Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

1813

Lady Elizabeth Potter knew today was her eleventh birthday. She of course did not expect any gifts from the Dursley family. Unless chores counted as gifts. She woke up early though in hopes that she might have a few hours to herself. The kind bookstore owner in the village, Mr. Olivander, had given her a book a few nights ago and she wanted to read a bit more in the early light before she had to begin breakfast. It was a magical tale about three brothers who met death. She knew magic wasn't real, but she was still young and could entertain fanciful thoughts.

After an hour, she hid the book amongst her few possessions and went to start breakfast. Realizing there were not enough eggs, she knew she would have to get some more for the village after she finished cooking for Mr. Dursley and his son.

"Girl, why isn't breakfast on the table, "came the sour voice of Petunia.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but we ran out of eggs. I have enough for sir and Dudley, but I will have to get more today. May I have a few coins to purchase some eggs and anything else you may desire?" Elizabeth asked.

"Nasty child, why should I give you our hard earned money. I am sure you could bewitch some poor fool into giving you the eggs for free."

Confused, Elizabeth just stared at the woman in front of her. "I do not understand, I promise I will only spend the money on what you need and come straight home."

Petunia gave a sniff and then went to the drawer where a few coins were kept. "Take these but only purchase eggs. If there is any left, buy Dudley a sweet from the cake shop. Nothing for yourself."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you. I promise to be back within the hour."

Elizabeth took the coins and rushed to the village. It was still early and very few people were awake. She could smell the fresh bread coming from the bakery. Her stomach growled, it had been too long since she had a sweet cake. Her mama had always allowed her to have one whenever they visited their tenants. Her mother liked to make sure everyone who lived on her pa's lands were taken care and were not in need of anything.

Elizabeth bought the eggs, making sure she had enough for the treat for Dudley. Crossing the street to the bakery, she selected a small cake with currants and icing. It smelt so delicious and she hoped that Dudley would appreciate it. She snorted at the thought, Dudley didn't appreciate anything. He was such a spoiled boy and would probably inhale the treat.

Elizabeth started her trip back to the house when she heard the thundering of horses behind her. She tried to move aside, but the horses were moving too quickly and she was knocked to the ground. Looking around, she saw her basket of eggs, broken eggs. Oh no, ma'am will be so angry with me she thought.

Walking to her empty basket, she noticed that the carriage had stopped and that a very large man was approaching her.

"Are you ok miss" asked the giant. "I do apologize about spilling you eggs. Please allow me to replace them."

"No, that is quite alright, I should have been paying attention. Thank you sir."

"I'm no sir, just Hagrid. And I must insist. It was my fault. Please get in the carriage and I will take you back to the village." Hagrid took her small hands and led her to the carriage where he easily lifted her in.

Looking around the carriage, she realized she was not alone. A woman and her two children looked at her with apologetic expressions on their faces.

"Hello dear, I am Lady Weasley," the older woman introduced herself. "Do you live nearby?"

"Yes ma'am. I live with the Dursley who were so kind to take me in after my parents died in a carriage accident."

"And do you have a name?"

"umm…Elizabeth Pot..I mean Elizabeth, just Elizabeth. And thank you for helping me replace the eggs. Mrs. Dursley would be so angry with me if I returned without them."

"Were you about to say Potter? I didn't realized Lord Potter had any children. My husband is meeting him today to discuss business and I thought I would take our youngest to the village for a treat." Looking at Elizabeth, she noticed the dark hair and bright green eyes. "No, you do not look the current Lord Potter. You do look rather similar to the late Lady Potter though."

Fidgeting in her seat, Elizabeth refused to make eye contact.

Realizing that she was not going to receive a response, the older woman gently called her name. "Elizabeth, are you the daughter of James and Lily Potter? If so, why are you living with a family called Dursley and not with your cousin Severus?"

"I don't know ma'am. Mama and pa died and after their funeral cousin Snape had Pettigrew leave me at the Dursleys. I don't know why he sent me there, but the Dursleys aren't very nice to me. I don't know if they know who my mama and pa were and if that is why they are mean."

"Oh you poor child, you must have been so scared after your parents died. And to just leave you with strangers. Let us get your eggs and return to the Dursley home. I think it would be best if you returned home with us."

"Really, you won't make me go back? Oh thank you thank you" exclaimed the young girl. Looking at the two other children in the carriage she gave them a grin. "I'm Elizabeth and today is my birthday. I'm 11!"

"You are the same age as me, but you don't look that old. I'm Ron and this is my sister Ginny, she's nine. Do you want a cake when we get to the village? I am sure mum would get you a treat, right mum?" The now identified boy looked at his mother in such a way that the only answer was of course.

"I'm Ginny, do you want to be my friend? I have too many brothers and I am the only girl. It will be nice to have a sister if you stay with us."

"I'd like that very much. I don't have any friends in the village here. I used to have a playmate named Hermione when we stayed in our townhouse in London. I miss her."

Three children chatted amiably while the eggs were replaced and sent to the Dursleys. Lady Weasley, the wife of the 3rd Baron of Burrow decided it would not be safe to bring the child to where her husband was meeting with Lord Potter. Instead, she sent a note to her husband that she was not feeling well and had decided to return home with the children. She was sure her husband wouldn't mind her bringing the child home, especially after sharing how she found the child.


For the next three years, Elizabeth lived with the Weasley family. She went on many imaginary adventures with Ron and Ginny. They discovered magical stones and they saved Lady Ginny from a horrible beast. However, when Ronald turned 13 it was time for him to leave for school, leaving the two girls behind.

"Ronnie, don't leave me," wailed the almost 13 year old Elizabeth Potter. "It is not fair that you get to go school and learn math and Latin."

"I'm sorry Betsy, but girls don't go to school. But I promise to write you letters about all the people I meet and adventures I'll have. You and Ginny will stay here and practice your needlepoint" teased Ron.

Elizabeth gave her adopted brother a glare. "Just because I am a girl doesn't mean I am not smart. And I hate needlepoint. It is so boring."

Lady Weasley watched the two 13 year old children argue whether or not girls can be as smart as boys. She was glad she had taken the child home. She was becoming a beautiful child and wondered if she could match one of her sons with Elizabeth. Ronald was much too young of course, but William and Charles were already done with school and now traveling like so many young men do. Perhaps when Elizabeth was 16 her sons would be ready to marry. Oh what beautiful grandbabies she would have. She could already imagine the little babies with red hair and bright green eyes.