"And here we are in Diagon Alley, I believe the pun is intentional." Yukari said, as the bricks in the wall receded, putting her parasol back on her shoulder. "For all your english wizarding needs."

Chen and Hailey went ahead and started poking around, with Ran and Yukari following behind.

"Hey this place is pretty neat." Chen said, sticking her head into a cauldron, "HELLO!"

Chen, try not to cause a scene, or I shall have to send you home." Ran scolded.

Indeed, Ran and Chen already seemed to be picking up quite a few stares, what with their obvious animal attributes.

"Sorry Ran-sama." Chen said, only slightly mollified. But she fell in behind Ran anyway.

"So where are we heading?" Hailey asked, as she had a staring contest with an owl in a shop window.

"Well first we need to secure some of the local finances, as we will need it to purchase Hailey's school supplies. So the bank is our first stop." Yukari said.

"Ooh! Are we gonna rob a bank?" Chen said excitedly, before Yukari bopped her on the head with her parasol.

"None of that here Chen. let's try not to make Hailey an outlaw before her first term even starts." Yukari jokingly reprimanded. "There will be plenty of time for that later. No, we are going to be withdrawing from Hailey's family vault."

"I have a family vault?" Hailey said.

"Indeed, The headmaster had been holding on to the key for safe keeping, and when I visited he saw fit to return it. Remember to thank him when you meet him." Yukari said. "And here we are."

They walked up to the large marble building and through its bronze doors, and ignoring the inscription on the silver doors beyond it. They walked over to an open counter.

"Good morning." Yukari said.

"Good morning Lady Yukari. What business do you have today?" The goblin said, nodding respectfully.

Yukari put a hand on Haileys shoulder, "I have recently taken young Hailey Potter under my wing, and her term is coming up. So I shall be making a withdrawal from her families accounts."

The goblin gave Hailey a strange look, as if he was trying to work out whether he should be sorry for her or not, before turning back to Yukari. "Very well. You have the key I presume?"

"Of course." said Yukari, handing it over, "I also wish to officiate that Hailey is under the protection of the Yakumo family, and to authorize myself and Ran to make withdrawals on her behalf."

"Of course, I shall have two extra keys be made immediately, Which one of you will be staying to officiate the paperwork?"

"Ran is authorized to act in my behalf," said Yukari, Ran stepping forward, "I shall accompany Hailey to her vault. Chen may also accompany us."

"Very well. Griphook!" The goblin called another Goblin, presumably Griphook. "Take these three down to the Potter vaults."

Griphook nodded and beckoned Hailey, Chen and Yukari over. "This way."

They followed the goblin through another set of doors, into a dark granite passage, with tracks imbedded into the floor, The goblin whistled and a large cart rocketed up the track. "All aboard."

Yukari sat in the middle being flanked on either side by Hailey and Chen, while the goblin sat in front. And the cart thundered off into the tunnels.

Chan and Hailey whooped and cheered as the cart sped along irresponsibly fast, and taking in the various sites along the way. Chen claimed that she saw a dragon at one point, but Hailey didn't get to see, and thought Chen was pulling her leg.

"Here we are, Vault 687, the Potter vaults." Griphook said, and he and the trio disembarked.

The goblin slotted the key into the lock, and pushed the heavy doors open, "I shall wait here for you to finish. Take your time."

"Wooahh!" said Hailey, staring at the mounds of gold, silver and bronze coins. "These are all mine?"

"Indeed they are." Yukari said, "Good thing you brought your purse, hmmm?"

"Wow Hailey, who knew you were filthy stinking rich?" said Chen, surreptitiously pocketing some of the gold ones .

Hailey didn't respond, too busy shoveling coins into her purse. Until Yukari stopped her.

"That's enough Hailey, it isn't going anywhere. That should be more than enough for today… or indeed the whole year… maybe two." Yukari said.

Hailey blushed. "Yes Yukari-sama."

On the trip back up the tunnels, Chen and Hailey were discussing all the things she could now buy with the small fortune she had in her handbag.

"I mean, just think of all the catnip!" Chen said, "We might not even need to rob convenience stores for snacks!" This last remark earning an odd look from the goblin.

"Forget that!" said Hailey, " With this much I can even buy myself whatever I want for my birthday!"

"Ehh?" said Chen.

Yukari gave a good natured roll of her eyes. "Its Haileys birthday are taking her out to dinner tonight. We discussed this before we left. Do try to pay attention."

