword of Gryffindor, one of the last Valyrian Steel swords in the world, out of the Sorting Hat in two centuries. Plus there was his negotiations to get the wildlings all south of the wall during his summers with the Night’s Watch and their Uncle Benjen or his infamous duel with the Halfhand. And to top it all off he was a Prefect like Robb.
(Rickon is just a baby, only in October of his first year. He doesn’t count)
Meanwhile Sansa is the first, in gods know how many generations, Stark to not be in Gryffindor; the first Tully to not be in Hufflepuff. Robb, Rickon and Bran are in Hufflepuff, Arya and Jon are in Gryffindor… Sansa? She was in Ravenclaw. By herself.
Neither of parents expressed disappointment in her house but she knew. She knew.
(If only Arya could have been subtle.) Sansa was just glad that Jeyne Poole was part of Hufflepuff since the history of their two houses was able to keep them together in most of their classes.
None were surprised to find out that she was in Ravenclaw due to the amount of time she spent in the library. Well between her time in the Library and tutoring help from her friend Margaery she was the top of the class for the fourth years so they could all suck it!
But still she was lonely. Especially since she and Joffrey broke up. He and his Gryffindor cronies had been harassing her since his suspension, causing quite a disruption in the school. Tywin Lannister may have been on and held (far too much) influence on the Board of Directors, but Headmaster Arryn had been friends with her father for years , not to mention he was her Uncle through marriage and her Arya, Bran and Jon’s godfather. It was also hardly worth the mention that her mother taught at the school, her friend Margaery’s grandmother taught Herbology and even Joff’s own Uncle Stannis, who taught History of Magic, all insisted he be punished.
(Professor Lannister also wanted to speak up in her defense but with everyone else on her side already, he didn’t want to be on the outs with his family. At least he did not speak in Joffrey’s defense.)
It is not as if he could deny what he did since he did it in front of everyone after a Quidditch match. She still has the scar above her eyebrow from his ring.
(She thinks that is the closest her mother may have ever gotten to using an unforgivable curse).
But now that he’s back she’s needed to find places. A professor her mother may be, but no one wants to be a snitch. Not to mention she and Professor Baratheon are in the running to become head of House Hufflepuff. There was no need to provide a distraction towards her.
She doesn’t need Jon or Robb getting suspended if they find out Joffrey and his friends were harassing her. Better to just ignore and avoid it when she can.
At least in the Great Hall they are unable to do it. Her mother is sitting right there. She tried to not to interact with them outside for professional reasons (much to her exasperation Arya did not go a week without calling her “mum” instead of “Professor” or “Professor Tully”. She is in her third year. At this point it is on purpose.), but she truly doubts that even her mother would be able tremain professional if she were to find out.
The first two months of the term were probably the loneliest. The houses were unable to intermingle at meals until Halloween so that the first years could get adjusted and integrated into their houses. Sansa was unable to sit with her siblings nor her closest friends as Jeyne was in Hufflepuff and Margaery was in Slytherin, so she was on her own for another few weeks. Seeing as Elinor was the only other girl in Ravenclaw for her year, Sansa got mighty lonely for two months.
Luckily for her, in Sansa's first year she was taken under the wing of, now Head Girl, Rhaenys Targaryen.
Like Margaery, they bonded over having family members in the staff (her mum teaching Transfiguration for Sansa, her Aunt teaching Flying and Great Uncle teaching Arthimacy for Rhaenys) and the amount of pressure they were under due to it.
Unbeknownst to anyone except Rhaenys’ Boyfriend Willas Tyrell, she and Sansa started working on how to become an animagus. They were almost there, they just needed to wait for that damned lightning storm. She could not wait to show her mother. She was very disappointed that Sansa was not in Hufflepuff like her.
(Although as long as Bran got into her former house, Sansa thinks her mother would have been fine if the other five of them ended up elsewhere)
But her mother was the transfiguration teacher. She would be overjoyed that Sansa became the first animagus in Tully history! (It’s a little blurry on the Stark side how much they actually take after their house sigil)
Rhaenys is hoping for a viper, like her uncle whom she would not stop talking about.
Or a Cat, like Belaron.
