A week and a couple of days have passed, and Alice have finished reading all of the books, although she either skimmed or read with confusion. It was a guaranteed fact that she tried to copy spells and tried to experiment Potions, and all of it were a huge failure save for some simple spells she managed to do. She developed an interest towards Divination, Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures, subjects she looks forward to the most.

"Huh. Looks like I have to wait for school to actually understand all the indecipherable materials and terms on these books." Alice slumped on her bed, on her hand was a copy of Advanced Potion Making. During the entire time she meddled with her wand and tried out spells, some bombarded her shack and she had no choice but to work on cleaning and fixing. The galleons she have were converted to euros, all thanks to the kind old wizard, and was able to buy food and other basic things that she thought she couldn't afford anymore. She was able to look around the new, modern England and it still looked similar although with different, much daring clothings, wider roads, more vehicles and new machineries. It truly was a world embracing science, and engaging in a world war, just like H.G Wells predicted.

Today is the day she's been waiting for. The day she'll depart her home once more and travel a new path. The day she'll start as a student at Hogwarts.

"Pfft-" She bursted out in a rambunctious laugh, rolling on her little bed until she fell off. "Ha! Not only am I going to be a wizard, but also back as a student! This sure will be a riot!"

Alice picked herself up and returned the book in the luggage. She has already prepared everything beforehand, and the train ticket in her pocket. With her lanky arms, she took her bag along with the cage where Obsidian is. From all the reading she did, she was able to cast a feather-light charm on the luggage along with the cage and was able to carry them easily. She locked the house and without even turning back, she began to walk towards the train station. She left early to catch the train travelling here from Oxford to London where she is supposed to board a train to Hogwarts. Excitement filled every fiber in her body, and she was unable to restrain the smile that stayed throughout the train ride to London.

Within a span of one week, she was able to do a lot of things than just cleaning her impoverished shack and reading her books. She went to the city and spent her money very wisely, then looked around to keep herself updated. Much to her pleasure, she was able to buy a few clothes and is currently wearing one of the clothes she bought. A blue, navy-styled dress paired with oxford shoes suited her well, and wearing them other than her ragged clothes that lasted for decades welled her up with hope and happiness. However, a crisis arose as she reached King's Cross station without being able to look for platform 9 ¾.

"Is this really the right number?" She glanced at the number on her ticket once more, looking around as she began asking.

"Excuse me? Can you tell me where platform 9 ¾ is?"

The stranger just glared at her and harshly said, "Don't ask stupid questions."

The man left and Alice felt irked, and her irritation grew after her question was denied many times. With a sigh, she started to feel hopeless, looking at the ticking clock and wondering if she really won't be able to go after all. But then, someone tapped her shoulder and greeted her with a friendly smile.

"You're looking for platform 9 ¾, right?" The light, brown-skinned foreign girl asked.

"Yes. I can't seem to find it and all these people don't know either." Alice frowned, aggravated but was glad that someone seem to know.

"Of course! They're muggles after all!" The girl laughed, then gave Alice a rather big smile. "You don't have to worry though, I'll show you how, and we must hurry. We have only have a few minutes left to catch the train."

The girl walked towards the wall in between platform 9 and 10 then faced Alice. "Alright. You must watch very carefully. As long as you have your ticket in you somewhere, you can get in. Don't worry, I'll be waiting for you. Just run straight in." She instructed, and all Alice could do is nod and anticipate. Taking in a deep breath, the girl sprinted towards the wall and seemed like she got sucked right in. Alice gasped, her eyes widening as she looked around.

"What- No one seemed to notice." She sighed, and felt more nervous. "What if I crash in? That girl didn't give very specific instructions. Time for my rashness then." She heaved a defeated sigh and closed her eyes, gripping the trolley tightly as she sprinted towards the wall. The whole time her heart was pounding, she felt like she passed through some sort of barrier and it proved to be so as soon as she opened her eyes.

"Woah.."

As she turned around the corner, a lively sight greeted her. Everyone was hustling and bustling, farewells and greetings left and right. The train was a huge locomotive with HOGWARTS EXPRESS written in a red plate in front along with the digits 5972. She looked around for the girl earlier, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Maybe she went by herself. Quite rude to leave work unfinished." Alice went inside the train, seeing a lot of compartments packed by students of various ages and 11 year-olds uneasily approaching others. She walked ahead and found an empty compartment much to her delight. Sitting on the right side, looking at the boisterous people greeting their farewells to the student boarding the train, a little pain suddenly twinged her heart with grief and longing. She wishes she still have her family to greet her farewell in the train and open arms when she returns. It wasn't long before the deafening train whistle blared through, the train started moving and Alice gazed out the window with excitement pumping throughout her body. A food trolley came along and she bought a few sweets, heaving out a relaxed sigh as she sunk further on the seat and ate happily.

"This is bliss." She purred. Her lips curled into a smile, keeping what remains of the things she bought in her little pouch and closed her eyes.

"Excuse me?" She didn't know how long she napped, but it felt so brief, interrupted by a familiar, masculine voice. She opened her eyes and on the door was the gentleman she saw a week ago. She abruptly sat up and met his gaze.

"Yes?" She managed to answer politely, and she was greeted by the same curtness as a charming smile appeared on his face.

"Are you Ms. Liddell?"

"Yes I am. May I help you with something?"

"I'm Tom Riddle, a 6th year prefect. I have been told to check up on you by Professor Dumbledore." Alice was unsure if she saw a hint of shadow and irritation, because as soon as she thought she saw a glimpse of those, his charming smile cleared it.

