Disclaimer: All the characters except, Elizabeth, and Evie belong to the Brilliant Jo Rowling. Copyright 2000. (That means don't copy. Just kidding)
A/N: This story was inspired by Evie and is dedicated to her too...
Also, I was going to do a spin-off called "Take My Hand" from "Going Back to the End", but I decided not to. But, this would be the story.
Pigtails and Curls
Part One
She put Evie's hair in pigtails and left Elizabeth's hair down. Elizabeth has beautiful blonde curly ringlet hair and is very neat. Evie has black and straight hair, but it grows all over the place. They both have identical green eyes.
"We're going to Diagon Alley. Eliz? Hold your sister's hand. There you go. One...two...three!" Harry Potter had married Emogene Merzelka. They had 2 girls and named them Elizabeth Claire and Evangeline Devita (Evie or Eve for short.) Elizabeth was four and Evie was two. Anyway, they made it to Diagon Alley. Emogene had to get a new wand. Her old one was doing funny things sometimes. One time, she meant to apparate the girls to their father's work, or, Hogwarts. Instead, she sent them to a Hog Farm in Eastern Asia. Poor things. Harry flew home quickly to tell his wife that the girl hadn't shown up in two hours. Harry and Emogene searched the world before they found them. Elizabeth was holding Evie's hand with their backs turned to their parents. One was in pigtails, the other in long, beautiful curls. In years to come, Harry would think back to that precious moment with his girls. Harry had a special place in his heart for Evie because he was the only adult she would talk to. Evie would speak strictly to her sister and Harry.
Evie silently tugged at Elizabeth's robes and Elizabeth looked down at her.
"Ewizabet?"
"Yes, Evie?" she said with a smile.
"What did daddy play on-on the Kwidish team?" Evie and Elizabeth were both very shy and both were very tiny. Evie was more shy and outspoken, but Elizabeth always took care of her. They were so fragile.
"Quidditch team? I think he played a seeker..." she took the hand of her little sister and followed their mother. Emogene turned around and waited for her girls to catch up to her. She smiled inwardly. She had two beautiful girls and a husband she loved deeply. When they caught up, she scooped Evie into her arms.
"Mommy?" Elizabeth asked her mother politely.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"I have no one to hold on to..." She pointed to her sister who smiled.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Here you are. Mind you don't lose her, alright?" Elizabeth nodded and replaced her hand in her sister's. They walked for a little while until they got to the wand shop. When done with that, Emogene decided to treat her girls with some Ice Cream from Florean Fortescue's. "What would you both like?" Evie stood on her tippie-toes and whispered into Elizabeth's ear.
"Evie says she wants a chocolate shake with gummy-bears on top..."
"And you?"
"I'll have the same please."
"How about I get you a medium size one you two split it?" Elizabeth bent over to hear her sister's reply.
"Evie says yes! Me too!" she said brightly. Emogene smiled warmly as she ordered the ice cream. When it was ready, they all sat down at a booth. Evie and Elizabeth had a two way straw and they sucked on their shake and popped gummy-bears into their mouths happily. When they finished, they left the booth and went outside. Just outside the store was a newly remodeled fountain. The girls wanted to go play in it, so their mother allowed them. Just as they walked into the circle of the fountain, blue flames sprang up around it.
"Girls! Maybe it's not so safe...come out of there!" Emogene yelled. The children obediently began to walk out but the flames kept them back. Evie let out a sob, but Elizabeth tried to stay calm. Their mother tried to push through but the flames were very hot.
"Haha! Just try to get past the fire!" Emogene froze before she turned around and saw the man she feared the most. Voldemort.
"Let my children go!" she yelled.
"No...I have other plans for them. I think they'd love to see their mother die right before their eyes. AVADA KEDAVRA!" A flash of blinding green light, and Emogene was dead before she hit the ground. Elizabeth and Evie screamed. Elizabeth covered up her sister's eyes and held on to her as tight as she could. They could hear the screaming all around them. The flames disappeared and simultaneously, they felt themselves being gruffly lifted into someone's arms. The screaming stopped. Elizabeth opened her eyes but still held on to the shaking Evie. She knew that she wasn't home when she saw the dark, horrid place they had arrived at. "Hello, children. This is your new home. Don't worry. I won't kill you like I did your mother. Your meals will come every 3 hours and not a minute sooner. And, I don't want to hear you crying. Sweet dreams...I hope they are filled with the horror of seeing your mother die. Oh! One more thing. I have officially changed your names to Elizabeth Ridle and Evie Ridle. You were adopted two weeks ago. My name is now Tyler Markus Ridle. Is that clear?" Elizabeth nodded yes. She still had a tight grip on her sister. Their room was about 9 feet by 9 feet and very cold. There were a few blankets on the floor but that was it. Next to those was a bed that was smaller than a twin sized. Elizabeth scooped her sister up onto the bed and gently stroked her face until she fell asleep. She took the floor and the smallest blanket. The others and the bed she gave to her sister.
Nothing changed for seven years.
***************************************
Voldemort had assumed a new identity, and no one knew that he was the dark lord. He also signed papers on the mysterious adoption of two children.
"You have to look presentable! Why did I take you two?" He slapped Evie. She cowered under her sister's protection.
"Maybe if you gave us a brush, new robes and some proper care!" she said loudly.
"Fine," he said patiently. He waved his wand and they looked behind them. Their room had a bunk bed, a dresser, a mirror, and two brushes. Elizabeth smiled inwardly at how fast she had gotten what she wanted. Voldemort, or now named Tyler Ridle, looked at them evilly. Come on, you two. We have to go to Diagon Alley. You, missy...are going to get your letter any day now. And, we might as well get you a wand too, you little brat." He pointed at Evie. Evie never said a word to "Mr. Ridle" in all the years she was there.
"Dammit! Why the hell don't you talk?"
"Leave her alone." Elizabeth said calmly. "Come on, Evie." Elizabeth glared at Mr. Ridle as she took her sister's hand. Mr. Ridle disapparated them all to the Wand Shop.
"Well? What are you two waiting for? Get yourselves in there!" he growled at them. They walked silently into the store, still holding each other's hands.
