Disclaimer: I don't own anything of the Harry Potter series!
Chapter 1
Stephani, 11 in a week, raced down the stairs with Harry slounching behind me to the kitchen where Lily and Uncle Padfoot were. It was the full moon last night, so, Uncle Remus was exhausted, and Aunt Nadiné had a nightshift at St. Mungo's, so, she was as well.
"Ah, look who it, Prongslets and Prongsette." Pads comments.
"Morning." I reply as Harry grunts. "He didn't get a good night's sleep, he slept on the ceiling most of the time." I sit down next to Pads and opposite Harry.
"Stephani Lily Potter, did you charm your brother to sleep on the ceiling?" Mum asked with a hint of a warning in her tone. When mum is angry, well, she is angry.
"Mum!" I start. "I am appalled that you would think that I would do that to my brother! My twin no less!" She raises an eyebrow. "Honestly, I didn't. Although, thanks for the pranking idea. Might use it at some point." Mum groans and goes back to frying the bacon.
"Just like James, when he was younger." I hear mum groan under her breath and I smirk.
"Thanks for the compliment mum."
"Should I be offended?" Dad quips as he walks into the room, carrying Aaron, and I stick my tongue out at him.
"Only joking kiddo." He ruffles my hair and sits down opposite Pads but not before kissing mum on the cheek. Regulus (Not Sirius' brother) and Willow walks in and sits down next to me while Willow sits down on the other side of Dad.
"Melissa's set about the impossible task of waking up Tristan and Darren." Reg states. "Dad, you might want to help her."
"Nah." Pads replies. "I think I will leave Mel to it. Anyway, Prongsy is Prong's not mine. You see, you know it is Prong's kid when they have Prongs in their name. Willow is Prongsiton Harry is Prongslet, Steph is Prongsette, Darren is Prongsly, Mel is Prongsy and Aaron is Baby Prongs." Aaron groans at his name and I chuckle.
"I can't believe you even went to the trouble of having individual nicknames for us. You can't even shortened them or they will all be Prongs!" Willow comments.
"Well, I try." Pad grins as Tris and Dar walk in with Mel who has a bruised cheek?!
"Beofre you ask, it was my fault." Mel says as she sits down. "I kinda scared Tris to wake him up and his natural instinct was to fight, and I kinda got hit in the face but he has apologised! So, no punishments or anything 'cause he didn't mean too!" Tris just looks guilty as he sits down next to Pads as Dar sits next to Har.
"Of course not." Pads gets out his wand and points it at Mel. "You kids will need to learn this soon enough. Episkey." Mel's face instantly heals. "Episkey can be used to treat mild or moderate injuries. Like a bruise, cut or a small broken bone like your nose or toe."
"I'm proud of you, Padfoot, you grew up." Dad wipes away fake tears and Pads snorts.
"You clearly didn't." Dad and Pads start to bicker when an owl screechs and fliers onto our window still. Marmaduke! Will collects the mail and opens it.
"Hogwarts letters!" Will exclaims. "Steph's and Har's too." Har and I grin at eachother as Will passes us our letters. I open mine immediately.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorceror, Chief Warlock,
Supereme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Miss. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31st July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
I turn to the second page.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic
by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory
by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration
by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions
by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 Wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS
ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions
"WOO! ACCEPTED! HELL YEAH!" I exclaim and I high-five Har.
"And there are people on this table who have to wait at least another year!" Zoé argues back while walking into the room and sitting next to Tristan. "Are you positive that Dar and I can't go this year?"
"Sorry, sweetheart. You have another year with me waking you up during the nights for prank. The worse thing in the world." That made Zo cheer up considerably.
"Now that I think about it, I don't want to go!" Zo exclaims and that made Pads smirk. "Shut up, Dad."
"I didn't say anything." Pad comments.
"Your face says everything." Zo replies.
"So-" Willow interrupts the brewing argument between Pads and Zo. "When do we go to Diagon Alley for everything?"
"Sometime in August when Nadi and I aren't looking after 11 of our children." The looks on Dad's and Pad's faces were brilliant.
"Apparently, our dad's are children now and I have to say, I agree completely with mum." I say as Mum stills down after laying all the food out on the table. Mum's an early riser due to her job as a Healer and insists on making breakfast for everyone, even if we want to help. Mum kinda reminds me of Molly, Ron's mum. Although, I've only met her twice and Ron once. We begin piling our plates with food. I go for two sausages, three pieces of bacon, an egg and two slices of toast before pouring myself some orange juice. I start stuffing my face because Iwas starving, much to Mum's and Will's disgust.