"Professor Dumbledore? Well that's very nice of him. Did he say anything?"

"Yes. You don't mind me sitting here and chatting with you here for a while, right? I must confess that I find you curious."

Alice blushed and smiled back. "Of course, I don't mind."

"Thank you." He sat across her in such a poised manner that made Alice instinctively remember her manner lessons and sat upright. "It's very surprising to see a 6th year transferee. I've read none about 6th year transferees in Hogwarts, so I'm guessing you're a first. That's why the Transfiguration Professor and other professors asked me to talk to you and make you feel reassured."

'Hm. Seems like he's a reliable lad.' Alice thought. "To be honest, I am completely baffled when I was told that I was a witch. Even though this might turn out as no different from my illusions, wouldn't it be fun to just go with it and not waste the fun?" She grinned, and offered him a candy.

He shook his head, declining the candy. "I think that's an interesting perspective. I was pretty confounded too, but I assure you though that this is real. You can't just imagine all of this in your mind, right?"

"No. Doesn't matter to me if it's real or not, or if it's my imagination or some others. The important thing is, how to keep it going? This magic world could easily be a reality to us and at the same time a work of someone's expansive imagination. Are we going along to the author's will? Or the author is just letting the mind and ink flow? The moment the imagination is ended, then so are our lives. It's a mystery." Alice said rather wistfully, shrugging before chuckling and looking straight at him since her gaze was darting around while she was talking. "How about you Mr. Riddle? Do you think this is reality?"

"You ask rather peculiar questions, Ms. Liddell. However, I stand by the fact that this is reality. My goals will be a reality too. Won't it be too bad if this was just someone's vivid wet dream?" Tom grinned and for a split second she saw a hint of malice and scorn.

Sniggering, Alice nodded in agreement. "I have to agree with you on that. I wouldn't like to be a product of someone's random dream. However, I don't mind if it's made by an elaborate dreamer, since I am one myself." She shrugged. "Now, tell me, how big is the Hogwarts castle?"

Tom chuckled. "An enormous, magical castle with a magical lake, a forbidden forest, moving staircases and much more. I was blown away myself when I entered Hogwarts as a 1st year. I wouldn't blame you if you get as surprised and lost as the first year students. You don't have to worry though, the prefect of whatever house you'll be assigned to will help you." He leaned forward Alice and looked around, as if he was going to whisper something very important. "Slytherin is the only house worth getting into."

Her brows quickly quirked up, stifling a laugh. "Pfft. How come? I've read that there are 4 houses. Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Do I have the right to choose which house I go to?"

"To some extent." He shrugged. "I won't be spoiling the fun. You could chant Slytherin many times and you'd be lucky enough to go there. However, you seem like a Ravenclaw. Still, witticism is greatly welcomed in Slytherin."

"Huh. What's so great about Slytherin anyway?"

"Slytherin is a house established by the Great Salazar Slytherin. It houses cunning, resourceful and ambitious people. Why, it's the house that hosts the most pure-blooded people." He announced with much pride, and there was a glint of greed that Alice didn't miss.

"Sounds like a great house. I'd like to keep my options open though." She have read Hogwarts: A History, and the book left her greatly amazed and puzzled. The houses were briefly explained, yet she still doesn't know which house she likes. Hufflepuff is a house who values hard work, patience and overall exuberates a sort of kind, warm welcome she wants. Ravenclaw prizes intelligence, wisdom and creativity, and she honestly felt like it's a house made just for her. After all, she prides herself as an intelligent person. Gryffindor is a house that suited her wonderland self. Bravery, chivalry and nerve, the stuff she's been pursuing and keeping to have over many years. Slytherin seems to resemble Hufflepuff if only its logo wasn't of a snake. It's the house that focuses on power, ambitions, and cleverness, the things that made her fire going despite decades of impoverishment. The houses all look great and she looks forward being in one of them. In fact, she doesn't mind if she's sorted into all of them.

Tom sat up and straightened himself. "It was nice chatting with you Ms. Liddell."

'Oh please, call me Alice."

"Well then, it was a pleasure getting to know you, Alice." Tom gave such a dashing smile that made Alice swooned for a little while if she didn't remember that she's actually much older than him. "However, I still have prefect duties to attend to. But may I ask a question?" His tone was light yet clipped and his face was suddenly blank as his dark eyes locked with her green ones.

"Yes, whatever is it?"

"Alice Liddell from Alice in Wonderland?"

Alice was surprised he too knew about her. When she went back home, she did a little visit on the library and found out that Charles indeed published a book with her as the protagonist. She laughed at how accurate he wrote her childhood adventures and was both proud and happy that her friend received such a big audience on his book. The illustrations were as exactly as she told him. What stunned her though, that a muggle children's novel would grab the attention of the magical community too.

"Yes. Quite surprising right?"

"Very much intriguing too. I'd like to chat more but I'm afraid I can't stay any longer. I guess I'll see you around."

"I'll see you around." She smiled at him and he politely nodded and returned the smile. He finally left and Alice was left on her own once more. Tom, no matter how charming and delightful he appears, is a mysterious figure, and that made him all the more alluring. She slunk at her seat and popped a candy on her mouth, before another bustling person entered the person.

"Oops. 'Scuse me."

It was the girl from earlier. She entered, panting and looking outside the hallway before collapsing on the seat opposite to Alice.

"Dios mio! Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin lubusang maintindihan ang mga ingles." The girl muttered in a foreign language and sighed deeply. Alice stayed quiet until it was about a minute when the girl finally noticed her.

