The Phoenix
Written by Serena S Snape
Authors note: all things HP remain JK Rowlings, though I'm watching for them to show up on ebay one day. *Sighs* I got the idea for this story one night whilst lying in bed...don't ask me, I dunno.
Also, if I've made a huge mistake with the address, sorry. I don't live in Great Britain.
AND ONE MORE NOTE: although normal HP characters will pop up from time to time, such as Harry, Hermione and Ron, this is mainly a Hogwarts story, focusing on someone else. So all the teachers will exist in the story, but the story mainly revolves around Fiona, and Her life at Hogwarts.
Chapter one: There's no place like home...
Fiona Webbly was a normal girl. She dreamed of castles and Fairies, of Giant monsters and brave knights who would fight the monsters.
Of course, this was after reading the newspaper.
"Gringotts Goblins Offer five thousand Galleons to the Healer capable of healing their guard dragon, Jenny." Her father, Alphred Webbly read aloud as the eleven-year-old Redhead entered the kitchen. "That's what you should be, Fiona, a Healer."
"I don't want to be a Healer." Fiona wrinkled her nose at her father as she sat down and poured herself a glass of Orange Juice. Suddenly, a shriek of pain sounded from upstairs.
"Aristotle Smith to Teach Defense against the dark arts and Hogwarts School of witchcraft and Wizardry. Good. Old Aristotle was a prime Auror in his day, he'll make a fine defense professor."
"Why isn't he an Auror anymore dad?" Fiona asked between sips of Juice.
"Poor bloke was shot by a couple of Cruico's in his sleep by a few death eaters...decided it was 'bout time to retire."
"Kevin! Pick up Captain Jones!"
"Muuuum, it's Captain Johannes" Fiona's brother, Kevin replied, sounding insulted.
"Whatever his name is, Pick Him up!" Fiona's mother, Amber shot back.
A slight clunk from upstairs told Fiona that instead of putting the toy away; her brother had only dropped it in the clothes hamper in the second floor bathroom.
Suddenly a very large, Pristine looking Tawny owl swept through the open window above the sink and dropped a thick, yellowish letter on the table before Fiona. Immediately it turned and flew back out of the window.
"About Ruddy Time." Alphred mused. "I wondered when you'd be getting that."
Fiona sat silently at the table, staring at the letter.
"Oi Amber!" Alphred suddenly bellowed to his wife. "She's finally got her letter!"
Quickly Amber, Fiona's mother rushed down the stairs, long black hair flying behind her, blue eyes sparkling. Today the thirty-year-old woman wore a floor length dress of deep purple, and a robe of black, trimmed with Gold.
"Oh Good." The woman beamed at her daughter. "Well, go on then, Open it!" she sat down at the table and looked at her husband quickly.
Fiona looked in silence at the envelope, which bore in a brilliant, Emerald green, addressed to Miss F. Webbly First floor number sixteen Oldham road, Manchester
She turned the Envelope over to reveal a great seal, which bore an old English style H, Surrounded by a snake, a lion, a Bird, and a Badger.
The tall eleven year old lifted the seal and pulled out a yellow piece of parchment with an impressive letterhead.
Hogwarts School
Of witchcraft and wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First class, Grand sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Miss Webbly,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Please find enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term Begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
Fiona looked in silence at her Father, then her Mother.
"I'm so happy for you." Her mother Beamed. "we need to get to Diagon Alley, what's your book list this term?"
Fiona pulled out the second page and read from the book list.
"All students should have a copy of the Following:
The Standard book of Spells, by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A beginners guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand magical herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical drafts and Potions, By Arsenius Jigger
Monsters, or Misunderstood? By Christopher Knarley
Defending yourself against Darkness, by Steven Shot."
"They're still using A History of Magic?" Amber asked incrediously. "that's the same book they used when I went there." She paused, thinking. "Terrible teacher, couldn't pay attention to him for the Life of me."
"Professor Binns." Alphred agreed.
"well, we'll be off then." Amber beamed again. "Go get dressed Fiona."
Fiona nodded as she began up the stairs to her bedroom on the third floor. Though the house had three floors, it wasn't a huge house. Just a normal old British house, though her parents had remodeled it before Fiona was born, and kept it looking as though it were brand new. As Fiona rounded on the second set of stairs, she was suddenly bombarded by Nerf darts, breaking her concentration.
"YOU LITTLE TWERP!" Fiona shouted, chasing after her short, black haired brother, who dropped the gun, and leapt behind his bed, which was extremely messy, because he knew if he left it unmade, his mother, who hated an unkempt house, would do it for him.
Fiona grabbed an action figure from the top of the dresser and threw it at her brother. It landed with a satisfying Smack! And the resulting boyish shriek.
Turning on her heels, Fiona rushed up the second set of stairs and turned back to go to her room.
Entering her room, she felt at peace almost immediately. There's something comforting about ones bedroom, and Fiona definitely appreciated that Comfort.
She walked to her dresser and pulled out a pair of black flared jeans and a matching black velvet bell sleeved shirt, both trimmed in metallic gold thread.
A bit later, the young girl left her room, fully dressed, with her hair combed. She walked quickly to the upstairs bathroom and brushed her teeth before heading downstairs.
Her mother and father were both ready, and a thoroughly bored looking Kevin was having his wild black hair combed.
"Now, we need the Garden Degnomed, the Garage cleaned out and Kevin's room cleaned." Fiona's father was instructing the Families house elf, Grendy.
"Yes Sir." The Female Elf nodded vigorously and vanished, off to begin her chores.
"Right then, Floo powder, you first Fiona." Alphred instructed his daughter.
The girl nodded, took some of the ash like powder from a wooden box on the mantle, and stepped into the flames of their fireplace.
