Chapter 1: Birthday Surprises
July 31
Dear Diary,
I had the dream again last night only this time it was … different. I don't know how it was different but it was. The images were clearer and the voices too. I think it was Harry's parents I could here, but how is that possible? The man told the woman to "take Harry and run" before the green flashes start. Then I hear this really evil laugh and I look up at a hooded figure pointing a wand at me before another green flash occurs. This sounds a lot like the dream I heard Harry telling Ron about, the one where he dreams of his parents death. I don't understand why I'm having this dream. Last night the dream was the most vivid it's been since I started having it a month ago. Maybe I'll ask Harry about it when he comes in 2 weeks, if he'll even talk to me.
"Ginny!"
"Coming Mum!"
Oh, gotta go. Mum's calling me for breakfast. TTYL
Love Ginny
Ginny put her quill and diary back in her secret hiding place and left her room heading downstairs for breakfast.
"Bout time, Gin, what took you…" Ron never got to finish his sentence because when Ginny walked into the kitchen, their mother dropped the plate of bacon she was supposed to put on the table, on the floor with a shattering crash.
"Mum! What is it? What's wrong?" Ginny cried walking towards her mother.
"No…can't be true…not happening…" Molly muttered as she continually backed away from Ginny every time Ginny came near her
"Ron stop sitting there and help me with Mum!" Ginny cried at Ron. But when she turned to look at him she froze. He was staring at her as if he had never seen her before and the next words out of his mouth didn't help matters any.
"Who are you? What did you do with Ginny?" demanded Ron as he reached for her to try and restrain her.
Molly made it to the fireplace, grabbed a handful of Floo powder and threw it into the flames.
"Albus Dumbledore!" cried Molly.
"Good morning Molly. How are you on this fine day?" replied Dumbledore as his head appeared in the fire. "Molly? Are you there? Is everything all right?"
"Gi-Ginny g-gone. Sta-Stranger here. N-Need help."
"Molly what on earth are you talking about? Ginevra can't be gone. Where would she have gone?" Dumbledore asked.
"Let go of me Ron before I hex you into next week. Mum, I'm right here! I'm right in front of you!" cried Ginny as she broke Ron's hold on her and ran to her mother.
"Oh my, it's too soon, I wasn't expecting this yet. Back away from the fireplace Molly I'm coming through," said Dumbledore.
With a flash of green light, Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry appeared in the kitchen of the Weasley home. "Molly, I suggest you get as much of the family present as possible as quickly as possible. I need to explain what is happening to young Ginevra and how it is going to affect your family."
Within half and hour the entire Weasley family could be found in the tiny kitchen of the Burrow. Bill and Charlie were visiting from Egypt and Romania, the twins Flooed in from Hogsmeade, where they had taken jobs creating new jokes for Zonko's and Percy and Arthur arrived from the Ministry. Every Weasley present was confused as to why the Headmaster had asked for them to assemble, where Ginny had gone and who the strange girl was that was standing in the corner.
"Thank you all for coming as quickly as you could. What I'm about to tell you concerns everyone in this room, but most especially Ginevra," said Dumbledore.
While Dumbledore was speaking Ginny tried to make herself as small as possible in the back of the room, hoping no one in her family would take a really close look at her, except for her mother and Ron who had already seen her that morning. It was Ron that spoke up first.
"But Ginny's not here Professor. She's disappeared and..."
"Your sister has not disappeared, Mr. Weasley. If you would kindly let me explain without interruption all your questions will be answered shortly" interrupted Dumbledore. "Ginevra, would you come here please?"
Ginny pulled herself out of the shadowy corner she had hidden herself in and approached Dumbledore.
"That is not Ginny!" cried Ron.
"You're wrong, Mr. Weasley," stated Dumbledore as he took Ginny's hand. "This is your sister Ginevra Weasley, or at least she has been for the past 15 years.
"What are you saying, Albus?" asked Arthur.
"What I'm saying Arthur is that you have raised this child as your own for 15 years even though she is not the child Molly gave birth to," Dumbledore responded.
"Well then who is she and what happened to my daughter?" cried Molly
"This, my dear Molly, is in actuality Jamie-Lynn Potter."
A look of stunned disbelief washed over every member of the Weasley family, but none were more shocked than Ginny herself.