"Oh my! How rude of me!" She immediately sat up, her face flushed. "I'm sorry for not noticing you until now! And for abandoning you earlier on the station. I've been looking all over for you though! Goodness, how uncivil of me to leave a new student! You see, my friends dragged me somewhere as soon as they saw me and I've just managed to escape from those lunatics! Urgh! I may love those fools but they certainly have no right to drag me and just barrage me with questions about my vacation and dalliances! Oh, sorry for rattling! Don't mind me please." The girl was chatty, but then quickly sighed and scratched her head.

"I'm Flordeliza Torres by the way. My name is too long so I've shortened it to that. I'm really sorry for being such an inconvenience." She extended her arm and offered her hand, to which Alice though hesitant but nonchalantly shook.

"I'm Alice Liddell. It was quite rude when you left me all of a sudden, but it's alright now. I've managed without your help."

Flordeliza laughed, a carefree yet sweet laughter. "Blunt, aren't we? But it's my fault after all so I don't mind, and I'm really sorry."

"Can't help it. They've always said honesty is the best policy, but I just cut to the chase since it's tiring to beat around the bush. I do lie from time to time though. You're forgiven." The girl laughed once more, and Alice felt herself swell in pride. It's been too long since someone laughed at her jokes. Her laughter was quite infectious, and she knows that Flordeliza is a rambunctious and cheerful person she won't mind as a company.

"So Alice, what year would you be in?" Flordeliza asked very casually, slouching down her seat and grabbing a candy from her pocket and ate it.

"I'm in 6th year. Seems like I'm a transferee though."

"Seems like it? It's obvious you are a transferee. Transferees are a very rare case in Hogwarts. As rare as a blue moon. I'm in 6th year too by the way. Do tell me your story." Not only was the girl chatty, she also seems like an eager listener to gossips.

"Well, to be honest I don't know. I've only known that the magical community existed a week ago and now apparently I'm going to attend a magical school." She had a few skeptical ideas about how she has become a student this year despite the fact they could've sent her years and years ago. She'd have a word with Dumbledore or another professor when she'll have a chance.

"Oh, so you're a muggleborn I assume, but that's just flabbergasting! It would've been assumed that you were from another wizarding school, but you didn't even know about the magical community 'til a week ago? Oh you poor yet lucky dear!" Flordeliza shook her head and placed a consoling hand on Alice.

"Oh." Alice was indeed flabbergasted, but also skeptic how she resembles one of her Wonderland's residents, the main characteristic being rather nosy.

"You know, poor since you have to deal with this all too sudden. I bet you'll be riding the carriage though."

"I don't mind."

"But also lucky because the wizarding world is such a beautiful one! Very amazing. You'd love being a witch! Back in my country witches may have been more open, but we were also more openly feared and ridiculed. Here, the wizarding community is much more united while in ours, witches were separated and mostly led secluded lives." The girl sighed sadly before squeezing Alice's shoulders.

"You'll be fine. Remember to do what your heart needs, not wants."

"Yes, thank you." Alice smiled, feeling somehow awkward. 'I would not doubt if she's into theatrics.'

Flordeliza looked at Alice up and down before giving two thumbs up. "I like your clothes. It's very cute. Too bad you have to change into your uniform now. We're nearing Hogwarts."

Alice obliged and changed into her school new uniform, neatly tucking her new clothes back in the trunk and returned to the compartment. She saw the girl staring outside and waving her hand out of boredom. She wasn't able to fully observe her earlier, but Flordeliza is a pretty girl. Short black hair and bright, almond eyes that matched her tanned skin, she's taller than Alice by at least 3 feet. She also noticed the yellow and black tie tucked inside her gymslip, the yellow linings of her robe along with the hufflepuff logo stitched on her right side.

"You're back. Nice! The uniform suits you." Flordeliza smiled happily and Alice sat back to her spot. "There will be a bit of changes in your uniform when you get sorted into a house. Hope you'd be in Hufflepuff."

"I'd love to be in there, but I hold the same feelings about the other houses. Could you spoil some things for me? I'm dying of curiosity."

"I know, but didn't they say that curiosity killed the cat?" She giggled. "I thought for sure that I'd be in Gryffindor, but I consented with the hat wanting me in Hufflepuff instead. I don't regret it. Hufflepuff is the nicest house ever! We may be often underrated, but exceptional wizards and witches also came from our house. We're just thoroughly humble.. Except me." Flordeliza chortled and Alice nodded along.

"And seriously. It wouldn't kill us to win at least more quidditch games or a house cup this year!" She groaned in exasperation, and though Alice didn't exactly understood but she has read it in one of her books earlier. "Alright, I'll give a bit of teaser."

"Thank you." Alice chuckled.

"Coward Hufflepuffs. Pompous Gryffindors. Weird Ravenclaws. Evil Slytherins. Those are the house stereotypes. I'm an advocate of truth, but these stereotypes have been going on for centuries. There will be dumb people who'd mock you for being in any house. It's like anyone has a say and right to feel above others, really." Flordeliza huffed, but then quickly waved her hands and shook. "It's not like I'm discouraging you, but it's the truth. Don't worry about that though, whatever your house you're in, it's your decision to make the best of it and I'll support you."

"You're quite a sensible person after all besides being a chatterbox." Alice said bluntly, but with sincerity.

"You sure have a sharp tongue.. And I like that! Wouldn't hurt to be in a more outspoken and honest company. You wouldn't mind being my friend, right?"

