Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 2! If you enjoy it, please FFR! Thank you!

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Five Years Later

It was a beautiful September day. The mansion was bathed in golden afternoon sunlight. The leaves were just starting to turn their glorious colors, and the air was still warm enough to enjoy being outside. It was the kind of weather children could play in all day and never have to come back inside. However, this wasn't the case for five-year-old Malina. There was no place she'd rather be at the moment than by her father, Dominick's, side. He was working in his study, which was a grand space tucked away in a corner room on the fourth floor. The shades were drawn and the windows were cracked ever so slightly to let the warm breeze flow through. The entire study was decorated in a deep cherry, or perhaps, scarlet red. It was, after all, her father's favorite color. There were several portraits and other pieces of art hanging on the walls, a large fireplace on the wall that included the door, and a couch whose satiny cushions were very easy to sink into. There was a small table included in between the couch and the fireplace. On the farthest end of the room sat Dominick's grand desk, where he did all his work. Made of expensive ebony wood, it was enchanted with an expanding charm, to hold all his documents and important works. His chair, equally as grand, was high backed and polished to make it almost gleam. This was where he sat now, working on a very important proposal to President Eugenie Reynards herself. As head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for MACUSA, he was tasked with finding out a solution to the recent crime outbreak related to a gang of Scourers. He was very absorbed in his work, so much so that he barely paid attention to his daughter playing with her dolls on the couch. Little Malina had quite the imagination and just loved to think up fantastical scenarios for her toys to end up in. She was making her favorite witch doll, which her mother had hand-made to look exactly like her, ride her hippogriff figurine, swooping through imaginary clouds and soaring above glassy waters. However, she felt like something was missing. It wasn't magical enough. Casting her hazel gaze around the room, her eyes landed upon something; a long object with a slight curve, complete with a leather wrapping halfway down the base to the end of it and an ancient rune scratched in amongst other small circular carvings going around it like a band on the upper half. It was her father's wand. Made of red oak and containing a gryphon talon core, it was very powerful indeed, and one of a kind. It was also rather old, as it belonged to the founder of their esteemed family. It was an object Malina knew that she was strictly forbidden to touch. And yet, she couldn't help the desire to snatch it from its place atop a cabinet that matched her father's desk. It was just outside Dominick's peripheral vision and he was so focused it was very unlikely he would notice her. Gathering her courage and taking the chance to be bold, she dropped to a crawl and began to creep ever so slowly towards the cabinet.

She began to wish that her mother had dressed her in red this morning as her satin turquoise dress did little to help her blend in with the dark brown wooden floor. There was no sound in the room except for the ticking of the grandfather clock and the scratching of Dominick's quill on his parchment. Malina held her breath as she began to inch closer and closer to her target and after what seemed like hours, she had finally made it to the cabinet, the prize of her efforts sitting on top. Slowly rising to her feet, she stood on her tiptoes as she was too small to reach it on her own. She strained her fingertips to their max, all the while glancing over her shoulder back at her father, who was absorbed in his work as ever and not paying attention of the sort to her. Then, her little fingertips grasped the leather-bound handle of the wand and she snatched it as quickly as she could. It was much bigger than she thought it would be, longer than her own arm, and it was very heavy since the wood was so dense. She found it impossible to crawl back over to the couch with the wand in hand, so she fast-walked instead, clutching the wand close to her chest. She sat back down and released a breath that she didn't even know she was holding. Placing her hippogriff and witch figures on the table in front of her she wracked her brain trying to remember the spell that her parents had often used for instances like these. After a few moments it came to her. She held the wand in both hands should the spell backfire, pointed it at her toys and whispered, "Wingardium Leviosa." Using the correct hand movement, she watched in amazement as the figurine began to levitate from the table and float in midair above her. Using the wand as a guide, she began to move it around, all the while still watching in astonishment. Gaining more confidence in herself she let only one of her hands rest on the wands' handle and got more carefree with her movements, making sharp slashes in the air, Unfortunately for Malina, this proved to be a mistake. For the briefest of moments, her concentration broke and the figurines suddenly flew out of her spell and flung itself across the room, before crashing subsequently right into the middle of Dominick's desk and knocking over his inkpot. He looked up and finally saw his daughter, on her knees looking over the back of the couch, holding his wand in her hand and a guilty expression on her face.

