Disclaimer: I own the Myers family, nothing else. Everything else belongs
to the wonderful JK Rowling. If it were mine, would I really be posting it
on a fanfiction site?
When their mother died after her youngest child, a daughter, was born, they came under the sole and unwavering rule of their father. Matthias Myers, while not altogether a cruel man, knew little in the ways of bringing up five children on his own, but did his best by them, guiding them through strict, measured paces and unyielding structure and protocol. As members of the highest class of wizarding society, each of the children entered into an apprenticeship, or course of study, at the age of eleven. The eldest, Patricia Liannaea, took up the study of Transfigurations, while her brother, Daniel Matthais, the eldest boy of the family, pursued the study of Curses. Gregory Alexander, fifteen, and James Nicholas, thirteen, focused on Charms and Herbology, respectively. The youngest, Amanda Elisabeth, turned eleven as June waned, yet on the morning of her first day as an eleven-year-old, though it would be one of the most important days of her life, the young girl showed no inclination of awakening.
"Amanda!" Daniel hissed, "Get up!"
It was barely an hour after dawn, but the children were soon expected at breakfast.
"Leave her be. I guarantee if Father gets to her, we will not have this problem again." Gregory said and winced as Patricia hit him.
"Father will not come near her!" Patricia hissed fiercely.
"Come on, Amanda!" James shook his younger sister. Finally, she opened her eyes. "Wha? What time is it?" She asked groggily.
"It is currently ten after six." Daniel informed her. Amanda jumped out of bed. "Ten after six! Why didn't you wake me sooner?" She demanded.
"Not for lack of trying, you know!" James said sourly.
"Looks like someone stayed up past bedtime reading." Patricia said, giving Amanda a pointed stare.
Amanda smiled sheepishly. "Umm ..oops?"
"Of course you'd say 'oops' if you missed breakfast because you were asleep!" Daniel said sarcastically. Amanda winced at his tone, but knew he was right. She grabbed the clothes that had been set out by the house elves for her to wear, and went immediately to her bathroom to change.
Amanda emerged five minutes later, perfectly dressed, with her hair up in a tight bun.
"Perfect, Mandy," Patricia, who was dressed the same, said with a small smile.
Under a set of black dress robes, each girl wore a blouse and knee-length black skirt. Amanda had chosen to wear her long, raven hair in a tight bun, whereas her sister had opted to plait her golden locks into a single tight braid. Their brothers were dressed in suits, also with black dress robes worn over. Each had tamed their hair using a bit of gel and had combed it nicely. Such was their everyday attire when in the presence of their father.
Six twenty-five found the five children standing behind their chairs at the table in the Dining Hall. At exactly six thirty their father walked in. Matthias Myers towered over his children like the night, with his height of well over six feet, his raven hair meeting his shoulders, his face a mask of control. As he took his seat at the head of the table, Matthias fixed his icy stare on his five children.
"Good morning, children," he said coldly.
"Good morning, Father," they replied simultaneously, eyes downcast.
"Be seated."
With a collective "Yes, sir," the children took their seats. Breakfast appeared on the table immediately. They all ate in silence and, at precisely seven o'clock, the table was cleared.
"Patricia," Matthias said. When she looked up, he continued, "You have no lessons today. You are to stay here and prepare the Meeting Room for guests." His cold eyes darkened, "You know of which room I speak?"
"Yes, Father."
"Daniel. Gregory. The two of you are to go to Malfoy Manor today. You are expected at seven thirty, but may arrive earlier."
"Yes, sir." They said together.
The two youngest children, James and Amanda, sat silently.
"James, you are to go to Snape Manor. He is expecting you no later than seven thirty."
James nodded. "Yes, Father."
"You four are dismissed."
Without another word, Patricia, Daniel, Gregory, and James left the Dining Hall. The youngest child looked up and stared into the black depths of her father's eyes, a slight tinge of fear evident in her eyes of the same hue.