Alice returned Flordeliza's friendly smile. "Sure. Wouldn't hurt to have a lively companion either. I'd appreciate your help in guiding me, and not leave me like you did earlier."

"Of course! I'd shove all those pesky critters that bothered me earlier and this time accompany you properly. I'd like to introduce you though. You'd be quite popular being a transferee."

Soon the train arrived at the Hogsmeade station and everyone departed from their compartments. Alice was accompanied by Flordeliza as promised. She saw Tom moments ago, but he was too surrounded by his peers to notice her. Even though she was a transferee, she was spared the embarrassment of being sorted with the 1st year students and instead was able to ride on the carriages like all other older years, and along with Flordeliza. Everyone mounted the carriages, and Alice can't help but notice the sinister, bony, reptilian-like horses that pulled the carriages. She sat across Flordeliza and asked, "Flordeliza, what are they called?"

She pointed at the reptilian-like horses, eyeing them with curiosity. "Oh? You can see them? Those are thestrals."

"Thestrals. They look, hm, ominous, I think."

"You think? They are ominous. But don't worry, they're trained and domesticated quite well." She gave a nonchalant reply to Alice's surprise, noticing that her gaze were somewhere far off, but her observation was cut off by Flordeliza pointing towards her friends. "Look, the pesky critters!"

"Pesky critters! Why you!" A dark, brown haired female marched towards them and grabbed Flordeliza by her ear. "Have you any idea how worried we were when you ran off? Honestly! You always make us chase you around!"

"Ouch! Ouch! I'm sorry Mother Therese!" With the pun she made, Flordeliza's ear was pinched even harder and was left bright red. "I'm sorry! No need to pinch my ear like that!" She frowned in disapproval, cradling her aching ear.

"Now Therese, it was our fault for getting too excited. We missed you after all Flor, but it was rude of you to run off. Proper ladies don't run off like you do." The blonde female sighed, subduing the situation.

"Eh. I couldn't help it. You gals know me, right?"

"And you know us too. If you keep this up, we wouldn't know you anymore." The girl named Therese glared at Flordeliza before her gaze fell to Alice. "Is that the girl you've abandoned us for and searched?"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Yes! Her name's Alice Liddell, and she's a transferee."

"Alice Liddell huh. Familiar name. Anyway, nice to meet you miss. I'm Therese Urquart." Alice nodded as the girl gave her a curt greeting.

"It's nice meeting you too."

"I'm Martha Steward. I apologize for Flor's irresponsibility and rudeness."

The two girls snickered and Flordeliza scowled at them. They all rode in the same carriage and despite the chatter of the three Hufflepuffs, Alice's mind wandered and her gaze focusing on the nearing castle. She was thankful that the other two were either too shy or awkward to talk to her, and Flordeliza was busy bragging. The years of being locked up in an asylum without talking to anybody other than those inside her mind should've rendered her incapable of being social, but right now, the excitement of the new environment has overwhelmed her and made her temporarily forget her anxiety. It wasn't that she still didn't feel anxious, rather, she still felt all of this unreal and has treated them as a citizen of someone's expansive imagination.

She stared at the three of them, observing them chatter. Flordeliza seemed to resemble the Mad Hatter in some ways, for both of them causes her frustration. Flordeliza however is kind hearted compared to the lunatic of a hatter. Therese would be the Duchess. A disagreeable and horrendous person, but can actually be sane and affectionate to the point of being cringing. Martha would be Mouse, sensitive but tries to keep a strong font by calling herself a rebellious feminist, which honestly is a contradiction to her otherwise personality. It isn't nice that she's comparing them with the lunatic residents of her Wonderland, but it was a way to identify them easily. The three of them seemed like great friends, and being Hufflepuffs strengthened their friendship. Even though she once held herself with pride for being brought up as an aristocrat, she could no longer do the same now after all that she's been through. For now, she has to go with the flow and make do.

The three chatterboxes got off the carriage, along with the silent Alice as soon as they arrived the castle. A balding, old man dressed in finery waited on the entrance, and soon the loud chatter of the three Hufflepuffs turned into hushed murmurings.

"It's the Headmaster!" Alice heard Martha scream in a whisper.

"What's he doing here? Was he waiting for us? Oh no! Did we do something wrong?" Flordeliza's panicked response worsened the worry of her peers, whilst Alice was merely curious.

"Good evening girls." The headmaster approached towards them and greeted them cheerfully.

Flordeliza was the one who greeted back the headmaster in an equally cheerful tone while the other two murmured their greetings. "Good evening to you too Headmaster! To what do we owe this pleasure of meeting you here? We aren't in trouble, right?"

"No, no, Ms. Torres. Though I would appreciate if you strain yourself from making any future troubles. You're quite the troublemaker after all." Flordeliza gave a shy and awkward giggle, turning her head from the Headmaster and looked somewhere far off instead. The Headmaster's gaze turned from the Three Hufflepuffs to Alice who stood a bit distant from the rest of them. "Ms. Liddell. Lovely to finally meet you. I'm Headmaster Armando Dippet, and pardon for my intrusion girls, but I'd appreciate if Ms. Liddell would follow me. There are things to be discussed with our transferee."

'Oohh's were heard from the three of them and Alice obliged, nodding.

"See you later Alice!" She waved at the three of them and followed suit the Headmaster's strides.

"Ms. Liddell, I am terribly sorry for getting you into this mess." Alice wasn't able to see the Headmaster's face since she was following him from behind, but his voice sounded really apologetic.

