Two things first. 1) Alec, Magnus, Jace, Clary and Simon (and some others like Lydia) are all in the same year. I debated making Magnus older and Jace younger but that just wouldn't work for the story I want to tell. 2) I hope you enjoy my story 3
Alec had been the first one of his siblings to get his acceptance letter. He could recall the memory in vivid detail, something he had found himself doing as the first term's starting date grew closer and closer. Alec remembered how the letter had felt between his fingers, could recall the smell of the parchment, the sound of the wax seal being broken and how neat the elegant script covering the paper had looked, but most of all he could remember his family's pride. The looks Izzy and Max had given him - admiration and curiosity mingled with a hint of jealousy - made Alec's insides warm. Jace had congratulated him with a toothy smile and bright eyes; The younger boy would be getting his own letter in a few months. Alec could remember all of that but something he'd never forget was the beaming faces of his parents.
Alec Lightwood came from a pureblood family so there wasn't much surprise when the letter arrived on his birthday. He like most wizards had been doing accidental magic for years - something Max had just started doing. Alec's parents knew their son would be accepted into Hogwarts. Nevertheless, they had been proud the day his letter arrived and Alec found that the most exciting thing about the moment. Ever since he could remember the boy had been told that when he turned eleven his letter would arrive, he'd expected it to happen, but the look of pride and admiration on his mother's face was something so rare and unexpected that Alec had no choice but to treasure it, at that moment it seemed far more precious than any piece of parchment.
Alec was excited to go to Hogwarts with Jace. He hoped they'd both be sorted into Gryffindor and that they'd make new friends, stay up for hours talking and eat too many sweets. Alec knew he'd do well in exams and his heart jumped at the thought because that would make his family proud. Yes, Hogwarts would be great. He was beyond excited.
After Alec had received his letter it seemed as if the months flew by faster than a golden snitch, every day was drawing the oldest Lightwood children closer to attending their first year of Hogwarts. Every night Robert and Maryse had been sharing stories of their time at the wizarding school, had been telling their children about their sorting ceremony, quidditch games and their opinions on certain subjects.
Both his parents - like all the Lightwoods - had been in Gryffindor and it didn't take a genius to figure out that Jace would end up there as well. The blond-haired boy was his best friend and If Jace was going to be sorted into Gryffindor then he would be as well, Alec was sure. They weren't brothers by blood but wherever Jace dared to go Alec would always follow him.
Soon Jace had gotten his letter and they'd been off to Diagon Alley to purchase textbooks, robes and all other necessities they'd need for school. Izzy had demanded to come but Maryse had denied the younger girl, instead reminding her that she would be going next year to get her own cauldron, pet and wand.
Alec, Jace and his mother had just walked out of Scribbulus Writing Implement with -Alec thought - an unnecessary amount of quills and ink. "What else do we need…" Maryse trailed off while checking the list of items all first years were required to have. Alec and Jace had already gotten their textbooks, robes, potion ingredients and most of the other products detailed on the list.
"Wands!" Jace exclaimed with an excited smile. Alec was just as thrilled as Jace, if not more so, to receive his first wand. His face changed into a beaming smile that matched his brothers'. Wands. His first wand. Alec couldn't wait.
"Patience." His mother scolded lightly when she saw the bright eyes and excited smiles of both boys. "We only have two things left, wands, yes but also familiars." The witch folded up the paper she was holding before looking at her two sons. "We agreed that wands would be the last-"
"The last thing to buy because they're the most important, I know." Jace finished. Maryse smiled and started walking towards the other side of Diagon Alley, not looking behind her to see if her children were following. While they were navigating through the crowd Jace looked over to Alec before asking "what pet are you gonna get?"
Alec had spent many nights staring up at the ceiling thinking about this. His familiar would be with him through all his years at Hogwarts and sometime after, the decision was an important one indeed. Each animal had its own perks. Owls obviously could be used to send mail and toads were useful - as, in some spices, venom could be extracted for potions and herbology, while cats were the easiest animals to transfigure and they lived the longest. After thinking long and hard about it Alec had made up his mind. "An owl." He told Jace.
"Copycat." Jace smirked at him.
"Owls for both of you then?" Maryse asked. "A good choice. They are known for their speed and discretion." She informed them
"Yah, and some can even deliver mail without an address." Jace informed.
"That's right Jace, you've clearly thought about this a lot, I'm proud of you." Maryse said while smiling at her adopted son.
Alec tried to ignore the pang of jealousy that went through him as a result of Maryse's words to Jace - it was something he was getting better at because, after all, how could anyone not be impressed by Jace?
The trio had just finished crossing the busy cobblestone street that was swarming with witches and wizards. They were approaching Eeylops Owl Emporium. The family entered the shop, It was relatively small, and dark inside, Alec supposed that was probably due to owls being nocturnal creatures.