"Amanda." he murmured gently in an attempt to ease her wariness.
"Yes, Father?" she questioned quietly.
"Today, my daughter, you accompany me." Amanda blinked, surprised. Never had she accompanied her father alone.
"Where, sir?" She dared ask.
His glare blazed, telling the child it should be of no concern to her, and she lowered her gaze to her lap instantly. His tone, however, was surprisingly gentle when he spoke.
"To the Alley, daughter-mine." Amanda nodded her acknowledgement, but she did not speak as he continued, "Your siblings should be gone by now. Come, Amanda Elisabeth, we leave now."
Amanda followed her father, still somewhat puzzled. Her father had never before taken her anywhere. She had generally stayed home when the day came for the other children to go to the Alley.. Why, then, would he wish to take her now? They stepped into the lounge and Matthias pulled a vase from the top of the mantle. As he held the vase out to Amanda, she took a handful and he pointed his wand at the fireplace. Instantly, flames appeared hungrily licking at the wood.
"You know our destination?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then go. I will follow."
"Yes, sir," Amanda said and flooed away.
She tumbled to her feet in a dark pub and knew she was in the correct place. Dusting off her robes, she scooted to the side and waited for her father. A few moments later, Matthias stepped from the fireplace, as dignified as ever.
"Come, Amanda Elisabeth," he said, heading for the door.
"I have brought you today as I brought each of your siblings before you." Matthias began, "Eleven is an important age for a young witch or wizard. Do you know why?"
"No, Father," she answered dutifully, following him out into the dark alley.
"It is the year in which they begin their formal wizarding education. For most pureblood families, it is also the year in which they are given or, to select few, choose their course of study." Amanda nodded her understanding and her father continued. "Most children are not given the opportunity - the privilege - to choose for themselves. A simple.spell one might call it, is used to determine it for them. However, to the youngest of my children I now extend this privilege. Think of your strengths and your weaknesses, Amanda Elisabeth. What course of study do you choose?" They had been walking as he spoke, but now they stopped at the entrance to a small shop halfway down the Alley.
Amanda was silent for several minutes, and then she looked up, obsidian eyes meeting orbs of the same shade. "I choose Potions, Father," she said quietly.
Matthias smiled at his young daughter. When he smiled, Matthias looked like an entirely different man; his eyes crinkled at the edges and his whole visage seemed to glow. "An excellent choice, daughter-mine. I think Potions will suit you well. Come," he commanded as he pushed open the door to the shop. When Amanda stepped in, she was surprised to find that it was actually a home. An elderly wizard greeted them in the foyer.
"Ah! Mr. Ollivander!" Matthias greeted.
"Mr. Myers," Smiled the man, "A pleasure, as always."
"This is my daughter, Amanda Elisabeth," Matthias gestured to Amanda,
"Amanda Elisabeth, meet Mr. Ollivander."
"Hello, Amanda," Mr. Ollivander greeted the young girl.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Amanda replied respectfully.
"She's here for the 'spell', I presume?"
"No. Amanda Elisabeth was given the opportunity to choose," Matthias corrected.
"I see," Ollivander responded, his tone betraying a hint of surprise. It was not normal practice to allow the child to choose their course of study. "And what was the young lady's choice?" His question was directed to Amanda.
"Potions, sir," she looked up to meet his gaze, ebony eyes meeting pale grey. Amanda felt oddly as if he were staring straight into her soul. It was quite unnerving, but she did not break the gaze.
"Yes. Potions is well suited for you, young once," his voice was soft, and he diverted his gaze to Matthias. "I know full well that you do not want your children to delve into the practices that you did as a youth ...however, if I may?"
Matthias waved a hand, granting him permission to continue.