"Why ever so, Headmaster Dippet?" She heard him sigh.

"We're approaching my office soon. The other Head of the Houses will be there, so hold on to your questions."

And Alice did so. After the shopping trip, her mind was plagued with so many questions and her head ached pondering all of it and trying to give all of the questions so many alternate guesses of an answer. Despite all the excitement and anticipation, uneasiness lied deep inside, and hopefully she will get answers of at least half of her thousands of questions. The castle was by far the biggest and most enchanting one she has ever seen, and she could feel the powerful magic it exudes. Soon they arrived at the Headmaster's office, a quaint room with tall columns, high shelves of books, a grand desk amidst and probably hundreds of portraits hung on the wall. The office vibrated with much magic, and she was greeted by Dumbledore who sat amongst three unfamiliar faces in front of the desk.

"Alright everyone. Alice, take a seat." The Headmaster offered her a seat in the middle of them all, making her anxious as she sat down.

"Everyone, meet Alice Liddell." The Headmaster introduced her to the four of them, the three scrutinizing her whilst Dumbledore gave her a supportive smile.

"Ms. Liddell, each of these professors here are also head of the houses and are thoroughly involved with the decision making here in Hogwarts. You are here as a student due to their approvals." Alice remained impassive, only looking forward, particularly at no one. "This is Professor Horace Eugene Flaccus Slughorn, Head of Slytherin and also the Potions Master."

Professor Slughorn was a rotund man who offered his hand to Alice and genially shook it when she accepted it.

"On your right is the Head of Ravenclaw and also the Divination Professor, Professor Arsinoe Rosamund." Professor Rosamund is a young woman who looked like a refined ice beauty, acknowledging Alice with a curt nod.

"Professor William Rollo Selwyn, Head of Hufflepuff and an Astronomy Professor." The Astronomy Professor on the other hand seemed like your average professor, smiling at Alice in a friendly manner.

Her head immediately went to Dumbledore who smiled at her benignly and was introduced last. "And I believe you already had the delight of meeting Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Head of Gryffindor and Transfiguration Professor."

The Headmaster cleared his throat and sat straight up right with his clenched hands placed on the desk. The other professors sat straight too, yet still in their usual composure although a bit more business-like. "Now, I would like you to enjoy your stay here in Hogwarts, but jumping into 6th year with not much prior knowledge will be a difficult task. You have the right to leave Hogwarts."

Alice was irked. The Headmaster just dropped the fact without so much a tact. Her face scrunched in displeasure, and her hands fisted her dress. She knew there will be difficulties, but it wasn't her fault since she wasn't informed well to begin with. Dumbledore explained magic and the magical community, but the reason why she is in Hogwarts right now was left to question. "Then why am I summoned here? School supplies have already been bought and to top that, I've already met a few students in my year."

"Ms. Liddell, even though you have the right to leave, we were hoping that you would stay." The Headmaster sighed, and Alice kept silent, sensing he has a lot more to say. "At the age 11, you were supposed to be a 1st year student on 1867 here at Hogwarts, but your traumatized mind was beyond our current healer's abilities. We are terribly sorry, Ms. Liddell."

Alice grimaced, and tried her best not to show her contempt and disgust openly. Instead, her grimace morphed into a neutral expression and her voice blank.

"Why now?"

"Otherlands, Ms. Liddell. You can enter and even live inside a person's mind." That wasn't a surprising answer, in fact, she has suspected it since Dumbledore himself told her that only she could do it.

"But why? You all know magic that surpasses my ability of entering a person's wonderland."

"That's precisely the reason. We are many years ahead of you when it comes to the knowledge and experience of wielding magic, thus we also know that your ability is one of a kind."

Alice didn't know if she should feel special or used, because the situation she is in now makes her feel like she'll be ordered and taken advantage of, and that made her blood boil, making her spill words dripping with derision and sarcasm.

"Such poor persuasion ability. You think I just enter the minds of other people for the fun of it? With all due respect, Headmaster, I am not a 16 year old. Of course I look like the part, but I have been living for almost 90 years. To think I was influenced and misguided by some hefty magical words and display. I've seen much interesting things inside a person's mind. This is trickery!"

Silence befell among them and Alice was growing angrier at every passing second of silence. Everyone noticed Alice's growing vexation, but it was Professor Rosamund who quickly acted and broke the awkward ice from the five of them. "May I explain in your stead, Headmaster?"

She was approved with a sigh and a nod. "You may do as you wish, Professor Rosamund."

"Ms. Liddell, I may not have been born by that time of your misfortune, but it is our fault for neglecting you. We didn't bother anymore seeing your decrepit mental state, and we thought the same when you were released from the asylum by the time you reached 16. It was a difficult decision to let you in Hogwarts when you didn't even know about Hogwarts at the age 16. You can't just skip ahead 6th year. You were supposed to be summer-schooled at least but the responsibility and risk of taking a demented person like you didn't seem worth it by the past administration. I am taking responsibility of your admittance here Ms. Liddell since I am at fault. I foresaw a possible future, and I've blabbered it first to the ministry instead of consulting the headmaster first."

"Rosamund-" Professor Selwyn and the Headmaster gasped, shaking their heads in disagreement. Alice however, appreciated the cold straightforwardness from Professor Rosamund, her apathetic expression returned as her anger simmered down.

"Don't blame yourself Arsinoe, you were born a Seer and it is in your future to be both a prophet and a witch." Dumbledore said and the three others agreed. "It was the fault of the previous administration and by extension, ours too. The ministry has approved of us taking action of Professor Rosamund's prophecy. You are here now Alice not only because of the prophecy, but also because we wanted to make it up to you. It was also Charles's last wish."

