Chapter 73: Not so much of a separation

Rick was amazed at how much Rose looked like her mother. Not just in the look but in her mannerism too. The way she bit on her lips when she was thinking or the way she put behind her ear an unruly lock of her dark red hair. It was as if he had been sent twenty years in the past.

“-dy? Daddy?”

Rick blinked away his thoughts and was now back to reality. Rose had noticed the far away look he had while looking at her.

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“I am, why?”

“You were… Out there.”

“I was just thinking about how much you’re your mother’s daughter, that’s all. Sorry about that.”

Rose rolled her eyes. “That’s to be expected since you know… She’s my mother.”

“Ah! That cheek is definitely not from her,” he grinned and she grinned back. That, she got from him. “Are you done?”

“Hmhm. It was easy. I mean… asking which I should use for the sleeping draught between asphodel and porcupine quails? Really, dad?”

“It’s a standard end of the year exam question, Rose.”

“I’m going to be bored so much at Hogwarts.” The sigh she let out was one of defeat.

“You were the one who wanted to start your education early, remember?”

Pouting, she conceded the point. “Yes. I do.”

“The material that you will study in class may be boring, however it doesn’t mean your life at Hogwarts will be. You can do like I did and help your friends during them, just remember…”

“To not be an insufferable condescending know-it-all. I won’t ever forget, dad. It’s not how I am anyway.”

“True. You can also bring a more advanced book in the corresponding class. Teachers will not say anything. I know your Aunt Minerva will not and neither would Professor Flitwick. As for outside of class… Hogwarts is full of secrets for you to uncover.”

“I’m not getting your map then?”

“Who told you about that?” He did his very best not to frown.

“I heard you and mom talking about it the other day.”

“No, you’re not getting it. Maybe if you become a prefect because you could need it but by the time you’re old enough to become one, you should already know how to make it yourself. Honestly? I was hoping you’d begin exploring the castle on your own and start making one. I didn’t want to spoil your experience. Maybe by knowing nothing, you’ll find secrets I’m sure I’ve missed, who knows?”

“I like the sound of that.” Rose said with a pleased and eager smile.

“Are you both ready?”

Lily stood at the door of the mansion leading to the patio where Rick and Rose had been working. She was dressed in very tight blue jeans, a form fitting red T-shirt and a dark green open jacket. On her head was a baseball cap to which a long ponytail got out from the back. While the love of his life was putting on huge round silver hoop earrings on, Rick couldn’t help himself and devoured her with his eyes.

He was sure the jeans would tear apart if she bent over, revealing her perfect bubble butt and the way her heavy breast swayed or jiggled with every breath she took made him think she wasn’t wearing a bra. The almost imperceptible tightening of her T-shirt and movement of her jacket, proving that her nipples were hardening was proof of her lack of upper garment. Lily had noticed the way he was looking at her and that got her engine running. She knew it would, she had dressed like that on purpose after all. She was being a tease.

“We are, mom. Although are you sure no one will recognize you? Polyjuice would be better.”

“Oh, sweetie, never underestimate how dumb wizards and witches can be.”

Ever since her defeat of Voldemort, Lily had to disguise herself if she wanted to go out in an non-official manner. People and journalists (she didn’t consider the latter as people but cockroaches) kept stopping her to ask questions or for photos or autographs or a handshake and it was never ending. Rick began to do the same when his fame became national.

“It’s true. Their lack of common sense is… Baffling.” was his reply.

“I never understood why that was?”

“Because they grew up surrounded with magic, Rose.”

“So did I?” She clearly didn’t understand the problem.

“Yes, but we brought you and your siblings to the muggle world to have a sense of reality. Your mother and I went so far into magic because of the common sense we got by hanging out in the muggle world. We wanted the same for you. In fact, I made a decree for both House Black and Potter that forbade anyone to become the head of house if they had not been raised both as a magical and a muggle. It’s magically binding. Our muggle side is what’s making us stronger than others and safer.

Magicals don’t have common sense because with magic all around they know almost anything is possible and don’t challenge anything rationally. If you look at recent history the greatest wizards or witches are either muggle-raised, muggle-born or half-blood.”

“You two, Dumbledore…”

“And many others. Now let’s go, or did you give up on ever having a wand?” Lily said.

“No!”

