Rosie looked at her schedule. Defense, Transfiguration, Charms, Herboligy... and double potions? Frowning, she shoved the schedule into her bag and headed to her uncle's study.

How could he? Albus knew how she felt about potions since her mother died. She could barely pick up a cauldron without loving control of her emotions, causing magical outbursts. This was partially because it was the one field that her mother loved dearly. She had spent nearly all of her time in their cellar, brewing. The other part was that she was afraid. There wasn't a single person in the magical world that was as skilled as her mother, from what she heard. If she could mess up, anyone could.

"Gummy bears," Rosie said, rolling her eyes. As the phoenix, turned, she hopped onto the bottom step, allowing it to take her to the top.

"Hello, my dear!" her uncle called cheerfully. "Come and sit."

"Hi, Uncle Albus," she said lightly, taking her seat.

Glancing around, Rosie felt her mouth drop. Her Uncle was magnificent in every way. His office was decorated in crimson and gold. The books that lined his shelves were likely older than she was. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The air was full of the smell of old books, magic, and... ash? Opening her eyes, she glanced around until her eyes fell on a young phoenix.

"Uncle! Is that..." she breathed, rushing over.

The phoenix looked at her with curiosity. Putting her index finger out to the bird, she lightly rubbed her pad against the little creatures head. It chirped in pleasure, leaning into the scratch. Giggling, she stayed where she was, watching the feathers of the bird glow as if they were on. fire. A real phoenix...

"Magnificent creatures, aren't they?" her uncle chucked, walking over softly. "This is Fawkes, my familiar. He seems to like you very much. Doesn't usually allow others to touch him."

"I've always loved animals." Rosie hummed, scratching the bird on the stomach. "Plus, I am your kin."

"That you are," Albus chucked, glancing at her over his half-moon spectacles. Twinkling blue eyes meeting her own. He allowed a moment to pass before he returned to his desk. "I have asked you here to go over your schedule, and to see how you are adjusting...so far."

Taking a deep breath, Rosie scratched Fawkes one last time before walking back to his desk, taking her own seat.

"It's been alright. I couldn't believe this was Hogwarts when I first glanced at it... Nothing on the small American private school I attended." She said quickly, looking anywhere but at her uncle. "My schedule also is fine, considering my intent to become an Auror. However, uncle, I see that I have double potions and I wanted -"

"Ah, yes," her uncle said, cutting her off. "I thought this might get brought up. "You're far too gifted to give it up, Rosie. Your mother wouldn't want you to."

"Don't tell me what my mother would or would not want." Rosie snapped, eyes quickly meeting his.

"My apologies, I did not mean to upset you.." he started, leaving the air open between them for awhile. "But, it is part of your education. We also have the privilege of having a potions master at Hogwarts that is just as gifted as your mother. I thought that having an experienced hand would... Would help to bring you back out, and teach you to love the art again."

Sighing, Rosie nodded her head. She knew he was right.

"But what of the other students," she asked, looking up again. "They are not taking extra potions lessons. How would I explain the extra attention? I don't want... I don't want people to know." she choked.

"My dear girl, know what?" Albus said, pity filling his eyes. "That you're one of the most gifted witches of your age? You can hide it if you wish, but that is not something that will remain so forever. This world needs you- your brains, your skills, and your kindness. You would be doing not only the world, but yourself a great disservice. Allow Professor Snape to assist you in potions. Continue to excel in your other subjects. Release... Release whatever walls you've created. This is a new country and school, where the only thing that defines you is your name. I know your mother took you to America to escape exactly this. The fame that your name brings, and the talents that you inherited... But do not hide or limit yourself because you feel you have to appease or comfort others. Blossom, my flower."

"Okay." Rosie sniffled, wiping away a tear. "Are you upset I was sorted into Slytherin?" she continued, changing the subject.

Chuckling, Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth.

"Not at all my dear. I had a feeling you might be. You may a Dumbledore, but you're also a Black. You are so much like your mother. She was a Slytherin, too. Contrary to popular belief, not all that come from your house are dark or evil. Some of the bravest people I know were sorted into Slytherin. I adored your mother for who she was and what she stood for."

Rosie sobbed, holding her face into her hands.

"And... Professor Snape is head of Slytherin, so it is convenient that you should be spending so much time with him." Albus continued, smiling sadly at the young girl. "He can teach you many things, my sweet girl. He is stern, and often cold, but he is a good man. Be patient with him."'


"Hello class!" Professor Flitwick called cheerfully. "Welcome to NEWT level Charms! I am pleased to see all of your familiar faces. Today, we will be working on a charm that we have been building on since 5th year- the patronus charm."

Rosie heard mixture of groans and enthusiasm in the small class. 2 Snakes, 1 Badger, 3 Lions, and 5 Ravens.

"Now, we will go one by one and try it. I will correct your wand movements or incantation if needed." Flitwick said, moving to the opposite side of the room.

