Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter... Obviously

Cassia's eyes felt heavy as the morning sun peeked through her window, drawing rays of light across her face, and causing her to wake. With a yawn, she sat up and stretched her arms above her head, pushing aside her fluffy purple comforter. At her feet was Bilbo, who immediately curled onto her lap as if to prevent her from getting out of bed.

She chuckled before scratching his head. "I can't lay here all day, ya know." He seemed to think that was exactly what she should do as his purring grew louder, enjoying his morning cuddles with her.

"Ok, big guy(which wasn't far fetched as Bilbo weighed sixteen pounds), I've got to get up." Setting him aside, Bilbo gave her an unpleasant meow before trying to get comfortable in a different spot.

Cassia stretched her calves with another yawn, before reaching for a scrunchie off her all white vanity. Cassia's room matched her her personality. The walls were painted a light purple with a country white ceiling, she had an enchanted disco ball and colored lights, that when the mood would strike to dance(which was often as she absolutely loved music and motion) the main lights would shut off, her record player would start, and the room would begin to shine and glitter like a 1970's club. On her wall was a mix of family photos, matching decor in blacks, pinks, and violet, and a hanging shelf with an array of toys, including a fanged frisbee.

Cassia was about to step out, but came to a halt when an empty suitcase stood between her and her own doorway. She smirked at her mother's not so subtle reminder to pull out what she wanted before they left on their trip. With a sigh, she turned toward her closet. Grabbing several shorts, tank tops, sneakers, pajamas, and her bathing suit, she threw them in the bag, before everything began to fold itself in neat piles and the lid of the suitcase abruptly closed and zipped shut.

Heading for the bathroom with the clothes she'd chosen for the day, she let out a soft sigh before speaking out loud to no one but herself. "I can't wait until I have my own wand." her thoughts were fixed on all the enchantments through out their home, just like the suitcase neatly packing itself. Wishful the next few years would blow by, she shut the door before heading for the shower.

By the time she'd finished getting ready, everyone was already downstairs eating breakfast at their six seater table. Her father, who was glancing through The Wizarding Lifestyle, took a sip of his coffee before shaking his head. He'd obviously read something unpleasant before setting the paper down.

"Packed?" He asked Cassia who sat across from Draco, before grabbing two biscuits from the center serving plate. She poured the sausage gravy on each biscuit while she replied. "Yeah." she sighed. "I just wish I could use my own wand to enchant the suitcase."

Victoria, who was sipping her tea smirked. "Just a little while longer, Cass." Her daughter had always carried an independent spirit, and longed to reach goals that most her age cared little for. She was a dreamer but one that didn't simply imagine the possibilities but wanted to bring them to life. It was something Victoria truly loved about her daughter, and she couldn't wait to see what that quality would do for her future.

The thought reminded her of yesterday, and how she'd considered allowing Cassia to decide which school she would attend. Having not spoken to Killian yet, she decided to remain casual. As if simply making conversation.

"Cassia." She started out, taking a small bite of her muffin. "Have you ever thought about Hogwarts as an option?"

Cassia's fork had a massive pile of biscuits and gravy on it(really more than necessary, Victoria thought but her daughter had a hearty appetite). She paused, the fork now an inch from her open mouth, causing drips of sausage gravy to land back on her plate. Cassia seemed to mull it over before shrugging. "I guess not." she said, stretching her mouth wide enough to fit the entire amount on the fork successfully.

Killian smirked. His wife's attempt to remain aloof was not fooling him. He knew Victoria far better than she gave him credit, and could sense she was up to something. With a raised brow, Killian shifted in his seat, so that his entire body now faced his wife.

"What an interesting question, love." He paused. His eyes were dancing with mischief as his lip twitched from holding back a grin. "Hogwarts as an option." He repeated, making air quotes with his fingers. "It would definitely be a first. Considering Picquery's have attended Ilvermorny since it's opening." His voice had raised a little as he lifted his brows, trying to make a point.

The kids hadn't seemed to notice yet that Killian was more talking to his wife than everyone else, but Victoria sighed, having obviously failed at an attempt to slip one passed her husband. He was quick, and sometimes a little too much so. "That's true." She started with a smile.

Cassia glanced at her parents. There was something going on, and she could tell by the sound of their voices, but breakfast was much too good and grown ups could be very strange, she thought, doing her best to ignore whatever seemed to be going on while she took a swig of her juice.