/-/How? How can this be? Is that why I've been having the dreams lately?/-/
"Pot-Potter? I'm a Potter?" /-/You mean I've had a crush on my brother for the last five years! EW!/-/
"Excuse me, Professor Dumbledore, Sir, but how is that possible? Everyone knows that Jamie Potter was killed along with her parents that night in Godric's Hollow. So how can she..." Percy pointed an accusing finger towards Ginny, "...possibly be a Potter?"
"Hello, standing right here Percy…"
"He's right Albus. The only survivor of that night is Harry; everyone knows that. People don't even remember that he even had a sister. How can this girl be Harry's sister?" questioned Arthur.
"And what happened to my baby girl? Where is Ginevra?" sobbed Molly.
Ginny couldn't believe what she hearing. She was a Potter? Harry's sister? That was impossible. The books never made mention of a sister, and nobody ever talked about her. And yet, she was that sister. This couldn't be real. Dumbledore had to be joking.
"I'm right here Mum. I'm standing right in front of you. Why does everyone keep talking like I'm not standing in the room?"
"Calm down Miss Weas- Potter. I will explain what happened to everyone, but first, everyone please take a seat and try to keep your wits and heads about you," Dumbledore said.
Everyone found a seat in the cramped kitchen. Everyone except Ginny that is. Every time she went to sit down, she either got a glare or the person moved over so there wasn't any room. Ginny opted to stand in the corner up against the counter. She didn't know what to make of the situation. The family she had grown up with was treating her like a complete stranger. She hoped Dumbledore's explanation cleared everything up and life could go back to normal.
/-/Not that normal is all that great around here, but at least they didn't look at me like that,/-/ thought Ginny.
"Now then, you all want to know how Jamie came to live with you and be raised as Ginevra," Dumbledore began.
Every head in the room nodded its agreement.
"Very well, you are all aware of the fact that the Potters went into hiding shortly before Harry defeated Voldemort."
Everyone in the room shuddered at the name - everyone but Ginny, that is.
"Well, what is not known is that James came to me shortly before the Fidelius Charm was put into place. He came and begged me to find a way to protect his daughter beyond what the protection charm would provide. He did not give me his reasons for doing so, but the desperation in his voice told me that it was imperative that his daughter's life be protected beyond that of the rest of his family. He promised to explain his reasons once Voldemort was defeated and his daughter returned. Well, there was no way I could remove Jamie without questions being raised. So, a switch was made instead. I hate to say it Molly, but I switched Jamie here with your daughter Ginevra who had just been born."
"What?" came the outcry from almost everyone in the room.
Ginny was still hiding in the corner, a single tear escaping her eye. Her parents loved her so much that they wanted to ensure her survival. But why? Why her and not Harry? Why not the both of them? If the Weasley's had agreed to the switch, why were they reacting the way they were? Ginny hoped that Professor Dumbledore would explain the rest of it. She had so many questions.
"Please, everyone calm down and let me finish!" pleaded Dumbledore.
"Why? Why switch our baby Ginevra for her? And why did you let us go on thinking that she was our daughter?" demanded Arthur.
"The switch was never supposed to be permanent. As you know the Potter's were betrayed by their Secret Keeper, Peter Pettigrew, and died that fateful night in Godric's Hollow. With their death and the death of your daughter, I thought it best to leave Jamie with you for all your sakes. She would have a family that loved her and you would have the daughter you always wanted Molly," continued Dumbledore.
"Wait a minute Professor, I heard you say 'it was too soon'...too soon for what, exactly?" Ron demanded.
"A very strong Glamour Charm was placed on the girls when they were switched, so that each girl would take on the characteristics of the other. How would your parents explain it if their daughter looked nothing like them? The spell was supposed to last until Jamie was done at Hogwarts. I was going to explain everything to her then, but something must have happened to trigger the transformation early...I just don't know what," answered Dumbledore.
"The Chamber," stated Ginny.
"What? What Chamber?" queried Charlie.
A look of instant understanding crossed Dumbledore's face. His eyes lost a bit of their usual twinkle.
"Of course, your ordeal with Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets."
"Riddle drained me to the point of death, and if Harry hadn't shown up he would have killed me. As I got weaker, the spell probably weakened as well and when Harry saved me, it probably never returned to full strength," finished Ginny.
"I should have just made Harry leave you down there. You're the reason my sister is DEAD!" accused Ron.
"MR. WEASLEY! That is quite enough, thank you," insisted Dumbledore
"GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND NEVER SET FOOT INSIDE IT AGAIN! YOU KILLED MY LITTLE GIRL!" screamed Molly.
"Mum, what are you saying? You can't mean it!"