"Ah, yes. Two customers. Come on in. Please, sit down," Mr. Ollivander gestured towards the three chairs and they all sat down. Mr. Ollivander brought two big boxes out of the back room. "Here we are. You first, young lady. What's your name?"
"Her name's Evie. And mine's Elizabeth," Elizabeth said politely. However, Mr. Ollivander turned to Mr. Ridle.
"Say...didn't the Potter children have the same names?" he asked Mr. Ridle suspiciously.
"I adopted them two weeks before that incident, if you will. Now, would you please fit them for their wands? I'd appreciate it," he said impatiently. Mr. Ollivander set to work. Meanwhile, Elizabeth thought back. She remembered ice cream...then blue flames...then...green light and all was dark again. She awoke from reveries abruptly. She was a little unnerved by this vision. She smiled as she saw her sister pick up a rosy colored wand. She picked it up, but nothing happened. The second, was a little darker, but still had a rosy color to it. She raised the wand and red and green sparks flew out as she uncontrollably forced her hand down. She smiled up at her sister and Mr. Ollivander and sat down. It was Elizabeth's turn. She nervously stood up and began trying a wand.
"Ah...this one is special. It has two unicorn hairs and is supple. Very good for anything," he said mischievously. No one saw the mad glint in Mr. Ridle's eyes. Elizabeth raised the wand and found that it came crashing down on it's own. Silver and orange sparks shot out of the tip of the wand. Evie jumped up from her chair and hugged her sister. In all the years they spent together, they got closer and closer, and never grew apart. "Anything for you, sir?" Mr. Ollivander asked politely.
"No. How much will that be?"
Sixty-four galleons, please."
"How much are wands going for these days?" he said snottily.
"Enough to keep me in business. Thank you Mr.?"
"Ridle."
"Thank you. You two have fun at Hogwarts, you hear?" They nodded yes. They all walked out of the store. It seemed like they had just stepped out of the door when an owl landed on Elizabeth's shoulder. She jumped as it stuck out its claws and handed her a letter.
"What's this?" she asked as she took the letter and opened it. In green ink it read 'Elizabeth Ridle The bedroom with her sister.' She gaped at it as she looked up at Tyler.
"Go on and read it," he said unhappily. He'd have the "talker" all by himself for two years.
"But why isn't Evie's name on here?"
"Because, stupid. You have to be eleven to go into Hogwarts!" He scoffed at her. Fortunately for the girls he never looked at that letter. When Elizabeth finished reading the letter, there was a signature.
'Signed, Headmaster Harry Potter.' Why did that name sound so familiar?
"Well, I'm taking her. I'll ask the headmaster." She decided not to tell him who the headmaster was. He usually got jumpy when she recognized things.
"Good luck then! Old Dumbledore'll never let you. But, nevertheless if I can get rid of you both, the sooner the better. Let's get both of you your crap." He said testily.
***************************************
"Hey, Hermione...Elizabeth would have gotten her letter today."
"I know, Harry. I know. But, they might still be alive!" she tried to sound hopeful. She nudged Ron in the back to give him a hint to carry on the 'hope.'
"Thanks, Hermione. But, I'm positive he killed them. Oh, and I saw you hit Ron. It's useless, guys." He said sadly.
"Harry! What are you saying? You don't know this for sure. There have been no threatening notes in seven years. Who knows...she could be enlisted under another name...she could be coming here anyway!" Ron didn't sound very hopeful either.
"Thanks guys." Just then, Hedwig flew in importantly and let a letter float down to Harry's desk. She nibbled his ear like she had done ever since he got her. "You guys...listen to this: 'Dear Mr. Potter, I am entering Hogwarts for my first year, and my name is Elizabeth Ridle. I can't wait. I have one problem. My sister, and I were adopted, you see, into a home of magical people. But, since the adoption, my sister has never spoken to our guardian, Tyler Markus Ridle. My sister and I have never parted in almost eight years. I was wondering if she could come with me to Hogwarts. She is now aged nine. She is very quiet and won't cause any trouble. Please consider this. Oh, and Mr. Ridle gives us his permission.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Ridle' Harry looked up at his friends.
"Hermione? Oh...all mighty Hermione?" Ron sang tauntingly. "What does the Deputy Headmistress and Potions' Mistress have to say about this?"
"Well, Deputy HeadMASTER...and master of Dark Arts...I say let her come, but you should ask to see them the first day just to meet them and see what they're like. And if the guardian gives them permission, then it is perfectly fine. Plus, Piper-oh this'll be perfect! Piper will have a friend to play with...she's nine, and then Sabrina will be a first year this year...she wanted to be apparated to the station and come to school like all the other girls..."
"Yeah...they're cute...they're my daughters, aren't they? Well, anyway...Good job, Mistress Hermione!" Ron saluted her. Hermione slapped him. Yes, they got married and had children. Piper was nine, and Sabrina was eleven.
"Fine then. Hedwig? Can you find them?" Hedwig turned her head as if she was offended and stuck out her foot obediently. She flew out the window.
***************************************
"Oh, look! Look, Evie! We both can go! Mr. Ridle! We both can go!" she ran up and hugged him, but he pushed her away.
"Don't you dare touch me." Elizabeth scowled and took her sister's hand and led her into the bedroom. Even though she hated him, he was the only father she had ever known.
"Look, Evie! We can both go! Aren't you excited?"
"Will it be fun, Lizzy? Will I be able to stay with you?"
"Yes, Evie! All the time. We'll be there in two weeks! I can't wait! But, it says right here that right after the banquet, we have to go up to his study, k? Will you be able to say at least, hi? Or something?"
"I'll say hi!" she smiled brightly.
***************************************
Two weeks goes by fast, sometimes. Mr. Ridle dropped them off at the station, pretending to be a good parent by showing them how to break through the barrier. They boarded the train as quietly as possible. Evie, who was holding Elizabeth's hand looked around. She pointed to a seat with only one girl sitting there. She looked very lonely all by herself. She had dark brown hair with obvious tints of red in it. She had hazel eyes. They sat down and she looked up and spoke very softly.