"You have a very special child here, Mr. Myers." Mr. Ollivander began softly. "If she is given the proper education, she will grow to be a powerful witch indeed. That much is clear. She is one of a pure heart and a highly inquisitive nature. As such, another thing is made clear." He paused before continuing, "She has a very receptive mind. Your daughter harnesses the ability to study a spell and, with mild study of the theory behind it combined with a bit of practice, perfect it. I believe that if Amanda Elisabeth were to study in the Arts as well as in Potions, she could prove a powerful tool to the side of Light, Mr. Myers," Mr. Ollivander concluded his speech, his words echoing themselves in Amanda's mind. She found herself quite confused at the information Mr. Patrick had given them. Her father was silent, his expression thoughtful as he mulled over what he had been told.
After several minutes, Matthias finally spoke, "Very well. You may Mark it in the Books. Who will be her trainer?"
"Severus Snape. Severus is the most capable Potions Master in all of Europe, and I would trust no other to teach her the Arts."
Matthias, if he were surprised at all by this announcement, covered it well. "Very well. Severus it shall be. I assume she will also receive training in Defense?"
By now, Amanda was thoroughly confused, but she found herself quite interested as well. The Arts? What on earth did Mr. Ollivander mean by that? Defense?Oh well, she decided, wisely, to remain silent for the moment. It would all be explained to her later, of that she was sure.
"Naturally. When she begins school, Amanda Elisabeth will study under the standard curriculum as the other students, however on those days which will be chosen by Severus, she will receive her Study."
Matthias nodded once, "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. Good day."
"Good day, Mr. Myers," Mr. Ollivander bowed his head slightly. "I will owl Severus for you. Goodbye, Amanda Elisabeth, and good luck."
"Thank you, sir. Goodbye," Amanda said politely to Mr. Ollivander, giving the man a soft smile.
"Come, Amanda Elisabeth. Your studies will begin this week and we have much to do in order to prepare."
[A.N.]: My second attempt at a fanfic! R/R but be gentle please! I have a wonderful beta now, so this attempt should be better than the last(lol). Go check out her fic! It's awesome : A Tabby and Her Kit by Minerva of Tortall. Until next time.. Adios! ^.^
When their mother died after her youngest child, a daughter, was born, they came under the sole and unwavering rule of their father. Matthias Myers, while not altogether a cruel man, knew little in the ways of bringing up five children on his own, but did his best by them, guiding them through strict, measured paces and unyielding structure and protocol. As members of the highest class of wizarding society, each of the children entered into an apprenticeship, or course of study, at the age of eleven. The eldest, Patricia Liannaea, took up the study of Transfigurations, while her brother, Daniel Matthais, the eldest boy of the family, pursued the study of Curses. Gregory Alexander, fifteen, and James Nicholas, thirteen, focused on Charms and Herbology, respectively. The youngest, Amanda Elisabeth, turned eleven as June waned, yet on the morning of her first day as an eleven-year-old, though it would be one of the most important days of her life, the young girl showed no inclination of awakening.
"Amanda!" Daniel hissed, "Get up!"
It was barely an hour after dawn, but the children were soon expected at breakfast.
"Leave her be. I guarantee if Father gets to her, we will not have this problem again." Gregory said and winced as Patricia hit him.
"Father will not come near her!" Patricia hissed fiercely.
"Come on, Amanda!" James shook his younger sister. Finally, she opened her eyes. "Wha? What time is it?" She asked groggily.
"It is currently ten after six." Daniel informed her. Amanda jumped out of bed. "Ten after six! Why didn't you wake me sooner?" She demanded.
"Not for lack of trying, you know!" James said sourly.
"Looks like someone stayed up past bedtime reading." Patricia said, giving Amanda a pointed stare.
Amanda smiled sheepishly. "Umm ..oops?"
"Of course you'd say 'oops' if you missed breakfast because you were asleep!" Daniel said sarcastically. Amanda winced at his tone, but knew he was right. She grabbed the clothes that had been set out by the house elves for her to wear, and went immediately to her bathroom to change.