"I SAID GET OUT! NOW! YOU'RE NOT WELCOME HERE ANYMORE! YOU'RE NOT WELCOME TO ANYTHING WE HAVE GIVEN TO YOU! YOU ARE A STRANGER TO ME! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!" Molly yelled.
Dumbledore stepped between an advancing Molly and Ginny, who was still standing in the corner of the kitchen but now with tears freely flowing down her cheeks.
Everyone in the room was shocked at what Ron and now Molly were saying.
None of the boys, save Ron, could understand how a) their 'sister' was really Harry's sister and theirs had died 15 years ago and b) their mother, who was generous to a fault, especially where Harry was concerned, was throwing his sister out of the house.
"I'm very disappointed in you Molly. I expected more from you - from all of you actually. Where is that loyalty that Gryffindors are famous for? This girl has done nothing for which you can blame her. If you are to blame anyone, blame me, not her. She needs her 'family' now more than ever, and you turn her out into the street? You are not the people I thought you were, any of you." Dumbledore said sadly.
"She has a family, Harry. We are not her family, not anymore, not ever," stated Arthur.
"Come Jamie, it is apparent that you are no longer welcome here. I will find you a place to stay, do not worry," Dumbledore said, turning to Ginny. As he started guiding Ginny towards the fireplace, Molly stopped him.
"Albus, Harry is welcome to come and stay anytime he wants, but I will NOT allow that girl to set foot inside my house ever again," Molly informed him.
Dumbledore nodded sadly and turned back to Ginny to advise her as to their Floo location. None of the Weasleys, except Bill, saw the look of total devastation and utter despair on Ginny's face as she stepped into the fireplace. The last thing Bill saw of the girl he would always consider his sister was of her tear streaked face calling out 'THE LEAKY CAULDRON!' just before she disappeared from view.
"I love you Ginny…Jamie. You will always be my sister." Bill whispered to himself, or so he thought. He never saw the smile on Dumbledore's face for he had turned his back on the fireplace just before Dumbledore left.
Jamie stumbled out of the fireplace in The Leaky Cauldron, just seconds before Dumbledore emerged. Tom, the barkeeper, greeted them.
"Morning Headmaster, Miss...Oh my! It can't be, not Miss Potter? I thought that she…she…"
"Tom, I would appreciate it if you would be kind enough to keep Miss Potter's presence quiet, at least for the time being. We need to ensure her safety before we announce her presence to the Wizarding world."
"Of course Headmaster, of course. Good day Headmaster, Miss Potter. It was nice meeting you."
"Good day, Tom"
"Good day. Professor, where are we going?" questioned Jamie as she was ushered out the door by Professor Dumbledore.
"I'm taking you someplace where you will be safe. Do not worry child. Now hold on to the other side of this newspaper,' answered Dumbledore.
Shortly after Jamie took hold of the ratty old newspaper, she felt the familiar tug behind her navel that was associated with portkeys. They were deposited at the end of a quiet street, where every house looked just like every other house on the street.
"Where exactly are we, Professor?"
"Surrey" was the only answer she received.
/-/Surrey, why would we be in Surrey and why does Dumbledore think I would be safe here?/-/ Jamie's thoughts were interrupted when Dumbledore knocked on the front door of the house they were standing in front of. The door opened.
"Pro-Professor Dumbledore sir, wh-what are you doing here?"
/-/That voice, it's so familiar,/-/ Jamie couldn't see who answered the door since Dumbledore was standing in the way.
"Hello Harry. May we come in?"
/-/HARRY!/-/
"Now isn't really a g-good ti…"
"Who's at the door boy? Don't just stand there invite them in," screeched Aunt Petunia. Harry stepped aside to allow Dumbledore to enter the house. He had never seen Dumbledore in Muggle clothing before. It wasn't really much of an improvement from the outlandish robes he wore on a usual basis. He was wearing purple pants with a pink and mauve polka-dot shirt. Harry was so busy looking at Dumbledore that he never really took a good look at the young lady that accompanied him into the house.
"May I help you?" asked Petunia
"I need to speak with you regarding this young lady here, Mrs. Dursley," replied Dumbledore.
"What about her?" it was at this point that Petunia took a good look at Jamie who was standing just behind Dumbledore. The way Jamie was being looked at made her feel utterly uncomfortable. "Out! I said get out! I will not have her in this house! It's bad enough we have to look after the boy but I WILL NOT HAVE HER IN THIS HOUSE! GET OUT!"
