A/N: Helloooooo! I am SO sorry! I just recently quit my second job to focus on school, and it's been a little disorientating. But here is the first bit... hopefully it holds you over until Ch 1. I have most of the plot planned out, I just need to get around to actually writing it out LOL
This is the first work I've written in such very long time, so please forgive any minor typos (I am my own beta). However, if anything is seriously illegible.. please message me.
Moving in a bit of a different direction as I figure the plot out..
August 13th, 1971 - The Key Estate
The delicious scent of baked casserole and other dishes met her nose, as she was led into the dining room by her mother, Agnes. She sat at the end of the long table, a spot reserved for the guest of honor. As she was the birthday girl, she was permitted to sit here.
On the far side of the room, there was a table full of presents wrapped in shiny paper. On the left side of the room, the guests started moving in from the living room. There were quite a few familiar people present. Her grandparents, Herbert and Belvina, were sitting near the middle of the table, with a few glasses of wine already shared between them. Her father, Wilton, was discussing the stock market with her two older brothers. Edmund was hanging off every word that their father was saying. On the other hand, Octavius' attention was visibly drifting off, she could tell he'd rather be anywhere else. Her aunts, Belinda, Olivia, and Generva, were in the corner gossiping about the latest scandals. The only people missing were her uncles, Leonard and William, who would arrive later on, "fashionably late" they call it.
"Eladora, welcome the guests." Agnes said sternly.
Eladora stood, she met the eyes of her relatives before she began the annual welcoming speech. "Thank you all for coming, and celebrating my 11th year under the stars. I would like to thank my grandparents for allowing the party to take place here at the Key Estate." She paused as a polite applaud went around the room. "I would also like to thank my parents for making my birthday an unforgettable experience, as they do every year." She sat down in her seat as birthday wises were called aloud around the room.
"Nox." Her mother called, and the lights went out. Suddenly a candle-lit cake appeared in front of Eladora. Three tiers of chocolate cake, with chocolate drizzled strawberries on each tier. It looked mouth-watering, and the children couldn't wait to dig in.
"Happy Birthday to you," Her parents led the room into a birthday song, "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Eladora, Happy Birthday to you. May your dreams come true."
She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and blew out the candles on each tier. When she opened her eyes, the lights were on and slices appeared in front of each guest.
"What did you wish for, Dora?" a small voice came from her right.
"Hello Agatha, I wished for happiness, true love, and lots of friends." She smiled as her younger sister walked away giggling.
The table cleared off and there was an onslaught of gifts. She looked to her father for her approval to begin. At his nod, she pulled the closest one to her, a maroon bag with black tissue paper. She reached into the bag and inside was a brand new robeset, the Slytherin crest was embroidered on the chest. It was comforting that her family was so sure that she would be placed in the house of her ancestors. She looked at the tag, the gift had came from her aunt, Olivia.
"Thank you, Aunt Olivia. This will come in great use as the days grow colder." Eladora set the robes down and looked over the presents. She spotted a small rectangular box, curious as to what it could be, she gently picked it up and lifted the lid. Inside was a delicate, silver necklace with a pendant made of peridot, her birthstone.
Eladora immediately looked to her parents. Her mother had a look of approval in her eyes, she turned to her father next. She held eye contact with him until she could no longer take it. She forced her eyes down, and prepared to say her thanks.
Her father cleared his throat, "Pure peridot, to mark your 11 years of age. Your mother and I have placed many spells on the stone.. especially protection and healing spells. And some more spells that I'll tell you about later on. Happy Birthday, Dora. "
"Thank you, father... and mother," she added, "Would you put it on me, please?" Her father stood and helped place it on the collar of her robes. Her father met her mother's eyes, she saw the shared, subtle happiness pass through them.
August 23, 1971 - Burke Manor
Eladora woke in a room much to bright for her liking, she raised her arm to shield herself from the window.
There was a soft pop, and Rusty, the house elf, appeared. "Rusty bring clothes for young Mistress." In his hands was the new robeset that Aunt Olivia had gifted her for her birthday. They were nice, if a bit thick, high-quality robes. But she felt a bit self-conscious wearing Slytherin robes before even being sorted.