Hailey pouted. "We've known each other for years, the least you could do is remember my birthday."

"I'll buy you something nice." Chen said defensively.

"With money you just took from her vault." Yukari reminded, deepening Haileys pout.

"What's a few gold coins between friends?" Chen said, shrugging innocently.

They stared at each other for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

The rest of the trip back up past uneventfully, and they found themselves stepping out into the main hall of Gringotts once more.

"Here, your key." Griphook said, handing it to Hailey. "The spare keys should be done shortly, I shall go fetch them. Assuming your fox has finished the paperwork, you shall have them immediately." he bustled off.

"That's what I like about goblins, quick, efficient, unscrupulous and devious." Yukari said, before returning to Ran.

"Excellent timing, I have just finished." Ran said, with an impressive stack of papers in front of her. "I just need Hailey's signature."

"Okay!" Hailey said Happily, walking up to Ran, and allowing herself to be picked up by the fox in order to reach.

After spending a second or two trying to work out how to work a quill ("It's like a calligraphy brush, you have to dip it in ink first.") She proudly signed 'Hailey Potter', dotting the 'i' with a heart.

"Congratulations Miss Potter, in the eyes of Gringotts you are now an official ward of the Yakumo family, for your sins." the goblin said, allowing a smile, as if he just heard a really cruel joke.

"Thanks?" said Hailey tilting her head.

"Please wait a moment for your new keys, they will be here shortly." The Goblin said, taking away the stack of papers.

"Err, Excuse me." Came a gruff voice from behind the group.

They turned around, to see an absolute giant of a man, tall and broad. He towered over everyone in the room. He wore a large moleskin overcoat covered in pockets, and had a massive black beard. His black eyes were kind however, and they currently looked down at Hailey.

"Sorry fer overhearing, but you wouldn't happen to be… Hailey potter would you?" He said.

Hailey grinned up at the giant. "Yup, thats my name don't wear it out, or do. I like being talked about."

This got a chuckle out of the giant. "Well, My names Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, although most folks just call me Hagrid. Sorry fer intruding, but… Well, I haven't seen you since you were a baby. I just wanted to say hello really."

"You knew me as a baby?" Hailey said, looking up at the giant.

"I take it you were acquainted with the late Mr and Ms Potter." Yukari said, drawing Hagrids attention, "Sorry for butting in, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Yukari Yakumo, Haileys current guardian. I was not personally acquainted with Hailey's parents, may they rest in peace, but I understand they were very well loved."

"Yeah that would be about right. Lily and James were the finest pair of wizards you ever did meet." Hagrid said, "I must say, we all had quite a scare when Hailey disappeared like that. But she seems to be in good company at least, better than that muggle lot at any rate."

"Why thank you." said Yukari, in mock bashfulness, hiding her grin behind her fan.

Hagrid turned back down to Hailey. "And look at you, all grown up, You remind me of yer mother when she was your age. You've definitely got her eyes, that's for sure. I think you might of inherited that hair from your dad though, and your eyesight too by the looks of those glasses."

Hailey pouted. "Gee, thanks dad." she said sarcastically. A side ponytail was the best she could manage when it came to styling, at least without spending two hours every morning and a fortune on haircare. Her hair was eternally uncooperative.

Hagrid couldn't help but laugh, "Looks like you inherited yer sense of humour from him too. I got a feeling you're gonna be a troublemaker, just like him."

"Is that so~" said Hailey, smiling at Hagrid.

"Pardon." said Griphook, drawing their attention. "I have the new keys. They will remain functional until the day when she ceases to be your ward. In that instance, I suggest returning them as soon as possible, or at least disposing of them properly, as they will violently combust and melt within 4 days."

"A pleasure doing business." said Yukari, as Ran took the keys.

"Likewise, good day." said the Goblin, leaving.

"Well, I suppose you better be off then, I still got business with the bank." said Hagrid, but then he seemed to have another thought. "But I'll tell you what, Its your birthday today ain't it? If you drop by the Leaky Cauldron on the way out, I'll give you a present."

"You remember my Birthday?" said Hailey, her eyes filled with awe.

"I don't think I could ever forget it." said Hagrid quietly. But he rallied, and turned to Yukari. "Say is Hailey allowed pets?"

"Of course, I'd never even think of denying her." said Yukari, smiling.

"Alright, after I'm finished here, I'll get you a proper Wizarding animal."