On the spot Rose was on her feet and ran inside the mansion towards the floo. Her reaction made her parents laugh.

“I guess we have no other choice than to go.”

“You're definitely keeping this on tonight. Maybe not the jacket but the rest.” Rick got close to his wife and put a hand on one of her tits. As expected her nipples were rock hard and he pinched the one he felt a bit. Lily bit her lips in want and let out a small moan. “You little exhibitionist. It’s been a while hasn’t it?”

“Last time was for the Halloween ball, last year.”

“I still can’t believe you went there with a double plug and no underwear.” he joked and kissed her.

“Mom, dad! Come on!”

The married couple smiled at each other and walked hand in hand inside the manor. Rose had turned eleven a week ago and had waited enough to finally go to Diagon Alley to buy her school supplies and most importantly get her wand. It wasn’t the first time she visited the alley but it was the first time it was significant. It was a special moment.

The adults had agreed that for the first time, in the summer before their first year, only the child (or children in case of the twins) and their parents would go, without anyone else so all the focus could be on them. That meant multiple trips for Rick but he was fine with it.

When they arrived at the Leaky Cauldron they quickly greeted Tom, who was aware of who they were and kept quiet about it. He was also ready to hide them in case their identities were discovered. Tom had always proven himself to be a loyal man so the Potters had made him part of the plans. Of course he was paid for it even though he said multiple times it was unnecessary.

The first stop they made was Gringotts to get some money but also to give Rose something she hadn’t expected. Her heirship rings. She had never really thought about being the Heiress of House Potter and Gryffindor. Neither her parents, her grandmother and Godric had spoken to her about it. She had been taught of course but it never really sunk in until she was presented with the rings.

“Nervous?” her father asked.

“Yes. What if I’m not fit? Or decide I don’t want to-?”

“You’re fit Rose, trust me on that. As for not wanting to? I’m afraid you don’t have much of a choice. You do have more than I did.”

“Your father and I agreed that two Ladyships was a big burden so if you want to pass on one of them you can. And you’re only eleven. You have time.”

“Lots of it because I intend for your mother and I to live way past a hundred. So, don’t really bother about it?”

Rose nodded and put the rings on her middle and ring finger of her right hand. They were a bit too big but the magic inside them made them resized to fit perfectly.

“That’s cool.” she commented with a smile as she looked at her adorned hand.

They left the bank with a back full of Galleons and sickles and went on to buy everything on Rose’s list. Lily had to drag both father and daughter away from Fleury & Blotts because they were discreetly reading books in there instead of finding the textbooks. Finally it was time to go to Ollivanders.

As soon as they got inside, Garrick did his usual spiel of being all mysterious and creepy.

“Lord and Lady Potter. Cedar, 13 inches, phoenix feather and Willow, 10 ¼  inches, unicorn hair.”

Rose blinked in confusion but said nothing.

“Ah, I wonder when you will come see me, Miss Potter. I hope you take more after your mother than father.” Garrick went to the counter to pick up his ruling tape.

“I had to try 76 wands before I got matched.” Rick explained to his daughter. Her eyes widened in shock at the number. “You don’t have to worry, she doesn’t have my gift. Our youngest does however but she has a few more years before then.”

“I’ll be ready.” replied the wand maker who began doing his job.

The first few wands were very bad matches and Rose broke a flower vase, lamp and summoned the hundred boxes out of the shelves, creating a complete mess. Rick was amused and simply ruffled her hair. Ollivanders didn’t care one bit, he was more focused on which wand would choose his client. Suddenly getting an idea, he ventured to the back of his shop then came back with a box.

“Holly, 11 inches, Phoenix feather. Come on, try it.”

Rose took the wand expecting to be another miss. She couldn’t be more wrong. Like every wizard and witch who met their match before her, she felt complete.

“Aaah. I think we found it.”

“I think so, sir.”

“That’s quite curious, though.”

“What is?” asked Lily.

“As you know, I remember every want that I have ever sold, even the wands that my father sold from his journals. It so happens that the phoenix whose tailfeather resides in your wand gave another feather... just one other. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand when its brother belong to the-”

“That’s enough. It doesn't matter who got which wand. It’s what you do with it that does.” Rick interjected, understanding where the old wandmaker was going with this.