"Hi. My name is Sabrina. What's your guyses?" Sabrina looked from sister to sister, obviously puzzled.
"Hi. My name is Elizabeth, and this is my little sister Evie." Elizabeth leaned down to her sister and told her to say hello.
"Hello!" she smiled sweetly.
"How old is she?" Sabrina asked.
"She just turned nine about two months ago. Why?"
"I have a little sister at school who just turned nine yesterday! They could be friends!" Elizabeth liked how this girl didn't ask a lot of questions.
"Evie, did you hear that? You'll have a friend, here!" After that, the train ride went rather quickly.
***************************************
"Who is that, Sabrina?"
"Him? That's Professor Potter. Harry-I mean Professor Potter is also the headmaster. He's a very nice man. My mom and dad are best friends with him...they have been since they're first year here. His wife died about seven years ago and his children were kidnapped. They say you-know-who did it, but no one knows for sure. Not a lot of people were there the day it all happened." As they spoke, Elizabeth became more and more confused. She had never really heard of you-know-who, or what had happened seven years ago. Harry stood up and cleared his throat.
"Hello! My name is Professor Potter. This is Professor Weasley, and...well...Professor Weasley." The hall snickered, including Ron. Hermione, on the other hand, scowled.
"That's my mom and dad!" Sabrina squealed. Harry continued but this time under Hermione's glare.
"Wait here while we bring out the sorting hat, please."
"Evie...do you recognize him?" Elizabeth asked her sister.
"No...why, Liz?"
"I don't know...I just do." About a minute later, Harry appeared back with the hat and a stool. Hermione began to read off the names. "Abba, Katrionia!" A little girl stood up and walked to the stool and put the hat on. It had barely slipped over her eyes when the hat yelled out, "RAVENCLAW!" The next kid's name was called. "Derkin, Stevie!" He was immediately made the very first Slytherin. There erupted a huge cheer from the Slytherin table. More names were called: "Humfernickle, Cynthia!" She became the first Hufflepuff. "Kimono, Gregg!" was a Slytherin. There was a couple Gryffindors in between them too. Then, "Elizabeth Ridle!" Elizabeth stood up, but her sister wouldn't let go. She finally convinced Evie to take Sabrina's hand so she could go up. Meanwhile, Harry was trying to look over the heads, but couldn't see the girl and her sister. Elizabeth made it to the hat and put it over her head. It slipped easily over her eyes. She was quite surprised to hear it speak to her.
"Ah...brilliant mind...worried about your sister, huh? I think she'll be fine. But you...you have a past that you didn't have to remember to forget...your mind forgot it on it's own...don't know the real you, either. Well, I can see courage, and a kind heart, and a special place for your sister-" Something in Elizabeth's heart pounded. Something told her Gryffindor, but she kept quiet and still. "Very well, then. GRYFFINDOR!" The sound sped through the halls and echoed forever, it seemed. Her sister wasn't called, but she took her to the Gryffindor table with her anyway. For what seemed like forever, she heard Sabrina's name called. The hat touched her head and came off. She happily trotted toward the Gryffindor table. She gave a thumbs-up to her dad, Ron. Ron put his thumbs up. Elizabeth looked that way and saw a little girl that looked a lot like Professor Weasley, the Dark Arts teacher. She pounced up on his lap and the little girl laughed out loud. Elizabeth wondered if that could be Piper. As if reading her mind, Sabrina leaned over and told her that was her baby sister Piper. The last names were called, and everyone was led into the Great Hall. Harry stood up. "I have some announcements to make, everyone. As most of you know, the forbidden forest is off-limits. You may not go in there. Second of all, I would like to tell you all that Professor Weasley, the Potions one, will now be called Professor Granger to prevent any-"he sniggered "-confusion!" He sniggered some more. "Enjoy your food!" He sat down. Food appeared on the plates and Evie and Elizabeth ate to their fill. When the banquet was over, Elizabeth asked Sabrina to guide them to Professor Potter's office. She led them to the steps, past the gargoyle, and through the door. There she left them.
"Good luck, guys!
"Thanks, Sabrina!" They stood transfixed in the office. In the middle of the air was a note that said to wait for him to come up. Elizabeth held her sister's hand and looked out the window. She pointed to a white owl flying towards the window. Just as they were standing there, Harry silently walked in. He saw the two girls with their backs to him, holding each other's hands. He thought back to the time him and Emogene found them, holding hands...just like this. From that moment on, he knew. He didn't know what to do. The lump in his throat slowly grew and he cleared his throat softly.
She turned around silently. "I'm sorry, sir. We didn't see you." The professor looked paler than he did before at the banquet.
"Uh-you-I-uh-call me Darry-I mean-Harry-" Hermione and Ron walked in laughing and talking. They froze when they saw the girls. Hermione's face did a total double take when she saw Elizabeth and Evie. There was no mistaking those bright green eyes.
"Oh my God...Harry..." Hermione said in a whisper.
"I know...Girls...please...sit down." He smiled oddly at them. They sat down. "This, I presume...is...uh...Evie?"
"How did you know?" Elizabeth asked Harry.
"Uh-Sabrina told me...nice to meet-uh--you." He seemed to stutter an awful lot.
"What did you want to see us about?" Hermione took Ron's hand and held it tight. She couldn't believe it. No one in the room could either. Hermione didn't realize that tears were rolling down her cheeks. Ron looked at her and she turned around to wipe away her tears. They were Harry's girls. One looked like Emogene, the other looked exactly like Harry.
"Well, girls. I-uh-I just wanted to meet you, so everything is now in order. You are both free to go," Harry said, looking rather flustered. Elizabeth was just about to ask Harry why he wanted to meet them if the meeting was to be so short when-
"Hi!" Evie volunteered.
"Evie! What on earth has gotten into you?!" Elizabeth's mouth was wide open. She looked from Harry's shocked and tearful face to Evie's bright one. If somebody didn't speak soon, Elizabeth felt that she would faint from pure shock. Hermione, however, couldn't keep it in.