Amanda emerged five minutes later, perfectly dressed, with her hair up in a tight bun.
"Perfect, Mandy," Patricia, who was dressed the same, said with a small smile.
Under a set of black dress robes, each girl wore a blouse and knee-length black skirt. Amanda had chosen to wear her long, raven hair in a tight bun, whereas her sister had opted to plait her golden locks into a single tight braid. Their brothers were dressed in suits, also with black dress robes worn over. Each had tamed their hair using a bit of gel and had combed it nicely. Such was their everyday attire when in the presence of their father.
Six twenty-five found the five children standing behind their chairs at the table in the Dining Hall. At exactly six thirty their father walked in. Matthias Myers towered over his children like the night, with his height of well over six feet, his raven hair meeting his shoulders, his face a mask of control. As he took his seat at the head of the table, Matthias fixed his icy stare on his five children.
"Good morning, children," he said coldly.
"Good morning, Father," they replied simultaneously, eyes downcast.
"Be seated."
With a collective "Yes, sir," the children took their seats. Breakfast appeared on the table immediately. They all ate in silence and, at precisely seven o'clock, the table was cleared.
"Patricia," Matthias said. When she looked up, he continued, "You have no lessons today. You are to stay here and prepare the Meeting Room for guests." His cold eyes darkened, "You know of which room I speak?"
"Yes, Father."
"Daniel. Gregory. The two of you are to go to Malfoy Manor today. You are expected at seven thirty, but may arrive earlier."
"Yes, sir." They said together.
The two youngest children, James and Amanda, sat silently.
"James, you are to go to Snape Manor. He is expecting you no later than seven thirty."
James nodded. "Yes, Father."
"You four are dismissed."
Without another word, Patricia, Daniel, Gregory, and James left the Dining Hall. The youngest child looked up and stared into the black depths of her father's eyes, a slight tinge of fear evident in her eyes of the same hue.
"Amanda." he murmured gently in an attempt to ease her wariness.
"Yes, Father?" she questioned quietly.
"Today, my daughter, you accompany me." Amanda blinked, surprised. Never had she accompanied her father alone.
"Where, sir?" She dared ask.
His glare blazed, telling the child it should be of no concern to her, and she lowered her gaze to her lap instantly. His tone, however, was surprisingly gentle when he spoke.
"To the Alley, daughter-mine." Amanda nodded her acknowledgement, but she did not speak as he continued, "Your siblings should be gone by now. Come, Amanda Elisabeth, we leave now."
Amanda followed her father, still somewhat puzzled. Her father had never before taken her anywhere. She had generally stayed home when the day came for the other children to go to the Alley.. Why, then, would he wish to take her now? They stepped into the lounge and Matthias pulled a vase from the top of the mantle. As he held the vase out to Amanda, she took a handful and he pointed his wand at the fireplace. Instantly, flames appeared hungrily licking at the wood.
"You know our destination?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then go. I will follow."
"Yes, sir," Amanda said and flooed away.
She tumbled to her feet in a dark pub and knew she was in the correct place. Dusting off her robes, she scooted to the side and waited for her father. A few moments later, Matthias stepped from the fireplace, as dignified as ever.
"Come, Amanda Elisabeth," he said, heading for the door.
"I have brought you today as I brought each of your siblings before you." Matthias began, "Eleven is an important age for a young witch or wizard. Do you know why?"
"No, Father," she answered dutifully, following him out into the dark alley.
"It is the year in which they begin their formal wizarding education. For most pureblood families, it is also the year in which they are given or, to select few, choose their course of study." Amanda nodded her understanding and her father continued. "Most children are not given the opportunity - the privilege - to choose for themselves. A simple.spell one might call it, is used to determine it for them. However, to the youngest of my children I now extend this privilege. Think of your strengths and your weaknesses, Amanda Elisabeth. What course of study do you choose?" They had been walking as he spoke, but now they stopped at the entrance to a small shop halfway down the Alley.