"Petunia, Darling, whatever is the matter? What's the boy done now?" asked Vernon on his way into the den from upstairs; Dudley trailed in behind his father. "You're one of them, aren't you? Like the boy. You're another …."
"Mr. Dursley," Dumbledore interrupted, "it is of great importance that this young lady stay here. You are her only family…"
"NO! She is not welcome here. We don't have the room or the finances to shelter another one of your kind here. We are stretched to the limit wi-wi-with Harry here on top of Dudley. She has to leave. Now get out of my house before I call the police. OUT! NOW!" Dumbledore did not move despite the fact that Jamie was tugging on his shirt. She knew that if they didn't leave things would only get worse. "Dudley, go call the police tell them we have an intruder here."
"Wait! We will leave. Come along Jamie we will just have to find another place to keep you safe. Do not worry child." Dumbledore said as he started ushering Jamie towards the door.
/-/Who is that Jamie girl? I've never seen her before. Why does she look so familiar?/-/ Harry was having trouble placing the girl's face but he knew he'd seen it somewhere before. What he didn't understand was the way she made him feel. He felt a warmth and sense of kinship to this strange young lady with the familiar face but he didn't know why. /-/I'll have to ask Ron and Hermione about this./-/
After leaving the Dursley household and walking past the wards protecting it, Dumbledore transfigured his Muggle clothes back into his Wizarding robes, picked up a soda can that had been discarded and tapped it with his wand. "Grab a hold Miss Potter, the port key will activate in a matter of seconds." Just as Jamie touched the can the key activated with the all too familiar tug at the navel and a few seconds later they were once again standing in the main room of The Leaky Cauldron.
"Ah, Professor Dumbledore and the young Miss, back so soon?" Tom inquired.
"Unfortunately things did not go as I had hoped. May we have a private room, Tom? One with a fireplace if you please. I have a call to make and the person may have to Floo over."
"Of course Headmaster, anything you wish, if you will please follow me. I believe that Salon Three should meet your needs quite nicely."
"Thank you Tom, again may I ask for you discretion regarding the identity and location of Miss Potter here and see that we are not disturbed."
"Of course Professor, whatever you wish. Ah, here we are. Salon Three; will there be anything else, Headmaster?" asked Tom.
"Some tea and biscuits if you don't mind Tom."
"Of course, of course, I'll bring them by shortly."
"Thank you. After you Miss Potter."
Jamie preceded Dumbledore into the Salon where there was a small table with some comfortable chairs and another pair of chairs in front of the fireplace. "Please be seated Miss Potter. I have to make a call." As Jamie seated herself at the table, the tea and biscuits appeared. She decided to make herself as comfortable as possible and poured herself a cup of tea. Meanwhile, Dumbledore made his way to the fireplace and threw some Floo powder into it calling out "Minerva McGonagall"
Professor McGonagall's head appeared in the fireplace. "Albus, is everything alright?"
"I'm afraid not Minerva. Please come to The Leaky Cauldron immediately. We are in Salon Three.'
"We?"
"I'll explain once you arrive, I don't want to do explain over the network."
"I'll be there shortly." McGonagall's head disappeared from the fireplace and Dumbledore turned to join Jamie at the table for some tea.
Within 5 minutes Professor Minerva McGonagall was standing in Salon Three of The Leaky Cauldron, having just apparated from outside the school wards. She did not see Jamie sitting in the chair with its back to her. "Alright Albus, I'm here what is so important that you called me here without explanation." queried McGonagall.
"Professor McGonagall, I would like to introduce you to Miss Jamie Potter."
To say the McGonagall was surprised was putting it mildly. Jamie had never seen that look on her professor's face before. The normally reserved Transfiguration teacher was flabbergasted, to say the least. "Albus, how is this possible? Jamie Potter died at Godric's Hollow along with her parents."
At that statement, Jamie looked down at the floor not knowing what to do. /-/Why me? Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?/-/ thought Jamie. Jamie decided to go and finish her tea while Professor Dumbledore proceeded to explain the situation to Professor McGonagall.
"They disowned her and threw her out? Albus, how could they do that?" cried McGonagall upon hearing of how Mr. & Mrs. Weasley reacted to the news. "What about her Aunt and Uncle?"
"They were just as harsh. The only safe place for her now is Hogwarts."
At hearing this Jamie's head shot up. She was going to Hogwarts? She was going to spend the rest of the summer there, she couldn't believe it. "Excuse me Professor Dumbledore, but …"
"Yes, Miss Potter?"