"Diagon Alley!" the young girl shouted, throwing the ash down and sweeping through the floo network. She stepped out in the leaky cauldrons fireplace, and waited for her parents, but was unhappily surprised to find Kevin stepping through after her.
"what, the McGuire's wouldn't have you today?" Fiona snapped at her little brother as he dusted himself off.
"Nor." Her brother replied. "They were mad about me and Rick snitching his mam's wand and using it to zap the Gnomes."
"Gee, I wonder why." Fiona commented as her mother stepped from the flames.
"Hi Fiona!" a girl from a couple tables away waved. The girl had cappuccino colored skin, and brilliant Golden eyes. Her long black hair was straight, falling softly to frame her face.
"Serena!" Fiona rushed over to her friend. "I didn't know you're a witch." Fiona quickly sat down and looked at her friend.
"Neither did I, just got my letter yesterday. My parent's didn't know what to think."
"Oo, you're a muggle born. Don't tell my dad." Fiona looked over at the fireplace as her dad stepped from the green flames.
"muggle born?" Serena asked quickly.
"Yeah, it means you're magical but your parent's aren't. A lot of people think that's odd."
"Can't be that odd, or I wouldn't have gotten a Letter, now would I?" Serena raised her chin and gave a smug, almost superior 'I know I'm right' look.
"Yeah." Fiona grinned.
"Hello Serena." Fiona's parents greeted Serena, smiling.
"Hello Mr. Webbly, Mrs. Webbly." Serena Smiled back.
"I didn't know your family was magical." Alphred calmly commented.
"Yes, well, we're not allowed to broadcast it, are we?" Serena replied smoothly.
Alphred nodded politely. "We need to Purchase Fiona's school things, tell your parents we should have dinner together.."
"Yes Mr. Webbly, I will." Serena replied gently.
The family walked slowly out to the small brick courtyard behind the tavern, slowly because the Webb leys knew quite a bit of people, and everyone seemed to be in the tavern that day.
Quickly, as though he had more important business to attend to, Alphred tapped the bricks to open the archway into Diagon Alley, and the family stepped in.
Fiona reveled in Diagon alley. The very air seemed magical, and she loved to see the newest charms in Toadally Witchin' Teen Magazine, which could be found in the magazine collection at Flourish and blotts. As a child she loved to visit Eelops Owl Emporium, though the family had a fierce looking great horned owl.
Today though, she really wanted to see Ollivanders. Her parent's had never let her in before, as they told her she was too young, and would be able to go in when she received her letter.
"can we go to Ollivanders First, dad?" Fiona pressed, as Kevin pointed to Quality Quidditch Supplies, before racing in.
"Gringotts First Fiona, you know that." Her Father replied quickly. He was a very Serious Man, formed into such from years of being an Auror. Though, his Years at Hogwarts, being a Slytherin and Such, had also brought out the cold and calculating nature of her father. He loved her, she knew that. But he was very professional and serious. It was part of being a Webbly, she had decided long ago.
"Yes Father." Fiona replied.
Twenty minutes later, the Webb leys, short of Kevin, who was still drooling over the latest racing broom, the Sirius 6000, emerged from Gringotts with coin purses full of Galleons and an entire list of things to buy.
The families' first stop was Ollivanders, as Alphred's patience with Fiona's excitement over her future wand was wavering.
"maybe it'll be unicorn tail." Fiona commented. "Or Maybe a veela hair."
"It had best be a Phoenix feather." Her father commented shortly.
"why?" Fiona asked quickly.
"Why? Because of who you are, what you are!" he boomed loud enough to make a few passerby stare. "You are a Webbly, and we are descended of the Great Ph-Ni-ox, Sorceress of Phoenix's." he huffed. "Every member of our family has carried a Phoenix feather within their wand. As shall you."
Fiona nodded quickly, her eyes darting around. Yes, her Father was Almost Pureblood Obsessed, so it was obvious he would marry mum, a Pureblood. Sometimes he was so obsessive with wizarding blood, Fiona wondered why he hadn't been a Death Eater.
Fiona stepped into the ancient looking shop that looked like it hadn't been updated since it's opening; and looked around at the boxes of wands, lining the walls.
"Ah, Miss Webbly." The Owner, Mr. Ollivander slipped from the back, and looked at Fiona with a piercing stare. He looked quickly at Fiona's parents and immediately burst into a grin. "Mr. Webbly, 16 inches, Oak and Phoenix Feather. Sturdy, Excellent for defense spells. Mrs. Webbly, Ten inches, Mahogany and Unicorn hair, springy, Perfect for Cheering Charms."
"Phoenix Feather, if you would, Ollivander." Alphred stated very clearly.
"yes of course." Mr. Ollivander nodded and slipped off, bringing back a pile of long, thin boxes. "wand arm?" he asked, holding up a tape measure, which immediately began measuring every thing from her earlobe to her total height.
"Right." Fiona replied quickly.
"Oak and Phoenix, 12 inches." Ollivander held out a wand for Fiona. She took it. Instantly, though he snatched it back and pulled out another. "Holly and Phoenix, 16 Inches." He handed it to her but again, immediately snatched it back. "Pine and Phoenix, 8 inches." Again, he snatched it back just as she took it in her hand. "Cherry and Phoenix, 19 inches." He handed it to her, and a strange warmth filled her, as a strange reddish gold light surrounded the tall redhead.
"A bit long for you, though I think this wand will serve you well." Mr. Ollivander nodded, as Fiona's father paid for the wand and the three left the shop.
Continuing on, the family went into the Aphocary for Fiona's basic potion Ingredients, set, and even a few extra things her father told her every witch should have, though Fiona wasn't sure what she would need with Knarl teeth, Ginseng, Grape seed oil, two Liters of Dragon's blood, and Phoenix ash.