"Oh, Harry! She hasn't changed!" Ron nudged her roughly and she quivered under Harry's expression. He clearly didn't want to tell them quite yet.
"Well, off you go. I've put a spare bunk right next to yours, Liz-" he shook his head. "Lizabet-" he shook his head again. "Lizzy-ELIZABETH! Sorry. I know many Elizabeths!" He nearly hit himself for being so foolish. Elizabeth walked out of the door, puzzled and confused. Evie walked out the door happier than she had been in years. Ron shut the door as soon as their feet were out the door. And, with one last look back at Harry, Evie smiled one of her rare smiles.
"She's got to remember me. Somehow. I don't know how. Is it me? My personality?" Harry was up and pacing his study. "If Emogene was lucky, Evie would talk to her, but she used to pounce on my lap and talk to me as if she was a talkative child-"
"Harry."
"-and she'd always have something new to tell me-and, I've missed them both so
much--"
"Harry," Hermione said again, quietly.
"-they haven't changed at all. And Elizabeth-still watching out for her, and when I came in-they were holding hands-it was so sweet and I wanted to hug them-"
"Harry!"
"What?" he looked at her.
"You have got to get them safe. They're not safe even in the dorms. It's not long before Voldemort finds them or you. We need to question them immediately," Hermione said, worriedly.
"I agree with Hermione. It's only a matter of time, Harry," Ron said, giving Hermione support.
"No. They're safe here. I swear they are. Remember? I was safe here too and-"
"Harry, Dumbledore was alive back then. He was the greatest wizard in the world! They just aren't safe in the dorms right now. They'll be safer with you!" Hermione said, looking to Ron.
"No. Absolutely not. They don't even know who I am! Let alone their father!"
"Harry! Don't you get it? They just aren't safe without you being there with them the whole time!" Hermione paused and signaled Ron to continue.
"She's right, Harry. You know it. They're not safe without an adult around them."
"So, what are you two suggesting? That I follow the girls around all day? I don't think so...The other teachers would not be pleased."
"Harry...well, then how are you going to do this? It sounds to us like you have no plan!" Hermione stated.
"You're both right. I don't have a plan. I'll take it one day at a time."
"Elizabeth already seems like a little Hermione so if she hears one little peep out of any of us, she'll probably go research it. You can't just ignore this-"
"I'm not ignoring it! I'm doing this MY WAY!" He signaled for them to leave his study.
"Fine Harry. When Voldemort finds you and them-"
"Just leave. I need to think." Harry opened the door and tried to smile but couldn't his mind was bogged down with his children. He sat down once Hermione and Ron left. He put his head in his hands and closed his eyes. Memories flashed before his eyes.
***************************************
Meanwhile, at the girls' dorm...
"You recognize him too? I wonder what it is...And, you spoke, Evie!"
"I like him...he's really nice. He has a kind face, Liz. And, he called you Liz. I like that. Just something told me it was ok to talk to him...that he won't hurt me like Mr. Ridle did. What did you recognize him?" Evie was keeping something from her sister.
"Same thing, I guess...well, good night, Eve."
"Good night, Ezzy." She turned over on her bed next to Elizabeth's, but could shut her eyes. She was wide-awake. She knew she was supposed stay in bed, but she wanted explore. Elizabeth was already snoring so she knew it was safe to get up. She quietly hoped down from the bed and pulled on her night robe. She tiptoed from the dorms to the common room and past the portrait. Lucky for her, the fat lady was out visiting the other portraits. She tiptoed down the halls in search of adventure. She didn't just want to find it, she wanted to live it. She'd never felt this way before. She was alone and unafraid. She walked the halls, learned the staircases, and fell in front of the 'armored things.' She was getting tired and decided to walk back when she heard voices. She looked around to find a hiding place, but there was none. She saw a door, but it was too far away. Quickly, she leapt out of sight and under a stone bench. She peeked out to see a tall man with what appeared to be freckles, and a woman who was slightly shorter with her hair pulled back half up. They paused in the middle of the hall. They were speaking in hushed tones.
"What if they find out? Harry doesn't have a plan..."
"Wouldn't you be shocked if you saw your children for the first time in seven years, Hermione?"
"Yes, but-"
"Give him time."
"But what about Evie?" Evie's ears popped up when she heard her name.
"What about her?"
"She warmed up to Harry as if she knew Harry was her father! She's bound to find out sooner or later!" Hermione said hurriedly. Evie slowly tried to take in what she had just heard.
"Oh, come on. Evie's shy! She just likes Harry, that's all."
"Well, maybe so...but Harry practically gave himself away when he called Elizabeth, Liz and all her other names!"
"Wouldn't that be funny if he called Evie her old nickname? What was it?"
"Wasn't it something like Greenie? Because of her eyes or something?"
"No...it wasn't Greenie-" Evie closed her eyes and thought back.
***
"Daddy!" she had yelled. Her father came and scooped her up in his arms.
"Hi, my little Shylet!"
***
Evie opened her eyes. She remembered it. She remembered everything. She remembered that her and her father used to play hide and seek and he would hide just right so she could find him easily. She used to say "I found you" every time she found him. She remembered so many other times too. Just as she opened her eyes-
"Shylet! That was it!" Ron whispered loudly. "Well, let's go to bed. What do you want to bet that Sabrina's in our bed already?"
"About a galleon!" They laughed all the way down the hall. Evie was starting to cramp up from being under the small bench. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She made sure they were gone and slowly got up. She looked around the hall from where they had come from. She saw a faint light at the end of the hall. She began to walk towards it, suddenly knowing where she was heading. She was walking towards Harry's office, and she knew. It she got there and said the password silently. The door slowly opened. Harry had his head still in his hands. When he heard the door, he didn't look up.
"Go away, guys. I've heard enough..." He suddenly looked up. "Oh, sorry...did you lose your way?"
"No."
"Do you want me to take you back to your dorms?"
"No."
"What did you need, then?" He smiled kindly and something rang in the back of Evie's head. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
"What's wrong?" Harry stood up to come over and comfort her.
"I found you..." Harry just stood there frozen. He was caught off guard as his little girl ran into him with the biggest hug he had gotten in years. He kissed her head as tears streaked his cheeks. She did remember him.