"But." Her mother started out. She sounded a little irritated, but Victoria could be pretty frightening when mad, and she hadn't reached the level of "everyone duck and cover" yet. "I just think for a girl who spends her time split between two continents, she might want the option of making the choice."

At this point both Cassia and Draco stopped eating. They glanced at each other before Cassia smiled. It had been something she'd thought about, knowing that Draco would not be living with them any longer. She'd tried to imagine what school would be like without him.

Up until now, they'd been taught side by side. Draco always seemed to score higher in Arithmancy, but Cassia excelled at reading and writing(Draco would often bet her chocolate frogs that the next score he'd have her beat, and nine times out of ten this was not the case. But she loved how flustered it made him, despite caring who was truly better, just as long as she could do great herself. Cassia's determination was based solely upon herself rather than needing to be better than others).

"If I could choose, Mom." She started out, hoping this was a serious conversation. "Then I would want to go to Hogwarts with Draco. He's my best friend and way cooler than any witch or wizard I've met here."

Cassia thought back to Susanna O'Reilly's birthday party- a daughter Cassia's age of someone her father knew who worked at M.A.C.U.S.A- and how she'd accidentally caused all the girls that night to have uncontrollable gas after they'd told her to stop acting like such a boy(she hadn't been invited over since, and it had been all for the better!).

"Besides, I'd miss him too much." She finished, honestly. She was never shy to speak her mind and her words caused Draco to blush but he couldn't figure out why, as he faced his plate trying to hide the red of his cheeks, taking another bite of biscuit.

Victoria faced her husband with pleading eyes, who sighed before speaking. "Perhaps it is something we can consider but i wouldn't knock Ilvermorny completely off the shelf, Cass." He pointed a stern finger at both his daughter and wife. "It's a wonderful school and without it I would not be the wizard I am today."

"I agree, honey" Victoria said pleasantly. She could tell with time, he would let Cassia decide. Not wanting to push the issue, she changed the subject. "Are you both ready for our time at the lake?"

"I can't wait to light the fireworks!" Draco announced excitedly.

"Smmooresss!" Cassia sang, her mind imagining the chocolate gooey goodness with every delectable bite.

"What a surprise." Draco said, sarcastically. "Your mind goes straight to food."

Cassia stuck out her tongue before taking an obnoxiously huge bite. Victoria chuckled, rising from the table and flicking her wand at the pots and pans that still needed scrubbing, before they floated to the sink that now filled with water and soap bubbles.

"Well, you two hurry, we want to get there before noon." Victoria said turning to her husband who was scanning the paper once again. "Make that you three." She said sternly, knowing he'd likely get distracted over wizardly politics and forget the task at hand.

He smirked with his eyes still on the paper. "Yes love." he replied, folding the paper neatly before rising from the table as well.

"I can' wai' to get t'ere." Cassia said, barely comprehensible, with breakfast still inside her mouth.

Draco nodded in agreement as he thought about what Cassia had said earlier. She wanted to go to Hogwarts because of him. He found himself blushing again, but tried to push the sudden rush in the pit of his stomach aside. Must be the gravy, he thought to himself. It's messing with my head.

July 2nd, 1987- 12 Grimmauld Place

Harry Potter sprinted down the steps, a toy dragon that had been enchanted not far behind him. His heart pounded as his laughs carried throughout the house. Racing down the hall, he reached the sitting room, leaping over the couch and rolling off the edge, landing with a thud on the floor. Despite his wild attempts to escape it, the dragon landed at his feet, as Harry continued to laugh until his stomach hurt.

Sirius smiled as he entered the room, staring down at his Godson affectionately before plopping himself on the couch. With a flick of his wand, the dragon would no longer track Harry in a game of cat and mouse.

"Dinner is ready, Mr. Potter." Sirius started out, in a serious but obviously playful tone. "No more silliness. Off you go to the kitchen."

Harry stood abruptly, giving Sirius a salute before marching toward the kitchen. "What's for dinner tonight, Padfoot?" Harry yelled, calling Sirius the same name Harry's father had while he was still alive.

As Harry entered the kitchen, Kreacher gave a small bow. "Hotpot with lamb, Master Potter." Kreacher answered. The house elf gave a snap of his finger before the pot lifted from the stove and floated toward the table. Soon the ladle filled itself before pouring several scoops in bowls, set out for Sirius and Harry.