"Excuse me, you are holding up the counter." said a Goblin irritably.

"Oops, better let you get going." said Hagrid, "But don't forget, I'll meet you in the Leaky Cauldron with her present."

"We won't forget." said Yukari, "Come on Hailey, lets go. We've got a lot of shopping to do."

Hailey nodded, still slightly dumbfounded. And she was lead out.

"A human I had never met before remembered my birthday... and he is going to give me a present, a pet even." mumbled Hailey, then she smiled. "I think I like him."

"An interesting character to be sure." said Yukari, "although it would be inaccurate to consider him completely human."

"Do I have too?" Hailey whined.

"It's on the list, and you are required to wear them." Ran said sternly.

"But…" Hailey gestured to the school robes in the window, "They are so boring!"

"If they were colourful and fun they wouldn't be uniforms." Yukari said dryly, "Just grin and bear it. I doubt we are going to be getting a concession on this just because you want to express your individuality."

Hailey grumbled and walked in.

"Hello dear." said a woman, "Hogwarts first year?"

Hailey didn't say anything, so Yukari said. "Yes she is, and she would very much like to be fitted for her school robes, right Hailey?"

"Yes Yukari-sama." Hailey said sullenly.

"Don't worry, it won't take long." said the woman. "Just come over here, I'll get you fitted."

Hailey was stood on a stool, and the woman begun taking her measurements by slipping a robe over her head and pinning it to the right length, (Thankfully she wasn't asked to take off her petticoat), where nearby a boy was being similarly measured.

"Hello, Hogwarts first year?" The boy said, catching Haileys attention. He was a pale boy with blond hair, he looked kind of bored and aloof.

"For my sins, yes." said Hailey, who had liked the sound of it when the goblin had said it.

"Not looking forward to it are you?" said the Boy, raising his eyebrow.

"I was being homeschooled until now," Hailey said, shrugging, "When I got the letter, Yukari-sama decided to enroll me on a whim. So here I am."

"Strange…" said the boy, not sounding particularly interested. He tilted his head toward Yukari, who was leaning against the wall fanning herself while reading a catalog. "Is that who you mentioned? Is she your mother?"

"My guardian," corrected Hailey, "My parents are dead."

"Sorry to hear that I suppose." said the boy, not sounding too sorry.

"Its okay," said Hailey, shrugging. "I got Yukari and Ran, and the guy who did it got what was coming to him."

That actually managed to provoke a look of surprise from the boy, and Hailey smiled sweetly.

There was a small silence for a moment as that effectively killed the conversation, but then Hailey got bored. "So what about you? Looking forward to going?"

"Hmm? Well yes I suppose." said the boy, probably equally bored, "My father wanted me to go to a different school in eastern Europe, but mother didn't like the idea of me being so far away from home. I suppose it's for the best, my family have been going to Hogwarts for generations."

"Thats neat." said Hailey.

"You have any idea what house you are going into?" the boy asked.

"Not really." Hailey said. She didn't even know there were houses until now, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

"I suppose no-one does really," said the boy, "But I am sure I'll be in Slytherin, everyone in my family has been."

"You are really proud of your family aren't you?" Hailey asked, tilting her head.

"Well, yes I am, what of it?" The boy asked, with a slightly dangerous edge.

"Oh nothing," said Hailey, "Having pride in your family is cool and all, but it isn't much substitute for having pride in yourself."

"All done dear," said the woman measuring Hailey, taking the robe off.

"Finally." said Hailey, hopping down from the stool, "See you at Hogwarts." she said to the slightly dumbfounded boy, before skipping off to Yukari.

"Making friends?" Yukari asked.

"More like cultivating potential enemies." Hailey said.

Yukari patted her on the head. "Good girl."

In a few minutes they left with their school clothes, Hailey had specifically asked for extras in order to 'experiment.' with.

The next stop was the bookshop next door, Flourish and Blotts. Ran and Chen were already there, the former looking far more interested than the latter.

Chen perked up slightly from behind the large stack of books she was holding. "Oh Hey Hailey, great timing. Please stop her before she buys the whole damn store!"

"Umm Ran, my list didn't have that many books." Hailey said.

"I know." said Ran, dropping some more books in Hailey's hands, "But that doesn't mean we should limit ourselves to what the school has prescribed, no student of mine will simply be 'average'." the pile in Haileys hands started getting larger, "Besides, I myself wish to know the extent of the schools curriculum. So all the ones Chen is carring are for my own personal reading."