Thank god. Rosie thought, turning to scribble on her parchment. She zoned the class out, having learned this charm long ago. She began to sketch a few Slytherin-themed wizarding robes to help her blend in at Hogwarts a bit more. She liked the color green, seeing as it matched her hair rather nicely. A classic long white shirt and green vest, a combination of stylish "skinny-jeans" and skits for the bottoms. Looking around, she noticed many of her classmates had various lengths and styles of cloaks. Looking back at her parchment, she frowned. Long enough that it can move around me, but close enough to my body that it adds warmth. She could adjust her robes this afternoon with a few modification charms...

"Miss Dumbledore." Flitwick called, snapping the girl out of her thoughts.

"Yes, sir?" she mumbled, blushing for having been caught.

"I do hope you were paying attention. You're the last to perform the spell." he returned.

Glancing around, Rosie could see everyone's eyes on her. Shit.

"Oh, sure." Rosie said quietly, pulling out her wand. Closing her eyes, she thought of what her uncle told her. "Blossom, my flower."

"Expecto Patronum!" Rosie said firmly, swishing her wand easily. From her wand sprang a strong stream of light. It swirled around, quickly morphing into it's corporal form. It danced around the room, flying between students, circling professor Flitwick, and back to its owner. Touching noses with Rosie, the bird quickly dissolved, until there were only wisps of blue light surrounding her.

"Miss Dumbledore..." Flitwick breathed, adjusting his lopsided glasses. "That was... That was one of the most impressive casts I have ever seen. 50 points to Slytherin!" he cheered. "My goodness... You have a phoenix! Just like..."

"Just like my uncle, yeah." she said lamely, offering the professor a smile. "I heard it is hereditary in my family."

"Indeed. Well, I suppose that's it for class." he finished as the bell chimed. "Good day to you all, and remember that there is 6 feet of-"

Before he could finish, Rosie flew out of the door to avoid any potential questions from classmates.


Rosie decided to avoid people until her potions lesson later that day, opting to spend time at the lake instead. Sitting at the bank, watching the water lap against the sand, she sighed heavily. The feeling of the grass dancing under her fingertips was calming. She breathed in the clean air- a much appreciated change from the fumes in Chicago. Picking up her wand, she waved it towards the water. Slowly, streams of water sprang up and began to dance around each other, spinning until a small globe of water was hovering over the surface.

She remembered the summer that her uncle taught her that spell. Her mum decided to visit family in Britain, and she was dreadfully bored that summer. Uncle Albus was the only one who would entertain her curiosity- mum was too strict and stiff. Thoughts of Albus brought her back to their conversation, causing her to lose focus, the water falling back to the lake.

Give Severus a chance. Be patient with him. And as good of a potion master as her mum? Rosie frowned, but would give the man a chance. Getting up, she slowly made her way to the dungeons.


"Come in." a deep baritone voice called out.

Rosie heard a soft click, the door opening slowly. Stepping in, Rosie closed the door carefully behind her. The room was mostly dark, a few candles lit along the walls. The air was freezing, causing her to close her robes around her more tightly. Across the room sat the potions master. His face was pointed slightly down, engrossed in a piece of parchment. Rosie observed the brooding man and his strong features. His long, raven hair hung at his shoulders. A rather large nose sat in the middle of his face, but she found that she rather liked it on him. It reminded her of a roman warrior statue. He had heavy lines in his forehead- an indicator of someone with much too worry and stress on their shoulders. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and she wondered if he ever smiled. He was quite handsome.

"Hello, Miss Dumbledore." he started, looking up. He stopped suddenly, catching her staring. "Step forward and sit."

She did as she was told, sitting her bag on the ground next to her seat. Her eyes scanned his desk, realizing he was grading.

"Hello, sir." she said, meeting his eyes easily. They're as black as obsidian!

"It has been brought to my attention that you're gifted in the art of potion making, and as such, the headmaster has requested that I give you private double potions lessons." he said silkily, leaning back in his chair, sizing her up. "What are you planning for your future career."

"I have wanted to be an Auror, but I have always been flexible to what life brings me. I am interested in learning new things, and bettering the world around me. Whatever that may look like is rather irrelevant to me." she answered immediately, surprised by her own words.

There was a long moment of silence before he answered. "That is very mature of you. Let's test your knowledge of potions... What is the rarest ingredient?"

"Liquid or herb?" she answer quickly.

Raising an eyebrow, Severus breathed, "Herb."

"Foxglove." she replied.

"Liquid?"

"Unicorn's blood."

"What is the most crucial part of brewing Veritaserum?"

"Half way through, you must pour it from a standard cauldron to a silver one, stirring it counter-clockwise 3 times as you do so." pausing, she lifted her hand to her chin, rubbing it deep in thought. "But, if you're really good, you should turn it twice counter-clockwise, once clockwise."

"Five points to Slytherin." he said quietly, offering a small smirk.

Rosie watch him stand and stroll over to a closet. She noticed his long legs and tall frame. He was not wearing the billowing robes she heard he was infamous for. You could clearly see his strong back and lean frame. He looks young, can't be but a few years my senior.

Strolling back in the classroom, she watched him place several vials on the large table just in front of his desk.

"You're going to assist me in brewing potions to restock the hospital wing." he offered, lighting two fires.