"Smells good, Kreacher." Harry said politely. He'd never been mean to the house elf. It honestly wasn't in Harry's nature. At times, his kindness was reflective of his mother Lily's and frequently brought much joy to Sirius, who was left to raise him.

"Thank you, Kreacher." Sirius said, taking a seat across from Harry as he always did.

It had been about six years since the night the Potters had been killed, though to Sirius, it felt like days. His heart still hurt for the loss of his friends, but having Harry by his side was a comfort as both Lily and James seemed to live through their wonderful son.

At first, many believed Sirius had been the one to betray them, but he hadn't been their Secret Keeper. Peter had betrayed them (How Narcissa had known it couldn't have been him, Sirius never knew. When she'd requested he'd be given veritaserum he'd been released and because of that Sirius would be forever grateful, but his cousin had chosen not to share how she knew).

Peter was, however, never found. But Sirius did not give up the hunt. No matter how many years it took, he would find the traitor and kill Peter himself.

Upon his release, Harry had been brought to him, given he was named his Godfather. Dumbledore had insisted Sirius allow him to remain at the Dursley's, but Sirius did not agree in the slightest. They were the worst sort of muggles and he couldn't imagine the abuse he would likely go through. He had never understood Dumbledore's persistence on the matter, but was happy to take Harry to Grimmauld Place.

Raising him had come with challenges, and everyday was a new experience. One thing he did want, was to keep Harry out of the spotlight. Many had treated him like a celebrity, and something told Sirius that Lily wouldn't have wanted that. So rather than flaunt Harry around town, they usually went out disguised and under the radar, avoiding the public eye.

Though this caused Harry to have a lack of friends, Sirius knew this would change once he attended Hogwarts, and Sirius was enough of a child to keep him entertained.

Watching Harry grow up had been a blessing. He was adventurous, sarcastic, mischievous, loyal beyond measure, observant, and kind to everyone he encountered. Harry was two halves of the greatest couple Sirius knew and with each passing day, he knew Harry would have made his parents proud.

"I was wondering." Harry started out, bringing Sirius out of his thoughts. He looked at the young boy, his dark hair tousled from afternoon play. "Could we go to the park today?"

Sirius smirked. "Of course." He was about to say more before Harry spoke out. "I- I meant just as us. No disguise. Just go as Harry Potter and Sirius?"

"Ah." Sirius said with a side grin. He understood Harry's desire to make friends his own age and to meet more people as simply himself. It was rare when he got the chance, and in truth Sirius hadn't been exactly fair to the boy. Perhaps a little time among kids his own age would be a good thing, Sirius thought to himself. "Well, how about we go to the park disguised, but I'll promise to introduce you to some kids your age, and they'll be kids you'll eventually go to school with at Hogwarts. Would that do?"

Harry sighed. It wasn't exactly as he wanted but a compromise would work. "Alright." Harry replied.

Sirius gave him a wink before the both of them continued to eat. He thought back to Narcissa, the woman behind his release. They had kept in touch through the occasional letter. She would inquire of his Godson and hoped that one day the two boys could be friends, explaining her plan to restore the Malfoy name. She'd spoke of Draco spending a great deal of time with an American family, and how the community seemed to think this a wise choice as they seemed to be more accepting of the idea that Draco had not turned out like his imprisoned father.

Sirius watched Harry, realizing he couldn't remain out of the spotlight forever and hoped if he reached out to his cousin, that the two boys could meet. If Harry could have one friend before attending Hogwarts it might help him adjust having spent so much of his time with only Sirius. And if Harry was to have a friend, it might as well be the son of a woman who had set Sirius free.

July 4th, 1987- Picquery Cabin, Lake Hartwell

"Woah!" Draco yelled as Killian lit another firework. It floated across the lawn shaped as a butterfly before bursting into colorful flames and transforming into a fire breathing dragon, soaring twenty feet above their heads. After a few moments the dragon glittered away in an array of green, blues, and yellows, until the colors shimmered toward the ground before completely fading out.

"Let's light the big one, dad!" Cassia announced, as they all sat around the campfire watching the beautiful spectacle.

Killian nodded, using his wand to create a spark that lit off the final firework. It was only the four of them that could see, as Killian and Victoria had made sure that anything magical going on at the Picquery cabin would remain hidden from no-maj eyes.