The trio headed into the bookstore, where Fiona purchased her required school books, in addition to Toadally witchin', two books on charms, a very large book called 'potions for the advanced' and a couple books her father grabbed, that Fiona had a sneaking suspicion they were books on the dark arts.
Alphred also picked up a dictionary-sized box that held two journals. Whatever you wrote in one journal would show up in the other journal.
A few hours later, the webbleys' returned home, arms full of packages, and for Fiona, a head full of dreams about the coming school year.
A little later in the evening, as Fiona lay on her bed and Flipped idlely through the potions for the advanced, she heard the familiar sound of Serena coming up the stairs.
"Hi!" Fiona greeted, leaping to her feet to hug her friend.
"your dad asked me where my parents were, told him mum was ill. He recommended a pepperup potion, what is that?"
"Eurg." Fiona replied. "It's a potion that cures a cold, but it leaves your smoking at the ears. I hate it. Mum makes me take it when I get sick."
"So what wand did you get?" Serena asked, leaning back against the wall on Fiona's bed and flipping through Toadally Witchin'.
"Cherry and Phoenix feather. You?"
"Oak and Veela hair. What's a Veela?" Serena asked.
"It's a creature that's really gorgeous, but if you make her mad, she turns into a hag and throws fireballs or something."
"Hm." Serena replied. "Charm the man of your dreams." She grinned. "How do the people move?"
"Can't really explain it, but it works with all magical pictures. Some kind of potion." Fiona replied.
"Isn't this so wicked?" Serena leaned forward and looked seriously at Fiona who sat back down where she had been laying, near the top of the bed. "I Mean, you wake up one morning and discover you've got powers. It's so cool."
"It's a lot of work though, from what mum says. Dad can't do a good charm to save his life. Brilliant with Potions, though." Fiona replied quickly.
"I got all kinds of extra books, especially one called Hogwarts, a History. I've been reading it all afternoon, it sounds like one amazing school. There're four houses, and you probably already know all of this."
"Actually, the only house I know of is Slytherin, what are the rest of them?" Fiona asked.
"Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Though the book makes it sound unbiased, I think that either Gryffindor or Slytherin are the best. Though Ravenclaw doesn't sound too bad, I wouldn't want to be Hufflepuff."
"why?" Fiona asked.
"Well, Slytherin is for the pureblood Cunning type."
"Like my dad." Fiona smirked.
"Right. And Gryffindor is for the Brave, Courageous type." She paused. "Ravenclaw is for the Smart Type, but Hufflepuff doesn't really have any certain quality, it's just for the people who are neither smart, brave or cunning."
"So, Idiots, in other words." Fiona grinned.
"I guess." Serena replied. "I kinda hope for Gryffindor, though it'd be a nice compliment if I were picked for Ravenclaw."
"I've heard that family lines follow certain houses, like normally everyone in a family will go to one house." Fiona replied. "Both my parents were Slytherin, which normally only accepts purebloods."
"I don't understand why this whole blood thing matters." Serena replied.
"It's pretty simple, imagine that you work your whole life to be an... I dunno, a Singer. You take voice lessons, and music lessons and all that...then you go to an audition, and find someone who can do everything you can, but they never took a voice lesson in their life." Fiona paused. "Dad hates muggles, and mud....mugglebornes."
"what's a mud?" Serena asked.
"well, it's quite foul, actually, it's a really mean word for someone like you, the full term is mudblood. That's why I told you not to tell my dad you're one."
"what's so wrong? Isn't all magic, magic?" Serena pressed.
"Yeah, to some people. But to others, a muggle born is horrible, an abomination. Some people don't think muggle bornes should be allowed to study magic."
"I see."
"in fact, there was a group before we were born, they were called death eaters, they went around killing muggles and muggle bornes. Just because they didn't like 'em." Fiona continued. "there was one guy, we don't call him by his name, but he was super evil, and he wanted to basically rule the world, and kill anyone who opposed him."
"what was his name?" Serena asked.
Fiona stopped. She'd never actually said his name before, though she knew it, everyone knew it. "Voldemort." She whispered. "Everyone thought he was dead, but now he's back."
"Ahh, just in time for us to go to Hogwarts, too." Serena grinned. "so why doesn't anyone say his name?"
"Because he was so evil, is so evil. They just announced it last spring that he was back." Fiona replied.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you, what's a muggle?"
"Oh, sorry. It means a Non Magical person."
"It sounds mean." Serena replied.
"About the same as calling us lobsters for being British." Fiona grinned. "it's just a term so we don't have to say nonmagical"
Suddenly Fiona had an idea, and flipped to the back of her advanced potions book. Sure enough, it had a listing of ingredients and what pages they appeared on.
"what're you doing?" Serena asked.
"My dad bought a bunch of extra ingredients today and told me I needed them. I want to know what they make." She replied. "Phoenix ash, it's only on one page!" Fiona flipped to page two hundred forty.
"Raising a Phoenix." Fiona read aloud. "five hundred milliliters Knarl teeth, one kilogram phoenix ash, one liter dragons blood, two hundred fifty milliliters Ginseng, and one ounce grapeseed oil." Fiona looked up. "That's all the extra ingredients my dad got me!" she paused to pull out the extra ingredients. "but there's too much of it."
"Twice the amount you need." Alphred suddenly appeared at the door. "And Serena, I already knew you were a muggle born, you don't have to lie to me." He paused and looked back at Fiona. "bring the book and ingredients down stairs, we'll raise a phoenix for the two of you."
