...Birthday Witch...
I watch silently as Harry and Dudley fight with uncle Vernon over the letters. I turn to aunt Petunia and tap her arm. "Shall I go clean up breakfast?" I wonder. She eyes me carefully. "Sure Elizabeth. Go clean up. I'll help." she pushes me down the hall.
I watch the letters pour in from everywhere. I silently and quickly snatch one with my name on it. Whilst packing I throw my auburn hair into a ponytail and grab my journal briefly glancing at my reflection in the mirror, my tired hazel eyes looking red from lack of sleep. I'd been studying up on any and every subject. I pack quickly and pile my bag into the trunk of the car my letter tucked safely inside my clothes. I read it once everyone is asleep and stare at the ceiling in awe. Then I wonder why Harry didn't try to be sneakier. Sometimes I really truly wish he'd think with his whole brain and not 5% of it.
There's a big boom and a giant of a man walks into our temporary sea home. He begins to explain things and I listen quietly. The man Hagrid turns to me. "Your sister already has her letter so I just had to bring you yours." he chuckles. He hands Harry his letter. I ignore the look of betrayal on my aunt and uncle's faces. "Did you know our parents Hagrid?" I wonder.
I sit quietly after Hagrid fills us in on our parent's deaths. I slowly piece together bits and pieces from my nightmares. The green light, the cackling laugh, mum and dad's final moments. I nibble on my lip then reopen my letter. Harry stares in amazement. "I grabbed it while you and Dudley were arguing and fighting uncle Vernon. Quite a nice cover. Thanks." I mumble.
Uncle Vernon growls and aunt Petunia tsks. "Aunt Petunia, did you go to Hogwarts?" I wonder. She huffs and rolls her eyes. "No, of course not. I went to a private school and got an education like a normal person." she sniffs haughtily. "Do they cover 'normal' subjects at Hogwarts?" I ask Hagrid. "Why o' course! There's Muggle Studies, Arithmancy, Art, and Muggle Music! You'll be using quite a bit of math and learning Latin too." Hagrid chuckles looking at the shocked look on Harry's face.
I stare at the barn owl Hagrid bought me. "I think I'll name you Aliza. Do you like that name?" I wonder. We continue shopping and I stare at my new wand. I barely pay attention to the conversation Hagrid and Harry are having. I tuck my things away and go clean the dishes for aunt Petunia. "Shall I make dinner? What are you in the mood for?" I ask as she bustles around.
She jumps a foot in the air and I sigh. I shoo her out of my way and start preparing dinner. She watches me as I hurry around whipping dinner so quickly and efficiently that she stumbles into a chair as I start to sear the flank steak I'd been marinating. Dudley's porky self waddles into the kitchen sniffing appreciatively followed by uncle Vernon. "I read in a book at the library about this potato recipe I really want to try" I beam as I peel potatoes quickly.
I throw the scalloped potatoes and the veggies into the oven. "Should I make dessert too?!" I wonder excitedly. Dudley nods his piggy head and I smile. I whip up a watermelon bombe cake and squeeze some fresh watermelon juice with sprite. I wave them out of my way and set the table.
I push my plate away full to bursting. "When I get back maybe I can cook for important guests!" I sigh. "And what would we tell them about your school?" uncle Vernon growls. "Tell them I attend a private girls only school in another country. Then you'll seem like you really care!" I smirk. Aunt Petunia smacks my arm. "I'm serious. It's quite convincing. I've studied up quite a bit you know. It's very, very, very convincing." I insist.
Harry and I push our trolleys through the busy station. He goes to a nearby station guard. I roll my eyes and start towards the wall figuring it's just something simple. I sort of fall into the wall and emerge onto the proper platform and see a bright red train. With the help of one of the students I heave my things onto the train and change into my robes.