As they all watched the magnificent colors and spray above them, Draco turned to face Cassia who smiled up at the show. A slight wind had begin to make its' way around them, causing her dark curls to brush across her caramel skin. She'd felt him staring and soon her hazel eyes faced him, and it seemed only one word came to Draco's mind in that moment. Pretty. Just like before at breakfast several days earlier, something in the pit of his stomach did a flip. Draco swallowed before quickly looking back toward the fireworks. I don't think it was the food, he thought to himself. No, something about the way he looked at Cassia was beginning to change, and he wasn't entirely sure if he liked it…

The loud sound of fireworks still continued on outside, as neighboring cabins celebrated late into the night, though Victoria and Killian had long since retired in their room. Draco stared absentmindedly out the window, sitting on the large tan sectional that took up a great deal of space in the cabin living room.

Cassia, who had just finished showering, came bouncing into the room, hopping onto the couch not far from Draco. Her wet hair seemed to cling to her skin as the ends dampened her forearms. She placed her feet onto the couch as her toes now gently brushed against Draco's thigh. He shifted as if uncomfortable, still trying to deal with the stampede of buffalo trampling through his stomach. Now that he'd noticed Cassia was... Pretty, it seemed those buffalo made themselves known every time she was close now.

Cassia, who noticed Draco's uneasy expression raised a brow. "What's with you? Too many chili dogs? Are they making a comeback?

Draco snorted. "Disgusting." he said, before grinning. Looking at her, he thought back to what she'd said about attending Hogwarts and what Killian must have thought.

Killian was a man all about tradition. "Sundays we always eat french toast." he would say when Draco or Cassia felt like something else. "We can't miss the Thanksgiving Parade! We've gone every year!" He had said with passion, when Victoria had not felt like attending one year. "When you attend Ilvermorny, I bet you'll be a thunderbird, like myself and your grandfather." He would tell Cassia more times than Draco could count. The idea of Cassia not following in his footsteps must have been truly bothering him and Draco couldn't do that to someone who had treated him with so much kindness.

"Cass." He started out. Thinking convincing her to choose the American school could prove his loyalty to their family. Draco had always struggled with saying how he felt but chose to let his actions do the talking for him. "You shouldn't follow me to Hogwarts."

Her eyebrows seemed to scrunch together as she tilted her head. Seeing this, Draco tried to elaborate. "You said it's what you wanted but I don't think it's a good idea. You're from here."

Cassia's expression seemed to go blank before she rose to her feet. Draco." She started out. She was practically yelling and her hands were tight fists. "You don't want a girl following you around, huh?"

She was accusing him of something that was not true and it was making his face very hot. "What? I didn't say that! I-"

"Save it." Cassia interrupted. "You big- you big stupid head! You want better friends at Hogwarts than go get 'em!" Cassia stormed off to her room almost in tears.

Draco sat on the couch stunned. It wasn't the first time she'd yelled at him but it still made him furious, especially when she was totally wrong. "Girls!" He yelled in both confusion and anger.

August 30th, 1991 Diagon Alley

"Boys, you're likely to knock someone over running like that." Narcissa said embarrassed as her son and his best mate, Harry Potter, began to race toward Ollivander's for their wands. The two boys slowed, but were still walking rather quickly.

Sirius laughed. "They are just kids." He said, almost encouragingly which caused Narcissa to narrow her eyes at him. "Must I be the only voice of reason." She said a little annoyed.

Chuckling, Sirius shrugged. "I think keeping it this way makes it a healthy balance for them, don't you think?"

Narcissa shook her head, keeping her eyes on Draco and Harry who were now reaching for the door at Ollivander's. " I expect exceptional manners from the both of you." She commanded with a stern expression.

"Yes mum." Draco said.

"Of course, Mrs Malfoy." Harry answered, respectfully.

"Hmm." She nodded, making it clear she would obviously be checking with Ollivander later to confirm their behavior.

An older woman with a long coat and pearls around her neck and wrists rose from her bench, before walking off. Sirius, taking notice, motioned toward the empty seat. "Shall we?" He asked his cousin.

She nodded before moving forward and taking a seat. Sirius sat comfortably glancing toward the wand shop as the boys went inside. "They have become quite close." Sirius stated, remembering the first letter he had written to Narcissa in regards to introducing Draco and Harry.