Sansa has heard much about Oberyn Martell. He is a fantastic potions master and legendary duelist. He teaches at Sunspear institute.
One of the concessions that got Dorne to Integrate into the seven kingdoms was the fact that they were able to keep their kingdom’s school, something that none of the other kingdoms were able tdo.
They were traveling to Hogwarts this afternoon to participate in the Triwizard Tournament that hasn’t been held in years, alongside the school of the Braavosi.
“’Ello Sansa.” Rhaenys said, as she sat down besides her with Willas limping closely behind. “Excited for this afternoon? And tonight?”
“As much as I should be.” Sansa said, using her fork to play with her mashed potatoes.
“Stop playing with your food!” She said, trying to sound stern but failing. Rhaenys’ excitement was palpable.
The other schools got there today and she would be seeing most of her mother and even some of her father’s side of the family. “I’m sure you are excited to see your brother.”
For some reason King Rhaegar decided that his children and siblings needed to go to separate schools. Sansa never asked questions, but she assumed it was for their safety.
“Yeah…” She said, with a bit of a dopey smile. “Aegon is still a bit miffed that he can’t compete due to the age limit, but it will be good to see him here.”
“I am glad for you.” Sansa said, honestly.
“And tonight?” Rhaenys asked, wryly.
That... That Sansa was worried about. Tonight would be the last night they needed before they would officially become animaguses (animagi?)
“Sooo…” The Head girl said, and Sansa tried not to roll her eyes at the fact at what she was trying to do.
“No.”
“It’s been seven months!” Rhaenys said. She had been trying to set Sansa up with a date ever since the school term started.
She didn’t necessarily pick bad choices, but Sansa is not ready.
“There is a boy your age coming from Dorne that I’d like you to meet! An old family friend…” Rhaenys said, but before she could specify she was cut off.
“Wait? I thought your aunt was younger than your brother?” Sansa said, desperately trying to change the subject.
“Yes? And?”
“I thought she was competing?”
“She plans to try.”
“How can she compete but not your brother?”
“Essos has different age laws.” Rhaenys began before interruption by the bell alerted everyone it was time for classes.
Hours later, the anticipation of the other schools arriving sat like a pit in their stomachs.
“They’re here! Both the Dornish and Free City students are here!” The shrill voice of the school Caretaker Madam Mordane.
The shuffling of the students to the front of the school took just about as long as one would assume for students to make.
Sansa saw her mother lecturing Rickon and Little Lyanna Mormont and decided to just stick with Rhaenys. Big Lyanna was floating around making faces at Rickon & Lyanna from behind their mother’s back and Sansa did not want to deal with the fallout of that.
All the Stark siblings have spent time with the ghost of their Aunt Lyanna who still stays around the school. Dying meant that she was stuck in time, like those Muggle photographs. Dying so young, she was more like an older sister to the Stark children rather than an aunt.
Well except Jon whom she avoided. The only one of her siblings who hasn't spoken to her.
Honestly, he may have the name Snow but, in this day, and age who cares about illegitimately? Even her Mother backed off Jon after Sansa told her this, hoping to gain brownie points back in second year.
Being both a Princess and Head Girl, Rhaenys was able to pull strings to make sure that the Dornish students were housed in Ravenclaw tower. Since both sets of Students would be there for nearly the full school year it only made sense that they would stay in the castle. The Free City students would be housed in the dungeons with the Slytherins.
Hogwarts’ numbers were still down from Westeros’ last civil war so, other than maybe Hufflepuff, any of the houses could probably house the students coming in.
The Slytherin and Hufflepuff students walked to the entrance of the school led by her mother as Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were gathered by Rhaenys and Willas to go to the lake to greet her family. Sansa rolled her eyes as Jon bumped her shoulder with his to let her know he was there
Rhaenys could definitely win a contest at their school for her poise and grace, but when she saw the Silver-blond boy with purple eyes she loudly squealed “Eggy!” Before skipping over and wrapping her arms around him.
Sansa was surprised that it seemed to hurt only her ears.
The boy did not seem amused at his older sister’s antics as she planted kisses all across his face.
“Aren’t you supposed to be setting an example, Head Girl?” An older man in Dornish style robes asked walking up.