"Malina?" Dominick asked calmly. "Would you care to tell me…" he trailed off and Malina hung her head in guilt, wand hanging loose in her hand. She rarely ever got scolded and was usually very well-behaved, so she assumed her father must be outraged at her deliberate disobedience of a very important rule. "How in the name of Merlin did you do that?!" he asked with joy and amazement. Malina's head shot up in surprise. Her gaze met Dominick's beam, radiating with pride. "And so young?! You're five for Morgana's sake!" It was the kind of smile that was extended to his eyes and easily one a proud father would wear. "Iskra!" he shouted for Malina's mother, who was also home at the time. He flung open the door to his study and raced throughout the house, trying to find his wife. "Malina did magic! She casted her first spell!" Malina sat back on the couch and within a short moment, Dominick returned with Iskra, still grinning like a madman. "Show your mother, Princess," he said, grabbing the two figurines and setting them on the table in front of Malina again. "Do what you did." Malina obeyed casting the same spell again making them float in midair. This time it was Iskra's turn to beam with delight.

"What did I tell you, dear?" she said, lightly hitting her husband on the shoulder. "I knew she was special! Perhaps on one of the most powerful witches of all time if she's doing magic this young." Malina looked back and forth between her mother and father, almost not believing her little ears. She knew that she was a pureblood witch and one that belonged to the most powerful wizarding family in America, perhaps even the world. But one of the most powerful of all time? Her head swam with the things they were saying to each other in excitement. Seeing her bewildered expression. They sat down on the table to meet her level from where she sat on the couch.

"Malina," Dominick began. Malina knew to listen very carefully. Her father only used her name when he was being serious. "You have so much talent and so much potential, that much is clear. Your mother and I want to teach you everything about magic that you will need to know before you go to school because we want you to be the best you can be."

"Yes," Iskra chimed in, taking her daughters' hand. "We'll have the finest training wand made for you immediately. Your lessons begin right now."

"Now?" Malina asked. "What about your work, Daddy?" Dominick gave a chuckle and picked her up in his arms.

"I think there are far more important things that deserve my attention." He gave her a kiss on the head and carried her all the way to the manor's library, Iskra walking alongside them. The library was outfitted much like Dominick's study, although much bigger and ornate, with stacks upon stacks of glorious books. Dominick sat down with Malina on his lap and Iskra used her wand and said,

"Accio." A book floated off the shelves and settled itself right in front of Malina.

"A History of Magic in North America?" she read aloud, looking at her mother.

"Yes, dear," Iskra said, taking the other chair to Dominick's left. "It's more important that you learn about the history of where you are before you learn about the history of the rest of the world." Malina nodded in understanding. "Now," Iskra continued, opening the book to the first page. "Most people agree that magic first came here a long time ago by ancient tribes…"

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The weeks turned into months. Malina loved her lessons and was grateful to her parents for wanting her to get a head start. She was now six and very knowledgeable about magical history. Iskra and Dominick would take turns in between their work every day to give her a few lessons on a different subject. Today she was with Dominick, who had locked all the doors in the house to teach her the unlocking spell Alohomora. Her training wand was made from simple pine wood and one of the Pukwudgie staff members were kind enough to lend a few hairs to make it. It was not very powerful and looked like a simple stick, but it performed well for Malina's purpose. "Watch carefully, princess," Dominick told her, directing her attention to his wand. "The motion for this spell is a three-quarter turn clockwise and then a sharp drop down, like so." He did the spell in the air as demonstration. Malina kept her eyes fixed to the tip of his wand, committing the motion to memory. "Give it a try." She turned to the door and took a breath. This was her fourth door and she had struggled to unlock the previous three. This was a lot different than Lumos or Nox or any other spell of the sort. In fact, she was not sure she could handle it. But nevertheless, she knew she had to try. Holding her little wand up to the lock, she copied Dominick's motion and uttered the incantation. Almost as soon as it left her lips, the handle sprung downwards accompanied by a quiet click. "That sounded promising," Dominick encouraged. Malina took hold of the knob and pushed. The door swung open.

"Yes!" she cheered. "I did it!"

"Well done!" Dominick laughed, patting her head. "Now for the rest of the doors. After all-,"

"Practice makes perfect!" Malina finished, racing to the next door, confidence growing steadily inside her.

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"Mom, am I doing this right?" Malina called her mother over to her cauldron. Back in the library some months after she had successfully mastered all the basic spells she could, it was time to move on to Potions, something Iskra excelled at when she was in school. It was perhaps one of the simpler potions a witch or wizard could make; one that would cure boils. Malina was almost seven, and her birthday was coming up, so it was her goal to impress the guests with her knowledge. Iskra walked over, examining her daughters' work. The smoke coming out of the cauldron was green, not pink like it was supposed to be.