Jace upon entering immediately walked into the centre of the shop to start looking at owls. They were all beautiful creatures each breed with its own charm but Alec found himself drawn to the section where the barn owls were located.
They weren't as elegant or magnificent as the other owls but Alec found them fascinating for that very reason. Suddenly his hazel eyes locked on a pair of huge, round amber ones. The owl that had caught his attention looked completely average but somehow Alec knew then and there that this owl would be his.
The boy reached out and grabbed the handle of the cage, his eyes never leaving the birds'. After a few more moments of staring at the creature, Alec started walking back towards his mother who was standing at the counter conversing with the witch behind it.
When Maryse saw the species of owl Alec had chosen her smile disappeared. "A barn owl Alec?" She questioned. "Are you sure you don't want an eagle owl or something a bit nicer looking?"
"I'm sure." Alec responded, looking down at the small female bird that occupied the cage he was holding. The answer caused the frown on his mother's face to deepen but whatever she was going to say next was cut off when Jace walked over holding a cage with a small white snowy owl inside.
When the witch sitting behind the counter noticed the boys had picked out their owls she asked. "Just those two?" Referring to the creatures in the two cages.
Maryse hesitated for a few moments looking at Alec, waiting for the boy to change his mind, but when the silence stretched out for too long she continued speaking "yes. Just the barn and snowy owls, please. Also, can we have two bags of owl pellets and one bag of treats." Maryse asked the employee.
"Sure, that'll be 30 galleons, please."
While their mother and the witch behind the counter arranged the transaction, Alec turned to Jace and whispered, "what are you gonna name your owl?"
It didn't take Jace long to answer though, clearly, this was a topic he had thought over before, "Angelos." He said looking at the white owl in the cage. "Do you know why?"
"Because it's Latin," Alec said. He knew because both his parents had insisted he, Izzy and Max learn it from a young age, they said it would help to understand ancient spells. "It means 'the messenger'." Alec smirked, "it's a little on the nose don't you think?"
"Oh, and what are you gonna name your owl?"
Alec paused because he hadn't really thought about that. The boy knew he'd choose an owl he'd planned that but as for what he'd call it, Alec wasn't sure. He looked back towards the bird. Her eyes were huge and amber, beak sharp like a weapon….
"Telum." He responded.
"And you mocked my use of Latin."
"Boys." Maryse interrupted their conversation. "Time to go."
At that, Alec smiled. Wands.
Ollivanders wand shop had been different then Alec expected. The shop itself was narrow and shabby with peeling gold letters on the door that read: Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. Inside, the shop seemed very cramped, Alec supposed that was due to The - seemingly - thousands of narrow boxes containing wands that were piled right up to the ceiling of the tiny shop.
After entering the establishment, the trio had been greeted by Mr Ollivander, who, upon being told that Alec and Jace would be getting their first wands beamed. Jace had ended up getting his wand first. It only took a few tries before he found the right one; applewood, phoenix feather, 12 inches. Maryse had smiled proudly when Jace had waved the wand and it responded positively.
It took Alec far longer to find his wand and though this didn't seem to bother Ollivander he couldn't ignore the knot in his stomach - and the frown on his mother's face - that grew when he waved a wand and it rejected him.
"Try this one." Ollivander said handing him a silver wand. "Ash, dragon heartstring, 12 inches."
Alec waved the magical instrument and just like all the other times, boxes flew out of their places and collided with the walls, while a chair that had been sitting peacefully in the corner toppled over. Alec sucked In a breath of horror. He really was trying to ignore the feeling but the boy was starting to worry he'd never find his wand.
"Hmm," Ollivander said looking at Alec with analytical eyes. The man took the wand back from the young boy before walking over to the other side of the room. Moments passed while the old man was rifling through the velvet-lined boxes desperately searching for the right wand. "Ah, here we go!" Ollivander exclaimed grabbing a long black wand out of the box he had been seeking. "Willow, Unicorn hair, 13 and a half inches." He explained while walking over to Alec with a bright smile.
The boy took the wand and waved it.
The connection was instantaneous. It wasn't like the feeling he had when he first locked eyes with Telum. It was completely different because it wasn't a feeling. It was a fact. This wand didn't just belong to him, it was apart of him. Alec knew then and there that this wand would be his companion for life.
The connection the boy felt internally was expressed when he waved the magical instrument and the fire in the candles grew brighter and by the creation of a strong wind that rushed through the shop rattling the window frames.
"Yes, it was obvious that you'd be destined for a wand such as that Mr Lightwood, I was a fool not to have tried it sooner." Ollivander said before turning to Maryse and the two began discussing payment.
Alec, in his state of awe, didn't notice Jace approaching. "Did you feel it." He whispered.
Alec jumped slightly at the sound of Jace's voice but nevertheless, he answered. "Yes." He didn't have to ask Jace what feeling he was talking about because there was no way in Merlin's name that Alec could ever forget that. "It…It was…" he couldn't explain it though. Alec couldn't put the feeling into words, expression had always been something he'd struggled with.