She felt a blow in her heart when he mentioned Charles. Her blank expression crumbled into a defeated and confused expression. It was heavy to take and hard to swallow, and she couldn't even chew the information because of its bitterness. It was beginning to be a lot easier if she thought of this as another situation in another Otherland, but the probability was a blur too.

"Ms. Liddell, we need your power to go to the Otherlands. We would have considered other means rather than you being a student here, but it's a student here that needs your help most, and you being a student seemed much likely than the other means we have come up with. Legilimency, or the ability to read minds, could only just read minds and explore memories. A memory charm could only erase and create memories. You however, can enter it, shape it, manipulate it, bend the subconscious to your will and you have used it to help others. That's why we need you." Professor Rosamund pleaded, but her sincerity mismatched her cold appearance and so her words sounded odd.

"Professor Rosamund, you make it sound like I'm so special. That I'm so gifted." Alice snorted, her brows arching in challenge. "Going to the Otherlands is no easy feat. I lose time whenever I go in. I could spend an entire week in someone's wonderland and I'd be actually losing a month or two in the real world. I've neglected myself just by going in, and I have lost dear friends because I couldn't entirely save their wonderlands. In the end, it is still their own minds, and it is their choice if they wanted themselves saved or doomed. I wish your judgement was a bit clearer. You chose to tell me all this the moment I've arrived Hogwarts? Have you considered telling me all this a week ago instead of now? This is such a hassle on both our ends. Not only will I be dealing about going in a student's wonderland, but also fitting in here. You realize the clear error of judgement in here?"

"Yes, we do. A series of unfortunate events happened and we couldn't take action immediately. We were planning to send you to summer school, but you were away. Instead, we chose to tell you all this now, and I sincerely apologize." The Headmaster hung his head low, whilst Alice just speculated them all with a defiant stare. Rosamund turned into steel ice, Slughorn grimaced, and Selwyn had a troubled expression while Dumbledore retained his observant gaze.

"Are you aware of the current World War 2 in your world?" It was Professor Slughorn who spoke.

Alice nodded.

"There is currently a conflict here the magical community, you might even say a war would break out in here if we couldn't contain it. From the prophecy foretold by Professor Rosamund, you might also be involved." Her eyes followed Slughorn's gaze towards to Rosamund, and then all four eyes focused to the Divination Professor.

"That is just one of the many other probabilities. No matter, the top priority right now is making Ms. Liddell fit in here, that is if she chooses to stay."

Alice took a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves and clear her blurry mind.

"How do you people know Charles?"

"Charles Dodgson was a proud alma mater of Hogwarts. He was an excellent Ravenclaw who achieved his N.E.W.T.s, although he opted to continue his studies and work with muggles. He later settled on Hogsmeade and taught Arithmancy here in Hogwarts." The Headmaster paused, leaving unsaid words hanging before continuing hesitantly. "He was the one who pleaded to have you here when you were released from the asylum, but you were still ill and you often disappeared. It was later on when we realized that you were travelling inside the minds of people. Charles still pleaded to have you atleast know about your wizarding heritage, he was also the one who helped figure out the prophecy and asked that you be educated in Hogwarts. Unfortunately.. He.. He passed away two months ago."

There was an uneasy silence, and Alice sighed in defeat. "I'm staying."

Everyone cheered and before anyone has got more to add with Alice's decision, Professor Selwyn hastily disrupted the relieved atmosphere. "Great! Hate to break it to you people, but we rather should move along. The sorting ceremony will be starting."

The hasty professor stood from his chair, but was stopped by Dumbledore.

"William, slow down. We still have ample time left. Ms. Liddell is yet to be sorted." The Headmaster nodded and stood from his seat, taking along the old, brown wizard hat.

"Ms. Liddell, meet the sorting hat. I'll be placing atop your head so it could sort which house you'll go to."

The sorting hat was placed in her head, her hands clasped together as her green eyes was fixed on the table, disregarding the gazes of the headmaster and his head of houses. She felt slightly agitated and curious with how exactly a hat will sort her, and though her face remained impassive, her twisting fingers tell otherwise.

"Oh dear. Quite a difficult spot you've put me in, Alice." The hat spoke after such a long pause. Its scruffy, old voice matched her imagination. In fact, she was surprised that it could talk.

'A talking hat? That's.. A bit of surprise.'

'Shouldn't be much of a surprise to you since you've seen plenty more inanimate objects talk.'

'Wait, how come I've placed you on a difficult spot? I think I'd go well in any of the houses. Just sort me quickly so I won't have them staring at me anymore.'

The sorting hat ignored her plea to sort her quick. 'That's precisely the problem. The ambiguity of your life in any of the houses is perturbing and it doesn't help that you like each house equally.'

'All of the houses seems great. Whatever house I'm sorted in, I'll be good.' Alice shrugged, and there was a mental image of the hat shaking its head in disapproval.'But you see, that's not how sorting works. The environment will shape you, and it's my job to sort you in a house that suits your.. Questionable personality. Tell me Alice, what bothers you?''There are many things that bothers me, however I don't understand what you're implying.'

'Nonchalance won't cancel out an unfortunate encounter. I'm sorting you through what you're averse of instead of what you desire.'