"Is that so." Hailey said, getting weak at the knees.

"Help." Chen said weakly, trying to control the massive pile in her hands.

Yukari giggled, but decided to show mercy. "Now now Ran, that will do. You can come back in your own time. But we have other places to be today, and dinner reservations in the evening."

"Oh, of course Yukari-sama." said Ran, stopping what she was doing and bowing, "I apologise for the inconvenience."

"Quite alright," said Yukari, lifting the pile of books out of Hailey's hand with a wave of her own. "We'll just take these to the counter. Don't worry we'll pay for these. You just have a look around for any books that take your fancy."

Hailey decided to take up Yukari's advise and do a bit of personal browsing. She picked up a few curse books, as well as some miscellaneous titles on magical beasts, creatures and people of myth (to see if any of her friends were in there) and some trashy romance novels (which she found funny) as well as some other miscellaneous fiction.

When she went to the counter, she saw several people staring as Yukari gently dropped the books one at a time into a gap, as Ran and Chen stood to one side. Chen looking visibly relieved to not be carrying all those books.

There was also a tall thin blond man standing to one side, watching the scene with an unreadable expression. The resemblance with the boy from the shop next door suggested this to be a relative, probably his father.

"These too." Hailey said, dropping her pile on the counter.

"More? My you are a bookish lot." said the man at the counter. He raised his eyebrows at some of the titles. "Your a first year aren't you? These curse books are a bit advanced for you aren't they?"

"Well they are more for inspiration than anything else." Hailey said.

The man gave her a odd look, but probably due to the company she kept decided not to ask. They left the store not long after.

They made several other stops after that, they brought a cauldron, some scales, an incredibly fancy telescope, and at Haileys insistence, a Magical trunk, that was light as a feather and had several switching compartments including a secret room, from the various stores around the alley. They also spent a good deal of time at the apothecary as Hailey decided to buy a whole lot of stuff to send to Marisa, thinking she might get a kick out of it.

"Lets see, What next?" said Yukari, as they all sat at a corner cafe for some tea.

"The wand, Yukari-sama." Ran said, looking at Hailey's list.

"Why do I need a wand anyway?" hailey said, "I can do lots of magic, and I don't need some magic stick to do that."

"It's a different sort of magic Hailey, this wizard magic is rather more… dainty, delicate than the magic I have been teaching you, and it requires a foci, hence the wand." Yukari said, "There is also the matter of blending in, you have seen the attention I gain whenever I open a gap have you not? If you start throwing handfuls of green lightning, it will bring you unessersary attention. You remember what I said Hailey?"

"Yes Yukari-sama," said Hailey. She had been instructed to keep her Youkai nature on the down low, as much as it is possible to do so. For now, she is Hailey the ordinary girl on her way to her first year of magic school, much to her annoyance. Albeit one with weird teeth and a scar. Hailey at least conceded that it might be at least fun to keep her nature under wraps for now, if only for the sake of surprising people later.

"For that matter, maybe we should get wands. What do you think Ran?" Yukari said.

"If you wish Yukari, although I will stand out regardless of wands." Ran said, her ears flicking for emphasis.

"True enough." Yukari said.

Walking into Ollivanders, they were greeted with a powerful, yet benign magical aura that permeated the entire building. It hung heavy in the air, perhaps intensified by the small size of the shop. It left Hailey awed.

"Good afternoon."

And then the man himself. An elderly gentleman with silvery eyes, he had an almost ethereal, otherworldly quality to him, and his unblinking eyes spoke of the wisdom of something truly ancient.

"Ah yes," said the man. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Hailey Potter." It wasn't a question. "You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work." He got closer, as if examining Hailey. "Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it, it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."

"Wha… What are you?" said Hailey.

The man chuckled. "My, it's not everyday someone asks me a question like that." said the man. "As for what I am, I am Ollivander, Wandmaker. And what of you, what might you be?"

"A youk- oop!" said Hailey, covering her mouth when she remembered she was supposed to be keeping that a secret.

"It's quite alright Hailey." said Yukari stepping forward, "We have nothing to fear here. Good afternoon Mr Ollivander, I have heard a lot about you."

"As I of you," said Ollivander, "What business does the Border of the Phantasm have in my humble shop?"

"Oh the usual kind," said Yukari, "I am functioning as Haileys guardian, and she needs a wand for school."

"Of course," said Ollivander, pulling out an odd tape measure, "please hold out your wand arm."