"Thank you, Rusty," she yawned. "But I want to wear my brown robes today." She got out of bed to begin getting ready for the day.
"Madam says yous must be wearing new robes today, robes from Madam Olivia." Rusty's ears went down at the thought of disobeying Madam Burke.
Eladora could see he wouldn't budge, "I'll wear my purple, satin robes then. Thank you." she nodded. Aunt Olivia had gifted her those robes last February, but they were too long for her and she never got around to getting them tailored. She had grown a few inches since, so they should fit much better.
"Yes, Mistress," he said and disappeared with a pop. He reappeared a few seconds later with the robes in questions. "Is Mistress needing anything else?" Rusty croaked.
"No, that will be all for now. Thank you, Rusty." She smiled at the house elf. He gave a bow and popped out of sight.
She zipped up a simple, white dress and then pulled her robes on over. She stood in front of the mirror assessing her outfit.
Her long, black locks of hair were streaked with silver highlights. She pulled her hair into an elegant updo and pinned a purple barrette to keep her hair in place. She met her own gaze, and took in her appearance once again. She had light brown eyes that she supposed was a gift from her mother. Her sunken eyes, on the other hand, she had inherited from the Burke family line. They always said you could tell a Burke by their sunken eyes.
She smoothed her robes down and left the room. Footsteps in the hallway caught her attention.
"Looking put together, as usual, Dora," a warm voice came from behind her. "You ready for Hogwarts?" Octavius wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and guided her down the stairs.
"Mm.. I think so," she offered unsurely.
"Well that doesn't sound too confident, I promise you'll have a lot of fun at Hogwarts." They walked into the kitchen, Edmund and Agatha already sitting at the table. "Besides you'll have Edmund and I, we'll be there to help you," Octavius added. Edmund nodded at that.
"I want to go to Hogwarts too!" Agatha cried.
"Oh, Aggy!" He ruffled her hair. "You'll be with us in no time. But for now, keep at your studies with Mother and Father." He settled her down with ease.
"Octavius... Eladora," came the familiar stern voice of Agnes Burke. "See to your breakfast. We cannot have you shopping on an empty stomach."
"Yes, mother," they echoed. She sat to the right of Edmund, and began to eat her breakfast.
"Octavius, does that mean you will be joining our trip to Diagon Alley?" Eladora asked. She looked up to see Octavius stuffing his face with banana nut bread and eggs. Edmund seeing this display decided to answer for him, "Yes, along with Father and I too. We'll be visiting the shop to pickup an old artifact too."
"What kind of artifact?" She curiously turned to her eldest brother. He seemed to hesitate before answering her, "An old family heirloom. Our Great Grandfathers are expecting us, so it is important to be on our best behaviors." He directed a knowing look towards Octavius.
"Enough," Agnes snapped. It wasn't surprising for mother to be cranky at the rise of dawn, her mood would surely improve the sooner they left.
Wilton came out of his study with a cup of tea in his hands, and greeted his children. He came around to mother and placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
"See to your breakfast so that we may leave," she said tiredly. The room went silent as the children hurriedly finished their plates.
"But Mum.. I want to see the latest Quidditch gloves!" A messy-haired boy called. "Fine, but meet your father and I at Flourish and Blotts in an hour, do you understand?" The boy's mother replied.
"And James, remember to-," the mother called after the boy who was already rushing away, "James Potter!"
Edmund watched as the boy ran away from his parents, in the direction of Quality Quidditch Supplies. He shook his head as such a display of disobedience. How embarrassing it must be for Lord and Lady Potter. He glanced to them, expecting a fit of rage to be bubbling, instead he only found fond resignation. He continued to follow his parents to Gringotts, his siblings following behind (or so he thought).
Eladora stood frozen in place as wizards and witches buzzed around the alley. It was bright, and colorful. It had been a very long time since she had been to Diagon Alley, and the magic never seemed to diminish. As she stood looking at the signs above her, a boy ran straight into her. People kept walking as they both tumbled to the ground.
The boy jumped and helped her to her feet, "I am SO sorry about that, you see..."
She looked up as she heard a quick intake of air. He had a starstruck look upon his face, it was a little unsettling. "Thank you.. and it's okay, no need to explain," she waved his apology away.