A/N: This story was inspired by Evie and is dedicated to her too...
Also, I was going to do a spin-off called "Take My Hand" from "Going Back to the End", but I decided not to. But, this would be the story.
Pigtails and Curls
Part One
She put Evie's hair in pigtails and left Elizabeth's hair down. Elizabeth has beautiful blonde curly ringlet hair and is very neat. Evie has black and straight hair, but it grows all over the place. They both have identical green eyes.
"We're going to Diagon Alley. Eliz? Hold your sister's hand. There you go. One...two...three!" Harry Potter had married Emogene Merzelka. They had 2 girls and named them Elizabeth Claire and Evangeline Devita (Evie or Eve for short.) Elizabeth was four and Evie was two. Anyway, they made it to Diagon Alley. Emogene had to get a new wand. Her old one was doing funny things sometimes. One time, she meant to apparate the girls to their father's work, or, Hogwarts. Instead, she sent them to a Hog Farm in Eastern Asia. Poor things. Harry flew home quickly to tell his wife that the girl hadn't shown up in two hours. Harry and Emogene searched the world before they found them. Elizabeth was holding Evie's hand with their backs turned to their parents. One was in pigtails, the other in long, beautiful curls. In years to come, Harry would think back to that precious moment with his girls. Harry had a special place in his heart for Evie because he was the only adult she would talk to. Evie would speak strictly to her sister and Harry.
Evie silently tugged at Elizabeth's robes and Elizabeth looked down at her.
"Ewizabet?"
"Yes, Evie?" she said with a smile.
"What did daddy play on-on the Kwidish team?" Evie and Elizabeth were both very shy and both were very tiny. Evie was more shy and outspoken, but Elizabeth always took care of her. They were so fragile.
"Quidditch team? I think he played a seeker..." she took the hand of her little sister and followed their mother. Emogene turned around and waited for her girls to catch up to her. She smiled inwardly. She had two beautiful girls and a husband she loved deeply. When they caught up, she scooped Evie into her arms.
"Mommy?" Elizabeth asked her mother politely.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"I have no one to hold on to..." She pointed to her sister who smiled.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Here you are. Mind you don't lose her, alright?" Elizabeth nodded and replaced her hand in her sister's. They walked for a little while until they got to the wand shop. When done with that, Emogene decided to treat her girls with some Ice Cream from Florean Fortescue's. "What would you both like?" Evie stood on her tippie-toes and whispered into Elizabeth's ear.
"Evie says she wants a chocolate shake with gummy-bears on top..."
"And you?"
"I'll have the same please."
"How about I get you a medium size one you two split it?" Elizabeth bent over to hear her sister's reply.
"Evie says yes! Me too!" she said brightly. Emogene smiled warmly as she ordered the ice cream. When it was ready, they all sat down at a booth. Evie and Elizabeth had a two way straw and they sucked on their shake and popped gummy-bears into their mouths happily. When they finished, they left the booth and went outside. Just outside the store was a newly remodeled fountain. The girls wanted to go play in it, so their mother allowed them. Just as they walked into the circle of the fountain, blue flames sprang up around it.
"Girls! Maybe it's not so safe...come out of there!" Emogene yelled. The children obediently began to walk out but the flames kept them back. Evie let out a sob, but Elizabeth tried to stay calm. Their mother tried to push through but the flames were very hot.
"Haha! Just try to get past the fire!" Emogene froze before she turned around and saw the man she feared the most. Voldemort.
"Let my children go!" she yelled.
"No...I have other plans for them. I think they'd love to see their mother die right before their eyes. AVADA KEDAVRA!" A flash of blinding green light, and Emogene was dead before she hit the ground. Elizabeth and Evie screamed. Elizabeth covered up her sister's eyes and held on to her as tight as she could. They could hear the screaming all around them. The flames disappeared and simultaneously, they felt themselves being gruffly lifted into someone's arms. The screaming stopped. Elizabeth opened her eyes but still held on to the shaking Evie. She knew that she wasn't home when she saw the dark, horrid place they had arrived at. "Hello, children. This is your new home. Don't worry. I won't kill you like I did your mother. Your meals will come every 3 hours and not a minute sooner. And, I don't want to hear you crying. Sweet dreams...I hope they are filled with the horror of seeing your mother die. Oh! One more thing. I have officially changed your names to Elizabeth Ridle and Evie Ridle. You were adopted two weeks ago. My name is now Tyler Markus Ridle. Is that clear?" Elizabeth nodded yes. She still had a tight grip on her sister. Their room was about 9 feet by 9 feet and very cold. There were a few blankets on the floor but that was it. Next to those was a bed that was smaller than a twin sized. Elizabeth scooped her sister up onto the bed and gently stroked her face until she fell asleep. She took the floor and the smallest blanket. The others and the bed she gave to her sister.
Nothing changed for seven years.
***************************************
Voldemort had assumed a new identity, and no one knew that he was the dark lord. He also signed papers on the mysterious adoption of two children.
"You have to look presentable! Why did I take you two?" He slapped Evie. She cowered under her sister's protection.
"Maybe if you gave us a brush, new robes and some proper care!" she said loudly.
"Fine," he said patiently. He waved his wand and they looked behind them. Their room had a bunk bed, a dresser, a mirror, and two brushes. Elizabeth smiled inwardly at how fast she had gotten what she wanted. Voldemort, or now named Tyler Ridle, looked at them evilly. Come on, you two. We have to go to Diagon Alley. You, missy...are going to get your letter any day now. And, we might as well get you a wand too, you little brat." He pointed at Evie. Evie never said a word to "Mr. Ridle" in all the years she was there.
"Dammit! Why the hell don't you talk?"
"Leave her alone." Elizabeth said calmly. "Come on, Evie." Elizabeth glared at Mr. Ridle as she took her sister's hand. Mr. Ridle disapparated them all to the Wand Shop.
"Well? What are you two waiting for? Get yourselves in there!" he growled at them. They walked silently into the store, still holding each other's hands.