Hailey held out her right arm.

The tape measure started measuring on its own, taking all kinds of bizarre measurements, while Ollivander small talked about wand construction, while taking boxes off the shelves.

"Thats enough," he instructed the tape measure, which immediately ceased its activity.

"Right then Ms Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring, nine inches, nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."

She tried but with no results. And Ollivander took it away and handed her another. What followed was a length of time of just trying out different wands with little to no success, much to the frustration of Hailey. She was on the verge of faking something, before she caught a look from both Yukari and Ollivander, and decided to just keep waving sticks like an idiot. This went on until…

"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere... I wonder, now... yes, why not? unusual combination, holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."

When Hailey took this one, she got a tingle up and down her arm. Feeling confident and relieved, she spun it above her head, releasing a shower of multicoloured sparks.

Yukari smiled and clapped, while Ollivander cried. "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well well well... how curious... how very curious... "

He put Hailey's wand back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, "Curious... curious..."

"What, is something wrong?" asked Hailey.

Mr. Ollivander fixed Hailey with his pale stare. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Ms. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather, just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother... Why, its brother gave you that scar."

Hailey tilted her head. "My parents murderer was a Wizard?"

"You haven't been told?" Ollivander said, before shaking his head, "Well, it is not my story to tell, but I advise you learn it soon, otherwise you might be in for a few surprises. But I can tell you this, Your wands brother did many great things, many were terrible indeed, but great can expect many great things from you as well."

"Terrible great things or great great things?" Hailey asked.

Ollivander handed her the wand box, "That is for you to decide."

Hailey thanked Ollivander for the wand, and ran out, presumably to brag to Chen. However Yukari remained.

"I take it there is something else you need to ask me?" Ollivander said.

"Of course." Yukari said, before reaching into a gap and pulling out a thick cherry branch, and handing it to OllivanderS she then reached up, and plucked a single hair from her head, which she held out for Ollivander to take. "Do you think you could make something of this?"

"I am sure I could, but…" He looked down at the branch in his hands, "This is some strange wood. It has a certain darkness about it. It has most certainly tasted blood."

"It is a branch from the Saigyou Ayakashi, a youkai tree, sealed away by the death of one of my best friends over one thousand years ago, but not before it claimed the lives of many. It seemed... fitting."

Ollivander put the branch down reverently and took the hair as well, "Ahh, yes this will serve well in a wand, a very, very powerful wand."

"You can use it however you please, I doubt you will need all of it for one wand after all. Same for the branch. I could even get you more if you desire. I have no love for that tree." said Yukari.

"Very generous, but I doubt many wizards could use wands made of such potent ingredients." Ollivander said, "But I will keep that in mind."

"Pleasure doing business with you." said Yukari, handing over a large pouch of Gallions "I shall return within two weeks to collect the finished piece. Is that reasonable?"

"Very much so." said Ollivander bowing, "It has been a pleasure meeting you Yukari."

"Likewise." said Yukari, "Now if you excuse me, the others might be becoming impatient."

"OHMAIGOD she's sooo pretty3" Hailey exclaimed looking at her new owl. It was pure white, and regarded Hailey curiously.

Hagrid chuckled. "Thought you might like her, Owls make great pets. Useful too, they keep vermin down, deliver your post and are good company."

"Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou!" said Hailey, hugging Hagrids leg. "You are my favourite human!"

"Err... don't mention it," said Hagrid, slightly embarrassed, and also slightly confused by Haileys wording.

"I think Marisa and Reimu might be disappointed to hear that." Yukari said teasingly.

"Yeah well, when's the last time they remembered my birthday?" Hailey said, but she let go of Hagrids leg.

"Regardless, I thank you for your generosity, Mr Hagrid." said Yukari, bowing. "Hailey doesn't have a lot of friends, or even people she regards positively, outside of our household. You have clearly left an impression on her, please continue to look out for her at Hogwarts."

"I'd be glad to Ms Yukari," said Hagrid, blushing slightly.

"Now I must simply invite you to Haileys birthday dinner, I won't take no for an answer." said Yukari.

"Oh well, that's mighty generous of you miss. But, well see I've got important business back at Hogwarts, I don't want to keep Dumbledore waiting, he's counting on me after all." Hagrid said, although he did look like he wanted to say yes.

Yukari gained a thoughtful expression. "Yes I suppose so, care to wait a few moments?"