--
downstairs, Alphred calmly removed his black robes to reveal a simple black shirt and black pants. He laid his robes calmly over the back of his chair at the dinner table as the two girls brought down the ingredients.
"Every Potion ingredient is for a specific purpose." Alphred began solemnly, and Fiona suddenly felt oddly warm, as a fire crackled underneath a large black cauldron. "you must learn the exact science of potion making, this is one of the most important skills you will ever learn." He paused a moment. "Serena, you're muggleborn, but I'm sure you have heard of Ginseng?"
"Yeah, it's supposed to give you energy, and sharpen your mind." Serena replied.
"Correct, and a Phoenix has an incredibly sharp mind. Measure out the exact amount of Ginseng, and pour it directly into the center of the cauldron." Alphred Instructed immediately.
"Fiona, what are Knarl teeth used for?" He asked as Serena poured in the Ginseng.
"They're really strong, used in a lot of strength potions"
"Correct." Alphred almost smiled. "Measure out exactly half, and scatter it into the cauldron. A Phoenix is able to carry immensely heavy loads, it requires the Knarl teeth to give it the strength."
As Fiona obeyed, Alphred continued. "Serena, to raise a Phoenix, there must be blood to sustain it. Pour in the liter of dragons blood, and immediately stir it, this will circulate the blood until Fiona can add the Grapeseed oil, which aids in circulation." He paused a moment. "do you know why we use dragons blood instead of any other kind?"
"Because to drink Dragons blood makes one live forever?" Serena guessed, as she stirred and the mixture turned a strange golden brown.
"according to Mythology, yes. But it must be mixed with other things, to create a special potion for that effect. However, when mixed with Phoenix ash, it will resurrect a Phoenix and allow it to be as a phoenix is meant to be, a creature that is born, lives, dies, and is reborn from it's ash."
"Fiona, add exactly one ounce of grapeseed." Alphred instructed as Serena stirred the mixture, which turned to a brilliant orange.
"And now, add the kilogram of Phoenix ash." Alphred instructed. "Remove the spoon before you do so, and step back."
Serena removed the spoon as Fiona dropped the phoenix ash into the cauldron. Instantly the cauldron flashed an incredible fireball that singed the white ceiling, and from the cauldron, a strange baby bird cry sounded.
Fiona started towards the cauldron, but her father held her back. "This one will be Serena's."
Serena looked curiously at Alphred and slowly walked towards the cauldron.
"the first thing any animal sees when it first looks around is assumed to be its mother." Alphred explained. As Serena pulled out a very ugly little bird, a phoenix that appeared to be newly hatched. "what will you name your Phoenix, Serena?"
"Feuer." Serena replied immediately. "My uncle lives in Austria, and told me that the German word for Fire is Feuer. He's a fire Fighter, see? Well, it seemed perfect to name a Phoenix Fire."
"It's a Perfect name for Phoenix." Alphred Smiled, and then looked at Fiona. "You, Daughter, will be responsible for making your own Phoenix. I will leave the two of you to it." He Nodded and left the room, obviously heading up to his study.
"I wonder how he knew I was a muggleborn?" Serena asked, absently stroking her Phoenix.
"My dad knows everything. Kevin and I don't even bother lying to him. It's like he knows the truth before we open our mouths. I mean, he can even tell we're going to lie, before we lie, and raises his eyebrow at us. We know he knows the truth, so we don't even bother. Kevin actually tried to lie to him once, and Kevin's really good at Lying. Dad actually laughed at his attempt to lie and told Kevin the truth, I swear that man can read minds."
"Maybe so." Serena replied. "So, we have to remake that potion...I guess we use whatever's remaining."
"I don't know." Fiona started. "There seems to be way too much grapeseed to just dump the rest in. I think we should still measure out everything."
"it's your Phoenix." Serena shrugged.
Ten minutes later, the same baby bird sound was emitting from the cauldron again, and Fiona stepped forward to take up her new pet. Fiona had been correct, there were leftover grapeseed, ginseng and Knarl teeth.
"Bring the birds, and come into my study." Fiona's father called from the second floor.
"I've never been in your dad's study." Serena commented.
"That's because we always keep the door closed." Fiona replied. "All of his work is in there; and its more then muggles can handle."
Fiona had been correct, as Serena gave a small gasp when the two girl walked into Alphred's study, which was filled with file cabinets and plastered with pictures of death eaters, all looking around coldly.
"Phoenix's make highly faithful pets, they are incredibly strong. Their tears have healing powers and even beyond that, they have many powers that most will never understand. Your phoenix's will be your lifelong friends, treat them with respect. Fiona, I want you to leave me with Serena for a moment. Go down and help your mother clean up the mess."
"Yes dad." Fiona replied immediately and left the room.
Downstairs she did more watching then helping with the cleaning, as it was a simple cleaning charm to clean the cauldron, and the singed ceiling was gone with another simple flick of Amber's wrist.
"No fair!" Kevin complained loudly. "why do Serena and Fiona get birds, but I don't?!?"
"You don't get one until you're old enough." Amber replied quickly.
"I'm old enough!" Kevin Protested.
"Please Kevin, you'd try to shove a Firecracker down your phoenix's throat, just because you could." Fiona smirked.
"No I wouldn't!" Kevin complained loudly.
A few minutes later, Serena came down the stairs, looking slightly dazed.
"are you all right?" Fiona asked.
"Huh?" Serena asked but quickly recovered. "Yeah, no problems."
"What'd dad want to talk to you about?" Fiona pressed.
"Oh, Just telling me to watch out for the kids' of those guys in there." She replied quickly. "I'm feeling kinda Tired, I think I'll go to bed early tonight. Call me tomorrow." She smiled weakly and, still carrying her chirping baby phoenix, left the house.