"Why am I going to Hogwarts and what am I going to do there for the rest of summer?"
"You are going to Hogwarts, Miss Potter, because next to your aunt and uncle's house it is the safest place for you. I had hoped that you would like to study for your O.W.L.S while you were there and maybe even take them at the end of the summer and then you can join your brother and his friends in Sixth Year. You are sixteen, after all, you and Harry are twins."
/-/Study for my O.W.L.S? Twins?/-/ "Oh, I would like that Professor, but…"
"But what, Miss Potter?" McGonagall asked.
"I don't have my wand, let alone any of my other school supplies. How am I supposed to study and take my O.W.L.S if I don't have anything to take them with? I mean, my fam…the Weasleys didn't let me get anything of mine before we left," Jamie said, she was starting to panic.
"Calm down child. Do not worry. Professor McGonagall here is going to take you out into Diagon Alley, where you will pick up a new wand and all the supplies you will need to study for and pass your O.W.L.S and for Sixth Year."
"Oh. Thank you Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall."
"Professor McGonagall, please take Miss Potter to Gringotts and get some money out of the school account for Miss Potter's wand and supplies. Don't worry Miss Potter you can pay the funds back, if you like, once your presence in the Wizarding world has been announced and you can access you personal vault."
Jamie was stunned at this revelation. /-/I have a personal vault? Cool./-/
"Now then, I have to get back to Hogwarts and prepare for Miss Potter's arrival. I shall see you both there shortly." Dumbledore turned to leave but stopped before reaching the door, "Oh, one more thing Professor, please cast a mild glamour on Miss Potter before leaving the room. We need to make sure that she is not recognized before we are ready."
"Of course, Headmaster, we will see you later then."
"Professor McGonagall, Miss Potter," Dumbledore nodded to the two witches and left the room, the twinkle in his eyes stronger than ever.
"Well then, Miss Potter. Are you ready to head into Diagon Alley?"
"Yes Professor."
"Good. Let me just cast the glamour and we'll be gone." Jamie didn't feel any different but McGonagall seemed happy so she willingly followed her out of the Salon and through the back door of the pub and into Diagon Alley.
"Come along Miss Pot…Jamie. We want to be as efficient at possible as the glamour will only last a couple of hours and I want us to be safely back at Hogwarts before it wears off and we have a lot of things to buy," McGonagall stated, leading Jamie through Diagon Alley towards Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
"But Professor, wouldn't it be quicker if I went on ahead to one of the stores while you went to Gringotts? Maybe I could start collecting the books I'll need for…"
"More efficient, yes it would be, but safe, no. I don't want you out of my sight even if you are disguised. Come along child," replied McGonagall as she led Jamie to a free goblin. "I need to make a withdrawal from Hogwarts vault 712. Here's my key and my I.D."
The goblin scrutinized the I.D. before saying "Certainly Professor. GRIPHOOK!" Griphook appeared next to McGonagall and Jamie and indicated that they should follow. "Griphook will take you both to the vault Professor, please follow him."
"Thank you. Come along Jamie."
Jamie followed Professor McGonagall and Griphook to the carts and took her seat. They arrived at vault 712 after a crazy twenty minute cart ride through the bowels of Gringotts. McGonagall retrieved enough money from the vault to purchase Jamie's books (both fifth and sixth year as well as a few choice others), new robes (school, casual and dress), everyday clothing, potions supplies, a wand and a few other non-essential items. They then proceeded back up to the ground floor and out into the bright sunshine of Diagon Alley.
"Professor may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Why did you have to show an ID card to the goblin?"
"I had to prove that I work for Hogwarts and that I am who I say I am. It is a safety precaution that was set up when the accounts were set up so that not just anybody can walk in and gain access to the vaults."
"Oh, okay. Thank you Professor, where are we going first?"
"Madam Malkin's first, I think."
Jamie followed McGonagall in to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions where she was ushered onto a stool by Madam Malkin herself. As Madam Malkin was fitting her with school robes, Professor McGonagall was busy looking at various casual and dress robes.
"All right dear, you may step down now. I've got all your measurements," Madam Malkin told Jamie as she helped her down from the fitting stool.
"Please adjust these as well Madam Malkin," said Professor McGonagall as she laid a dozen other robes on the counter. "How soon will they be ready?"
"They will be ready within the hour Professor."
"Thank you. Come along Jamie."