"That's gross."Willow groans.
"Evhriun ist dohin irt-" I swallow my food. "Apart from you and mum." I wave my hands in the direction of Dad, Pads, Har, Dar, Mel, Aaron, Zo, Reg and Tris. "Anyway, I'm hungry and I have places to be and people to see. Like Hermione, I'm meant to be going round her house today." Hermione was my muggle best friend from school who knew I was going to a private school after the end of this year, so, we planned to make our time together count. Although, I am suspicious of her of being a muggleborn witch, slightly. Purely because she has done some, what would be considered strange in the muggle world but not in the wizard world, things. Like making it rain specifically above a student who was bullying her and making a ball go into her hand when she wasn't touching it.
"Hey, what do you think food would say if it could talk?" Aaron asked.
"Probably, eat me." Dad answered before going to take a bite of his bacon and stopping at a shrill scream.
"What do you think you are doing?! Trying to eat me big guy?!" Everyone starts laughing. "What's so funny, people?! Am I amusing you because I AM A PIECE OF BACON?! HUH?! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY RIGHTS AS A PIECE OF BACON?!"
"Bacon piece's don't have rights." Reg deadpans before stealing the piece of bacon from dad's fork and eating it, and wincing at the screams before they died down. Everyone stared at him. "What? Bacon is bacon."
"You killed it!" Aaron exclaimed.
"Well, technically, you can't kill something that is already dead." Dar points out. Ever the ravenclaw. Well, possible ravenclaw. We don't know yet. Maybe Gryffindor.
"But it was talking!" Aaron protests.
"'Cause of accidental magic from someone!" Dar argues back.
"Someone used accidental magic?" Aaron asks.
"Honey, you used accidental magic. It happens all the time to wizards and witches who can't control their magic because they are too young. Your control of your magic develops with age." Mum explains.
"So, I won't go to jail?" Aaron asks and mum shakes her head, and Aaron beams before continuing eating. Family drama over. I quickly finish eating and rinse my plate, before putting it in the dish washer. Thank merlin for muggle technology.
"I'm going to change." I kiss mum on the cheek as I pass. "Thanks for breakfast." I jog up the stairs and into my room which was opposite Harry's, and beside Darren's with Mel's on the other side. I used to share a room with Harry but I changed to a different room when I was about 9 because according to mum, we are growing up and things will start to happen to our bodies. Apart from my chest area starting to grow a little bit, that is pretty much but I can understand where mum is coming from. I quickly brush my teeth and change into a plain white vest, a three-quarter length sleeved red flannel shirt, slightly flared light blue jeans and put on my plain black converse. I put my unruly raven coloured hair into a ponytail and look at myself in the mirror. Not bad for a 10 year old. Dammit,I sound vain again. Definitely a trait from dad. I smirk at myself once more before grabbing my backbag and walk downstairs. The table was only occupied by Mel and Reg. "Guys, I'm going now. So, see you later and remember to prank my twin, okay?" I wink in their direction and they snicker. I grab my keys from the bowl. "BYE!" I yell out and go outside. You're probably thinking, why the hell is this 10 year old walking to her friend's house without a parent? A, I've being doing this for a while. B, I have been to Hermione's plenty of times and it is only the next street over.
I reach Hermione's house and knock on her front door. Mr. Granger opens the door. "Hello, Stephani. Come in. Do you mind waiting in kitchen for Hermione? One of her professors from the private school has come to talk to her and they are in the living room." Damn, Hermione isn't a witch.
"Sure." I reply. I walk pass the living room but not before taking a sneaky peek. I was not so surprised to find a familiar face. I knew it. "Professor Mcgonagall?!" She looks to be in surprise.
"Stephani Potter, I didn't think I would find you here. I assume, you are friends with Miss. Granger and have suspected her of being a witch for a while?"
"Of course. I have been suspicious since the age of 5 when a magic accident happened in the classroom which wasn't my fault."
"You know?! You knew about magic the entire time?! I thought we were best friends?" I could see tears welling.