"Malina?" Iskra asked. "How many snake fangs and horned slugs did you add?"

"Six horned slugs and four snake fangs," she replied.

"Then there's your problem," Iskra said, removing the contents from Malina's cauldron using an evaporation spell. "It was supposed to be six snake fangs and four horned slugs. Try again, dear." Malina groaned in frustration. This was the third time she had messed up.

"Mom, this is dumb," Malina protested, putting her hands in her head, feeling the feathers begin to sprout on her back, a side effect from being a quarter veela. "It's too hard and I keep messing up. I can't do this!"

"Malina Delancey!" Iskra whirled about in shock with her eyes and mouth wide, not believing what had just reached her ears. "Don't you ever think like that! This is knowledge that you will carry with you for the rest of your life so it's not 'dumb', trust me. Secondly, nothing is too hard. Everything and anything can be accomplished. Nothing is impossible, remember that. And thirdly, do not ever doubt yourself. Remember who you are. There is nothing you can't do." She knelt next to her daughter, placing a comforting hand of reassurance on her shoulder. "Try one more time. And if you still don't get it, then we can be done for the day, alright?"

"Okay," agreed Malina reluctantly. She faced her empty cauldron and picked up her book. Remembering what her mother told her she measured out the snake fangs and horned slugs exactly before crushing the former to a powder one at a time then adding them to the cauldron. "So far so good," she whispered to herself. She added the four slugs, porcupine quills, and the other ingredients before stirring and waving her wand over the potion. After leaving it to brew for a couple minutes pink smoke began to rise from the blue concoction that had settled at the bottom of the cauldron. "Mom look!" she cried out. Iskra broke out into a wide smile, giving Malina a nurturing hug.

"See! I told you that you could it!"

"Thanks, Mom," Malina squeezed her mother tighter, grateful that she had such tutors to not only give her advice on academics, but something far greater: life.

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The whole house was buzzing with activity. The Pukwudgie staff were eagerly getting everything ready. Balloons, streamers, and other lavish decoration all in a particular shade of light blue were strung all throughout the party room, which was the grand banquet hall. Iskra and Dominick were helping the staff, strange for a couple of such prestige, but they didn't mind. They were both physically decorating and observing to make sure every single little detail was perfect, even going into the kitchens to check on the cake and other dishes to be served. They had also invited their friends and colleagues from MACUSA, who had assured them that they were all looking forward greatly to the event. But no one was more excited and energized more than the very subject of all the commotion. Malina tried her best to keep still, but naturally it was hard to remain so when her seventh birthday party was to be happening in a few hours. She was especially excited for this was her first ever party of the sort. Iskra and Dominick had refused to throw a party for her until the age of seven, because they saw no reason in throwing a child a birthday party when they were too young to even remember it. Of course, they had gotten her gifts and a cake every year but this year was special. It was the first time Malina would meet her great-aunt Minerva, whom she had heard kind things about from her mother, and the first time she would have guests.

"Malina, please hold still," her grandmother Corah demanded again for what seemed to be the hundredth time. She had her wand held above Malina's head, using the spell Crinus Muto to gently curl her hair and place little roses to make a crown around the back of her head.

"Sorry, Grandma," Malina once again apologized. She fiddled with the hem of her silk and lace dress, which was also light blue. The skirt hit her at her ankles and was adorably poufy, but not too much so, as were the sleeves. The bodice was decorated in a pattern of gemstones that reflected the light and created dazzling little rainbows which danced on the vanity, walls, and ceiling. Trying desperately hard not to fidget, it was her saving grace when Corah finished, allowing her to look. She beamed at her grandmother and was about to thank her when a knock came at the door.

"Mistress Corah?" The gruff, hard voice of the butler Gakbey came from the other side. "The photographer is here."

"Ah, right on time. Thank you, Gakbey." His heavy footsteps retreated and Corah rushed to put the finishing touches on the last few chunks of hair. "Come Malina." She extended her hand outwards, Malina fitting hers within. It was a walk to the main parlor where her parents, grandmother Amitola and a new person she had never seen before were waiting. The woman wore emerald green robes, a pointed hat, and half-moon spectacles on her nose.

"There's the birthday girl!" she greeted in a warm voice decorated with a Scottish accent, though much lighter than her father's.

"Malina meet your Great-Aunt Minerva," Iskra said, coming over to her daughter's side.

"Hi," greeted Malina shyly.

"How you've grown," marveled her aunt, stroking her cheek. "I haven't seen you since the night you were born."