Harry emerges with the help of a kind witch. I jump off the train and make my way over. "What took you so long?" I wonder. "How long have you been on the train?" Harry gasps. "I made my way through the barrier right as you started talking to that guard. Isn't the train pretty." I murmur dragging Harry over. "It's quite pretty Liz, but why did you leave me back there by myself?" he pouts. "Oh no, I forgot! You need my constant supervision." I tease pinching his cheeks.
We get Harry's things onto the train with the help of two boys who by their faces were hardly ever behaving. I wander the train taking everything in before skipping back to the compartment with Harry and his new friend Ronald Weasley. I pretend to cry taking them both by surprise. "Your very first friend! Why I am just so very proud of you!" I tease ruffling Harry's hair.
When a boy named Draco wanders in with two boys who look like they'd be in Dudley's gang come in I tut silently. "I don't like him worth a damn. Why'd you stop me from punching him?" I snap at Harry. He sighs and nods for me to sit. I stick my tongue out and leave the compartment. As the train pulls into the station, I wait patiently hidden. Draco and his goons pass and I trip them. They land on their faces much to the delight of the Weasley twins and many passersby. I skip out 'accidentally' landing on Draco who has just pushed his goons off of himself.
"Elizabeth Susan Potter!" the stern woman calls. I hurry up and wait for her to place the hat on my head. The hat hums for a while and I examine my nails to fight back the nervous feeling in my stomach. "Ravenclaw!" the hat cries out for all to hear. I breathe a sigh of relief damn near collapsing on sight. I hand the hat back and skip happily over to my house.
I chat happily with the other first year girls. There's Padma Patil a girl with pretty brown skin and dark hair and eyes, Alsie Jones a girl with pale skin black hair and caramel brown eyes, Stella Vance a girl with black brown hair and steel blue eyes, and Wren Fawley a girl with golden brown hair and walnut brown eyes.
"You're Harry's sister, aren't you?" a pretty girl asks. I nod and point to Harry at the Gryffindor table. "Yes, I am related to the irritating brat over there." I sigh. Padma giggles. "What?" I tilt my head innocently. "You two don't seem alike at all. My own twin sister is in Gryffindor but we're quite alike." she titters.
I pour over my schedule and frown. "Do classes get more complicated every year?" I ask the friendly girl from last night who I now know is Cho Chang. "Yeah, fifth, sixth, and seventh years have it the worst though. You'll be going over the basics first so don't worry too much." she smiles. I frown and tut. "That won't do. I should study up as much as I can." I sigh running my fingers through my hair.
"You've got to be joking!" Cho laughs. Wren who has just sat down with the rest of our dorm shakes her head solemnly. "She's memorized all of her books already and summarized every paragraph in every book." Wren shivers. I smile at Wren and she turns to Padma. "No way! Is that what you were pouring over last night?!" Alsie gasps. I pull out my book and show them my work.
"You've got to be joking. This is so detailed! If I'd had notes like these, I would've been top of my class no problem!" Cho gasps her excitement catching her friend Marietta's attention. "Do you think you could make notes in my books too? I'll pay you." Marietta wonders. I gape not expecting this response.
"Sure! I'd love to. I can do the classes you'll have later in the week first." I suggest. Marietta and I begin to discuss prices while Cho and my new friends gawk at my detailed notes. I slide the first two books of Marietta's into my bag. By lunch I've finished reading them and have begun writing notes, tips, and summaries.
Cho gawks and her eyes flit from me to book to the notes back to her own food. "I can help you too if you want." I smile finishing Marietta's first book and handing it back. I hold my hand out for Cho's books. By dinner I've finished half their books. Marietta slides a bag of gold my way and I slip it into my robes. "What are you girls doing?" comes McGonagall from behind. Cho explains as I quickly finish the last of the books.
"Should I do yours too?" I turn to my roommates ignoring McGonagall's shocked look. They nod happily. "It's only the first day! I suggest you pace yourself Ms. Potter." McGonagall tuts. I smile and laugh. "Professor, I am pacing myself. In fact, I'm studying a pace much slower than my normal speed." I confess.