Written by Serena S Snape
Authors note: all things HP remain JK Rowlings, though I'm watching for them to show up on ebay one day. *Sighs* I got the idea for this story one night whilst lying in bed...don't ask me, I dunno.
Also, if I've made a huge mistake with the address, sorry. I don't live in Great Britain.
AND ONE MORE NOTE: although normal HP characters will pop up from time to time, such as Harry, Hermione and Ron, this is mainly a Hogwarts story, focusing on someone else. So all the teachers will exist in the story, but the story mainly revolves around Fiona, and Her life at Hogwarts.
Chapter one: There's no place like home...
Fiona Webbly was a normal girl. She dreamed of castles and Fairies, of Giant monsters and brave knights who would fight the monsters.
Of course, this was after reading the newspaper.
"Gringotts Goblins Offer five thousand Galleons to the Healer capable of healing their guard dragon, Jenny." Her father, Alphred Webbly read aloud as the eleven-year-old Redhead entered the kitchen. "That's what you should be, Fiona, a Healer."
"I don't want to be a Healer." Fiona wrinkled her nose at her father as she sat down and poured herself a glass of Orange Juice. Suddenly, a shriek of pain sounded from upstairs.
"Aristotle Smith to Teach Defense against the dark arts and Hogwarts School of witchcraft and Wizardry. Good. Old Aristotle was a prime Auror in his day, he'll make a fine defense professor."
"Why isn't he an Auror anymore dad?" Fiona asked between sips of Juice.
"Poor bloke was shot by a couple of Cruico's in his sleep by a few death eaters...decided it was 'bout time to retire."
"Kevin! Pick up Captain Jones!"
"Muuuum, it's Captain Johannes" Fiona's brother, Kevin replied, sounding insulted.
"Whatever his name is, Pick Him up!" Fiona's mother, Amber shot back.
A slight clunk from upstairs told Fiona that instead of putting the toy away; her brother had only dropped it in the clothes hamper in the second floor bathroom.
Suddenly a very large, Pristine looking Tawny owl swept through the open window above the sink and dropped a thick, yellowish letter on the table before Fiona. Immediately it turned and flew back out of the window.
"About Ruddy Time." Alphred mused. "I wondered when you'd be getting that."
Fiona sat silently at the table, staring at the letter.
"Oi Amber!" Alphred suddenly bellowed to his wife. "She's finally got her letter!"
Quickly Amber, Fiona's mother rushed down the stairs, long black hair flying behind her, blue eyes sparkling. Today the thirty-year-old woman wore a floor length dress of deep purple, and a robe of black, trimmed with Gold.
"Oh Good." The woman beamed at her daughter. "Well, go on then, Open it!" she sat down at the table and looked at her husband quickly.
Fiona looked in silence at the envelope, which bore in a brilliant, Emerald green, addressed to Miss F. Webbly First floor number sixteen Oldham road, Manchester
She turned the Envelope over to reveal a great seal, which bore an old English style H, Surrounded by a snake, a lion, a Bird, and a Badger.
The tall eleven year old lifted the seal and pulled out a yellow piece of parchment with an impressive letterhead.
Hogwarts School
Of witchcraft and wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First class, Grand sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Miss Webbly,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. Please find enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term Begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
Fiona looked in silence at her Father, then her Mother.
"I'm so happy for you." Her mother Beamed. "we need to get to Diagon Alley, what's your book list this term?"
Fiona pulled out the second page and read from the book list.
"All students should have a copy of the Following:
The Standard book of Spells, by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A beginners guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand magical herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical drafts and Potions, By Arsenius Jigger
Monsters, or Misunderstood? By Christopher Knarley
Defending yourself against Darkness, by Steven Shot."
"They're still using A History of Magic?" Amber asked incrediously. "that's the same book they used when I went there." She paused, thinking. "Terrible teacher, couldn't pay attention to him for the Life of me."
"Professor Binns." Alphred agreed.
"well, we'll be off then." Amber beamed again. "Go get dressed Fiona."
Fiona nodded as she began up the stairs to her bedroom on the third floor. Though the house had three floors, it wasn't a huge house. Just a normal old British house, though her parents had remodeled it before Fiona was born, and kept it looking as though it were brand new. As Fiona rounded on the second set of stairs, she was suddenly bombarded by Nerf darts, breaking her concentration.
"YOU LITTLE TWERP!" Fiona shouted, chasing after her short, black haired brother, who dropped the gun, and leapt behind his bed, which was extremely messy, because he knew if he left it unmade, his mother, who hated an unkempt house, would do it for him.
Fiona grabbed an action figure from the top of the dresser and threw it at her brother. It landed with a satisfying Smack! And the resulting boyish shriek.
Turning on her heels, Fiona rushed up the second set of stairs and turned back to go to her room.
Entering her room, she felt at peace almost immediately. There's something comforting about ones bedroom, and Fiona definitely appreciated that Comfort.
She walked to her dresser and pulled out a pair of black flared jeans and a matching black velvet bell sleeved shirt, both trimmed in metallic gold thread.
A bit later, the young girl left her room, fully dressed, with her hair combed. She walked quickly to the upstairs bathroom and brushed her teeth before heading downstairs.
Her mother and father were both ready, and a thoroughly bored looking Kevin was having his wild black hair combed.
"Now, we need the Garden Degnomed, the Garage cleaned out and Kevin's room cleaned." Fiona's father was instructing the Families house elf, Grendy.
"Yes Sir." The Female Elf nodded vigorously and vanished, off to begin her chores.
"Right then, Floo powder, you first Fiona." Alphred instructed his daughter.
The girl nodded, took some of the ash like powder from a wooden box on the mantle, and stepped into the flames of their fireplace.