“That’s quite correct. I believe you’ll do great things Miss Potter. Now, that will be seven galleons.”

“Seven?!” Rose exclaimed, more shocked by her father’s reaction than the actual price. “A unicorn hair costs ten galleons! How are you not closed?”

Ollivanders got a good chuckle out of her question.

“Good wandmakers never pay for the core of their wand save for a dragon heartstring.”

“Why?”

“That’s because taking without consent is different from being given willingly, Rose. It’s important magic wise. Should you take a hair or a feather without permission the magic inside of them will be a bit twisted.” Rick explained.

“That’s correct. That’s also why dragon heartstrings wands are notorious for being good at Dark Magic because there is no way for a dragon to give one willingly. They’re not bad or evil by any means, though. It’s just the nature that’s a bit different. As for the wood, I personally never buy or cut down a branch. I go on excursions and pick up fallen branches. For the same reason as the cores. I’m quite profitable.” added Ollivanders.

Rose understood the man’s business methods and she was impressed. “I see.”

“We’ll take a dragon hide holster too.” Lily finally cut in, wanting to leave.

“Certainly. It will be 22 galleons in total.”

They got everything and when they exited the shop, the married couple exchanged a knowing glance. As they passed in front of S. Starling, Rose stopped.

“What is it sweetie?”

“I… don’t know, mom. I just… That owl is… Can I buy it?”

“Which one?”

“The Snowy Owl, there.” Rose pointed out.

“Let’s call it a gift for getting into Hogwarts, hm?”

Rose smiled and hugged her father fiercly out of happiness. “Thanks, dad.”

“She’s your responsibility, however. You feed her, let her out and clean after her.”

“I will.”

And so the Potter bought Rose an owl she called Hedwig. That wasn’t the only pet which found their way into the Potter Family. Lily fell in love with a huge, orange half-kneazle with a bushy fur.

“Isn’t he the cutest? Hm? Aren’t you the cutest? What do you think?”

“I think he was thrown face first against a wall.”

“Rick!” Lily ws completely agast at her husband's words.

“What? It’s true! I love it though. Now, if you could stop coddling it for a moment so we may buy it?”

Rose agreed with her father 100% and did her very best not to laugh. The cat made her think of a small lion and knew it was why her mother picked it.

“I’m going to call you…”

“Butterface.”

“Pizzaface.”

““Picasso.””

“Argh! You two are impossible!” The outrage in Lily’s voice was back and this time Rose couldn’t hold her laughter. “Don’t listen to them Reggie, you're the most handsome cat ever.” she cooed while burying her head onto ‘Reggie’‘s fur.

““Reggie?””

“From Regulus which means lion.”

“Not sure Regulus will appreciate that.” Rick remarked with amusement.

“He can bite me. I’ll fight him.” Lily was serious about it.

They went back home and Rose was assaulted by her sisters. They either wanted to see her wand or Hedwig or Reggie. While quite amused, Rick took Lily away to talk about what happened at Ollivanders.

“You think it was Voldemort? The owner of the other wand.” She asked in worry.

“Yes.”

“A prophecy, brother wands… Rick...”

“I know. That won’t stop me. That won’t stop us.”

“No… It won’t but I’m afraid for our little girl.”

“Me too, Lils.”

“Any word from Albus about…” she let the words hang in the hair but Rick knew she was alluding to the Horcruxes.

“Beyond the diary we found at Malfoy’s manor? No. Albus thinks he used important objects which belonged to the founders in his hubris. To prove he was better than them. He learned that the cup belonged to Hepzibah Smith who had also bought the locket of Slytherin a few weeks before she was murdered by her own elf.”

“Her elf? Unlikely.”

“Yes, Voldemort must have used the elf as a scapegoat. Albus and Regulus are still searching for them.” he said knowing what she was going to say.

“It’s been more than half a decade!”

Rick spoke in a soft tone to calm her down. “They’re doing all they can, Lily. Voldemort hid his tracks very well. We’ll get him, though.”

Lily relented and nodded. They went back where the children were and looked at Rose performing a few first year spells to her sisters' awe and jealousy. Of course there were complaints about wanting a wand too but they were quickly shut down.