Both of them had been thrown into the public eye for reasons outside their control. They'd been watched closely by those who'd hardly known them. For Draco, they waited for his first mistake. For Harry, to show his first sign of magic beyond wonder. It was more pressure than any child ever needed.

Together, however, they were just young boys who enjoyed a bit of fun. Wrestling throughout the house, a competition of wizard's chess, and the occasional mischievous act of two boys who seemed to enjoy a bit of risk and a dash of trouble(to this day, Narcissa had not discovered which of them was truly responsible for the living room rug catching fire… Likely both of them)

"Harry Potter." Garrick Ollivander said, with both surprise and excitement. His eyes then noticed Draco before he grinned. "Draco Malfoy."

Garrick began stepping down the ladder as the boys took in the sheer amount of wands that covered the shelves all over the shop. It was a beautiful sea of magic hidden inside so many long boxes and the boys could not wait to discover their own wands.

"Glad to finally see you both." Garrick said before looking to Draco. "Let's start with you, Mr. Malfoy."

Draco's wide smile reached every corner of his face as he quickly stood next to the counter. Garrick reached for a wand just above his head. "Let's try this." He said, before removing the light wooden wand from the box. Handing it to Draco, Garrick motioned his hand. "Go on." he encouraged.

When Draco waved the wand, an entire shelf crashed toward the ground with impressive force as draco flinched in embarrassment. "I would say that is a no." Garrick said before taking the wand away from Draco. "Let's try this instead" He finished, reaching for a second one.

As soon as Draco's fingers gripped the wand, a sudden warmth filled his palm, as a tiny sparked emerged from the tip. Inside, Draco could feel that this was wand for him. With a wide grin he looked toward Harry and Garrick who were both smiling back at him.

"Hawthorn Wood, 10' with a unicorn hair core. Reasonably pliant"

"I can't wait to learn every spell." Draco said enthusiastically."

"You'll discover not all spells are meant to be learned. " Garrick said wisely. Draco had heard but hardly listened. He would prove himself at Hogwarts no matter what it took. Though it wasn't power Draco yearned for but rather recognition.

"Now, Mr. Potter, shall we find yours?"

Harry nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up and expressing just how genuinely he was excited for this moment.

The first two wands were a complete bust, and Harry would have likely taken someone's head off had he kept either. Thinking hard, Garrick looked toward Harry as his eyes attempted to see the famous scar left by Voldemort. It was hidden behind his dark and unruly hair, but as the memory of what that scar meant flooded his mind his finger tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder." he said aloud, before walking toward a different shelf entirely. Pulling a new box, he opened it and gently held the wand out to Harry. "Try this, Mr. Potter."

Harry gripped the wand and instantly felt the warmth. As a spark emerged from the tip, Harry held his new wand in wonder. It was as if he'd waited his whole life to be introduced to this exact wand and vise versa. Like the pair had finally found a home.

"Eleven inch, Holly wood, with a phoenix feather core." Garrick started out. "It is curious." He said before continuing. "That you would end up being the owner of such a wand. Considering that particular phoenix gave only one other feather, and the owner of that wand." He paused as his finger extended to point at Harry's forehead. "Gave you that scar."

Harry swallowed. Knowing fully well what and who he was speaking of. He looked to Draco, whose eyes seemed to bulge at the idea. Having noticed Harry's expression, Draco instantly tried to play off his worry as a relaxed his shoulders and shrugged, suggestion it meant nothing and Harry shouldn't think of it.

This didn't, however, keep Harry from doing exactly that. He'd spent years wondering if Voldemort would return and whether that meant he'd face him again. In fact, he dreamed of it some nights. And long ago Harry had decided that he would be brave like his mother and father. If the day came, he would fight.

Noticing Harry had become lost in thought, Draco finally spoke. "Come on Harry. Mum and Sirius will want us to get our books. Thank you Mr. Ollivander." he said, turning to face the old man, who grinned at the pair.

"It was a pleasure to meet the pair of you."

Harry quickly handed over his seven galleons before following Draco- whose mother had paid for his in advance- to leave.

The boys quickly headed toward where Narcissa and Sirius were currently standing, as they noticed the pair speaking to a young and obviously wealthy family. Draco and Harry instantly recognized them as the Picquery's.