"Diagon Alley!" the young girl shouted, throwing the ash down and sweeping through the floo network. She stepped out in the leaky cauldrons fireplace, and waited for her parents, but was unhappily surprised to find Kevin stepping through after her.
"what, the McGuire's wouldn't have you today?" Fiona snapped at her little brother as he dusted himself off.
"Nor." Her brother replied. "They were mad about me and Rick snitching his mam's wand and using it to zap the Gnomes."
"Gee, I wonder why." Fiona commented as her mother stepped from the flames.
"Hi Fiona!" a girl from a couple tables away waved. The girl had cappuccino colored skin, and brilliant Golden eyes. Her long black hair was straight, falling softly to frame her face.
"Serena!" Fiona rushed over to her friend. "I didn't know you're a witch." Fiona quickly sat down and looked at her friend.
"Neither did I, just got my letter yesterday. My parent's didn't know what to think."
"Oo, you're a muggle born. Don't tell my dad." Fiona looked over at the fireplace as her dad stepped from the green flames.
"muggle born?" Serena asked quickly.
"Yeah, it means you're magical but your parent's aren't. A lot of people think that's odd."
"Can't be that odd, or I wouldn't have gotten a Letter, now would I?" Serena raised her chin and gave a smug, almost superior 'I know I'm right' look.
"Yeah." Fiona grinned.
"Hello Serena." Fiona's parents greeted Serena, smiling.
"Hello Mr. Webbly, Mrs. Webbly." Serena Smiled back.
"I didn't know your family was magical." Alphred calmly commented.
"Yes, well, we're not allowed to broadcast it, are we?" Serena replied smoothly.
Alphred nodded politely. "We need to Purchase Fiona's school things, tell your parents we should have dinner together.."
"Yes Mr. Webbly, I will." Serena replied gently.
The family walked slowly out to the small brick courtyard behind the tavern, slowly because the Webb leys knew quite a bit of people, and everyone seemed to be in the tavern that day.
Quickly, as though he had more important business to attend to, Alphred tapped the bricks to open the archway into Diagon Alley, and the family stepped in.
Fiona reveled in Diagon alley. The very air seemed magical, and she loved to see the newest charms in Toadally Witchin' Teen Magazine, which could be found in the magazine collection at Flourish and blotts. As a child she loved to visit Eelops Owl Emporium, though the family had a fierce looking great horned owl.
Today though, she really wanted to see Ollivanders. Her parent's had never let her in before, as they told her she was too young, and would be able to go in when she received her letter.
"can we go to Ollivanders First, dad?" Fiona pressed, as Kevin pointed to Quality Quidditch Supplies, before racing in.
"Gringotts First Fiona, you know that." Her Father replied quickly. He was a very Serious Man, formed into such from years of being an Auror. Though, his Years at Hogwarts, being a Slytherin and Such, had also brought out the cold and calculating nature of her father. He loved her, she knew that. But he was very professional and serious. It was part of being a Webbly, she had decided long ago.
"Yes Father." Fiona replied.
Twenty minutes later, the Webb leys, short of Kevin, who was still drooling over the latest racing broom, the Sirius 6000, emerged from Gringotts with coin purses full of Galleons and an entire list of things to buy.
The families' first stop was Ollivanders, as Alphred's patience with Fiona's excitement over her future wand was wavering.
"maybe it'll be unicorn tail." Fiona commented. "Or Maybe a veela hair."
"It had best be a Phoenix feather." Her father commented shortly.
"why?" Fiona asked quickly.
"Why? Because of who you are, what you are!" he boomed loud enough to make a few passerby stare. "You are a Webbly, and we are descended of the Great Ph-Ni-ox, Sorceress of Phoenix's." he huffed. "Every member of our family has carried a Phoenix feather within their wand. As shall you."
Fiona nodded quickly, her eyes darting around. Yes, her Father was Almost Pureblood Obsessed, so it was obvious he would marry mum, a Pureblood. Sometimes he was so obsessive with wizarding blood, Fiona wondered why he hadn't been a Death Eater.
Fiona stepped into the ancient looking shop that looked like it hadn't been updated since it's opening; and looked around at the boxes of wands, lining the walls.
"Ah, Miss Webbly." The Owner, Mr. Ollivander slipped from the back, and looked at Fiona with a piercing stare. He looked quickly at Fiona's parents and immediately burst into a grin. "Mr. Webbly, 16 inches, Oak and Phoenix Feather. Sturdy, Excellent for defense spells. Mrs. Webbly, Ten inches, Mahogany and Unicorn hair, springy, Perfect for Cheering Charms."
"Phoenix Feather, if you would, Ollivander." Alphred stated very clearly.
"yes of course." Mr. Ollivander nodded and slipped off, bringing back a pile of long, thin boxes. "wand arm?" he asked, holding up a tape measure, which immediately began measuring every thing from her earlobe to her total height.
"Right." Fiona replied quickly.
"Oak and Phoenix, 12 inches." Ollivander held out a wand for Fiona. She took it. Instantly, though he snatched it back and pulled out another. "Holly and Phoenix, 16 Inches." He handed it to her but again, immediately snatched it back. "Pine and Phoenix, 8 inches." Again, he snatched it back just as she took it in her hand. "Cherry and Phoenix, 19 inches." He handed it to her, and a strange warmth filled her, as a strange reddish gold light surrounded the tall redhead.
"A bit long for you, though I think this wand will serve you well." Mr. Ollivander nodded, as Fiona's father paid for the wand and the three left the shop.
Continuing on, the family went into the Aphocary for Fiona's basic potion Ingredients, set, and even a few extra things her father told her every witch should have, though Fiona wasn't sure what she would need with Knarl teeth, Ginseng, Grape seed oil, two Liters of Dragon's blood, and Phoenix ash.