The news of my notes and summaries spreads like wildfire. Though I say they don't have to, everyone pays me for my work even those with less money than others. It's October by the time I'm done. Harry nudges me with his foot at breakfast and I turn to him with a pout. He nods to the courtyard and I follow him outside. "Yes, brother dearest." I smile mockingly.
He frowns and folds his arms. "What?! You're interrupting my meal!" I whine. "How come you never answered me?" he demands. The other day he'd asked why I never shared my notes with him growing up and I'd walked away without answering. "If you must know I was late to class because of that conversation. I did not nor will I ever risk increasing my classmates' homework load because of conversation or anger at a teacher." I huff.
Harry frowns. "And you think I would?" he scoffs. I look him up and down. "Why yes, yes I do!" I smirk. I turn to go back inside and he pulls me back. "Don't you have something better to do than bother me?" I whine. "Answer me and I'll stop bothering you." Harry shrugs. "I was asked and paid to help. I didn't force anyone to pay me. You've never once asked for my help." I flick Harry right on his scar and hurry inside.
Stella is going over a potions essay and I point out several errors as I eat. She shoots me a grateful smile and asks for help with her charms essay next. I smile and lean over her shoulder. We're discussing wand movements when Padma sits down. She groans and yawns tiredly. "Bless you sweet child!" Wren and I laugh simultaneously. Padma stuffs toast in our mouths to shut us up.
Studying is a blast with my friends and Alsie and Wren stay for the Christmas holiday with me. We made up a game where if you get the answer wrong you have to eat a handful of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. It's funny when Alsie gets a handful of green, gray, brown, black, and white. She gags and upchucks right onto the Weasley twins and Percy. Wren and I lose it falling back onto the snow as Alsie continues vomiting on the three.
Tears of mirth stream down my face as I roll around. Harry and Ron who just came out stop just short of them and gawk. Alsie coughs and spits finally looking up. She stumbles back in shock falling on her bum. Once I'm done laughing, I hop to my feet and point my wand at the three. One scouring charm later and no vomit remains. Wren helps Alsie to her feet and leads her inside for cocoa. I ruffle Harry and Ron's heads before skipping after my friends.
Harry drops down beside me and hands our game back. "It's the holidays, behave!" he smiles. I pop a handful of random beans into his mouth and beam proudly. He gags and I hand him some cocoa. "Try it with Ron." I whisper and wink. Harry stares at me blankly then he understands. He picks the box back up and takes it over to Ron. Wren, Alsie, and I watch them play in delight.
Stella returns early and we play in the snow giggling and laughing. Suddenly I go sliding down to the lake my feet moving of their own accord. I spy the Weasley twins and their friend Lee Jordan laughing. Two can play at that game. When I finally stop on the icy shores of the lake, I catch my breath waving to my friends that I am ok. I run up to the castle so fast that the boys yelp and try to run. I broad jump and turn in mid-air. I flick my hands and the boys fly together. The more they move the more stuck together they become.
I grab Fred's ear and drag the bundle of boys inside my friends following laughing uncontrollably as the follow us. People gawk as I drag them into the Great Hall. I tap each of their heads and they float up to the ceiling then are wrapped in a ribbon that says: WE ARE CRUEL MISBEHAVING GITS! GIRLS BEWARE AND GUYS FEND FOR YOURSELF! ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS AND MIND YOUR MANNERS OR YOU TOO WILL END UP LIKE US.
I stride over to my friends feeling quite proud and very accomplished. Many people laugh and the teachers are finally able to get them down and separated a few days later on the first day of second term. They point at me and I blink at them innocently. Angelina, Alicia, and Katie drag the three out of the hall when they start my way. Just as they get to the doors, I pull bottom eye lids down and stick my tongue out. The girls don't see but the boys start putting up more of a struggle.