"Ah, yes. Two customers. Come on in. Please, sit down," Mr. Ollivander gestured towards the three chairs and they all sat down. Mr. Ollivander brought two big boxes out of the back room. "Here we are. You first, young lady. What's your name?"
"Her name's Evie. And mine's Elizabeth," Elizabeth said politely. However, Mr. Ollivander turned to Mr. Ridle.
"Say...didn't the Potter children have the same names?" he asked Mr. Ridle suspiciously.
"I adopted them two weeks before that incident, if you will. Now, would you please fit them for their wands? I'd appreciate it," he said impatiently. Mr. Ollivander set to work. Meanwhile, Elizabeth thought back. She remembered ice cream...then blue flames...then...green light and all was dark again. She awoke from reveries abruptly. She was a little unnerved by this vision. She smiled as she saw her sister pick up a rosy colored wand. She picked it up, but nothing happened. The second, was a little darker, but still had a rosy color to it. She raised the wand and red and green sparks flew out as she uncontrollably forced her hand down. She smiled up at her sister and Mr. Ollivander and sat down. It was Elizabeth's turn. She nervously stood up and began trying a wand.
"Ah...this one is special. It has two unicorn hairs and is supple. Very good for anything," he said mischievously. No one saw the mad glint in Mr. Ridle's eyes. Elizabeth raised the wand and found that it came crashing down on it's own. Silver and orange sparks shot out of the tip of the wand. Evie jumped up from her chair and hugged her sister. In all the years they spent together, they got closer and closer, and never grew apart. "Anything for you, sir?" Mr. Ollivander asked politely.
"No. How much will that be?"
Sixty-four galleons, please."
"How much are wands going for these days?" he said snottily.
"Enough to keep me in business. Thank you Mr.?"
"Ridle."
"Thank you. You two have fun at Hogwarts, you hear?" They nodded yes. They all walked out of the store. It seemed like they had just stepped out of the door when an owl landed on Elizabeth's shoulder. She jumped as it stuck out its claws and handed her a letter.
"What's this?" she asked as she took the letter and opened it. In green ink it read 'Elizabeth Ridle The bedroom with her sister.' She gaped at it as she looked up at Tyler.
"Go on and read it," he said unhappily. He'd have the "talker" all by himself for two years.
"But why isn't Evie's name on here?"
"Because, stupid. You have to be eleven to go into Hogwarts!" He scoffed at her. Fortunately for the girls he never looked at that letter. When Elizabeth finished reading the letter, there was a signature.
'Signed, Headmaster Harry Potter.' Why did that name sound so familiar?
"Well, I'm taking her. I'll ask the headmaster." She decided not to tell him who the headmaster was. He usually got jumpy when she recognized things.
"Good luck then! Old Dumbledore'll never let you. But, nevertheless if I can get rid of you both, the sooner the better. Let's get both of you your crap." He said testily.
***************************************
"Hey, Hermione...Elizabeth would have gotten her letter today."
"I know, Harry. I know. But, they might still be alive!" she tried to sound hopeful. She nudged Ron in the back to give him a hint to carry on the 'hope.'
"Thanks, Hermione. But, I'm positive he killed them. Oh, and I saw you hit Ron. It's useless, guys." He said sadly.
"Harry! What are you saying? You don't know this for sure. There have been no threatening notes in seven years. Who knows...she could be enlisted under another name...she could be coming here anyway!" Ron didn't sound very hopeful either.
"Thanks guys." Just then, Hedwig flew in importantly and let a letter float down to Harry's desk. She nibbled his ear like she had done ever since he got her. "You guys...listen to this: 'Dear Mr. Potter, I am entering Hogwarts for my first year, and my name is Elizabeth Ridle. I can't wait. I have one problem. My sister, and I were adopted, you see, into a home of magical people. But, since the adoption, my sister has never spoken to our guardian, Tyler Markus Ridle. My sister and I have never parted in almost eight years. I was wondering if she could come with me to Hogwarts. She is now aged nine. She is very quiet and won't cause any trouble. Please consider this. Oh, and Mr. Ridle gives us his permission.
Sincerely, Elizabeth Ridle' Harry looked up at his friends.
"Hermione? Oh...all mighty Hermione?" Ron sang tauntingly. "What does the Deputy Headmistress and Potions' Mistress have to say about this?"
"Well, Deputy HeadMASTER...and master of Dark Arts...I say let her come, but you should ask to see them the first day just to meet them and see what they're like. And if the guardian gives them permission, then it is perfectly fine. Plus, Piper-oh this'll be perfect! Piper will have a friend to play with...she's nine, and then Sabrina will be a first year this year...she wanted to be apparated to the station and come to school like all the other girls..."
"Yeah...they're cute...they're my daughters, aren't they? Well, anyway...Good job, Mistress Hermione!" Ron saluted her. Hermione slapped him. Yes, they got married and had children. Piper was nine, and Sabrina was eleven.
"Fine then. Hedwig? Can you find them?" Hedwig turned her head as if she was offended and stuck out her foot obediently. She flew out the window.
***************************************
"Oh, look! Look, Evie! We both can go! Mr. Ridle! We both can go!" she ran up and hugged him, but he pushed her away.
"Don't you dare touch me." Elizabeth scowled and took her sister's hand and led her into the bedroom. Even though she hated him, he was the only father she had ever known.
"Look, Evie! We can both go! Aren't you excited?"
"Will it be fun, Lizzy? Will I be able to stay with you?"
"Yes, Evie! All the time. We'll be there in two weeks! I can't wait! But, it says right here that right after the banquet, we have to go up to his study, k? Will you be able to say at least, hi? Or something?"
"I'll say hi!" she smiled brightly.
***************************************
Two weeks goes by fast, sometimes. Mr. Ridle dropped them off at the station, pretending to be a good parent by showing them how to break through the barrier. They boarded the train as quietly as possible. Evie, who was holding Elizabeth's hand looked around. She pointed to a seat with only one girl sitting there. She looked very lonely all by herself. She had dark brown hair with obvious tints of red in it. She had hazel eyes. They sat down and she looked up and spoke very softly.