Amanda was silent for several minutes, and then she looked up, obsidian eyes meeting orbs of the same shade. "I choose Potions, Father," she said quietly.
Matthias smiled at his young daughter. When he smiled, Matthias looked like an entirely different man; his eyes crinkled at the edges and his whole visage seemed to glow. "An excellent choice, daughter-mine. I think Potions will suit you well. Come," he commanded as he pushed open the door to the shop. When Amanda stepped in, she was surprised to find that it was actually a home. An elderly wizard greeted them in the foyer.
"Ah! Mr. Ollivander!" Matthias greeted.
"Mr. Myers," Smiled the man, "A pleasure, as always."
"This is my daughter, Amanda Elisabeth," Matthias gestured to Amanda,
"Amanda Elisabeth, meet Mr. Ollivander."
"Hello, Amanda," Mr. Ollivander greeted the young girl.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Amanda replied respectfully.
"She's here for the 'spell', I presume?"
"No. Amanda Elisabeth was given the opportunity to choose," Matthias corrected.
"I see," Ollivander responded, his tone betraying a hint of surprise. It was not normal practice to allow the child to choose their course of study. "And what was the young lady's choice?" His question was directed to Amanda.
"Potions, sir," she looked up to meet his gaze, ebony eyes meeting pale grey. Amanda felt oddly as if he were staring straight into her soul. It was quite unnerving, but she did not break the gaze.
"Yes. Potions is well suited for you, young once," his voice was soft, and he diverted his gaze to Matthias. "I know full well that you do not want your children to delve into the practices that you did as a youth ...however, if I may?"
Matthias waved a hand, granting him permission to continue.
"You have a very special child here, Mr. Myers." Mr. Ollivander began softly. "If she is given the proper education, she will grow to be a powerful witch indeed. That much is clear. She is one of a pure heart and a highly inquisitive nature. As such, another thing is made clear." He paused before continuing, "She has a very receptive mind. Your daughter harnesses the ability to study a spell and, with mild study of the theory behind it combined with a bit of practice, perfect it. I believe that if Amanda Elisabeth were to study in the Arts as well as in Potions, she could prove a powerful tool to the side of Light, Mr. Myers," Mr. Ollivander concluded his speech, his words echoing themselves in Amanda's mind. She found herself quite confused at the information Mr. Patrick had given them. Her father was silent, his expression thoughtful as he mulled over what he had been told.
After several minutes, Matthias finally spoke, "Very well. You may Mark it in the Books. Who will be her trainer?"
"Severus Snape. Severus is the most capable Potions Master in all of Europe, and I would trust no other to teach her the Arts."
Matthias, if he were surprised at all by this announcement, covered it well. "Very well. Severus it shall be. I assume she will also receive training in Defense?"
By now, Amanda was thoroughly confused, but she found herself quite interested as well. The Arts? What on earth did Mr. Ollivander mean by that? Defense?Oh well, she decided, wisely, to remain silent for the moment. It would all be explained to her later, of that she was sure.
"Naturally. When she begins school, Amanda Elisabeth will study under the standard curriculum as the other students, however on those days which will be chosen by Severus, she will receive her Study."
Matthias nodded once, "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. Good day."
"Good day, Mr. Myers," Mr. Ollivander bowed his head slightly. "I will owl Severus for you. Goodbye, Amanda Elisabeth, and good luck."
"Thank you, sir. Goodbye," Amanda said politely to Mr. Ollivander, giving the man a soft smile.
"Come, Amanda Elisabeth. Your studies will begin this week and we have much to do in order to prepare."
[A.N.]: My second attempt at a fanfic! R/R but be gentle please! I have a wonderful beta now, so this attempt should be better than the last(lol). Go check out her fic! It's awesome : A Tabby and Her Kit by Minerva of Tortall. Until next time.. Adios! ^.^