Harry walks in with Ron and Hermione just as George finally dragged out and spots me. He smacks the top of my head before joining his friends. I frown and turn back to my breakfast. I stay as alert as I dare over the next month. Once the twins and Lee were waiting at the top of the marble stairs and had stuck something to my bag that messed with my balance nearly sending me tumbling down the steps. Fortunately, Padma was behind me and caught me flinging the object at the twins and Lee who dodge and it hit Peeves. I scurry up the steps with Padma as Peeves begins pelting the boys with random things around him.
After a month or two Angelina drags them over to call a truce. The previous night I had set up a trap. As soon as the boys had started up the steps to their common room a gigantic whipped cream, fish oil, and squid ink filled pie whizzed at them splashing their fellow Gryffindors behind them. "I'm sorry too I guess, but it wasn't my fault Alsie threw up on you two but I did help you guys clean up before I left." I point out.
They look slightly ashamed and turn to leave with Angelina. "Nice try with the pranks though!" I call after them. They smile and I see their shoulders shake with laughter as they rejoin the Gryffindor table. Not one of their pranks had caught me. Instead, they snared teachers, ghosts, and other students. My favorite was the giant feather which had caught the Headmaster and tickled him in the entrance hall. I close my eyes and when I open them, I see that signs have appeared on their backs. They read: WE FAILED TO SUCCESSFULLY PRANK ELIZABETH POTTER. PLEASE REMIND US EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF TERM.
Padma bursts out laughing and Wren claps a hand over her mouth. People all over the hall snigger and snicker as the signs begin to shimmer in neon glitter. Lee Jordan finds it hilarious and wastes no time pointing them out. I grab several pieces of toast and bolt before the twins can make their way over.
I'm studying in the library when the twins and Lee sit in front of me. "What do we have here Elizabeth?" Lee wonders. "I've been neglecting my language studies pranking you three. I'm so very, very, very behind." I sigh skimming multiple pages from various books all at once. I wave my fingers above the books and the pages turn simultaneously. The three share a curious look and lean forward. "Are you telling us that you study all this and more on top of your usual studies and still have time to prank us?" George scoffs.
I nod and slide some parchment their way. "Would you like to take or notes or would you rather take a page from my book?" I smirk not looking up. Fred picks up a book and laughs. "You're learning Mermish?" he chuckles. "Yes. Mermish, Gobbledegook, Trollish, Runes, Spanish, Morse Code, German, Arabic, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, French, and Japanese." I mumble. They choke and I look up. "What? This nothing compared to the studying I did in primary. There's no need to look like I'm a horrendous foreign object." I mutter.
"That's not it. Are you sure you're, ok? You're studying more than Hermione and that's saying something." Fred scoffs. "I guess, if you guys would put the books down, I could study as you talk." I smile. They put the books back and they flit back to the pages I was studying from. "Those pranks you set up. Tell us more." they look at me with a need for knowledge I've never seen before in their eyes.
I waste no time in telling them about the pranks in great detail and they scribble down notes. Lee seems very interested when I bring up a vanishing cabinet I found on the first floor. "Use it on the Slytherin team or Snape." I shrug. "She's so smart Fred. Ooh, can we keep her? Please can we keep her?!" George pleads rounding the table and pinching my cheeks. I smack his hands away. "You should consider it." Fred shrugs. "If you three pass your exams I'll consider it." I laugh.
They hop to their feet as if a great challenge has been thrown down and they're getting ready for battle. "Do you think we can't do it?" Fred scoffs. "Nope!" I smile. They growl softly and storm from the library.
From that point on the three are rarely seen not studying. "What in the blazes has gotten into you three?!" Ron asks at breakfast one morning clearly appalled by their recent behavior. They point at me and I smile and wave innocently. "She doesn't think we can pass our exams!" Fred growls. "We'll show her." Lee mutters. "We're a hell of a lot smarter than she thinks we are." George slams a hand on the table. I giggle and shake my head sympathetically at them and turn back to my stack of waffles and fruit. They finish eating shoveling the last of their food into their mouths and leave mumbling something about the library and evil young first year girls.