Without waiting for an answer, she stepped out of the door. Less than five minutes later, she stepped back in.

With Dumbledore.

"What a curious power… Ahh Hagrid, what a pleasant surprise!" Dumbledore said.

"Professor Dumbledore, what are you doing here sir?" said Hagrid.

"Well some sudden business had me in town, when I happened to run into Lady Yukari here, who invited me to dinner to celebrate Young Haileys birthday. Have you been invited too?"

"Well yes Professor." Hagrid mumbled, "I was gonna say no as I gotta get you-know-what back to Hogwarts…"

"Nonsense Hagrid." said Dumbledore jovially, "No need to rush, I insist."

"Thank you headmaster." said Hagrid, not sure what to think of Dumbledore's sudden appearance, but happy that he might spend a bit more time with Hailey.

Dumbledore then spotted Hailey and crouched down in front of her. "And here is the girl herself, I know you have probably figured it out, but I am Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts. Nice to see you again Hailey."

"We've met?" Hailey said.

"Long before you could remember," Dumbledore said, smiling. He brought out a parcel from behind his back. "It's not much, but I always quite like getting sweets on my birthday."

"Thanks a lot," said Hailey enthusiastically, accepting the parcel. When she looked Dumbledore in the eye however, she gained an introspective expression.

"Is something the matter?" Dumbledore said.

"No, its just…" Hailey glanced at Yukari and then back at Dumbledore, "you have similar eyes is all."

"Dumbledore blinked, before patting her on the head. "You are an observant girl aren't you?"

"Hehe~" said Hailey happily.

"Well now that we are all here, how about we get going? I have reservations at this charming little Bistro not far from here…"

As it happens Yukari had reserved an entire dining room for the birthday, and there was a large table spread waiting for them, and there was enough even for the extra guests.

Speaking of extra guests.

"Remi, Meiling!" Hailey said, running to greet the new arrivals.

"Hey there kid! Happy Birthday" Meiling said, kneeling to take Haileys running tackle hug. "How you been doing?"

"Happy Birthday Hailey, and congratulations on your acceptance... I suppose." said Remila, smiling. She was flanked as always by Sakuya, but she seemed to have managed to drag Patchouli along as well. "You-know-who sends her love."

"Thanks." said Hailey, who Meiling had lifted onto her shoulder. "Come in, we've already started, and I have some new friends!"

As the SDM party arrived at the table, Remilia immediately going to converse with Yukari, Dumbledore recognised two of them immediately.

The small girl was none other than Remilia Scarlet, one of the most charming and influential Vampires in Europe. She is said to have considerable influence in many east european Ministries of magic, primarily centered around Romania, where she called home. It is also said that even other Vampires are scared of her powerful magic, and she has been on record of claiming to be one of the last 'true' vampires. No one is sure of the truth of her claims, but no one can deny the batlike wings on her back, and her seemingly eternal youth, even after at least five hundred years of age. Thankfully she largely keeps to herself, and is rarely seen, except for quidditch, which she is a patron.

The other however…

Patchouli, as if sensing the scrutiny, looked up from her book. She squinted at Dumbledore for a moment, before something akin to recognition passed her face. "Oh you're... Dumbledore right? Didn't recognise you under all that grey hair."

"You however haven't changed a bit, Miss Knowledge." Dumbledore said evenly.

To say Dumbledore knew Patchouli was a bit of an understatement. In fact, they went to school together. Even as many claimed Dumbledore to be the greatest student in the history of Hogwarts, none who knew of her could deny the sheer brilliance that was Patchouli Knowledge. In fact many had stated that her brilliance was one of her greatest flaws. Two years under Dumbledore, no one knew the real surname or origin of the purple haired, purple eyed girl, if she even had one. She entered the school a mystery and left an even bigger mystery, the only thing anyone new for sure was her completely terrible health.

A Ravenclaw, while her first and second years were marked with brilliant academic achievements and remarkable magical growth, by her third year, she started to change. She became dissatisfied with her lessons, the teachers, the curriculum, the school, life even. She began reading through her lessons, spending her times submerged in books, refusing to acknowledge the other students, or even teachers unless she had too. And it only got worse in her fifth and sixth years when her proficiency at magic started outstripping the teachers, and she sunk further and further into her books. In fact some students had taken to calling her the great unmoving library. By her seventh year, she was barely turning up to classes, preferring instead to lurk in unused classrooms and perform strange magical rituals that most people at Hogwarts had never seen before. She had even largely forgone the use of her wand.

