Chapter 3
"Previously...
"No Kreacher is alone for many years now Mistress, Master Regulus passed on and Mistress Bella betrayed the House of Black." He replied sadly
"It's okay Kreacher how would you like to work for me? I could come live here," I enquired.
"Yes Mistress! Kreacher lives to serve the Noble House of Black!"
And that was the start of a beautiful friendship.
"Parseltongue is in bold speech text"
**Time Skip 2 Years Later **
It had been a few years since Amaryllis found out about witches and wizards and she now fully understood her new world. Lia had magical knowledge beyond many, possibly of a fifth year student for the time being. Although she was glad to be part of the wizarding world she didn't wish to become ignorant of the 'muggle' world, and so continued her studies in Science, Engineering, Mathematics and English. Now she even spoke several languages fluently being; Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, German, Latin and Mandarin (Chinese). Ragnok also insisted on teaching her self defence even though it wasn't exactly customary for an heiress, he said "a woman should always be able to defend herself. You are one of the richest people in our world; you never know what could happen."
The wizarding world was wonderful but they didn't have much interest in ordinary people, which she found didn't make much sense. Lia wished to travel and see the world, to help people and maybe even work in science, but in the wizarding world this was not possible. She also really enjoyed magical creatures, she was very happy when Ragnok and Kreacher decided to take her to magical reserves all over the world but still wished to see parts of the muggle world instead of just the magical districts. That couldn't be helped though; she was young and would have lots of chances in the future.
Amaryllis POV
I woke with a jump. Breathing deeply I looked around checking my surroundings just as Ragnok taught me, finding no danger I glanced around my room. We had just come back from the dragon reserve in Romania a few days ago and were now in Grimmauld Place. I stayed in my godfather's brother Regulus' room; it was dark with a large double bed in the middle, a big mahogany desk with a leather chair and a sizeable fireplace. Vast bookcases covered the walls filled with books – all of which I had read – and Slytherin green was subtly highlighted throughout the space. I had added some improvements to the house though. It now had electricity running through it with many spells not to disrupt the new technology which I have come quite fond of. Added to the potions lab in the basement there was now another lab for engineering, and also where I created my Artificial Intelligence PHOENIX after my Patronus which I had managed to produce a few months ago. All in all it was perfect, I had everything I needed.
I walk downstairs a skip in my step, gleefully greeting portraits on my way to the kitchen. As I arrived I was met with kreacher who yelled, "Happy Birthday Mistress Lia! Master Ragnok will be with Mistress later." Followed by a,
"Happy Birthday Miss Potter, you're breakfast is ready," from PHOENIX.
I greeted my friends with smile and a thank you and then saw the small but pleasing pile of gifts on the counter. I sat down, cup of coffee in hand and opened my presents, I had been given; a goblin made necklace with all my house crests intertwined and treaded onto a fine silver chain and a set of jewelled daggers – also goblin made – from Ragnok. From Kreacher I got a Nimbus 2000 and some of his handmade socks. I thanked them both profusely and waited for the post.
Albus Dumbledore POV
I was sat in my office at Hogwarts watching the school letters write themselves when I noticed it;
Lady Amaryllis Dorea Potter-Black Slytherin Ravenclaw Gryffindor Peverell
12 Grimmauld Place
London
What?! That's almost as many titles as me, I contemplated. How did she claim them all, she doesn't even know about magic? Unless she does, no need to worry I can still turn her into a poster girl for the light. She'll need my help, especially with his horcrux in her head. It's a shame she'll have to sacrifice herself, but it's all for the greater good.
Amaryllis POV
A small barn owl flew through an open window and dropped a heavy letter in front of me. This was it my letter was finally here; I skimmed through the list of equipment and found I was in need of only a few things. I would need a few first year books – even though I was way beyond them – robes and a pet. The rest of my birthday was spent celebrating with Kreacher and Ragnok. As the daylight faded from the sky I slumped into my bed, falling asleep in the usual manner; with a book fallen on my face.
It was a few days before I had to leave for school and I was manoeuvring my way through the busy streets of Diagon Alley. I walked up to Madam Malkins, a bounce in my step. It had only been two years but I was slightly taller, my long auburn locks now reaching past my waist. I still had a small frame from years of malnourishment but was looking considerably healthier than before. I was wearing my new necklace, which displayed my title along with black skinny jeans, red converse and a t-shirt with the periodic table on it. Kreacher constantly told me how I should dress more like a lady but I dismissed him every time saying that if people judged on me for how I looked they weren't worth knowing at all.
I stepped into the shop narrowly missing a bushy main of chocolate hair – presumably with a girl behind it – that shouted a rude insult at me as she left. Calming my sudden rush of anger I continued on towards front desk. A woman behind it asked, "robes for Hogwarts as well?"