"Hi. My name is Sabrina. What's your guyses?" Sabrina looked from sister to sister, obviously puzzled.
"Hi. My name is Elizabeth, and this is my little sister Evie." Elizabeth leaned down to her sister and told her to say hello.
"Hello!" she smiled sweetly.
"How old is she?" Sabrina asked.
"She just turned nine about two months ago. Why?"
"I have a little sister at school who just turned nine yesterday! They could be friends!" Elizabeth liked how this girl didn't ask a lot of questions.
"Evie, did you hear that? You'll have a friend, here!" After that, the train ride went rather quickly.
***************************************
"Who is that, Sabrina?"
"Him? That's Professor Potter. Harry-I mean Professor Potter is also the headmaster. He's a very nice man. My mom and dad are best friends with him...they have been since they're first year here. His wife died about seven years ago and his children were kidnapped. They say you-know-who did it, but no one knows for sure. Not a lot of people were there the day it all happened." As they spoke, Elizabeth became more and more confused. She had never really heard of you-know-who, or what had happened seven years ago. Harry stood up and cleared his throat.
"Hello! My name is Professor Potter. This is Professor Weasley, and...well...Professor Weasley." The hall snickered, including Ron. Hermione, on the other hand, scowled.
"That's my mom and dad!" Sabrina squealed. Harry continued but this time under Hermione's glare.
"Wait here while we bring out the sorting hat, please."
"Evie...do you recognize him?" Elizabeth asked her sister.
"No...why, Liz?"
"I don't know...I just do." About a minute later, Harry appeared back with the hat and a stool. Hermione began to read off the names. "Abba, Katrionia!" A little girl stood up and walked to the stool and put the hat on. It had barely slipped over her eyes when the hat yelled out, "RAVENCLAW!" The next kid's name was called. "Derkin, Stevie!" He was immediately made the very first Slytherin. There erupted a huge cheer from the Slytherin table. More names were called: "Humfernickle, Cynthia!" She became the first Hufflepuff. "Kimono, Gregg!" was a Slytherin. There was a couple Gryffindors in between them too. Then, "Elizabeth Ridle!" Elizabeth stood up, but her sister wouldn't let go. She finally convinced Evie to take Sabrina's hand so she could go up. Meanwhile, Harry was trying to look over the heads, but couldn't see the girl and her sister. Elizabeth made it to the hat and put it over her head. It slipped easily over her eyes. She was quite surprised to hear it speak to her.
"Ah...brilliant mind...worried about your sister, huh? I think she'll be fine. But you...you have a past that you didn't have to remember to forget...your mind forgot it on it's own...don't know the real you, either. Well, I can see courage, and a kind heart, and a special place for your sister-" Something in Elizabeth's heart pounded. Something told her Gryffindor, but she kept quiet and still. "Very well, then. GRYFFINDOR!" The sound sped through the halls and echoed forever, it seemed. Her sister wasn't called, but she took her to the Gryffindor table with her anyway. For what seemed like forever, she heard Sabrina's name called. The hat touched her head and came off. She happily trotted toward the Gryffindor table. She gave a thumbs-up to her dad, Ron. Ron put his thumbs up. Elizabeth looked that way and saw a little girl that looked a lot like Professor Weasley, the Dark Arts teacher. She pounced up on his lap and the little girl laughed out loud. Elizabeth wondered if that could be Piper. As if reading her mind, Sabrina leaned over and told her that was her baby sister Piper. The last names were called, and everyone was led into the Great Hall. Harry stood up. "I have some announcements to make, everyone. As most of you know, the forbidden forest is off-limits. You may not go in there. Second of all, I would like to tell you all that Professor Weasley, the Potions one, will now be called Professor Granger to prevent any-"he sniggered "-confusion!" He sniggered some more. "Enjoy your food!" He sat down. Food appeared on the plates and Evie and Elizabeth ate to their fill. When the banquet was over, Elizabeth asked Sabrina to guide them to Professor Potter's office. She led them to the steps, past the gargoyle, and through the door. There she left them.
"Good luck, guys!
"Thanks, Sabrina!" They stood transfixed in the office. In the middle of the air was a note that said to wait for him to come up. Elizabeth held her sister's hand and looked out the window. She pointed to a white owl flying towards the window. Just as they were standing there, Harry silently walked in. He saw the two girls with their backs to him, holding each other's hands. He thought back to the time him and Emogene found them, holding hands...just like this. From that moment on, he knew. He didn't know what to do. The lump in his throat slowly grew and he cleared his throat softly.
She turned around silently. "I'm sorry, sir. We didn't see you." The professor looked paler than he did before at the banquet.
"Uh-you-I-uh-call me Darry-I mean-Harry-" Hermione and Ron walked in laughing and talking. They froze when they saw the girls. Hermione's face did a total double take when she saw Elizabeth and Evie. There was no mistaking those bright green eyes.
"Oh my God...Harry..." Hermione said in a whisper.
"I know...Girls...please...sit down." He smiled oddly at them. They sat down. "This, I presume...is...uh...Evie?"
"How did you know?" Elizabeth asked Harry.
"Uh-Sabrina told me...nice to meet-uh--you." He seemed to stutter an awful lot.
"What did you want to see us about?" Hermione took Ron's hand and held it tight. She couldn't believe it. No one in the room could either. Hermione didn't realize that tears were rolling down her cheeks. Ron looked at her and she turned around to wipe away her tears. They were Harry's girls. One looked like Emogene, the other looked exactly like Harry.
"Well, girls. I-uh-I just wanted to meet you, so everything is now in order. You are both free to go," Harry said, looking rather flustered. Elizabeth was just about to ask Harry why he wanted to meet them if the meeting was to be so short when-
"Hi!" Evie volunteered.
"Evie! What on earth has gotten into you?!" Elizabeth's mouth was wide open. She looked from Harry's shocked and tearful face to Evie's bright one. If somebody didn't speak soon, Elizabeth felt that she would faint from pure shock. Hermione, however, couldn't keep it in.
"Oh, Harry! She hasn't changed!" Ron nudged her roughly and she quivered under Harry's expression. He clearly didn't want to tell them quite yet.