Professor McGonagall led Jamie back out into Diagon Alley and to the next shop on their list, the Apothecary. They spent as little time in the Apothecary as they needed to and when they emerged Jamie was laden down with not one but two cauldrons, one standard size 2 pewter cauldron (for fifth year work) and one standard size 3 pewter cauldron (for some sixth year work) as well as enough supplies to last her for the next couple of years, or so Jamie thought.
"Where to now Professor?"
"Ollivander's. We need to get you a wand. Your charms and spells will be much stronger with a wand that is meant for you and not someone else." Jamie blushed at that statement, but McGonagall wasn't finished yet. "Don't worry Jamie; I understand why you were using a wand meant for someone else. It's not like the Weasley's have a lot of money to spend but you would think that they would at least have the decency to buy each of their children their own wands." At this statement, Jamie started to look at her feet feeling even more embarrassed than before. She refused to look McGonagall in the eye for fear of the rejection she might see there.
"Jamie, look at me," Jamie slowly raised her head to look at her professor. "Jamie, I'm sorry. I don't blame you; you had no control over the situation. Come along. Time to get you your wand," Jamie nodded and followed her professor into Ollivander's Wand Shop.
"Ahh, Professor McGonagall, how nice to see you. Eleven inch elm wood wand with a dragon heartstring at the core, excellent wand for transfiguration," stated Ollivander with a wink and a twinkle in his eye. "And who do we have here? A new student perhaps?"
"This is Jamie Po- er –Westlake. She is a transfer student from Salem University and her wand unfortunately didn't survive the trip over from America and she is therefore in need of a new one."
"Of course, of course," responded Ollivander winking at Jamie to let her now that he knew her secret and that it would stay that way. "Try this Miss Westlake, fourteen inch willow with a unicorn tail hair at its core."
Jamie took a hold of the wand, gave it a little wave and proceeded to blow the front window out.
"No, no definitely not, here try this one."
Jamie spent the next hour trying wand after wand and never having any success. Mr. Ollivander was quickly running out of wands for her to try.
"I wonder," stated Ollivander. "Miss Westlake would you please try this wand," he said as he handed her a wand of about thirteen inches and made of willow.
Jamie took hold of the wand and the minute her fingers touched it she felt a warm tingly feeling throughout her body and red and gold sparks shot out the end of the wand. /-/Whoa, I've never felt that sensation before./-/
"I always knew this wand would go to someone special. Make sure you take very good care of this wand young lady, it is very special and it is one of a kind. You will not find another like it. I have only just started trying to make wands like this one. This is prototype."
"Why is it a prototype, Mr Ollivander? How is it different from all the others I've tried this morning?"
"The core, Miss Westlake, it is the core that makes it special. Most wands have a single core. A dragon heartstring," he nodded at McGonagall "the tail hair from a unicorn, a phoenix feather, and so on. Yours on the other hand has a core made up of 3 tail hairs braided together. It contains the tail hair of unicorn, an Abraxan and a Thestral. I pity the witch or wizard unfortunate enough to cross you Miss Westlake as that wand is extremely powerful. I trust you will take excellent care it. That will be three hundred Knuts Professor."
McGonagall handed over the required amount and ushered a still shocked Jamie out of the wand shop and back into Diagon Alley towards Flourish and Blotts. Jamie was still in shock when they reached the bookstore and wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention to Professor McGonagall when she started handing her books. She was so out of it that she walked into a display and knocked it over.
"Is everything alright, Miss Westlake or did the display purposely jump into your path?" queried McGonagall.
"I'm sorry Professor. I guess I'm just a little shocked about what Mr. Ollivander said."
"That is understandable but please try to watch where you are going in future Miss Westlake. Now come along there are a few books I would like to pick up for you that are not on the required list."
"Yes Professor."
Jamie followed the professor around the bookstore trying to see what all the books were that the professor was picking up. It mostly looked like advanced potions, charms and transfiguration books. Although one book in particular did catch her eye The Animagus Transformation: Everything You Need to Know to Begin Your Transformation. /-/Animagus Transformation? I get to learn to be an animagus. That is so neat. I wonder what shape I will take on./-/ Jamie's thoughts were interrupted as McGonagall started ushering her out of the shop after the books were paid for and shrunk.
They went back to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to pick up Jamie's new robes and then made one last stop, The Magical Menagerie.
"What are we doing here Professor?"
"I thought I would buy you a birthday present Jamie. Why don't you go take a look at what they have?"
