March 22, 2009

Harriette stared at herself in the iron-framed mirror of her office. Her gray eyes were adorned with a gaunt discoloration underneath. Caring for hundreds of students was exhausting. She was grateful that her duties as the head healer of Ilvermorny were relieved every twelve hours by another. Remembering her time at Hogwarts, she wondered how Madame Pomfrey did it as the only healer at the school. She took her wand and threaded it through her long, black tresses, non-verbally charming her hair to curl as she twirled her wrist.

Only three months left of the school year and then she could spend time with her son. He was to start school at Ilvermorny in the next term and while they already spent all of their time on campus due to them living there, she couldn't help but feel a little anxious for him but he was beyond excited about it. He was really hoping to be placed in the Thunderbird house as he had a great liking for all feathery creatures. I think I will get him his own owl this year.

"Hattie?" A voice calling her snapped her from her reverie. A slender woman with a handsome caramel complexion stood in the doorway. Mrs. Prewitt was a petite woman but very skillful in the craft of healing and could brew the Essence of Dittiny like no other. Harriette was quite fond of the older lady.

"Oh, Marta! Good morning! Is my shift over already?"

"Today it is." The older lady smiled, tilting her head. Harriette bit the inside of her cheek, confusion settling on her face with furrowed brows. It was still quite early in the morning and she was sure she had another few hours until she was scheduled to be relieved.

"Today?"

"I know you haven't had time to visit the city to get your boy a gift, have you?" Marta winked. Harriette's eyes grew wide before she smirked.

"Oh you are good. How did you know?"

"We do this every year, Ms. Dahl." She chuckled. "Now go get that boy a gift. I will be here. I noticed the beds were empty so I will check on Naos in a bit. Go on now, go." The older lady ushered her through the door.

"You are the best, Marta." Harriette kissed her cheek and hurried to the city.

Her trip to the small village near the castle was very successful. Not only did she find the perfect owl, but purchased a decent amount of treats and an enchanted diary as well for Naos. Much like the Marauder's map, the parchment in the diary would remain blank for anyone that didn't know the password. She also found herself a charming feline companion. Krishna was part kneazle and she found herself instantly smitten. The calico had the most interesting pattern. She was all black save for a white patch on her chest and little toes on each paw, orange stripes on each of her four legs and tail, and one orange stripe down the center of her head.

Harriette set the birdcage, cat carrier, and sack of goodies on her small oak coffee table in the sitting room. It was almost time for breakfast and Naos would be up soon. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Naos' hand pointed to home. She raised an eyebrow. Someone is already awake. She unlocked the cat carrier and Krishna mewed her appreciation before pouncing out of her cage bringing a smile to Harriette's face.

She turned from the curious kitten to follow the sound of laughter into the kitchen where she found Naos attacking a stack of pancakes smothered in berries and cream. She leaned against the door jam, admiring his enthusiasm. Marta was at the stove cooking up bacon and eggs, chuckling at something Naos had said. She had always been sweet to Naos, another reason Harriette admired her.

"Good morning my birthday boy." She finally spoke. Walking over to her son, she ruffled his shaggy black hair and kissed his head.

"Mom!" He groaned. "I am not a boy, I am the man of the house." He insisted. She put her hands up, surrendering to his declaration. He sure was growing up fast.

"Fine, fine. Big man." She winked at her friend as Marta set a plate before her. "After breakfast I want to show you something." She beamed at him. Marta said her goodbye's and wished Naos a happy birthday before returning to the hospital wing leaving them to finish their breakfast alone.

"Marta sure knows how to cook, huh?" She quipped between bites.

After breakfast, Harriette guided Naos to the sitting room with one hand over his eyes so he couldn't see. She was excited to give him his gifts and really hoped he would enjoy them. She wished she could give him everything his heart desires, but a salary as a healer at the school didn't pay much.

"Are you ready?" He nodded excitedly. "Happy birthday!" she whispered, pulling her hand away. She watched him eagerly walk to the coffee table and drop to his knees before the staged items. Next to the birdcage lay the diary and assortment of candies and pastries.

"You got me an owl?" the bird hooted. "What's its name?" He carefully opened the door to the cage and offered his hand for the bird to step onto. The black feathered creature ducked his head at the sudden motion.

"He didn't come with one. He is still an owlet. You can give him any name you wish, sweetheart." She watched his face closely as she settled into a deep red armchair nearby. The boy had a soft smile on his lips and it made her heart swell. "He is a little skittish, I am afraid. But if anyone can get him to trust, it would be you." He beamed at her.

"He is perfect mom. I think I will name him King, after the man that helped you when you were younger." Her heart swelled even more and it took all her strength not to cry at his tender heart. "Hello, King." He ran a finger over the bird's beak. Naos left the door to the cage open and turned to the diary. He carefully picked it up and turned it over, examining it with a curious look on his face.

"It's an enchanted diary. The pages will remain blank, even after you write in it unless you have the password. You just tap your wand on the pages and the words will appear."

"That is so cool! Thanks, mom!"

"You are most welcome."

Harriette sat in her favorite armchair for the rest of the day reading healer's publications. She needed to stay caught up on the latest spells, potions, and other treatments for healing. Not very many new spells or potions ever came about but rather variations of old ones. There are different magical plants in America than there are in Great Britain, but the potion's effects are pretty much the same. For instance, the Draught of Sanitatem in the states is more or less the equivalent to the Essence of Dittiny from London.

She closed the journal in her lap and looked over to Naos. He had spent the rest of the day trying to coax King from his birdcage but the owl remained indifferent to the boy's pursuations and gently cooing. She had faith however, that Naos would be successful in winning the bird's trust.

"It's about time to say goodnight." She announced. "Take King and your other gifts to your room and get ready for bed. And don't forget to brush your teeth." Proper dental hygiene was important to her, and she stressed it every morning and every evening. She was still Hermione Jean Granger after all, daughter to muggle dentists, even if she illegally changed her name to Harriette Janine Dahl with the help of Kingsley Shacklebolt. She never forgot who she is, and never will.