The trio headed into the bookstore, where Fiona purchased her required school books, in addition to Toadally witchin', two books on charms, a very large book called 'potions for the advanced' and a couple books her father grabbed, that Fiona had a sneaking suspicion they were books on the dark arts.
Alphred also picked up a dictionary-sized box that held two journals. Whatever you wrote in one journal would show up in the other journal.
A few hours later, the webbleys' returned home, arms full of packages, and for Fiona, a head full of dreams about the coming school year.
A little later in the evening, as Fiona lay on her bed and Flipped idlely through the potions for the advanced, she heard the familiar sound of Serena coming up the stairs.
"Hi!" Fiona greeted, leaping to her feet to hug her friend.
"your dad asked me where my parents were, told him mum was ill. He recommended a pepperup potion, what is that?"
"Eurg." Fiona replied. "It's a potion that cures a cold, but it leaves your smoking at the ears. I hate it. Mum makes me take it when I get sick."
"So what wand did you get?" Serena asked, leaning back against the wall on Fiona's bed and flipping through Toadally Witchin'.
"Cherry and Phoenix feather. You?"
"Oak and Veela hair. What's a Veela?" Serena asked.
"It's a creature that's really gorgeous, but if you make her mad, she turns into a hag and throws fireballs or something."
"Hm." Serena replied. "Charm the man of your dreams." She grinned. "How do the people move?"
"Can't really explain it, but it works with all magical pictures. Some kind of potion." Fiona replied.
"Isn't this so wicked?" Serena leaned forward and looked seriously at Fiona who sat back down where she had been laying, near the top of the bed. "I Mean, you wake up one morning and discover you've got powers. It's so cool."
"It's a lot of work though, from what mum says. Dad can't do a good charm to save his life. Brilliant with Potions, though." Fiona replied quickly.
"I got all kinds of extra books, especially one called Hogwarts, a History. I've been reading it all afternoon, it sounds like one amazing school. There're four houses, and you probably already know all of this."
"Actually, the only house I know of is Slytherin, what are the rest of them?" Fiona asked.
"Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Though the book makes it sound unbiased, I think that either Gryffindor or Slytherin are the best. Though Ravenclaw doesn't sound too bad, I wouldn't want to be Hufflepuff."
"why?" Fiona asked.
"Well, Slytherin is for the pureblood Cunning type."
"Like my dad." Fiona smirked.
"Right. And Gryffindor is for the Brave, Courageous type." She paused. "Ravenclaw is for the Smart Type, but Hufflepuff doesn't really have any certain quality, it's just for the people who are neither smart, brave or cunning."
"So, Idiots, in other words." Fiona grinned.
"I guess." Serena replied. "I kinda hope for Gryffindor, though it'd be a nice compliment if I were picked for Ravenclaw."
"I've heard that family lines follow certain houses, like normally everyone in a family will go to one house." Fiona replied. "Both my parents were Slytherin, which normally only accepts purebloods."
"I don't understand why this whole blood thing matters." Serena replied.
"It's pretty simple, imagine that you work your whole life to be an... I dunno, a Singer. You take voice lessons, and music lessons and all that...then you go to an audition, and find someone who can do everything you can, but they never took a voice lesson in their life." Fiona paused. "Dad hates muggles, and mud....mugglebornes."
"what's a mud?" Serena asked.
"well, it's quite foul, actually, it's a really mean word for someone like you, the full term is mudblood. That's why I told you not to tell my dad you're one."
"what's so wrong? Isn't all magic, magic?" Serena pressed.
"Yeah, to some people. But to others, a muggle born is horrible, an abomination. Some people don't think muggle bornes should be allowed to study magic."
"I see."
"in fact, there was a group before we were born, they were called death eaters, they went around killing muggles and muggle bornes. Just because they didn't like 'em." Fiona continued. "there was one guy, we don't call him by his name, but he was super evil, and he wanted to basically rule the world, and kill anyone who opposed him."
"what was his name?" Serena asked.
Fiona stopped. She'd never actually said his name before, though she knew it, everyone knew it. "Voldemort." She whispered. "Everyone thought he was dead, but now he's back."
"Ahh, just in time for us to go to Hogwarts, too." Serena grinned. "so why doesn't anyone say his name?"
"Because he was so evil, is so evil. They just announced it last spring that he was back." Fiona replied.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you, what's a muggle?"
"Oh, sorry. It means a Non Magical person."
"It sounds mean." Serena replied.
"About the same as calling us lobsters for being British." Fiona grinned. "it's just a term so we don't have to say nonmagical"
Suddenly Fiona had an idea, and flipped to the back of her advanced potions book. Sure enough, it had a listing of ingredients and what pages they appeared on.
"what're you doing?" Serena asked.
"My dad bought a bunch of extra ingredients today and told me I needed them. I want to know what they make." She replied. "Phoenix ash, it's only on one page!" Fiona flipped to page two hundred forty.
"Raising a Phoenix." Fiona read aloud. "five hundred milliliters Knarl teeth, one kilogram phoenix ash, one liter dragons blood, two hundred fifty milliliters Ginseng, and one ounce grapeseed oil." Fiona looked up. "That's all the extra ingredients my dad got me!" she paused to pull out the extra ingredients. "but there's too much of it."
"Twice the amount you need." Alphred suddenly appeared at the door. "And Serena, I already knew you were a muggle born, you don't have to lie to me." He paused and looked back at Fiona. "bring the book and ingredients down stairs, we'll raise a phoenix for the two of you."