“Hello all!” He said to the masses of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students. “I am Professor Oberyn! Potion master of the Dornish School of Excellence and supervisor of the Dornish continuant. I thank you for your acceptance to your wonderful school!”
“We didn’t have much of a choice!” Willas said, causing Professor Oberyn to laugh.
There was clearly no love lost between the two despite the rumors that Professor Oberyn was the one that permanently destroyed the Tyrell heir’s kneecap as he pulled the man into a hug.
“Hello.” Oberyn said, leading two more very pretty women forward. “These are Professors Ellaria and Ashara, our School counselor and Charms Professor. They too will be supervising our students while we are here.”
Sansa was surprised. All the Dornish students did not seem to think it weird but she still found it strange that the Dornish professors were referred to by their first name rather than last.
Sansa’s eyes then narrowed in familiar confusion at the woman’s name, before she felt Jon stiffened beside her. She quickly remembered the rumor of Jon’s supposed mother, and quickly grasped his hand.
As Rhaenys became more animated, Sansa tugged on Jon’s arm.
“I know what you are thinking, but now might not be the best time.” Sansa said, interlocking his fingers.
Everyone has heard the rumors of their Father and Ashara Dayne. Mrs. Lannister actually threw it in her face when Joffrey got in trouble to prove that the Starks “aren’t so noble”.
Jon had always wanted to know more about his mother, but she had the feeling that doing it in front of everyone in both of their houses wasn't exactly the brightest considering the circumstances surrounding this particular meeting.
Eventually the entire contingent of students were escorted back into the main hall instead of standing outside in the late October weather. As they trailed inside, Rhaenys was positively preening, surrounded by her cousins that Sansa and Jon were soon introduced to.
“Sansa! Come meet my cousins! And my pain in my ass… I mean brother!” Rhaenys jokes, getting shoulder bumped by her unamused brother.
They all quickly sat down at the Ravenclaw table, which Jon tried to slip away. Unfortunately that was something neither Sansa nor Rhaenys allowed. Sansa wanted back up when meeting such a huge number of Rhaenys’ family, and Rhaenys always liked Jon.
(Although, Sansa was so relieved when Rhaenys reacted in disgust when she asked if Rhaenys had a crush on him that she did not have time to be insulted on her brother’s behalf.)
“This is Tyene, Arianne, Sarella, Li-Li and Egg.” Rhaenys said, pointing to a Blonde girl, A girl who looked like Rhaenys but a lot curvier, a darker skinned girl who had her hair cropped very short like Gendry, another girl who looked almost exactly like Rhaenys and a boy that distinctly reminded Sansa of someone but she could not put her finger on it.
“Everyone, this is Sansa and Jon.”
“It’s just Elia!” Rhaenys’ clone bemoaned.
“Jon you say?” Aegon said at the same time, with a smile and Arianne put a hand on his chest.
“Down boy.” Arianne said, clearly seeing both the burning cheeks of Sansa, and Jon looking around at the Slytherin table to avoid eye contact.
“Greetings! Greetings!” Uncle Jon said, his voice ringing off the walls.
Many students wondered how he got his voice so loud, but one Weirwood day when it was his turn to host he told her that it was a spell.
(A spell that, for obvious reasons, is not taught in all seven years at Hogwarts. The teacher do not want rambunctious students using it all the time)
“I first wish to welcome our new students.” Uncle Jon said, first to the Slytherin table, and then to the Ravenclaw. “We always are pleased to participate in magical cooperation. Without further ado, I would like to introduce King Rhaegar to speak.”
Rhaenys stiffened beside Sansa as she had no idea her father was going to be here today.
“Welcome. Welcome.” The Silver haired king said, “It is very pleasing to see so many faces here.”
The king stared near Sansa, where she and Jon were boxing in Aegon and Rhaenys.
The king continued, “Ever since my father died, magical cooperation has always been an objective of mine. With this tournament we can finally see the beginnings come to fruition!”
There were cheers from all three schools when he held up his hands for silence. “This is Master of Law, Jon Connington. He, along with myself, Headmaster Arryn of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Martell of the Dornish Institute of Excellence and Headmaster Antaryon of the Braavosi School of Magical Lore, will be the judges for this event. Now I hand it over to him to explain the rules and regulations for this event.”