Noticing her discomfort, he straightened up and introduced himself. "I'm James Potter, and you are?"
"Burke," she uttered, "Eladora Burke."
"It's nice to meet you, Bur-Burke," he stumbled over her surname, "I think your robes are lovely by the way."
Eladora raised an eyebrow at that, "Thank you, Potter. But I must be on my way, I'm due for an appointment at Eeylops Owl Emporium, and I mustn't be late. Have a good day." She turned abruptly and headed in the direction of the shop.
"Wait!" He called after her. "May I.. May I escort you to the Emporium?"
"Were you not on your way to Quality Quidditch Supplies?" She recalled from the conversation she overheard.
"Yeah, I was," he rubbed his neck sheepishly. "But it would be rude to not offer after knocking such a pretty girl over." His second attempt at flirting was a lot smoother than the first. She decided to give this clumsy boy a chance.
"You may, but we really need to be on our way. My parents will be disgruntled if I'm late to an appointment they made for me." She turned again, this time with James in tow.
They reached Eeylops Owl Emporium just in time. "Do you know what pet you want already?" James asked. "The Hogwarts letter said I could have an owl, a cat, or a toad. It is family tradition to get cats. Although, I think I would prefer an owl." Eladora said.
They walked side by side as she gazed at all of the owl's on their perches. "There's so many to choose from," she said as she looked around in wonder.
She found a dark looking owl lurking in the back of the store. His bright red eyes glared menacingly in the shadows. She drew closer to the sleek, black owl, intrigued by it's appearance.
"Ah, Burke, maybe you shouldn't choose that one," James said hesitantly from behind her. "What about this owl?" He pointed to a snowy, white owl. The dark owl hooted, almost in protest.
"No, I quite like this owl," Eladora replied. James watched the girl curiously, as she stared adoringly at the mean-looking owl.
"You're a pretty owl, would you like to be mine?" Eladora said to the owl.
The owl hooted again, and flew up onto her shoulder. "I'll take that as a yes," Eladora chuckled.
"Are you all set, Miss Burke?" The owner asked.
"Yes, I believe so. Please charge the Burke tab," Eladora stroked the owl's feathers.
"Of course. Here is a cage for your new companion. The rest of your order will be sent to Hogwarts, prior to you arriving," the wizard nodded.
"Thank you, Sir," Eladora carried the cage out of the store. James followed her silently.
They ran into Dorea Potter upon exiting the store. "James Potter!" Dorea Potter huffed. James jumped and hid behind Eladora. "James, I told you to meet us an hour ago! Where have you been?!" Dorea fumed.
Eladora decided to answer for him, "Hello, Lady Potter, your son offered to escort me to my appointment. I apologize if he missed meeting you because of me." Eladora bowed her head.
Dorea took in the child before her. Judging on her manners and the bags under her eyes, she must be a Burke. Dorea decided to deal with her child later, behind closed doors. "Please, dear. Call me Dorea," her voice softening as she spoke to the girl. "There is no need to apologize for my son's behavior, I just hope he learns some accountability soon," Dorea turned a sharp eye at her son.
Eladora spotted Octavius in the crowd behind Dorea Potter. "It was good to see you, Lady- I mean.. Dorea. But I must rejoin my family. Good day to you." Eladora said her farewells to the Potters and rushed to join her family.
"Dora! Where have you been? I was starting to get worried!" Octavius cried as he spotted her rushing towards them. "Is that an owl?" Edmund said disapprovingly, "It's a long-standing family tradition to adopt feline companions, not an... owl."
"Oh, but I really like this owl," Eladora protested. "Father, may I keep it?"
Wilton looked into his daughter's pleading eyes, and after a moment, he sighed. "Yes, dear. But you mustn't let it become a distraction. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father," she nodded excitingly.
"Now that we are all here, together," Agnes looked pointedly at Eladora. "Let's make our way to Ollivanders."
Agnes ushered her children into the wand shop.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Burke. Hmm and the eldest Burke children too.. How might I help you all today?" A wizard came forward from the aisles of wand boxes.