"Unlike anything you've ever felt. Like the wand was apart of you." Jace, like always, knew what he was thinking regardless if Alec could put it into words or not. "I know."
The raven-haired boy merely smiled in response. "Yah." He agreed.
Maryse was watching the boys from the corner of her eye while Ollivander counted the 20 gallons she'd just handed over. When he'd finished and noticed her staring the man said, "Oh Maryse It seems like only yesterday that you and Robot were getting your first wands from me."
"Hard to believe I know." She said. "Time really does move fast."
"They'll be great wizards one day, your boys." He informed her.
"I know."
Like always Kings Cross station was buzzing with life, people running to catch trains while others walked at a leisurely pace. None of the ordinary people took particular notice of the many families pushing trolley, full of strange objects, in the directions of platform 9 or 10. They didn't bat an eye when the Lightwood family - Alec, Izzy, Jace, Maryse and Robert - stopped in front of the brick wall in between the two platforms.
"Alright, boys." Robert said. "This is where we'll have to leave you." Alec's dad leaned down and wrapped his two sons in a warm hug. "I'll miss you both." He whispered before pulling away.
Without warning, Izzy ran at her older brother and wrapped her arms around him tight. "I'll miss you Alec." She muttered into his shoulder.
"I'll miss you to Izzy." He said pulling away after a few moments. "I'll owl you and Max whenever I can."
"Promise?"
"Of course."
Quickly the younger girl turned from Alec and launched herself at Jace, now hugging her other brother. While this was happening Maryse leaned down and wrapped her eldest child into a tight hug. "I'll miss you a lot Alexander." she whispered. His mother pulled away slightly, looking into Alec's eyes. "Make me proud, ok? and don't let Jace get you into too much trouble."
The comment caused the boy to laugh slightly, "I'll do my best."
The Hogwarts Express was a huge scarlet steam engine that puffed clouds of white smoke into the sky. Jace and Alec had climbed aboard the train shortly after they'd entered platform 9 and ¾. The brothers sat opposite from each in the compartment talking about nothing and everything.
"What do you think the Gryffindor common room will look like?" Jace questioned.
"No clue." Alec answered honestly. "We'll have to wait and see." A thought occurred to the raven-haired boy suddenly. A thought that had been popping into his mind more and more recently. "Hey Jace, what if…"
"What is it Alec?"
"I…..It's stupid. Don't worry about it."
"Alec." The blond-haired boy said. "Tell me."
"It's just, what if I'm not placed in Gryffindor." Alec finally shared his worry. "I know you will be because your….well you but I'm just….me" Alec tried to explain while gesturing to Jace first then himself but when he saw the confused look on his brother face Alec realised he'd have to do better. "Dad told me that Gryffindor is the best house. Mum says all the best wizards come from Gryffindor. You'll be put in that house surely but I'm not a good wizard." Alec said while trying to swallow the lump in his throat.
"Your right." Jace said, "that is stupid." He stood from his seat that had been across from Alec's and went to sit next to the raven-haired boy. "Alec, you're the best person I know. You're kind and honest and you'd do anything for the people you care about." Jace said wrapping his brother in a hug. "There's no way you won't be in Gryffindor and even if by some miracle you aren't it wouldn't make a difference to me. You're my best friend."
At those words, Alec felt warm tears sting the back of his eyes. "You mean that?" He whispered into the blond's shoulder.
"Would it make a difference to you?"
"Of course not Jace, You're my brother." Alec said pulling away from the hug.
"Exactly."
At that particular moment, the door of their compartment opened and an old witch with grey hair appeared in the opening. "Anything from the trolley boys?"
They ended up getting some Acid Pops and chocolate frogs. The two boys spent a majority of the rest of the journey eating the sweets and talking about what they were looking forward to doing at Hogwarts. Until a knock sounded on the door of the compartment.
"Yes?" Jace questioned when the door opened revealing a girl with long red hair and forest green eyes.
"Hi, I'm Clary Fray." The girl in the door said. "I was wondering if you'd seen my friend Simon." She explained. "I went to change into my robes but when I came back to our compartment he wasn't there and now I can't find him."
"What does he look like?" Jace questioned.
"He's got glasses and likes Star Wars."
"What's Star Wars?" Alec asked.
"Clearly you haven't met him because you'd probably know all about it if you had." Clary said turning to leave. "Sorry to have bothered you both."
The redheaded girl left the compartment and Alec turned to Jace "Speaking of, we should go change into our robes too."
It took Jace a second to respond, the boy still staring after the girl. "Yah." He agreed.
Ok AN for wands. If you are curious why I choose those specific wands for the characters I suggest you look them up, I spent a very long time contemplating what wands to give Jace, Alec and Magnus (you'll find that last one out at some point). ^_^
Jace = phoenix feather and applewood
Alec = unicorn hair and willow