The Red Haired Man stepped up to the podium, quickly followed by another younger boy roiling something covered in a tarp.
“Greetings. As many of you know, three champions compete in the tournament, one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks by the judges listed and the champion with the highest total after the Third Task will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Ice and Fire.”
With a flourish the tarp was whipped off and a giant goblet made of blue ice was revealed, filled with a bright Orange flame. Some at the Hufflepuff table who were too close actually started shivering.
(Southron pounces)
“The Triwizard Tournament consists of three tasks.” He continued, “These tasks will test its participants beyond the pale. And for this reason the decision has been made that no witch or wizard not of age will be allowed to participate.”
This part was not very well received and took a moment for the professors to regain control.
“Are we done?” Professor Baratheon asked, and if she did not know better Sansa thought she’d have thought he was being sarcastic.
“For those of you not tracking, the age of majority for the Hogwarts and Dornish students is seventeen. For the Braavosi, it is sixteen.”
“Father wanted to push for seventeen years because of Dany.” Rhaenys whispered conspiratorially to Sansa. “They wouldn’t go for it and he’s just lucky his hair is already silver because she’d have turned it prematurely Grey.”
“Anyone wishing to participate merely has to write their name and school on a piece of paper and drop it into the Goblet.” Lord Connington said, before backing up.
Uncle Jon walked up and did a flourish with his wand creating a misty circle around the Goblet.
“This is an age line.” Sansa’s uncle announced. “Any one underage… well anyone underage wishing to try their hand is more than welcome to try.”
The uncharacteristic sinister look that the headmaster gave definitely gave many people who were thinking about it to think twice.
“You can start as soon as the feast is over.” Uncle Jon clapped and the tables all filled with food.
There were cheers as people started digging into their food, and Sansa and her brother started learning more about Rhaenys’ cousin.
Tyene was required to have her hands within eyesight at all times.
Aegon, as begetting a Crown Prince, liked to speak about himself, something that all his cousins and sister were quick to shut down.
She did not get to know very much about Sarella as she was preoccupied with an animated conversation with Jon’s friend Sam and his girlfriend Gilly.
Li-Li was actually pretty quiet, but it seemed fairly unlike her considering that all of the Martell clan seemed to be giving her looks of worry.
Arianne was interesting. Literally any subject that was brought up she was able to talk on, and keep up with literally everyone.
The most interesting was how animated Rhaenys became around her family.
Something that became more apparent when the flying coach came forward.
“Quick announcement; due to inclimate weather tonight no one is to leave the castle.”
“D’you hear that!” Rhaenys whispered, absolutely giddy at what her aunt and Sansa could not help but feel giddy at the same thing.
If only to get this damned leaf from under her tongue.
“You are awfully giddy about a thunderstorm.” Sarella said, something weird in her voice.
Rhaenys rolled her eyes and told Sansa, “She is already an animagus.” Causing the younger girl’s eyes to widen.
Sarella just smiled.
“What is…” Sansa asked, not wanting to be obvious since she was not sure who knew. Li-Li Elia seemed very interested in their conversation so Sansa wanted to be subtle.
“Ocelot.” Sarella said, before going back to her pumpkin juice.
Sansa felt an electric charge go through her body and it felt difficult to just sit still. She bounced in her seat so much even Jon was giving her worried looks. Rhaenys felt it too, Sansa could tell as she may have been able to hide it better, she could not hide it completely.
She was much more touchy feely with Willas, until the point came where when Sansa turned around they both disappeared for a few minutes. Not being fooled for a moment all her cousins started whooping and cheering when they came back causing Willas to blush.
“Maybe it is time to go?” Rhaenys suggested, when she noticed Sansa had been squirming in her seat as well.
“Don’t worry.” Sarella said, “This is normal.”
“Either way,” Rhaenys said, “Let us all get going. I will show you where you all will be sleeping for the duration of the school year.
Once they started going, it was like a waterfall of students started following them.
Even Jon who was right behind her talking to Sam and Gilly while holding off flirtations from Aegon.