I'm talking to Alsie, Stella, Wren, and Padma when the twins and Lee stride into the Great Hall. They spot me and march over. They slam papers in front of me and smile obviously very proud of themselves. I scan over the pages and laugh. "Nice isn't it." George taps the papers. "We are obviously smarter than you think we are!" he states.
I turn to the three and get to my feet. I pick up their grades and tut. "I have NEVER said you were dumb. I merely thought you guys would fail on purpose as you are rumored to do so on numerous occasions." I put my hands on my hips. They open their mouths but nothing comes out. "I know you three are smart. I'd said if you three PASSED your exams I'd consider joining and helping you. Tut, tut, tut. What happened in those brilliant brains of yours that changed what I said into what you heard?" I smile and tap my fingers on my crossed arms.
They stammer and exchange looks. Laughing I guide them out into the courtyard. "Now, what can I help you boys with?" I ask sitting them on a bench. They stare at each other not expecting this. A mischievous grin appears on Fred's face and I smirk right back.
Yawning tiredly, I sit up and look out my window. Aliza has been out for days retrieving letters from my friends and the mischievous boys. I yawn again then crawl out of bed and begin to stretch on the floor. I hop up and begin to dress. I make my way down to the kitchen and start on breakfast. I'm diligently chopping vegetables when aunt Petunia walks in. I nod to a cup of tea on the table.
I know she's watching me but chose to ignore it. In no time flat I have a roasted pepper and avocado salad whipped up with sunny side up eggs with pomegranate juice. She calls the boys and uncle Vernon down and we all sit down to eat. Uncle Vernon complains about the news and I start to clean up the mess from breakfast.
Harry is sent into the garden to clean up weeds and water the plants. Dudley and uncle Vernon go into the city to get suits. I peruse food and cooking magazines for something to impress uncle Vernon's guests who'll be coming to dinner a week from now. Music plays from the radio as we pour over the books intent on finding our goal. Harry comes back in around lunchtime and aunt Petunia snaps at him to go clean up and not to track mud over the freshly cleaned floor.
I pull the cranberry walnut chicken sandwiches I made this morning from the fridge with the cranberry juice. Uncle Vernon and Dudley arrive back just in time. "You still haven't made up your minds?!" uncle Vernon chuckles. "Elizabeth is very particular, aren't you?" aunt Petunia shoots me a look as she grabs yet another sandwich. "But aren't we aiming to impress the Mason's? I should do my very best to make sure you get the deal. What better way to get someone to relax then with food. All you'd have to work on is the conversation." I point out having eaten my fill and returned to a cookbook about dinner parties.
Uncle Vernon ponders this and I exclaim happily and hurry over to aunt Petunia. "Do you think they'd like this for dessert?" I ask pointing to a violet pudding that looks absolutely divine. She looks apprehensively. I crouch down and give her puppy dog eyes. "I know you can do it. You can do it! Please!" I nudge her arm and smile when I see the beginnings of a smile.
I sit on my bed eyeing the dress aunt Petunia picked out for me on the mannequin. She bustles past and walks in. She closes the door and sits on my bed. "It was your mother's. I think it'll fit you just fine." she whispers. The jumper dress is sage and basil green. I turn to aunt Petunia with a smile. "Yes, it was hers." she lightly grazes the material with her fingers.
I get up and walk around the dress in mute fascination. She tells me more stories about mother when they were kids and I listen intently. She helps me into the dress lacing up the back for me. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. "What a pretty girl you are!" aunt Petunia gasps. I smile and she leads me from the room.
Dinner is going quite well and the Mason's seem to be enjoying themselves. "What job course are you looking at school?" Mrs. Mason asks. Uncle Vernon freezes. "I think I want to be a chef. I've always loved cooking." I reply with a kind smile. Mrs. Mason claps with glee and we begin to talk about recipes and aunt Petunia.