Draco, who had not seen much of Cassia in the last two years felt his heart flutter. She'd grown a few inches and her curly hair now reached her waist.

Harry smiled at the family politely, but did not know them as well as Draco, who had told him a great deal. When he looked toward his friend, there was a sheepish expression crossing over his gray eyes, as he glanced at the three of them, almost expecting to be scolded.

Draco had always planned on keeping in better touch with them, but after his last summer living in their home, he'd been introduced to Harry and the pair were instant friends. His time with Harry became routine, as he'd even chosen to spend a few summers at Grimmauld Place rather than visit the Picquery's home over the years. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy their company it was simply that it was a new experience, and like most children Draco's age, he wanted to play with the shiny new toy and not the one he'd had for years.

He'd kept in contact with the family, of course, and knew when they'd permanently moved into their estate at Wiltshire upon Killian's new offered position at the Ministry. He had even visited several times and Cassia had still managed to beat him at baseball but his time with the Picquery's had been far less than he cared to admit, and standing in front of them left a feeling of guilt rise to Draco's chest.

"Draco!" Victoria said elated. "It's so good to see you." Moving toward him, she gave Draco a warm hug which he returned(he was used to her bold affection but glad it was brief with so many eyes passing by the busy street).

"I see you got your wand." Killian said proudly. "Cassia as well." He gestured to his daughter who smiled excitedly before showing off her new wand.

"It's an Elm wood, with unicorn hair core, and twelve and a fourth inch." She said with pride. Her hazel eyes seemed to gleam and she held the wand forward, looking to Narcissa and Sirius as well.

"Wonderful." Sirius said, before turning to Harry and Draco. 'Let's have a look at both of yours as well."

The boys each took a turn describing their wands,(only Harry thought it best not to mention the detail of Voldemort. He was more involved in situations regarding Harry than he cared for. Like the fact that Harry could speak to snakes just like Voldemort)

"Are you staying here overnight?" Sirius asked Victoria and Killian.

"Yes, actually." Killian started. "At the Leaky Cauldron."

"I can't believe it's their first year already." Narcissa commented, think how much time had passed since she first came to the family for help.

"Me neither." Victoria agreed, looking toward the three children with love. She might not have known Harry all that well, but he was kind, got along with her daughter just fine, and had been through much at a young age, and in her eyes she had enough love to go around.

"Well the boys need their school books and robes." Narcissa pointed out.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Cassia waved to both Draco and Harry.

As everyone began to say their farewells, Cassia looked to Draco, who was now walking the opposite direction. Her eyes grew somewhat sad, remembering the fun times they'd spent together, and how their friendship had lessened in the last couple of years. She'd remembered the day he had told her not to go to Hogwarts and how she had felt as though he was hoping to make new friends and now he truly had.

Still, Cassia had accepted her mother's explanation when Victoria stated that sometimes people get excited over new friendships and forget to keep in touch with the old ones as well(she also said that eventually Draco's good heart would catch up with him and he'll stop being a butt head eventually, which caused Cassia to giggle).

Tomorrow, she would leave for her first year at Hogwarts. As they continued to walk on, Cassia's parents waved for her to follow them back toward the Leaky Cauldron. Crossing her fingers as she followed, Cassia hoped she could count on Draco, and maybe even Harry, to be her friends while there. After all, seven years was a long time and the journey would definitely be more bearable with decent friends to keep you company.

As Cassia took one final look back toward Draco over her shoulder, much to her surprise, he had done the same. As their eyes met, Draco slowly raised his hand. Even from a distance, Cassia could catch his side grin which caused her to smile back. She waved enthusiastically before hurrying to catch up with her parents. With a pep her in step, it seemed Cassia would have his friendship just as she'd hoped.

Cassia lay comfortably on her small twin bed that was several feet away from her parents bed. The room sat above the pub and smelled of firewood and pasties.

With only one more night before her first year at Hogwarts, Cassia practiced the first chapter of spells on Standard Book of Spells: Year One.

Cassia had always been the type to never let something come between herself and her goals, and becoming a fantastic witch was definitely a top priority.

Taking another bite of her pasty, she set it back down on the plate to her left, before raising her wand to attempt the spell again.