'Huh. Guess that makes sense.' Alice's fingers stopped fiddling, curled and clenched together instead. Her brows furrowed in distaste as she reminisced an untasteful memory. 'I don't want to be left alone. I don't like being played. I don't like being taken advantage of, which I am experiencing with my situation to these people right now. And..'

Alice paused. Her clenched hands were now placed calmly in her lap. 'I have vowed to help those in dark like me, and I will fight their monsters in their behalf.''Ah. Now that's a clear answer. Brave Alice, defeated both the Evil Red Queen and the damned Dollmaker. Stopped the Infernal Train too. Bloodied hands, twisted sense of justice, broken human yet still wants to be a heroine. You'd suit Slytherin most but..'"GRYFFINDOR!"

Everyone was waiting for almost four minutes, Professor Selwyn in particular was anxious with Alice being a hatsall and was greatly relieved when the sorting was over, but was also a little dismayed when she wasn't sorted in his house. The Ravenclaw and Slytherin Heads were disappointed with the sorting result, hoping that they would be the one to guide such a talent, but they congratulated her nonetheless. It was Dumbledore who was thoroughly pleased, looming over Alice with a exuberant aura as he smiled at her.

"You'd make a fine Gryffindor, Alice."

Alice felt herself well with pride as Dumbledore placed his hand on her shoulder as a gesture of him being proud. Although she'd be as happy if she were sorted in the other houses, but having Dumbledore as her head of the house was a relief, since not only is she familiar with him, she took a liking to the kind old wizard.

"Ms. Liddell, I have to inform you to keep your identity as Alice from Wonderland as a secret."

She gave Headmaster Dipper a questioning look. "Why? I thought it was a general fact that Charles's book about my wonderland is widely known."

"Yes, but how would you go on telling facts about your past so openly?"

"Oh. I see the point. Wouldn't want to be called granny or old crone."

"That wasn't exactly the point, but we'll go with that. For now, you'd rather keep your ability of going to Otherlands a secret to avoid clamor or disruption to the prophecy. Devise an excuse. Professor Dumbledore will help you, and I would've liked to help if we aren't tight in time. We should all get going."

The meeting was over and everyone hurried towards the great hall. Dumbledore walked near Alice, matching her pace as they lagged behind.

"Say you're home schooled. Your parents died from an air raid and it was in their will to have Hogwarts take you in."

"How about my name?"

"Just say there were friends with Charles and named you after his book's heroine."

"And not the other way round?"

"It was a coincidence that suited you best. If anyone were to ask of your blood status, say you're a half blood. Muggle mother and pureblood father, since Liddell was formerly known as a pureblood family. You were homeschooled to avoid discrimination, and because you were a very sickly child. No holes in the story, feel free to decorate the lie, but it will still be a lie and I'd actually rather you not. And oh, best prepare your nerves too. You'll be introduced with everyone as your audience."

"Perfect." She remarked sarcastically, and her nerve wracking feeling increased as they entered the great hall. It truly was a great hall with thousands of lit candles afloat, its enormous size holding four long tables filled with chattering students and a long table at the front of the hall where the staff sat, and if her eyes didn't betray her, the hazy figures were ghosts. The Transfiguration Professor steered through the crowd, and Alice followed suit.

The Headmaster stood from his seat and announced that the Transfiguration Professor has a few words to say. Dumbledore walked in front the podium and urged Alice to stand beside him. The crowd was silenced, every set of eyes were focused on the new girl, their curiosity waiting to be quenched.

"Everyone, I introduce you Miss Alice Liddell, Hogwarts first transfer student since many decades ago." Dumbledore introduced her with his calm voice loudly reverberating throughout the room, which she suspected as magic. The silence broke and in flowed the loud whisperings of the crowd. Alice kept her face impassive, staring at the sea of people in front of her but not at anyone in particular. "As you all know, Hogwarts scarcely allow transfer students, but this is an exception. Miss Liddell will start as 6th year Gryffindor this year. She has been homeschooled, but she is still talented with magic. I am hoping that you will welcome her as one of you."

"Go on, take a seat." Dumbledore offered, leading her towards the red and golden table of Gryffindors. The rambunctious students cheered and moved to clear a vacant space for Alice to sit on. The moment her bottom touched the bench, she was attacked by a barrage of introductions and questions.

Left and right, students of the same year as her flocked around her. From 'Hello Alice's, 'Nice to meet cha transferee's, to 'Why did you transfer' and 'How did you become a transferee?', it was dizzying. She had no choice but to accept and shake their hands, return their greetings with hello's and nice to meet you's and was thankful when they were told to behave. The ones who sat beside her didn't give up and went on to make themselves familiar with the new student.

On her right were ginger headed identical twins named Isla and Lorna Prewett. Both were cheerful twins who were worse off than Flordeliza in terms of being a loudmouth. On her left is another red head named Archibald Prewett, his red head a darker tone than the twins, he had a rugged appearance and was trying to calm his fellow classmates down.

Across the table is a blonde lovey-dovey couple, the plain, ash blonde Madison Jane Parks and stud, sandy blonde Liam Carter, who both flirted with each other while attempting to interact with her. Underneath the table, she was fiddling her fingers and felt herself turning paler than she already is, their words not getting through her ears and her mouth sewn save for the occasional nods, grunts, and yes' or no's. Overall, it was a rambunctious party that gave Alice a massive migraine, amazed that she was able to easily memorize their names despite their faces not being fully registered in her mind. She suspects she'll forget their names and even faces, but hopes she won't.