“So…” Elia said, getting close to Sansa. She seemed to want to say something but panicked at the last second. “Come here often?”
Sansa blinked in confusion, as all the Martell clan looked on at the youngest in disbelief.
“Come here often?” Arianne asked incredulously as the rest all laughed at the blushing baby of the family.
“I panicked!” Elia bemoaned in an adorably way that made Sansa wish to just wrap her up in a hug.
Everyone laughed, and Sansa jumped as her friend Shouted “Piggyback!” and Margaery jumped onto Sansa’s back.
There was some spluttering from Jon behind her before Tyene said, “Real brave jumping in those ‘Warts skirts.”
“Yeah.” Margaery said, cryptically. “Brave.”
“Where is Arianne?” Sarella asked, and Tyene chuckled.
“Where do you think?” She rhetorically as the girls started running back up to the group and Sansa saw the Goblet of Ice and Fire shining a dusky orange.
“Oh, hell no!” Rhaenys said, not wanting to be left behind, she turned and ran to the Goblet to put her name in, causing black flames to shoot from the goblet.
(This also caused Sansa to see Tyene’s point with the skirts.)
Hours later when everyone was settled down, did Rhaenys collect Sansa.
“Are you ready to go?” Rhaenys asked.
“What if we get caught?” Sansa asked worriedly.
“Don’t worry!” Rhaenys said, as they got to the Ravenclaw common room. “I’ve been expecting this for a while now. I made sure Jon and Margaery are the prefects on duty.”
“Fine…” Sansa said, as they snuck through the corridors. While neither Jon nor Margaery would bust them, there was no telling what the ghosts would do.
“What are you doing?” A voice asked in her ear, nearly shocking Rhaenys and Sansa out of their skin.
“Lyanna!” Sansa said, grabbing her chest. It felt as if her heart was about to beat out of it.
“Mischief.” Rhaenys said.
“Mischief?” Lyanna asked, giddy.
“Mischief.” Rhaenys confirmed, ending their game of verbal tennis.
“How can I help?” Lyanna asked, deciding to keep any of the other Hogwarts ghosts away as they snuck out.
In the Forbidden Forest, Sansa never felt so nervous. She hoped for something cute like a rabbit or maybe even a dove. It would be nice to fly.
“You ready?” Rhaenys asked, as they finished making their final potion.
“No.” Sansa said, honestly. “But let’s do it anyway.”
The two girls interlocked elbows like a handshake and downed the potion, after both shouted “Amato Animo Animato Animagus!”
Sansa’s entire world spun and she found herself on the ground on all fours. Strangely enough though, she did not seem any closer to the ground.
Feeling much warmer, Sansa looked around for Rhaenys to see an owl circling over her head. When Sansa went to speak, all that came out was a bark. Surprised Sansa trotted over to the nearest puddle to see a wolf staring back at her.
Shocking herself, Sansa felt herself falling back out of her animagus form and her butt landed in another puddle.
Rhaenys’ owl form got closer before the shorter girl formed around it, her own landing leaving much to be desired.
Rhaenys laughed, “I guess no one is going to doubt that you are actually a Stark anymore!”
“Ah-woo!” Sansa said, feeling unusually playful. “Let’s get back to the castle.”
“Already?” Rhaenys said, and with a crack of thunder she said, “Maybe we can explore these forms a little more later.”
The pair interlocked elbows and headed back to the castle.
“What is this?” Rhaenys asked, holding up Sansa’s hand with a smear of tan on the back of her palm.
Sansa blushed, “Your cousin wanted to wish me g’night.”
“Li-Li? And she kissed the back of your hand?” Rhaenys asked. “What is this? The era of the Seven Kings?”
“What is that?” Sansa asked, noise coming from around the corner. Her smell and hearing had gone into overdrive.
Not to mention she wanted to change the subject from the most romantic thing that had ever happened to her.
Rhaenys tilted her head towards where a smacking noise was coming. “Ugh! Do you know how many times that I have to find idiots like these snogging after hou…”
Rhaenys trailed off as Sansa and Rhaenys came across her brother Jon with his hand down her friend Margaery’s shirt.