"It's nice to meet you." Malina found her voice and lunged forward to hug her aunt around her neck, who returned the embrace.

"Alright, let's get on with this," grumbled the family photographer, Siegfried. Malina followed her family members over to the grand portrait of her ancestor, Godric Gryffindor. Although she had known it her whole life, it was still hard for her to believe that she was the direct descendant of one of the most legendary wizards of all time. In fact, her last name was Gryffindor, as was her fathers and her late grandfather Oran and all her other ancestors leading up to Godric himself. However, her father explained to her from the very moment she was old enough to understand that in the outside world, her parents and her as well were to go by Corah's maiden name, Fawley. The reason for this was because Dominick taught her it was more important to be recognized and appreciated because of character, not one's last name. He said there was no need to be given special treatment because of her bloodline, but rather because of her hard work and kindness. Malina took the chair as she was the subject of the shot, her parents flanking either side of her, hands on her shoulders and their respective family members on the side of them. On three the blinding flash from Siegfried's camera went off twice, capturing their smiles with expert execution. Dominick paid him the usual fee and always his generous tip. Siegfried nodded to him and apparated out of the mansion, assuring that he would return in two days with the photo.

Soon the family was all moved down to the banquet hall, where Malina positively squealed with delight after seeing the decorations, hugging her parents in thanks. Before long, the guests arrived. They were mostly her parents' colleagues and friends, some of whom brought their children to introduce to Malina. Her parents had hoped to encourage her to make friends and develop social skills, which they hoped would lead to positive outcomes later in life. Dinner and cake were served, enjoyed by all in attendance and then it was time for gifts. Her parents had asked everyone to bring just a small one each. They got her a few gifts themselves, but only a few. Yes, they wanted to spoil her and they did, but wanted to teach her that material things are not as important as some people think.

She had a wonderful time meeting everyone, enjoying all the food, and opening all of her gifts, encouraging their givers that she would cherish them all forever. The guests by now had all left and it was just her and her family. She was talking to Minerva, who was telling her all about her job as a professor and other events that had happened in England. Currently she was telling her about a very special young boy who was about her age, famous for defeating the most evil wizard of all time. His name was Harry Potter, better known as the Boy Who Lived. and his story had enraptured Malina so that she couldn't help but listen. Iskra and Dominick listened as well, with the latter nearly tearing up at the mention of his fallen friends, James and Lily, the young boys' parents. "Then what happened?" she asked with wide eyes and wonder in her voice.

"The bad wizard was defeated," Minerva said. "And he has never been seen again. We are all safe now. All thanks to Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived."

"Whoa…" she gasped. He sounded amazing. She wanted to not only meet him, but also achieve greatness and immortality as he did.

"Oh, silly me!" She suddenly exclaimed, throwing her hand in the air, and reaching under her seat, pulling out a red box tied with a golden bow. "I almost forgot! I thought you might enjoy this." Malina looked at her parents, who held a knowing look. Taking the gift from Minerva, she sat on the floor and gingerly untied the glittery ribbon before opening the lid. She gasped with delight, eyes lighting up in the same way when she saw what made up the contents of the box. Greeting her was a sniffy pink snout and large dark eyes surrounded by dark fur which covered the tiny plump body. She lifted the baby niffler out of the box and he immediately began running up her arm, resting on her shoulder.

"Thank you, Aunt Minerva!" Her grinned stretched from ear to ear. "He's so cute! I'll call you Fizzle." she said to him, scratching underneath his chin

"I thought you might like a pet to care for. A companion that will also teach you responsibility." she replied. Malina continued to giggle at the little creature who had begun to run over her body, tickling her. Thinking Malina was fully distracted, Minerva turned to Iskra and Dominick, not knowing Malina was actually listening. "You haven't told her the truth about the wand yet, have you?"

"Not quite, Aunt Minerva," Iskra admitted. Malina wondered what wand they were talking about. "We're letting her be a child and not allowing her to get caught up in the family affairs. She only knows about Godric and that's all so far."

"What about…?" Minerva patted her left shoulder blade. This time Malina knew what she was referring to.

"The same reason," Dominick replied. "She'll learn what it really is when she's older. For now, we're allowing her to enjoy her childhood without as many worries as possible. We'll probably tell her when she's ready to start school." Minerva nodded in understanding and approval.

"Well I can see that you're raising her right and in your parents footsteps. She won't be like other purebloods. Something the world needs no more than ever." Malina heard this, glad she was a kind person and that her parents raised her to be accepting of everyone. This was easily the best birthday she had ever had, hoping there were many more like these to come.