I run to the kitchen and wet some napkins and rush back to Mrs. Mason to wipe the violet pudding off of her. I apologize profusely and she turns to aunt Petunia who leads her to the bathroom where she finishes cleaning up. I turn to Harry who's still standing there in horror. Uncle Vernon points for him to go up to his room. Harry hurries up the stairs waiting on the top step. The Masons leave and uncle Vernon spends an hour screaming at Harry before everyone goes to bed.
There's a soft knock on my door and I open it finding Fred and George. I throw my arms around them making them chuckle. "Come on. Grab your things. Where's your trunk?" George whispers. I point to a travel sized bag and Fred snickers. "Undetectable extension charm?" Fred raises an eyebrow. I nod and grab Aliza's cage and my bag. Then I throw some clothes and treats into the bag. As it is already packed, I don't need much else and leave a note for aunt Petunia.
I follow the boys downstairs and get Harry's things. I help them carry the trunk up the stairs. It takes no time at all to get his and my things into the flying car. We pile into the car but Harry forgot Hedwig's cage. He bolts inside and just makes it back to the car as uncle Vernon bolts in the room.
I turn and wave as Privet Drive disappears. As I turn back in my seat, I find George staring at me. "When did you alter your trunk?" he wonders. "Just before term ended. I got a sixth year to help me out." I shrug.
I lie on the floor of Fred and George's room reading over Lee's most recent letter. He's quite jealous that he's the only one not here. "We should send him a gift!" Fred chuckles. I roll my eyes but sit up eager to hear what he'll come up with this time.
George nudges me as Fred goes off on a tangent about Dr. Filibuster's fireworks. I cough to hide my laughter. "Maybe, you could just..." there's a knock on the door which cuts George off midway. Fred walks to the door and opens it partially. "Mum said we're going to Diagon Alley for school supplies tomorrow. Also, lunch is ready." Ginny mumbles. I give George a look. He gets to his feet and I join both boys at the door.
Mrs. Weasley mutters to herself as she bustles around. "This new professor must really fancy Gilderoy Lockhart." I scoff in disdain at my book list. Mrs. Weasley shoots me a look as Fred and George snigger. "What's so wrong about Gilderoy?" she gasps. "Well, he just doesn't look like anything more than a pretty face. If he looked more lie Snape, I'd believe what he writes." I shrug. This makes everyone laugh even Mrs. Weasley.
I roll out of the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron and dust myself off. Not surprising in the least is Harry's disappearance or rather his lack thereof. I laugh to myself as we head for Gringotts hoping he's already there. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley are so worried that I'm able to start my own account with all my earnings without them noticing. "When'd you earn all that?!" Ron gasps. I turn to him a disbelieving look plastered on my face. The twins smack the back of his head as they explain.
"Not to mention we've been helping with her pre-orders for this term." Fred finishes. I nod and turn back to them once everything has been settled. "Why didn't I know? Come to think of it, does Harry know?" Ron wonders. "Harry knows. He was upset I never shared my notes in primary but he also never asked. Poor thing." I laugh.
I receive many owls over the next week with people's books. Mrs. Weasley stares in mute fascination as I write notes with both hands. "You're such a good girl you know that, Elizabeth. You're studious and well-rounded. I just hope that you can rub off some good habits on those two ulcers." she sighs staring out the window at Fred and George who are sword fighting with two captured gnomes.
"Elizabeth!" Alsie and Stella call when they spot me on the train. I wave as they struggle through the crowd and then hug me. "It's only been two months but it feels like the last time I saw you was ages ago!" Stella whines. Her black brown hair having gotten even longer since last I saw her whereas Alsie has cut her hair into a pixie cut and dyed it ombre red. We catch up as we wander through the train looking for Padma and Wren.
We find them and another chorus of shrieking pierces the air. I dip into the compartment avoiding the disapproving gaze of several seventh years. We talk excitedly all the way to the school and into the Great Hall. It takes me until the end of dinner to realize Harry and Ron are not in attendance. I merely shrug and head up to my dorm figuring they just got in trouble.