"Yes ma'am, just the standard uniform if you please, I ordered ahead, it will be under Potter-Black" I replied smiling politely in response.
She smiled back, "just through here Lady Potter-Black I have two boys waiting as well but I doubt they'll be any trouble. Take a seat while I fetch your order."
"Thank you," I responded.
I took a seat in between two young boys that looked around my age. One had dark hair that was cut very short and tanned skin, like he had lived in a sunny country for most of his life. He was dressed in expensive black robes with a family pin attached to the shirt collar. The other was the polar opposite, he had bleach blonde hair that was gelled back and sallow pale skin that was almost paper white. He was wearing a smart suit also with his family crest pinned to his suit jacket. It was clear that they were from pureblood families.
The dark haired one was the first to speak, "Ciao Bella who might you be?" he questioned flirtingly which was both weird and funny for an eleven year old. I could now add Italian to the description of him growing in my head. The other boy was attempting to subtly shut him up and trying to escape my notice. I laughed lightly at their predicament and thought about how to respond, I decided on using one of my many languages and said; "Salve, mi chiamo Amaryllis, chi siete?" (Hello, my name is Amaryllis who might you be?) He sat there a little shocked surprised that I understood his remark, while his friend choked out laughing, "Hello I'm Draco Malfoy, any person that can shut Blaise over there up is a good one in my opinion. Now I don't speak Italian sorry, so I didn't catch your name."
I smiled at him, I recognised his surname as a supporter of Voldemort but I wasn't the kind of person to judge someone on their parent's actions. "Well hello Draco my name is Amaryllis Potter-Black, well I have a longer title than that but it could take a while," I chuckled slightly. It was then his turn to look shocked as his friend finally recovered.
"You're Amaryllis Potter, the Girl Who Lived?!" he asked in shock.
"I prefer not to be called that, I lost a lot that night."
His surprised demeanour changed to an apologetic one, "I'm terribly sorry bellissima, you must be sick and tired of people calling you that. By the way my name is Blaise Zabini."
"Nice to meet you Blaise and its okay about the whole 'Girl Who Lived' thing." I said acceptingly.
So what house do you think you'll be in Hogwarts?" Draco asked the two of us.
"Probably Slytherin," Blaise said dismissively waiting for my answer.
"I think I'll either be Ravenclaw or Slytherin, I don't think I'd fit in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, I'm a geek through and through," I said happily. They looked a bit surprised at this but covered it up quickly. I could tell though, I had always been good at reading people's emotions and facial expressions. Just as they went to comment the woman came back with my order.
"Here you go dear, all ready," she said.
"Thank you very much. I turned to Draco and Blaise, I will see you at Hogwarts it was very nice meeting you." I said quickly. I rushed out the door juggling my shopping before turning into a street and discretely using the shrinking charm.
I didn't spend long in Flourish and Blotts because I had most books in my library at Grimmauld Place. And so I entered the Magical Menagerie and glanced around. Nothing caught my eye but just as I was about to leave the shop I spotted the most beautiful snake I've ever seen. It was a small, male black and green kingsnake. I recognised the type of snake from one of my trips with Ragnok. The little serpent lay curled up and forgotten in the corner of the shop, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I stalked closer to the little snake and gently picked him up, "hello what's your name?" I hissed in parseltongue.
"Oh a speaker, my name is Hydrus!" He exclaimed happily.
"Well Hydrus how would you like to come live with me? I think you may be my familiar." I murmured caringly while stroking his tiny body.
"I would like that very much, miss...?" he hissed questionably.
"Potter-Black, Amaryllis Potter-Black but you can call me Lia," I replied happily.
"Okay Lia, we must get going if you want to be home before dark," he told me.
"Of course Hydrus I am excited to show you where I live." I answered happily.
I paid for him and left happily having made a new friend today, maybe even three is Draco and Blaise didn't turn out to be like they're parents.
This was it. It was finally time for my first year at Hogwarts I was very excited but as Ragnok dropped me off I kept remembering what my parents said in their letter. Not to trust Dumbledore. So this year I was just going to lay low if that was even possible, being the 'Girl Who Lived.'
I said goodbye to Ragnok before he disapparated back to Gringotts. Running through the barrier at platform 9 and 3/4 I stood in awe. Families busied around everywhere and right there in front of me was the Hogwarts Express.
Viewer question: Do you want me to write all Amaryllis' years at Hogwarts or skip to fourth year and start there instead?
Please review honestly with constructive criticism it helps me improve my work, which in turn benefits you!
Thanks
Lucy
X