When September 1st arrived, Rose was accompanied to Platform 9¾  by almost all adults in the family. Her parents, Bella, Andromeda and Narcissa but also Remus and Rhiannon since the former was her godfather, Dorea, her Aunt Marlene and Aunt Amelia. All the other children were being watched by the house-elves and Druella. Arcturus and Melania were absent because the latter’s illness had gotten worse.

Of course they were not all present just for her. Draco and Susan were going to Hogwarts too.

“I don’t understand why we have to take the Hogwarts Express to go to school when we could just walk to the castle from Uncle’s manor, Mother.”

“To make friends, Draco. And allies.” replied Narcissa as she leaned forward and caressed his cheek with her thumb.

“Your mother is right. The journey allows you to get to know people before you’re all separated into the four houses. To hear what your friends did during their summer and for you to tell them what you did. Besides, it’s six hours without adults around, don’t tell me you’re not enjoying the prospect of that?” Rick explained further.

“... Perhaps.” the young blond boy replied with a knowing smile.

“And remember…”

“To not take offense if anyone that I don’t know doesn’t know the pureblood greetings or etiquette, they may be muggle-born, muggle-raised and it’s not their fault they’re not aware. I remember, Mother.”

“Very good. I’m proud of you, Draco.” She laid a kiss on his cheek and gave him a smile.

To the side it was Susan who was hugging her aunt, and comforting her.

“Don’t forget to eat three meals a day and don’t stay too long at the office, Auntie. You can always do the paperwork the day after.”

Amelia did her very best to not roll her eyes. “I will.”

“I’ve warned Loppy to make sure you do. I’m just away for a few months. Winter Break will come soon enough so don’t be too heartbroken.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re going to Hogwarts with all your friends. I’m stuck with Sirius at work!”

“Hey! I’m not that bad!” The man in question protested and everyone had a good laugh.

“Worried, sweetie?” Lily asked Rose.

“A bit. What if I’m not sorted in Gryffindor?”

“Then you’re not sorted in Gryffindor.”

“You and dad… won’t be mad?”

“Not at all. It’s just a house, Rose. It won’t define the rest of your life. Houses don’t matter once you graduate.”

“But… I’m the heiress of one of the founder and-”

“And not all Gryffindors were sorted in Gryffindor. That didn’t make them any less a member of the family. Be who you want to be, not what people or what you expect yourself to be. You’ll see that you’ll be happier for it.” Her father said, coming from behind her. “The only thing we want for you is to be happy, pay no mind to anything else, okay?”

Rose nodded with a smile and gave her father a hug, circling her arms around his neck.

“Don’t let aunt Minerva drag you into the quidditch team if you don’t want to in case you’re a lion.” he whispered in her ear and she chuckled.

“I promise I’ll join only if I want to.”

“And what about studying?”

“Never in front of her to mess with her.”

“That’s my girl!”

Lily rolled her eyes but the smile on her lips told everything about how she really felt.

“And if a boy is bothering you, you remember the hexes and where to target?”

“““BELLA!””” The family interjected hearing Rick’s words.

The named witch was at first confused as to why everyone was calling after her. “What?!”

“Did you teach my daughter-”

“Our husband did!” Bella quickly defended herself in front of Lily’s righteous fury which was diverted to Rick.

“Did you really expect I wouldn’t teach Rose how to freeze a boy’s nuts? I’m sure if you had done that to James in the early years he would have stopped bothering you.”

“Let’s go, Rose. Before they start a fight.”

The eldest of the Potter children agreed with Draco and they boarded the train, followed by Susan. She couldn’t wait to be at the castle and trace the steps of her parents.

Once the Hogwarts Castle left, everyone separated and went to work. At least for those who had a day to day job.

“When will you stop holding a grudge, Mar?” Rick asked as he offered some tea to his best friend. Lily had already left for the castle and Bella was who knows where.

“... I can’t help it.” the blonde witch replied with sadness.

“But you do want… I mean…”

“Yes. It’s been a few years now. I wish I could. He’s been an excellent father to Duncan and… good to me.”

“What’s stopping you?”

“...What if he does it again? He broke my heart once, what’s stopping him from doing it again?”

“The fact that he’s not a man-child anymore? For the most part. We were twenty, Mar. Sirius wasn’t done growing up and there was his experience with his own parents and family. I’m not saying what he did was okay, far from it. However, his reaction was not surprising in insight. He knows better now. Come on, where did your Gryffindor courage go?”