After the 1st years were sorted, Dippet announced for the feast to commence and the chattering around her magically paused and the noise was instead caused by their eating. Alice's growling stomach permitted her to devour the abundant food laid in front of her. She easily managed to steal pieces of food without the other getting suspicious, her first few bites were huge until she noticed the glances stolen by her seatmates.

"Woah! For someone so thin, you surely can eat!" One of the twins exclaimed. She heard giggles and chortles from beside her, her face bursting red. Her eating pace slowed, until the queasiness she felt made her lose her appetite. She forced herself to swallow and finish the food, waiting for the right timing to leave. After dinner, Alice was dragged by the girls to the Gryffindor room. She took in deep breaths as she followed them from behind, grateful for their amicable chatter with her and for the breathtaking structure of the magical castle. Her previous embarrassment and anxiety faded, too occupied with her awe from the grand staircase, the Gryffindor common room and their room.

"Phew! I'm beat!" Isla exhaled, flopping on the left bed nearest the entrance. Her twin, Lorna, did the same on her own bed which is just beside Isla's.

"The bed on the right near entrance is mine. On the middle is Zinnia Parkinson's, the left corner is Vivian Thorne's, and yours will be on the right corner, beside mine." Madison explained and helped Alice with her luggage. "Is there anything I could do to help?"

"Thank you Madison. I can handle it." Alice gave the girl a grateful smile, which was returned by a friendly and welcoming one.

Isla shot up from her bed and excitedly jumped up. "Oh! We should party! I've missed you girls! Where's Zinnia and Vivian?"

"Vivian's probably wandering in the library to check if it still exists. I have not the slightest clue to where Zinnia would be though." Madison answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"Ugh. Zinnia. Who knows what that vicious girl is up to?" Lorna scrunched her nose and Isla did too, then the twins chortled in agreement.

"Hey. Zinnia's not that bad. She probably was summoned by the teachers or something."

Lorna snorted. "As if."

Alice began unpacking what little things she have and settled them in the closet and desk beside her four poster bed.

"Alice! Come join us! I have cookies!" Isla waved the tin box, the contents made a shaking noise. "Lorna baked these yesterday. Here." Isla opened the tin box and Alice's nose was assailed by the sweet scent of cookies.

"These tastes great Lorna. Thank you." She chewed on the cookie happily. "These would go well with tea."

"Oh-ho. No worries about that." Lorna already prepared tea for all of them and they began their tea party.

"So Alice, isn't it nerve wracking?" Isla asked.

"What is?"

"You know, moving in here. It's really surprising to have a transfer student."

"It's completely baffling to be honest. I've been homeschooled my whole life." She lied smoothly.

"That's a pity. Why did you suddenly move here? You really weren't paying much attention during the feast. I can't blame you, we were all very curious." Madison took another sip of her tea.

"My parents wished that I'd be taken care of by Hogwarts. It was their last wish."

"Oh. I'm sorry.." The three of them had downcast eyes, showing their sympathy.

"It's alright."

"Alice Liddell.. Hey! Alice in Wonderland!" Isla exclaimed.

"Uhm, yes. My parents were friends with Charles. They named me after the character."

"That is so awesome." Both Lorna and Isla nodded in agreement, Madison laughing along and nodded too.

Alice covered her mouth as she yawned, rubbing the tears off her eyes. "I'm really tired. I should retire to sleep now."

"You can't be serious. We hadn't even gone to the fun part yet." Lorna pouted.

"Yes. Seeing you've all excluded me." A mocking voice said. The brunette entered the room, sitting on her bed and looking down at the girls who were drinking tea on the lush, carpeted floor. She arched her brow and gave them all a judging look, her intense gaze lingering last on Alice. "Oh. A tea party for the transferee. Well, whatever."

"Where were you Zinnia?"

"Trying to bond with Tom, as usual. I missed him dearly. Oh look, there's Vivian."

Someone squeaked. Vivian who tried to enter the room as quietly as she can but was caught, her eyes widening like saucers. "E-Excuse me. I'm sorry."

The soft spoken girl quickly rushed towards her bed, her shaggy brown hair covering her face and soon it was her blanket that covered her whole body.

"Tch. Like you'd ever get a chance with Tom. I swear the Slytherin girls are so lucky!" Lorna rolled her eyes, her face scrunching in envy.

"I'm a pureblood and the most beautiful in our year. Of course I'll be with Tom. But I still rue the day that the damned hat sorted me in this lousy house instead of Slytherin."

"We're purebloods too, and boys fawn over us too. Right Isla?"

"Yes! And I too rue the day the hat sorted you in such a magnificent house. It's your lousy personality that doesn't match here."

Zinnia hissed, her hand quickly going over her robe's pocket where her wand is.

"Calm down you three. Let's just go to bed already." Madison was quick on her feet and has immediately cleared the cups back to the counter. She pushed both Isla and Lorna to her beds, along with Zinnia who didn't budge at first but then swatted her hand and went to bed.

Alice changed to her sleeping robes, lying on her bed with the blanket up to her neck. She shifted and gazed outside, her mind recollecting the whole day. She pressed her fingers on her forehead and massaged it.

'Too much happened in just one day.' She mused, sighing deeply. The anxiety and dread in her stomach still hasn't unknotted itself. She still had many questions, and the answers she got caused more questions. 'There will always be endless questions.'

'Folks here are weird. Then again, all wonderlands are.. Is this really a wonderland though?' Her lids went heavy, her body languid yet her mind refuses defeat. In a fetal position, she hugged her knees and closed her eyes as her mind wandered for the last time today.

"How.. Could this be reality?"