"Thank you Professor." Jamie headed into the store followed by McGonagall. It didn't take her long to find something. Jamie emerged out of the back of the store, carrying a cage containing a Northern Hawk Owl that had black and white feathers with some grey ones mixed in. "May I have this owl, Professor?"
"Of course Jamie, Happy Birthday," McGonagall turned around to pay the shopkeeper before leaving the store behind them. "Do you know what you're going to call it?"
"Athena."
"Very nice, come along then, we had better hurry back to The Leaky Cauldron and Floo over to The Three Broomsticks before the Glamour wears off. I might suggest releasing your owl and telling her where to meet you. Owls don't travel through the Floo network too well." Jamie did as the professor suggested and had McGonagall shrink Athena's cage so that it would fit in her pocket. Then the two headed quickly towards The Leaky Cauldron. Once inside they both grabbed a pinch of Floo powder and headed to The Three Broomsticks with McGonagall following behind Jamie.
Madam Rosemerta greeted them at The Three Broomsticks. Since they had to wait a little while for Athena to arrive they decided to have a Butterbeer. They took a booth in the corner that was more secluded so that McGonagall could tell Jamie what the rest of her summer would be like.
"There aren't that many professors at Hogwarts over the summer but those that are will be helping you study for your O.W.L.S., which provided you are ready will take place at the end of August."
"Which professors stayed?"
"Professor Dumbledore and myself, of course, Professors Flitwick and Sprout and Professor Snape, what elective courses are you taking?"
"Uhm, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."
"Well, I have to work out your schedule but most likely I will work with you on Transfiguration and Animagus studies, don't look so shocked Miss Potter, I saw you looking at the book in Flourish and Blotts. Let's see Professor Flitwick will teach you Charms and Arithmancy, Sprout will be Herbology and Professor Snape will be Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Ancient Runes."
Before Jamie could respond Athena appeared at the window. "We had better be getting to Hogwarts. Oh dear, we had better hurry. It looks like the Glamour is starting to wear off. Come along Miss Potter," Jamie followed her professor out of The Three Broomsticks where she was greeted by Athena, who landed on her shoulder. Just as they reached the Hogwarts grounds, the Glamour wore off completely.
As they neared the castle steps, the front doors to the school opened to reveal the Headmaster. "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Potter".
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Potter." Dumbledore greeted. "How was your morning in Diagon Alley? Got everything you needed, I hope."
"Yes Professor Dumbledore."
"Excellent, excellent. That is a rather remarkable owl you have there, Miss Potter."
"Thank you sir. Professor McGonagall bought it for me as a birthday present."
"Wonderful to hear. Now, would you kindly follow me and I will show you to your rooms for the summer. Minerva, the rest of the professors are dining in the Great Hall, perhaps you can all set up a study schedule for Miss Potter."
Jamie dutifully followed Dumbledore up the stairs and through the Entrance Hall, where McGonagall left them to join the other professors in setting up Jamie's summer timetable. Jamie and Dumbledore continued on up towards Gryffindor Tower.
"Will I be staying in the Gryffindor dorms Professor?"
"I'm afraid not, Miss Potter. The House Common Rooms seal themselves for the summer. The only people able to access them are the house-elves. I have arranged for you to have a set of private rooms for the remainder of the summer. Ah, here we are."
Dumbledore stopped in front of a painting of a unicorn and her foal. "Jamie Potter," Dumbledore said to the unicorn, who nodded and swung open. Jamie followed Dumbledore through the portrait hole and stopped short upon entering. /-/Sweet Merlin, this is for me?/-/ Jamie couldn't believe her eyes. She was standing in the doorway of a very comfortable looking common room that had a big comfy couch and armchair situated in front of the fireplace. There were two doors leading off the room. Both of them led to separate bedrooms, each of which had its own bathroom. The overall colour scheme of the room was one of soft blues and silvers, giving the room a very soothing and relaxing feel.
"Well Miss Potter, what do you think?" Dumbledore questioned.
"It's very nice, thank you Professor."
"Why don't you get yourself settled in and I will have a house-elf bring you some lunch. The house-elves are at your disposal, Miss Potter. If you need them for anything simply pull the cord next to the fireplace or next to either one of the beds. Meals are served in the Great Hall at 7:00am, 12:00pm and 6:00pm respectively. Please feel free to join us, but do know that it is not a requirement." Dumbledore turned to leave, "Oh, and one more thing Miss Potter, don't forget to change your password. Simply inform the unicorn of the new password once I leave."