"I couldn't tell you, 'Mione. It is against the law in the wizarding world." She looks up in surprise. "Clause 73 under the International Statue of Wizarding Secrecy states, 'Each wizarding governing body will be responsible for the concealment, care and control of all magical beasts, beings, and spirits dwelling within its territory's borders. Should any such creature cause harm to, or draw the notice of, the Muggle community, that nation's wizarding governing body will be subject to discipline by the International Confederation of Wizards'. They implemented the law in place because of the witch trials in the muggle world actually persecuted a lot of witches and wizards from the wizarding world. I would of told you otherwise." The Grangers looked shocked while Professor Mcgonagall meely looked surprised.
"You remember the entire clause?" McGonagall asked and I nod. "I think that you will be a great assest to Hogwarts and so will Miss. Granger. I have seen her grades and I must say, I am impressed." Hermione and I grin at her. "Miss. Granger, here is a list of everything you will need to buy for Hogwarts. Now, Miss. Potter, I can presume that you will be able to help Miss. Granger get to Diagon Alley? I am terribly behind schedule."
"Sure, I can, Professor!" I give her a beaming smile.
"Good. Now, I must go and see a Mr. Justin Finch-Fletchley and a Miss. Aleksandra Dragomirova. Goodbye." She apparates away and everyone jaws drop in shock.
"It is called apparation, we learn how to apparate when we are 17." I explain. "Anyway, when my family and I go to Diagon Alley, you can come with us and we'll show you the ropes." Hermione looked at her parents.
"Of course, we can do that. It would be nice to see Lily, James, Sirius and Nadiné again." Mrs. Granger. "Now, what would you two like to do?"
"Monopoly?" Hermione asks and I frown.
"What's monopoly? Is it a muggle game?" I question Hermione and she nods.
"It is a game that can go on for hours, so, prepare yourself."
And so it did. In the end, Hermione won. It was sunset by the time we were done. "I should go now. Dinner will be ready by the time I get home. See you next week for my birthday, right?" Hermione nods.
"Of course." Hermione and I hug.
"Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. Thank you for having me."
"No problem, Stephani. Take care." Mrs. Granger replies and gives me a short hug before I walk out the door. I quickly head home and walk into the house where I get a whiff of dinner which smelt heavenly.
"Hello?!" I yell out.
"In here." I hear mum reply from the kitchen but I decide to tease her.
"Where is here?!" I yell out and I heard chuckles from the kitchen.
"Just get in here!" Mum exclaims. "Dinner is nearly ready!" I smirk and take my shoes off, and dump my bag on the floor. I walk into the kitchen and kiss mum on the cheek, who softened her look instantly. "Can you lay the table for me, Steph?"
"Sure, mum." I start to set the table which occupied Har, Zo, Will, Mooney, Nadi, Pads and dad who had just returned from work while Nadi was going to work after dinner. Also, Pads, Nadi, Zo, Reg, Tris and Mooney were going back to their homes tomorrow because the full moon was over. "By the way, Har…" He looks at me. "You owe me 10 galleons!" Harry groans.
"From which bet?" Harry questions and I smile cheekily.
"Well, I have something to announce actually." I get on the kitchen table, much to mum's dismay. "After years and years of me assisting of it but not knowing if it was true, I can finally say, Hermione…is a witch! She is going to Hogwarts at the beginning of september this year."
"Stephani Lily Potter! I swear to merlin if you don't get off that table this instant-" Knowing what my mum would do, I immediately get off the table and smile cheekily in mum's direction. Mum rolls her eyes and begins to plate up the food. "Steph, can you call everyone down?" I shrug and go to the bottom of the staircase.
"JERKFACES! GET YOUR BUTTS DOWN HERE! FOOD!" I walk back to the kitchen, give my mum another cheeky smile, and hear the stampde of foots down the stairs. I grab a plate of food and sit down next to dad. Everyone grabs themselves a plate and join us on the table. As mum was walking pass me, she cuffs my head gently and sits down opposite me. Dammit, definitely in trouble.
"Stephani-" I wince as she uses my name. "Don't use that language in front of your younger siblings and cousins." Huh? I was expecting worse. "You can also wash up without the help of the dish washer." Could be worse. "Weed the garden of gnomes tomorrow." Still could be worse. "Do the laundry." Not to bad. "And you are banned until the 30th from playing Quidditch. I choke and groan mentally. If I groan outloud, it will be even worse.
"Okay, mum." Mum nods; sastified. This is going to be a long couple of days. You know what's even worse? I can't play qudditch to pass the time.