"Our daughter is looking to choose a wand today, Mr. Ollivander." Agnes said simply. She stood tall with her nose turned to the ceiling.
"Of course, Mrs. Burke. But it is the WAND that chooses the wizard," He turned to look Eladora in the eye, "or witch in this case."
The elderly wizard disappeared into the aisles of small rectangular boxes. "Now let's see about these," Ollivander came back to the counter with three boxes. He lifted the first box's lift revealing a small, off-white colored wand. "Applewood, Unicorn Hair, seven and a half inches."
Eladora gently picked the wand up out of the box, flicked the wand, and the chandelier shattered onto the floor. "No, definitely not," Ollivander muttered.
Eladora quickly, but delicately put the wand back into the box on the counter. Wilton waved his wand, the chandelier rebuilt itself as it floated towards the ceiling.
"Hmm, give this wand a wave," Ollivander said as he offered a box, "Walnut, Phoenix feather, thirteen inches."
This time, as Eladora flicked the wand, the carpet beneath her family caught fire. Her family jumped out of the way before it reached them. Eladora watched in awe as the fire engulfed her. "Hmm.. I don't think so. Aguamenti." Ollivander offered distractedly, as he fascinated by the scene he had witnessed. He rushed to the back muttering under his breath.
Eladora worriedly glanced back at her family wondering if she had done something wrong. Octavius gave her a reassuring nod after a moment. She turned back as she heard Ollivander coming.
"Try this one: Larch, Dragon Heartstring, twelve and a half inches," Ollivander confidently handed the wand over. Eladora warily took the wand, finding her grip, she gave the wand a flick. A beautiful shower of sparks erupted from the tip, and small, lime green fireworks burst around her.
Eladora had never felt such a powerful feeling, she felt extremely comfortable with the wand in her hand. "Ah, it looks like the wand has chosen it's witch. I guarantee you will find true, full allegiance with this wand. We expect great things out of you, Miss Burke."
Her parents paid for the wand, they left the shop, and began making their way to Knockturn Alley.
"Can we visit the shop already?" Octavius asked.
"No, we must finish school shopping. Now hurry along, before the hags come out," Agnes said with a grimace.
They passed a group of handsome vampires standing near the local pub. One of them winked at Eladora, but she just continued walking. Wilton ushered his children into the apothecary.
"Lord and Lady Burke, what a pleasure it is to see you again. How can I help you today?" The wizard said from behind the counter. He had bright white hair that shined in the candle-light.
"We've come for new potions equipment and supplies, Mr. Mulpepper." Wilton said with ease.
"Of course, well have a look around while I get the two boxes together," Mr. Mulpepper started pulling bottles off the shelf and packing them into baskets. "Three," Agnes interrupted, "it will be three boxes this time."
"Three?" Mr. Mulpepper stopped in his tracks, he turned back to the family curiously. "Yes, you see, Eladora will be joining my sons at Hogwarts this year," Agnes put a hand on Eladora's shoulder, pulling her into view.
"Of course, dear. I will begin making a box for you too." He smiled gently at the small girl in front of him.
"Mother, may I have this cauldron? I know my list said that I only need two, but this is such a nice design." Octavius asked, examining a silver cauldron that had an intricate snake etched into the side.
Agnes nodded, and Octavius brought the cauldron to his basket on the counter. Edmund walked away in search of potions ingredients. And a display of leather dragonhide boots caught Wilton's eye. Eladora stood alone at the counter, watching Mr. Mulpepper wrap potion kits and gloves.
Mr. Mulpepper noticed the child still standing there. "Are you excited for Hogwarts, Miss Burke?"
Eladora nodded quietly. "It's quite the experience. I remember my days at Hogwarts, you'll have a lot of fun. I'm sure of it. What are you most excited for?"
"I want to learn everything I can, and make friends," Eladora said. The small girl was quite soft-spoken, he wondered whether she would grow out of it.
"I'm sure you'll make plenty of friends in Slytherin," He said confidently. Eladora looked up in surprise. "Yes, I'm quite sure you'll fit in there," He reassured her, answering her unspoken question.