In the end, the teachers of Hogwarts were quite happy to get rid of her. After her graduation, she appeared once or twice, occasionally performing seemingly impossible magical feats, but she eventually vanished entirely, and was largely forgotten, apart from the few books attributed to her name of dubious authenticity that appear every now and then, and a chocolate frog card.

Indeed, the only reason Dumbledore recalls her is because, both as a student and a teacher, Dumbledore was one of the few who Patchouli ever bothered to associate with. One of the few that were 'worth her time'. From their few interactions, Patchouli was always... unsatisfied, and bitter. She was constantly suffering under her seemingly incurable asthma and anemia. But she always pushed herself to the limits of what her conditions would allow. She felt that both the school, and the wizarding world at large was holding her back from attaining true power. She resented her conditions with a burning passion, which only magnified with every failed attempt to cure them. And on the day of her graduation, Dumbledore remembered her words clearly, I will not let my condition control my life, If I cannot cure it, I will simply ignore it, I intend to live forever after all.

And here she was, having barely aged a day, with her nose still firmly planted in a book.

"The years have been kind to me." said Patchouli, "Kinder than they have to you at least. I am surprised. You always seemed like the only one close to my level, and it really isn't that hard, once you grasp the mechanics."

It didn't take great intellect to figure out what she was insinuating. "I can't say I really ever sought it out Miss Knowledge." he said, keeping his voice even.

"Your loss." Patchouli said, before seemingly losing interest in the conversation, and returning to her book.

Dumbledore relaxed slightly. Even after whatever Patchouli had done to ensure her youth, it hadn't changed her sole desire in life. To be left alone with her books.

Meanwhile Meiling was being introduced to Hagrid.

"Nice to meetcha." said Meiling holding out a hand. "Hong Meiling, Gardener and gatekeeper to the Scarlet mansion."

"Err, Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts, groundskeeper I suppose." he said extending his hand, but not sure how to take Meilings hand. Meiling solved it by grasping two of his fingers, and shaking, surprising Hagrid with her strong grip.

"Meiling is super strong, she can punch holes in concrete!" Hailey said enthusiastically, still perched on Meilings shoulder.

"Oh hush you." Said Meiling, ruffling her hair. Before addressing Hagrid. "So if I may ask, how did you come to be acquainted with our little hellion?"

"Well I knew her folks see, I'd seen her as a baby. And then I sorta ran into her at Gringotts, and seeing as it was her birthday and all, I got her a present." Hagrid said.

"He got me an owl!" Hailey said cheerily, pointing at the cage that inhabited the corner of the room, where the owl dozed.

Meiling laughed. "I can see why she's fond of you then, she loves attention."

"I've gathered that." said Hagrid jovially, "and what about you if you don't mind me askin?"

"Nothing too special," said Meiling, "My mistress and Yukari happen to be on friendly terms, and I was left to watch Hailey during one of their meetings. We sort of hit it off. Haileys currently living in one of my mistresses properties, so we see each other often."

"Meiling was one of my first friends." Hailey said.

"That too. And with that in mind..." said Meiling, lifting Hailey off of her shoulder, much to Hailey's disappointment, and placed Hailey in front of her. "It's your birthday after all, so I got you this."

Meiling, kneeled down and dropped a ridiculously long, oddly striped scarf over Haileys shoulders, and wrapped it around Haileys neck a few times, although it still trailed on the floor. "I heard your favourite was Tom Baker, so I knitted this up for you. It's a bit too long, but I'm sure you'll grow into it."

"Hailey looked down at the Scarf, and beamed up at the redhead. "Thank you Meiling," said Hailey, hugging her tenderly. Hagrid felt like he was looking at a pair of sisters, it was heartwarming.

When the hug broke, Meiling reached behind her back and pulled out an A4 envelope. "Got something else too, from you-know-who. She got a bit of her dinner on it, but it's still a lovely sentiment, and some amazing progress, so be sure to thank her. She really wanted to come, but... you know."

Hagrid was slightly alarmed by the usage of you-know-who, but from context he quickly figured they weren't talking about Voldemort. He was still curious however.

Hailey accepted it eagerly, "Something from Fl-"

"Shh!" Meiling said, "You know how Remilia feels about using her name in company."

"Oops!" said Hailey.

Now Hagrid was very curious. "What's this about then?"