“It took a step back since I gave birth to Duncan. I don’t want Sirius to… Duncan would be affected.”

“You really think he would do that to his own son?”

She didn’t answer but shook her head.

“... Why don’t you test him?”

“...How?”

“Give him a call while feigning being dead drunk. Vent at him, call him names, cry a bit and conveniently pass out. See how he reacts. If he brings you home and does nothing but tuck you in…”

“That’s stupid.”

It was, but honestly Rick didn’t know what to do. He was tired of Marlene being miserable. Voluntarily.

“Look, what do you have to lose? Nothing. We’re not talking about marrying him here. We’re talking about you getting over your hurt. Be the blunt bitch you’ve always been and tell him the truth. You love him but you can’t bring yourself to try again. Discuss it over and over, but for God’s sake, please do something. Lily and I, we had to watch you being unhappy for the last decade. We… just can’t do it anymore. Last month, Lily talked about perfectionning the memory spell and mixing it with legilimency to make you forget that moment. You don't know how hard it was to stop her and lock away her research. My left buttcheek is still a bit numb.”

Marlene took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll talk with him. You’re right it can’t go on. Even Duncan noticed I’m not happy. Will you and Lily… of course you will. I’m an idiot.”

Rick gave her a roguish smile. “Always here for you. Never changed and never will.”

“Thank you.” Marlene’s lips were turned up. She really appreciated Rick’s support.

“When do you want it to happen?”

“Tonight preferably. If I postpone it to another time I will just postpone it again and again.”

“Alright. Since it’s the first day of school, Lily needs to be present at the welcoming feast, so it will be quite late in the evening. That’s okay, with you?”

“Perfect. I’m sure he’ll be out of the office around then.”

With her agreement, Rick patted himself on the back, proud of himself.

When it was time for the sorting, Rick changed into a crow and flew towards Hogwarts. He went through one of the open windows in the Great Hall and landed on Lily’s head. To all the second year's and up amusement. Just like he did the very first time he shapeshifted into his animagus form, Rick puffed his chest, spread his wings and cawed loudly. When Lily pulled out her wand, he quickly went from her head to her shoulder where he nested and got his beak scratched.

Finally, Minerva entered the Great Hall through the huge double door and was followed by the first years. She stopped next to the stool where the sorting hat rested and it began to sing. From Lily’s shoulder, Rick saw Rose and the rest of the children being quite awed at everything around them and nervous because they were the center of everyone’s attention.

One by one the eleven years old were called and sorted into the house which suited them the most. Susan was sorted into Hufflepuff which was no surprise to anyone who knew her. She was quite happy about it. Neville Longbottom was sorted in Gryffindor and Rick nodded at that.

When it was Draco’s turn the hat stayed quiet for a minute before sending him to Slytherin. Rick was ready to bet money that the sorting hat had considered Ravenclaw as Draco was quite the smart lad. Ultimately, he believed that his ambition to restore the Malfoy name won over.

Rose was one of the last students to be sorted. Only two boys were left after her. One Rick didn’t recognize and the other being Ronald Weasley, Molly and Arthur sixth and last son. He looked in fascination at the sorting hat on his daughter’s head. Trying to make a decision on which house she belonged to.

Only after eight minutes did he make a decision.

“GRYFFINDOR!”

*CAW*

“Shush, you!” Lily said a bit too loudly and bumped his beak to make him quiet. He hadn’t done it on purpose.

“She took even more time than her father.” Albus commented absentmindedly from Lily’s right.

“I’m pretty sure the hat had to choose between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff too. She could have been in any of those.”

“Not Slytherin?” remarked Severus curiously to Lily’s left.

“No. Rose is not really ambitious nor really cunning. She has ambitions of course but they’re not… grand, like becoming the Minister for Magic or the greatest witch in History. They’re more mundane like… learning magic, making friends, those kinds of things.”

The sorting ended with Ronald Weasley going to Gryffindor and the other boy to Slytherin. Once Dumbledore gave a few words and reminded everyone of the rules (most notably the third floor corridor being off limits), he made food appear and the feast began. Rick flew from Lily’s shoulder and landed on Rose’s head and began to peck at her hair affectionately for a bit before taking flight again and leaving the castle through the window he got in. His daughter had a proud and happy smile on her face.