Mr. Mulpepper resisted asking the child anymore questions, as he realized she had remained silent for the most part. The elderly wizard looked around at the family in his shop. The Burkes were certainly a curious bunch. Wilton was much calmer and jovial than his wife, Agnes Burke nee Borgin. The Borgins... now they definitely had a stern presence. Lady Burke reminded him of Walburga Black, the matriarch of the Black family. Both of the Ladies had been raised by dark, terrible people. And had in turn, grew up to become just as terrible. The firstborn, Edmund, was following in his parents' footsteps, but there was a rumor that he was interested in politics. It's unfortunate, as Edmund doesn't seem to be as sharp-tongued as his mother. It'll be a miracle if the boy lasts long in the field. Octavius seemed to be a bit louder than his parents and brother, but not by much. The eldest daughter, Eladora, was the quietest in the group. She had only spoken a handful of words the whole time in his shop. But there was something about the girl, her aura caught the room's attention, even when she barely spoke a word.
"One jar of billywig wings," Edmund picked up a jar at random, ready to place it in his basket. "Wait, brother," Eladora stopped him. Edmund turned to her in question.
"Those wings are completely dried up," She came over and examined the jars on the shelf. "What are you doing? They all look the same." Edmund disagreed with her. "No, take these," She chose a jar with fewer wings in it, "They'll last longer."
"Ah, an eye for fresh ingredients.. perhaps we have a potions prodigy in the making.. hmm?" Mr. Mulpepper chuckled.
"Perhaps." Wilton agreed. There was an odd look in his eyes, something Mr. Mulpepper couldn't place.
The children put everything they had into their respective baskets on the counter. Mr. Mulpepper finished wrapping all of their items into boxes. "Is there anything else I can help with?" The elderly wizard asked.
"No, Mr. Mulpepper, I believe that concludes our visit," Agnes paid for her children's baskets. "Thank you." she added quietly. Her children following with their own thanks.
"Rusty." Agnes called. Rusty popped in. "Take these home," She gestured at the boxes on the countertop.
"Yes, Mistress, right away. Rusty is happy to serve the House of Burke." The house-elf, and all of their purchases, disappeared with a pop.
"Good day, Mr. Mulpepper." The Burke family called as they left the store. Next stop, Moribund's.
An old man stood at his shop's window, eagerly awaiting another customer, preferably a wealthy, pure-blooded family.
Almost as Merlin heard and answered his prayers, the Burke family were hurriedly walking towards his store.
He rushed to undo all of the locks, which were there to keep the unsavory customers (and creatures) out.
"Enough with the pestering. We'll purchase your books and then we can make our way to the shop. Understood?" Agnes snapped at Octavius, who had once again asked to go to the shop.
"Yes, mother," Octavius said immediately, and the other two children echoed.
"What a pleasure it is, for the Burke family steps into my shop once again. Are you here to pick up your order?" The greedy man peered at Agnes with his beady eyes, he paid no mind to the children standing behind her.
"Yes, Mr. Moribund," Agnes said impatiently, "How much?"
Agnes had no patience for this merchant. It was well-known that he was a greedy, over-priced rogue.
"It will be 10 galleons," the man said at once. An outrageous price for textbooks, and just as Agnes thought, she decided to wait.
Agnes said nothing as she stared at the man before her. Shortly, he started to sweat under her hard gaze.
"Ah well for you, Madam. I'll cut you a deal, how does 7 galleons, sound?" He offered.
"5 galleons." Agnes said without any hesitation.
"Of course, Lady Burke. Let me get your order at once." He hurriedly went to retrieve her order.
He returned with three large, black bags. Wilton paid the old man, and the family left without another word.
Mr. Moribund muttered angrily under his breath as he watched them step into their family shop across the alley.
A bell rung from the back of the store as they stepped in. The shop was poorly-lit, torches lining the corners of the room.
"Granddaughter, is that you?" A voice croaked from the back of the store.
"Come, children." Agnes whispered as she lead them towards the voice.
"Yes, grandfather," Agnes said with a slight smile on her face. Visiting the Borgin family always put a smile on Mother's face, even if it was a small one at that.