--
downstairs, Alphred calmly removed his black robes to reveal a simple black shirt and black pants. He laid his robes calmly over the back of his chair at the dinner table as the two girls brought down the ingredients.
"Every Potion ingredient is for a specific purpose." Alphred began solemnly, and Fiona suddenly felt oddly warm, as a fire crackled underneath a large black cauldron. "you must learn the exact science of potion making, this is one of the most important skills you will ever learn." He paused a moment. "Serena, you're muggleborn, but I'm sure you have heard of Ginseng?"
"Yeah, it's supposed to give you energy, and sharpen your mind." Serena replied.
"Correct, and a Phoenix has an incredibly sharp mind. Measure out the exact amount of Ginseng, and pour it directly into the center of the cauldron." Alphred Instructed immediately.
"Fiona, what are Knarl teeth used for?" He asked as Serena poured in the Ginseng.
"They're really strong, used in a lot of strength potions"
"Correct." Alphred almost smiled. "Measure out exactly half, and scatter it into the cauldron. A Phoenix is able to carry immensely heavy loads, it requires the Knarl teeth to give it the strength."
As Fiona obeyed, Alphred continued. "Serena, to raise a Phoenix, there must be blood to sustain it. Pour in the liter of dragons blood, and immediately stir it, this will circulate the blood until Fiona can add the Grapeseed oil, which aids in circulation." He paused a moment. "do you know why we use dragons blood instead of any other kind?"
"Because to drink Dragons blood makes one live forever?" Serena guessed, as she stirred and the mixture turned a strange golden brown.
"according to Mythology, yes. But it must be mixed with other things, to create a special potion for that effect. However, when mixed with Phoenix ash, it will resurrect a Phoenix and allow it to be as a phoenix is meant to be, a creature that is born, lives, dies, and is reborn from it's ash."
"Fiona, add exactly one ounce of grapeseed." Alphred instructed as Serena stirred the mixture, which turned to a brilliant orange.
"And now, add the kilogram of Phoenix ash." Alphred instructed. "Remove the spoon before you do so, and step back."
Serena removed the spoon as Fiona dropped the phoenix ash into the cauldron. Instantly the cauldron flashed an incredible fireball that singed the white ceiling, and from the cauldron, a strange baby bird cry sounded.
Fiona started towards the cauldron, but her father held her back. "This one will be Serena's."
Serena looked curiously at Alphred and slowly walked towards the cauldron.
"the first thing any animal sees when it first looks around is assumed to be its mother." Alphred explained. As Serena pulled out a very ugly little bird, a phoenix that appeared to be newly hatched. "what will you name your Phoenix, Serena?"
"Feuer." Serena replied immediately. "My uncle lives in Austria, and told me that the German word for Fire is Feuer. He's a fire Fighter, see? Well, it seemed perfect to name a Phoenix Fire."
"It's a Perfect name for Phoenix." Alphred Smiled, and then looked at Fiona. "You, Daughter, will be responsible for making your own Phoenix. I will leave the two of you to it." He Nodded and left the room, obviously heading up to his study.
"I wonder how he knew I was a muggleborn?" Serena asked, absently stroking her Phoenix.
"My dad knows everything. Kevin and I don't even bother lying to him. It's like he knows the truth before we open our mouths. I mean, he can even tell we're going to lie, before we lie, and raises his eyebrow at us. We know he knows the truth, so we don't even bother. Kevin actually tried to lie to him once, and Kevin's really good at Lying. Dad actually laughed at his attempt to lie and told Kevin the truth, I swear that man can read minds."
"Maybe so." Serena replied. "So, we have to remake that potion...I guess we use whatever's remaining."
"I don't know." Fiona started. "There seems to be way too much grapeseed to just dump the rest in. I think we should still measure out everything."
"it's your Phoenix." Serena shrugged.
Ten minutes later, the same baby bird sound was emitting from the cauldron again, and Fiona stepped forward to take up her new pet. Fiona had been correct, there were leftover grapeseed, ginseng and Knarl teeth.
"Bring the birds, and come into my study." Fiona's father called from the second floor.
"I've never been in your dad's study." Serena commented.
"That's because we always keep the door closed." Fiona replied. "All of his work is in there; and its more then muggles can handle."
Fiona had been correct, as Serena gave a small gasp when the two girl walked into Alphred's study, which was filled with file cabinets and plastered with pictures of death eaters, all looking around coldly.
"Phoenix's make highly faithful pets, they are incredibly strong. Their tears have healing powers and even beyond that, they have many powers that most will never understand. Your phoenix's will be your lifelong friends, treat them with respect. Fiona, I want you to leave me with Serena for a moment. Go down and help your mother clean up the mess."
"Yes dad." Fiona replied immediately and left the room.
Downstairs she did more watching then helping with the cleaning, as it was a simple cleaning charm to clean the cauldron, and the singed ceiling was gone with another simple flick of Amber's wrist.
"No fair!" Kevin complained loudly. "why do Serena and Fiona get birds, but I don't?!?"
"You don't get one until you're old enough." Amber replied quickly.
"I'm old enough!" Kevin Protested.
"Please Kevin, you'd try to shove a Firecracker down your phoenix's throat, just because you could." Fiona smirked.
"No I wouldn't!" Kevin complained loudly.
A few minutes later, Serena came down the stairs, looking slightly dazed.
"are you all right?" Fiona asked.
"Huh?" Serena asked but quickly recovered. "Yeah, no problems."
"What'd dad want to talk to you about?" Fiona pressed.
"Oh, Just telling me to watch out for the kids' of those guys in there." She replied quickly. "I'm feeling kinda Tired, I think I'll go to bed early tonight. Call me tomorrow." She smiled weakly and, still carrying her chirping baby phoenix, left the house.