"Well, off you go. I've put a spare bunk right next to yours, Liz-" he shook his head. "Lizabet-" he shook his head again. "Lizzy-ELIZABETH! Sorry. I know many Elizabeths!" He nearly hit himself for being so foolish. Elizabeth walked out of the door, puzzled and confused. Evie walked out the door happier than she had been in years. Ron shut the door as soon as their feet were out the door. And, with one last look back at Harry, Evie smiled one of her rare smiles.
"She's got to remember me. Somehow. I don't know how. Is it me? My personality?" Harry was up and pacing his study. "If Emogene was lucky, Evie would talk to her, but she used to pounce on my lap and talk to me as if she was a talkative child-"
"Harry."
"-and she'd always have something new to tell me-and, I've missed them both so
much--"
"Harry," Hermione said again, quietly.
"-they haven't changed at all. And Elizabeth-still watching out for her, and when I came in-they were holding hands-it was so sweet and I wanted to hug them-"
"Harry!"
"What?" he looked at her.
"You have got to get them safe. They're not safe even in the dorms. It's not long before Voldemort finds them or you. We need to question them immediately," Hermione said, worriedly.
"I agree with Hermione. It's only a matter of time, Harry," Ron said, giving Hermione support.
"No. They're safe here. I swear they are. Remember? I was safe here too and-"
"Harry, Dumbledore was alive back then. He was the greatest wizard in the world! They just aren't safe in the dorms right now. They'll be safer with you!" Hermione said, looking to Ron.
"No. Absolutely not. They don't even know who I am! Let alone their father!"
"Harry! Don't you get it? They just aren't safe without you being there with them the whole time!" Hermione paused and signaled Ron to continue.
"She's right, Harry. You know it. They're not safe without an adult around them."
"So, what are you two suggesting? That I follow the girls around all day? I don't think so...The other teachers would not be pleased."
"Harry...well, then how are you going to do this? It sounds to us like you have no plan!" Hermione stated.
"You're both right. I don't have a plan. I'll take it one day at a time."
"Elizabeth already seems like a little Hermione so if she hears one little peep out of any of us, she'll probably go research it. You can't just ignore this-"
"I'm not ignoring it! I'm doing this MY WAY!" He signaled for them to leave his study.
"Fine Harry. When Voldemort finds you and them-"
"Just leave. I need to think." Harry opened the door and tried to smile but couldn't his mind was bogged down with his children. He sat down once Hermione and Ron left. He put his head in his hands and closed his eyes. Memories flashed before his eyes.
***************************************
Meanwhile, at the girls' dorm...
"You recognize him too? I wonder what it is...And, you spoke, Evie!"
"I like him...he's really nice. He has a kind face, Liz. And, he called you Liz. I like that. Just something told me it was ok to talk to him...that he won't hurt me like Mr. Ridle did. What did you recognize him?" Evie was keeping something from her sister.
"Same thing, I guess...well, good night, Eve."
"Good night, Ezzy." She turned over on her bed next to Elizabeth's, but could shut her eyes. She was wide-awake. She knew she was supposed stay in bed, but she wanted explore. Elizabeth was already snoring so she knew it was safe to get up. She quietly hoped down from the bed and pulled on her night robe. She tiptoed from the dorms to the common room and past the portrait. Lucky for her, the fat lady was out visiting the other portraits. She tiptoed down the halls in search of adventure. She didn't just want to find it, she wanted to live it. She'd never felt this way before. She was alone and unafraid. She walked the halls, learned the staircases, and fell in front of the 'armored things.' She was getting tired and decided to walk back when she heard voices. She looked around to find a hiding place, but there was none. She saw a door, but it was too far away. Quickly, she leapt out of sight and under a stone bench. She peeked out to see a tall man with what appeared to be freckles, and a woman who was slightly shorter with her hair pulled back half up. They paused in the middle of the hall. They were speaking in hushed tones.
"What if they find out? Harry doesn't have a plan..."
"Wouldn't you be shocked if you saw your children for the first time in seven years, Hermione?"
"Yes, but-"
"Give him time."
"But what about Evie?" Evie's ears popped up when she heard her name.
"What about her?"
"She warmed up to Harry as if she knew Harry was her father! She's bound to find out sooner or later!" Hermione said hurriedly. Evie slowly tried to take in what she had just heard.
"Oh, come on. Evie's shy! She just likes Harry, that's all."
"Well, maybe so...but Harry practically gave himself away when he called Elizabeth, Liz and all her other names!"
"Wouldn't that be funny if he called Evie her old nickname? What was it?"
"Wasn't it something like Greenie? Because of her eyes or something?"
"No...it wasn't Greenie-" Evie closed her eyes and thought back.
***
"Daddy!" she had yelled. Her father came and scooped her up in his arms.
"Hi, my little Shylet!"
***
Evie opened her eyes. She remembered it. She remembered everything. She remembered that her and her father used to play hide and seek and he would hide just right so she could find him easily. She used to say "I found you" every time she found him. She remembered so many other times too. Just as she opened her eyes-
"Shylet! That was it!" Ron whispered loudly. "Well, let's go to bed. What do you want to bet that Sabrina's in our bed already?"
"About a galleon!" They laughed all the way down the hall. Evie was starting to cramp up from being under the small bench. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. She made sure they were gone and slowly got up. She looked around the hall from where they had come from. She saw a faint light at the end of the hall. She began to walk towards it, suddenly knowing where she was heading. She was walking towards Harry's office, and she knew. It she got there and said the password silently. The door slowly opened. Harry had his head still in his hands. When he heard the door, he didn't look up.
"Go away, guys. I've heard enough..." He suddenly looked up. "Oh, sorry...did you lose your way?"
"No."
"Do you want me to take you back to your dorms?"
"No."
"What did you need, then?" He smiled kindly and something rang in the back of Evie's head. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
"What's wrong?" Harry stood up to come over and comfort her.
"I found you..." Harry just stood there frozen. He was caught off guard as his little girl ran into him with the biggest hug he had gotten in years. He kissed her head as tears streaked his cheeks. She did remember him.