Albertus Borgin sat in a large, blue velvet chair. His robes so dark that one would've missed him if not for the sigil pinned on his chest. It shined in the torch light. On the pin was the Borgin family crest; three white bats with purple eyes. The sigil was created back in the 17th century, it was said that the first Borgins were born with bright, purple eyes and white hair. But with time, other bloodlines had dominated over those features. Albertus Borgin's father was the last Borgin with purple eyes, but he had black hair at birth not white. It would be a miracle, if the Borgin features ever came back.
Eladora jumped as she noticed her other great-grandfather, Caractacus Burke, standing in the corner. 'How-how long have you been standing there, sir?" Eladora spit out before she could stop herself.
Luckily, her mother didn't reprimand her, as she was just as surprised at his presence.
"Long enough." He said as he took in the scene in front of him.
Eladora caught sight of his pinned sigil too; a spotted hyena and around it's neck was a black snake with red eyes. She wasn't sure what the symbolism was for his sigil.
Caractacus shared a look with Albertus as they had both noticed the girl's interest in their sigils, but they remained silent on the matter.
Octavius wandered away distracted by all the different artifacts on display.
"So what brings you all into the shop today?" Caractacus asks.
"We've come for the dagger, grandfather," Wilton said, "And any other heirlooms you have."
"Ah, of course, and here I thought you had come to pay your dear, old grandfather a visit. How mistaken I am." He says with a slight bite to his tone. "There's no reason to move them, when they are just fine here."
"They are safer at the manor, grandfather," Wilton argued.
"They are just as safe here," Albertus shot back, "Right, Agnes?"
Agnes drew a deep breath in, "He's right, dear. The heirlooms are safe here."
"The shop does have many protection spells, but Mother," Edmund spoke up, "The heirlooms belong at the manor."
"Enough." Caractacus clenched his jaw. He glanced at the small girl who had remained quiet. "What do you think.. Eladora?"
She looked up surprised at the question. "Oh, I'm not sure, Great Grandfather.." she offered hesitantly, torn between choosing sides.
But Caractacus said nothing, he waited for her to answer his question.
Eladora thought about it.. although the shop was arguably safe.. She agreed with Edmund, "They belong at the manor." Edmund glanced over at his sister, he smiled appreciatively.
Caractacus grunted, after a long pause, "The manor it is then."
He handed over a small, mahogany box to Wilton.
Just then, Albertus shot out of his seat and rushed to Octavius. He forced Octavius away from the artifact that the boy had almost picked up. "Do you know what that is, boy?"
Octavius looked up fearfully and shook his head.
"The hand of glory, you nearly lost your hand due to your ignorance." Albertus fumed as the boy began to shake.
"Do not touch anything, in this store without supervision," Albertus hissed, "Do you understand?"
"Yes, Great Grandfather. I apologize," His voice shaky as he waited for his punishment.
"OCTAVIUS!" Agnes screams across the store. "You know better than to touch anything in this shop! How will you ever amount to anything if you're blinded by your ignorance?!" She leads him to the floo by the ear. They disappear in a matter of seconds.
"I suppose that's our cue too, thank you grandfathers." Wilton said as he walked to the floo with Edmund in tow. "We'll be returning in a few weeks to help assess the shop's sales." The two disappeared into the green flames.
Eladora turned to follow her family, but Caractacus calls out to her, "One moment, Eladora." She stepped back from the floo and returned to where her grandfathers were standing.
"Promise to write to us monthly. It's been a long time, since Grandfather Albertus and I have attended Hogwarts.. We're interested to hear all about it. Understood?"
"Of course, grandfather. I'll write you weekly," She assures them quickly.
"No," Albertus interrupts. "You'll be much too busy to write weekly. Don't make promises you can't keep. It does no good to your integrity." Caractacus nods in agreement.
After a pause, Eladora agrees to write them monthly, and then she made her way back to the floo. She glanced at her grandfathers one last time.
"Goodbye, Grandfather Borgin and Grandfather Burke."
"Farewell, Eladora." They echoed.
A/N: Annnddddd scene! What'd ya think? Looming love interests, greedy salesmen, and heirlooms that mysteriously reappeared.. what more could ya ask for?
Leave a review if you'd like. I appreciate any and all feedback (but please leave unnecessary rudeness at the door).
Thank you for taking the time to read :)