"Of course Professor. Thank you. Oh, Professor, can I ask you something before you leave?"
"Of course, Miss Potter."
"I know that my identity is supposed to remain secret. At least for the time being anyway. But would it be all right if I told just one person? You and I both know that he…"
"You're talking about Mr. Zabini, am I correct?"
"Yes Sir."
"I believe that would be acceptable. Mr. Zabini has proven to me that he is no Death Eater, and in no way loyal to Voldemort."
"Thank you Professor."
"You're welcome, Miss Potter. Now don't forget to change your password once I'm gone."
"I'll do it right now, Sir." Jamie followed Dumbledore out into the corridor and once he was gone, she turned towards the portrait. "I would like to change my password please." The unicorn nodded in understanding. "Friendship, Love and Loyalty." The unicorn nodded again and whinnied in acceptance, before opening again to allow Jamie to re-enter her rooms, where she started the process of settling in and unpacking her things.
Meanwhile, in the Great Hall...
McGonagall entered the Great Hall to find Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Snape seated at a small table that had been set up near the Head Table for the summer.
"Hello Minerva, where did you and Albus disappear to this morning?" Professor Sprout asked as McGonagall took a seat at the table.
"I think it best if I let Albus explain. He should be here shortly. He's just helping our guest who will be spending the rest of the summer with us to settle in in her new quarters."
"Guest?" sneered Snape
"Yes Severus, a guest. A student actually, and they will be studying for their O.W.L.s, which are going to take place at the end of August. Now…"
"A student? It's not Potter is it?" demanded Snape.
"As a matter of fact Severus, it is a Potter, but not the one you think. It's his twin Jamie-Lynn." responded Albus, entering the Great Hall.
"But that's impossible! Jamie Potter died at Godric's Hollow!" cried tiny Professor Flitwick.
"Jamie Potter did not die at Godric's Hollow, as everyone believes." Dumbledore spent the next thirty minutes explaining the events surrounding Jamie's return to the Wizarding world. Once the explanation was over, the professors set about setting up Jamie's study schedule to help her pass her O.W.L.s at the end of August, and join the sixth year students at the beginning of the school year.
"Severus, would you please join me in my office, in about twenty minutes?"
"Of course Headmaster." Replied Snape, just before he departed from the Great Hall.
Five minutes after leaving the Great Hall, Dumbledore could be found knocking on the unicorn portrait guarding Jamie's rooms.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore. Is something wrong?" Jamie asked as she answered the door.
"Hello Miss Potter. I just wanted to give you your summer schedule, and wish you luck in your summer studies and your O.W.L.s."
"Thank you Professor. When do my studies begin?"
"Tomorrow."
"Thank you."
"Good day Miss Potter" Dumbledore replied as he exited the room.
"Ah Severus, good, you're here," Dumbledore said as he entered his office and found Severus waiting for him. "Lemon Drop?"
"No, thank you, Albus. Why did you ask me here?"
"Simple. I want you to teach Miss Potter both aspects of the Dark Arts. Both the defence of it and how to use them."
"You can't be serious Albus! The school governors will have my head on a platter when they find out, and it's almost guaranteed that they will, the way rumours spread around here!"
"That is why I will do everything in my power to ensure that they don't find out. And yes Severus, I am completely serious. Her identity will remain a secret only until the school year begins. You have until then to teach her what she needs to know in order to protect herself from Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Who better to teach her these things than a former Death Eater? Don't you agree, Severus?"
"And what of her brother? Am I to teach him as well?"
"No Severus. Only Jamie. Judging by the way James was so insistent that I find any means possible to ensure her safety, I'm going to assume that she is vital to the war ahead. Even more so than Harry, I believe. Unfortunately, her Godfather is the only person still alive that knows the reasons behind James' demands but he is currently off on a mission for the Order, and is therefore unreachable until he returns."
"Black is her Godfather, yes?"
"Yes, but please don't hold that against her, Severus. She has been rejected by the family that raised her for the last fifteen years, and the family that is hers by blood. She has lost her identity. Help her find out who she truly is, and do not judge her by who her parents were or by who her brother is."
"Yes Headmaster. I best go and prepare for her sessions tomorrow," Severus said as he stood up and headed for the door. He stopped with his hand on the door handle. "Albus, does she look…"
"Yes Severus, she does." With that, Albus watched as Severus, having never turned back, walk through the door and close it behind himself.
"Yes Severus, she really does."