Meiling rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, while Hailey opened her envelope. "Err, well you see…"

"It is more than my job's worth to discuss, is what you are trying to say, right Meiling?" said Sakuya, appearing so suddenly that Meiling, Hailey and Hagrid all jumped.

"Err, right, that." said Meiling, shooting Hagrid an apologetic look.

"Mistress wishes a word with you Meiling," said Sakuya, "Your presence is required immediately."

Meiling ruffled Hailey's hair again, "Gotta go kiddo, see you in a little bit."

She walks off with Sakuya, to where Yukari and Remilia sat.

Hagrid decided not to push the issue, but he did take a look at what Hailey had got from the mystery individual.

It was a picture, rendered crudely in crayon by an unskilled hand, probably a child, and it was of two smiling girls holding hands. The one on the right was clearly Hailey, with her black hair, glasses, hat, and green dress and eyes. The other was blonde with a red dress and white hat, her eyes were red and had little fangs in her smile, and from her back was some sort of brightly coloured wings. In the bottom right corner, there was some initials, FS. And on the top corner, there was what looks suspiciously like blood stains.

Curiosity is a terrible thing sometimes.

The party had settled down after the new arrivals, and to Hailey's horror, it had devolved into stories about her childhood.

"... So I finally found her in the Kitchen, and I kid you not, everything, including her, was covered in whipped cream." Meiling said, waving a half eaten chicken drumstick for emphasis, "And she just sort of looks at me pathetically, and in this tiny voice says: 'I can explain'. I just about died laughing."

There was a general laughter as Hailey tried to sink into her chair.

"Now now, I think we have had enough of teasing the girl." Dumbledore said. "Perhaps it is enough stories for now."

Hailey looked up with hope.

"Actually," said Yukari, "I think there is one more story that needs to be told, and I think you are one of the better ones to tell it Professor."

Hailey groaned. But Dumbledore chuckled. "Oh really, I can't say I know any amusing stories about Hailey."

"Oh not amusing," said Yukari, "But I think, considering how Hailey is about to enter Hogwarts, it might be best for Hailey to learn the circumstances behind the death of her parents."

There was a silence around the table, with variations of surprise and interest.

"You mean she don't know?" Hagrid said, almost incredulously, "Almost every wizard in europe knows, a lot grew up knowing her name."

"I'm famous!?" Hailey said, her eyes sparkling, but was lightly chopped on the forehead by Yukari, telling her to calm down.

"I gave her the short version. Her parents murdered, and she somehow disposed of the Murder, despite being an infant. But I didn't tell her the whole thing out of fear of it going to her head. But going to Hogwarts, its best she hears an entirely accurate version, and have to suffer through her bloated ego."

"I'm not that bad." pouted Hailey.

"I must admit, I am curious too," said Remilia, "I was familiar with the dark lord... at least by reputation. He seemed like a rather formidable fellow, I was never quite sure on how someone like that could have fallen to an infant."

Dumbledore decided not to comment on how flippantly Remilia referred to lord Voldemort. Considering she has Patchouli for company, he could understand being rather dismissal of the dark lord. after all, Patchouli was powerful when she left school, one could only shudder to think how much power she has accumulated since. In fact, it also begs the question on how powerful Remilia is, considering she can keep the knowledge hungry Patchouli by her side.

Dumbledore thought about it for a moment, before he said. "Very well, I suppose I can tell it as good as anyone. Although to be honest, no-one knows quite what happened that night. The story itself begins with a Dark wizard, one so powerful and terrible that he held the entire wizarding world in the grips of fear. He was called Lord Voldemort…"

And so Dumbledore told the story of the girl who lived.

Yukari was right, Hailey became completely insufferable for a week.

Jesus this was a Nightmare to edit, 20 pages and 69 hundred words.

Fun fact, TTS programs pronounce Griphook as Grifook, I will never be able to unknow that so I thought it best to spread it around. (they also can't say Reimu for shit)

I'm taking a little bit of creative liberties with the HP cannon, as you may have noticed. Because I am making an effort to incorporate the two worlds.

Patchouli being the with Dumbledore at school was a little thing decided to add when I noticed that Patchoulis age was somewhere around 100 and Dumbledore was aged 115 when he died, so I thought it might be a fun little detail. And I intend to use this minor relationship for plot later on.

By the way, I just entered Uni around about last week, so after I get though my chapter backlog (I have up to chapter 10 written but unedited) don't expect much in the way of frequent downloads.