"Wingardium Leviosa." she repeated confidently, motioning her wand as instructed in the book. Her eyes widened as the petal she'd plucked from the flowerpot outside now began to float in front of her. It raised several feet above her head before she dropped her concentration and turned to face her mother.

"Mom did you see?" she yelled, rising to her feet and almost knocking the pasty to the floor.

"I'm so proud of you Cass!" Victoria said, clasping her hands together.

"It took forever but I finally did it!" Cassia shouted before her mother gestured for her to quiet down.

"I know, dear, you've been staring at that book for over an hour." Victoria chuckled. "Maybe give that brain of yours a break?"

Cassia shook her head in protest. "No way mom, I want to at least know one more before getting on that train." She replied, stomping back toward the book and her bed. She took her last bite of pasty before wiping away the crumbs. "Gotta get that protein." she announced before setting down and turning a page in the book.

Victoria laughed to herself, gently shaking her head. "You can stay up till nine, but then it's lights out." She pointed a stern finger before continuing. "No negotiations on that."

With a reluctant sigh, Cassia nodded her head. She had just two hours to master one more spell. Blowing away a few strands of her curly hair out of her face, she spoke aloud to herself. "Better rock this, Cass."

Cassia glanced at the book once again, first practicing the proper motion for the mending spell several times.

With her cat's collar in hand she looked toward Bilbo, who was laying on the windowsill napping, Cassia grasped the small bell attached to the collar in her hand. "Sorry Bilbo." she said, before ripping it off the collar entirely.

Setting down the bell and collar, she practiced the motions several times before finally trying it out. "Reparo." she said, to no avail.

Victoria glanced above the book she'd been reading. She knew before the night was through that bell would be back on the collar. Cassia was gifted and anyone with eyes could see it, but more than that, she never gave up.

Killian and Victoria had instilled in their daughter that failure was a ladder, and every step up made you closer to success. It was clear that ideal had stuck well with her, and Victoria couldn't be prouder.

As Killian entered the room, Cassia lifted her head. "Dad!" She belted out. "I can do the hover charm!"

Killian smiled with pride. "Well let's see it then!" he said, motioning for her to demonstrate.

Cassia sat up right before clearing her throat. With her eyes back on the petal, she confidently waved her wand. "Wingardium Leviosa." she pronounced, with one hundred percent accuracy. Just like that, the petal was back in the air.

With a heartwarming cheer, Killian moved toward his daughter raising his hand to give her a high five. "That was awesome!" He shouted. Causing Cassia to giggle.

"Now." He said firmly. "I want to see one more spell before you get on that train, understood?" He said, with a wink and a grin. Killian was a father with a baseball coach mentality; pushing his daughter to be exactly what she hoped for.

Nodding Cassia quickly got back to practicing her mending charm before Victoria spoke out. "She has until nine to learn it, Killian." She stated, making it clear she would not allow him to negotiate on Cassia's behalf either(and if she hadn't given her most unrelenting tone he definitely would have).

"Fair enough " Killian said before clasping his hands together. "Let the master teacher help you get it quickly." He finished before sitting down on the bed beside his daughter who relished at the idea of his assistance.

Victoria smirked as she watched Killian and Cassia interact. Her family was everything to her, and seeing Killian teaching his daughter warmed Victoria's already sappy heart.

With complete certainty, Victoria knew she'd have her second spell down before getting on the train to Hogwarts. As much as she couldn't believe it, her daughter was now leaving in just a few short hours to shape her into the witch she was meant to be.

A/N:

Thank you for checking out chapter 2, and I hope it has given a little insight into my character Cassia as well as her family. If you hadn't noticed she is a passionate, kind, very bright, and determined young girl. She did jump to conclusions rather quickly when Draco tried to talk to her about what school she should attend, but sometimes passionate people tend to overreact and it adds to the depth of her character overall. I have kept some similarities for Draco's character but growing up without Lucius has also shaped him into something else. He will be determined, competitive, and stubborn. He might not be able to express his affections well but his actions will make up for it. As for Harry, he will remain heroic, kind, determined, competitive, and mischievous but definitely have more confidence given he was raised by Sirius. There will be certain plot points that will remain the same once they get to Hogwarts but obviously there will be HUGE differences as well. Would any of you like to guess which House each of them will be placed in? Give it a go! Again, thanks for reading, and PLEASE leave me a review if you'd like. I am open to opinions but hope there wont be any bullying going on.

Thanks!